How to Choose the Best Kids' Headphones for Back-to-School

Back-to-school shopping usually starts with the basics: a new backpack, notebooks, pencils, and maybe a Chromebook or tablet. But there is one item that often gets overlooked—kids' headphones.

For many students, headphones are part of the everyday school routine. They may use them for online lessons, educational videos, audiobooks, language practice, digital assignments, or simply to listen to music after school.

And with so many devices now using different types of connections, choosing the right pair isn't always as simple as picking the one that looks good.

So before adding a pair of kids' headphones to your back-to-school shopping list, it helps to think about two things: how your child will use them and what devices they will use them with.

When Do Kids Need Headphones?

Kids may use headphones throughout the school day—for online classes, educational videos, audiobooks, language learning, digital assignments, or simply music and games after school.

But the right pair depends on how and where they’ll be used. A child using a school computer with a 3.5mm jack has different needs from one using a newer USB-C tablet. And for families with siblings sharing one device, being able to share audio can be just as important as the connection itself.

With that in mind, here are three types of kids' headphones to consider for the new school year.

1. 3.5mm Wired Kids' Headphones: Simple and Easy to Use

If your child's school computer, Chromebook, tablet, or other device has a standard 3.5mm headphone jack, wired headphones are easy to get started with. There is no Bluetooth pairing and no battery to charge. Plug them in, and they're ready to go.

The SIMOLIO Kids Headphones SM-904 is a practical choice for kids who use 3.5mm devices. It has a built-in microphone and volume-limiting options, making it suitable for both schoolwork and everyday listening. The adjustable headband and soft ear cushions are designed with everyday comfort in mind, while the foldable design makes it easier to put in a backpack when it's time to head to school.

One feature that can be especially useful for families is the Share Jack. If two kids want to listen to the same movie, audiobook, or educational video, another pair of headphones can connect directly to the sharing jack. No separate headphone splitter is needed.

Best for: Kids who mainly use devices with a 3.5mm headphone jack and families looking for a simple, plug-and-play option. SIMOLIO offers a range of 3.5mm kids' headphones for different ages and everyday needs.

2. USB-C + 3.5mm Kids' Headphones: More Flexibility for Different Devices

USB-C is becoming the standard connection on many newer tablets, laptops, and other devices. At the same time, plenty of school and home devices still use a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack.

That can make choosing headphones a little frustrating.

The SIMOLIO USB-C + 3.5mm Kids' Headphones KD-1 are a practical choice for students who use different devices at school and at home. The built-in USB-C connection works with devices such as iPads, Chromebooks,iPhone 15/16/17, and MacBooks, while the 3.5mm jack works with Kindle Fire, school computers, and airplane audio systems. That means kids can switch between compatible devices without carrying extra adapters.For online classes and video calls, the 330° swivel boom mic captures clear voice audio, and the one-key mute button lets kids quickly mute themselves. Three volume-limiting levels also give parents more control for different listening environments.

For families looking for a more versatile everyday option, the SIMOLIO SM-904 Kids Headphones offer the same flexible dual connection with a built-in HD microphone and audio-sharing features. Unlike a standard wired headset, the SM-904 includes a Share Port, allowing two kids to connect their headphones to the same device and enjoy audio together without an extra headphone splitter.With its foldable design, durable construction, and 3-level volume limiting, the SM-904 is a practical choice for school, travel, entertainment, and everyday listening.

Both models feature a lightweight design, soft ear cushions, adjustable headband, and durable construction, providing a comfortable fit for long listening sessions while standing up to everyday school and travel use.

Best for: Students who use both newer USB-C devices and traditional 3.5mm devices. Explore SIMOLIO's USB-C + 3.5mm kids' headphones for flexible connectivity across school, home, and everyday activities.

3. Bluetooth ManyShare Kids' Headphones: Wireless Listening for Families

For kids who prefer wireless headphones, Bluetooth offers a different kind of convenience. There is no cable running from the headset to the tablet or computer, which gives kids more freedom to move around.

But wireless headphones can also be useful when more than one child wants to listen to the same thing.

The SIMOLIO ManyShare Bluetooth Kids Headphones JH-714 takes wireless listening a step further with Auracast technology, allowing multiple compatible headphones to connect to the same audio source. Two siblings can watch the same video on one tablet, or a group of kids can listen together during a school activity—without a traditional headphone splitter or tangled cables.

The JH-714 connects easily with everyday devices such as tablets, iPads, laptops, smartphones, and smart TVs. A built-in microphone supports online classes and video calls, while the foldable design, soft ear cushions, and flexible headband make it easy to carry and comfortable for everyday use.An included EVA carrying case keeps the headphones protected and easy to pack for school or travel.

Best for: Families with multiple kids, shared listening, and children who want the freedom of wireless headphones. The SIMOLIO JH-714 ManyShare Wireless Kids Headphones make it easy to share audio wirelessly.

Which Kids' Headphones Are Right for Your Child?

If you're still deciding, start with the device your child uses most.

Choose 3.5mm wired headphones if:

Your child's school computer, Chromebook, or tablet has a standard 3.5mm headphone jack and you want a simple plug-and-play setup.

Choose USB-C + 3.5mm headphones if:

Your child uses newer USB-C devices but may also need to connect to devices with a traditional 3.5mm jack.

Choose Bluetooth ManyShare headphones if:

Your child prefers wireless listening or regularly shares audio with siblings or other kids.

The Bottom Line

Choosing kids' headphones for back-to-school doesn't have to be complicated. Start with the devices your child uses most, then think about how they will actually use the headphones during the school year.

SIMOLIO makes it easy to find the right fit for your child's school year. Whether they need a simple 3.5mm connection, the flexibility of USB-C and 3.5mm, or wireless audio sharing with ManyShare, there's a SIMOLIO kids' headphone option for different devices, routines, and listening needs.

Ready for back-to-school? Find the SIMOLIO kids' headphones that fit your child's everyday learning and listening.