The report card
- Volume limiting30% of score7.0
85dB or 94dB modes (each plus or minus 3dB), plus a transparency mode for awareness.
- Fit for small heads25% of score7.2
Fitted six and nine-year-old testers, and even an adult; big for toddlers.
- Durability15% of score8.0
Light, flexible and foldable.
- Battery & connection15% of score9.6
Up to 52 hours, with about 8 hours from a 10-minute charge.
- Value15% of score8.0
Lots of features for about £35.
The full review
The Independent made these its best kids' headphones overall in 2026, and on features it's easy to see why. myFirst quotes up to 52 hours of battery at 50% volume, a 10-minute charge gives about eight hours, and a Smart Transparency mode automatically lets outside sound in when your child starts moving.
They come with two sets of ear pads (cooling ones for summer and fluffy ones for winter) and fold up small. The Independent's tester found them a good fit on both six and nine-year-olds, and comfortable enough for an adult, which is great for longevity but less good for a small three-year-old.
There are two volume modes: 85dB (Safe Mode) and 94dB (Travel Mode), both quoted as plus or minus 3dB. For young children I'd stick firmly to Safe Mode. Wired listening uses a USB-C cable rather than a standard 3.5mm lead, which won't suit every device.
Pros and cons
What I like
- Up to 52 hours of battery
- Very fast charging
- Smart Transparency mode
- Two sets of ear pads
What I don't
- 94dB mode is loud for young children
- Sized for older children
- Wired only via USB-C
Key specs
- Volume limits
- 85dB or 94dB (plus or minus 3dB)
- Battery
- Up to 52 hours at 50% volume
- Fast charge
- 10 minutes for about 8 hours
- Wired
- USB-C cable
- Extras
- Smart Transparency, two sets of ear pads
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.