When buying headphones for kids, safety, durability, and comfort are the most important factors. The JLab JBuddies Studio Wireless headphones, meet these needs without costing a fortune. Originally priced at $30, they can now be found for as little as $15, making them a favorite among parents.
In this review, we’ll take a closer look to see if these headphones are really as good as people say.
What’s in the Box?
When you buy the JLab JBuddies Studio headphones, you’ll get:
- Headphones (with a foldable design for easy storage)
- USB-A to Micro-USB charging cable
- 3.5mm to 3.5mm audio cable for wired use
- SharePort feature to share audio with another pair of headphones
These items let you start using the headphones right away, whether you want to listen wirelessly or with a cable. The SharePort feature is especially useful for parents who have more than one child and want to let them share music or audio.
Design and Build Quality
The JBuddies Studio is designed to be durable enough for kids. The braided cord is strong and flexible, making it less likely to break. The headphones fold up, so they don’t take up much space and can easily fit in a bag or pouch.
However, they don’t come with a carrying case, so you’ll need to find something to keep them safe when traveling.
Sound Quality
The sound quality of the JLab JBuddies Studio headphones is surprisingly good for the price. The audio is balanced, with neither too much bass nor too much treble, giving a clear and enjoyable listening experience. While the bass isn’t as deep as more expensive models, it’s expected given the price. The SharePort feature is a great addition for parents with multiple kids who want to share music or audio easily.
What stands out is the volume-limiting feature. The maximum volume of 85 dB is great for protecting hearing, but it may feel too quiet for older kids or in noisy places. While the headphones aren’t as loud as adult models, they still provide enough sound for regular use.
The sound is a bit quieter compared to more expensive headphones, which might matter if your child likes louder, more energetic sound. However, for younger kids, the volume limit is a great feature that helps keep the sound at a safe level.
Comfort
The JLab JBuddies Studio headphones are made for kids 6 and older, but they can also fit smaller heads, like toddlers, though they might feel tight for adults. The ear cushions are soft but rest on the ears instead of covering them. This design is comfortable, but it doesn’t block out as much outside noise as over-ear headphones, which might be an issue in noisy places like airplanes.
The adjustable headband makes these headphones fit different head sizes, so they work for people of all ages. They don’t have over-ear cushions, so they might not block out noise as well, but they are light and breathable, which is ideal for young kids.
Battery Life
One of the best features of the JLab JBuddies Studio headphones is their long battery life. They can last up to 13 hours on a single charge, so they’re perfect for long car trips, flights, or even several days of use without needing a recharge. This makes them a reliable choice for travel, especially for families who might not have easy access to charging outlets on long trips.
The included USB Micro charging cable makes it easy to recharge the headphones, so you’ll be ready to use them quickly.
Additional Features: SharePort and Controls
Another great feature of the JBuddies headphones is the SharePort, which lets you connect another pair of headphones. This allows two kids to listen to the same audio at the same time, making it perfect for families with multiple children, especially when traveling.
The cable has easy-to-use controls, including buttons for play/pause, volume, and skipping or rewinding songs. The built-in microphone allows for hands-free calls and voice commands, making it great for many different tasks.
Comparison to Premium Headphones
Compared to high-end headphones like the Bose QC35, the JBuddies Studio lacks noise cancellation, sound quality, and durability. However, for children aged 6 to 10, it’s a great choice. At just $15, it offers impressive features and performance for its price, competing well with more expensive kid-friendly models.
Pros:
- Affordable Price
- Safe Listening
- Battery Life
- Comfort
- Sound quality
Cons:
- Noise Isolation: The on-ear design doesn’t block out much noise, so it might not be ideal in noisy places like airplanes.
Final Thoughts
The JLab JBuddies Studio Wireless headphones are safe, sturdy, and budget-friendly. They may not have the fancy features of high-end models, but they’re a great choice for kids. With a SharePort, built-in microphone, and volume limiter, they’re perfect for families, whether at home or on the go.
For just $15, the JBuddies Studio headphones are a great choice—affordable, reliable, and perfect for kids.