Protect Those Headphones
Satechi 2-in-1 Headphone Stand Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Even durable headphones are easy to damage. We have lost pairs to folks standing on them, cats and robot vacuums attacking the cables, and chairs rolling over them. I have learned that a stand or holder is worth the investment if it keeps those cans off the floor. Even if your kids only sometimes remember to use it, that could extend the likely lifespan of their headphones.
We use the Satechi 2-in-1 Headphone Stand with Wireless Charger ($56), which also has a spot for charging your phone on the base, but there’s no need to spend that much. This New Bee Headphone Stand ($7) will do the trick. My PC gaming eldest has a Hanger Mount ($8) clamped to the desk, and it works great for keeping that headset out of the way when it’s not in use.
Other Headphones We Like
These headphones didn't quite earn a place above, but we still liked them.
Photograph: Simon Hill
Heyday Kids’ Wired Headphones for $10: Target’s new Heyday headphones for kids are very affordable and limit volume to 85 decibels. We tried the wired, super-fun, unicorn horn headphones (there’s a dinosaur pair too). We also tested the slightly more expensive wireless, active noise-cancelling headphones ($25). Both sounded OK for the money.
Photograph: Simon Hill
Juice Pro Wireless Headphones for £35: For the 10-year-old kids in one of my wife’s classes, these headphones were singled out as the best because they are very comfy, they are wireless, and they offer decent active noise cancellation. Sound quality is decent, the headphones are hard-wearing, and they are made from 100 percent recycled plastics. They are also cheap for folks in the UK (sadly, unavailable in the US).
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