Best Noise-Canceling Headphones for Kids
It’s natural for us to give our children the best we can and to do everything in our power to keep them safe. But, of all the threats that might exist, both obvious and hidden from us, harm to the hearing of our kids is frequently disregarded.
Children can hear frequencies that adults cannot, primarily because they have not had as much exposure to the noisy aspects of the environment as we have.
Most children eventually require access to headsets, whether it is for school, travel, or to keep an adult sane. Although it can be tempting, giving children a set of adult-sized headphones is not recommended.
Children are inherently more vulnerable to sound due to their smaller inner ears and underdeveloped hearing.
As a result, continuously exposing their ears to extreme sounds might cause hearing loss due to noise. Even more concerning is that when we finally realize there’s a problem with listening to our kid, the damage has already been done and cannot be reversed.
The point is that while you will need to provide your child with headphones at some point, not all headphones are suitable for them.
High volume when wearing headphones can permanently impair their hearing in minutes. Indeed, you wouldn’t want to risk that?
So, what is the solution? Noise-canceling headphones for kids. However, not all noise-canceling headphones are made for your child. There are certain boxes that these headphones must tick before they can be recommended to kids.
I’ve already done the research based on things that make headphones safe and enjoyable for children to shortlist the following three best noise-canceling headphones.
I figured 3 would be a good number and save your time researching.
The truth of it, is that there are few noise-canceling headphones dedicated to kids.
So, here’s the best.
Best Noise-Canceling Headphones for Kids
1: Puro Sound Labs BT2200
My top recommendation! Which performed best on all the children’s headphones I evaluated.
The Download
These headphones outperformed most of its rivals, who frequently produced muddy, distorted, and unpleasant audio at best. With a wonderful blend of low and high notes, the BT2200 produced a pleasing and clear sound. Older children will be less inclined to desire (steal) your headphones thanks to the BT2200’s superior audio performance, even while younger children might not be as picky about sound quality.
Once your child reaches the age of six or older, peer pressure starts to kick in, and they will start to look to their friends for advice and inspiration. Additionally, they won’t show any interest in bright headphones. They might even get mocked for it. You wouldn’t want that to happen to your kid.
Thankfully, when it comes to color options, Puro BT2200 has no shortage of them. They are inconspicuous while still offering excellent volume control.
During my tests, the Puro BT2200’s volume-limiting circuit successfully kept the maximum output near the advised safety level of 85 dBA. When I tested pink noise in BT mode, the headphones measured accurately at 80.8 dBA, and when I utilized the provided cable in the proper direction, it measured accurately at 85.5 dBA.
They are ideal for young children as well as elementary school students. They have a built-in microphone, Bluetooth Technology, good sound quality, and sturdy design. The Puro BT2200 headphones are an excellent option for kids’ headphones that will last for years.
The Specs
- Dimensions: 8.62 x 7.17 x 2.6 in
- Item Weight: 1 lb
- Connectivity Technology: Wireless
- Wireless range: Up to 30 feet
- Battery life: 20 hours playback; 200 hours standby
- Drivers: 40 mm custom dynamic drivers
Stuff I like
- Clear highs and deep, rich bass
- There is no limiter option to turn off harmful volume settings
- Both Bluetooth and cable audio are restricted to 85dB
Stuff I like less
- A little expensive
- It takes some work to get a good fit
Where to get it
What’s in The Box?
- Puro Sound Labs BT2200
- Hard carrying case
- 3.5mm Limiter Audio Cable
- Daisy Chain Cable
- Charging Cable
- User Guide
2: JBL JR 460NC
They have a fantastic overall feel thanks to their wide-ranging features.
The Download
These headphones are excellent for kids with various requirements and hobbies, including gaming, music consumption, and schoolwork. They have a fantastic overall feel thanks to their wide-ranging features.
There is a microphone within the headphones for gamers and a long battery life, which is perfect for weekend gaming sessions. Kids who enjoy playing games on their smartphones and tablets may also be fans of Bluetooth connectivity.
Additionally, the 460s have a retractable audio wire that enables playing audio from almost any source. The fabrics are also lightweight, soft, and resistant to tear, perfect for enthusiastic children who fidget during jams with many exercises.
These headphones can block as much as 18dB of sound, whether some Bach or the now-iconic lo-fi beats. It improves concentration during study time.
Two things I loved about these headphones when I tested them were their clear boom, and how solidly built, they felt. On the downside, there is little active noise cancellation, and no volume controls on the headphones. Overall, you would do well to get a pair of these for your kid.
The Specs
- Dimensions: 8.75 x 7.75 x 2.25 in
- Item Weight: 7.1 oz
- Driver size: 32 mm
- Charging time : 2 hours
- Maximum play time: 20 hours (ANC on) | 30 hours (ANC off)
Stuff I like
- Forward-leaning bass performance
- Volume capped at 85 DB
- Convenient and comfortable
- Enough battery life
Stuff I like less
- Limited active noise cancelation
Where to get it
What’s in The Box?
- 1 x JBL JR 460NC
- 1 x Type-C Charging Cable
- 1 x 3.5mm Audio cable
- 1 x Quick Start Guide / Safety Sheet
- 1 x Warranty / Warning
3: Puro Sound Labs PuroQuiet
PuroQuiet’s active noise canceling is superior to any other set of children’s headphones
The Download
Kids’ noise-canceling headphones with active noise cancellation (ANC), the Puro Sound Labs PuroQuiet, are worthy of endorsement. The cost is high, but if you want your child to fall asleep on a long car or plane ride, they might be worth it.
These headphones are recommended for children who take public transportation frequently or those with some sensitivity to low-frequency sounds. They can reduce background noise and loud sounds by up to 22dB if you turn on the active noise cancellation. Additionally, the hearing volume is capped at 85 DB to protect your kid’s ears.
Although active noise cancellation is not necessary for everyone, it is well worth the extra cost in situations when headphone sound levels may otherwise need to cope with persistent natural noise like an airplane’s boom, a metro’s humming, or a car’s engine.
Some headphone manufacturers have attempted to solve this by including an “aircraft” or “travel” set that raises volume caps to about 92 dB. Still, experts believe this eliminates the most crucial safety function of headphones for kids. As a result, I recommend using active noise cancellation to reduce the volume of the aircraft hum such that safer, more manageable headphone sound levels are adequate.
My measurements suggest PuroQuiet’s active noise canceling is superior to any other set of children’s headphones we examined. My measurements show that PuroQuiet’s noise reduction is sufficient to be beneficial. When I turned on the ANC, it successfully reduced lower-frequency noises like those coming from motors and HVAC systems.
Besides the ANC feature, the PuroQuiet headphones have Bluetooth capability and can last up to 22 on a single full charge. However, it lowered to 16 hours of battery time when I used the headphones with the ANC on. Overall, it is easily one of the best noise-canceling headphones for kids that you can buy for the price.
The Specs
- Dimensions: 7 x 2.5 x 8.5 in
- Item Weight: 5.9 oz
- Connectivity Technology: Wireless
- Wireless range: Up to 32 feet
- Battery life: 23 hours w/ ANC & 35 hours without
- Drivers: 40 mm custom dynamic drivers
Stuff I like
- Bass-heavy musical style
- 85 dB maximum loudness
- Allows passive listening using the provided cable
Stuff I like less
- Noise cancellation is ineffective and has an impact on audio
- On calmer tracks, a distracting hum can be heard
Where to get it
What’s in The Box?
- Puro Sound Labs PuroQuiet headphones
- Hard Carrying Case
- 3.5mm Limiter Audio Cable
- Daisy Chain Cable
- Charging Cable
- User guide
Conclusion
When it comes to protecting your child’s hearing, picking out a solid set of noise-canceling headphones can make a difference.
However, they can also help students concentrate on their studies for extended periods, ensure their safety at noisy outdoor activities, and minimize the anxiety that annoying noises might occasionally bring on.
I hope this guide on the best noise-canceling headphones for kids aids you in making a better decision for your family.
Remember those essential purchasing considerations: comfort, attractiveness, and longevity, and you are good to go.
A musician with over 2 decades of experience in studio recording. Audiophile, always in pursuit of the perfect set of headphones. King Crimson fan.
This post was last updated on 2025-01-14 / Some images from Amazon Product API & some links may be affiliate links which may earn us a commission from purchases.