Here’s a carefully handpicked selection of the best earbuds for kids in 2023, plus tips on how to pick the right pair for your child.

How to Pick the Best Earbuds for Kids

When choosing earbuds for kids, it’s important to find a pair that are kid-friendly in terms of size, quality, durability, and safety.

The challenge, however, is that children have different needs than adults because they have smaller ears, and their developing sense of hearing is more sensitive.

An impulsive purchase might result in you either wasting money or potentially putting them in harm’s way.

So, to help make the process easier, we’ve created a buyer’s guide that explains which factors to prioritize when choosing earbuds for kids. Let’s get into it!

Volume-Limit

Volume limiter

Smaller ears mean smaller ear canals that can amplify already loud sounds. Unfortunately, kids won’t think twice about turning up their volume levels when watching cartoons.

That’s why volume-limiting earbuds can go a long way in preventing hearing damage in your kids.

A volume limiter is a specialized feature for kids or anyone overly sensitive to loud sounds. It maintains a maximum sound volume of 85dB, which is the highest level one can listen to safely for 8 hours a week, according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

The World Health Organization adjusted the safe listening limit to 80dB for adults and 75dB for children in 2019. And though most volume-limiting earbuds come with the previously recommended limit of 85dB, it still falls within the safe range. That is, provided that you limit your listening time to roughly about 90 minutes at a time.

You can check if the pair of earbuds you’re eyeing has safe-listening features at the store or via the manufacturer’s website.

On the other hand, if you can’t find a pair of volume-limiting earbuds that you like, you can also opt for noise-canceling headphones, which also help protect your child’s hearing.

Comfort & fit

Comfort & fit

Since children have smaller ears than adults, standard-sized ear tips simply won’t do. They won’t fit properly and thus will affect the overall sound quality and noise isolation.

As such, choosing earbuds with the appropriate ear tip size, style, and material is vital to ensure general comfort. Here are some options to consider:

• Ear tip size: When buying earbuds online, it’s best to choose ones with as many size options as possible. Earbuds with four to six ear tips are usually ideal, especially if they come in extra small sizes. If purchasing in-store, ensure your child tries them out to see which fits best.
• Ear tip styles: These include standard or single-flange, double or triple-flange, and wingtips. Standard tips are best for general use, but if your child needs better noise isolation, go for double or triple-flange tips. On the other hand, active kids who need more security to keep their earbuds from falling out should wear wingtips.
• Ear tip materials: Silicone and foam are the most popular types. Foam molds easily to any ear canal and come in various densities. However, they don’t last as long as silicone tips and can be pricey. And though silicone doesn’t provide as much sound isolation as foam, they’re more durable and easily washable than other materials.

Allergic reactions to ear tip materials are rare and usually caused by lack of cleanliness, but they can still occur in some people. In such cases, you should try swapping the ear tips for a pair made from a different material.

Wired vs. Wireless

Wired vs. wireless

The choice between wired or wireless earbuds for kids rests on personal preferences, or in this case, your child’s preferences. It also depends on the general purpose of the earbuds and how they intend to use them.

Each has pros and cons, so it’s up to you to decide what’s most appropriate for your kids.

Here is a quick comparison chart to help you decide which to go for:

	Wired Earphones	Wireless Earphones
Price	Some wired earphones come at relatively cheap prices. You can even buy a decent pair under $10.	Wireless earphones can cost 3-4 times its wired counterpart, since they’re more expensive to manufacture.
Sound Quality	Wired earphones receive direct signal which can transmit data better than Bluetooth, generally producing better sound quality.	Although the technology is constantly evolving, Bluetooth has several pain points when it comes to sound quality, but it still depends on the price range.
Battery Life	Wired earphones only need to be plugged to your audio device to work.	Wireless earphones are constrained by their battery life, which depends on the earphone brand/model.
Portability	Earphone wires can be prone to tangling, can get in the way of daily activities, and restricts users to remain near the audio source.	The best thing wireless earphones have to offer is that it gives freedom from messy wires and allows some distance from the audio source.
Compatibility	Even though most playback devices have 3.5mm plugs, some are ditching the standard plug to lightning or USB-C, so mismatching earphone plugs and jacks can cause some problems.	It’s now standard for every device to have the Bluetooth technology, if not, users can simply buy Bluetooth dongles, so wireless earphones offer more compatibility.

Durability

Durability

Kids can be careless and super energetic at times. So, you can expect them to carelessly stuff their earbuds at the bottom of backpacks or pockets, with the wires constantly tangled and tugged. With that in mind, it makes sense to prioritize durability for the longevity of the earbuds.

Here are a few things to consider when checking your earphones’ durability:

Cord length

When choosing wired earbuds, a shorter cord is better than a long one. Long cables are more likely to become tangled, snagged, or bent when used. On the flip side, you don’t want a cord that’s too short either, as this can limit mobility.

To check this, see if your child can wear the earbuds comfortably while having their audio device in their pocket. If the cable is too short, it’ll tug on the earbuds. And if it’s too long, it’ll constantly get in the way.

If you can’t have your child test the cable length this way, it’s best to play it safe and go for a longer cable. After all, you can always opt for velcro straps or cable clips that can neatly tuck away excess length if needed.

Tangle-free & reinforced cord

Regular round earbud cables are typically made from soft rubber and can easily tangle up. Remember that severe tangles can damage the internal wirings and cause audio issues like hearing sound in only one earbud.

To avoid this, you should get earbuds with a tangle-free or reinforced cord that makes it hard for the cable to tangle up. These types either feature:

• A flat cable
• A braided nylon jacket and aluminum shell
• Sturdy materials like Kevlar

Check out our guide to learn more about what makes tangle-free cables different, and see our top recommendations for 2022.

Plated plug

The plug connects the earbuds to the playback device, making it one of the most critical parts of any earbuds. Unfortunately, the plug is also fragile. For this reason, some manufacturers invest in plated plugs or plugs coated in silver, copper, and gold.

Depending on the material used, the plating can affect the earphones’ sound quality, lifespan, and cost.

Some audiophiles suggest that silver or copper-plated plugs are the way to go. However, gold offers a lot more protection since it doesn’t rust as easily as other metals. If possible, check with the store or manufacturer’s website to see if your kid’s earbuds have a gold-plated plug.

Waterproof

For added moisture protection, go for earbuds with a decent IP rating.

IP ratings on headphones and earbuds indicate how protected the device is against water and dirt/dust intrusion.

It’s also important to understand the meaning behind sweatproof, waterproof, and water-resistant. Some manufacturers use these terms interchangeably when advertising their products, thus creating confusion.

To clarify this, sweatproof and water-resistant indicate that the device has minimal moisture protection. In contrast, waterproof means the device can withstand complete immersion for a limited time.

Knowing the meaning of each IP rating is essential for getting an accurate idea of how protected the earbuds are.

Here’s a handy table for IP ratings and their protection level for your reference:

IPX Rating Guide for Headphones/Earbuds
IPX0 - IPX3	Little to no protection against sweat/water
IPX4	Sweatproof (can be used during exercise/rainy weather)
IPX5 - IPX6	Water Resistant (can be used in the shower)
IPX7 - IPX8	Waterproof (can be used in the pool)

For a closer look at the different IP ratings and what they mean, check out DSMT’s IP rating chart.

Warranty

Usually, the warranty period for most devices is one year. Although this is more than enough time in most cases, you can’t go wrong with a longer warranty plan. An extended warranty means you’re covered for a longer time and shows the manufacturer’s confidence in their product.

Sound quality

Sound quality

Among other things, the audio clarity of the earbuds is also an essential factor. Good sound quality makes it easy for your child to keep up with online classes without needing to increase the volume. It’s also much more enjoyable to watch cartoons and listen to music with high-quality audio.

A V-shaped sound signature is typically sought after by most adults. However, looking for one that offers more vocal clarity would be best for kids, especially those with online classes.

This means less emphasis on the bass and treble and clearer mids, which is the human voice’s frequency range.

Check our in-depth explainer on the various sound signatures in headphones and earbuds.

10 Best Earbuds for Kids in 2023

LilGadgets BestBuds

Key features

• Volume Limiter: 73 dB
• Build Quality: 4-foot premium flat tangle-free cable + free protective hard case
• Ear Tips: Standard silicone ear tips (3 sizes)
• Connectivity: Wired
• Microphone: Yes

The LilGadgets BestBuds are high-quality, volume-limited earphones for kids that feature a tangle-free cable and hard travel pouch. Usually, these buds come in three color combos and have a SharePort adapter that lets kids interact and share audio with others.

The BestBuds are much quieter than regular earphones, mainly due to the built-in volume limiter. They do a great job of keeping audio at 73dB, which is well within the safe listening range for kids, but just enough for day-to-day listening.

Aptly named Flexible SoftTouch™, the silicone ear tips are super soft and skin-friendly. They also provide a decent amount of passive noise reduction, allowing your kids to enjoy audio in more detail and at lower volumes.

The flat audio cable is another nice feature for kids. It feels sturdy enough for careless little hands and doesn’t tangle or knot easily.

In addition, the high-quality protective case offers extra protection when storing the earbuds.

Finally, we thought the SharePort Splitter was an excellent addition to the package. This handy adapter accommodates another pair of earphones via a 3.5mm jack. So, your kids can easily share movies, games, and music with friends and family by simply plugging in another headset.

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Volkano Kiddies

Key features

• Volume Limiter: 85 dB
• Build Quality: 4-foot cable with silver-plated plug + free carrying pouch
• Ear Tips: Standard silicone ear tips (3 sizes)
• Connectivity: Wired
• Microphone: No

The Volkano Kiddies offer good sound quality, noise isolation, and hearing protection. They also come in four fun designs for both boys and girls, making them a good gift option. They’re comparable to the BestBuds in many ways. However, they come in second due to a higher volume limit and lack of a microphone.

Sound-wise, these earbuds are anything but shabby. We gave them a whirl through a few playlists and found that the 10mm drivers are decent enough to provide clear, crisp audio for online classes. However, they’re more suited for pre-recorded lessons and not live video calls, as they don’t come with an in-line mic.

The high-quality silicone ear tips give excellent passive noise isolation to limit distractions from noisy surroundings. And, as an added protection mode, these earbuds keep the audio volume below 85dB, thus protecting your child from possible hearing damage.

A 4-foot cable provides more than enough leeway for movement. And the inline controls give easy access to audio controls. The 3.5mm plug also makes it easy to switch between a cell phone and a computer.

Their compact carrying case features cute, whimsical designs and offers an easy and safe way to store the earbuds. But should they get damaged, you have a one-year warranty to fall back on.

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JVC Gumy

Key features

• Volume Limiter: No
• Build Quality: 3.3-foot cable with gold-plated plug
• Ear Tips: Standard silicone ear tips (3 sizes)
• Connectivity: Wired
• Microphone: No

The JVC Gumy earphones are a splendid choice if you’re looking for affordable earbuds for kids. They feature reliably clear sound quality and come in eight vivid colors kids will like.

Being a pair of budget earbuds, you’ll understandably get fewer features. For instance, they don’t have a volume limiter, so you’ll have to be extra vigilant over how loud your child’s audio is. Additionally, the earbuds don’t have a microphone, so you’ll rely on the computer or phone’s built-in mic instead.

But there are good things too. We sampled these earbuds and found that the 9mm drivers offer reasonably clear audio for your kids’ online classes. And although we couldn’t get the silicone ear tips to fit our ears, they feel soft and flexible enough to provide a comfortable listening experience for children.

In addition, the 3.3-foot cable ensures your kids won’t accidentally pull or knock over any connected devices. The good news is that the gold-plated plug can withstand wear and tear from rough handling. Unfortunately, the earbuds have a round wire, so they may still become tangled from misuse.

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Belkin SOUNDFORM Nano

Key features

• Volume Limiter: 85 dB
• Build Quality: IPX5 water and sweat-resistant earbuds
• Ear Tips: Standard silicone ear tips (5 sizes)
• Connectivity: Wireless (Bluetooth 5.0)
• Microphone: Yes

If your child isn’t ready for pricey AirPods, here’s the next best thing. The Belkin SOUNDFORM Nano earbuds look and feel like a pair of AirPods but at a fraction of the cost. They come with three color options, a volume limiter, and long battery life. As such, they’re our top true wireless pick for kids.

These earbuds are ideal for older kids and tweens who want something cool and stylish. They have 6mm drivers that deliver decent sound and five extra ear tips for a personalized fit.

We found the sound quality a bit muffled and quieter during our testing than with typical earbuds. However, we chalked it to the 85dB volume limit designed to keep kids’ ears safe. Despite that, they still got the job done and should work perfectly fine for children. They’re also lightweight and comfortable, so no complaints there.

The IPX5 build keeps the earbuds safe from minimal water exposure. That means your kids can use these buds outdoors, and you won’t need to worry about sweat or light rain.

As for the battery life, it’s pretty impressive, considering the price. Thanks to the case, the earbuds have a 24-hour playtime, which is more than enough for kids. They also have touch controls and Bluetooth 5.0 functionality, making them easy to set up and use for work or play.

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LUDOS Ultra

Key features

• Volume Limiter: No
• Build Quality: 4.2-foot braided tangle-free cable + free carrying pouch
• Ear Tips: Standard silicone (3 sizes) and memory foam (1 size) ear tips
• Connectivity: Wired
• Microphone: Yes

The LUDOS Ultra earbuds are a good choice if you’re looking for a simple pair of wired earbuds for your child’s online classes. They have a built-in mic, four different-sized ear tips for optimum comfort, and a colorful, sturdy build suitable for kids.

These earbuds are a pretty effective pair for focused listening. We tested the LUDOS Ultra using the included memory foam ear tips and found them exceptional at isolating background noise. So, these are the perfect study accessory if your kids have online classes at home.

Build-wise, these earbuds feel reasonably solid. They have a long braided audio cable that can withstand everyday use. The earbuds are also magnetic, making them easy to store in the included drawstring pouch.

You also get an additional metal case that doubles as protective storage if your child wants to carry around their earbuds.

The LUDOS Ultra earbuds are the more updated version of the LUDOS Clamor. Both earbuds look identical, except that the Ultras have slightly better features. For instance, the Ultras have a longer braided cable, an improved in-line button design, and an enhanced mic.

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Kurdene S8

Key features

• Volume Limiter: No
• Build Quality: IPX8 water-resistance rating
• Ear Tips: Standard silicone ear tips (6 sizes)
• Connectivity: Wireless (Bluetooth 5.2)
• Microphone: Yes

If you’re looking for a sturdy pair of earbuds for active kids or tweens, the Kurdene S8 promise to deliver. These earbuds have a durable waterproof build and are one of two options on this list that offer the most ear tip sizes.

An IPX8 rating ensures the earbuds will work even after being immersed in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. The sturdy charging case also lets your child bring the earbuds anywhere and enjoy up to 30 hours of playback.

The ergonomically-designed earbuds provide maximum comfort inside the ear. They come with six pairs of ear tips, which is helpful since children’s ears are significantly smaller, so size options are always a big plus. Furthermore, it improves the in-ear seal while adding a degree of security for active kids.

These earbuds have good sound quality and can produce a decent amount of bass thanks to their 8mm drivers. You can also control playback through simple touch gestures on the earbud itself. Using these actions, your child can play/pause music, skip tracks, and adjust the volume.

However, you’ll need to check your child’s volume levels, as these earbuds don’t have a volume limiter.

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Joymiso Earbuds

Key features

• Volume Limiter: No
• Build Quality: 4.2-foot flat, tangle-free cable and reinforced gold-plated plug + hard protective case
• Ear Tips: Standard silicone ear tips (3 sizes for adults + 3 sizes for kids)
• Connectivity: Wired
• Microphone: Yes

Like the Kurdene S8 Earbuds, the Joymiso Earbuds offer ear tip size options that accommodate tiny ears. Combined with decent sound quality and easy-to-use controls, these earbuds are a great, lightweight option for kids.

Fit is often an issue when choosing earbuds for kids, mainly because of how small their ears are. But these earbuds have what you need for smaller kids.

They feature an ergonomic angled in-ear design that fits comfortably inside the ear without falling out. Their overall build is small and feels completely unobtrusive when worn. Additionally, the six pairs of different-sized ear tips (3 for adults and 3 for kids) ensure that anyone can find the perfect size for their ears.

Thanks to a sturdy flat cable, reinforced gold-plated plug, and durable earbud housing, the Joymiso Earbuds can handle children’s daily use. They also come with a convenient carrying case that makes them easily portable and less likely to get tangled or damaged in kids’ pockets or bags.

The audio quality on these buds isn’t anything to write home about, but they did the job fairly well. They sound decently clear on calls, so your child won’t have issues when using these for online classes.

Lastly, these earbuds have in-line controls for music and calls. From there, you can play/pause music, skip tracks, answer/end phone calls, and easily control the volume output audio.

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PUZMUG Earbuds (5 Pack)

Key features

• Volume Limiter: No
• Build Quality: Tangle-free, multi-layered silicone cable
• Ear Tips: Standard silicone ear tips
• Connectivity: Wired
• Microphone: Yes

Are you looking for decent earbuds for more than one child? The PUZMUG Earbuds may be the answer you need. Each pack comes with five pairs of multi-colored earbuds that boast good sound quality, a built-in mic, and one-touch button control. As such, they’re our best bulk option.

The beauty of this 5-in-1 earbuds set is that they make an excellent gift for kids without breaking the bank. If your children tend to be careless with their things, you’ll at least have extra earbuds on hand in case of accidents or emergencies.

These earbuds are compatible with any device with a standard 3.5mm jack. The in-line mic and universal button control are also welcome additions. These make them suitable for video calls and online classes and allow kids to easily answer calls or control playback.

Despite the affordable price point, these earbuds offer a great listening experience. During our testing, the bass-boosting drivers sounded surprisingly deep and clear without sacrificing crispness in the mids and highs. So your kids won’t have problems keeping up with lessons or listening to music during break time.

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XZC K72

Key features

• Volume Limiter: No
• Build Quality: IPX5 water-resistant earbuds
• Ear Tips: Standard silicone ear tips (3 sizes)
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0
• Microphone: Yes

The XZC K72 earbuds are by far the most adorable buds on this list and are perfect for kids. They come in 11 unique, eye-catching designs that include cute cats, pandas, and little devil characters that kids, and even some adults, are sure to love.

An added fun touch is the design of the eyes and teeth, which flash from a weak to a bright red color as it charges. These features alone make them super fun and entertaining for children of all ages.

These earbuds feature an ergonomic in-ear design with optional silicone ear tips that you can swap out for a better fit. And though the earbuds themselves look bulky, they fit nicely on smaller ears. We also noted a decent amount of passive noise isolation during our testing, which is good for blocking distracting background noise.

With an IPX5 water-resistant rating, these earbuds will survive unlucky spills in the hands of active kids. However, remember that the charging case isn’t waterproof or water-resistant and will need more careful handling.

Sound-wise, these earbuds are pretty impressive. The bass isn’t overpowering or distorted, and the audio playback sounds clear, which is a pleasant surprise for earbuds of this price point. Interestingly, they come with a noise-canceling mic that is handy for calls and online classes.

The batteries on these earbuds are good, offering as much as 5-6 hours of continuous playback. We also found that we could go 4-5 days without charging the buds from a socket, thanks to their charging case.

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Skullcandy Dime 2

Key features

• Volume Limiter: No
• Build Quality: IPX4 solid plastic earbuds
• Ear Tips: Standard silicone ear tips (4 sizes)
• Connectivity: Wireless (Bluetooth 5.2)
• Microphone: Yes

If you’re looking for earbuds suited for tweens, look no further than the Skullcandy Dime 2. These tiny earbuds feature a simple yet stylish design in seven colors that’ll appeal to even the pickiest kids. They also have excellent sound quality, fast Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity, and a water-resistant build.

These earbuds have a rigid, IPX4-rated plastic build suited for indoor and outdoor use. The batteries and case also provide up to 12 hours of playback on a single charge. So, as long as they have the charging case, your kids can take them anywhere without worrying about running low on juice.

Each pair of earbuds come with four sets of silicone Ear Gels, which are more than enough to accommodate most ear sizes. During our fit test, they sealed the ears quite nicely without feeling fatiguing. The earbud stems, however, are a little short. So, those with larger hands may fumble while putting them in or adjusting them.

As for sound quality, these earbuds offer a good amount of clarity and bass. Despite their size, these earbuds can get quite loud. So, if hearing protection is vital to you and your child, you’ll need to guide them to ensure they aren’t pushing up their volume too much.

The Dime 2 earbuds are a newer, upgraded version of the original Skullcandy Dime earbuds. Both are identical in construction and design. However, the Dime 2 earbuds come with a built-in Tile finding technology that makes it easy to track lost buds – a godsend for forgetful tweens.

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Also good: Joysico Sport Headphones

Another good option for tweens (especially active ones) is the Joysico Sport Headphones.

They have a clear, crisp sound with solid bass and no distortion, even under high-volume output. Their angled in-ear design and noise-isolating memory foam ear tips also improve sound quality, giving you a better listening experience.

The earbuds’ wrap-around design keeps them from slipping during physical activities. Soft, flexible ear hook wires also offer added security and feel comfortable even to those wearing glasses.

The Joysico Sport Headphones are sweatproof and have a thicker cable than most earbuds. These features make them durable enough for even the most active kids. The earbuds also have a gold-plated plug that won’t rust and works with 3.5mm audio devices.

However, because they lack extra features and aren’t as portable as the Dime 2 earbuds, they come in second in this category.

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Notable Mentions

The following earbuds didn’t quite make it to the top ten but are still worth considering.

Frequently Asked Questions About Earbuds for Kids

Here are a couple of other essential things to know before buying earbuds for children.

• Are earbuds safe for children?
• Does radiation from wireless earbuds affect kids?
• How do you get earbuds to stay in kids’ ears?

Are earbuds safe for children?

Yes, earbuds are generally safe for kids. There isn’t any difference between headphones and earbuds regarding the safety of your child’s hearing. The problem mainly lies in how they use these devices.

According to experts, earbud safety depends on the following:

• The age of the child
• The volume of audio
• Listening duration

Younger kids have smaller ear canals that can’t accommodate regular ear tip sizes. Their ears are also still developing, so they’re more sensitive to sound. As such, your young ones shouldn’t be listening at volume levels that teens or adults can handle.

Listening to high volumes for long periods, regardless of the audio device used, can negatively affect young children. These include things like noise-induced hearing loss, vertigo, or ear pain.

To avoid this, limit your child’s listening sessions to 60 minutes per session and keep audio levels below the safe limit of 85 dB. This lessens the strain on your child’s ears, giving them ample time to rest.

It’s also best to allow kids to wear earbuds only if they’re old enough to articulate whether the audio volume is comfortable.

Does radiation from wireless earbuds affect kids?

Bluetooth devices emit electromagnetic radiation (EMR), which is a concern for parents who think this is harmful to their kids. The good news is that this type of radiation is non-ionizing. This means they have lower frequencies that pass harmlessly through the body.

How do you get earbuds to stay in kids’ ears?

As mentioned earlier, looking for kid-friendly earbuds can be challenging because most earbuds don’t come with smaller-sized ear tips. In addition, children can be restless and fidgety, making it too easy for earbuds to fall out. So, if this is a big concern for you, here are a few ways to remedy that:

• Choose earbuds with wingtips for added security.
• Use a cable clip to secure long wires and prevent them from getting pulled.
• Use a soft headband that wraps around the head to keep the earbuds in place.
• Clean or wash the ear tips to ensure proper grip in the ear canal.