Last update: August 23rd, 2020 at 06:59 pm
Finding the Best Kids Headphones
Finding toddler headphones and kids headphones that have great sound quality, are safe (to protect from hearing loss) and fit well can bit a tricky business. Through a LOT of trial and error with my own kids, I share with you in this post our favourite models.
Looking for something else? See also our post on our favourite wireless headphones for kids and the best noise cancelling headphones for kids. You may also be interested in the Top 5 Tablets for Kids. 
Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post also contains additional affiliate links.
Childrens Headphones – Important Features
Before we start, here are a few things to be aware of when selecting headphones for toddlers and kids.
Volume Limiting: The general consensus among medical professionals is that children’s head sets should not be set above 85 decibles (dB). While some of the options listed below do exceed this threshold, all of them have some kind of volume control via either a control on the device or through an additional volume limiting cable. There are some environments with greater ambient noise in which you may wish to be able to temporarily increase the volume above 85db (airplanes, for example).
Size of Headband: Generally, despite the fact that most adult-sized headphones have an adjustable headband, it often does not go small enough for a toddler’s head. You want to find a set of headphones that fit securely on your child’s head.
Compatible Audio Jack: All of the kids headphones below have a standard 3.5mm audio jack that will fit iPads, iPods, iPhones (except the new Bluetooth enabled iPhones), most tablets and smartphones.
Ear Cup Size: Those little earbuds that come with many devices and are sometimes offered on airplanes, do not fit well in young children’s ears, becoming a huge source of frustration for parents and kids alike. Headphones specifically designed for toddlers and kids have ear cups that are much smaller than the adult ones. They come in two types:
On the Ear Kids Headphones: These head phones go on the outside of a toddler or child’s ear and are quite comfortable, but also tend to let in more background noise (meaning a child may need to increase the volume to hear through them).
Over the Ear Kids Headphones: These kind of kids headphones cup the whole ear, providing a better sound experience by blocking out background noise and allowing for a lower volume setting. The one caveat being that without much air circulation little ears can get warm.
Noise Canceling Kids Headphones: True noise cancelling kids headphones are difficult to find. (outside of the ones designed strictly to protect little ears from sound). Over the ear kids headphones, like some of the ones featured in this article, can do a better job of blocking out ambient noise such as airplane engines.
Without further ado, here are our top picks for kids headphones:
Best Headphones for Kids and Headphones for Toddlers
Each style is described in detail below, but here is a quick comparison chart for your reference.
Kids Headphones Comparison Chart
$ = $10-$15 $$ = $16 - $25| Model | Max. Volume | Share Port | Foldable | Price Range | Our Rating | Check Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon Basics | 94db | No | No | $ | 4 /5 | Out of Stock |
| Onanoff Kids | 85db | Yes | No | $$ | 4.4 / 5 |  |
| Califone Kids | 98db | No | No | $ | 4.0 / 5 | |
| Kidz Gear | 80db / 108db | No | No | $$ | 4.1 / 5 | |
| Lil' Gadgets | 93db | Yes | Yes | $$ | 4.2 / 5 | |
| iClever Cat / Bat | 85db | No | No | $ | 4.3 /5 | |
| Cozyphones Headband Headphones | 90db | No | Yes | $$ | 4.3 / 5 | |
1. Lilgadgets Connect+ Wired Kids Headphones – From $21.95
Features: 
- Recommended for toddlers and children 2-8 years.
- 4.5/5 stars by reviewers on Amazon.com.
- SharePort: No need for a splitter! 1 side of the Connect+ plugs into the device and the other can have another headphone plug into it to share audio.
- Includes: Microfiber carrying pouch and detachable 52″ nylon covered audio cable to allow for greater range between your children and their device.
- Volume Limited with Adult Worthy, Quality Audio: The max volume is set at 93db with internal 40mm drivers and a range of 20Hz to 20kHz.
- Comfort and function: Sized for children, padded for children, light for children, and durable for children (recommended for ages 2-8).
- Compact and foldable.
- A portion of each purchase goes towards bullying prevention in schools and minimizing the environmental impact of your purchase
- Come in 5 great colors (black, pink, purple, blue, and green.
- Backed by LilGadgets 100% Satisfaction Guarantee.
- Read reviews and learn more about the LilGadgets kids headphones here.
Buy LilGadgets Kids Headphones : 
*NEW* LilGadgets have recently added a new version of their volume limited kids headphones. The Connect+ Pro are very similar to the above headphones but they are slightly larger and have a stainless steel enforced adjustment mechanism to increase durability.They are also an over the ear model instead of the on the ear model, meaning that the cup is meant to encompass most of the ear and not just sit on top of it. The LilGadgets Connect+ Pro Kids Headphones are designed for children 6 years and up.
Learn more about the Connect+ Pro headphones here.
Buy LilGadgets Kids Headphones :
2. Onanoff BuddyPhones Headphones for Kids – From $19.99
Features:
- Onanoff BuddyPhones were Designed for Safety, Comfort, and Fun.
- 4.5 / 5 stars by reviewers on Amazon.com.
- Volume is limited to a kid safe level of 85 dB.
- Super durable and bendable housing that is adjustable for a perfect fit.
- Hypoallergenic padding.
- A flat cable to avoid tangles.
- Won the 2016 Bronze A’Design Award in Baby, Kids’ and Children’s Products.
- The cable includes a patented, built-in audio splitter for sharing with friends without getting tangled (up to 4 Buddyphones can be shared on the same device).
- Includes 5 sets of decorative stickers for Ccustomization.
- 3.5mm gold plated audio jack works with iPads, tablets, iPhones, and other smartphones.
- Perfect for Travel, Airplanes, Laptops, Computers, and Other Audio Devices.
- In-line microphone with answering button.
- These headphones also come in an “in flight” model with a slightly highly maximum volume setting and a 3 step volume setting (75db, 85db and 94db).
- Read reviews and learn more about the Onanoff Buddyphone kids headphones here.
Buy Onanoff Headphones for Kids :
Buy Onanoff In Flight Headphones for Kids from :
3. Kidz Gear Wired Kids Headphones – From $16.99
Features: - Designed for children 3 years and up.
- 4.5/5 stars by reviewers on Amazon.com.
- Convenient volume control located on cord.
- Maximum volume 108db, but can be reduced to 80db with included volume limiting cable attachment.
- 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed – Lifetime Limited Warranty.
- 3.5mm audio jack works with iPad, iPod, iPhone, most tablets and smartphones.
- Comes in 7 great colors.
- Read reviews and learn more about Kidz Gear kids headphones here.
Buy Kidz Gear Toddler Headphones:
4. Cozyphones Kids Headphones with Soft Fleece Headband – From $15.99
Features:
- Suitable for kids 4-10 years.
- 4.5 / 5 stars on Amazon.com
- Perfect for the child that is uncomfortable with wearing a headset.
- Ultra-thin 1/8″ limiting speakers and durable braided cable.
- Comfortable and washable headband.
- Volume limited to 90db.
- Available in many fun characters (panda, fox, bear, unicorn, and more !
- Learn more about the Cozyphones Kids Headband Headphones here.
Buy Cozyphones Child Headphones:
5. iClever BoostCare Volume Limited Kids Headphones (Cat/Bat) – From $14.99
Features:
- Suitable for kids 3 – 12 years.
- 4.5 / 5 stars by reviewers on Amazon.com
- Volume-limited to 85db.
- Super durable and bendable design.
- Available with cat ears, bear ears, bat wings, and devil horns.
- Read reviews and learn more iClever kids headphones here.
Buy iClever Kids Headphones :
6. AmazonBasics On Ear Kids Headphones – From $14.99
Features:
- Suitable for toddlers and kids 3 years and up.
- 4 / 5 stars by reviewers on Amazon.com
- Volume-limiting system to ensure safe listen for kids; Sound output is limited to 94 dB max (similar to the volume of a noisy restaurant)
- Adjustable to ensure a perfect fit; lightweight, colorful design
- Universal plug for compatibility with laptops, tablets, smartphones, DVD players, and more
- Compact design offers portable, take-along convenience
- Read reviews and learn more about Amazon Basics kids headphones here.
Buy Amazon Kids Headphones :
7. Califone Over the Ear Kids Headphones – From $14.99
Features:
- Suitable for toddlers and kids 3 years and up.
- 4 / 5 stars by reviewers on Amazon.com
- Adjustable child-sized ear cups.
- Convenient volume control on cord.
- Extra long 6 foot cord with angled 3.5mm plug to reduces accidental pull-out.
- Around-ear ambient noise-reducing ear cups protecting against exterior sounds, reducing the need to increase the volume — passive noise canceling headphones.
- Please note: these kids headphones can go as high as 98db (you would want to make sure you child does not regularly have it set at the top setting).
- Read reviews and learn more about these Califone kids headphones here.
Buy Califone Toddler Headphones:
Popular Kids Headphone Accessories
If you are shopping for tablets, see our post on the best kids tablets.
LilGadgets CarBuddy Universal Tablet Mount – From $19.99
Features:
- 4/5 stars by reviewers on Amazon.com.
- High quality, universal car headrest tablet mount.
- Compatible with all devices 7″-11″ (all generations of iPads and iPad minis, Samsung Galaxy Tabs, Kindle Fires, etc.).
- Can be used in either portrait or orientation, with or without a case.
- Installs and removes in seconds and with no tools required.
- Soft, rubber coated, and spring loaded arms will securely and safely hold your tablet.
- Built and designed to last and backed by our LilGadgets 100% Satisfaction Guarantee and 1-year warranty
- Read reviews and learn more about the Lil’Gadgets Car Buddy tablet mount here.
Buy LilGadgets Car Buddy Table Mount from $14.99 :
You may also enjoy the following posts:
- Top 5 Tablets for Kids
- The 5 Best Noise Canceling Headphones for Kids
- Best Travel Booster Seats
- The Best FAA Approved Car Seats for Airplanes
- Best Portable Baby High Chairs for Restaurants and Travel
- The Best Travel Strollers
- Best Portable Infant Bassinets Baby Cribs and Toddler Beds for Travel
