As the world becomes increasingly digital, kids are exposed to a plethora of audio content, from educational apps to their favorite music and movies. In such a soundscape, headphones for kids play a crucial role. They not only provide a personal and immersive listening experience but also protect young ears from excessive noise levels. But with a multitude of options on the market, parents often find themselves navigating a maze of choices. Are wireless headphones better than wired ones? Should you invest in headphones with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)? Which brands are reliable? This comprehensive guide will answer these questions and help you find the best headphones for kids.
Quick Preview: Best Headphones for Kids
 | Sony WH-CH700N Wireless Bluetooth HeadphoneBy Sony | Check Price |
 | boAt Rockid Rush Wireless Headphones for KidsBy boAT | Check Price |
 | Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700By Bose | Check Price |
 | JBL JR 300BT Kids Wireless HeadphonesBy JBL | Check Price |
 | Zebronics-Bang HeadphonesBy Zebronics | Check Price |
 | Belkin Wireless Kids Headphones with MicBy Belkin | Check Price |
 | JVC HA-KD10W Wireless Tinyphones for KidsBy JVC | Check Price |
 | Skullcandy Crusher Bluetooth Wireless Headphone with MicBy Skullcanday | Check Price |
 | Yamaha HPH-100B Wired Headphone with MicBy Yamaha | Check Price |
 | JLab JBuddies Pro Wireless Kids HeadphonesBy JLab | Check Price |
Wireless versus Wired Headphones for Kids
Wireless Headphones:
Wireless headphones, which connect to devices via Bluetooth, offer several advantages for kids:
- Mobility: They allow kids to move freely without the restriction of cables, making them ideal for active children.
- Comfort: Wireless headphones are often lightweight and comfortable for extended use.
- Safety: No wires mean fewer tripping hazards, reducing the risk of accidents.
Wired Headphones:
Wired headphones, while seemingly less trendy, have their own set of advantages:
- No Battery Concerns: Wired headphones do not require charging, ensuring uninterrupted use.
- Reliability: They typically offer stable connections without the potential for Bluetooth dropouts.
- Affordability: Wired options are usually more budget-friendly compared to wireless models.
Should You Buy Headphones with ANC for Kids?
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology is a feature found in many high-end headphones. While it can be beneficial for adults, its suitability for children is debatable:
- Pros of ANC: ANC can reduce ambient noise, providing a more immersive listening experience and protecting young ears from loud environments like airplanes.
- Cons of ANC: ANC headphones tend to be more expensive. Additionally, some experts advise against using ANC in children under the age of 12, as it might affect their awareness of the surrounding environment.
Ultimately, the decision to buy ANC headphones for your child depends on factors like age, intended use, and budget. If your child is below 15 and would mostly use the headphones while walking/riding, our strong recommendation is to NOT buy an ANC headphone.
Best Headphones for Kids
Sony WH-CH700N Wireless Bluetooth Headphone
| Brand | Sony |
| Product Weight | 241 Grams |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium Metal batteries required. (included) |
| Hardware Platform | Smartphone |
| Special Features | Noise Cancelling |
| Mounting Hardware | Cable, Ear Cushions, Headband |
| Microphone format | Built-In |
| Headphones form factor | Over Ear |
| Cable feature | Without Cable |
| Connector Type | Wireless |
| Material | Plastic |
The first headphones on the list of the best headphones for kids are the Sony WH-CH700N Wireless Bluetooth Over the Ear Headphone. The Wireless Noise Cancelling (WNC) feature of these headphones can eliminate unwanted noise as you listen to lectures or enjoy music. The Artificial Intelligence Noise Cancellation (AINC) analyses background sound and adjusts it for optimal performance in other noisy environments. Just press and hold the NC button on your headphones to activate it.
The Near Field Communication (NFC) technology helps you select NFC-enabled devices to the on-body N-mark for a quick, seamless connection, then start streaming content via Bluetooth connection. You can also manually connect your non-NFC devices.
These headphones keep your music playing all day. A built-in Li-ion battery delivers up to 35 hours of power and is rechargeable via USB. A quick charging feature gives 60 mins of playback from 10 minutes of charge. When an original music source is compressed, it loses the high-frequency elements that add detail and richness to your favourite tracks. The Digital Sound Enhancement Engine (DSEE) of these headphones restores them to produce a high-quality sound that’s closer to the original recording.
boAt Rockid Rush Wireless Headphones for Kids
| Brand | boAt |
| Colour | Aqua |
| Form Factor | Over ear |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium Polymer batteries required. (included) |
| Connectivity Type | Bluetooth |
| Hardware Platform | Smartphone |
| Included Components | User Manual, Rockid Rush, Warranty Card, Charging Cable |
| Item Weight | 150 g |
The next headphones on the list of the best headphones for kids are the boAT Rockid Rush Wireless Headphones for Kids. Your child can have fun playing games and watching new cartoons using Rockid Rush. Its up to 10 hours of playback time gives extensive performance and reduces the need for frequent charging.
As kids may not be aware of loud volumes, these headphones have an inbuilt audio limit of 85 dB. This helps in protecting their hearing by enforcing a safe volume level. Sporting 30 mm drivers, these headphones deliver optimal sound quality for calls, movies, and music. In addition, the drivers are uniquely tuned for your child’s comfort.
These headphones are designed with cushioned earcups for long-term comfort. This way, Rockid Rush provides a snug fit when worn for long hours at a stretch. Even if your child has regular online lectures to attend, they won’t feel discomfort while wearing these headphones. The lightweight design is especially convenient while traveling long distances.
Integrated with Bluetooth v5.3 connectivity, these headphones provide an uninterrupted connection for up to 10 m. So, kids can enjoy video calls with their friends or relatives without the hassle of tangled wires. Because of the USB Type-C interface, you don’t need to worry about finding the correct charging orientation. Furthermore, the charging process is faster, so your child won’t have to wait too long to use their Rockid Rush headphones.
With a single press, your child can command Siri or Google Assistant with their voice and complete tasks easily. Through Instant Voice Assistant activation, they can place a call, open an app, and do more.
Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700
| Brand | Bose |
| Product Weight | 249 Grams |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium Polymer batteries required. (included) |
| Memory Storage Capacity | 1 GB |
| Hardware Interface | 3.5mm Audio |
| Compatible Devices | Bluetooth Devices |
| Special Features | Noise Cancelling, Bluetooth, 4 Mic |
| Mounting Hardware | USB Charging Cable, Audio Cable and Carrying Case |
| Microphone format | 4 Mic |
| Headphones form factor | Over ear |
| Battery Average Life | 20 Hours |
| Connector Type | Bluetooth |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Maximum Operating Distance | 10 Metres |
Bose Noise Cancelling headphones 700 deliver an immersive listening experience at any volume with signature active EQ and impressive bass response. Whether you’re listening at low volumes or really want to turn it up, your music sounds just as it should.
Get the most from your smartphone while it stays in your pocket. Bose Headphones 700 provides easy access to voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant. They feature an unrivaled microphone system for voice pickup. And they have Bose AR, a first-of-its-kind audio augmented reality platform.
Listen comfortably for hours – a streamlined, lightweight stainless-steel headband and angled ear cups make for a perfect fit as these headphones give up to 20 hours of wireless battery life and time-based power information. Stay connected to the world without reaching for your phone, intuitive touch controls on the ear cups keep everything simple.
Bose headphones 700 feature an unrivaled four-microphone system that picks up and isolates your voice while canceling the noise around you. These headphones are also optimized for Amazon Alexa and the Google Assistant.
JBL JR 300BT Kids Wireless Headphones
| Product Dimensions | 21 x 18 x 4 cm; 113 Grams |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium Polymer batteries required (included) |
| Special Features | Wireless |
| Mounting Hardware | Cable, Ear Cushions, Headband |
| Speaker connectivity | Wireless |
| Form Factor | Over ear, On ear |
| Cable feature | Without cable |
| Connector Type | Bluetooth |
| Material | Plastic |
| Item Weight | 113 g |
The next headphones on the list of the best headphones for kids are the JBL JR 300BT Kids On-Ear wireless headphones. These headphones are safe, lightweight, and sized for kids. The JBL JR300BT wireless headphones deliver up to 12 hours of legendary JBL sound and fun for the youngest music fans. Headphones are designed to ensure the volume is always below 85dB to protect hearing and easy controls can be operated without any help.
They also offer decently low wireless latency, particularly on Android devices, so they can watch videos without having to contend with an audio cable getting in the way. These headphones don’t block out that much in the way of background noise, which may be helpful if you want your child to be able to hear what you’re saying.
Zebronics-Bang Headphones
| Model | Zeb-Bang |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium Polymer batteries required. (included) |
| Hardware Platform | Smartphone |
| Special Features | AUX Function, Adjustable Headband, Media/Volume control, Wireless BT, Voice assistant support |
| Mounting Hardware | User Manual-1 unit, Charging cable-1 unit |
| Microphone format | Built-In |
| Headphones form factor | On ear |
| Cable feature | Without cable |
| Connector Type | Wireless |
| Weight | 320 Grams |
The Zebronics-Bang over-the-ear headphones are designed for portability. The headphone comes in a foldable design easier to tuck into a backpack or sling bag. Be at your comfort best with a headband that comes in an adjustable structure with comfortable ear cups
Enjoy stable connection & streaming with low latency Superior Sound Quality: Hear your music with deep bass and superior sound quality like never before. Control your phone’s media & volume without taking out your phone as the headphone comes with keys for media & volume control.
Podcasts, audiobooks, and music do it all with 16 hours of playback time. With a longer battery hour enjoy online conferences, online classes, and calls hands-free with the built-in mic.
Belkin Wireless Kids Headphones with Mic
| Hardware Platform | Tablet |
| Special Features | Android Phone Control, Volume-Control, Microphone Feature, iOS Phone Control |
| Mounting Hardware | Bluetooth headphones, Micro USB charging cable |
| Microphone format | Built-In |
| Cable feature | Detachable, Without Cable |
| Connector Type | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Material | Plastic |
| Form Factor | Over Ear, Over ear |
| Item Weight | 136 g |
The next headphones on the list of the best headphones for kids are the Belkin Wireless Kids Headphones. Young listeners can enjoy premium audio, too. These wireless on-ear headphones offer great sound with a built-in volume limiter for safety.
Keep your kids’ ears comfortable and protected with premium wireless on-ear headphones designed just for them. Whether they’re doing schoolwork online or watching videos in the back seat, easy pairing and intuitive controls are perfect even for young kids, while a volume cap of 85dB keeps them safe during longer listening sessions.
A battery life of up to 30 hours means you only need to recharge once a week, and durability testing up to 2 years keeps them safe from spills and accidents. Designed to work with popular distance learning devices and apps, and includes an optional wired connection.
JVC HA-KD10W Wireless Tinyphones for Kids
| Brand | JVC |
| Batteries 1 | Lithium Polymer batteries required. (included) |
| Product Weight | 110 Grams |
| Wireless | Yes |
| Remote and Microphone | Yes |
| Form Factor | On Ear |
| Sound Pressure Level | Max. 85dB (Based on EN71-1) |
The HA-KD10W headphones are designed by people who love music, and engineered with passion to enhance your music listening experience. These wireless headphones are perfect for kids online learning, allowing them to move around freely without distracting wires.
The Active Volume Limiter reduces sound pressure levels to 85dB* to protect kids’ ears from loud sounds. Music can be enjoyed with a sound level and quality that is safe for children’s emotional development. The HA-KD10W headphones are lightweight with soft earpads and include a built-in 16-hour rechargeable battery, perfect for long periods of use.
The headband fit is adjustable with a 7-step memory. This ensures the best and most comfortable fit to the child’s head. The headband is both flexible and durable even when pulled by kids.
Skullcandy Crusher Bluetooth Wireless Headphone with Mic
| Brand | Skullcandy |
| Product Weight | 308.66 Grams |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium Metal batteries required |
| Memory Storage Capacity | 1 GB |
| Special Features | Noise Cancelling |
| Mounting Hardware | USB Charging Cable, User Manual |
| Microphone format | Built-In |
| Headphones form factor | Over Ear |
| Battery Average Life | 24 Hours |
| Cable feature | Detachable |
| Connector Type | Wireless |
| Material | Plastic |
The next headphones on the list of the best headphones for kids are Skullcandy Crusher Bluetooth Wireless Over-Ear Headphone. These headphones are with absolutely everything – Personal Sound and Skull-iQ plus a blend of adjustable 4-mic digital ANC and Crusher Bass that’s so perfect, we had it patented. Turn off the world and lose yourself in the full sound you can feel.
Skull-iQ Smart Feature technology of these headphones lets you choose from five different languages to control audio functions like play, pause, next track, volume, and even Crusher Bass level using only your voice. It also adds updates and features as they become available through the Skull-iQ App.
Everyone’s hearing is different – that’s why Crusher ANC 2 features Personal Sound by Mimi. By taking a short hearing test, you’ll create a personalized sound profile which the Skull-iQ App uses to tune your headphones to your unique hearing. You’ll pick up on details in your music that you never even knew were there.
YAMAHA HPH-100B Wired Headphone with Mic
| Brand | Yamaha |
| Product Weight | 180 Grams |
| Special Features | With Microphone |
| Mounting Hardware | Cable, Headband |
| Microphone format | With microphone |
| Cable feature | Detachable |
| Connector Type | Wired |
| Material | Plastic |
| Form Factor | Over Ear |
The next headphones on the list of the best headphones for kids are Yamaha HPH-100B wired headphones. These headphones with a pleasing sound quality, delivering powerful sound and rich tone. These headphones deliver quality sound with a carefully balanced bass and treble that is intensely satisfying to the listener, whether playing back recorded media or performing on a digital instrument.
The Yamaha HPH-100B wired headphones utilize a single-cable configuration that prevents annoying clutter around the player’s neck and gives comfortable listening for extended periods. These headphones feature a swivel mechanism that allows the driver unit to turn 90 degrees to fit the angle of your ears, and a headband that allows smooth adjustment of its length.
These compact fashionable headphones are available in black or white to match your instrument. These headphones provide a single cable configuration and a stereo plug for easy, convenient connection. The single 2-meter cable configuration of the HPH-100 with durable gold-plated plugs on all connectors ensures stress-free performance and allows easy connection to your musical instrument.
JLab JBuddies Pro Wireless Kids Headphones
| Item Weight | 6.8 ounces |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium Polymer batteries required. (included) |
| Color | Multicolor |
| Form Factor | Over ear |
| Connectivity Technology | Wireless |
| Speaker | Φ40mm Dynamic, Neodymium Magnet, 20Hz-20kHz, 32Ω ± 15%, 85dB/ 95 dB |
| Microphone | MEMS, – 42dB±3dB |
| Battery Life | 35+ Hours |
The last headphones on the list of the best headphones for kids are the JLab JBuddies Pro. These headphones are great for older kids with a large. Over-ear design, the new JBuddies Pro offers the ease of Bluetooth and the versatility to go wired at school or while traveling. With a 35+ Hour battery life, JBuddies Pro provides all-day comfort for school or home with JLab’s over-ear Cloud Foam Cushions and Form-Fit earcups.
Using a Shareport, two kids can listen to their favorite music or watch a movie with the built-in together. Keep young ears safe with a volume regulator so the kids can listen to music at 85db and below, perfect for sensitive and growing ears. The built-in controls and microphone help kids go from wired to wireless quickly and simply.
Form-fit earcups are ergonomically shaped to the natural outline of the ear. The 1” Cloud Foam cushions and adjustable hinges further customize comfort for your child. Perfect for homework, traveling, or class. Simply connect through any Bluetooth device and they’ll stay focused or entertained for hours on end (and you can get things done too).
For easy kid-friendly use, all the controls are located on the bottom of the earcup. Their little fingers will be able to play, pause, volume up or down, track forward, and track back without any frustration. The included AUX cord can be plugged into the device when you forget to recharge or if you want to watch a movie on the flight or do work at school. JBuddies Pro easily transitions from wireless to wired.
What Makes a Good Headphone for Kids?
There are many types of headphones for kids available in the market. The following points should be considered while choosing the best one for your kids.
- Comfortability: The best headphones for kids need to fit comfortably, so they’ll acquiesce to wearing them, but a children’s pair must also deliver quality sound at a safe decibel level.
- Volume-Limiting Headphones: According to experts, the safe decibel limit for headphones should be between 60 dB – and 85 dB. For kids, it should not be more than 70 dB. Always choose volume-limiting headphones so that you can set the maximum limit.
- Wired or Wireless: The choice between wired or wireless depends on how your child likes to use their headphones. If they’re moving around a lot, wireless is the better choice.
- Special Features: Headphones come with different features such as foldable, noise blocking, and different colour and designs. While selecting a headphone for your kid, check your requirements and your kid’s taste.
- Noise-Canceling: Decide if ANC is necessary based on your child’s environment and age.
- Parental Controls: Some headphones come with parental control apps that allow you to set usage limits and monitor activity.
FAQs
Which headphone is good for kids?
There are many headphones available in the market. Some of the best headphones for kids are Sony WH-CH700N Wireless Bluetooth Headphone, boAt Rockid Rush Wireless Headphones for Kids, Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700, JBL JR 300BT Kids Wireless Headphones, Zebronics-Bang Headphones, Belkin Wireless Kids Headphones with Mic, JVC HA-KD10W Wireless Tinyphones for Kids, Skullcandy Crusher Bluetooth Wireless Headphone with Mic, and YAMAHA HPH-100B Wired Headphone with Mic.
At what age should children use headphones?
There is no specific age recommended for most headphones or headsets, however, experts recommend the safe decibel limit for headphones should be between 60 dB – and 85 dB. For kids, it should not be more than 70 dB. Always choose volume-limiting headphones so that you can set the maximum limit.
Are wireless headphones safe for kids?
Yes, wireless headphones with volume-limiting features are safe for kids. Ensure the headphones you choose have adequate volume controls.
What age is suitable for ANC headphones?
Experts recommend avoiding ANC headphones for children under the age of 12 due to concerns about their awareness of the surrounding environment.
Why do kids need headphones?
Whether listening to soothing music or listening to audiobooks, headphones help kids stay focused. Everyone can benefit from being able to pay more attention and learn more effectively.
Conclusion
Choosing the best headphones for your child involves considering factors like age, comfort, safety features, and intended use. Whether you opt for wireless or wired, with or without ANC, there are plenty of options available to ensure your child enjoys a quality audio experience while protecting their hearing health. By making an informed choice, you can provide your child with a safe and enjoyable listening experience.
