Puro Sound Labs BT2200: What 3,000+ Parents Actually Say

Looking for the best kids headphones? Check out our complete guide: Best Noise Cancelling Headphones for Kids

The Bottom Line

Best Overall

Puro Sound Labs BT2200

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The consensus: The gold standard for kids headphones. Volume limiting that actually works, sound quality that doesn't make parents cringe, and durability that survives real kids. Not cheap, but thousands of parents say it's worth it.

Why We Researched This

Most "kids headphones" are just small adult headphones with cartoon stickers. The volume limiting claims? Often marketing fluff. Parent after parent on Reddit shares the same story: bought cheap "85dB limited" headphones, tested them, found they actually hit 95-100dB.

The Puro Sound Labs BT2200 has been Wirecutter's top pick since 2016. But does it actually deliver? We dug through 3,000+ Amazon reviews, hundreds of Reddit threads, and multiple independent tests to find out.

Here's what the data shows.

Specifications

Rating Breakdown (Based on User Reviews)

What Parents Love (The Good Stuff)

1. The Volume Limiting Actually Works

This is the whole point, right? And the BT2200 delivers—according to everyone who's tested it.

Multiple parents on r/headphones and r/BuyItForLife have tested the BT2200 with decibel meters. The consensus: maximum output sits around 84-85dB, exactly as advertised. One Reddit user with professional audio equipment measured 84.7dB at max volume.

Here's what makes this different from cheaper "volume limited" headphones: it's hardware-enforced. The limiting circuit is built into the headphones themselves. No app to bypass. No settings to accidentally change. No way for a clever 7-year-old to figure out how to disable it.

"Tested my kid's old headphones vs the Puro. Old ones hit 98dB. Puro maxed at 85. Worth every penny." — r/Parenting user

2. Sound Quality That Doesn't Suck

Most kids headphones sound like tin cans. Tinny highs, no bass, the kind of audio that makes you wonder if the engineers ever actually listened to music.

The BT2200 gets consistent praise for balanced sound. Parents report their kids actually notice the difference—and prefer the Puro over cheaper alternatives.

Is it audiophile quality? No. But reviewers consistently describe it as "genuinely pleasant" and "surprisingly good for kids headphones."

3. Battery Life That Lasts

Puro claims 18-20 hours. Parent reviews consistently confirm this.

Multiple Amazon reviewers mention completing cross-country flights (4-6 hours) with plenty of battery left. One parent reported their kid used them for "probably 8 hours total" on a Denver-to-London trip and still had juice when they landed.

The micro-USB charging is annoying (get the Plus model for USB-C), but the battery life itself gets near-universal praise.

4. Passive Noise Isolation Works

No active noise cancellation here—that's the PuroQuiet-Plus model. But the passive isolation is surprisingly effective.

The ear cushions create a decent seal that blocks about 22dB of ambient noise according to Puro's specs. Parents report this helps on airplanes—kids can hear their tablets at reasonable volumes without cranking it up to compete with engine drone.

Not as good as ANC, but good enough for most situations.

5. Durability That Survives Kids

This is where the BT2200 really shines in reviews. Kids are not gentle with their belongings, and parents consistently report these headphones surviving:

• Drops on hardwood floors (many, many times)
• Being stuffed in backpacks with books and snacks
• Getting stepped on
• Being used as makeshift crowns during imaginative play
• Left in hot cars

"Six months of daily not-at-all-gentle use and they still work perfectly." — Reddit parent

The headband flexes without snapping. The ear cups rotate without breaking. The Bluetooth still connects instantly after months of abuse.

Common Complaints (Real Talk)

1. No Active Noise Cancellation

This is the most common complaint. The passive isolation is decent, but on airplanes, kids still hear a lot of ambient noise. Several parents mention their kids seem to strain to hear sometimes.

For frequent flyers, the Puro PuroQuiet-Plus ($149) adds ANC. Multiple reviewers say they upgraded after realizing passive isolation wasn't enough for regular travel.

2. Micro-USB Charging (On Original Model)

In 2025, micro-USB is inexcusable. Every other device uses USB-C. Having to dig out a micro-USB cable just for these headphones is a consistent annoyance in reviews.

The BT2200 Plus fixes this with USB-C. If you're buying new, spend the extra $10-20 for the Plus model. Worth it for the charging convenience alone.

3. Not Cheap

At $79-99, the BT2200 costs 3-4x more than basic kids headphones. That's a real consideration when kids lose things, break things, and outgrow things.

But here's the counterargument that shows up repeatedly in reviews: hearing damage is permanent. The WHO says over a billion young people risk hearing loss from unsafe listening. A $99 investment in verified hearing protection seems reasonable when you frame it that way.

4. Limited Color Options

The BT2200 comes in blue, teal, and gray. Multiple parents mention their kids wanted pink or other colors.

The BT2200 Plus has a few more colors, including a pink option. Another reason to consider the Plus model.

5. Ear Cushions Aren't Replaceable

After about 18 months of heavy use, the ear cushions start showing wear. Unlike some adult headphones, you can't easily replace just the cushions—you'd need to contact Puro for replacement parts.

Not a dealbreaker, but worth knowing if you're planning for long-term use.

BT2200 vs. BT2200 Plus: Which One?

Bottom line: Get the Plus. The USB-C charging alone is worth the extra $10-20. Everything else is a bonus.

BT2200 vs. The Competition

vs. JBL Jr 460NC ($49-79)

Bottom line: The JBL has ANC and costs less. The BT2200 has better sound quality and durability. For travel, the JBL might be better. For everyday use, the BT2200 wins.

vs. Belkin SoundForm Mini ($24-35)

Bottom line: The Belkin is a solid budget option. But the BT2200's sound quality and build quality justify the price difference if you can afford it.

Who Should Buy the Puro BT2200?

✅ Buy it if:

• You want verified 85dB volume limiting (not marketing claims)
• Sound quality matters to you (and your kid)
• You need headphones that survive real kids
• You're willing to invest in hearing protection

❌ Skip it if:

• You need active noise cancellation (get the PuroQuiet-Plus)
• Budget is tight (the Belkin SoundForm Mini is a solid alternative)
• Your kid loses everything (maybe start with something cheaper)
• You need lots of color options

The Verdict: What 3,000+ Parents Agree On

After analyzing thousands of reviews, the pattern is clear: the Puro Sound Labs BT2200 delivers on its core promise.

The volume limiting works—not as a marketing gimmick, but as verified, hardware-enforced protection. The sound quality exceeds expectations for kids headphones. The durability survives real-world kid abuse.

Are they perfect? No. Parents consistently wish for ANC, USB-C on the base model, and more color options.

But for verified hearing protection in a package that kids will actually want to use? The BT2200 is the gold standard. Wirecutter has recommended them since 2016 for a reason, and thousands of parent reviews back that up.

If you're serious about protecting your child's hearing, this is the headphone to buy.

Best Overall

Puro Sound Labs BT2200

Check Latest Price

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Reading

• Best Noise Cancelling Headphones for Kids — Our complete guide to kids headphones
• Best Noise Cancelling Headphones for Snoring — For adults who need sleep-friendly options