Image: MomJunction Design Team
Introducing your kids to the world of music at an early age is a good idea as it can be relaxing and inspiring for your little one. With the advancement of technology, limitless music is available at your fingertips through portable devices. To choose the best music players for kids from the many devices available in the market, consider features such as storage, portability, and battery life.
Modern music players also make it easier for your child to explore a wide range of genres and pick the ones that best suit their taste. To help you choose the right music player for your child, we have compiled a list of premium music players for children to start their musical journey.
Top Picks
16 Best Music Players For Kids
1. Best Overall: AGPTEK A02 MP3 Player
If you are looking for everlasting music during long trips, this is the ideal MP3 player for your needs. This audio device combines 70 hours of battery life with lightning-fast charging and a super-portable design, making it easy to carry anywhere. Youtube product reviewer Intuitive Review says, “It is really thin and light, the battery lasts a decent amount of time and it’s very easy to upload your music to it. So, I definitely recommend this thing if you need an affordable mp3 player”.
Pros
- Fits into wallet and pockets
- Easy to download songs
- AUX-compatible
- 8GB internal memory
- Stores up to 2,000 songs
- Supports multiple formats
Cons
- Might require manual switching between storage
"Its diverse format compatibility and large storage capacity have allowed me to carry my favorite songs wherever I go. Learning to use it took a little time, but it has quickly become my preferred on-the-go audio device."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 2,746 positive reviews on Amazon are proof that this product meets customers' expectations.
Did you know?2. Best Multipurpose MP3 Player: Grtdhx MP3 Player
This MP3 player offers plenty of features that children may get excited about. Take a look at this review video to know more about the product and make an informed buying decision.
Pros
- Supports Bluetooth,
- Pedometer counts the number of steps
- Includes a calorie-tracking function
- Built-in FM radio recorder
- Includes alarm
- Bookmark function
Cons
- May not support files transferred from a computer
- UI and features could have been better
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
About 2,013 reviewers on Amazon have given their seal of approval to the product.
3. Best Portable: Mighty Vibe Audio Player
Allow your child to enjoy music and podcasts streamed on Spotify and Amazon Music with the Mighty Vibe lightweight and compact player. Featuring Bluetooth connectivity, it can be instantly paired with your headphones and speakers. The ultra-efficient, pocket-sized device for kids weighs just 22 grams and is travel-friendly and easy to store.
Pros
- Easy-on-the-eyes and screen-free design
- Features a built-in clip for easy attachment
- Streams offline music
- Sleek design
- Can be used with wired headphones and speakers
- Drop-resistant and sturdy build
- Stores over 1000 songs
- Offers more than five hours of continuous playtime
Cons
- Usage instructions may not be easy to follow
- May not feature a repeat or loop option
"The Bluetooth compatibility and screen-free design have made it the ideal find for my physically active child. Its slow sync time was a letdown, but its compact size and storage capacity compensate for that minor hassle."
AGPTEK A02 MP3 Player Best Overall | Grtdhx MP3 Player Best Multipurpose MP3 Player | Mighty Vibe Audio Player Best Portable | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color | Dark-Blue | Black | - |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium Polymer batteries required | 1 Lithium Ion batteries required | - |
| Weight | 1.1 ounces | 5.6 ounces | - |
| Dimensions | 3.54 x 1.54 x 0.31 inches. | 3.54 x 1.5 x 0.33 inches. | - |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 2,746 | 2,013 | - |
| Price | $27.99 | $35.99 | - |
4. Best Easy-To-Use MP3 Player: AGPTEK K1 Music Player for Kids
This simple and easy-to-use audio device is designed for young children. Its directional arrow buttons make it convenient for the child to select tracks on the screen. The MP3 player for kids comes with additional features, such as games, calendar, FM radio, and a picture viewer.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Adjustable volume and brightness level
- Built-in speaker
- Versatile
- Has a built-in storage capacity of 8GB
- Can store up to 2000 songs
Cons
- No battery charge indicator
"Features like physical buttons, built-in games, and small size have made this music player the perfect starter device for my kids. The limited FM support was disappointing, but my children don't seem bothered by it."
5. Best Easy-To-Setup: Yoto Kids Audio Player
The small handheld audio player from Yoto is suitable for children of ages 3-12 and comes with content cards of a curated library with more than 1000 titles fed into the speaker device for fun-filled learning and entertainment. It has large dials for easy change of volume and songs, and a rechargeable battery.. Jennifer Hanks of Coco’s Caravan says, “I love how easy it is for kids to use. Any kid of any age can figure this out”. She further adds, “I love their app. It is pretty easy to use. Any card that you buy from them or you have, you can upload it on the app so you can see on your phone what you have.” This music player supports Bluetooth and lets your little one record personalized audio cards. There are seven audio cards containing songs, stories, and more, and a customizable clock with night, light, and a sleep trainer to train your child to sleep easily.
Pros
- Easy to set up
- Portable speaker
- Easy charging
- Sturdy
- Backlit
- Easy-to-operate
Cons
- Most audiobooks might have a UK accent
- For toddlers, inserting the cards in the player might be tedious
"My little ones are thoroughly captivated by this audio player’s wide range of preloaded music and stories. While the sound quality is decent, the device's ability to double as a nightlight and compatibility with smartphones are my favorite features."
6. Best With Microphone: eKids KIDdesigns Mother Goose Club Portable MP3 Player
If your child loves to sing and dance, your search for a suitable music player ends with this eKids KIDdesigns device. This audio device has about one GB of internal memory to store your child’s favorite songs. The easy-to-use USB port comes in handy when adding more songs to the device. It also comes with a charging cable and a headphone jack. This portable music player has an internal storage compartment at the back to keep the charging cable and protect the USB.
Pros
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Portable and lightweight
- Easy-to-operate buttons
- Wired microphone
- Retro design
Cons
- May not display the available disk space
- Microphone may not be detachable
"With this child-friendly sing-along device, karaoke nights in our home have become even more fun. Despite some charging hiccups, the kids love this device, especially the USB drive option that allows them to play songs other than the preloaded ones."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product boasts 246 reviews on Amazon, and many buyers have said they would purchase the product again.
7. Best For WiFi: Jooki Music Player For Kids
The Jooki music player allows you to create a playlist of your child’s choice from Spotify or other audio files and play it for hours. With an internal storage of 5GB, this player features a USB port and can be connected to Wifi for easy connectivity. One of the best-selling options, this smart device comes with a USB-C charging cable and has up to eight hours of battery life. The dimensions of the music player are 8×5.5in, and it comes with two pre-programmed Jooki tokens. Sarah Kimmel of Family Tech channel says, “What really sets the Jooki apart is the ability to sync the token to a specific Spotify playlist. So, if you want to update the token you just have to update the playlist inside of Spotify.”
Pros
- Portable and durable design
- Rechargeable battery
- Includes an installation guide
- Easy to swap songs
Cons
- Might be tedious to setup with Wifi
- Adapter wire might be slightly short
"Apart from the initial setup hassle, the music player has worked seamlessly. It is durable, and the long battery life has allowed my kids to enjoy their favorite stories and tunes without interruptions."
8. Best Versatile: Sony NW-E394/R Walkman Digital Music Player
The versatile Sony NW-E394/R music player supports a great variety of music formats, such as AAC, MP3, PCM, and WMA, and offers an 8GB internal memory. The high-end music player integrates ClearAudio+ technology that delivers great-sounding music. For easy file selection, the Walkman features a simple LED screen.
Pros
- Offers 35 hours of battery life
- Compatible with Mac and PC
- Comes with a built-in FM radio
- Features timer and alarm functions
- Includes earbud-style headphones
- Includes a USB cable
- High-quality sound
Cons
- May not feature a fast-forward button
- May not be Wi-Fi or Bluetooth-enabled
"My favorite features of this Walkman include the drag-and-drop music transfer option, the intuitive controls, and the long battery life. The lack of Bluetooth connectivity is a letdown, but the overall device has been pretty functional."
9. Best Battery Life: Toniebox Audio Player
The petite and stylish red Toniebox audio player offers screen-free entertainment to your child by playing music, bedtime stories, and other educational content. The playtime Puppy Tonie could be inserted into the audio player to play traditional children’s songs for 52 minutes. It also features tactile play controls such as track change could be done by tapping the sides, and volume could be altered by pressing the ears of the playtime puppy. It has a charging port and a headphone jack and offers seven hours of battery life. The dimensions of the player are 4.7×4.7×4.7in. Vicky Smith of the The Mummy Bubble channel says, “I love the fact that the audio content comes in these really cute characters. It adds another dimension to the fun and is so easy to operate”.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Convenient tactile controls
- Durable design
- Allows to create custom content
- Portable
- Easy to set up
- Rechargeable battery
Cons
- Initial Wifi setup might be tedious
- Skip and repeat feature might not work well
"I am pleased by the range of content this player offers—from Geek mythology stories to classic tunes, it covers it all. Its navigation is also user-friendly, and as a parent, I find the screen-free design a big plus."
Quick tip10. Best Audio-Visual MP3 Player: Ruizu MP3 Player
An easy-to-use music player for kids that supports several file formats, including e-books, voice recordings, and videos. Equipped with a noise reduction chip, it delivers the most authentic sound quality and the 560mAh battery offers 48 hours of runtime. YouTube vlogger CouponingGirl says, “It is super easy to work. It has Bluetooth so you can connect it to your car. These are really handy to have. You can take it when camping or out when you’re exercising and download all your cool music on it.”
Pros
- Superior quality built-in speaker
- 1080p HD screen
- Includes features like FM radio and eBook reader
- Expandable memory up to 128GB
- Portable voice recorder
Cons
- Sorting music may be a bit complicated for some
"Having used this device for a few months, I can vouch for its battery life and straightforward controls. The sound quality is also praiseworthy, but making a playlist can feel tricky. Nevertheless, it has become my kid's reliable musical companion."
11. Best For Learning: VTech Rock And Bop Music Player, Blue
The music player by the trusted brand Vtech is an amazing device to keep your child busy while you work without any interruption. It can help develop the child’s sensory receptors. With over a hundred songs in the player, your child will have a great variety of music to choose from. It also has ten musical games that can keep the child engaged for hours. This MP3 music player is available in two colors — pink and blue.
Pros
- Portable and lightweight
- Includes instrument remix mode
- Kid-safe music player with headphones
- Interactive design
- Charming retro design
- Battery-operated
- Adjustable volume
Cons
- May seem small for some
- Wires may come out with use
"This music player has been beneficial in teaching my younger one numbers and letters. He loves to put on the headphones and listen to the pleasant melodies and instrument sounds. Plus, the adjustable volume levels are a bonus."
12. Best With Simple Controls: SMPL One-Touch Music Player
Featuring a minimalistic and easy-to-control user interface, this One-Touch music player is ideal for older children. The device comes with 40 American classic songs, making it a perfect tool for introducing your child to different genres and eras of English music. In addition, it has a 4GB storage capacity, enabling your child to load and listen to their favorite numbers.
Pros
- Can be used as a plug-in or portable unit
- Features a durable wooden enclosure
- Screen-free design
- Supports MP3 and audiobooks
- Features ports for headphones and USB
- Rounded corners and edges
Cons
- May not be Wi-Fi-enabled
- May not have a handle
"The one-touch control allows my little one to use the device with minimal adult help. While the sound quality has been impressive, there's a learning curve with ensuring consistent volume across tracks. Nonetheless, the music player has been an excellent addition to my child's room."
13. Best With MP4 Support: Innioasis G1 MP3 Player
The touch-screen-enabled device by Innioasis comes pre-installed with popular audio apps, such as Amazon Music, Pandora, Apple Music, Spotify, Deezer, and Tidal. It supports various file formats, including MP3, MP2, WMA, WAV, FLAC, AAC, OGG, and APE. Additionally, this portable device for kids allows you to organize the files into different categories, making file storage customizable and easy to retrieve.
Pros
- Plays visuals as it supports MP4 format
- Pre-installed with Kindle and Audible
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi-enabled
- Includes wireless headphones
- Comes with a 64GB micro SD card
- Expandable storage up to 1TB
Cons
- Battery life may be lower than expected
- May be slightly hefty for some
"Its large storage capacity has seamlessly handled my little one's ever-growing library of songs. However, the battery life would benefit from some improvements. Nevertheless, I would recommend it for its sound quality and user-friendly design."
14. Best Bluetooth MP3 Player: SanDisk 8GB Clip Jam MP3 Player
This compact yet high-performance MP3 player comes from a trusted brand known for its storage drives. The wearable music player is available in two storage options — 8GB and 16 GB — to store all your child’s favorite melodies, much like an iPod.
Pros
- Lightweight and portable with a clip on
- Available in three versions
- Available in seven colors
- Offers up to 18 hours of playback on a single charge
- Includes two-year limited manufacturer warranty
Cons
- Device supports limited file formats
- Battery may not be durable
"The hands-free mechanism and ease of navigation have been very impressive. Be it via headphones or speakers, the audio output is always crisp and clear. The battery, though not stellar, does the job well. However, the durability and the SD slot are a big plus."
15. Best Lightweight: Singing Machine Kid’s Speaker
The attractive kid’s Bluetooth speaker comes with a wired microphone and two microphone jacks, allowing you to connect to any device. This kids’ music player has an AC adapter and LED lights that pulse to the music and can be used as a nightlight. This sing-along speaker comes with a free Singing Machine Kids music app and can be handheld since it measures 6.3×9.8×12.2in.
Pros
- Portable speaker
- Easy to set up
- Easy to use
- Long battery life
Cons
- Microphone might break from the cable connection easily
- Microphone sound might seem low
"My kids love to conduct elaborate pretend concerts with this karaoke machine. It is easy to operate, and the smartphone compatibility, though not the most seamless, allows them to experiment with different songs."
16. Best For Preschoolers: Storypod Interactive Learning System
Storypod offers this engaging audio system to entertain your toddlers while letting them learn. It includes age-appropriate stories that aim to promote reading and speech skills. The soothing music and lullabies can facilitate a smoother and more streamlined bedtime routine for your little one. Additionally, the player comes with interchangeable and colorful sleeves.
Pros
- Plays educational content
- Features intuitive play and volume controls
- Comes with a built-in night light
- Soft and padded exterior
- Screen-free design
- Provides ten hours of audio play
Cons
- Sleeves need to be bought separately
- Cannot be used without the app
"This device stood out to me due to its versatility. The plethora of content, from personal recordings to emotion-focused stories and educational music, has been well-received by my child. All in all, it has been an excellent tool for screen-free entertainment."
How To Choose The Right Music Player For Children?
Here is what to look for when wondering how to choose a music player for children.
- Easy to operate: The playback and control buttons should preferably be easy for the little fingers to press. It is good to have an interface that is convenient to understand.
- Durable: You can consider sturdy MP3 players. Some music players may have their plastic encasing closed together with screws, which may be more rigid.
- Supported audio formats: Almost all music players support the MP3 file format. However, not all may have the provision to play other formats like MP4, WMA, etc. Check the specified format compatibility before purchase.
- Memory: Music players can come with in-built memory and may allow you to expand the storage with the use of a micro SD memory card.
- Extra features: Music players for kids come with bonus features such as games, alarm clock and FM radio.
- Safety and parental control: Some music players allow volume control. Music players running an operating system (like Android or iOS) may offer in-depth parental control.
A music player is an electronic device, and thus, it is good to observe some safety precautions while using it.
Tips For Safe Usage of Kids’ MP3 Players
Here are a few safety measures to follow when using a music player.
- Maintain a safe volume level: The World Health Organization says that hearing loss among teenagers has increased over time, owing to an increase in the use of headphones (1). You can set a volume limit and ask the child to listen to music at the set volume.
- Avoid watching videos right before bedtime: The American Academy of Pediatrics says that children should avoid screen time one hour before bedtime (2). Set a time limit for video watching, if available, on the MP3 player.
- Avoid use at mealtime: Food should be the only focus during mealtime. Keep the music player away for charging while the family enjoys the meal.
How We Selected The Best Music Players For Kids
Music players for kids are available in various designs with the latest features. We have explored and analyzed several products across the market to compile the best ones in this list. These best-selling music players from trusted brands feature sufficient storage space, sound clarity, easy operation, and more user-friendly details. Moreover, we have considered the reviews of real buyers, so that you can weigh the pros and cons of each product before buying.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is listening to music through headphones safe?
The volume and duration of exposure determine the harmful effects of using headphones. As per the CDC, any exposure to sound levels above 85 dB, for more than two hours at a stretch, may lead to hearing issues (1). Always ensure limited use of headphones and at a decent volume, with adequate breaks in between. If using earbuds, make sure they fit your child’s ear canal comfortably.
2. Is an MP3 player for kids a worthwhile investment?
Mobile phones nowadays are equipped with an ample sized audio library and are compatible with various music apps. But if you would like to keep your child away from unnecessary internet and screenlight exposure, investing in an MP3 player or CD player for kids could be worthwhile.
3. Are cheap MP3 players any good?
It’s always better to invest in superior quality MP3 players for the sake of durability and to get the benefits of adequate sound quality.
4. Are MP3 players outdated?
Since MP3 files can still be accessed and opened via most operating systems, MP3 players are still relevant in terms of usability. If and when the format is no longer recognizable by modern devices, only then can they be considered truly obsolete.
5. Where can I get music for my child’s MP3 player?
The most common way to download music is from reputable websites that offer free and licensed MP3 music files.
6. At what age can kids begin to use music players?
If the music player entails using headphones, they should be introduced to the child only once they are three years old bearing in mind that the decibel levels and duration of exposure should be as limited as possible (2).
The Bottom Line
The best music players listed here are must-haves as they are elegantly designed and come with excellent features to instill a love of music in children. Choose a premium one that is long-lasting, easy to operate, and compatible with Bluetooth, such as the eKids KIDdesigns Portable MP3 Player. Also, ensure it has parental control so that your little ones have a hassle-free time listening to music. Further, invest in one that has a long battery life, like the Toniebox Audio Player, ample storage space, and additional features such as FM radio, clock, and alarm, as the AGPTEK K1 Music Player does.
Infographic: What are the Music Player Functions To Look For?
A children’s music player can be a great tool for entertaining and educating your child, but it’s important to choose one that is safe and appropriate for their age and needs. So scroll through the infographic below on a checklist for picking the right one for your child. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- Healthy Headphone Use: How Loud And How Long?
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/healthy-headphone-use-how-loud-and-how-long-2020072220565#:~:text=Suggestions%20for%20safe%20listening%201%20Be%20aware%20of,around%20headphone%20use%20or%20safe%20sound%20levels.%20 - Headphone Usage By Children And Brain Neuroplasticity
https://www.mooreauditorytraining.com/headphone-usage-by-children-and-brain-neuroplasticity/ - Pleasant music as a countermeasure against visually induced motion sickness
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23957932/
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