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Tonies Headphones Review: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

Young Girl on Airplane Wearing Headphones
The Tonies headphones developed for the Toniebox 2 skip complicated Bluetooth menus and instead use NFC technology. Photo: Getty Images
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July 3, 2026, 3:39 pm | Read time: 4 minutes

Users of the Toniebox 2 face a unique situation when it comes to headphones. Unlike earlier devices, it lacks the traditional headphone jack. Wired models can only be connected via USB-C. At the time of the Toniebox 2 test, the Bluetooth function for headphones was not yet available and was only enabled later through a software update.

Tonies now offers its own wireless headphones specifically designed for the Toniebox 2. What makes them particularly interesting is the very simple connection with the audio box.

Tonies Headphones Cost Around 40 Euros

The children’s headphones are available in red, pink, sky blue, and moon gray. According to the manufacturer, the volume is limited to a maximum of 85 decibels. The price is around 40 euros.

Compared to other models for children, this is relatively inexpensive. The manufacturer cites the Tigerbuddies, which can be used with the Tigerbox and cost just under 60 euros. While those headphones can be paired via Bluetooth using a display, the Toniebox 2 has no screen. Therefore, a different solution was needed.

The unique feature of the Tonies headphones is in the left ear cup, where there is an NFC chip. NFC stands for Near Field Communication and allows communication between two devices over short distances.

When the headphones are turned on, simply holding them close to the Toniebox 2 is enough. The box automatically recognizes the device. The LED ring indicates a successful connection. It first lights up blue, then green. This eliminates the need to navigate through Bluetooth menus, making it significantly easier for younger children to use.

Test with Children of Different Ages

For the test, the headphones were used for several months with a five-year-old and a three-year-old. The goal was to determine whether very young children could independently connect and use the headphones. Several volume measurements were also conducted.

A problem initially emerged. The NFC pairing did not work despite correct application. Other Bluetooth headphones could not be connected either. Only a forced restart of the Toniebox 2 resolved the issue. Afterward, the connection worked as intended.

The controls are limited to the essentials. Besides the power button, there is only one additional button for the lighting on the ear cups.

According to the manufacturer, the battery lasts up to 40 hours. With active lighting, this value drops to around 25 hours. In the test, the headphones usually needed recharging after about two weeks with the light on. Daily use was between 1.5 and 2 hours.

Connection Also Possible with Other Devices

The headphones can be used not only with the Toniebox 2. Smartphones and tablets can also be connected. After turning on, the pairing mode starts automatically. The connection with iPhone, iPad, and other devices via Bluetooth worked flawlessly in the test.

After restarting the Toniebox, the NFC function also worked reliably. The five-year-old was able to explain to the nearly three-year-old how to establish the connection. The younger test child immediately understood the process and successfully paired the headphones with the box multiple times.

A unique feature is that the wireless connection and a USB-C connection can be used simultaneously. This allows two headphones to be operated in parallel. One can be connected wirelessly, while the second is connected via cable. This can be especially practical for siblings on longer trips when both want to listen to the same Tonie.

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Sound and Volume in the Test

The headphones themselves have no buttons for volume control. The control is done through the ears of the Toniebox. In the test, the sound for music and audiobooks appeared clear and balanced. Only the bass showed some room for improvement. In the Tonies app, the volume is preset to 80 percent by default.

Several measurements at maximum volume never exceeded 70 decibels in the ear cup, according to the Apple Watch. This is well below the 80 to 85 decibels at which permanent hearing damage is possible, according to the Federal Center for Health Education.

Also interesting: These Sennheiser headphones allow for battery replacement for the first time

Conclusion

The Tonies headphones left a positive impression in the test. The build quality seems solid, and the NFC pairing significantly simplifies use. Children under five especially benefit from the straightforward connection. While the sound doesn’t reach the level of premium headphones, it proved sufficient for children’s ears. Those using a Toniebox 2 will find the headphones a suitable addition, as the NFC pairing can only be used with them.

This article is a machine translation of the original German version of TECHBOOK and has been reviewed for accuracy and quality by a native speaker. For feedback, please contact us at info@techbook.de.

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