Traveling with kids can be an adventure, but let’s be real – sometimes you just need a little peace and quiet, or they need some engaging entertainment to pass the time! That’s where a great pair of headphones comes in handy. Whether it’s for in-flight movies, games, or listening to their favorite stories, finding the best kids headphones for airplane use is essential for a smooth journey.
But it’s not just about keeping them occupied. We also need to think about safety, comfort, and durability. Kids’ ears are delicate, so volume limiting is a must. Comfort is key for long flights, and let’s face it, kids can be tough on their gear, so durability is a huge plus. We’ve rounded up some of the top contenders that tick all these boxes, making your next trip a breeze.
Why Good Airplane Headphones for Kids Matter
Before we dive into our reviews, let’s quickly touch on why investing in quality travel headphones for children is a smart move:
- Volume Protection: Most kids’ headphones come with volume-limiting features (typically 85dB, recommended by health experts) to protect young ears from hearing damage.
- Comfort for Long Journeys: Padded earcups and adjustable headbands ensure a snug, comfortable fit, even on extended flights.
- Durability: Let’s face it, kids aren’t always gentle. Headphones designed for children are often built to withstand drops, twists, and pulls.
- Entertainment & Engagement: From movies on a tablet to audiobooks, headphones keep kids entertained and prevent boredom during travel.
- Peace for Everyone: When your child is happily absorbed in their content, it makes the flight more pleasant for them, you, and even fellow passengers.
- Noise Reduction: Some models offer noise-cancelling features, which can be a game-changer for blocking out engine hum and cabin chatter.
Our Top 5 Best Kids Headphones for Airplane Travel
Let’s explore some fantastic options that will make your next family flight much more enjoyable!
1. Kids Headphones – noot products K11 Foldable Stereo
The noot products K11 offer a straightforward, reliable, and incredibly durable option for young travelers. These on-ear headphones are built for simplicity and comfort, perfect for kids aged 3 and up who don’t need fancy features but benefit from robust construction. Their foldable design makes them super easy to pack into a carry-on, and the long, braided nylon cord is designed to withstand plenty of tugs and twists, ensuring they’ll last through many adventures. If you’re looking for no-frills dependability, these are a solid choice.
- Key Features:
- Padded soft cushions with a soft-touch finish.
- Adjustable headband for a perfect fit.
- Lightweight design for kids age 3 and up.
- Foldable design for compact storage.
- 5-foot long nylon braided cable.
- 24-Month Hassle-Free Warranty.
- Compatible with all 3.5mm audio jack devices.
- Pros:
- Very durable with a tough braided cable.
- Comfortable for long wear thanks to soft padding.
- Foldable and lightweight, ideal for travel.
- No complex controls, making them easy for young children to use.
- Affordable and comes with a good warranty.
- Cons:
- No built-in microphone, volume control, or remote.
- Wired connection only (no wireless option).
- User Impressions: Parents frequently praise the K11 for its amazing durability and comfort for little ears. While the lack of a mic or volume control is noted, most find it a non-issue for simple entertainment listening, especially given the great price point and robustness. They’re a go-to for many families for everyday use and travel.
- See it on Amazon here
2. iClever Kids Headphones for School Travel, Safe Volume
These iClever wired headphones are a fantastic all-around solution for kids needing safe listening for both school and travel. What sets them apart is their dedicated safe volume control, limiting sound to 85dBA to protect sensitive hearing. Beyond safety, they offer impressive stereo sound and a unique “share port” feature, allowing another child to plug in their own headphones to listen to the same audio – no splitter needed! This makes them one of the best kids headphones for airplane rides when siblings want to watch the same movie.
- Key Features:
- Safe Volume Control (limited to 85dBA).
- Built-in Microphone for online courses and calls.
- Great Compatibility with 3.5mm audio jack devices.
- Stereo Sound with 40mm drivers.
- Share Port for easily sharing audio with another pair of headphones.
- Comfort Wear with ultra-soft earmuffs and over-ear design.
- Foldable and compact design for easy carrying.
- 24-hour Customer-friendly Support Service.
- Pros:
- Excellent hearing protection with a fixed 85dBA limit.
- Share port is a brilliant feature for siblings or friends.
- Built-in mic makes them versatile for school and communication.
- Comfortable for extended wear, ideal for long flights.
- Good sound quality for music, games, and videos.
- Cons:
- Wired connection only.
- No active noise cancellation.
- User Impressions: Families love the iClever wired headphones for their robust safety features and the convenient share port. Parents appreciate the peace of mind knowing their children’s hearing is protected, and kids enjoy the clear sound and comfort, even during extended use like long car rides or airplane journeys.
- See it on Amazon here
3. iClever BTH12 Kids Bluetooth Headphones, Colorful LED Lights
If you’re looking for wireless freedom paired with fun, the iClever BTH12 Bluetooth headphones are a standout choice. These aren’t just great-sounding wireless headphones; they come with eye-catching colorful LED lights that boast four different lighting modes, adding a playful element kids adore. With an astounding 85 hours of playtime on a single charge and incredibly fast USB-C charging, “dead battery anxiety” is virtually eliminated, making them ideal for the longest travel days. Plus, they offer a safe volume limit and durable design that stands up to active kids.
- Key Features:
- 4 Colorful Lighting Modes (with independent control).
- Stereo Sound with 40mm speaker unit and volume limit (74 or 85 dBA).
- 85H Playtime & USB-C Fast Charging (10 mins for 7 hours).
- Bluetooth 5.2 for a super-stable wireless connection.
- Built-in Microphone for hands-free calls and online learning.
- Reinforced & Durable Material to prevent easy breakage.
- Can be used with AUX cable when wireless is not preferred or battery is low.
- Pros:
- Exceptional battery life, perfect for multiple long trips.
- Fun LED lights that kids love (can be turned off to save battery).
- Wireless convenience with stable Bluetooth 5.2.
- Dual volume limits provide safe listening options.
- Built-in mic adds versatility for calls and school.
- Very durable construction.
- Cons:
- LED lights might be distracting for some children or situations.
- No active noise cancellation for very noisy environments.
- User Impressions: Customers are thrilled with the BTH12’s impressive battery life and the flexibility of wireless use. The LED lights are a big hit with kids, making them feel special. Parents appreciate the volume limiting and durability, confirming these are a fantastic option for kids headphones for travel.
- See it on Amazon here
4. Kids Headphones for School, 85/94 dB Volume Limit, Wired
These wired headphones are engineered for versatility and supreme durability, making them another strong contender for the best kids headphones for airplane use. They feature a unique dual volume-limiting system (85dB for study, 94dB for travel), allowing parents to adjust the sound level based on the environment – a thoughtful touch for noisy airplanes. The super robust, tangle-free braided cord and kid-friendly materials ensure they can withstand the rigors of travel and daily use, while comfortable over-ear cushions provide a pleasant listening experience.
- Key Features:
- Adjustable 85dB/94dB Volume Limit for different environments.
- HD Microphone and in-line control buttons for calls and learning.
- Comfort Wear with soft over-ear cushions and adjustable headband.
- Space-saving design with 90° swivel earmuffs and foldable structure.
- Great Durability with 4.9ft tangle-free & tear-resistant nylon braided cord.
- Stereo Sound with 40mm drivers for excellent audio.
- Universal Compatibility with 3.5mm jack devices.
- Pros:
- Dual volume limit is excellent for adapting to different noise levels.
- Highly durable build quality, designed to last.
- Comfortable for extended periods with soft cushions.
- Foldable and compact for easy packing.
- Integrated microphone and in-line controls are convenient.
- Cons:
- Wired connection only.
- No active noise cancellation.
- User Impressions: Reviewers consistently highlight the exceptional durability and the clever dual volume-limiting feature of these headphones. Parents feel confident in their safety and longevity, appreciating the ability to switch between modes for different settings like a quiet classroom or a bustling airport. Kids find them comfortable and enjoy the clear sound.
- See it on Amazon here
5. iClever BTH20 Active Noise Cancelling Headphones for Kids
For the ultimate airplane experience, the iClever BTH20 Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) headphones for kids are arguably the top choice. These premium wireless headphones boast an impressive 40dB of active noise reduction, effectively silencing engine hum and cabin chatter, allowing kids to truly immerse themselves in their audio. They combine this with robust, BPA/PVC-free materials for exceptional durability and the iClever Sound Refiner technology to ensure safe, high-quality audio at 80dBA. With long battery life and fast charging, these are truly designed for the discerning young traveler.
- Key Features:
- Excellent Noise Reduction Performance (up to 40dB ANC, active + passive).
- Strong Durability from enhanced, BPA and PVC-free materials.
- Comfortable to Wear with pressure-reducing, skin-like texture, 90° rotatable earmuffs, and 10-level adjustable headband.
- Safer Listening with iClever Sound Refiner & 80dBA volume limit.
- Long-Lasting Battery Life (60 hours ANC off; 35 hours ANC on) and Type C fast charge.
- Bluetooth 5.4 for a stable connection, plus 3.5mm audio cable included.
- Pros:
- Superior active noise cancellation, perfect for noisy flights.
- Extremely durable and child-safe materials (BPA/PVC free).
- High level of comfort for long-haul flights.
- Advanced safety features with 80dBA volume limit.
- Excellent battery life, even with ANC engaged.
- Versatile with both wireless (Bluetooth 5.4) and wired options.
- Cons:
- Higher price point compared to non-ANC models.
- ANC is not available when used with a wired connection.
- User Impressions: Parents who’ve tried these rave about the noticeable difference the ANC makes, especially on airplanes. Kids enjoy being able to hear their shows clearly without distractions. The premium feel, durability, and robust safety features make these a favorite for families prioritizing the best possible quiet and audio experience for their children during travel.
- See it on Amazon here
Frequently Asked Questions about Kids Headphones for Airplanes
Q1: What’s the most important feature for kids’ headphones specifically for airplane travel?
A1: Volume limiting is absolutely crucial to protect your child’s hearing from the loud environment of an airplane. Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is also a highly recommended feature as it significantly reduces engine noise, allowing your child to hear their audio clearly at safer volume levels.
Q2: Are wireless (Bluetooth) headphones better than wired ones for flights?
A2: It depends on your preference! Wireless offers freedom of movement without tangled cords, which can be great in a cramped airplane seat. However, they need to be charged. Wired headphones are reliable, never run out of battery, and are often more affordable. Some parents prefer wired for younger kids to avoid connection issues or battery concerns. Many newer models offer both options for ultimate versatility.
Q3: What does “volume limiting” mean, and what’s the recommended safe level?
A3: Volume limiting means the headphones are designed to prevent sound from exceeding a certain decibel (dB) level. The generally recommended safe listening level for children is 85 dBA, as prolonged exposure to louder sounds can cause hearing damage. Many kids’ headphones on the market adhere to this standard, or offer options like 94 dBA for louder environments like airplanes.
Q4: Should I get noise-cancelling headphones for my child?
A4: Yes, if your budget allows, active noise-cancelling (ANC) headphones can be a game-changer for airplane travel. The constant hum of the airplane engine can make it difficult for children to hear their audio, leading them to turn up the volume too high. ANC helps block out this background noise, allowing them to listen comfortably at a lower, safer volume.
Q5: How important is comfort and durability for airplane headphones?
A5: Very important! Kids might wear headphones for several hours on a long flight, so soft ear cushions and an adjustable headband are key to prevent discomfort. Durability is also crucial, as headphones can get bumped, dropped, or twisted in the confines of an airplane seat or during packing. Look for reinforced materials and sturdy designs.
Q6: Can my child use their regular headphones on the airplane’s entertainment system?
A6: Most airplane entertainment systems use a standard 3.5mm audio jack, so any wired headphones with that connector should work. For wireless (Bluetooth) headphones, you might need a Bluetooth transmitter (sold separately) that plugs into the airplane’s jack, as most in-flight systems don’t have built-in Bluetooth.
Q7: My child keeps pulling out the headphone jack. Any tips?
A7: This is common with younger kids! If it’s a persistent issue, consider wireless (Bluetooth) headphones to eliminate the cord altogether. For wired options, look for headphones with a durable, braided cord that’s less prone to damage and ensure the jack is fully inserted. Sometimes, simply educating your child on how to gently handle them helps.
Choosing the best kids headphones for airplane travel can make a significant difference in your family’s journey. By prioritizing safety features like volume limiting, considering comfort for those longer hauls, and opting for durable designs, you’ll find a pair that keeps your little ones happily entertained and your travels a little more peaceful. Happy flying!