A good set of headphones for kids can be a lifesaver when traveling or when you’re simply tired of hearing the same song on repeat. However, it’s important to find a set that is specifically designed for kids. Besides their heads being too small to fit most adult headphones, children’s hearing doesn’t fully develop until their teen years, and injury to their hearing can occur if they listen to music too loudly. For this reason, we’ve given preference to headphones that have volume-limiting capabilities to help keep children’s hearing safe.
All of these headphones are fun choices for kids to use while listening to their entertainment of choice. All styles shown have a 3.5mm audio cable and are compatible with devices that have a standard 3.5mm audio jack. You will need an Apple headphone adapter for these to work with newer iPhones and Apple products that have the Lightning port.
We reviewed dozens of headphones for kids to identify the best of the best. We considered factors such as maximum volume control, Bluetooth capabilities, durability, and more. All of these headphones can be purchased online at Amazon.
LilGadgets Kids Premium Volume Limited Wired Headphones are our top pick. The volume-limiting technology protects your child’s developing hearing while the SharePort lets two people listen to the same device without needing a splitter. Add in the benefits from an adjustable headband and padded earpieces that fold for easy storage, and you’ve got a great pair of headphones for younger kids.
The 5 Top-Rated Headphones for Kids
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Headphones for Kids Overall | LilGadgets Kids Premium Volume Limited Wired Headphones | 4.2 |
| Best Wireless Headphones for Kids | Wireless 85db Volume Limited Children's Headphones | 4.4 |
| Best Budget Headphones for Kids | iClever Kids Wired Headphones | 4.5 |
| Best Wired Headphones for Kids | Mpow CH6 Kids Headphones | 4.6 |
| Best Light Up Headphones for Kids | Riwbox WT-7S Light Up Bluetooth Headphones | 4.6 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Best Headphones for Kids Overall: LilGadgets Kids Premium Volume Limited Wired Headphones
The LilGadgets Kids Premium Volume Limited Wired Headphones are sized to fit smaller kids and are a great option for children ages 3-7. These volume-limiting headphones cap the volume at a max of 93 dB to prevent kids from listening to music too loudly and damaging their hearing, but still have a range of 20Hz to 20kHz for excellent quality. They’re constructed from high-quality polycarbonate materials which make them lightweight and durable, and they are covered in SoftTouch fabric with a padded headband and earpieces for extra comfort. They’re also foldable and won’t take up much space in a backpack or carry on suitcase.
The 4-foot long audio cable is detachable to prevent damage from tugging and is covered in a braided nylon sheath for extra protection. The audio cable includes a microphone and has a standard 3.5mm audio jack on each end. These headphones also have a SharePort that can be connected to another set of headphones so two people can listen to the same device without the need for a splitter.
The LilGadgets company also puts a portion of each purchase toward bullying prevention in schools through its partner organizations. Reviewers love that these headphones are great for smaller kids and that they are made with the removable cable that won’t break with rough play. They also love that you can connect two sets of headphones so more than one kid can listen to a device at once.
LilGadgets Kids Premium Volume Limited Wired Headphones Key Features:
- SharePort means two people can listen without a splitter
- Volume control maxes out volume at 93 dB
- Padded and sized for younger kids’ heads and ears
Best Wireless Headphones for Kids: Wireless 85db Volume Limited Children’s Headphones
If you’re looking for headphones for kids without a cord, the Wireless 85db Volume Limited Children’s Headphones are an excellent choice. They come with a 500mAh lithium-ion battery that can last 6-8 hours before it needs to be recharged. And if the battery happens to die while your kids are in the middle of a movie or listening to music, they can also use the included audio cable to continue their entertainment. The battery fully recharges in two to three hours.
These headphones are volume limiting with a maximum of 85 dB that protect your child’s hearing but still provide high-quality sound. An adjustable and padded headband, padded earpieces, and a foldable structure make these headphones both comfortable and easy to store.
They come in a variety of colors such as pink, blue, green, and purple so your kids can pick their favorite option. These headphones fit most kids between the ages of 3-16 with adjustable sizing. Reviewers like that these headphones come with a volume control indicator that flashes so you know the sound is on. They also appreciate that the Bluetooth connection is easy to set up.
Wireless 85db Volume Limited Children’s Headphones Key Features:
- Volume limit at 85 dB
- Battery lasts 6-8 hours before needing to be recharged
- Adjustable headband and padded cushions provide comfort
Best Budget Headphones for Kids: iClever Kids Wired Headphones
The iClever Kids Wired Headphones are built for durability. The adjustable stainless steel headband is covered in a nonslip foam to provide comfort, and the cushioned earpieces won’t squish your child’s ears. These headphones are lightweight and can put up with being grabbed, squished, and bent by kids without being damaged.
The built-in volume-limiting circuitry maxes out the volume at 94 dB to minimize the risk of hearing damage for kids. The audio cable is covered in nylon fabric and is built to withstand a moderate amount of pulling and tugging without breaking. It also won’t become tangled like the typical audio cables you find on adult headphones.
The adjustable headband expands to fit kids ages three and up, and the headphones are foldable to make for easy traveling. They fit into a standard headphone jack and come in a variety of bright colors that kids will love. Reviewers like the adjustable sizing of the headphones and say they can fit kids between three and seven years old with room to grow.
iClever Kids Wired Headphones Key Features:
- Caps volume at 94 dB
- Cushioned adjustable headband and ear cushions
- Audio cable covered in durable nylon fabric
Best Wired Headphones for Kids: Mpow CH6 Kids Headphones
Another great pair of wired headphones with excellent volume control is the Mpow CH6 Kids Headphones. These headphones have a built-in volume control switch that can be easily turned on to limit the volume to 85 dB to protect hearing. For louder places like airplanes and cars, the volume control can be switched off by the press of a button, and the volume maximum will increase to 95 dB. These headphones are also capable of taking calls from smartphones and include a built-in microphone on the audio cable.
Another great feature on these headphones is the sharing port, where another set of headphones can be plugged directly into this set so two people can listen to the same device without needing a splitter. The padded earmuffs are comfortable on kids’ ears and the extending headband allows these headphones to grow with your child. The headband is covered in soft pleather material for added comfort and is easily adjustable to fit kids ages 3-16. The folding design makes it easy to carry in a backpack or bag. Reviewers love how comfortable these headphones are and that they adjust to fit children of different ages and sizes.
Mpow CH6 Kids Headphones Key Features:
- Includes volume control switch that limits volume to 85 dB
- Built-in microphone and call capabilities
- Adjustable headband sized for kids’ heads
Best Light Up Headphones for Kids: Riwbox WT-7S Light Up Bluetooth Headphones
If you’re looking for some extra fun, these foldable, wireless Riwbox WT-7S Light Up Bluetooth Headphones have LED lights installed on the sides that flash in patterns that match the frequency of the music. And while kids love the lights, you have the option to turn them off when needed, which helps extend the battery life.
The Bluetooth capability easily pairs with devices, and the headphones can be used with the included audio cable if they run out of battery. Easy to reach switches are located on the side of the headphones to control volume and change to the next or previous songs. There’s also a play/pause button that can take calls if connected to a smartphone.
This is the one option on our list that doesn’t have built-in maximum volume control. If you’re concerned about your children listening to music too loudly, you’ll have to monitor them or control the sound directly from the device that these headphones are connected to. Reviewers like how these headphones are very lightweight and don’t squish their kids’ ears. They say their kids love the flashing lights and cordless capabilities.
Riwbox WT-7S Light Up Bluetooth Headphones Key Features:
- LED lights on sides of headphones flash in time to music
- Foldable headphones for easy travel and storage
- Can be used as both wireless and wired headphones
Who Should Buy Headphones for Kids
So why buy kids’ headphones instead of regular headphones for your children? Kids’ headphones are sized smaller to fit children’s heads. Most kids’ headphones have volume control and maximum volume limits, and they come in fun bright colors that appeal to children.
Parents who are concerned about the safety of their kids’ hearing should consider purchasing kid-specific headphones with max volume-limiting capabilities. The volume limits will help protect your kids’ hearing from being damaged from prolonged exposure to loud sounds.
These headphones are all sized and made specifically for kids, so if you’re looking for adult-sized headphones take a look at our list of The Best Over Ear Headphones or The Best Wireless Headphones.
Important Features to Consider
Kids’ headphones should have a few important features. Here’s what to consider when selecting headphones for kids:
- Volume limiter. Not all headphones made for kids have a volume limiter built-in, but this is one of the most important features to consider when choosing kids’ headphones. Look for kids’ headphones that limit the decibels so that your kids can’t play music or listen to shows loud enough to cause hearing damage.
- Travel friendly. Headphones that fold up or are a smaller size are easy to stick in backpacks, suitcases, and travel bags. If portability is a big factor in choosing headphones, look for ones that are compact or fold up to easily store. Wireless headphones are also easier to travel with since they don’t have long cords that can get tangled, but they will need to be recharged when the batteries die.
- Durability. Kids are rough on their belongings. Kids headphones are made to withstand being dropped and having the cords yanked and pulled more than adult headphones. They are also cushioned and padded to provide comfort while kids are wearing them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe for kids to use headphones?
It’s safe for kids to wear and use headphones as long as the volume is not too loud, and headphones are not used for a prolonged time. Hearing damage for both kids and adults can happen if you listen to sounds that are too loud for too long. However, kids are at a greater risk for hearing damage since their ear canals are shorter and aren’t fully developed yet.
Researchers at Boston Children’s Hospital recommend kids listen to headphones with the volume no higher than 60 percent of the potential volume, and to limit the listening time to one hour at a time.
What is a safe decibel level for kids?
The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders says that long or repeated exposer to sounds at or above 85 decibels (dBA) can cause hearing loss. While a normal conversation ranges from 60-70 dBA, listening to music through headphones can reach 94-110 dBA. Therefore, it’s important to make sure your kids (and teenagers) are listening to their music, movies, and shows below 85 decibels.
An easy test is to ask your child a question while standing about an arm’s length away. If they can’t hear you while listening to their headphones, the volume is too loud. Similarly, if you can hear the music coming from their headphones from 3 feet away, it’s too loud.
Can toddlers use headphones?
Yes, toddlers can use headphones, but it’s even more important to protect their hearing and make sure they aren’t listening to their headphones with the volume too loud. Toddlers’ hearing is still developing and can easily become damaged through prolonged exposure to loud sounds. Their ear canals are also smaller than older kids or adults, which means sounds are louder for them.
Look for headphones that are volume limiting or have volume lock controls to make sure the volume isn’t too loud. And always keep an eye on toddlers while they’re using headphones to make sure they don’t accidentally or intentionally turn the volume too loud.
How long should you use headphones?
The Boston Children’s Hospital recommends taking a break from listening to headphones every hour to give your kids ears a rest. Additionally, the louder the music is played, the more frequent breaks should be taken to prevent hearing damage.
Other Headphones for Kids We Reviewed
We looked at 20 other sets of headphones for kids. Even though they didn’t make our 5 best headphones for kids list, they’re the best of the rest and each is still a great option. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.
Wired Kids Headphones
AmazonBasics Volume Limited Wired Over-Ear Headphones for Kids
These wired headphones have volume-limiting capabilities and have 2 audio ports so multiple headphones can be connected.
Key Features:
- Limits volume at 94 dB
- Two 3.5mm ports allow for daisy-chaining so more than one person can listen
- Includes detachable audio cable
- Comes in multiple colors
Cost: $21
These brightly colored headphones come in a variety of color combinations and fold up for easy carrying.
Key Features:
- Adjustable band is comfortable for kids’ heads
- Folding design is convenient to pack in backpacks or bags
- Cloth-covered cord is difficult to tangle
- Comes in multiple colors
Cost: $15
iClever Boostcare Cat Ear Kids Headphones
These cute cat ear headphones have two levels of volume protection and can limit sounds to 85 dB and 94 dB.
Key Features:
- Has volume-limiting settings at 85 dB and at 94 dB to protect kids hearing
- Includes built-in microphone
- Cute cat ear design
- Comes in multiple colors
Cost: $15
Jelly Comb Lightweight Foldable Kids Headphones
The cushioned ear pads and foldable design make these headphones cute and comfortable.
Key Features:
- Includes built-in microphone and track changer
- Cushioned earpads offer comfort
- Foldable design for easy storage
- Comes in multiple colors
Cost: $14
KidMoments K12 Kids Headphones
These folding headphones are easy to travel with, and the 85 dB volume limit will protect your kids from listening to music too loudly.
Key Features:
- Limits volume at 85 dB to protect kids hearing
- Folding design makes it easy to store and travel
- BPA free and made of food-grade plastic materials
- Nylon fabric cord prevents tangling
- Comes in multiple colors
Cost: $8
LilGadgets Connect+ PRO Kids Premium Volume Limited Wired Headphones
These wired headphones have volume-limiting capabilities and 2 audio ports so multiple headphones can be connected. They also fold and can be easily stored in a backpack or suitcase.
Key Features:
- Limits volume at 93 dB
- SharePort allows for daisy-chaining headphones so more than one person can listen
- Includes detachable nylon covered audio cable and carrying pouch
- Folding design for easy storage
- Comes in multiple colors
Cost: $27
Mpow CH8 Kids Headphones with Microphone 2-Pack
This 2 pack of headphones includes a splitter that makes it easy to share. They also limit the volume at 91 dB and include a built-in microphone.
Key Features:
- Limits volume at 91 dB
- Tangle-free nylon audio cable
- Built-in microphone
- 2 pack of headphones comes with a splitter for easy sharing
- Foldable design for easy travel
- Comes in multiple colors
Cost: $23
These wired headphones have cushioned earpieces and an extendable headband for comfort, and they fold for easy storage.
Key Features:
- Tangle-free nylon braided audio cable
- Lightweight foldable design saves space when storing
- Cushioned ear pieces and extendable band for comfort
- Comes in multiple colors
Cost: $9
Noot Products K11 Foldable Kids Headphones
These compact headphones are travel-ready, while the nylon braided cable won’t get tangled when thrown into a backpack.
Key Features:
- Nylon braided audio cable
- Lightweight foldable design saves space when storing
- Cushioned ear pieces and extendable band for comfort
- Comes in multiple colors
Cost: $13
ONTA Foldable Lightweight Kids Headphones
Cute and comfortable, these kids’ headphones come in several colors and fold for easy storage and travel.
Key Features:
- Lightweight foldable design
- Soft ear cushions and adjustable headband
- Comes in multiple colors
Cost: $11
POWMEE M1 Kids Wired Headphones
The cushioned earpieces and headband make these kids headphones extra comfortable.
Key Features:
- Nylon braided audio cable
- Lightweight foldable design saves space when storing
- Cushioned ear pieces and extendable band for comfort
- Comes in multiple colors
Cost: $8
Snug Play+ Kids Volume Limiting Headphones
These cute headphones have volume-limiting capabilities and have 2 audio ports so multiple headphones can be connected.
Key Features:
- Limits volume at 93 dB
- Sharing port allows 2 people to listen
- Foldable design for easy storage
- Comes in multiple colors and patterns
Cost: $17
Vogek Wired Child Headphones with Mic
These headphones limit the volume at 85 dB and have 2 audio ports so multiple headphones can be connected to listen to the same device.
Key Features:
- Limits volume at 85 dB
- Sharing port for daisy-chaining so 2 people can listen
- Built-in microphone
- Tangle-free nylon cord
- Comes in multiple colors
Cost: $13
Wireless Kids Headphones
eKids Spiderman Wireless Bluetooth Kids Headphones
Kids will love the Spiderman design of these headphones and the long-lasting battery will hold a charge for up to 30 hours.
Key Features:
- Fun Spiderman design
- Bluetooth capabilities
- Limits volume to protect hearing
- Includes built-in microphone
- Detachable tangle-free nylon cord
- Rechargeable battery provides 30 hours of listening time
Cost: $30
iClever BTH03 Kids Wireless Headphones
Kids will love the lights that flash in time to the music on these Bluetooth wireless headphones.
Key Features:
- LED lights on sides of headphones flash in time to music
- Bluetooth capabilities
- Rechargeable battery provides 25 hours of listening time
- Built-in volume limiter at 95 dB
- Includes built-in microphone
- Comes in multiple colors
Cost: $30
LilGadgets Untangled PRO Kids Wireless Bluetooth Headphones
These fun headphones can be used wirelessly or with the audio cable. They’re also volume-limiting and can be linked together with other headphones so kids can all listen to the same device.
Key Features:
- 12 hours of battery life
- Can be used with audio cord or wireless
- Limits volume to 93 dB
- Noise-reducing so kids can listen at a lower volume
- Removable tangle-free nylon cord
- Comes in multiple colors
Cost: $54
Mpow CH9 Kids Bluetooth Headphones with Microphone & LED Lights
Kids will love the cool LED lights on the earpieces of these wireless headphones. And parents will love the 85 dB and 95 dB volume-limiting capabilities.
Key Features:
- Limits volume at 85 dB and can be switched to 95 dB limit for loud environments
- Bluetooth has 33ft wireless range
- Blocks outside noise
- Can use in wireless or wired mode
- Built-in microphone and LED lights
- Foldable design
- Comes in multiple colors
Cost: $29
Picun Kids Bluetooth Headphones
These wireless headphones have 15 hours of battery life and limit the volume to 85 dB to protect your kids’ hearing.
Key Features:
- Limits volume at 85 dB
- 15-hour battery life
- Includes removable audio cable
- Foldable design
- Comes in multiple colors
Cost: $20
Puro Sound Labs BT2200 Volume Limited Kids’ Bluetooth Headphones
These sleek headphones are noise-reducing and limit the volume to 85 dB, so your kids won’t hurt their ears while listening to music.
Key Features:
- Limits volume at 85 dB
- Noise reduction lets kids listen at a lower volume
- 18 hours of battery life
- Comes in multiple colors
Cost: $80
Kids will love these cute cat ear-shaped headphones that come with LED lights that flash in time to the music.
Key Features:
- LED lights on sides of headphones flash in time to music
- Bluetooth capabilities
- Built-in microphone
- Foldable design
- Comes in multiple colors
Cost: $33
