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6 Best Toddler Headphones for a Plane Ride (2023)

Looking for the best toddler headphones for a plane ride? Here are six great options at a variety of price points and are perfect for a plane! Click here to skip directly to the list!

Every parent knows just how challenging traveling with a toddler can be. Things get even worse on long flights.

I’ve found that the best way to keep your sanity when flying with your little one is to keep them as entertained and happy as you can.

But things can get a little tricky when you also have to think about ensuring that they don’t disturb other passengers as they entertain themselves. 

This is where a good pair of toddler headphones will come in handy.

Toddler headphones are specially designed headphones that fit snuggly and comfortably on tiny heads. They are also designed to limit the volume to safe levels and away from high volumes while blocking out ambient noise. This makes them perfect for bringing with you on plane rides. 

In this article, I’m going to review some of the best toddler headphones for bringing with you on a plane ride. I’ll also cover why you need headphones for your toddler as well as what to consider before buying one. 

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Why do you need headphones on the plane for kids?

If you have ever flown with your kids, then you already know this better than anyone else. Once you’ve gone through security and finally boarded the plane, the drama starts.

Kids can get bored, restless, cranky, or even scared on the plane. And the only solution to help them cope with these feelings is by distracting them. 

A great way to do this is to have them watch a movie, play a game, listen to some music, or read a book. This is where headphones come in.

On the plane, headphones can help your kids enjoy the flight while simultaneously making it easier for you and other passengers. 

Best Toddler Headphones for a Plane Ride

Here are a few more benefits you can expect from using headphones on the plane for your little ones: 

  • They are a great way to block out some of the noise from the engine, the wind, and other people. This will help your kids relax and sleep better on the plane.
  • They can protect your kids’ ears from loud sounds that might damage their hearing. Some planes can reach up to 85 decibels (dB) during takeoff and landing, which is above the safe limit of 75 dB for children.
  • It is a great way to have your kids listen to their own audio without disturbing others. You can choose what they listen to and control the volume level. You can also use headphones with a splitter or Bluetooth connection to share audio with your kids or monitor what they hear. Volume limiters are great because you can set a maximum volume.
  • With headphones, your kids will be entertained and engaged during the flight. All you have to do is bring along their favorite movies, games, music, or audiobooks and let them enjoy them during the flight. This will prevent boredom and tantrums and make your life a whole lot easier! 

As you can see, headphones on the plane for kids are a must-have item for any parent who travels with their little ones.

However, not all headphones are created equal. The best headphones for your little one need to meet certain criteria when it comes to things like size, comfort levels, safety, and durability. 

Here is a brief overview of some of the best toddler headphones for a plane ride that meet these standards and more.

Overview of The Best Toddler Headphones For a Plane Ride

Later on in this guide, we will review six of the best toddler headphones for a plane ride that you can buy online.

I’m going to show you how they compare to each other in terms of features, prices, pros, and cons.

This will help you make an informed decision on exactly what to get for your toddler. Here are the headphones that we will cover:

Good For Siblings
Best Themed
Highly Rated
Most Comfortable
Most Affordable
Investment Headphones
Good For Siblings
Primary Rating:
4.7
N/A
Best Themed
Highly Rated
Primary Rating:
4.9
$27.99$19.99
Most Comfortable
Primary Rating:
4.7
$19.99$13.99
Most Affordable
Primary Rating:
4.7
$8.99$7.99
Investment Headphones
Primary Rating:
4.8
$17.88
10/09/2024 03:40 pm GMT

What To Consider With Headphones For Kids

When it comes to buying headphones for kids, you can’t just pick any pair that looks cute or cool.

Here are some of the most important things to look for when choosing headphones for your kiddos: 

  • Comfort: Your child’s ears are sensitive and delicate. You want headphones that fit well and feel soft on their skin. A great way to achieve this is by going for headphones that have adjustable headbands, cushioned ear pads, and are made using lightweight materials. You also want headphones that are easy to put on and take off without tangling or pulling their hair.
  • Sound level: Because toddlers still have vulnerable hearing, you want to get them headphones that deliver clear and balanced sound without being too loud or too quiet. Look for headphones that have a sound limiter feature that will prevent the volume from going above 85 dB (the recommended limit for children by the World Health Organization). Avoid headphones that have poor sound quality or no sound limiter at all. If you can, you should also go for headphones with noise isolation or noise cancellation features to block out some of the background noise on the plane. 
  • Ease of carrying with you/weight: When traveling with your little one, their luggage is probably already full of toys, snacks, and clothes. Therefore, you want headphones that are easy to carry around without adding too much extra weight or being too bulky. You may want to go for headphones that come with a foldable design, a detachable cord, or a carrying case or pouch. This also has an extra advantage in that headphones that are bulky or hard to store are often more prone to breaking. Additionally, go for toddler headphones that have a long battery life (if they are wireless) or ones that come with a universal plug (if they are wired). This way, you won’t have to worry about running out of power or compatibility issues on the plane.
Best Toddler Headphones for a Plane Ride
  • Size on your child’s head: Your child’s head is smaller than yours. This means standard headphone sizes just won’t do. You want to get toddler headphones that fit snugly and securely on your little one’s head without slipping off or falling down. Look for headphones that have an adjustable headband, a swivel ear cup design, a flexible frame, or all of these features. Avoid anything that is too big, too small, or too rigid for your kiddo’s head. 
  • Durability: You probably already know that your toddler’s hands are far from always gentle or careful. This means you want to get them headphones that can withstand a lot of punishment without breaking down or losing functionality. Look for headphones that have a sturdy construction, a durable cord, and perhaps a water-resistant coating. Avoid anything with flimsy parts or a sensitive surface. Also, check that the headphones you buy come with a warranty or guarantee in case something goes wrong.
  • Design: Finally, you also want to keep in mind the design of the headphones. Kids are drawn to bright colors and fun patterns. Get them headphones that match their personality and style preferences. When you get your toddler headphones that come in a theme, shape, or color that suits their tastes, they will fall in love with it and be more likely to take better care of it. Avoid anything that looks boring or inappropriate for your little one’s age group. Personally, I took this a step further and got ones that come with extra features to make them more fun and engaging such as LED lights. 

If you can keep these tips in mind, choosing the perfect travel headphones for your toddler should be a breeze.

However, if you still have no idea where to start, don’t worry. I did the research for you and found some of the best toddler headphones for a plane ride that meet these criteria and more.

Let’s look at these recommendations in the next section. 

6 Best Toddler Headphones for a Plane Ride

Tuneake Kids Headphones with Mic

Good For Siblings
Kids Headphones 2-Pack

These headphones come in a set of two which makes them great for siblings at a reasonable price point. It also comes with a splitter making it easy to share one device.

Tuneake Kids Headphones with Mic are over-ear headphones designed for kids who love to listen to music, watch videos, or play games on their devices.

They have a volume limit of 94dB to protect kids’ hearing. They also come with a built-in microphone for hands-free calls or online learning.

You’ll also love that they are foldable and adjustable for easy storage and comfort. They come in different colors to suit every child’s preferences.

Here are some key features that make these headphones stand out: 

  • Stereo sound quality with 40mm drivers
  • Tangle-free cord with 3.5mm jack compatible with most devices
  • Share port for connecting another headphone
  • Soft ear cushions and padded headband
  • Durable and lightweight design

The pros and cons of these headphones are:

Pros:

  • Affordable price
  • Volume limit for hearing safety
  • Microphone for voice communication
  • Share port for sharing audio
  • Foldable and adjustable for portability and fit

Cons:

  • Not wireless or noise-canceling
  • May not fit very small heads or ears
toddler wearing headphones
toddler wearing headphones

eKids Harry Potter Kids Bluetooth Headphones

eKids Harry Potter Kids Headphones

These bluetooth headphones have a long battery life and are great for a mini Harry Potter fan (AKA kids of millennials).

eKids Harry Potter Kids Bluetooth Headphones are wireless headphones for kids and adults who are fans of the Harry Potter franchise.

They have a sleek design with the Hogwarts crest on the ear cups and a microphone for voice calls.

They are also great kids’ headphones for school and can be used in online classes.

Additionally, have a rechargeable battery that lasts up to 18 hours, and an aux cord for wired listening.

Here are some of the things you’ll love about these headphones: 

  • Bluetooth connectivity with up to 30 feet range
  • Microphone for hands-free calls or online learning
  • Rechargeable battery with up to 18 hours of battery life
  • Aux cord for wired listening when the battery is low
  • Foldable design for easy storage and travel

The pros and cons of these headphones are:

Pros:

  • Wireless and convenient
  • Microphone for voice communication
  • Long battery life
  • Aux cord for backup option
  • Foldable and stylish design

Cons:

  • More expensive than wired headphones
  • May not fit very small heads or ears

Tokani Cat Ear Headphones

TOKANI Cat Ear Headphones
$27.99 $19.99

These bluetooth headphones are super cute for a little girl and even feature flashing lights on the cat ears.

10/09/2024 03:40 pm GMT

Tokani Cat Ear Headphones are cute and colorful headphones for kids and teens who love cats.

They come with a wireless Bluetooth mode with flashing LED lights on the cat ears, and a wired mode with a 3.5mm jack for backup. They also have a microphone and a TF card slot for playing music without a device.

Because of how cute these are, they are a top pick for both parents and young children alike. The have great sound quality and are highly rated as some of the best kids headphones. They’re a good option with good audio quality for airplane travel.

They do not have active noise cancellation so you’ll have to install a volume limiter on your child’s device.

Some key features of these headphones are:

  • Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity with up to 10 meters range
  • Microphone for hands-free calls or online learning
  • LED lights on cat ears with an on/off switch
  • TF card slot for playing music without a device
  • Wired mode with 3.5mm jack for backup

The pros and cons of these headphones are:

Pros:

  • Cute and fun design
  • Wireless and convenient
  • Microphone for voice communication
  • LED lights for extra flair
  • TF card slot for music playback

Cons:

  • Not noise-canceling or volume-limiting

Noot Kids Headphones

Most Comfortable
noot Kids Headphones
$19.99 $13.99

These wired headphones and comfortable for little kids and have a built-in volume limiter to protect your child's hearing.

10/09/2024 03:40 pm GMT

Noot Kids Headphones are wired on-ear headphones for kids who want a simple and comfortable listening experience.

They have soft cushions with a foldable design for easy storage and travel, and a tangle-free cord with a 3.5mm jack that works with most devices.

They also have a volume limit of 93dB to protect your little ones’ hearing. This is necessary to avoid noise-induced hearing lose, which is something we need to be aware of as parents.

Limiting your child’s access to loud noises, especially if they can’t yet control the volume themselves, is important for younger kids.

Here are some of the key features of these headphones: 

  • On-ear design with soft cushions and a foldable headband
  • A tangle-free cord with 3.5mm jack compatible with most devices
  • Volume limit of 93dB for hearing safety
  • Various colors to choose from

The pros and cons of these headphones are:

Pros:

  • Affordable price
  • Volume limit for hearing safety
  • Tangle-free cord for convenience
  • Foldable design for portability

Cons:

  • Not wireless or noise-canceling
  • May not fit very small heads or ears

Nilogie A21 Kids Headphones

Most Affordable
Nilogie Kids Headphones
$8.99 $7.99

The Nilogie A21 Kids Headphones are wired on-ear headphones for kids who need a simple and reliable listening device. 

10/09/2024 10:35 am GMT

If you have been looking for the perfect headphones for a 2-year-old on the plane, this is it!

The Nilogie A21 Kids Headphones are wired on-ear headphones for kids who need a simple and reliable listening device.

They have padded cushions that are lightweight and comfortable, and an adjustable headband that fits most head sizes. They also have a 3.5mm jack that works with most devices. However, they come with no microphone, remote control, or volume control.

Here are some key features that will make you love these headphones even more: 

  • On-ear design with padded cushions and an adjustable headband
  • 3.5mm jack compatible with most devices
  • No microphone, remote, or volume control
  • Various colors to choose from

The pros and cons of these headphones are:

Pros:

  • Affordable price
  • Lightweight and comfortable
  • Adjustable headband for fit

Cons:

  • Not wireless or noise-canceling
  • No microphone, remote, or volume control

Beats By Dre Solo3 Wireless Bluetooth Headphones

Investment Headphones
Beats by Dr. Dre Solo
$17.88

The Beats By Dre Solo3 Wireless Bluetooth Headphones are on-ear headphones that deliver rich, award-winning sound with up to 40 hours of listening time. 

03/12/2024 02:10 pm GMT

The Beats By Dre Solo3 Wireless Bluetooth Headphones are on-ear headphones that deliver rich, award-winning sound with up to 40 hours of listening time. These are best for older kids and even for adults are often categorized as the best wireless headphones.

They feature Class 1 Bluetooth technology for wireless connectivity and an Apple W1 chip for fast pairing and switching between devices. They also come with a built-in microphone for taking calls.

You also get Spatial Audio support for an immersive sound experience.

These are probably better suited towards older children rather than little ears and are more like adult headphones. They are an investment pair that will last for years to come when treated well.

Parents who purcahse these think they are worth the extra cost, but ultimately that is up to you.

Some key features that make these headphones absolutely worth it are: f

  • Adjustable cushioned ear cups for comfort and noise isolation
  • Foldable design for easy portability
  • LED fuel gauge to show battery level
  • Fast Fuel technology to provide 3 hours of playback with a 5-minute charge
  • Compatible with both Apple and Android devices

Some pros and cons of these headphones are:

Pros:

  • Long battery life
  • Fast charging
  • Seamless pairing with Apple devices
  • Spatial Audio support

Cons:

  • A rather high price point
  • No water resistance
  • No USB-C charging port

Final Thoughts

Congratulations! You have made it to the end of this guide on some of the best toddler headphones for a plane ride. These of course even work for road trips too. I hope that you found it useful and informative. 

As you can see, whether you’re flying for a family vacation or you are just visiting family with the kids, having a pair of headphones for your toddler can make the journey not only more enjoyable for them but also less stressful for you. Plus, you might even get some compliments from fellow passengers on how cute and cool your kiddo looks with their headphones on!

At the end of the day, though, don’t forget that choosing the right headphones for your toddler depends on their preferences, needs, and your budget.

I hope that one of the options that I recommended above caught your eye. If not, don’t worry!

There are lots of other options out there. All you need to do is look out for the factors to consider when headphone-hunting for your toddler. Happy flying! 

About the Author

Nicole Booz is the founder of GenTwenty and GenThirty. She is an entrepreneur, author of The Kidult Handbook, and most importantly, Mama to three beautiful little boys. She loves homemade meals, road trips, reading fiction, organizing her home, and living a simple, less toxic lifestyle. You've seen her in The New York Times, TIME, Insider, Inside Edition, New York Post, NextAdvisor, Forbes, Yahoo, HuffPost, and U.S. News & World Report.

Website: www.genthirty.com