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- Kids using headphones with the volume turned up too loud put themselves at risk of acquired hearing loss.
- Any headphones you consider buying for your child should have a noise-limiting feature that caps the volume at safe levels.
- The BuddyPhones Wave headphones are our top pick thanks to their three different maximum volume settings, which make them suitable for use with toddlers, preschoolers, and older kids alike
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidelines limit adult workers to a maximum eight hours of exposure to noise up to the 90-decibel level, while the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health recommends a maximum 85-decibel level for that duration of exposure.
If organizations that create nationwide regulations for adult hearing protection think that around 85 to 90 decibels should be the limit when it comes to adult noise exposure, it's safe to say that kids shouldn't be exposed to sounds louder than that, either.
That's why the majority of the kids' headphones on our list have maximum volume control features that prevent the audio from reaching dangerous levels. Most of them also have plenty of other cool features, too, from wireless connectivity to active noise-cancelling technology to audio sharing ports.
When choosing the best headphones for your kid, first make sure you are considering pairs that will fit. Many are designed for bigger kids and won't fit a toddler properly, while some pairs are small enough for your two or three year old but won't fit onto an elementary aged child. Next consider price, because there are kids headphones that cost 10 bucks and some that cost 10 times more. And as you consider price, think about the kid(s) who will be using them and gauge the likelihood that they'll be damaged, lost, or destroyed and will need replacing.
Finally, look at the special features of each option and consider what makes them a good choice for your child specifically. Does she watch shows in bed and need a pair that will easily stay in place while she's lying down? Is he a genuine audiophile who needs top quality sonic equipment? Does she share media with a sibling or friend all the time? Does he drop things or spill drinks on a daily basis?
On this list, you'll find kids' headphones perfect for all of those young user profiles and more. I've tested many of them second hand, my son being the actual gear guy on this one.
Here are the best kids' headphones you can buy:
- Best kids' headphones overall: BuddyPhones Wave headphones
- Best headphones for siblings: Snug Play+ Audio Sharing Headphones
- Best comfortable kids' headphones: CozyPhones Headband Headphones
- Best noise-cancelling kids' headphones: ALTENG Noise Cancelling Headphones
- Best low-cost kids' headphones: Noot Products K11 Kids Headphones
- Best high-quality kids' headphones: Puro Sounds Labs BT2200 Kids Headphones
Read on in the slides below to check out our top picks.
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