The 5 Best Headphones for Kids in 2021

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The Rundown

Best Overall:

LilGadgets Untangled PRO Kids Premium Wireless Bluetooth Headphones at Amazon

"You can expect 12 hours of use and up to 180 hours of standby time before needing a recharge."

Best Budget:

MEE audio KidJamz KJ25 at Amazon

"The MEE’s are compatible with any device that supports a 3.5mm headphone jack, which includes Apple’s product lineup."

Best Over Ear:

Snug Play+ at Amazon

"The Play+ features 40mm drivers that offer a terrific sound that rivals adult headsets."

Best Dual Purpose:

Votones Kids Wireless Headphones at Amazon

"Votones really shines with support for FM radio and hands-free calling via Bluetooth 3.0 compatibility."

Best Headband:

Cozyphones Kids Headphones at Amazon

"For children who have sensory issues, this lightweight and snug soft fleece headband (which is also washable) won't disappoint."

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Sometimes, wires are more hassle than they are worth for kid’s devices and, for that reason, the LilGadgets untangled pro premium wireless headset is a must-own. With built-in kid-friendly volume limitations, the audio experience is courtesy of 40mm drivers that offer an enhanced listening experience for music, books, movies and more. As for battery life, you can expect 12 hours of use and up to 180 hours of standby time before needing a recharge.

Fortunately, listening for that long is no problem with padded earcups that kids can use for hours at a time before feeling fatigue. Additionally, parents who host sleepovers will love the inclusion of the Shareport functionality, which allows other headsets to plug directly into the LilGadgets headset to share the audio that's coming from just one audio-producing device. If none of the above sells you, the knowledge that a portion every purchase of a LilGadgets headset goes toward bullying prevention in schools just might.

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Built for kids ages four to 12, the MEE KidJamz KJ25 headphones are a superb budget choice with a built-in 85db volume limitation for preventing hearing damage. While volume limitations are encouraged with small children, the MEE does include a concealed switch that allows parents to remove the volume limitation in a noisy environment. The MEE’s are compatible with any device that supports a 3.5mm headphone jack, which includes Apple’s product lineup. The hypoallergenic build quality includes BPA-free plastics and an adjustable headphone alongside vinyl ear pads for a cushy and non-fatigue fit. Additionally, MEE includes a tangle-free cord with reinforced connectors and an ultra-flexible headband that can bend, twist and pull in any direction without breaking.

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With so many over-the-ear headset choices for kids, picking the very best is a tall order, but the Snug Play+ makes its case for a great audio experience and ultra-comfortable headset. Recommended for children ages three to eight, the Play+ features 40mm drivers that offer a terrific sound that rivals adult headsets. Even if kids can’t tell the difference, they’ll appreciate it all the same. Happily, the superb audio experience is still controlled with a built-in volume limiter, so they won't damage their eardrums.

Beyond sound, these lightweight headphones are built with high-quality, durable materials that can stand up to the wear and tear young kids will inevitably put this headset through. Furthermore, the padded foam is gentle on smaller ears and stays comfortable for hours at a time without interfering with lengthy listening sessions. The inclusion of Shareport technology allows for a quick and easy chain of multiple children listening to the same media device.

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The lightweight and compact Votones headphones have a folding design that pairs well with softly cushioned earpieces. Comfort aside, the Votones offer both wireless and wired compatibility with a 3.5mm audio cable included for use with a computer, tablet or other devices that support an audio jack. The 2.5-hour charge time produces a musical experience that can last up to 10 hours and up to 60 hours on standby before requiring another recharge. Past battery life and comfort, the Votones really shines with support for FM radio and hands-free calling via Bluetooth 3.0 compatibility that connects to any compatible phone device.

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Uniquely styled, the Cozyphones headphones are unlike anything most parents have seen before. The soft fleece headband might seem unusual at first, but the level of comfort cannot be understated with ultra-thin 1/8-inch speakers providing a completely different look and feel especially for kids who dislike earbuds. Gone are the days of struggling with bulky over-the-ear headphones, instead this headset is all comfort, all the time. For children who have sensory issues, this lightweight and snug soft fleece headband (which is also washable) won't disappoint. Paired with a 36-inch flexible and braided cord, the 3.5mm jack is compatible with hundreds of media devices, including Apple.

What to Look for in Headphones for Kids

Hearing protection - The single most important feature in headphones for kids is a volume limiter. You should choose headphones that output less than 85 decibels, and ideally keep your kids’ devices at an even lower volume than that.

Wireless - The problem with volume limiters is that some devices can overpower them. Choose wireless headphones for the maximum amount of protection, since it’s impossible for hardware to accidentally make wireless headphones produce sound louder than they are designed to deliver. The downside is that if the batteries die and you use a physical cord to plug the headphones in, you lose that extra protection.

Noise-canceling technology - This feature is more commonly associated with high-end headphones, but an investment in noise-canceling headphones is an investment in your kid’s hearing. Noise-canceling technology cuts down on outside sound, which lets your kids hear their music or videos better at a lower volume, which can keep their ears safe.

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