Best Headphones for Kids

Best Headphones and Earbuds for Kids: Safe and Fun Options in Every Price Range

Whether you’re looking for safe and fun headphones for your tot or need to equip your elementary-grade child with a good quality headset for computer-based learning, we’ve got a bunch of models that should be optimal for their needs. We’ve included both Bluetooth and wired options with safety volume limits for hearing protection. So, let’s get started.

Wired Headphones

Parents who’ve bought headphones for their little ones have likely had to buy a second pair. Given all the abuse that kids’ headphones must endure, it’s hard to keep them working for more than a year. Well, this one is tough to break. Recommended for ages 3 and up, the HamiltonBuhl Flex-Phones can be twisted and sat on with little chance of damage. This is because they are made from EVA foam, which is not only extremely flexible but also non-toxic, BPA free and very soft. Certified for all major USA and international child safety testing standards, your kids’ ears will also be protected from loud volumes. And while Bluetooth headphones may be the more popular choice these days, wired headphones are great for airplane travel because you can plug them right into the seat monitor for hours of viewing. It will keep you sane, and you won’t need an iPad. 

HamiltonBuhl Flex-Phones Foam Headphones for Children (Red)
HamiltonBuhl Flex-Phones Foam Headphones for Children (Red)

For slightly bigger kids, you may want to consider a robust model like the JLab JBuddies Studio. It has an on-ear design that folds for easy portability and comes with a mic and remote. So, it can be used for online learning as well. And like the example above, this model has the essential kid-safe volume limiter at 85dB. The stainless-steel headband is also a plus for those looking for something durable.

JLab JBuddies Studio On-Ear Kids Headphones (Gray and Blue)
JLab JBuddies Studio On-Ear Kids Headphones (Gray and Blue)

Bluetooth Headphones 

The Belkin SoundForm Mini is a high quality on-ear Bluetooth option young kids aged 4 and up. Like most products in this article, this headphone caps volume at 85 dB, ensuring hearing protection for those sensitive little ears. It’s also designed with longevity in mind, with spill and impact resistance that withstands at least two years of heavy use. It features a generous 30 hours of battery life and includes a 3.5mm input should you want to connect it via wire during airplane travel. The headphones also come in three colors, ensuring that your kid’s aesthetic tastes are met.

Belkin SoundForm Mini On-Ear Wireless Headphones for Kids (Pink)
Belkin SoundForm Mini On-Ear Wireless Headphones for Kids (Pink)

If you’re looking for more sound isolation, we recommend the Belkin SOUNDFORM, which sports a larger over-ear design. It also boasts 30 hours of battery life and has easy-to-use built-in controls. And like the example above, this model also supports a wired connection. JBL always makes a great product for the price point. And the solid design of the JBL JR 460NC, along with its cool look is a great example. It features noise-cancelling technology that can help reduce low rumbles from cars and airplanes. It also comes equipped with a high quality flat 3.5mm cable for wired connection. In addition, this model supports multi-point technology, which allows you to pair the headphones with two different devices simultaneously. 

JBL JR 460NC Noise-Canceling Wireless Over-Ear Kids Headphones (White)
JBL JR 460NC Noise-Canceling Wireless Over-Ear Kids Headphones (White)

Another noteworthy model is the Jlab JBuddies Studio, which is a Bluetooth version of the wired model mentioned above. With over 24 hours of battery life and an included 3.5mm cable for wired connection, it’s a great buy for under 30 bucks. It also comes in two fun colors. 

Bluetooth Earbuds

If your kid tends to be envious of your Airpods, you may want to consider Belkin’s newly released SOUNFORM Nano 2. With a sensible volume limiter, it’s kid friendly.  In addition, The SOUNDFORM Nano 2 is sure to fit little ears, as it offer five pairs of ear tips for smaller sizes. In addition to having impressive battery life and built-in touch controls for calls and audio navigation, this model is also sweat and water resistant.

Belkin SoundForm Nano 2 Wireless Earbuds for Kids (White)
Belkin SoundForm Nano 2 Wireless Earbuds for Kids (White)

Headsets for Learning and Gaming

If your little one needs a headset for interactive online learning, check out the JLab JBuddies Learn. Rather than complicating their setup with a Bluetooth connection, you can plug the headphones right into the computer for easy and immediate use. However, older children might appreciate JLab’s larger wireless over-ear model. Designed for kids that expect premium sound quality, this model delivers a rich and detailed sound signature that’s specifically tuned for younger ears. The boom microphone allows your kids to easily communicate with others and flips up and out of the way when not needed. Earcup controls allow for quick and easy navigation for calls, volume, mute, and mic functions. With 35 hours of playtime, it’s a great buy.

JLab JBuddies Learn On-Ear Kids Headphones (Gray and Blue)
JLab JBuddies Learn On-Ear Kids Headphones (Gray and Blue)

For the little gamers out there, check out the JLab J’Buddies Play. Based upon the Adult Play Gaming Wireless, it sports a “big kid” design with a smaller frame to fit a child’s head comfortably. Designed optimally for gaming, this model has an increased mid to high frequency response to deliver clear vocals and enhanced spatial awareness. And since big kids also need protection, JLab has ensured that this model also features an 85 dB cap.

JLab JBUDDIES Play Wireless Gaming Kid's Headset (Black)
JLab JBUDDIES Play Wireless Gaming Kid's Headset (Black)

Headphones for Classrooms

If you’ve been assigned with choosing a large number of headphones for a classroom, you can’t go wrong with the HamiltonBuhl Lab Pack of Favoritz. It includes a set of 12 blue over-ear headphones with in-line microphones. With 12 anti-lice, moisture resistant bags, you can rest assured that there won’t be a breakout. And once class is over, lock the headphones up in the included lockable carry case. For larger class sizes, HamiltonBuhl also offers a set of 24 noise-reducing headphones, called the Primo, which offers the same features, including anti-lice bags, chew-resistant cables and a large lockable carry case. Done and done.

HamiltonBuhl Lab Pack of Favoritz Student Headphones with In-Line Microphones
HamiltonBuhl Lab Pack of Favoritz Student Headphones with In-Line Microphones

Hearing Protection

Finally, if you want to take your kid to a grown-up concert or party, take a look at the Apline Hearing Pretection Muffy Kids. Designed to protect sensitive ears from damaging noise levels, these small earmuffs should do the trick. They also fold for easy portability.

Alpine Hearing Protection Muffy Kids (Mint)
Alpine Hearing Protection Muffy Kids (Mint)

For more information about the products listed, including additional features, specs, and highlights, be sure to check out our detailed product pages. Or drop us a line below, and we’ll do our best to answer all your comments and questions.