Product test
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by Siri Schubert
Children's headphones: what's in it for them and how much do they cost?
1.2.2019
Translation: machine translated
Pictures: Dominik Bärlocher
Do children's headphones serve any purpose? How do they differ from adult headphones? I'd like to give you an overview of this type of headphone, which I hadn't seen before.
Thomas Wüthrich, our Marketing Manager for audio products, explained to me that children's headphones were a niche in their own right. I remember well that my fellow editor Livia tested the charming unicorn headphones, but I didn't know that we had dozens of children's headphones in shop.
I imagine that when your child listens to the same Kasperli story for the millionth time and can't seem to get enough of it, it's not them, but you who are thinking about buying headphones.
As I don't have any children of my own, I asked our editor, Aurel Stevens, to confirm my hunch. After all, her five-and-a-half-year-old daughter listens to the same things all the time, and they're audiobooks with the characters' voices getting on her nerves.
Imagine you want to preserve your sanity. Why not just get some adult headphones? In other words, what's the difference between children's headphones and adult headphones? To answer that question, I've selected these two products from our shop.
Difference #1: size
Nothing but adults, not all headphones fit all heads. The HP Omen Mindframe was far too big for our tester Kevin.
This is even truer for children. Most headphones have a headband. This is adjustable, but the possible adjustment is of course limited. JVC indicates a minimum age of three for its headphones.
This is even more true for children.
There is no maximum age according to the manufacturers, and indeed even an adult can wear these two children's models. They're noticeably smaller than my Sennheiser Momentum 2, for example, but the circumference adjustment is quite generous.
I find the JVC HA-KD5 very uncomfortable, not because of the size, but because it's made entirely of hard plastic with the exception of the earpads. The JBL Junior JR300, on the other hand, is padded even around the headband. What's more, the earcups swivel. This headset therefore adapts better to the shape of the head and can be stored without taking up too much space.
Difference #2: the design
The light blue JBL, which of course also comes in pink, is almost discreet compared to the garish colours of the JVC. On the tram, I almost go unnoticed.
Both headphones come with very similar stickers that will allow your children to personalise their new acquisition. The letters on the JVC seem to me to be more pedagogically interesting than the brand logos on the JBL.
Difference #3: volume limitation
The product sheet on the JVC website says: "*The maximum sound volume of 85 dB may be exceeded if the signal source has a very high sound level."This is only mentioned in small print, whereas "volume limiter" is written very large on the packaging. JBL doesn't even specify that the maximum value can be exceeded.
Difference #4: prices
On average, children's headphones are much cheaper than adult models. This is probably because children break them even more often than adults. At least, that's what parents think. Or at least that's what manufacturers think parents think. Besides, I get the impression that the JVC is more robust.
On the other hand, the sound quality of the JBL seems much better to me. For the price, both are acceptable, although nowhere near the quality of adult headphones. It's the world upside down when you think kids hear better.
Difference #5: the cords
The cords are very short: 80 cm for the JVC and 1 metre for the JBL. This is supposedly a suitable length for children, although I can't quite see the logic. Perhaps the manufacturers are embellishing a measure to reduce production costs. The problem is easily solved by ordering an extension when you buy it or by taking the Bluetooth version.
Conclusion: don't leave your children to their own devices
The existence of headphones for children is justified and their reduced size is a good thing. Protecting children's more fragile ears is also an argument, but beware: the volume limiter is only effective with mobile players. With powerful stereo systems, don't leave your children to fend for themselves in the belief that headphones will protect their eardrums. This is a point that manufacturers should make much clearer.
David Lee
Senior Editor
David.Lee@digitecgalaxus.chMy interest in IT and writing landed me in tech journalism early on (2000). I want to know how we can use technology without being used. Outside of the office, I’m a keen musician who makes up for lacking talent with excessive enthusiasm.
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