Best Headphones for Toddlers in 2023 (and why avoid regular headphones)
Selecting the best headphones for toddlers can be challenging, as the details provided by manufacturers can often be perplexing. Safeguarding the aural health of your kids becomes paramount when investing in headphones. Suppose they will be exposed to prolonged usage at an early age, as their bodies are still in the crucial developmental phase. In that case, it is essential to avert potential hearing impairments and mitigate long-term repercussions.
Fortunately, numerous headphone manufacturers have recognized this concern and now offer specialized models explicitly designed for children. This comprehensive review will delve into the key attributes of an exceptional headphone for kids, elucidating the essential features parents should prioritize during selection.
What Is the Safe Volume Level For Toddlers?
Safety and auditory health are the priority when choosing headphones for toddlers. With the World Health Organization (W.H.O.) recommending 85 decibels (dB) as the safe volume level, our carefully curated list ensures compliance with this standard.
The recommended headphones below have a minimum decibel limitation of 86dB, keeping the volume comfortably below the W.H.O.’s endorsed safe level. By providing your child with these headphones, you prioritize their long-term auditory well-being.
Recognizing the long-term risks of extended exposure to loud music on your child’s hearing is vital. Safeguarding their auditory health from an early age becomes paramount as their hearing faculties develop until their late teens.
1. JVC HAKD7Y Best Headphones for Toddlers
The JVC HA-KD7-Z emerges as the victor on our esteemed list of top children’s headphones in 2023, impressive with its exceptional blend of price and performance. Formerly known as the Tinyphones, the JVC HAKD7Y is an ideal choice for kids, boasting captivating designs in various colors. Furthermore, its affordability adds to its appeal.
Despite their cost-effectiveness, these headphones exhibit remarkable build quality, featuring a robust, thick headband and durable yet comfortable ear pads. The emphasis on sturdiness ensures prolonged usability. Notably, the volume limitation of 85dB/M.W is advantageous, providing sufficient protection for your children’s delicate ears.
Key Features
- Dynamic frequency response range: 15 – 23000 Hz
- Driver Size: 30mm
- Driver sensitivity at 1kHz/1mW: 85 dB
- Impedance: 82 Ω
- Plug: Nickel plated 3,5mm mini-jack
- Child-Friendly Design: Yes
- Connectivity: Wired
- Weight: 110 grams
Pros:
- Wide range of color options
- Affordable price
- Exceptional durability
Cons:
- Utilizes basic materials
Price:
Available on Amazon at the cost of USD 12.99
2. LilGadgets Connect+ Pro
For children beyond the toddler stage, the top choice for headphones is the Lilgadgets Connect Pro. With a volume limit set slightly higher at 93 decibels, this headphone is designed to accommodate your kids as they grow. It’s constructed with durable plastic, ensuring its longevity. Additionally, it offers a wide range of color options, more than ten. It allows children to select their preferred style, creating a positive buying experience and fostering a sense of ownership.
The Connect+ Pro boasts two other noteworthy features. Its detachable cable can easily be replaced with an aftermarket cable if the original one gets damaged. Lilgadgets provides a practical solution, unlike other headphones that need to be discarded.
Secondly, it features a Sharepoint system that enables two headphones (they don’t have to be the same brand, just any other wired headphones) to be connected to the same device. This feature proves especially useful when two kids want to enjoy content from a single device.
Key Feature
- Dynamic frequency response range: 20 – 20000 Hz
- Driver Size: 40mm
- Driver sensitivity at 1kHz/1mW: 93 dB
- Impedance: 30 Ω
- Plug:3.5mm Premium Nylon Cable With Inline Microphone
- Child-Friendly Design: No
- Connectivity: cable/wireless
- Weight: 250 grams
Pros:
- Lots of color choices
- Foldable and easy to pack
- Single-entry cable is safer
Cons:
Available online only (Link Below)
Price:
Available on Amazon at the cost of USD 34.95
3. LilGadgets BestBuds Best Headphones for Toddlers
These earbuds are for slightly older children due to their smaller size and removable parts, such as the ear tips. This is important as it helps prevent choking hazards for very young kids. It’s best to wait a little before introducing earbuds to them.
These earbuds are exceptionally well-crafted and include inline volume control, allowing users to adjust the volume and pause music. The maximum volume is limited to a generous 93 decibels. In addition, they include a handy carry case and extra tips for customization. A splitter adapter is included, enabling dual headphone sharing from a single audio source.
Earbuds offer a notable advantage in terms of portability. Along with their case, they easily fit in a pocket, whereas headphones often require a bag or must be worn around the neck when not in use.
Key Feature
- Dynamic frequency response range: 20 – 20000 Hz
- Driver Size: 10mm
- Driver sensitivity at 1kHz/1mW: 73 dB
- Impedance: 30 Ω
- Plug: 3.5mm Premium Nylon Cable With Inline Microphone
- Child-Friendly Design: No
- Connectivity: wired
- Weight: 6 grams
Pros:
- Sturdy and fashionable design
- Excellent assortment of accessories
- Impressive audio quality
Cons:
- Eartips are small and detachable, limiting suitability to older children
Price:
Available on Amazon at the cost of USD 19.95
4. Puro Sound Labs BT2200s
The Purosound BT2200s are wireless headphones designed for kids, equipped with built-in hearing protection set at a safe 85 decibels. Their exceptional noise isolation capability minimizes the need to exceed this volume level. The Puro Sound Labs Bluetooth Headphones are ideal if you prefer a more mature style or have older children who prioritize hearing protection.
With a remarkable 20 hours of battery life, daisy-chaining capability for shared music, and convenient physical buttons for playback and volume control, these headphones deliver an exceptional user experience.
Moreover, in addition to the vibrant kids’ style designs, you can opt for colors like white, blue-purple, or black, which provide a more mature aesthetic while prioritizing volume limitation for safety.
Key Feature
- Ambient noise reduction: 83% of noise
- Dynamic range: 20Hz – 20kHz with <1% total harmonic distortion
- Battery life: 20 hours playback; 200 hours standby
- Driver Size: 40 mm custom dynamic drivers
- Driver sensitivity at 1kHz/1mW: 85 dB
- Child-Friendly Design: No
- Connectivity: Wireless: Bluetooth® 5.0 wireless headphones
- Weight: 150 grams
Pros:
- Vibrant color options to suit individual styles
- Exceptional build quality
- Impressive wireless performance and long-lasting battery
Cons:
- Slightly higher price compared to other headphones
Price:
Available on Amazon at the cost of USD 99.00
5. Puro Sound Labs PuroQuiets
The Puro Puroquiet headphones are the only ones on this list that offer active noise cancellation (A.N.C.) for children. When flying, ambient cabin noise can be bothersome, leading many to reduce the volume. However, volume-limited headphones may not be ideal to protect children’s hearing. That’s where the Puro Puroquiet headphones shine—they minimize external noise, eliminating the need to raise the volume.
With an impressive 22dB reduction in ambient sound, these premium headphones deliver exceptional noise isolation. They offer up to 22 runtimes (16 hours with A.N.C.), feature headphone volume controls, and even allow cable connection if the battery runs out while traveling.
Key Feature
- Ambient noise reduction: 78% of noise
- Dynamic range: 20Hz – 20kHz with <1% total harmonic distortion
- Battery life: 23 hours w/ ANC & 35 hours without
- Driver Size: 40 mm custom dynamic drivers
- Driver sensitivity at 1kHz/1mW: 85 dB
- Child-Friendly Design: No
- Connectivity: Wireless: Bluetooth® 5.0 wireless headphones
- Weight: 169 grams
Pros:
- Stylish and visually appealing design
- Adjustable volume limits for added safety
- High level of comfort for extended use
Cons:
- Slightly heavy, which may be less suitable for very young children
Price:
Available on Amazon at the cost of USD 139.00
6. PHILIPS Coolplay Kids Best Headphones for Toddlers
Philips Coolplay headphones are available in various appealing colors. Surprisingly, despite being on-ear headphones, they proved to be exceptionally comfortable due to their gentle clamping pressure and soft padding.
The headband stands out for its durable construction, capable of enduring substantial stress. Additionally, we appreciate the earcups’ swivel feature, which enhances the headphones’ ability to accommodate different head shapes.
Key Feature
- Dynamic frequency response range: 12 – 22000 Hz
- Driver Size: 30mm Dynamic
- Driver sensitivity at 1kHz/1mW: 99 dB
- Impedance: 32 Ω
- Plug: 3.5mm Premium Nylon Cable With Inline Microphone
- Child-Friendly Design: No
- Connectivity: wired
- Weight: 43 grams
Pros:
- Wide variety of color options
- Comfortable according to kids’ feedback
- Reasonably priced
Cons:
- Dual entry cable
Price:
Available on Amazon at the cost of USD 19.99
7. iClever Kids Headphones HS14
iClever HS14 wireless headphones are an exceptional choice for young children. Available in six vibrant colors, these headphones are well-built and offer a range of impressive features. The inline control switch is one standout feature, allowing parents to set volume limitations at 85 or 94 dB. This feature ensures that the headphones can be used during their early years and adjusted as they age.
In terms of construction, the headphones are lightweight and meticulously crafted. They even have a flexible wire headframe that can be easily reshaped if accidentally bent. Additionally, the inclusion of a microphone sets these headphones apart. While it may be uncommon in kids’ headphones, it opens up new possibilities. The microphone enabled them to focus on our conversation rather than their surroundings.
Key Feature
- Dynamic frequency response range: 20 – 20000 Hz
- Driver Size: 40mm Dynamic
- Driver sensitivity at 1kHz/1mW: 117 dB
- Impedance: 16 Ω
- Plug: 3.5mm Premium Nylon Cable With Inline Microphone
- Child-Friendly Design: No
- Connectivity: wired
- Weight: 173 grams
Pros:
- The adjustable volume feature ensures that the headphones remain helpful as children age.
- The inline volume control adds convenience and functionality.
- The headband is sturdy and durable.
Cons:
- The design appears somewhat outdated
Price:
Available on Amazon at the cost of USD 17.99
How to Choose the Best Headphones for Toddlers?
When selecting headphones for children, there are key factors to consider. These include build quality, design, and sound performance. Don’t prioritize aesthetics over functionality. Ensure the headphones prioritize hearing protection and include child-specific features. Think about Durability. Children can be rough on headphones, so opt for durable options designed to withstand their playful nature.
Also, the volume limit of the headphone. Monitor volume levels manually, use a volume lock app, or choose headphones with built-in volume reduction to safeguard your child’s hearing. Besides, determine your budget, considering that accidents can happen and children may not handle headphones carefully.
Choose between headphones vs. earphones. For younger kids, prioritize full-size on-ear or over-ear headphones for safety. If considering earphones, ensure they have built-in hearing protection.
While wired headphones are recommended, Bluetooth models are included for compatibility. Consider charging requirements and potential technical issues associated with wireless headphones. Remember to prioritize your children’s hearing protection and choose headphones that suit their needs and safety requirements.
Conclusion
When buying the best headphones for toddlers, prioritize functionality over aesthetics, emphasizing hearing protection and child-specific features. Choose durable options and consider alternatives like volume monitoring or headphones with built-in volume reduction. Budget-wise, there are reasonably priced options available. For safety, full-size headphones are recommended for younger children instead of earphones. While wireless headphones can be considered, they require charging and have potential technical issues. Ultimately, prioritize the protection of children’s hearing when selecting headphones. Check out the 100 baby headphones for airplane travel in 2023.
