10 Best Kids Headphones For Airplanes 2025 in the United States

The iClever BTH12 Kids Bluetooth Headphones are designed with the needs of children in mind, especially for use during airplane travel. One of the standout features is the volume-limiting capability, which ensures kids can enjoy their audio at safe levels of 74 or 85 dBA, protecting their hearing during long flights. The over-ear design provides comfort and decent noise isolation, which can be helpful in blocking out the ambient noise of an airplane.

Another major plus is their impressive battery life, offering up to 85 hours of playtime on a single charge. This means less worry about recharging during travel. The USB-C charging is quick, allowing for a quick boost of 7 hours with just a 10-minute charge—perfect for those last-minute needs before a flight.

In terms of durability, the BTH12 headphones are reinforced to withstand rough handling, an important feature for kids who may not be gentle with their belongings. The colorful LED lights add a fun element that appeals to children, although they can be turned off to save battery life. The sound quality is decent with rich bass provided by the built-in 40mm speakers. Additionally, while Bluetooth 5.2 offers stable connectivity, parents might prefer a wired option for long flights, due to concerns about battery life or connectivity issues. The headphones are a bit bulky, which might be a consideration for families with limited carry-on space.

The Puro Sound Labs PuroQuiet Plus headphones are designed with children’s safety and comfort in mind, particularly for use in noisy environments like airplanes. One of the standout features is the volume limiting technology, which ensures the sound does not exceed 85 dB, protecting kids' hearing. This is a crucial aspect when selecting headphones for children and makes these headphones a safer choice. Additionally, the active noise-cancelling (ANC) feature effectively reduces background noise by up to 22 dB, enhancing the listening experience without the need to increase volume, which is ideal for busy or loud settings such as airplanes. This, combined with 78% noise isolation, ensures a quieter environment for children to enjoy their audio content without distractions.

Comfort and fit are also well-considered; the on-ear design with lightweight materials makes them suitable for prolonged use without discomfort, important for long flights. The headphones are equipped with Bluetooth for wireless connectivity, reducing the risk of entanglement with wires, though they can also be used with an audio cable if needed. The 35-hour battery life in non-ANC mode (23 hours with ANC) is impressive and should last through extended travel periods. However, while the durability appears solid with an aluminum build, it's worth noting that more robust usage might still test their longevity.

Portability is enhanced by their lightweight design and the included protective case, making them easy to pack and carry. Nevertheless, some potential drawbacks include their price, which might be on the higher side for some budgets, and the 1.26 pounds weight which, though manageable, may be slightly bulkier compared to some other kids' headphones. These headphones offer a good balance of safety, functionality, and comfort, making them a solid choice for kids, especially during airplane travel.

The Belkin SoundForm Mini Wireless Bluetooth Kids Headphones are notable for their strong battery life and safety features, making them a good choice for airplane travel. They feature a volume limiter set at 85dB, which is essential for protecting young ears. The 30-hour battery life is impressive, ensuring that the headphones last through long flights and layovers. Additionally, the USB-C fast charging is a bonus, providing quick recharges in just 10 minutes for 3 hours of use. The Bluetooth connectivity allows easy pairing with various devices, from iPhones to tablets, and maintains a stable connection up to 30 feet away.

The built-in microphone is handy for video calls or interactive apps, adding to their versatility beyond just listening to music or watching videos. However, there are some drawbacks. While these headphones offer wireless convenience, they lack active noise cancellation, which could be a downside in noisy airplane environments. The over-ear design and cushioned ear pads are designed for comfort, but the lack of noise isolation might make them less effective at blocking out ambient sounds. They do include an optional 3.5mm aux port and cable for wired connections, providing flexibility if the battery runs out or if Bluetooth isn't available.

Durability seems promising with their plastic construction, though long-term use might reveal more about their resilience. In terms of portability, they are lightweight and come with a detachable cable, making them easy to pack and carry. Sound quality is tailored for kids, which is good for safety but may not meet audiophile standards. The Belkin SoundForm Mini is a reliable and child-friendly choice for airplane travel, especially if noise isolation isn't a primary concern.