Ready for a throwback? Remember when the only headphones you could buy were the super thin wire-and-plastic ones that came with your Sony Walkman? They came in one color (black) and had one feature: tiny foam pads on each ear. Fast-forward to today and there are now hundreds of options — wireless, corded, in-ear, over-the-ear, and all available in a ton of different colors. Because of this, when it comes to finding the perfect headphones for kids, the process can be a little overwhelming.
Balancing the right functionality with the right price point — especially for younger kids who may drop or lose them — is key. But fret not! We’ve scoured the internet and talked to real-life parents about the absolute best options out there. Here are our picks!
Headphones for Kids: Priced from Low to High
Affordable ($19 and under)
Sony ZX On-Ear Headphones
If you’re looking for a good-quality, basic pair of over-the-ear headphones, Sony’s ZX has you covered. This no-frills option provides clear sound, comfortable ear pads, and wires that *somehow* magically stay untangled. And, because it’s Sony, it’s a reliable brand.
iJoy BlueTooth Over Ear Headphones
These comfortable over-the-ear bluetooth headphones are a workhorse! They also come with exterior button controls so you can skip songs, answer calls, and more. But maybe the greatest feature is the 6-month warranty — perfect for kids who may get a little too into dancing to “Good 4 U” by Olivia Rodrigo.
A Little Pricey ($20 – $50)
JLAB Go Airpop True Wireless Earbuds
Bark’s Director of Community Jodie Sherrill raves about her JLAB Go Airpops! For just $20, these Bluetooth earbuds provide 32+ hours of listening with a charged case, have stellar voice and sound connections, and come in a sleek case that resembles Airpods. But the best part? “If your kid loses these, you’re only out $20 and not the full $129 that Airpods cost,” Jodie says.
TOZO T6 Wireless Earbuds
These bluetooth earbuds come in six cool colors and feature super-sensitive touch controls. Compatible with both Android and Apple phones, perhaps the coolest thing about these headphones is that they’re waterproof up to a meter deep!
Anker Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Bluetooth Earbuds
If your kid is all about the best possible sound, Anker Soundcores allow them to nerd out with an customizable app. They can choose from 22 equilibrium settings to get great tone tailored to their ears — perfect for creating that ideal sound for background study music.
Splurges ($51 – $100)
Skullcandy Indy Evo Wireless Earbud
Another set of decent Bluetooth earbuds, Skullcandy Indy Evos have one really cool feature that may be a selling point for your family: They have Tile technology. This means you can download the Tile app and locate your kid’s earbuds no matter where they are. Say goodbye to lost headphones!
Raycon Gaming Earbuds
If your child is a gamer, you’ve probably heard of this brand. These earbuds are specially designed with in-game communication in mind. This means a loud and clear microphone, lag-free sound, and quick and easy touch controls.
Most Expensive ($100+)
Apple Airpods (2nd generation)
We’re not going to sugarcoat it: Apple Airpods are the gold standard for wireless earbuds, and not just because they popularized modern Bluetooth headphones. For many kids, iOS products are also status symbols, making them highly sought-after. But Airpods are also very reliable, have great sound, and seamlessly connect to iPhones with a flip of their case.
Galaxy Buds2
Think of these as the Android equivalent to Airpods. The two are very similar, and at the end day, each performs the best with their phone counterparts. Galaxy Buds2 have great sound and microphone quality, ergonomic fit, and remarkable battery life.
How to Choose the Right Pair for Your Child
It may not seem like it off the bat, but headphones can be a necessity these days! Whether you’re travelling together and don’t want to listen to BTS for the millionth time or your kid needs to tune into a Zoom lecture, headphones for kids are important.
We recommend starting younger kids with the less expensive options. For older kids who may want fancier headphones like Airpods, consider a trial run of a slightly cheaper Bluetooth set. If they can keep up with and take care of them, they’ll be able to demonstrate responsibility and convince you they're ready for the big (audio) leagues.
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