Child-friendly Bluetooth headphones: Tigerbuddies review
18.8.2023
Translation: Patrik Stainbrook
If your child owns a Tigerbox, the manufacturer also offers matching headphones in Tigerbuddies. They’re convincing in terms of sound, are well made and offer features like Bluetooth. Still, the whole thing comes at a price.
Every speaker has its own headphones. This seems to be an unwritten rule for manufacturers. Tonies offer their «Lauscher», and Tigermedia – the company behind the Tigerbox – has now jumped into the ring with Tigerbuddies. The Buddies cost 20 francs more than competitors’ headsets. But they offer Bluetooth in exchange. Overall, they’re good children’s headphones in the upper price range.
High-quality device suitable for children
The Tigerbuddies come with a USB-C charging cable, USB-C to 3.5 mm jack cable and a voucher for 14 days free access to the Tigertones media library. For the test, I, or rather my son, was provided with the red model called «Happy Red». But the headphones are also available in green (Funky Green) or pink (Crazy Pink). When unboxing, I notice how small and light they are.
Source: Kevin Hofer
Its delicate 180 grammes comes courtesy of much plastic. The Tigerbuddies are made entirely of plastic under the fabric layer, which covers almost everything. However, they aren’t cheaply made. When I pull them apart, there’s no creaking to be heard. I get the impression they’d even survive my son stomping on them. We didn’t test this – even though my son’s eyes light up at the suggestion.
You attach the audio cable for the connection with the Tigerbox to the headphones via the USB-C charging port. The jack and the other controls, such as the volume rocker and on/off button, are located on the right earpiece. When they’re worn, the tiger heads on either side of the ear cups light up.
Source: Kevin Hofer
The handsets are paired via Bluetooth by pressing the power button for three seconds. You can see that pairing is enabled when the LED flashes blue. However, the Tigerbox itself doesn’t have a Bluetooth function. Here you’ll have to reach for the audio cable.
In case you’re wondering why the Tigerbuddies have Bluetooth if they can’t be connected to the Tigerbox: you can access the media library with the Tigertones app for Android or iOS. This way, you can play your child content they usually have on the box from a distance via your smartphone. Of course, you can also connect the Buddies to all capable devices thanks to Bluetooth.
If the headsets are connected wirelessly, they have up to eight hours of juice. Eight hours doesn’t sound like much by adult standards. However, from my point of view, it’s enough. I don’t want my son listening to audiobooks for more than a few hours at a time. And if the headphones are lighter thanks to a smaller battery, I’m doubly satisfied. Once the battery is empty, it can be fully charged in about an hour.
Source: Kevin Hofer
Comfortable headset, bad audio cable
The headphones can be adjusted to children’s heads in four sizes. They snap comfortably into place and don’t slip during normal use. The ear cups can be rotated, so the earphones should fit on any head. For transport, the Tigerbuddies can be folded and fit well in any kid’s backpack.
Like headphones for adults, the ear cups and the pads are soft. I’m pleased that the ear cups are covered in fabric and not faux leather. In my opinion, this is more pleasant on the skin. Unfortunately, fabric is also more prone to stains, so it’s a shame that the pads can’t be replaced. According to the manufacturer, this has a negative impact on sound, quality and child-friendliness.
The Tigerbuddies are my son’s listening companions during our vacation to Corsica. He finds them very comfortable. They always stay in place, even when he headbangs to «Holzwurm».
Source: Kevin Hofer
Sadly, the audio cable isn’t as lovely. Arriving at our vacation destination, my son hardly hears anything over the headphones when they’re connected via cable. He can’t use it with the Tigerbox for the rest of the holiday.
As it turns out after we return, the issue is actually the cable. The problem: conventional USB-C to jack cables don’t work as they’re misdirected. You connect the earphones to the Tigerbox via a 3.5 mm jack, and to the Tigerbuddies via USB-C. For smartphones and headphones, for which these cables are intended, it’s the other way around. Currently, the cables aren’t yet available on their own. However, the manufacturer plans to offer them soon.
A sound that even I like
As befits children’s headphones, the volume is limited. The Tigerbuddies reach a maximum of 85 decibels. For us adults, this may be quiet, but for children it’s certainly enough. Even when we listen to music on the car stereo, my son can immerse himself in his stories thanks to the Tigerbuddies.
Importantly, you can limit the volume of the Tigerbox via the Tigertones app. You should remove this limitation when the Buddies are connected. Otherwise the box’ limit will spread to the Buddies – then things are really too quiet.
Sound-wise, the Tigerbuddies are geared towards audiobooks. They’re centre-panned as a result. Happily, voices come across clearly in songs too, not just audiobooks. If you’re fearing a tinny sound, don’t worry. There’s even bass – just not quite as strong as adult headphones. Overall, the sound of the Buddies is a pleasure to listen to, coming across as neutral and clear to my ears.
Source: Kevin Hofer
Verdict: price as its biggest weak point
The Tigerbuddies were developed for children. The size, quality and volume limit testify to this. Sonically, the headphones also convince me, an adult. Thanks to Bluetooth as well as a jack connection, the earphones can be connected to all kinds of devices – not only the Tigerbox.
Unfortunately, the audio cable didn’t make it for long. Whether we were unlucky or the audio cables are of poor quality is something I can’t conclusively judge. The replacement cable has worked flawlessly so far. Besides the cable, the fixed ear cup pads are a point of criticism.
However, the biggest drawback is definitely the price. At 60 Swiss francs/50 euros, the Buddies cost more than the competition’s headphones. You’ll have to decide whether Bluetooth is worth the extra charge. If so, I can recommend the Tigerbuddies.
Kevin Hofer
Senior Editor
kevin.hofer@digitecgalaxus.chFrom big data to big brother, Cyborgs to Sci-Fi. All aspects of technology and society fascinate me.
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