TL;DR: After 3 years of travel with my kid, the PuroQuiet-PLUS is the only headphone that actually works—85dB volume limit protects hearing, ANC blocks airplane noise, and it survives being dropped constantly. Skip the cheap "kids headphones" that don't meet EN 50332 standards.
Last year, we traveled with our kid for nearly four months. Somewhere over the Pacific, getting off a flight, we realized the headphones were still on the plane.
We rushed back to the gate. Gone. Someone took them.
Here's what I wasn't expecting—I wasn't upset about losing the headphones. I was panicking because we had three more weeks of travel ahead, and those headphones were the only thing keeping our kid entertained without disturbing everyone around us.
I ordered a replacement on Amazon that night. Thank god for fast shipping—new pair arrived the next morning at our hotel.
That moment made me realize: kids headphones aren't a nice-to-have. They're essential travel gear.
Why Kids Headphones Are a Travel Essential
Let's be honest—public spaces aren't always kid-friendly. Search any travel forum and you'll find endless debates about children on planes, in restaurants, at hotels.
I'm not here to argue about that. I'm here to solve the problem.
Good headphones let your kid:
- Watch movies without bothering other passengers
- Listen to audiobooks during long waits
- Stay entertained without you worrying about dirty looks
We've used ours on flights, during theme park lines, on road trips, during piano practice (so neighbors don't complain), and for online classes. Basically anywhere my kid might otherwise be loud or bored.
Why Kids Need Special Headphones
Here's something most parents don't know: hearing damage is permanent and irreversible.
Adult headphones can hit 105-136dB at max volume. That's power drill territory. For kids under 8, whose auditory cells are still developing, exposure to 85dB+ for just one hour can cause permanent damage.
It gets worse. Kids' ear canals are shorter, so their eardrums are closer to the sound source. The same volume setting is actually 7-10dB louder for them than for adults.
That's why you can't just "turn down the volume" on regular headphones. Kids will crank it back up when you're not looking. You need hardware-level volume limiting that caps output no matter what.
How to Choose Kids Headphones
After three years of daily use, here's what actually matters:
1. Look for EN 50332 certification
The European EN 50332 standard specifically limits headphone output to safe levels. Many "kids headphones" claim 85dB limits but don't actually meet this standard. Check the specs.
2. Don't buy "shrunk adult headphones"
Good kids headphones aren't just smaller. They have:
- Adjustable headbands that grow with your child (ages 3-12)
- Softer ear cushions for sensitive ears
- Larger buttons kids can operate themselves
- Durability to survive being dropped constantly
3. Consider active noise cancelling for travel
Passive noise cancelling (just physical padding) reduces some ambient sound. Active noise cancelling (ANC) uses microphones and processors to cancel out low-frequency noise like airplane engines.
With ANC, kids can hear their content clearly at lower volumes. Without it, they'll crank the volume to compete with background noise—defeating the purpose of volume limiting.
Why I Chose the PuroQuiet-PLUS
Puro Sound Labs was founded after the founder's daughter suffered hearing loss from headphone use. That origin story matters—this company exists specifically to protect kids' hearing.
The PuroQuiet-PLUS has been our daily driver for three years. After all that use, here's my honest take:
It actually limits volume. No matter how high my kid cranks the slider, output stays at 85dB. I've tested it with a decibel meter.
The sound quality is legitimately good. Most kids headphones sound like tin cans. These have a custom-tuned frequency response that makes voices clear and music enjoyable. My kid noticed immediately when we temporarily used cheaper headphones.
They're built to last. Aluminum frame, not plastic. After three years of being dropped, stuffed in backpacks, and occasionally used as a toy, they still work perfectly. (Well, until we lost them on that plane.)
The ANC makes flights bearable. With noise cancelling on, my kid watches movies at reasonable volumes even with engine noise. Without ANC, he'd be cranking the volume to hear dialogue.
22-hour battery life with ANC. We've done multiple international trips without needing to charge mid-flight.
Comfortable for long wear. The protein leather ear cushions are soft and breathable. No complaints during 10+ hour flights.
The new PLUS version has USB-C charging, which is way more convenient than the old micro-USB.
One minor gripe: The folding mechanism is a bit stiff. My kid can't fold them on his own—I have to do it every time. Not a dealbreaker, but slightly annoying when you're juggling bags at the airport.
Puro Sound Labs PuroQuiet-PLUS
Check Latest PriceOne Thing to Keep in Mind
Even with safe volume levels, give ears a break. We limit continuous use to about an hour, then take the headphones off for a while.
Hearing protection isn't just about volume—it's also about duration. An hour on, 15-30 minutes off. Your kid's ears will thank you in 30 years.
FAQ
Are noise cancelling headphones safe for kids?
Yes, when they have proper volume limiting. Look for headphones that cap at 85dB—the safe threshold for extended listening. Hardware-based limits are safer than software limits that can be bypassed.
How long can kids wear headphones safely?
Even with 85dB volume-limited headphones, limit continuous use to about 1 hour, then take a break. This gives ears time to rest and prevents fatigue.
What's the difference between active and passive noise cancelling for kids?
Passive noise cancelling uses physical materials to block sound. Active noise cancelling (ANC) uses microphones and processors to create opposing sound waves that cancel ambient noise. ANC is more effective, especially for low-frequency sounds like airplane engines.
Are 85dB volume-limited headphones loud enough on airplanes?
Yes, if they have good noise cancellation. With ANC reducing ambient noise, 85dB is plenty loud for movies and music. We've used them on dozens of flights without issues.
Can't I just turn down the volume on regular headphones?
No. Adult headphones can reach 105-136dB—as loud as a power drill. Kids' ear canals are shorter, so the same volume is actually 7-10dB louder at their eardrums. You need hardware-level volume limiting, not manual adjustment.
Related Reading
- How Do Noise Cancelling Headphones Work? — ANC vs passive isolation explained
- Best Wired Noise Cancelling Headphones — Options with passive isolation
- Best Noise Cancelling Headphones for Snoring — Sleep-focused options