Skip to main content
Tom's Guide Tom's Guide
Subscribe
RSS
flag of Australia
Australia
flag of UK
UK
flag of US
US
flag of Canada
Canada
Technology Magazines
Technology Magazines
Why subscribe?
  • The best tech tutorials and in-depth reviews
  • Try a single issue or save on a subscription
  • Issues delivered straight to your door or device
From$12.99
View
  • Best Picks
  • News
  • Reviews
  • How Tos
  • Phones
  • Streaming
  • Deals
  • More
    • Antivirus
    • Audio
    • Coupons
    • Fitness
    • Gaming
    • Home
    • Laptops
    • Mattresses
    • Personal Finance
    • Security
    • Smart Home
    • TV
    • VPNs
    • Wearables
    • What To Watch
    • All Topics
Forums
Trending
  • Google Pixel Fold
  • Pixel 7a
  • iPhone 15
  • iPhone 15 Pro
  • ChatGPT
  • Best TVs

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

  1. Home
  2. Best Picks
  3. Audio

12 Kids Headphones Tested and Ranked Best to Worst

By Craig Goldstein
last updated 22 January 2020

We tested the best-selling headphones for kids, see who came out on top.

Comments (0)
Balancing Sound and Protection

Balancing Sound and Protection

Choosing a pair of headphones for your kids can be a confusing and stressful endeavor. Your kid wants to look cool, but oftentimes, that requires sacrificing sound quality. And in the case of younger kids, you want to prevent them from potentially damaging their hearing by cranking the sound too loud. What's a concerned parent to do? To help ease the pressure, we ordered 12 pairs of kids' headphones from Amazon and tested them for comfort, style, volume-limiting (85 decibels or lower) tech and overall sound quality. Check out our results, ranked from best to worst.

Credit: Tom's Guide

Page 1 of 13
Page 1 of 13
Puro Sound Labs BT2200 Kids' Headphones

Puro Sound Labs BT2200 Kids' Headphones

The first thing I noticed about the Puro BT2200 headphones? The comfort. The wireless BT2200 offers up to 18 hours of battery life, an integrated microphone and a set of beefy 40-millimeter drivers that deliver responsive bass. Durable, aluminum ear cups; a snug-fitting, cushioned head strap; and impressive noise-limiting technology placed these "kids'" headphones at the top of the class.

Credit: Puro

Today's best Puro Sound Labs BT2200 Kids' Headphones deals
View Similar Amazon US
Amazon
No price information
Check Amazon
Puro Sound Labs BT2200 Kids'...
No price information
For more information visit their website
1 Amazon reviews
☆☆☆☆☆
|
See all prices (1 found)
Page 2 of 13
Page 2 of 13
Ailihen C8 Headphones

Ailihen C8 Headphones

The Ailihen C8's bulky-yet-lightweight design might be too large to fit the ears of younger kids. However, they're ideal for tweens and teens. The headphones come in a variety of colors, feature soft padding around the ear cups and fold into the head strap, allowing for easy storage. The sound quality is acceptable, but the clarity suffers at higher volumes. I liked the extra-long, braided audio cable with the metal jack, as well as the built-in mic/volume control, which lets kids effortlessly pause their movie when their parents ask them a question. Noise-limiting technology would have made these headphones better-suited for younger kids.

Credit: Ailihen

Today's best Ailihen C8 Headphones deals
AILIHEN C8 Wired Headphones...
Amazon
$21.98
View
AILIHEN C8 (Upgraded)...
Amazon
$21.98
View
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G +...
Amazon
$349.99
View
21 Amazon reviews
☆☆☆☆☆
|
See all prices (3 found)
Page 3 of 13
Page 3 of 13
Sony MDR-222KD Children's Headphones

Sony MDR-222KD Children's Headphones

What the MDR-222KD lack in style, they make up for in sound quality and comfort. This bargain-priced pair of Sony headphones is very lightweight, at 1.7 ounces; produces clear highs and responsive lows; and has volume-limiting technology built into the audio cable to protect your child's ears from damage. The size is perfect for small heads, and the headphones fit snugly without pinching kids' ears. I would have liked a padded headband and a better-quality audio cable with a volume-control button, but for such an affordable price, I won't complain.

Credit: Sony

Today's best Sony MDR-222KD Children's Headphones deals
View Similar Amazon US
Amazon
No price information
Check Amazon
Sony MDR-222KD Children's...
No price information
For more information visit their website
See all prices (1 found)
Page 4 of 13
Page 4 of 13
Contixo Bluetooth Kids' Stereo Headphones

Contixo Bluetooth Kids' Stereo Headphones

Contixo's kid-friendly headphones come with features typically found in higher-priced units, such as Bluetooth, a built-in volume/mic control, an equalizer and an FM receiver. They have a lightweight design and soft padding, and offer 10 hours of battery life, making them great for peaceful road trips. The audio quality was acceptable but lacked punch at the low end and struggled with highs at raised volumes. I liked the SD card slot, which allowed the kids to have preloaded audiobooks or music without being glued to a screen.

Credit: Contixo

Today's best Contixo Bluetooth Kids' Stereo Headphones deals
Contixo KB-2600 Kid Safe 85dB...
Amazon
$39.99
View
159 Amazon reviews
☆☆☆☆☆
|
See all prices (1 found)
Page 5 of 13
Page 5 of 13
LilGadgets Untangled Pro

LilGadgets Untangled Pro

Designed for kids 4 and over, the Untangle Pro kicks out plenty of bass and has an integrated volume limiter that keeps sound limited to 93db. Perforated mesh materials on the earpads and headband provide a cushy, relaxed fit, while the SharePort feature on the right earcup lets other kids connect via daisy chain to hear the same playback. An inline cable also comes included for passive listening, but keep in mind it makes volume much louder, which is unhealthy for young ears. The Untangled Pro is available in six colors: Black, Blue, Green, Pink, Purple, and White.

Credit: LilGadgets

Page 6 of 13
Page 6 of 13
BestGot Kids' Headphones

BestGot Kids' Headphones

The BestGot kids' headphones are available in eight vibrant colors, making them perfect for the style-conscious tween in your house. Their durable construction, padded ear cups, hefty audio cable (with built-in controls) and lightweight design make them a great value at this price. The headphones produced clear highs, noticeable midrange and strong bass thanks to the 40-mm drivers. They are marketed to children due to the size of the ear cups, but considering their quality sound, I can see adults borrowing them from their kids.

Credit: BestGot

Today's best BestGot Kids' Headphones deals
BESTGOT BG6002 Wired Kids...
Amazon
$10.99
View
BESTGOT Kids Headphones...
Amazon
$11.99
View
5 Amazon reviews
☆☆☆☆☆
|
See all prices (2 found)
Page 7 of 13
Page 7 of 13
Onandoff Kids Explore BuddyPhones Headphones

Onandoff Kids Explore BuddyPhones Headphones

Designed specifically for younger kids, the BuddyPhones are durable and come ready to impress right out of the childproof package. Features such as volume-limiting technology, a detachable audio cable with an integrated mic, an adapter for sharing music with a friend, and comfortable, cushioned ear cups made from synthetic leather allow them to be used for longer jam sessions. The sound quality was only average, with mediocre bass and thin highs across all volume ranges. My favorite feature of the units are the included stickers that let my daughter and I customize the headphones to show off her style.

Credit: Onandoff

Today's best Onandoff Kids Explore BuddyPhones Headphones deals
BuddyPhones Discover,...
Amazon
$17.95
View
ONANOFF BuddyPhones Explore+,...
Amazon
$29.09
View
807 Amazon reviews
☆☆☆☆☆
|
See all prices (2 found)
Page 8 of 13
Page 8 of 13
AmazonBasics Volume Limited Wired Over-Ear Headphones for Kids

AmazonBasics Volume Limited Wired Over-Ear Headphones for Kids

AmazonBasics' kids' headphones are lightweight, stylish and durable enough to withstand everyday usage from even the most demanding of kids. They delivered decent sound and effective noise-limiting qualities at a reasonable price. The ear cups provided enough padding so that my daughter didn't complain during her 2-hour movie, but she started to get annoyed soon after. The headphones include an angled audio jack and a long cable, so they can be connected across a car seat without getting tangled. However, I wish the build quality was better and the headphones came with a carrying case.

Credit: AmazonBasics

Today's best AmazonBasics Headphones for Kids deals
AmazonBasics Headphones for...
No price information
For more information visit their website
See all prices (0 found)
Page 9 of 13
Page 9 of 13
JLab JBuddies Studio Bluetooth

JLab JBuddies Studio Bluetooth

Adequate sound combined with built-in volume regulators and comfy aesthetics, the JBuddies Studio is an ideal choice for active kids who want to take their headphones everywhere. JLab’s proprietary Cloud Foam cushions rest gently on the ears and head, whereas the compact folding design translates to convenient portability. The control scheme can be a bit tricky for children to learn, as the volume buttons also manage track navigation. In addition, battery life (13 hours) is shorter than competitive models, but still sufficient for several days of use.

Credit: JLab

Page 10 of 13
Page 10 of 13
iClever BoostCare Kids' Headphones - Pink Cat Ears

iClever BoostCare Kids' Headphones - Pink Cat Ears

The iClever BoostCare on-ear headphones feature volume-limiting technology, allowing only a child-friendly 85 decibels into their ears. The sound quality overall is clear, but it tends to thin out as the volume gets pushed to higher levels. The headphones are lightweight and sturdy, and they have foam ear cups that fit comfortably on smaller ears. I liked the tangle-free audio cable but would have liked them to fold up for easier storage.

Credit: iClever

Today's best iClever BoostCare Kids' Headphones - Pink Cat Ears deals
iClever HS01 Kids Headphones...
Amazon
$16.99
View
602 Amazon reviews
☆☆☆☆☆
|
See all prices (1 found)
Page 11 of 13
Page 11 of 13
Paw Patrol CozyPhones

Paw Patrol CozyPhones

The CozyPhones combine a supersoft headband with a pair of built-in volume-limiting (90 dB) earphone pads. The sound quality is surprisingly pleasant for their size, providing enjoyable highs and punchy bass. The 3-foot braided cable is strong, resists tangling and includes a sturdy 3.5mm audio jack to fit various devices. I really appreciated the ability to remove the ear pads and toss them into the wash whenever my 6-year-old wiped his pizza hands across them (quite often). For their price, the CozyPhones are perfect to slip on your kids when traveling or just hanging out in the house, but I am skeptical of the durability of the ear-pad speakers for long-term use.

Credit: CozyPhones

Today's best Paw Patrol CozyPhones deals
Paw Patrol Kids Headphones by...
Amazon
$19.99
View
Paw Patrol Kids Headphones by...
Amazon
$19.99
View
Paw Patrol Kids Headphones by...
Walmart
$31.73
View
Paw Patrol Kids Headphones by...
Walmart
$32.83
View
2 Amazon reviews
☆☆☆☆☆
|
See all prices (4 found)
Page 12 of 13
Page 12 of 13
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Kid-Safe Headphones

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Kid-Safe Headphones

It took me a couple of minutes to get past the childproof packaging to test out Sakar's Ninja Turtle headphones and an additional 30 minutes to get over the disappointment. The sound quality is weak and muffled across all frequency spectrums, and the overall construction is flimsy and right on a par with what you'd expect out of a cheap pair of  headphones. These cans suffer from cheap build features, such as a thin audio cable, stiff cushioning on the ear cups and poorly constructed plastic side panels. On the plus side, the noise-limiting feature works, and you can bend the heck out of the headband before it breaks. If you want to punish your kid for not listening to you, then buy them a pair of these headphones.

Credit: Sakar

Today's best Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Kid-Safe Headphones deals
Sakar Kids Safe Over The Ear...
Amazon
$14.99
View
4 Amazon reviews
☆☆☆☆☆
|
See all prices (1 found)
Page 13 of 13
Page 13 of 13
Comments (0)
Craig Goldstein
Social Links Navigation
More about audio
Best wireless earbuds image showing AirPods, Sennheiser, Jabra, OnePlus, NuraTrue,  Samsung and Oppo earbuds in their charging cases

I test headphones and these 5 wireless earbuds have the best battery life

Sony WH-CH720N in blue on a coffee table

I test headphones and these $149 Sony noise-cancelers are really all you need

Latest
Char-Broil grill shown on grass with food and wine

I cover deals for a living and these are the 10 best Memorial Day sales right now

See more latest ►
Topics
Audio
Headphones
No comments yet Comment from the forums
Most Popular
Best fire pits in 2023: Tested and rated

By Rich WoodbridgeMarch 05, 2023

Best Samsung Galaxy S23 screen protectors in 2023

By Andy SansomMarch 03, 2023

Best golf shoes 2023

By Scott KramerMarch 02, 2023

25 best Disney+ movies to watch now (M05 2023)

By Kelly WooFebruary 23, 2023

Best Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus cases in 2023

By Philip MichaelsFebruary 20, 2023

Best OnePlus 11 cases in 2023

By Andy SansomFebruary 19, 2023

Best Peacock movies in M05 2023

By Henry T. CaseyFebruary 17, 2023

Best Samsung Galaxy S23 cases in 2023

By Andy SansomFebruary 15, 2023

Best Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra cases in 2023

By Sanjana PrakashFebruary 14, 2023

Best cheap mesh Wi-Fi systems of 2023

By Anthony SpadaforaFebruary 05, 2023

The best TV in 2023: our top picks from LG, Samsung, Sony, TCL, Vizio and more

By Nick PinoFebruary 03, 2023

Tom's Guide is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

  • Terms and conditions
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Advertise with us
  • About us
  • Archives
  • Careers

© Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.