When left to their own devices, kids are on devices, and that’s okay. We get that kids use tablets and phones, and let’s face it, they’re useful for education and when it’s time to travel.
Not only that, but there’s nothing wrong with listening to our favorite music, and sometimes we can do without hearing the theme song to Paw Patrol for the 5 millionth time.
When it comes to kids and their developing sensitive ears, it’s important to find headphones that are a good fit for their cute little heads, sound great, aren’t frustrating, are durable, and affordable. Some of the headphones we reviewed also have volume control technology keeping the decibel levels just right for your little one’s eardrums.
We also looked at some noise-canceling headphones that work well for individuals with sensory processing needs or just kids who need a little help blocking out distracting background noises when it’s homework time or time to be nice and quiet on an airplane.
For our ranking, we looked at close to 100 of the most popular headphones for children. We know that not all kids are the same, and so while the first 7 entries listed below are ranked by the following methodology, the final three were ranked in relation to metrics that matter more for special needs children and infants.
1. Bose SoundLink Around-Ear Wireless Headphones II
The Bose SoundLink Around-Ear Wireless Headphones II made it to the top of our list for innovation.
These are durable, fun headphones with all of the sound quality that comes with a ready-made pair of Bose headphones. To truly appreciate every tone and note, these wireless headphones offer an immersive sound experience every time.
The Bluetooth connectivity allows you to switch easily between two devices and the battery life, up to 15 hours, is tremendous!
The quality of these earphones for the price is exceptional! The combined technology of TriPort and Active EQ provides a sound that is strong, distinct, and unlike traditional headphones With these headphones, you will hear sounds you’ve never noticed before. Your Bose SoundLink box will arrive with an impressive set of earphones, a carrying case, a USB charging cable, and a backup audio cable.
This model comes in a beautiful creamy white or sleek black option to fit any child’s needs.
What We Love
- Durable
- Fun
- Readily Available
- Convenient
- Top-Notch Quality
Durability Score: 99/100
Availability Score: 99/100
Volume Control/Limitations Score: 99/100
Design Score: 99/100
Overall Score: 97/100
BOSE… What more can you say? Perhaps the best of the best, your child will love every minute immersed in these awesome headphones!
2. LilGadgets Untangled PRO Kids Premium Wireless Bluetooth Headphones
The LilGadgets Untangled PRO Kids headphones are a high quality and affordable Bluetooth wireless pair of headphones that come in multiple colors.
There are six colors to choose from. This product includes something called a SharePort. The SharePort allows for multiple listeners to listen at the same time- all wirelessly! The earpads are soft and engineered to remain intact. When it comes to battery life, this product holds a charge for about 12 hours. Not only that but this is a product with a mission. LilGadgets sets aside a portion of its proceeds to go toward bullying prevention.
We feel these are some of the best headphones for children! Users report a fantastic customer service team. Many have mentioned that these durable kids’ headphones are light and comfortable and really appreciate the carrying bag. Other reviews mention that this pair of headphones is great for young children all the way through to adults.
The downside we see is that sometimes these items break, but the upside is of course that the customer service team works with you to get replacements quickly.
What We Love
- Affordable
- Many Colors to Choose From
- Bluetooth
- Soft and Comfortable
- SharePort
Durability Score: 99/100
Availability Score: 99/100
Volume Control/Limitations Score: 99/100
Design Score: 97/100
Overall Score: 95.5/100
Wireless headphones are great for active kiddos…
3. iClever Kids Headphones, Cat-Inspired
iClever has created a really fun set of headphones. These are “cat-inspired” so as you may have imagined, they look a bit like cat ears when placed on your kiddo’s head… fun!
These super cool headphones utilize volume control technology and are EXTREMELY durable to boot. They are actually twistable, and bendable, soft, and made with food-grade material. Recommended for ages 3 – 12!
Unlike some of the other products we have reviewed, these headphones have universal capabilities, so no worries if you use Apple or Android, these headphones will work. Users have reported speedy delivery, comfort, and great volume control. All parents love the kitty ears and report that their kids do too.
They are durable and come with an 18-month warranty. To top it all off, their customer service team is great and will swoop in to help you get a replacement ASAP. What more can you ask from a twenty-dollar purchase?
What We Love
- Adorable
- Affordable
- Durable
- Good Sound for the Cost
- Excellent Customer Service Team
Durability Score: 99/100
Availability Score: 99/100
Volume Control/Limitations Score: 99/100
Design Score: 93/100
Overall Score: 92.5/100
MEOW… For the cat lover in your family, these are purr-fection!
4. Puro Sound Labs BT2200 On-Ear Headphones
Puro Sound Labs has created a volume-limiting pair of headphones with your little one’s precious ears in mind.
The sound is limited to 85 dB to help prevent noise-induced hearing loss. No more blaring! This item is compatible with Apple, Android, and more. We like that they are lightweight and comfortable for young sensitive ears. But it’s not just the cushioned ear cups that make these headphones so great, it’s the sound.
The sound is pleasing and crisp- something that you would hope to find from a pair of headphones that are going to set you back $90. Many of the users report loving the sound quality of this product. Users even say that the sound quality is comparable to other high-quality brands which are a lot more expensive.
What We Love
- Great Quality Sound
- Comfortable
- Holds a Charge for 12 hours
- Wireless
Durability Score: 90/100
Availability Score: 99/100
Volume Control/Limitations Score: 99/100
Design Score: 97/100
Overall Score: 88.75/100
No fear of getting the volume too high on these. They have volume-limiting capabilities.
5. JBL JR 300BT Kids On-Ear Wireless Headphones
The JBL JR is a kid-friendly pair of wireless headphones that come available in the cool color combination of blue/orange.
This set of headphones will last all day with 12 hours of battery life. The JBL Jr has built-in volume control ensuring that the volume is always below 85dB. The earbands and headbands are both padded for maximum comfort.
The company thought to include a pad of stickers making these headphones even more customizable. Users report that their kids love their headphones and that they are extremely comfortable.
What We Love
- Wireless
- Multiple Colors to Choose From
- Comfortable
Durability Score: 91/100
Availability Score: 99/100
Volume Control/Limitations Score: 99/100
Design Score: 95/100
Overall Score: 88/100
Let your kid have fun customizing these headphones with the cool stickers included!
6. Elecder i37 Kids Headphone
The Elecder i37 Kids Headphone is an affordable and attractive set of headphones designed with kids in mind.
You can choose from 10 different colors and the price is currently listed as just $25.29 for the red option; other colors vary in price. This bargain also comes with a one-year warranty. The headphones are both adjustable and foldable, so they are easy to fit and easy to store when you’re traveling. Also, the chord is made of cloth which can be even more durable than plastic.
Users report that these headphones are durable and easy to fit younger and older kid’s heads. Many can not believe the level of sound quality that you receive for the prices. Some report that the sound even has some base and these $16 headphones have been compared to professional-level headphones. Others have noted that the chord is tangle-proof.
We can’t believe the level of value you’ll get for 16 bucks. These are a seriously great go-to option for kids or even a backup pair for yourself!
What We Love
- An Absolute Steal for less than $16
- Great Sound Quality
- Lots of Color Choices
- Comfortable
- Fits young children
- Durable Cable
Durability Score: 99/100
Availability Score: 99/100
Volume Control/Limitations Score: 91/100
Design Score: 93/100
Overall Score: 86.5/100
Find a color that suits your child’s personality!
7. Kids Headphones by noot
Noot has created fantastic headphones for kids and these are no different.
This headphone is offered in five colors and is foldable, adjustable, and cushioned. The audio on these is fantastic. The chord is nylon braided- made to last, and what’s more, these cost just $12.99! These headphones are compatible with smartphones and tablets, not to mention the company gives you a two-year warranty. Wow!
These headphones are designed for kids ages 3 and up. Users have reported using these in classrooms and love them for their durability. Many parents love the price of these headphones. We love these headphones for their fantastic price.
What We Love
- Good Customer Service
- Affordable
- Three Colors to Choose From
Durability Score: 99/100
Availability Score: 99/100
Volume Control/Limitations Score: 99/100
Design Score: 90/100
Overall Score: 90.25/100
For your next road trip, take these handy headphones along. They are foldable and easily transported to your next destination!
8. Ems for Kids and Babies Headphones
We would be missing something if we didn’t include the Ems for Kids and Babies noise-cancellation headphones for little babies.
These are not really headphones for babies to listen to music. These are earmuffs for when you need to go to your older daughter’s sporting event and want to bring the baby along. These incredible earmuffs were designed in Australia and are made in America. The headband is flexible and fits around the front of the head, so there’s no pressure on top! We love that.
These are the best wireless headphones for toddlers to protect their sensitive ears as well. So, the next time you’re at the Kentucky Derby a NASCAR race, or Uncle Mike’s rowdy birthday party, you can bring your newborn, just make sure to snatch up a pair of these adorable little muffs! Users have reported taking their babies to concerts, on airplanes, and even to the shooting range with no problems.
Plus, if you’re looking forward to a sleeping baby on your next flight? Definitely grab up a pair of these.
What We Love
- Sleeping Baby
- You Can Carry On With Your Life Even With A Little One
- Unique Design for a Developing Infant’s Head
- Cute
Durability Score: 99/100
Availability Score: 99/100
Volume Control/Limitations Score: 99/100
Design Score: 99/100
Overall Score: 97/100
Protect your baby’s precious hearing with these noise-canceling earmuffs!
9. Puro Sound Labs BT2200s Kids Volume-Limiting Bluetooth Headphones
The Puro Sound Labs BT2200s Bluetooth Headphones are a winner for any parent who has a child with sensory issues.
That could mean a child on the autism spectrum or a child who struggles to focus when there is a lot of stimulating audio all around them. If your child loves to crank the volume, try these as they include volume-limiting technology to help protect developing ears.
These do come with a built-in microphone so your little one can FaceTime with grandma completely free from distraction. So whether you’re heading out on a loud flight or are simply looking for something to help your child process excessively stimulating sounds, these noise-canceling headphones by Puro may be the perfect fit.
Users love these for their adjustable strap and have noted that they work great for children as young as 3 years old. Parents love the volume control and the protective case not to mention the ease it brings to children with autism.
What We Love
- Noise Canceling
- Good Design
- Perfect for an autistic child
- Travels Well
- Great For Short or Long Flights
Durability Score: 99/100
Availability Score: 99/100
Volume Control/Limitations Score: 99/100
Design Score: 93/100
Overall Score: 92.5/100
These are awesome to cancel out distracting noises!
10. ZOHAN EM030 Kids Ear Protection safety ear muffs
The ZOHAN EM030 Kids Ear Protection Safety Ear Muffs are a great option for any kid who needs to block out background noise, with an NRR rating of 28dB.
These headphones are durable in every way imaginable. The current listing price for these headphones is just $15.99; however, sometimes the price fluctuates so do check out Amazon for current pricing. The “Nebula” design is great for young ones, as well as teenagers. In addition, there are three other designs to choose from.
The ZOHAN Kids Ear Muffs have extra cushy, ultra foam ear pads for comfort, they do not have any metal components, and the headband is totally adjustable making it great for young babies from six months old or teenagers, and every age in between.
Whether you need to bring your child with autism to a crowded setting or simply need your child to get to work without distractions, these noise-canceling headphones are a great option. Individuals who reviewed the item love the noise-canceling feature and the comfortable materials.
What We Love
- Noise Canceling
- Volume Control
- Lightweight
Durability Score: 99/100
Availability Score: 99/100
Volume Control/Limitations Score: 99/100
Design Score: 90/100
Overall Score: 90.25/100
This is a great product for a great price.
