If you’ve ever had to listen to your pipsqueak’s favourite app or episode over and over (and over!) again, you’ll know that a pair of kids’ headphones can be a parent’s sanity saver.
But in addition to bringing peace to the rest of the family, specially designed child-friendly headphones can have big benefits for littlies as well, such as helping with relaxation after busy days and improving concentration when they’re on their tablets.
They look pretty darn cute on little noggins too.
What to look for when buying headphones for kids
A cool set of headphones goes beyond looks. Here are some of the key points to consider when you’re scouting out the best kids headphones:
Safe volume limit: Safe volume limits ensure your little one can’t play apps, games and music at dangerous levels that could adversely affect their hearing.
Comfort: Sometimes kids wear their headphones for quite a while, especially during flights and road trips, so ensure they are well padded and comfy against growing ears.
Adjustable band: If you’re after a pair of headphones to see you through many years, lookout for a pair with a band that easily adjusts and can grow with your child.
Wireless or corded: Both styles are widely available nowadays, with a wireless connection to the device via Bluetooth. Cordless can be great for younger kids who move about more, but keep in mind that they will need to be charged.
11 cool headphones for kids
To help you track down the best pair of kid-friendly headphones, we’ve searched the country and rounded up 11 of our favourites. In no particular order, here they are.
iClever
iClever Kids’ Bluetooth Headphones ($51.99)
With stereo sound, limited volume and LED lights, these headphones definitely stand out in the crowd. They have cushy memory-foam ear cushions for max comfort and no cords thanks to Bluetooth connectivity.
Puro Sound Labs
Puro Sound Labs BT2200 Kids’ Headphones ($185)
For big style and brilliant sound, these are tough to top. They come with one-touch Bluetooth pairing and offer important volume-limiting ear protection for safe listening. Loving the metallic finish on these numbers.
Rockpapa
Rockpapa Comfort Stereo Kids’ Headphones ($25.99)
Perfect for the growing kidlet, these over-ear headphones are suitable for little ones aged 6-12 years. They have eco-leather foam cushions, a 1.5m cord to fit most devices, and they come in six unmissable colours.
Planet Buddies
Planet Buddies Kids’ Headphones ($61.12)
Sweet and safe, these are noise-limited to 85db and built tough to withstand inevitable knocks and drops. And for the kids who already have phones, they have an in-line mic and control button to answer calls.
ONANOFF waterproof headphones
ONANOFF Buddyphones Wave Kids’ Headphones ($101.83)
Seriously fun, uber comfy and…wait for it…waterproof! That’s right, the kids can even swim with these award-winning headphones on. They feature four volume settings and a battery that can go 20 hours on a charge.
MOKI
MOKI Kid Safe Volume Headphones (from $17.70)
Bright, cute and functional. These on-ear headphones come with padded ear cups, a handy adjustable headband for fast-growing kidlets and a restricted volume level of 89 decibels. They’re perfect from tot to teen.
Cat Ears Headphones
Cat Ears Bluetooth Wireless Headsets for Kids ($45)
With light-up LED cat ears, the kids won’t want to take these off in a hurry! They come in a choice of five shades and are equipped with crystal-clear sound, Bluetooth connectivity and ergonomic ear pads.
JBL
JBL JR300BT Kids’ Headphones ($69.95)
Massively popular with mini musos, these wireless kids’ headphones come with 12-hour battery life, an adjustable band and are equipped with safe-sound technology for rocking out without any risk to ears.
PicassoTiles
PicassoTiles Kids’ Headphones ($42.95)
Headphones, headband and a sleep mask! Unlike regular headphones, PicassoTiles have noise-limited speakers tucked into pockets within the headband. Clever, right? They’re lightweight and perfect for littlies as young as three.
LilGadgets
LilGadgets Wireless Untangled Pro ($47.68)
These cord-free kids’ headphones come with a one-of-a-kind SharePort feature that lets littlies link up multiple headphones to one device. (Hello, movies!) They also happen to come in every colour of the rainbow.
Ems for Kids
Ems for Kids Audio Headphones ($48.95)
From the brand responsible for some of the cutest ear muffs around comes kids’ headphones specifically made to protect cherubs from Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL). They’re comfy, cool and come with their own carry case.
This article is curated by our Editors and includes affiliates and/or paid inclusions. See our Disclosure Policy.
Know a brand of kid-friendly headphones we should add to our list? Contact us and let us know.
Read next …
Looking for more cool tech for kids? From tablets packed with features to clever clocks, here are a few articles that you might like to read next:
- 10 cool kids watches
- 10 kids tablets that entertain and educate
- 6 sleep training clocks to end the 5am wake-ups
Continue your search for the best headphones for kids
Looking for kid-friendly headphones and still not sure if any of these are right for you? Search online by jumping into one of our closed Facebook groups and ask thousands of other Australian mums what they recommend – ‘What to buy’ is the most talked-about topic.
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