Best Noise Cancelling Headphones for Kids

16-Best Noise Cancelling Headphones for Kids with autism

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Are your kids obsessed with watching videos on a tablet and listening to music at maximum volume on a laptop? Or perhaps you’re familiar with the parents of a voracious reader who prefers audiobooks and wishes to enjoy them on their Kindle? We believe investing in a pair of headphones designed for children is a good idea for enhancing their experience and for ensuring you can enjoy some peace and quiet (particularly during a lengthy journey, especially if you’ve already heard ‘Let It Go’ from Frozen a hundred times!). When it comes to selecting the best headphones for children, we’re not just looking at the same features we would consider for noise-cancelling headphones for ourselves. There are a few key factors we prioritize. The ideal headphones for children should be enjoyable without breaking the bank, comfortable for extended use, and most importantly, they should feature a volume-limiting function to manage loud sounds effectively. That’s why all the options on our list are designed to limit the volume to approximately 85 decibels (dB) and are priced under £50. If you’re in search of our top recommendations for the best headphones for children, 16-Best Noise Cancelling Headphones for Kids with autism

1. Belkin SoundForm Mini Kids Wireless

Belkin SoundForm Mini Kids Wireless

A fantastic choice that’s priced similarly to the JLab competitors above, this Belkin set comes with a superior battery life of 30 hours and is designed to withstand accidental drops and rough handling due to its water-resistant feature. We found these to be quite comfortable, though the headband on this set is not as soft as the one on the JLab set. The variety of colors is also impressive (it would be simple to find a matching Amazon Fire tablet for kids in the same color), and it’s important to mention that there’s a wired version available for just £15. We tested the wireless version and can say that it sounds good and the earbuds are soft and comfortable, not causing any discomfort. Best Noise Cancelling Headphones with Microphone Wireless

  • Best for long-lasting battery
  • Water resistance

CONS

  • Lacks headband cushioning

Key specifications

Type On-ear
Battery life 30 hours
Volume limiting Yes, automatic volume-limiting
Included extras Sticker pack, wired audio cable, charging cable

2. Belkin SoundForm Nano True Wireless Earbuds for Kids

Belkin SoundForm Nano True Wireless Earbuds for Kids

If you’re in the market for headphones for older kids, they might be interested in a different option, and we found the Belkin Nano earbuds to be a good choice for them during our tests. It’s important to note that these are designed for older kids, with Belkin also mentioning that they’re not suitable for children under seven. For younger kids, the components are too small and pose a risk of being lost or accidentally swallowed. However, if you’re looking for headphones within the appropriate age range, these could be an excellent fit. The sound quality is good, the wireless feature is easy to use, and they offer a long battery life along with the convenience of being fully wireless. Additionally, they all share the same maximum volume limit of 85db, which is standard for the headphones on this list. Are Headphones Better than Earphones

  • Decent sound
  • Effective volume limiting

CONS

  • Too small for young kids

Key specifications

Type In-ear true wireless
Battery life 5 hours, with an additional 19 hours in the charging case
Volume limiting Yes, automatic volume-limiting
Included extras Charging case, charging cable, 5 pairs of silicone ear tips

3. JLab JBuddies Studio Wireless

JLab JBuddies Studio Wireless

If you enjoy the audio quality of the wired headphones listed but need a solution for connecting them to gadgets without a built-in headphone socket, think about going for wireless Bluetooth headphones. They offer added convenience and let children explore on their own, away from their mobile devices without the hassle of tangled cords. These headphones are also an excellent choice for devices such as Kindle for Kids, which unfortunately lacks a headphone jack for playing audiobooks. We’re a fan of the JBuddies Studio headphones for similar reasons to their wired models – they’re perfect for sharing due to the option to pair two via a cable, and they boast a durable 24-hour battery life. Should the battery die, the included extension cable can also extend their usage. Considering purchasing adapters like this one to convert a headphone jack to USB-C, or this for a headphone socket to a Lightning port on Apple gadgets, might be a wise investment. Best Wireless Headphones 

  • Capable of audio sharing
  • Solid 24-hour battery life

CONS

  • Not the best for sound isolation

Key specifications

Type On-ear
Battery life 24 hours
Volume limiting Yes, automatic volume-limiting
Included extras Charging cable, audio cable for audio sharing or wired mode

4. JLab JBuddies Studio Wired

JLab JBuddies Studio Wired

Do young kids need to understand the details of how Bluetooth works, or should we just let them focus on how long their batteries last? For the little ones, we believe not, which is why we highly recommend this pair of headphones that are designed for kids. These headphones for kids are both comfortable and easy to use, and they also reduce the volume on their own. We appreciate the cable that doesn’t get tangled (it includes a microphone and a remote control for play/pause) and the earcups and headband are more comfortable than the rest we’ve seen. Best USB-C headphone Adapters

  • Comfy and simple
  • Foldable design

CONS

  • No extras in the box

Key specifications

Type On-ear
Battery life Not applicable, these are wired-only
Volume limiting Yes, automatic volume-limiting
Included extras None

5. Puro Sound Labs BT2200 Plus

Puro Sound Labs BT2200 Plus

The majority of children’s headphones available are not considered top-notch, primarily because they are frequently constructed from less expensive materials and are not built to withstand rough handling. The Puro BT2200 Plus stands out as a premium option for older children or those who are more careful with their belongings! What distinguishes these headphones is that they are designed without any elements that appear “childish.” These headphones excel in sound quality, making them perfect for children who are passionate about their music and offer users a comfortable fit for extended periods. They also adjust well, with the option to switch between an on-ear or over-ear style, and the over-ear version features soft vegan leather ear cushions that naturally reduce background noise. We appreciate that they come equipped with all the necessary accessories, such as additional cables for wired use, a cable for sharing audio in a daisy chain, and one for charging. The durable case is also a plus for travel. Best Headphone Cables Under $50

  • Premium design
  • Replaceable earcups
  • Great sound quality

CONS

  • Quite pricey

Key specifications

Type Over-ear or on-ear
Battery life 20 hours
Volume limiting Yes, automatic volume-limiting
Included extras Charging cable (USB-A to USB-C), cable for audio sharing (USB-C to USB-C) and audio cable for wired mode (3.5mm headphone jack), interchangeable earcups (on-ear or over-ear), hard travel case

6. Majority Superstar Wired Kids Headphones

Majority Superstar Wired Kids Headphones

For younger children, this over-ear set provides a cozy fit and remains comfortable for extended use while enjoying music or watching a few episodes of Paw Patrol on Amazon Kids Plus. They feature a simple design but are priced affordably and allow for the connection of multiple pairs with a wired link. This setup seems ideal for keeping children entertained with a show or an audiobook during a long car ride. The volume control works well and doesn’t need complicated buttons to adjust – there’s a small switch on the cable to switch between a limit of 94db or 85db, ensuring the volume stays at a safe level. The cable is also designed to prevent tangling, which is a plus. The main drawback is that these seem less durable than some competitors, so they might not withstand rough handling. Best Headphone Stand with Wireless Charger

  • Audio sharing
  • Simple volume limiting

CONS

  • A little flimsy

Key specifications

Type Over-ear
Battery life Not applicable, these are wired-only
Volume limiting Yes, automatic volume-limiting
Included extras None

 

Can kids use headphones every day?

As technology continues to permeate every aspect of our lives, the use of headphones, especially among children, has become increasingly commonplace. While headphones can provide a convenient way for kids to enjoy music, video content, and educational resources, the question of whether they should be using them on a daily basis is one that deserves careful consideration.

On the one hand, headphones can be a valuable tool for kids, allowing them to engage with digital media in a focused and distraction-free manner. This can be particularly beneficial for young learners, as it can enhance concentration and facilitate better comprehension of educational content. Additionally, personal audio devices can foster a sense of independence and personal space, which can be important for a child’s development.

However, the potential risks associated with prolonged headphone use, especially for children, cannot be overlooked. The human ear is delicate and vulnerable, and exposure to high-volume audio over an extended period can lead to permanent hearing damage. This is a particularly pressing concern for kids, whose auditory systems are still developing and may be more susceptible to the harmful effects of noise-induced hearing loss.

To mitigate these risks, it’s crucial for parents and caregivers to establish responsible guidelines and strategies for headphone use among children. This may include setting time limits, ensuring the volume is kept at a safe level, and encouraging regular breaks to allow the ears to rest. Additionally, investing in headphones specifically designed for children, with features like volume-limiting capabilities, can help to safeguard their hearing health.

It’s also important to remember that the duration and frequency of headphone use are not the only factors to consider. The content and context of the audio being consumed are also relevant. For instance, listening to calming or educational audio at a moderate volume may be less concerning than prolonged exposure to high-intensity action movie soundtracks or loud music.

Ultimately, the decision to allow daily headphone use for kids should be made with a balanced approach, considering the potential benefits and risks. By fostering a responsible and informed perspective on this issue, parents and caregivers can help ensure that children can enjoy the advantages of digital media while prioritizing their long-term hearing health and overall well-being.  16-Best Noise Cancelling Headphones for Kids with autism

Are noise-cancelling headphones safe for kids?

Although we haven’t tried any noise-cancelling headphones for this list, the ones we’ve looked at are suitable for children and also help minimize outside distractions, which means kids are less inclined to increase the volume to hear over background noises. A drawback of the headphones we’ve tested and featured here is their lack of significant passive isolation, meaning a lot of background noise will still reach the kids when they’re listening on a train or in a noisy car. They won’t be very effective for use during flights for the same reason. However, if you’re using an iPhone or an iPad, it’s important to note that you can reduce the volume in the system settings (this is also a good idea to protect your hearing!) and that noise-cancelling features will help eliminate bothersome background noise, allowing you to keep the volume low. 16-Best Noise Cancelling Headphones for Kids with autism

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