The Best Kids Headphones On the Market Right Now

With the prevalence of technology in kids’ lives for everything from education to entertainment, headphones are a common accessory for kids of all ages. Here, we’ve rounded up the best on-ear, over-ear, air-conducing, and earbud style headphones for kids in a variety of scenarios so you can find the best fit for your child’s ears.

Science shows that ongoing exposure to high volume levels can lead to noise-induced hearing loss. According to a 2010 Kaiser Family Foundation study, “the amount of time young people spend with entertainment media has risen dramatically, especially among minority youth. Today, 8-18 year-olds devote an average of 7 hours and 38 minutes to using entertainment media across a typical day (more than 53 hours a week).” Thus the need for audio-safe headphones designed specifically for kids is at an all-time high.

Here are the features to look for in kid-friendly headphones:

• Volume limits: Personal Listening Devices for children should be limited to no more than 75 decibels, according to the World Health Organization. However, in practical terms, it can be difficult to test this at home, so look for products that call out the decibel level in their product description. You can also use the arm’s length test — your child should be able to hear you talking to them with their headphones on if you are an arm’s length away. Another good rule of thumb for parents is to limit kids’ listening time to 60 minutes per day at no more than 60% of the device’s maximum volume.
• Durability: Kids can be hard on small electronics, including headphones, especially if they’re going to and from school or extracurricular activities. For that reason, durability is especially important.
• Comfort: Everyone has a different opinion about what makes a pair of headphones comfortable, whether they’re on-ear, over-hear, or ear buds. It may take some trial and error to find what feels good for your child.

Wired headphones connect directly to a listening device and do not typically need to be charged, which can make them easier for younger kids to use and keep track of. Not needing to rely on Bluetooth means these headphones are simple enough for young kids to navigate on their own. Often, wired headphones are less expensive than wireless headphones, and because they’re tethered to the listening device, they may also be easier for kids to keep track of, both of which are positives if your kids tend to lose track of their things.

Wireless headphones require a bit more knowledge to use, and users need to understand how to stay in range to keep them working, making them slightly better suited for older kids. Wireless headphones allow the listener a wider range of movement and can be good for exercising or doing chores around the house. However, they must be charged, so that can present issues if your child has trouble remembering to charge them between uses. They are also typically more of an investment than wired headphones.

The Buddies Studio 2 wired, on-ear headphones from JLab provide clear sound quality and a cushiony fit on the ear with no pinching. Though they technically can go up to 85 dB (So, you will need to instruct your kids to use a volume below the maximum), and the moderate noise-canceling means kids are less likely to keep turning up the volume. And at $19.99, these headphones are an affordable first pair for kids 6 and up.

My 13-year-old has been using the PuroQuiet noise-canceling headphones from Puro Labs for several years for everything from watching YouTube on road trips to playing online games with friends. He appreciates the headphones’ relatively long battery life, easy connectivity, and the comfortable fit, and I appreciate the 85 dB volume limit. Because of the special daisy chain feature that allows two headphones to connect to the same device, these are also a good choice for siblings and gamers. The $149 price tag is on the higher end, but you can get them on sale for $99 right now. They have held up well for us after years of not particularly gentle use.

A great value for wireless headphones at $37, the gamer-friendly Grom Bluetooth headphones from Skullcandy charge quickly, with a battery life of 45 hours (which does not mean they should be playing Minecraft that whole time!) and a built-in microphone. The Grom Wireless Headphones are easy to adjust and collapse so they can be stored in a backpack without taking up too much space. They also come with a one-year limited warranty for extra peace of mind.

Not only do the JBL Junior 470NC wireless headphones have a limit of 85 dB, they also include parental controls that allow caregivers to set even lower volume limits for extra audio safety, and a connected app provides real-time data about how long your kids are listening and at what volume, making them the most safety-focused option I’ve found. And additional noise-canceling features means that kids will be less likely to turn up the volume because they won’t have to battle with background noise. 

Intuitively designed with real kids in mind, the BuddyPhones PlayEars+ Safe audio-limited headphones can be used with Bluetooth or wired (a great option, given that some schools only allow wired headphones), and they are durable enough to withstand daily use from toddlers to tweens. The ear cushions are soft and light, with a moisture-wicking feature that keeps them from getting sweaty. Available in cat, dog, polar bear, and fox ear-shapes, these headphones capture kids’ imaginations and even allow for some customization with included stickers, and the headphones fold up for easy storage.

For some kids (and grown-ups!), having something in or covering the ear is a non-starter. The Kids AirConduction Safe Headphones from MyFirst are the perfect lightweight option for that type of listener. These include the same 85 dB sound limit as all of the other headphones in this guide, but because they’re open ear, they are even safer for kids; plus, it’s easier to communicate with these headphones on. Great for going on a jog or practicing dance moves, these headphones are sweat-proof and water resistant, so kids don’t have to worry about them getting a little sweaty or damp.

With clear audio and a safe volume limit, the SoundForm Nano2 earbuds from Belkin are the best earbuds for kids who prefer this type of listening experience. Due to their size, these are a bit easier to misplace (but also easier to pack in a backpack or gym bag) than the on- or over-ear options, but at $36.99, they are relatively affordable if you need to replace them.