The Best Kids' Headphones That Always Hit the Right Note (2024)

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The Best Kids' Headphones That Always Hit the Right Note (1)

Whether your little one needs headphones for virtual learning, online gaming, or just to jam out to their own tunes, finding the right pair of headphones for them is a worthwhile investment. From Bluetooth-enabled options to comfy over-the-ear styles, there are seemingly endless options available.

There is a lot more that goes into finding headphones for your child than for yourself because you need to consider sound quality, function, the overall design, comfort, and whether or not they have volume control.We carefully considered design, sound quality, value, purpose, volume control, and style when reviewing products. A pediatric physician from our Review Board also reviewed the contents of this article for medical accuracy and how to evaluate appropriate headphones for kids.

These are the best kids headphones available now.

Our Top Picks

Jump to Review

In This Article

  • Our Picks

  • What to Look for

  • FAQ

  • Why Trust Verywell Family

Best Overall

Riwbox WT-7S Bluetooth Headphones

The Best Kids' Headphones That Always Hit the Right Note (2)

The Riwbox WT-7S Bluetooth Headphones are our top pick for good reason—they're stylish, easy to use, and provide great sound quality for children. They are equipped with Bluetooth technology, have an optional wire if the battery runs out, and have a built-in microphone.

There are b uttons along the side to control volume, skip songs, answer/end calls, and turn the LED lights on the sides on/off. They have an over-the-ear design with comfort padding along the top and sides and are available in several kid-friendly color options.

Key Specs:
Bluetooth Enabled:
Yes | Volume Control: Yes | Wired: Optional

Best Unique

SnugPlay+ Kids Headphones

The Best Kids' Headphones That Always Hit the Right Note (3)

Pros

  • Fold down for easy storage

  • Sharing port

Cons

  • No wireless/Bluetooth option

  • No headset controls like pause, play, volume up/down, etc.

With fun colors and patterns, these headphones definitely stand out. They are wired and include a sharing port so multiple kids can listen to a device at the same time. These headphones also fold down when they’re not in use, so they can be packed into a bag compactly for easy travel.

They are also lightweight, feature padding across the top and around the ears, and are sized to fit kids between 3-8 years old.

Key Specs:
Bluetooth Enabled:
No | Volume Control: Yes | Wired: Yes

Best Earbuds

Volkano Kids Llama Series Stereo Headphones

The Best Kids' Headphones That Always Hit the Right Note (4)

Pros

  • Several fun designs with coordinating carrying case

  • Includes three different sized caps

Cons

  • No wireless/Bluetooth option

  • Can be tough for little kids to operate independently

If your kiddo is insistent on earbuds, these ones are designed for kids as young as three years old and come with three different sized caps (S, M, L) to fit various ear sizes. They are wired with volume control and come with a carrying case that coordinates with the image on each earbud.

The cord reaches 9.5 feet and the earbuds have a built-in pause/play button for easy control. Finally, they come in several fun designs including a unicorn, llama, spaceship, and airplane.

Key Specs:
Bluetooth Enabled:
No | Volume Control: Yes | Wired: Yes

Best Over the Ear

Kids Altec Lansing Bluetooth Headphones

The Best Kids' Headphones That Always Hit the Right Note (5)

Pros

  • Adjustable sizing

  • Foldable design

Cons

  • Small age window of only three years

  • Cord is not tangle-proof

Made for kids between three and five years old, these over-the-ear headphones are wired with a 3.5mm jack, making them compatible with a wide variety of devices. They have padding along the head and around the ears as well as adjustable sizing to get the right fit.

These headphones also include a volume-limiting function to protect little ears and have a foldable design for easy storage and portability.

Key Specs:
Bluetooth Enabled:
No | Volume Control: Yes | Wired: Yes

Pros

  • Adjustable headband

  • Padding/cushions for comfort

  • Up to 13 hours of battery life

Cons

  • May not fit smaller kids

  • No wired option if the battery dies at an inconvenient time

You basically get it all with these over-the-ear headphones. They’re Bluetooth enabled with 13-hour battery life and built-in controls. These headphones have limited volume control, feature soft cushioning along the headband and earpieces, and are adjustable to find the right fit.

Bluetooth connectivity works for up to 30 feet and the headphones also feature a built-in microphone for voice and video calls.

Key Specs:
Bluetooth Enabled:
Yes | Volume Control: Yes | Wired: No

Best for Volume Control

Puro Sound Labs BT2200s Volume Limited Kids Headphones

The Best Kids' Headphones That Always Hit the Right Note (7)

Pros

  • Noise canceling design means kids don’t have to turn volume up as high

  • 20-hour battery life

  • Wireless or wired connectivity options

Cons

  • They are not foldable for storage

  • Adjustable sizing may still be too large for smaller kids

These headphones are available in several bright color options and feature wireless Bluetooth technology. When connected to Bluetooth, sound can reach up to 30 feet. The headphone’s battery can last for up to 20 hours between charges, but if it does happen to die, the headphones also come with a standard audio cord so kids can keep listening without interruption.

There are control buttons built right into the headphones, including volume control which is limited to protect little ears, and the headphones are designed to block out 85 percent of outside noise.

Key Specs:
Bluetooth Enabled:
Yes | Volume Control: Yes | Wired: Optional

Best for Big Kids

iClever HS01 Kids Headphones and Mic

The Best Kids' Headphones That Always Hit the Right Note (8)

Pros

  • Rotating ear cuffs help with comfort

  • Built-in microphone

  • Tangle-free cord

Cons

  • Volume control has a 94dB limit option (too high)

  • No wireless option

Older kids who want something a little more fun will get a kick out of these over-the-ear headphones that feature fun color options and cat ears. They are wired with a 3.5mm jack and have volume limiting control built into the cord as well as pause/play, volume up/down, and call answer/end controls.

These headphones also feature adjustable sizing and are very flexible, so they are not easily damaged.

Key Specs:
Bluetooth Enabled:
No | Volume Control: Yes | Wired: Yes

Best for Tweens and Teens

PowerLocus Wireless Bluetooth Foldable Headphones

The Best Kids' Headphones That Always Hit the Right Note (9)

Pros

  • Lightweight and comfortable

  • Wired or wireless option

  • Foldable design

Cons

  • No volume control

  • 14-hour battery life (which is on the shorter side)

Tweens and teens will love the super sleek design of these headphones and the several different color options available. They are wireless with Bluetooth connectivity and a battery with up to 14-hours of life. If the battery happens to unexpectedly die, the headphones also come with a cord with a standard audio jack.

These headphones have a comfortable fit with padding along the headband and around the ears and are size adjustable. Your tween will be able to use this set with their Apple or Android phone and easily pick up calls and chat with the built-in microphone. While they deliver crisp and clear sound quality, they don't have regulated volume control for little ears.

Key Specs:
Bluetooth Enabled:
Yes | Volume Control: No | Wired: Optional

Best for Virtual Learning

AILHEIN C8 Wired Headphones with Microphone

The Best Kids' Headphones That Always Hit the Right Note (10)

Pros

  • Tangle-free cord

  • Noise canceling

  • Adjustable sizing and padding for comfort

Cons

  • No volume limiting control

  • No Bluetooth/wireless option

  • Enhanced bass (pro for some)

Available in several fun color combinations, these over-the-ear headphones have a wired design and a built-in microphone to help them stay focused and participate in virtual learning. They feature built-in controls for volume, picking up and ending calls, and playing/pausing/skipping audio.

These headphones also have a foldable design for storage and portability, a tangle-free cord, and are noise-canceling.

Key Specs:
Bluetooth Enabled:
No | Volume Control: No | Wired: Yes

Best for Gaming

PDP Gaming Nintendo Switch Headset

The Best Kids' Headphones That Always Hit the Right Note (11)

Pros

  • Powerful speakers (con for some)

  • Noise-canceling microphone

  • Easy mute button

Cons

  • No volume limit control

  • No wireless option

  • Don’t fold down for easy transport

Kids can clearly and easily chat with fellow gamers with these wired headphones that feature a flexible mic with noise-canceling technology. The mic can be muted with just a switch and flipped up so it’s out of the way when they’re not talking to anyone. They have a lightweight design with padding along the top and around the ears for comfort and offer adjustable sizing.

Key Specs:
Bluetooth Enabled:
No | Volume Control: No | Wired: Yes

Final Verdict

The Riwbox WT-7S Bluetooth Headphones (view at Amazon) rank highest on our list because of their many features including bluetooth technology, volume control, wired option, headset controls, and general kid-friendly design.

What to Look for When Buying Kids Headphones

Volume Control

When shopping for headphones, look for options with built-in volume control, especially for younger kids who may not be aware enough to know limits on their own. Patricia Johnson, AuD, an audiologist at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, tells Verywell Family, “Volume limits are often built into children’s headphones or can be found as a customization feature within streaming devices”. She encourages parents and caregivers to always “check the parental control settings” and “limit maximum volume coming through the headphones” in order to protect their child’s ears.

The US Environmental Protection Agency notes that “noise levels at 85dB or above can be harmful to your hearing,” which is why volume control is so important for kids’ headphones. To understand how loud harmful sounds could be in the real world, the sound of a blender is around 88dB, according to Purdue University. Of course, the length of exposure to this level of noise does play a factor in its effects on hearing, but it’s best to not take any chances.

Comfort & Fit

Comfort is very important when choosing the right headphones for your child. The wrong fit could result in them turning the volume up too loud because they feel like they can’t hear. Also, if you’ve invested in headphones with volume control, you run the risk of your child refusing to wear them if they’re not comfortable. “Providing headphones designed for a child’s smaller head is important for fit and comfort,” explains Johnson, “over-the-ear styles can be adjusted as the child grows and should cover most of the outer ear”.

The best headphones for your child depend on their size and what they will be using them for. Look for things like padding over the top of the headphones and around the ears (if they are over-the-ears). Also, you’ll want them to be adjustable so that your kid can get as much of a custom fit as possible. When selecting headphones for your child, make sure to pay attention to the age range on the packaging so that you don’t accidentally get your child a pair that is too large or too small.

Design & Style

There are a few different design and style options to keep in mind when shopping for headphones for your child. First, headphones and earbuds can come wired, wireless (usually Bluetooth enabled), or have the option of both. Wired options are good if your child isn’t great at keeping track of things, however, they could pose a strangulation risk to younger children. Wireless headphones allow for more mobility, however, they can be lost (especially if they’re small, individual earbuds) and have to be regularly recharged.

The two main styles of headphones are over-the-ear or earbuds. Earbuds are small and tuck right into the ear, leaving the head free of any kind of band. Over-the-ear headphones are similar to earmuffs. They are connected by a band that sits on top of the head, and each speaker sits over the ear rather than going into it like an earbud. Earbuds typically are not the best choice for younger kids because the volume is harder for parents to control and young kids may not be aware enough to know when the volume is too high.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can kids use earbuds?

    There is no set age for when a kid can start to use earbuds, however, they are probably best for tweens and teens who are responsible enough not to lose them and to know their limits when it comes to volume control. Many earbuds are designed for adults to use, so they are not sized for a child’s smaller ears, and they don’t often come with parental volume control options.

  • Are noise cancelling headphones safe for kids?

    Yes, noise-cancelling headphones are safe for kids. In fact, they may even help with volume control. Since the sound around them is blocked (or at the very least, muffled), kids can hear what they are listening to better, so they won’t have to crank up the volume to unsafe levels in order to hear over the noise.

    The drawback here is that if a parent or caregiver is trying to get their child’s attention while they’re wearing noise-cancelling headphones, the child might not be able to hear it. Thankfully, noise-cancelling headphones don’t completely drown out outside noise, so if there’s an emergency and an alarm goes off, chances are high that your child will still hear the alert.

Why Trust Verywell Family

Ashley Ziegler is a full-time parenting writer and mom to a 2-year-old and a 4-year-old. She has personal experience in researching and purchasing a variety of children’s products and key considerations she used when selecting these recommendations include materials, design, and user reviews.

The Best Kids' Headphones That Always Hit the Right Note (2024)

FAQs

The Best Kids' Headphones That Always Hit the Right Note? ›

In-ear headphones can potentially be more harmful to your child's ears than on-ear or over-ear headphones (if played at high volumes). While children sometimes use AirPods and other in-ear buds, it's safer to use an on-ear or over-ear headphone from a hearing health standpoint.

Which headphones are better for kids? ›

In-ear headphones can potentially be more harmful to your child's ears than on-ear or over-ear headphones (if played at high volumes). While children sometimes use AirPods and other in-ear buds, it's safer to use an on-ear or over-ear headphone from a hearing health standpoint.

Do headphones help kids with ADHD? ›

Though ADHD varies from person to person, being easily distracted by noises could be a part of a person's symptom profile, Kendra Mathys, PsyD, a psychologist at Cleveland Clinic, told Health. “If external noises are a distraction, being able to minimize that with noise-canceling headphones could be helpful,” she said.

Which earbuds are best for children? ›

Belkin SoundForm Nano True Wireless Earbuds for Kids

If you're shopping for the right age range, though, these could be perfect. The sound is solid, the wireless connection is straightforward and there's a lot of battery life to go with the fully wireless freedom.

What are the best headphones to block out screaming kids? ›

  • Best Overall: Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones at Amazon ($299) ...
  • Best Budget: Anker Soundcore Life P3 at Amazon ($50) ...
  • Best Sound, Earbuds: Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro at Amazon ($165) ...
  • Best Sound, Over-ear: ...
  • Most Comfortable, Over-ear: ...
  • Most Comfortable, Earbuds: ...
  • Best Splurge: ...
  • Best Battery Life:
Mar 6, 2024

What age should kids have headphones? ›

There's no research on how young is too young for headphones or earbuds. But the younger the child, the smaller the ear canals, which means the same sound level in a young child's ear will be louder than in a bigger kid's or an adult's ear.

What is the most bought headphone? ›

We asked U.S. consumers about "Most used headphones by brand" and found that "Apple" takes the top spot, while "Marshall" is at the other end of the ranking. Find this and more survey data on most used headphones by brand in our Consumer Insights tool.

What is the best headphone brand ever? ›

Best headphone brands
  1. Sennheiser. Sennheiser are a German manufacturer founded in 1945 by Dr Fritz Sennheiser, immediately after World War II. ...
  2. SubZero. SubZero is a house brand that produces a wide range of audio products. ...
  3. Audio-Technica. ...
  4. Shure. ...
  5. Neumann. ...
  6. Sony. ...
  7. AKG. ...
  8. beyerdynamic.
Sep 11, 2023

Do ADHD kids hate noise? ›

2 People with ADHD can experience distress due to sound when it is overwhelming and causes an inability to focus, often leading to increased distress and anxiety. When a person has both sound sensitivity and ADHD, each condition can be even harder to deal with.

What not to say to a child with ADHD? ›

6 things not to say to your child about ADHD
  • “Having ADHD isn't an excuse.” ...
  • “Everyone gets distracted sometimes.” ...
  • “ADHD will make you more creative.” ...
  • “If you can focus on fun things, you can focus on work.” ...
  • “You'll outgrow ADHD.” ...
  • “Nobody needs to know you have ADHD.”

Do ADHD kids struggle to listen? ›

Many children with ADHD struggle with attention and listening, so it is not just your child. There are many children who ignore or act defiantly towards their parents.

What to look for in kids headphones? ›

We look for ease of use, different colors (Adrienne's daughter won't use anything that's not pink), comfort, and durability. Most headphones that are explicitly for children have a feature called output limitation, which automatically reduces the volume to about 85 decibels.

Are Beats headphones ok for kids? ›

Note to parents: Beats Solo3 headphones do not have a built-in volume limiter. They soar over 100 decibels. If you don't think your teen is mature enough to follow safe hearing guidelines, consider another pair.

Are noise Cancelling headphones good for children? ›

Noise-cancelling devices may help to deter the child from turning up the volume; however, use of noise cancelling devices should be avoided when the child is engaged in activities where it is important to hear one's surroundings, such as walking or bike riding.

What is a safe headphone level for kids? ›

The World Health Organization recommends that children spend no more than 40 hours listening to a personal audio device per week, at levels no higher than 75 decibels, to prevent hearing damage. Even many “kid-safe” headphones go up to 85 or 90 decibels.

What is the difference between kids and adult headphones? ›

The main differences compared to adult headphones are: Volume protection. Smaller size for a better fit. More colours.

What type of headphones do kids need for school? ›

Over-ear, or circumaural, school headphones

This type of headphone is typically used in education environments, and is most useful for these pursuits as they can be manufactured to fully seal against the head for maximum outside noise reduction in the classroom.

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