Children can easily listen to a favorite song 20 times in a row. There are headphones that have been specially designed for our darlings so that mum or dad doesn’t cause an accident because of a brain melt-down on the trip to vacation. TECHBOOK has found the best.
Everyone for themselves, with the well-being of everyone in mind: you can listen to your favorite music, podcast or radio play with headphones without annoying your fellow human beings. Especially when many people are in a small space during lockdown and everyone has to or wants to be undisturbed in their activities – online lessons, working from home, relaxation – the isolation helpers are indispensable. But not all headphones are suitable for children. That is why there are special models that are adapted for young ears.
What must children’s headphones be able to do?
The magic number is 85. Measured in decibels, this is the limit recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) that headphones for children should not exceed. Because of course the top priority must be that the sensitive hearing organs of our loved ones no damage. It is therefore particularly commendable when manufacturers configure their products in such a way that the volume limit cannot be deactivated. In addition to the sound quality – which in the case of headphones in the low-price segment per se is as far removed from audiophile listening pleasure as the musical taste of three-year-olds is from that of their parents – and the wearing comfort, the cables and plugs in particular are a constant source of annoyance. They are the components most prone to technical defects. Therefore: If you rely on Bluetooth, you get more from the headphones.
Editor’s recommendation: JBL JR460 NC
“Bass! How low can you go?While it’s doubtful that this opening line from Public Enemy’s rap classic “Bring The Noise” will ever reach our loved one’s ears while using these kids’ headphones, it sums up the qualities of the device quite well. Because the sound of the children’s headphones JBL JR460 NC has a bass-heavy signature that sounds fuller than most of the competing products. This gives the listening pleasure the right punch! The JR 460 NC model has generously padded, circumaural ear cups. The underside of the headband is also well padded and ensures high wearing comfort even during longer periods of use.
The headphones have a maximum volume of 85 decibels, which is marginally louder than some comparable products but still within WHO recommended volume limits. Special plus point: The volume limit cannot be deactivated! The buttons on the side of the right earpiece for operating the device are easy to use. The headphones offer up to 20 hours of playback time and are fully charged in just 2 hours. The only drop of bitterness: The active noise canceling keeps annoying background noises away only to a limited extent.
Equipment JBL JR460 NC
Advantages and disadvantages of JBL JR460 NC
- + Rich sound thanks to bass-heavy sound
- + Well padded
- + Volume limit cannot be deactivated
cons
- – Noise canceling could do more
The test winner: JBL JR300
The test winner at Stiftung Warentest with an overall rating of 2.7. Thanks to Safe Sound technology, the volume always remains below 85 decibels, which is what children’s headphones do JBL JR300 scored 1.0 in the hearing protection category. Regardless of whether the animated film on the tablet is deafeningly loud and the volume on the device is set to maximum, these headphones do not allow more than 85 decibels to penetrate the ear canal of the wearer. The cable with a 3.5 millimeter jack connection can be connected to a tablet, PC or smartphone and, thanks to its length of 1 meter, ensures freedom of movement. When travelling, the on-ear headphones can be folded and stowed away in any bag to save space.
Equipment JBL JR300
Advantages and disadvantages of JBL JR300
- + Safe Sound technology
- + Very robust
- + Good fit
- + Foldable
cons
- – The cable is firmly connected to the headphones
- – The stickers for customization don’t stick very well
- – There may be a loose contact on the plug
Also Read: 13 Best Over-Ear Noise Canceling Headphones
The child-friendly one: Tonie’s Tonie-Laucher
The runner-up in the Stiftung Warentest was children’s headphones from Boxine, developed as an accessory for the Toniebox invented by the Düsseldorf-based company. This cube-shaped audio player offers a child-friendly way of playing radio plays, audio books and music. At Tonie’s, everything is tailored precisely to the needs of little listeners, and so the Tonie listener doesn’t want to be anything other than a companion. Not a lifestyle accessory, not a model in an infinitely expandable product line.
The 105 gram headphones with the padded and adjustable ear cups can be adjusted to the head size of its wearer, so that it can grow over the years. Suitable for children from 3 years, he has of course an integrated level limiter with a maximum volume of 85 decibels. Due to its clear sound (20–20,000 Hertz) the Tonie-Laucher is made for radio plays and music. It should be particularly emphasized that, in addition to the hearing protection, the Stiftung Warentest also awarded the top mark in terms of pollution. The foldable cable headphones are available in six different bright colors.
Equipment Tonie-Laucher
Advantages and disadvantages of Tonie-Laucher
Per
- + Adjustable to head size
- + Padded headband
- + Compatible with the toniebox
- + No pollutants
cons
- – Ear protection comes off easily
- – Offer too little support
The unbreakable: EasySMX KM-666
The EasySMX KM-666 model is a headphone designed for children aged 3-12 years that complies with ASTM and CPSIA international standards and the European safety standard EN71. Like all children’s headphones, it has a volume limit of 85 decibels. The temples and ear cups are made of silicone and are extremely robust as they are extremely flexible. Even turning the bracket around its own axis is possible without breaking. The non-toxic material does not cause allergies. The on-ear headphones are softly padded and, thanks to the adjustable headband, sit firmly and comfortably on the head. With its 130 grams, the EasySMX KM-666 headphones are relatively heavy, but the weight also contributes to the stable fit. And where other manufacturers refer to freedom of movement, but only equip their products with a 1 meter long cable, the EasySMX KM-666 model with a cable length of 1.6 meters actually keeps its wearer on a long leash.
Equipment EasySMX KM-666
Advantages and disadvantages EasySMX KM-666
Per
- + Particularly good sound
- + Ear pads removable for cleaning
- + Extremely robust
cons
- – No microphone
- – Not foldable
The sound miracle: iclever children’s headphones
The iclever children’s headphones, suitable for children between the ages of 3 and 16, score with a particularly good grip, but the sound quality is particularly impressive. The Dual Sound Stage drivers are responsible for the powerful sound. The high-quality plastic housing makes the iclever children’s headphones extremely robust, and their elasticity ensures they are break-resistant. The cable is coated with high-quality nylon fabric, which makes it very durable. Normally, cables are often a major weak point in children’s headphones. In addition, this equipment ensures that there is no cable clutter. Extra bonus with these foldable on-ear headphones with multifunctional cable controls: they also come in a cat-ear version!
Equipment iclever children’s headphones
Advantages and disadvantages of iclever children’s headphones
Per
- + Very good sound
- + Padded bracket
- + Durable audio cable due to nylon coating
- + Also available as a version with cat ears
cons