Music is a huge part of teenage life, and finding the right headphones for teens is essential. Teens need headphones that not only deliver great sound but also reflect their personal style. They want something cool to show off, comfortable for long listening sessions, and affordable without compromising on quality.
With countless options available in 2024, choosing the best headphones for teens can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve consulted with teens who are passionate about music to help us identify the top picks. We focused on headphones that are stylish, unique, and packed with the features teens care about most.
In this guide, we’ll review the best headphones for teens, offering insights and recommendations to help you find the perfect pair. Whether it’s for casual listening, gaming, or studying, we’re here to help you choose headphones that any teen will love and proudly show off.
Roundup of the Best Headphones for Teens
| Overall Best Headphones for Teens | Apple Airpods Max |
| Best for Sports and Fitness | Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro |
| Best for Gaming | JLab Limited Edition Fruity Pebbles Go Air Pop |
| Best for Noise Cancellation | Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless |
| Best Budget | Soundcore P20i True Wireless |
| Best for Everyday Use | Jabra Elite 5 |
| Best for Bass Lovers | JVC Deep Bass Wireless Headphones |
| Best for Fashion | JBL Tune 230NC TWS |
| Best for Calls | JBL Tune Buds |
| Most Versatile | Altec Lansing MZX4500 |
How to Find the Right Headphones for Teens?
Here’s a quick checklist of factors you must consider when finding headphones for teenagers!
1. Sound Quality
Teens crave headphones that deliver crisp, detailed sound to enhance their experience across various music genres, videos, and games. High-quality audio is key to fully immersing in their favorite media.
2. Comfort and Fit
Comfort is essential, especially for long listening sessions. Over-ear headphones with memory foam cushions are favored for their snug fit and all-day comfort.
For teens on the go, lightweight in-ear models are also popular, offering portability and ease of use.
3. Durability
Given that teens can be rough with their gear, durability is a must. Headphones with an IPX4 rating or higher can endure workouts and outdoor activities, making them ideal for an active lifestyle.
These durable models ensure longevity, even with frequent use.
4. Design and Style
For many teens, headphones are not just about sound — they are a fashion statement. From bold, vibrant designs to sleek, minimalist styles, headphones allow teens to express their personality and taste. With a wide range of styles available, there’s something to suit every aesthetic.
5. Customization Options
Teens love to personalize their gear. Customizable headphones with interchangeable ear cup plates, headbands, and even LED lights offer the chance to make their headphones uniquely theirs.
These features add a fun, personal touch that appeals to their desire for individuality.
6. Portability
Teens who are always on the move need portable headphones.
Foldable designs are particularly convenient, allowing for easy storage in a backpack or case, so their music is always within reach, no matter where they go.
7. Wired vs. Wireless
Wireless headphones are highly favored by teens for the freedom and convenience they offer, along with features like voice assistants and modern designs.
While wired headphones offer consistent sound quality without concerns about battery life or signal latency, the wireless option tends to be more appealing to the tech-savvy, style-conscious teen.
8. Volume Limiting
Protecting hearing is vital, especially for younger users.
Headphones with volume-limiting features are recommended to prevent exposure to dangerously high volumes, ensuring teens can enjoy their music safely over time.
Top 10 Headphones for Teenagers
1. Apple AirPods Max
Overall Best Headphones for Teens
What Impressed Us
- Exceptional sound quality
- Seamless connectivity and intuitive controls
- Effective noise-canceling capabilities
- Unique spatial audio feature
- Comfortable mesh headband
What Disappointed Us
- Unconventional design of the protective case
- No power-off function, which can be inconvenient
- High price
We chose the Apple AirPods Max as the overall best headphones for teens due to their exceptional sound quality, superior noise cancellation, and sleek design. These headphones excel in delivering an immersive audio experience, which is crucial for DJs who need to focus on their mixes without external distractions.
The seamless integration with Apple devices and intuitive controls make them a standout choice for tech-savvy teens who value both performance and style.
The Apple AirPods Max boasts several features that make them ideal for DJing too. Their rich audio experience is unparalleled, capturing every detail and nuance in the music. The noise cancellation is highly effective, ensuring a distraction-free environment.
Additionally, the unique spatial audio feature enhances the immersive experience, making it perfect for live performances and studio work. The comfortable mesh headband and sturdy aluminum construction ensure durability and comfort during long sessions.
Other notable aspects of the AirPods Max include their impressive sound quality, providing a balanced and dynamic range suitable for various music genres. The comfort and fit are excellent, with memory foam ear cushions that adapt to your ears.
Durability is ensured through the premium materials used, and the design and style are both modern and attractive. Although not the most portable due to their size, the overall build quality makes up for it.
In conclusion, the Apple AirPods Max stands out as the best overall headphones for teens, offering an exceptional blend of sound quality, noise cancellation, and stylish design. Despite a few minor drawbacks, their overall performance and features make them a top choice for aspiring teen DJs looking to elevate their music experience.
View on Amazon: Apple Airpods Max
2. Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro
Best for Sports and Fitness
What Impressed Us
- Excellent sound quality
- Superior noise cancellation
- Comfortable fit
- Long battery life
- Wireless charging
What Disappointed Us
- Premium pricing
- Limited compatibility
The Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro have been chosen as the Best Sports and Fitness Headphones for teens on our list. We selected this product for its exceptional blend of performance, durability, and teen-friendly features, making it an ideal companion for active teens.
The Galaxy Buds2 Pro offers a combination of comfort, durability, and advanced features that cater specifically to the needs of sports and fitness enthusiasts.
The Galaxy Buds2 Pro excels in sports and fitness with features like water resistance and a secure, ergonomic fit that stays put during intense workouts. They deliver excellent sound quality with rich bass and clear highs, enhancing the overall listening experience.
Additionally, the active noise cancellation feature effectively blocks out background noise, allowing teens to focus on their music or calls even in noisy environments.
In terms of other aspects, these earbuds are highly portable, fitting easily into a pocket or gym bag. The sound quality is exceptional, providing a balanced audio experience that’s perfect for both music and podcasts.
They are also very comfortable to wear for extended periods, thanks to the soft silicone tips. The design is sleek and modern, appealing to style-conscious teens. Durability is another strong point, as they can withstand sweat and minor splashes, making them ideal for regular use.
In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro is the best choice for teens who prioritize sports and fitness in their daily lives. With their secure fit, excellent sound quality, and durable design, these earbuds offer everything needed for an active lifestyle. Their overall performance and features make them a top pick for young, active users.
View on Amazon: Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro
3. JLab Limited Edition Fruity Pebbles Go Air Pop
Best for Gaming
What Impressed Us
- Designed for dual-use gaming (mobile and console)
- Super-low 60ms latency for seamless audio performance
- Retractable microphone for easy communication
- Affordable price point
- Available in various colors
What Disappointed Us
- Limited durability due to plastic build
- May not be suitable for audiophiles seeking high-fidelity sound
The JLab Limited Edition Fruity Pebbles Go Air Pop shines as the Best for Gaming headphones for teens due to their specialized features tailored for young gamers. These headphones are designed with a focus on safety and comfort, making them an excellent choice for extended gaming sessions.
The built-in volume limiter ensures that the sound levels remain safe for young ears, addressing a key concern for parents.
The JLab Limited Edition Fruity Pebbles Go Air Pop excels in providing features that enhance the gaming experience. The gaming mode offers low latency audio, ensuring that the sound matches the on-screen action perfectly. This feature is crucial for a seamless and immersive gaming experience.
Additionally, the headphones offer clear and crisp sound quality, allowing gamers to fully enjoy the audio details of their favorite games.
In terms of other aspects, the JLab Limited Edition Fruity Pebbles Go Air Pop impresses with its overall sound quality, which is surprisingly good for a product in this price range. The comfort and fit are excellent, with plush ear cushions and an adjustable headband that ensures a snug fit.
The headphones are also durable, designed to withstand the rough handling that often comes with teen use. The design is stylish yet functional, and the foldable feature enhances portability, making them easy to carry around.
In conclusion, JLab Limited Edition Fruity Pebbles Go Air Pop stands out as the best gaming headphones for teens. They offer a great blend of safety, sound quality, comfort, and durability. With these headphones, teens can enjoy their gaming sessions to the fullest, while parents can have peace of mind regarding their child’s hearing safety.
View on Amazon: JLab Limited Edition Fruity Pebbles Go Air Pop
4. Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
Best for Noise Cancellation
What Impressed Us
- Exceptional comfort and lightweight design
- Impressive 60-hour battery life
- Good sound quality with a slightly bass-heavy profile
- Effective noise-canceling capabilities
- Intuitive controls and features
What Disappointed Us
- May not be the best choice for those seeking a more neutral sound
- Noise-canceling performance may not be as strong as some competitors
- No support for LDAC codec
We chose the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless as the Best for Noise Cancellation in the headphones for teens category due to its superior active noise-canceling capabilities, making it perfect for teens who need to focus in noisy environments or want an immersive audio experience.
These headphones stand out for their ability to block out ambient noise, providing a peaceful listening environment whether at home, school, or commuting.
The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless excels in sports and fitness features, thanks to its comfortable and secure fit. The lightweight design and ergonomic ear cups ensure that they stay in place during workouts, while the sweat-resistant materials make them suitable for intense physical activities. The headphones also offer an impressive battery life, ensuring they last through long sessions without needing frequent recharges.
In addition to noise cancellation, the Momentum 4 Wireless headphones deliver exceptional sound quality with rich, detailed audio.
The comfortable fit makes them ideal for extended use, and the durable build ensures they can withstand daily wear and tear. The sleek design and modern aesthetics make them stylish accessories, while their portability is enhanced by a foldable design and a compact carrying case.
In conclusion, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless headphones are an excellent choice for teens, especially those who prioritize noise cancellation. They offer a blend of outstanding sound quality, comfort, durability, and style, making them a versatile and reliable option for various activities.
Their superior performance in noise cancellation and overall features make them the best choice for teens seeking high-quality headphones.
View on Amazon: Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
5. Soundcore P20i True Wireless
Best Budget
What Impressed Us
- Excellent sound quality with balanced signature
- Lightweight and comfortable design
- Customizable controls and EQ presets
- Long battery life and fast charging
- Affordable price
What Disappointed Us
- No active noise cancellation
- May not be suitable for audiophiles seeking high-fidelity sound
The Soundcore P20i True Wireless earbuds stand out as the Best Budget headphones for teens due to their impressive features at an affordable price. These earbuds provide excellent value, making high-quality sound accessible to a broader audience. They are perfect for teens who want reliable, stylish, and functional headphones without breaking the bank.
The Soundcore P20i is particularly well-suited for sports and fitness. They have a secure and comfortable fit, ensuring they stay in place during intense workouts or runs.
The earbuds are also lightweight and have an IPX5 water resistance rating, making them resistant to sweat and light rain. This durability is essential for active teens who need headphones that can keep up with their lifestyle.
In addition to their fitness-friendly features, the Soundcore P20i delivers commendable sound quality with balanced audio and good bass. They are comfortable to wear for extended periods, thanks to their ergonomic design.
The earbuds are also portable and come with a compact charging case, making them easy to carry around. The overall build quality is solid, ensuring they can withstand daily use. Their sleek and modern design adds a stylish touch, appealing to teens who care about aesthetics.
In conclusion, the Soundcore P20i True Wireless earbuds are an excellent budget-friendly choice for teens. They offer a great combination of sound quality, comfort, durability, and style. Whether for sports, daily commutes, or casual listening, these earbuds deliver performance and reliability, making them the best budget option for teens on the market.
View on Amazon: Soundcore P20i True Wireless
6. Jabra Elite 5
Best for Everyday Use
What Impressed Us
- Excellent noise cancellation capabilities
- Comfortable and ergonomic design
- Good sound quality with clear audio reproduction
- Supports multiple audio codecs
- Long battery life with up to 8 hours of continuous playback
What Disappointed Us
- Passive soundstage is limited
- Noise isolation could be better, especially for low-frequency sounds
- May not be suitable for high-fidelity audio enthusiasts
The Jabra Elite 5 is the top choice for everyday use headphones for teens due to their exceptional balance of sound quality, comfort, and versatility. These earbuds are designed to meet the demands of daily use, offering reliable performance and ease of use that make them ideal for teens on the go.
The Jabra Elite 5 excels in sports and fitness features with their secure fit and sweat-resistant design. They stay in place during workouts and are comfortable enough for long listening sessions. Their robust battery life ensures they can keep up with a busy lifestyle, providing ample playback time between charges.
In addition to their fitness capabilities, the Jabra Elite 5 offers excellent sound quality, with balanced audio that makes them suitable for various music genres. They are comfortable to wear, thanks to their ergonomic design and multiple ear tip sizes.
The durability of these earbuds ensures they can handle daily wear and tear, while their sleek design adds a touch of style. Portability is another strength, with a compact charging case that makes them easy to carry.
In conclusion, the Jabra Elite 5 is an outstanding choice for everyday use. They deliver reliable performance, great sound quality, and comfort, making them the best option for teens needing versatile and durable earbuds.
View on Amazon: Jabra Elite 5
7.JVC Deep Bass Wireless Headphones
Best for Bass Lovers
What Impressed Us
- Lightweight and comfortable design
- Long battery life of up to 35 hours
- Multi-point connection for simultaneous device pairing
- Three selectable sound modes
- Integrated microphone with voice assistant compatibility
- Affordable price
What Disappointed Us
- Mediocre sound quality
- Uncomfortable for some
- Variable battery life
The JVC Deep Bass Wireless Headphones are the top choice for bass lovers due to their exceptional bass response and sound quality. These headphones are designed to deliver deep, punchy bass that will satisfy any teen who loves bass-heavy music genres like hip-hop, EDM, and pop.
These headphones are not just about bass; they also offer features that make them suitable for sports and fitness. Their wireless design provides freedom of movement, and the secure fit ensures they stay in place during activities. The long battery life means they can last through extended workout sessions or a full day of use without needing a recharge.
In addition to their bass performance, the JVC Deep Bass Wireless Headphones provide good overall sound quality with clear mids and highs. They are comfortable for extended wear, thanks to the cushioned ear cups and adjustable headband.
The build quality is sturdy, making them durable enough for daily use. Their design is stylish yet functional, appealing to teens who care about both aesthetics and performance. Plus, their foldable design enhances portability, allowing for easy storage and transport.
In conclusion, the JVC Deep Bass Wireless Headphones are perfect for teens who prioritize powerful bass in their music. They offer a combination of excellent sound quality, comfort, and durability, making them the best choice for bass lovers.
View on Amazon: JVC Deep Bass Wireless Headphones
8. JBL Tune 230NC
Best for Fashion
What Impressed Us
- Excellent sound quality with deep bass and clear highs
- Effective noise cancellation for immersive listening
- Comfortable fit and long battery life
- Reliable Bluetooth connectivity
- Great value for the price
What Disappointed Us
- Less effective noise cancellation
- Not for audiophiles
We chose the JBL Tune 230NC as the Best for Fashion headphones for teens because they combine stylish design with impressive functionality. These earbuds are perfect for teens who want their headphones to look as good as they sound, offering a blend of aesthetics and performance that is hard to beat.
The JBL Tune 230NC stands out in the fashion category with its sleek design and multiple color options, allowing teens to express their personal style. The compact and lightweight build ensures that they not only look good but are also comfortable to wear for extended periods. Additionally, the noise-canceling feature is excellent for blocking out distractions, making them ideal for both casual listening and focused study sessions.
Beyond their fashionable appeal, these earbuds deliver impressive sound quality with deep bass and clear treble, characteristic of JBL’s signature sound. The comfortable fit is enhanced by multiple ear tip sizes, ensuring a secure and personalized fit.
They are also durable, built to withstand daily use, and come with a portable charging case that makes them easy to carry around. The earbuds provide a decent battery life, ensuring they can keep up with a busy teen’s lifestyle.
In conclusion, the JBL Tune 230NC is an excellent choice for fashion-conscious teens. They offer a perfect combination of style, sound quality, and practical features, making them the best option for those who want headphones that look as good as they perform.
View on Amazon: JBL Tune 230NC TWS
9. JBL Tune Buds
Best for Calls
What Impressed Us
- Comfortable design with long battery life
- Customizable sound through EQ presets
- Good microphone quality for phone calls
- Affordable price
What Disappointed Us
- Poor isolation and ANC performance
- May not fit well in all ears
The JBL Tune Buds are the top choice for the Best for Calls category because they deliver clear sound quality and excellent microphone performance, which are essential for teens who frequently make calls or participate in online classes. These earbuds ensure that voices come through clearly, whether on the phone or in a virtual meeting.
The JBL Tune Buds are also well-suited for sports and fitness with their secure fit and lightweight design. They stay in place during workouts and provide a comfortable listening experience for long periods. The solid battery life ensures they can last through multiple calls and extended use without needing frequent recharges.
In addition to their call performance, these earbuds offer good sound quality with balanced audio. They are comfortable to wear, thanks to the ergonomic design and multiple ear tip sizes.
The build quality is reliable, ensuring durability for daily use. Their design is simple yet stylish, appealing to teens who want functional and good-looking earbuds. The compact charging case adds to their portability, making them easy to carry around.
In conclusion, the JBL Tune Buds are the perfect choice for teens who prioritize call quality. They offer a combination of clear sound, comfort, and durability, making them the best option for frequent callers.
View on Amazon: JBL Tune Buds
10. Altec Lansing
Most Versatile
What Impressed Us
- Volume limiting technology ensures safe listening for young ears
- IPX4 waterproof rating for durability
- Long battery life of 15 hours
- Foldable design for easy storage
- Affordable price point
What Disappointed Us
- Limited noise-canceling capabilities compared to other models
- No voice assistant integration
- No anti-microbial protection
The Altec Lansing stands out as the most versatile headphones for teens due to their balanced mix of sound quality, comfort, durability, and affordable price. These headphones are designed to meet the varied needs of teens, making them suitable for a wide range of activities.
The Altec Lansing is great for sports and fitness due to their secure fit and water-resistant design. They stay in place during workouts and provide reliable performance in various conditions. The long battery life ensures they can last through a full day of activities without needing a recharge.
These headphones deliver excellent sound quality with rich audio that is well-balanced across different music genres. They are comfortable to wear for extended periods, thanks to their cushioned ear cups and adjustable headband.
The build quality is robust, ensuring they can withstand daily wear and tear. Their design is sleek and modern, appealing to teens who want stylish yet functional headphones. The foldable design enhances portability, making them easy to carry around.
In conclusion, the Altec Lansing is an excellent versatile choice for teens. They provide a combination of great sound quality, comfort, and durability, making them the best option for those who need versatile and reliable headphones.
View on Amazon: Altec Lansing
Frequently Asked Questions About Headphones for Teens
According to the World Health Organization, teenagers should keep the volume below 85 dB for a maximum of eight hours a day. Ideally, they should listen at a volume between 60 and 85 dB to ensure a safe listening experience.
Noise-canceling headphones can be beneficial for teenagers but come with both advantages and disadvantages.
Pros:
- Improved Focus: They help block out distractions, making it easier for teens to concentrate on tasks like studying or reading in noisy environments.
- Lower Volume Levels: By reducing background noise, these headphones allow teens to listen to music or other audio at lower volumes, which can help protect their hearing.
- Enhanced Travel Experience: They are particularly useful during travel, such as on planes or buses, where they can significantly reduce the ambient noise.
Cons:
- Safety Concerns: The isolation provided by noise-canceling headphones can be dangerous if teens are using them in situations where they need to be aware of their surroundings, such as while walking, cycling, or in busy areas.
- Battery Life: Noise-canceling technology requires power, which means these headphones often need to be recharged more frequently than regular headphones.
- Cost: Noise-canceling headphones tend to be more expensive than standard models, which might be a consideration for parents or teens on a budget.
Durability is crucial when choosing headphones for teenagers due to their typically active lifestyles and tendency to handle items with less care. Sturdy headphones are essential because:
Rough Handling: Teens are more likely to toss their headphones into bags, drop them, or use them during physical activities. Durable materials and solid construction ensure that the headphones can withstand these impacts without breaking or malfunctioning.
Longevity: Durable headphones last longer, making them a better investment. Parents can avoid frequent replacements, saving money over time.
Active Lifestyles: Many teens use headphones during sports, commuting, or outdoor activities. Headphones that are built to last can endure sweat, exposure to elements, and the rigors of daily use, making them more reliable for active teens.
Both wired and wireless headphones have their benefits. Wireless headphones offer more freedom of movement and modern features like voice assistants, while wired headphones don’t have battery issues and often have better sound quality. The choice depends on the teenager’s lifestyle and preferences.
Volume-limiting headphones are a good idea for teenagers to protect their hearing. These headphones cap the maximum volume, preventing them from listening at levels that could cause ear damage over time.
Yes, many headphones are designed specifically for gaming. These headphones often have features like a wide soundstage, which helps gamers pinpoint the direction of sounds, and built-in microphones for communication during multiplayer games.
Final Thoughts
After evaluating various headphones, the Apple Airpods Max emerged as the best overall choice for teens. Its exceptional sound quality, comfort, and advanced features make it stand out.
The headphones deliver clear and detailed audio, making them perfect for all kinds of media. The memory foam ear cushions and adjustable headband provide excellent comfort for long periods, and the durable build ensures they can handle rough use.
