You love music, and you want your kids to share that passion. But you know the damage you’ve done to your ears with the countless number of times you’ve seen The National and Radiohead live. Not to mention blasting your favorite songs at full volume through your noise-canceling headphones. Kids’ headphones are a great investment for those who want to share the gift of music with their children while also protecting their hearing. Plus it gives parents a little welcome silence as well.
So what should you look for when buying kids’ headphones? The quality and prices in this product category vary widely. The best kids’ headphones usually cost under $100, with more expensive models offering superior durability, sound quality and Bluetooth connections. Cheaper models may lack wireless options, have a shorter battery life and are more prone to damage. In addition, many parents are concerned about protecting their kids’ still developing eardrums.
Kids’ headphones are a bit different from adult headphones. For one, the best kids’ headphones limit the maximum volume output. To protect kids from hearing damage, 85 dB is considered a safe maximum volume for most kids, according to the World Health Organization. (The WHO has also reported that hearing loss in teenagers is rising significantly due to the widespread adoption of smartphones, headphones and earbuds.) If you want to go a step further, you can invest in a pair of headphones that limits exterior noise as well. There aren’t many noise-cancelling headphones for kids for sale yet, but there are some options from brands like Puro Sound Labs.
You’ll also want to look for headphones that are comfortable for a wide age group. Try to buy an adjustable pair that your kid can grow with, instead of having to replace headphones every year.
Protect your kids’ hearing with our recommendations for the best kids’ headphones below.
What About Remote Learning? The Best Headphones for Online Classes
Until 2020, the best kids’ headphones were used to protect parents from having to listen to “Baby Shark” over and over. And many parents still use these products for this purpose. By connecting their headphones to a tablet or connecting to the TV, kids can listen to their favorite music, YouTube videos and cartoons without bothering anyone else in the family.
However, in the age of COVID-19, many kids also depend on over-ear headphones for remote learning. To make sure kids get the most out of their online classroom, it’s vital that they can clearly hear their teachers and schoolmates. Since many kids are still not back in their classrooms, the best kids’ headphones have become an essential school supply to ensure kids can keep up with their peers.
Courtesy of Puro Sound Labs
When looking for the best kids’ headphones for remote learning, you’ll want to look for products with a few notable features:
All-day battery life
Comfortable headbands that won’t cause irritation
Bluetooth wireless connections
Built-in microphones
Some of the best headphones for kids do not have built-in microphones. If that’s an important feature for your family, read the product specifications carefully before making a purchase. Likewise, if you need to connect to a specific device, be it Android or Apple or tablet versus desktop, be sure the headphones are compatible. You may need a lightning cable to headphones adapter for Apple devices, for instance.
This is a fantastic pair of safe, comfortable and great-sounding headphones for children. The size and design of the headphones allow them to be used on both toddlers and children. Since these fit so many age groups, you can buy these for your toddler and the kiddo can continue to use the same pair as they grow up. Although you generally buy kids’ headphones for the safety features, they should still sound good, and the BT2200 are simply fantastic-sounding headphones, whether children or adults are listening through them. Often, sound quality is lacking with children’s headphones, but neither parents nor children have to worry about crumby sound with this pair of headphones. On top of that, they’re made with premium materials such as aluminum alloy, so they won’t fall apart after the first mishap.
Best of all, because of the built-in microphone, these headphones are also great for online learning. In terms of safety, the noise-canceling will keep your child’s ears protected during airplane rides and will keep them preoccupied with their Pokemon soundtrack as you vacuum around them at home. This pair of headphones checks all the boxes for both kids and parents.
Why should you buy?
Superior sound quality and microphone
Wired and Bluetooth connections
1,200 5-star reviews
Available in range of fun colors
Follows WHO guidelines for hearing safety; 85 dB volume limit
The JLab JBuddies are a good pair of headphones for kids ages six and up. One cool thing about these headphones for kids is the design; it doesn’t look like a pair of kids’ headphones. The fabric and the slightly stretchy headband make them comfortable for a variety of head sizes. Since this is a corded model — it’s also available in Bluetooth — the volume won’t get louder or quieter depending on whether the device is connected via Bluetooth or with a cord, which is a common issue with kids’ headphones. They do block out a substantial amount of outside noise, but we wouldn’t suggest taking your child to their first rock concert in these. Overall, it’s a great budget headphone that keep your kids’ hearing protected and won’t drive you nuts if they thrash them.
Why should you buy?
Super low-price
13 hours of Bluetooth playtime
Follows WHO guidelines for hearing safety; 85 dB volume limit
Older and more responsible kids will appreciate the comfort and style of the Riff Wireless headphones. Since these aren’t nearly as expensive as many wireless headphones, you don’t have to worry as much if your kid breaks them. But they provide your kid with a pair of headphones that look and sound more like ones built for adults. A single 10-minute charge can keep them running for two hours, which makes them great for forgetful virtual learners. And they fold up nicely when it’s time for your kid to head from the virtual class to the actual classroom.
If the price for the Puro BT2200 is a little too steep, consider the Junior Jams. These over-ear headphones from Puro Sound Labs also boast fantastic sound quality and an impressive 22-hour battery life, even better than the Puro BT2200, which we named the best kids’ headphones overall. These headphones easily connect to devices both with Bluetooth and wired connection, and they even have a daisy chain system so two kids can listen on a single device. For the lower price tag, you do sacrifice some of the durability, as the Junior Jams are made from plastic instead of aluminum. Some reviewers have complained that the ear cans are flimsy and prone to breaking, and the lack of a microphone will be a dealbreaker for many parents in the age of remote learning.
Why should you buy?
Follows WHO guidelines for hearing safety; 85 dB volume limit
If you’re looking for the best noise-cancelling headphones for kids, there aren’t many options with genuine ANC technology. The Puro Quiet is one of the few kids’ headphones on the market with legit active noise cancellation. With it deactivated, the passive noise cancellation of the padded over-the-ear cups block out 22 dB of sound. With the active noise canceling on, Puro Sound Labs claims it can reduce outside noise up to 82 percent. Essentially, you could bring your kid along with you to your favorite concert, have them wear these headphones with the ANC on, and their ears would be safe. On top of excellent noise-canceling, these headphones have a sound quality that is well balanced, producing clear highs and a deep low-end, all without sounding blaring or too loud. These are a great choice for your children, but they are more expensive than most of the other options we listed.
Please note that these headphones do NOT come with a built-in microphone. The noise-cancellation is great for travel, sporting events, concerts and other loud environments. However, the lack of a microphone means they’re not the best kids’ headphones for remote learning.
Not many headphones for kids can sport the title “waterproof.” That’s a pretty enticing feature considering how accident-prone children tend to be. Combine that with strong battery life and multiple listening modes to keep your kids’ ears safe from loud volumes and you have a set ready for your children. They are on the pricier side, but it could be worth it instead of buying a less durable pair that you’ll have to continue to replace. With a built-in microphone, your kids can take these from their online classroom straight to the bath.
These JBL headphones provide adult-worthy sound quality at safe listening levels for your kid. They can choose between light blue and red, although red is a little cheaper, and it comes with stickers so the kiddo can personalize the cans. The headset is super comfortable, lightweight and portable. They are wired and don’t have a microphone, but you can still use your device’s microphone for virtual learning if needed.
Why should you buy?
Comfortable headband
Cheap $25 price tag
Follows WHO guidelines for hearing safety; 85 dB volume limit
Puro Sound Labs makes the best kids’ headphones for remote learning, and the PuroBasic model is a great pair of budget headphones for the online classroom. Unfortunately, the PuroBasic doesn’t offer Bluetooth connections, only wired connectivity via the 3.5mm headphone jack. That makes it easy to connect to a wide variety of computers, tablets and phone; however, a lightning cable to 3.5mm headphone adapter will be needed to connect to iPhones, iPads and other Apple devices. Despite the lack of wireless features, these are still great over-ear headphones for kids of all ages. They feature an easy-carry foldable design and comfortable headband, and like other Puro Sound Labs products, they create high-quality audio. With a built-in microphone and cheap price tag, they’re easily some of the best headphones for remote learning.
Mpow is known for making good budget audio products, so it’s no surprise to us that they make some of the best kids’ headphones for remote learning. With a built-in microphone, these are a solid set for the kiddos to use while there are doing school work online, or enjoying their favorite shows on a mobile device. Plus, there is comfort in knowing that they can quickly answer the phone if you call them. And if you have two kiddos, but only one device, they can connect the headphones together and listen to the same device — no need for a splitter. The Mpow CH6 are pretty technically advanced for a kids’ headset.
Courtesy of Amazon
10. Noot K11 Kids Headphones
HIGHLY REVIEWED
These headphones have put a lot of smiles on children’s faces. With 4.7 stars and almost 21,000 reviews, these are some of the best-reviewed kids’ headphones available. They are ultra-comfortable and the foldable design makes them store nicely when not in use. The cushioned ear cups keep noise from getting in while the volume limiting keeps your kid’s ears safe. And the sub $20 price tag is pretty sweet, too.
The durable build can take some real punishment from kids who are rough with their headphones. They are also easy to carry around thanks to a foldable design and a portable carrying case. A bit on the smaller side, so when your kid starts to grow, you’ll want to get bigger headphones. But young kids will like the bright colors and decals to personalize their headphones and parents will appreciate the durable design.
The BestBuds are a great alternative for kids who don’t like the feeling of having over-ear headphones sitting on their heads. These are easy to control with play, pause and volume controls right on the wire. And even though they are in-ears, they still have limited max volume to keep junior’s hearing safe. And parents will enjoy the inexpensive price tag.
These might not be the best for online learning, but kids will love the fun and comfortable headband design. These headphones are available in a handful of different animal styles including foxes, sharks and even Sesame Street characters. Plus, these headphones stay at safe listening volumes so kids can have fun with their headbands while parents can remain at ease.
Parents who are familiar with the Leapfrog Academy products like the tablet for kids will appreciate the compatibility with other LeapFrog devices. They are super comfortable for small kids and adjustable to get just the right fit. This is the perfect headset for LeapFrog users.
There are many reasons the Eleceder i37 Kids’ headphones have over 5,000 users reviews and a 92% approval rating on Amazon. The headphones boast a lengthy 5-foot cord to give the kiddos plenty leeway to connect to their devices. Everything from the ear cups to the headband is plush, making for a comfortable experience for the kiddos. And it comes in 10 different colors so you’ll certainly find a style that fits your kid’s personality.
Keep this headset in the car for the kids, or keep them handy when the family needs to hop on a plane. The foldable design makes them easy to pack or stow away in a car. The K33 have plush ear cushions to keep your child’s ears from getting sore after long periods. Plus, the headphones will work with anything that has a 3.5mm jack. The K33 is a solid, affordable, basic headset for kids.
Constructed with durability in mind, the LilGadgets Connect+ Pro isn’t a pair of headphones that will be in shambles just days after your kids get their hands on them. The extenders are made from metal, while the cable is detachable, so no need to worry about the kiddos yanking on the cable. And if you only have one device for the kids to watch their show, two pairs of headphones can connect to each other so everybody remains happy campers. Sharing is caring, plus nobody wants to be in a house with an upset six-year-old.
For kids age three to eight, these should be on your radar, especially if you have two of them running around. There is no need for splitters, instead, headphones can connect to one another so they can enjoy music or a movie on one device. These lightweight headphones are plush, comfortable and easy to carry around thanks to their foldable design. Plus, there are eight different colors to choose from to make any kid psyched to wear them.
The little Pokémon lover in your life will be psyched to rock the eKIDS Pokémon headset. This nicely cushioned pair of headphones rest comfortably on your kid’s head, also showing off their Pokémon pride. It boasts a built-in volume limiter to ensure that whatever they are tuning into never gets too loud for their little ears. This headset will work with any device that has a 3.5mm headphone jack.
These headphones can reach up to 93 dB, which can be useful when traffic is a little louder than normal or you and your child are on an airplane. For the volume-limiting feature, you’ll definitely want to use these headphones via Bluetooth. They actually get noticeably louder when used with an audio cable. Plus, according to the manufacturer, the passive noise reduction reduces outside noise by -13 dB, so the need to listen to audio at max volume should be few and far between. The ear cups will most likely rest on the child’s ear as opposed to over the ear like most headphones, which could become uncomfortable over long stretches. When it comes to prolonged use, the LilGadgets Untangled Pro sport a 12-hour battery life, providing plenty of use before a recharge is necessary.
