As parents, we all know how much kids love music, audiobooks, or watching cartoons on their tablets. But with so many headphones out there, finding the best kids headphones that are both safe and comfortable can feel overwhelming. Unlike adult headphones, children’s headphones need to be designed with volume limits to protect their little ears, soft padding for comfort, and durability to withstand everyday use.
According to the NHS and other child health experts, exposure to loud sounds for extended periods can harm a child’s hearing, making volume limiting headphones an important choice for safe listening. In this guide, I’ll walk you through my top picks for the best headphones for kids, with both wireless and wired options.
You’ll find a handy comparison table, detailed reviews of the best models, a buyer’s guide, and practical safety tips to help you make the right choice. Whether you’re after the best kids wireless headphones for travel or a simple wired pair for home learning, this guide has you covered.
Comparison Table Top Kids Headphones in 2025
| Product | Key Features | Price Range | Why I Recommend It |
| Belkin SoundForm Mini Wireless Bluetooth Kids Headphones | 30 hour battery, volume limit 85dB, Bluetooth 5.0 | £25–£35 | Light and portable, perfect for school or travel |
| JLab JBuddies Studio 2 Wireless On Ear Kids Headphones | 24 hour battery, comfy ear cushions, adjustable fit | £30–£40 | Great value, flexible for different ages |
| Puro Sound Labs PuroBasic Wired Headphones | Wired, 85dB volume limit, lightweight | £25–£35 | Safe starter headphones, simple plug and play |
| Snug Play+ Kids Headphones | Wired, foldable, sharing port | £15–£25 | Budget friendly, durable for younger kids |
| Puro Sound Labs BT2200 Plus Bluetooth Headphones | Premium build, 20 hour battery, advanced volume control | £80–£100 | Best sound quality, safe listening levels |
| iClever BTH12 Kids Bluetooth Headphones | LED lights, foldable, 40 hour battery | £25–£35 | Fun design with long battery life |
How I Picked These
When choosing the best headphones for kids, I focused on five key factors:
- Safety: Volume limiting to 85dB or less, in line with NHS hearing safety advice.
- Comfort: Adjustable headbands, cushioned ear pads for long listening sessions.
- Durability: Headphones that can handle a few drops and rough handling.
- Battery life: For wireless models, enough hours to last through school days or trips.
- Value for money: A balance between affordability and quality.
As a parent, I also considered real life use: portability for car rides, wired options for classrooms, and fun designs that make kids excited to use them.
Best Kids Headphones Reviews
Belkin SoundForm Mini Wireless Bluetooth Kids Headphones
Overview: These lightweight wireless headphones are designed for kids aged 3 and up. They feature safe 85dB volume limits, a 30 hour battery, and an easy to use design.
Pros
- Long battery life
- Comfortable fit
- Safe volume control
Cons
- Not as durable as premium models
Best for: Everyday use and school.
Parent Tip: “I love how Belkin made these super simple to use, even for younger kids.”
JLab JBuddies Studio 2 Wireless On Ear Kids Headphones
Overview: Stylish and affordable, these wireless headphones are a favourite for older kids, with cushioned ear pads and adjustable fit.
Pros
- 24 hour battery
- Foldable and portable
- Good value
Cons
- Sound quality is basic compared to premium brands
Best for: Parents on a budget looking for comfort and wireless convenience.
Puro Sound Labs PuroBasic Wired Volume Limiting Headphones
Overview: A safe, wired option with 85dB volume limiting, perfect for younger kids or classrooms.
Pros
- Lightweight design
- Safe listening levels
- Plug and play simplicity
Cons
- No wireless option
Best for: Younger children or school settings where wired is required.
Expert Tip: “For younger kids, wired headphones are sometimes safer as there’s no worry about battery charging or Bluetooth pairing.”
Snug Play+ Kids Headphones
Overview: A colourful and fun choice, these wired headphones are built to last. They include a sharing port so siblings can listen together.
Pros
- Affordable
- Sharing port for multiple users
- Foldable for travel
Cons
- Wired only
- Basic sound quality
Best for: Families on a budget with younger children.
Puro Sound Labs BT2200 Plus Volume Limited Kids’ Bluetooth Headphones
Overview: Premium Bluetooth headphones designed for maximum safety and high quality sound. With advanced volume controls and a sleek design, these are perfect for older children.
Pros
- Excellent audio quality
- Safe volume monitoring
- Sturdy build
Cons
- Higher price point
Best for: Parents wanting the best sound quality with safe listening.
iClever BTH12 Kids Bluetooth Headphones
Overview: A fun choice with colourful LED lights, long 40 hour battery, and foldable design. Great for kids who want something playful but still safe.
Pros
- LED light fun factor
- Very long battery life
- Foldable and portable
Cons
- LEDs may distract during study time
Best for: Kids who love style and parents who want long lasting battery.
Buyer’s Guide Choosing the Right Kids Headphones
When I was shopping for kids headphones, these were the things I wish I had known:
- Safety first: Always check for volume limiting (ideally max 85dB).
- Age appropriate fit: Small heads need adjustable and cushioned designs.
- Durability: Kids drop things, so flexibility and sturdy build are essential.
- Battery vs. wired: Wireless is great for travel, but wired can be more reliable for study.
- Budget: Expect to pay more for premium sound and build, but great affordable options exist.
Pro Tip: “ If your child uses headphones daily, invest in one durable, high quality pair instead of replacing cheap ones often.”
Safety & Extra Tips
The NHS advises parents to keep listening time in check and ensure headphones have volume limiting features. A good rule is the 60/60 rule: no more than 60 minutes at 60% volume.
For further reassurance, NICE guidelines on children’s hearing health also stress protecting kids from excessive noise exposure.
Parent Tip: “I set timers for my kids so they don’t use headphones for hours without breaks.”
FAQs
Are volume limiting headphones really safe?
Yes, they reduce the risk of hearing damage by keeping sound levels below 85dB, as advised by NHS experts.
Should I choose wired or wireless kids headphones?
Wired headphones are simple and reliable for classrooms, while wireless are more convenient for travel and play.
At what age can kids start using headphones?
Experts suggest around age 3+, provided the headphones are child safe, volume limited, and used under supervision.
Do kids need noise cancelling headphones?
Not always. For most children, basic padded headphones with safe volume limits are enough. Premium noise cancelling models are optional.
Conclusion
Finding the best headphones for kids comes down to safety, comfort, and durability. My top all rounder pick is the Belkin SoundForm Mini Wireless Bluetooth Kids Headphones affordable, safe, and reliable for everyday use.
I know choosing the right pair can feel stressful, but I hope this guide makes it easier and gives you confidence to pick headphones that your kids will love and that will keep their hearing safe.
