The report card
- Volume limiting30% of score8.0
Capped at 85dB.
- Fit for small heads25% of score9.0
The smallest ear cushions The Independent's tester tried, with big L and R markings.
- Durability15% of score7.0
A folding, rotating design, but fewer long-term reports.
- Battery & connection15% of score8.0
Up to 48 hours, or 20 with the lights on; wired option and a sharing cable.
- Value15% of score8.2
Good value at around £25.
The full review
The Independent's tester found on-ear headphones often swamp little children, and picked the Code Junior as the best for younger kids because its soft vegan-leather cushions were the smallest of everything she tried. Large L and R markings help small children put them on the right way round.
Sound is capped at 85dB, and you can use them wirelessly or with a cable, or link a second pair with the Buddy Beats cable. The light-up lobster on the ear cups was a hit with testers of all ages.
Fresh 'n Rebel quotes up to 48 hours of battery, but only 20 with the light effect on, and the tester found the lights drained it almost twice as fast. The cups fold and rotate so they can hang round a neck, and there are stickers in the box.
Pros and cons
What I like
- The smallest cups in The Independent's test
- L and R markings for little ones
- 85dB limit
- Wired or wireless, with a sharing cable
What I don't
- The lights cut battery life sharply
- May be outgrown sooner
- Less proven durability
Key specs
- Volume limit
- 85dB
- Battery
- Up to 48 hours, 20 with lights on (Fresh 'n Rebel figures)
- Connection
- Bluetooth 5.4 or wired
- Sharing
- Buddy Beats cable
- Design
- Foldable, rotating, light-up ear cups
- Microphone
- Built in
Head-to-heads
What I read
This is a research-led review. These are the main sources behind the scores, alongside patterns in verified owner reviews. How I review.