We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Travel Products Tech Essentials The 10 Best Kids' Headphones for Travel These picks keep small ears comfy and protected. By Theresa Holland Theresa Holland Theresa Holland is a freelance commerce writer and editor specializing in lifestyle, beauty, apparel, and more. She has contributed to numerous digital publications, including Byrdie, People, The Spruce, TripSavvy, The Financial Diet, Thought Catalog, and Elite Daily. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Updated on December 4, 2023 Fact checked by Rich Scherr Fact checked by Rich Scherr Rich Scherr is a seasoned journalist and editor who has traveled across the U.S., Canada, and Europe, and spent more than a decade reviewing hotel room. Travel + Leisure Fact Checking Process In This Article Expand In This Article Our Top Picks ReviewsTips for Buying Frequently Asked Questions Why Trust T+L Photo: Travel + Leisure / Alli Waataja To say traveling with kids is hard would be a major understatement. But if you plan ahead, it can also be an immense joy for both you and your wanderlusts-in-training. Getting children to sit still while minimizing potential tantrums en route can be easier with downloaded shows, mobile games, audio stories, or music. And headphones are a critical piece of this puzzle. "Good headphones made for kids limit the volume to 85 decibels (dB)," says pediatric otolaryngologist Cher Zhao, MD. Continued exposure to noise above this level could contribute to hearing loss. With pointers from Dr. Zhao in mind, we researched today's best kids' headphones for travel. From simple wired headsets for small ears to cute, brightly colored designs and Bluetooth-enabled picks with a long battery life, there's something for every child. Our Top Picks Best Overall : JBL JR300BT Kids Headphones at Amazon ($36) Jump to Review Best Budget: iClever HS19 Kids Headphones at Amazon ($20) Jump to Review Best for Younger Kids: Belkin SoundForm Mini Wired On-Ear Headphones for Kids at Amazon ($29) Jump to Review Best for Older Kids: Puro Sound Labs BT2200s Volume Limited Kids Headphones at Amazon ($99) Jump to Review Best for Long Flights: Happy Plugs Play Youth Headphones at Happyplugs.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best for Road Trips: Pogs The Elephant Kids' Wired Headphones at Amazon ($35) Jump to Review Best Designs: BuddyPhones PlayEars+ at Target ($60) Jump to Review Best Headband: Kidsband Kids Headphones Bluetooth Headband at Amazon ($23) Jump to Review Best Earmuffs: Banz Earmuffs at Amazon ($30) Jump to Review Most Compact: JLab JBuddies Folding Kids Wired Headphones at Amazon ($19) Jump to Review Best Overall JBL JR300BT Kids Headphones PHOTO: Amazon $36 at Amazon $50 at Walmart View on Jbl.com Why We Love It These bright headphones are lightweight, compact, and foldable, with easy Bluetooth connectivity and kid-friendly controls. What to Consider The battery life isn't as long as other wireless options we found. JBL makes our favorite kids' headphones, especially for travel. This set is lightweight, compact, and conveniently foldable, with a soft headband and plush ear cushions. The band is sized for a child's head and can be adjusted for a better fit. The wireless design seamlessly connects to tablets and smartphones via Bluetooth and boasts easy controls. Kids can turn them on and off, sync to a mobile device, and adjust the volume — which is limited to 85 decibels for safe listening — all without an adult's help. Cher Zhao, M.D., Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston “The data shows that if you have prolonged exposure, more than eight hours a day to noises over 85 dB, you can cause permanent damage to the hair cells in the inner ear." — Cher Zhao, M.D., Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston These headphones run on a rechargeable battery. They have a play time of up to 12 hours (slightly less than most other wireless options we found) and charge with a USB cable. We like that they're available in playful, two-toned colorways and come with stickers so kids can customize each pair. The Details: Bluetooth | 85 dB volume limit | 12-hour battery life Best Budget iClever HS19 Kids Headphones PHOTO: Amazon $19 at Amazon $20 at Walmart Why We Love It iClever headphones are not only affordable but also foldable, adjustable, and super comfy. What to Consider Younger kids and toddlers likely won't need the microphone and hands-free calling feature. Looking for something more affordable? iClever headphones are very similar to most higher-end options, and they won't run you more than $20. Parents can adjust the volume limit from 85 to 94 decibels to minimize outside noise while still allowing kids to hear in public spaces, on an airplane, or in the car. These wired headphones plug into a standard 3.5mm audio jack and have a sharing jack for another child to connect. We also like how the over-ear design is soft and lightweight to keep kids comfortable for hours. The headband adjusts to ensure a perfect fit and folds up for easy packing. The Details: Noise-blocking | 85–94 dB volume limit Best for Younger Kids Belkin SoundForm Mini Wired On-Ear Headphones for Kids PHOTO: Amazon $25 at Amazon $25 at Target View on Belkin.com Why We Love It SoundForm Mini headphones have cushioned ear cups, an adjustable headband, and a safe volume limit to protect small ears. What to Consider They don't block sound, and the mic feature is probably unnecessary for younger kids. For younger children, we recommend Belkin's SoundForm Mini line. These wired headphones have small cushioned cups designed specifically for little ears and an adjustable headband to ensure a perfect fit. They're available in pink, blue, and black and all come with a sticker sheet to add a little flair. This pair has easy volume controls and an 85-decibel limit to protect hearing. There's also a built-in mic on the cable for phone calls and remote learning, but this is likely unnecessary for most kiddos under 6. The Details: 85 dB volume limit The Ultimate Packing List for Flying With Kids Best for Older Kids Puro Sound Labs BT2200s Volume Limited Kids Headphones PHOTO: Amazon $99 at Amazon $99 at Walmart View on Purosound.com Why We Love It These fully loaded headphones can connect via Bluetooth or plug into a jack and come with interchangeable ear cups. What to Consider The price is steeper than most kids' headphones, but they're backed by a one-year warranty. If you're shopping for an older child or preteen, consider Puro. These adjustable headphones come with two sets of interchangeable ear cups, giving kids the option for an on-ear or over-ear fit. Ideal for travel, they connect to any mobile device via Bluetooth and play for up to 20 hours on a full charge. They can also plug into a 3.5mm jack with the included cable. The company’s founder has noise-induced hearing loss, so you can bet the volume is limited to a safe level to protect delicate eardrums while blocking most ambient noise. Though the price is higher than most kids' headphones, this pair delivers crisp, studio-grade sound — plus it's backed by a one-year warranty. The Details: Bluetooth | Noise-blocking | 85 dB volume limit | 20-hour battery life Best for Long Flights Happy Plugs Play Youth Headphones PHOTO: Happy Plugs View on Happyplugs.com Why We Love It Happy Plugs Play boasts a 25-hour battery life with a plug-and-play option, plus safe noise-isolating sound and an adjustable fit. What to Consider They're only recommended for children over 4 years old. If you have an overseas or cross-country flight coming up, Happy Plugs might be your best bet. The Swedish brand's Play Youth Headphones run on a rechargeable battery and offer a whopping 25 hours of listening time on a full charge. When the battery gets low, plug in for just 10 minutes to get another five hours. Kids can also use the included auxiliary cable to plug into a mobile device or share audio with a buddy. The soft vegan leather is treated with Biomaster antimicrobial technology to repel bacteria — a big bonus for germ-conscious flyers. Though the adjustable headband and rotating ear cups ensure a comfortable fit on different head sizes, bear in mind these headphones are designed for ages 4 and up. The Details: Bluetooth | Noise-blocking | 85 dB volume limit | 25-hour battery life Best for Road Trips Pogs The Elephant Kids' Wired Headphones PHOTO: Amazon $35 at Amazon View on Pogsheadphones.com Why We Love It This headset is adjustable and conveniently foldable, with easy plug-in connectivity and audio sharing. What to Consider The mic could be better, but most kids may not use this feature. Family road trip on the horizon? Go with Pogs. Designed to help keep kids occupied and comfortable for hours at a time, The Elephant headset has several standout features. It has plush ear cups and a padded, adjustable headband for a customized fit that grows with your child. The plug-in connection makes it easy for children to get set up, plus you never have to worry about recharging. What's more, the long fabric cable is designed to reach the next seat over and resist tangling. The Elephant can even link to another set, allowing siblings to watch the same show. We also like that these headphones are foldable so they're easy to pack or stash in the car, and the pastel colors — of green, pink, blue, and yellow — also stand out when this happens. The Details: Noise-blocking | 85 dB volume limit Best Designs BuddyPhones PlayEars+ PHOTO: Amazon $60 at Target View on Buddyphones.com Why We Love It Beyond the cute animal-inspired headband, we love the safe volume controls, long battery life, and foldable design. What to Consider It can be tricky to connect to some devices via Bluetooth. BuddyPhones PlayEars+ come in four adorable animal-inspired designs (puppy, cat, fox, and polar bear) and can be personalized with the included stickers. But they're more than just cute. These kids' headphones provide high-quality, noise-isolating sound, and the safe volume controls can be set to cap at 75, 85, or 94 decibels. PlayEars+ headphones have a rechargeable battery that lasts 24 hours and Bluetooth connectivity with an impressive 65-foot range. If your child struggles to sync the Bluetooth, they can plug into a jack with the included cable. We also appreciate that these headphones are foldable and adjustable. The Details: Bluetooth | Noise-blocking | 75–94 dB volume limit | 24-hour battery life Best Headband Kidsband Kids Headphones Bluetooth Headband PHOTO: Amazon $23 at Amazon Why We Love It The soft, stretchy Kidsband offers a flexible fit and can be rolled or folded to fit in jacket pockets. What to Consider This pair doesn't isolate sound which may make it harder for kids to hear what's playing. Unlike headsets with traditional ear cups, the Kidsband is soft and flexible like a fabric headband. It's comfy to wear and stretches over different head sizes to ensure a perfect fit. Not only that, but it can be folded or rolled up for easy packing. These headphones can be comfortably worn in any sleeping position and even pulled over the eyes to double as an eye mask while your child dozes off to white noise. The Kidsband gives kids the option to connect through Bluetooth or plug into a mobile device with an auxiliary cable. One thing to note is that the volume limit is slightly higher than most other headsets we found (90 decibels). And it doesn't isolate sound, which can make it harder to hear what's playing. The Details: Bluetooth | 90 dB volume limit | 12-hour battery life Best Earmuffs Banz Earmuffs PHOTO: Amazon $30 at Amazon View on Maisonette.com View on Banzworld.com Why We Love It These earmuffs meet multiple safety standards for hearing protection and keep little ears comfortable for hours. What to Consider The standard option is larger than the baby size and recommended for kids 2 and up. If you're looking for something to block outside noise to protect your child's hearing on an airplane, at a concert, or during another particularly loud event, Banz is a great choice. These earmuffs meet both U.S. and European safety standards for preventing hearing loss. They have foam-filled cushions around the ear cups and wide shells to prevent uncomfortable squishing. The kids' size is designed for children 2 and up, with an adjustable headband that helps ensure a proper fit. There's also a baby size for children under 24 months. The Details: Noise-blocking This 'Life-changing,' Flight Attendant-loved Hack for Hands-free Travel Is Just $15 at Amazon Most Compact JLab JBuddies Folding Kids Wired Headphones PHOTO: Amazon $19 at Amazon $20 at Target View on Jlab.com Why We Love It The cushioned ear cups and flexible headband keep children comfortable on the road and fold down easily, too. What to Consider They don't come with a hardside case, but the durable materials resist breaking. Made with portability in mind, JBuddies are not only compact but also highly packable. While the other solid-style headphones on our list fold as well, these get down to just 5.5 x 4 inches, and the smooth hinges are designed to prevent pinching. The included soft travel bag can fit in small backpacks and most seat pockets, too. Plus, the durable materials resist breaking, and JLab backs them with a lifetime warranty. These headphones have small cushioned ear cups and an adjustable headband with a flexible fit. They limit volume to 85 decibels to protect young ears, and kids of all ages can easily connect to mobile devices using the auxiliary cable. The Details: 85 dB volume limit Tips for Buying Headphones for Kids Look for volume control All good headphones for kids have volume control limits — meaning they limit the max volume to 85 dB. Of course, you want to aim for much less than that — about an hour a day max for both kids and adults, Dr. Zhao says. For yourself, or for kids in loud places, think about a 60/60 rule: Loud noises for less than 60 minutes a day or at less than 60 percent of the maximum volume of a device. Avoid earbuds For kids, over-the-ear headphones are, in general, better than in-the-canal buds for a few different reasons. First, earbuds sit closer to the eardrum, increasing sound volume by 6 to 9 decibels, says Dr. Zhao. “Over-the-ear headphones put the source of volume farther away, so they’re a little safer in terms of noise damage.” Second: Buds can cause other issues like wax impaction or lead to outer ear infections, she says; you have to be more adamant about cleaning them (something no parent wants to do). Prioritize comfort, durability, and easy-to-use controls Beyond preventing potential hearing damage, over-ear headphones are often the most comfortable for children, especially for long car rides or plane flights. Soft, cushioned ear cups and a padded headband can make them even comfier. Durability is also important. Look for options with flexible headbands that can bend or twist without breaking and sturdy designs that can withstand being dropped or packed in a bag without a case. Lastly, a child's headset should be easy to control. This means minimal buttons or large ones they can press without a fuss, simple Bluetooth connectivity, and for younger kids, maybe a plug-in cable. Frequently Asked Questions Are Bluetooth headphones safe for kids? In short, yes. Bluetooth devices do emit a low level of non-ionizing radiation. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) notes that “routine exposure to non-ionizing radiation is generally perceived as harmless to humans.” While there is some data to suggest that non-ionizing radiation, when emitted in very high levels, may increase the risk of things like cancer, neurological disorders, cognitive impairments, or genetic damage, Dr. Zhao notes that “the data is very conflicting” and that there is “no long-term data to suggest cause.” The National Cancer Institute also states "there is currently no consistent evidence that non-ionizing radiation increases cancer risk in humans.” Bluetooth devices also emit anywhere from 100 to 1,000 times less electromagnetic non-ionizing radiation than cell phones, adds Dr. Zhao. Should I get noise-canceling headphones for my child? Noise cancellation can be important because when you're able to cancel outside noise, you’re able to listen at a lower volume by a few decibels, says Dr. Zhao. When you don't have noise cancellation, you're tempted to increase the volume to drown out that external volume and as a result, you're listening at a louder volume. If your baby needs a quiet environment to sleep in, then a pair of noise-canceling infant headphones to drown out airplane sounds would be ideal to pack for flying. Why Trust Travel + Leisure Theresa Holland is a freelance writer and product reviewer specializing in gift guides and consumer goods. She is also a mother of two children under 5. Cassie Shortsleeve is a travel journalist, perinatal health coach, mom of two, and the founder of Dear Sunday Motherhood who spoke with Cher Zhao, MD, a pediatric otolaryngologist at Mass Eye and Ear in Boston, Massachusetts, while researching kids' headphones for travel as well. The 8 Best Travel Car Seats of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week. Additional reporting by Cassie Shortsleeve Cassie Shortsleeve Cassie Shortsleeve is a journalist with more than a decade's worth of experience reporting for the country's top health, travel, and parenting magazines including Women's Health, Men's Health, Parents, Conde Nast Traveler, The Washington Post, The Los Angeles Times, Forbes, and others. Cassie has a bachelor of arts from the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA where she majored in English and Fiction Writing. She is also an integrative health coach with training through Duke Integrative Medicine, and has training in maternal mental health through Postpartum Support International. She's also the founder of Dear Sunday, an online platform for early motherhood. She lives in Boston, with her husband and two daughters. learn more Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit Sources Travel + Leisure uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Radio Frequency Radiation and Cell Phones.