What Parents Are Really Saying About the Brand-New Toniebox 2

The original Toniebox has been a favorite of both kids and parents for years, thanks to its ability to seamlessly serve up screen-free stories, music, and podcasts via its collectible figurines — also known as Tonies. Now the brand has just released a second version of its audio player called the Toniebox 2, and it’s already getting lots of attention. 

The Toniebox 2 started shipping from Walmart and Amazon on October 5 — and plenty of parents have thoughts, along with questions. If you’re a Toniebox fan, does it make sense to upgrade to the newer model? How is the Toniebox 2 different from the original Toniebox? And, more importantly, is it better than the first version, which already has a huge fan base? 

Here’s everything we know about the Toniebox 2 right now, along with what parents are already saying about it online. 

The Toniebox 2 is an updated version of the original Toniebox. It’s a screen-free digital listening device for kids that delivers content in the form of “Tonies,” small figurines that play specialized content when they’re placed on top of the Toniebox. 

While the Toniebox 2 retains many of the same features as the original Toniebox, this version of the device has expanded elements that you won’t find in the original Toniebox. Those include screen-free games, a sunrise alarm, a USB-C charger, and Bluetooth connectivity. 

There are a few key differences between the original Toniebox and the Toniebox 2, which takes the existing technology and expands on it. The Toniebox 2 has a wider age range: It’s designed for kids aged 1 to 9+ (it’s wrapped in a softer yet durable fabric, which makes it more toddler-friendly), while the original Toniebox’s age range starts at 3. The Toniebox 2 also has a sleep timer with a light and a sunrise alarm to help with bedtime and wake times. The original Toniebox does not have games, while the new version does. 

If you have a collection of Tonies you love, don’t stress: They’re still compatible with the Toniebox 2. However, the new interactive ToniePlay games won’t work with the original Toniebox.

ToniePlay is a new feature of the Toniebox 2. It’s a collection of screen-free games that kids can play alone or with friends. ToniePlay features treasure hunt-style games, trivia, and stories, with kids using the ToniePlay controller for interactivity. ToniePlay games available right now include options like Disney Quiz Kingdom, Winne the Pooh: Tigger’s Mix-Up Fix-Up, and Gabby’s Cat-Tastic Scavenger Hunt.

The TonieBox 2 is the number-one new release in storytelling toys on Amazon, and parents already have thoughts about it. 

Mom Christina (@christina.santiago) points out in a TikTok video that you need to purchase the ToniePlay controller separately. “I want to make sure if you don’t have one of these, you are snagging it up,” she says in the video. Overall, Christina gave the Toniebox 2 her seal of approval, noting that “this is my son’s new favorite thing.”

Fellow mom Marissa Ashton (@marissaashton) also praises the Toniebox 2’s enhanced design. “My toddler loves it, it’s easier to change the songs, the speaker is better,” she wrote in the caption of a TikTok explainer post. A Target reviewer agreed that the audio on the Toniebox 2 is an upgrade. “Audio is so much clearer, skipping songs and starting over is easier (the old one you had to SMACK to fast forward) and it’s such a better box!” wrote reviewer Kaikai. 

Dr. Kristyn Sommer, Ph.D. (@drkristynsommer), who specializes in developmental psychology, says on TikTok that the Toniebox 2 is “sturdier and more durable” than the original, which might make it better suited to younger kids. However, she also said in the comment section of her post that children younger than 3 can still use the original Toniebox. “Just buy the My First Tonies, as they work with the original Toniebox and they’re softer and more suitable for a baby,” she says. 

There are a few potential concerns that parents have flagged so far. A lot revolves around the ToniePlay controller which, again, has to be purchased separately. Sommer points out in another Instagram video that your games are “useless” if you lose that controller. She notes that the games take a long time to download. Some of the board games that go with ToniePlay may rip or show wear and tear easily, too. It’s not clear if Tonie will allow parents to buy parts individually if something breaks, or if they’ll need to repurchase an entire set. One Amazon reviewer also pointed out that the USB-C charging cord the box comes with is very short, making charging inconvenient. 

But overall, reviewers seem happy with the experience the Toniebox 2 provides, noting that the sound quality is superior, and the new ToniePlay options make the device appealing to a wider range of interests and needs.

You can buy the Toniebox 2 at Amazon, Walmart, Target, Kohl’s, and the Tonies website. 

The Toniebox 2 is designed for ages 1 and up, making it good for toddlers. It also has toddler-friendly features like interactive games. 

The Toniebox 2 battery will last up to 10 hours on one charge, although some features may drain the battery faster than others. 

The Toniebox 2 costs $140 and comes with one Tonie. You can still purchase the original Toniebox for about $100 including one Tonie.