Picking the right headphones for your teen is not the easiest of tasks. There’re so many variables that you need to take into consideration, such as the type, connection, strength, sound quality, brand, and of course, price, of the headphones.
Every person is different from the other, especially teens who tend to be rather picky. That’s why you have to know your tiny adult’s exact preference to pick out the right option for them. Typically, teens can’t go one day without using their headphones. Whether they’re listening to music, playing games, commuting, or practicing sports, they need them.
They’re an essential part of their day, and you’d want to invest in something that’ll last them a long time. Consequently, we’ve created this list of the best headphones for teens, followed by a to-the-point buying guide that’ll help put you on the right path.
Contents
Comparison Table:
| Model | Price | Foldable | Wired/Wireless | Battery Life | Noise Cancellation |
| Mpow 059 | CLICK FOR PRICE | Yes | Both | 20 hours | Passive |
| COWIN E7 | CLICK FOR PRICE | No | Both | 30 hours | Active |
| Bose QuietComfort 35 II | CLICK FOR PRICE | No | Both | 20 hours | Active |
| Bose SoundSport | CLICK FOR PRICE | – | Wireless | 10 hours | Passive |
| Apple AirPods | CLICK FOR PRICE | – | Wireless | 24 hours | Passive |
| Panasonic ErgoFit In-Ear Earbud | CLICK FOR PRICE | – | Wired | – | Passive |
The 6 Best Headphones for Teens in 2021
After this summary of our products, we’ll walk you through them individually, explaining why each is on our list. Plus, we’ll tell you what you’re set to gain and lose when you decide to purchase any of them.
1. Mpow 059 – Best Overall
The reason why the Mpow 059 is our top choice is that it covers all the needed features for the ultimate teen headphones. It’s budget-friendly, offers excellent sound quality, operates both wireless and wired, has a remarkable battery life, comfortable fit, and an inbuilt microphone.
The ear cushions have been designed with soft memory foam that surrounds and cushions the ear. The battery life of 20 hours and the possibility of operating with a wire means that you can use it at all times. Additionally, if you charge these headphones for only 10 minutes, you’ll get two hours of battery life, which is quite impressive.
Moreover, the excellent sound quality that we’ve spoken about comes from the high fidelity-stereo sound benefits of the 40mm neodymium driver, plus the CSR chip. It can also fold up quite neatly to increase the available space.
Furthermore, you’ll purchase these from amongst a vast selection of colors, so your teen is bound to find something that they like for a fraction of the price that you’d purchase other headphones with similar qualities.
Lastly, the Mpow 059 has a transition distance of up to 33ft, providing a lot of freedom. The drawbacks of these headphones will have to be the absence of active noise cancellation as it only enjoys the passive type, the bulky appearance, and its liability to fingerprints.
Pros:
- Great sound quality
- Comfortable
- Budget-friendly
- Variety of colors
- Up to 20 hours of battery life
- Built-in microphone
Cons:
- Prone to fingerprints
- Bulky appearance
- Only passive noise cancellation
Final Verdict
To wrap up these fantastic headphones, they’re comfortable, budget-friendly, and produce high-quality sound. Not to mention, your teen will be able to pick whatever color they prefer to guarantee their happiness.
2. COWIN E7 – Runner-Up
Our runner-up, the COWIN E7, can provide your teen with up to 30 hours of playtime, comes in a variety of colors, has active noise cancellation, an inbuilt microphone, NFC pairing technology, and 90° swiveling earcups.
Therefore, comfort and functionality come wrapped up in a neat package for your loved one. These headphones are a very close competitor to the Mpow 059 because they too are considered budget-friendly, although they’re a little bit more expensive than the Mpow 059.
The COWIN E7 are quite comfortable as they’re over-the-head headphones with 90° swiveling ear cups and professional protein earpads that’ll allow for spending even more time using them without fatigue or pain. The materials that have been used in the ear cups are lightweight and skin-fitting.
Moreover, the noise cancellation technology developed by COWIN itself provides a sharp, crisp sound no matter the surroundings, be it an airplane, train, or the streets.
But, just like all other products, these headphones come with their disadvantages as well, as they tend to be a little bit flimsy and you’ve to be extra careful when handling them.
Pros:
- Active COWIN noise cancellation
- Budget-friendly
- Inbuilt microphone
- Comfortable
Cons:
- Flimsy design
- Unfoldable
Final Verdict
The COWIN E7 is very close to the Mpow 059. It even exceeds it in some areas, offering 30 hours of playtime and active noise cancellation. Still, it’s not foldable and not as durable as the Mpow 059.
3. Bose QuietComfort 35 II – Best Luxurious
These headphones are the epitome of luxury and excellence. They provide superior quality of sound that’s unprecedented, plus the ability to connect with either Alexa or the Bose Connect app in order to have everything done through simple commands.
First of all, these headphones come with three different levels of active noise cancellation that can be controlled through the app. Moreover, the inbuilt microphone also repels any unwanted noise so that the input is just as clear as the output.
Furthermore, it has been designed with a balanced audio performance technology that means that the sound’s quality and sharpness remain the same no matter how high you choose the volume to be.
These headphones can operate with or without a wire, turning their 20 hours of playtime into endless playtime.
Additionally, with these headphones, one’s not limited to the songs they have on their phone or Spotify playlist. Without any extra effort, Alexa can be asked to play whatever song desired, and voila!
Lastly, through the Bose Connect app, a variety of functions can be executed, most prominently, adjusting and controlling the headphones’ updates, which we do not see often.
On the other side of the spectrum, these headphones are not foldable, and they sport quite a hefty price tag. So, getting them for your teenager might have to wait till Christmas or college graduation.
Pros:
- Three levels of noise cancellation
- Alexa auto connection
- Bose Connect app
- In-built microphone
- Clear sound
Cons:
- Expensive
- Not foldable
Final Verdict
The Bose QuietComfort II 35 is the purchase for you if you’re going for ultimate excellence. They’re comfortable, revolutionary, give premium sound quality, and completely isolate the listener from the outside world. However, the price for all of that is bank-breaking.
Find Bose QuietComfort 35 II featured in:
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4. Bose SoundSport – Best for Sports
Another product by Bose! However, this one is all about practicality, functionality, and stability. The Bose SoundSport are great headphones designed to stay where one wants them to be, let that be ears, or a magnetic case.
They come with several different buds of different sizes to achieve that perfect fit. In addition, all wireless earbuds‘ owners worry about losing one of the buds, which can be a nightmare. Nevertheless, with the Bose SoundSport, the lost earbud can be tracked and retrieved on the Bose Connect app.
Moreover, these headphones can sync with either iOS, to be used with Siri, or Android, to be paired with Sarah. Plus, their updates can be tracked through the smartphone. It also comes with a fitness component of its own that can track heart rates, and the Bose Connect app also provides fitness trackers.
The fact that these headphones are designed for sports means that they have to enjoy an IPX rating in order to withstand sweat, which is exactly what they’re designed with. So, your teen can work out as much as they want with no worries!
Lastly, it comes with an inbuilt microphone, enabling receiving calls, but the call’s audio would only be heard in the right bud.
As for the drawbacks of this product, we’ll have to talk about its battery life, which is only 10 hours. Although it’s not that bad, when you compare it to the previous three models, unfortunately, it falls short. It also sports only passive noise cancellation.
Pros:
- Trackable buds
- Great fit
- Syncs with iPhone and Android
- Case with a magnetic design
- Added fitness component
- Bose Connect app
Cons:
- Only 10 hours of battery life
- Quality control problems
- Passive noise cancellation
Final Verdict
The Bose SoundSports free has been designed for sports, and that’s precisely what this model has achieved. It’s stable, reliable, has an IPX4 rating come, with an inbuilt microphone, plus buds and fitness and trackers. So, if 10 hours of playtime is a good option for your teen, go for it.
5. Apple AirPods – Best Durability
The trendiest, most popular pair of earbuds that anyone can own must be the Apple AirPods. Ever since Apple has released them, they’ve taken the world by storm. You know well enough that you’ll be automatically transferred into a higher level of coolness the moment you purchase these AirPods.
However, all of this fame isn’t without foundation; the Apple AirPods genuinely deserve their reputation as they’re a fantastic pair of earbuds that’ll last a lifetime. Their build and strength are unprecedented, so they can be counted on for several years of use before wanting/needing to replace them.
And they don’t stop here! These wireless earbuds deliver up to 24 hours of battery life. Moreover, 15 minutes of charge time will provide your teen with three full hours of playtime, which is quite impressive.
The case that charges the earbuds can be charged either wirelessly on Qi mat or with a cord, which is ideal for outdoor situations. Plus, it has a magnetic design that keeps the AirPods where they’re supposed to be when not in use.
Additionally, everything about these earbuds is automatic and straightforward; their entire set-up process requires you just to open the case, and the other device will swiftly recognize it. Also, switching between one device and the other is incredibly slick as long as they’re Apple products.
Furthermore, the Apple AirPods come with a plethora of options for each earbud that can be customized in the settings app. One AirPod can stop/start the music/call, while the other will move to the previous/next song. The option of sharing audio with another set of AirPods is also available.
The inbuilt microphone that comes with the AirPods is amazingly clear, you can have one AirPod in, and the person you’re calling will never know the difference. Last but certainly not least, will have to be the H1 chip that the AirPods enjoy, which allows them to extend a stable, reliable connection to other devices.
AirPods hardly ever give a cut signal. Unfortunately, the level of noise cancellation that comes with these earbuds isn’t as great as one would expect, so your teen will still be aware of their surrounding environment. Also, the connection with not-Apple devices can take a bit longer to happen.
Pros:
- Fantastic build
- Wireless charging
- Smooth device switching
- Automatic
- A lot of options
- Clear inbuilt microphone
- H1 chip
- Audio sharing
Cons:
- No active noise cancellation
- Harder connection with non-Apple devices
Final Verdict
Surely you know that if you buy your teen Apple AirPods, you’ll be the best parent forever. Still, they’re not just a trendy device; they come with a lot of value and options, are sturdy, and provide a very stable connection. Thus, they’ll last quite a significant period, and provide a smooth, hassle-free experience for your teen.
6. Panasonic ErgoFit In-Ear Earbud – Best Budget
No matter how revolutionary, luxurious, and superior wireless headphones are, inexpensive, corded headphones are always needed. For that specific reason, let’s introduce you to the Panasonic ErgoFit, our budget pick.
These headphones come in two varieties: one with a mic and one without it, both within budget. Nevertheless, the fact that they have such a small price tag doesn’t mean that they’re of lousy quality.
Actually, the reality is the complete opposite; these headphones by Panasonic offer balanced, clear audio with wide frequencies on all volume levels. They provide such high-quality sound through comfortable, shape-conforming earpads that are ideal during exercise for extended periods.
Moreover, if you choose the one that comes with a mic, you’ll find a central controller that takes care of calls and music with a few simple clicks. Additionally, the thing about wired headphones is that you don’t have to worry about compatibility; 99% of them, including the ErgoFit, are utterly compatible with anything that you connect them to.
Furthermore, to maximize comfort and preference, they come with three different sets of earpads to fit ears perfectly, in addition to 15 different colors among which your teens can choose.
One more thing is that the cord on these headphones is 3.6 feet long. Its disadvantages include that if your teen has an iPhone 7 or later, you’ll have to purchase a lightning plug adapter individually, which will boost the overall cost quite a few notches.
Pros:
- Great price
- Three sets of earpads
- Central controller
- Compatible with all devices
- Ear confirming earpads
- In-Ear studio audio technology
- 3.6 ft cord
- 15 different colors
Cons:
- Requires lighting plug adaptor for iPhones later than 7
- Quality control
Final Verdict
As we’ve said, this is the basic pair of headphones that everyone always keeps on them. Nevertheless, Panasonic produced them with such high-quality that you won’t believe the price you’re paying for them. They come with a mic, controller, an extended cord, comfortable confirming ear pads, and are compatible with everything.
How to Pick The Best Headphones for Teens
The to-the-point buying guide that we’ve previously mentioned has finally arrived. These are the main specs that you should decide upon when searching for headphones for your young adult.
Type
Since childhood, we’ve all known the wired headphones, starting from walkmans and MP3s. Now, we have iPods and smartwatches that can easily connect to wireless headphones.
Although chords have saved countless phones from crashing on the floor, some people still do prefer wireless, Bluetooth-operated headphones, and we’ll discuss both types.
Wired
Wired headphones are simply ones that come with a cord, and the best thing about these headphones is that they have no battery time. They won’t run out on you, there’s not a time when you cannot use them, and you won’t need to charge anything other than your phone.
Unfortunately, if you depend only on corded headphones, you’ll have to change them quite frequently as they’ve got a rather short lifespan.
Wireless
Mostly, wireless headphones are Bluetooth-operated, and companies can’t have enough of them. From Apple to Samsung to Beats, Sony, and so many more, every manufacturer that has anything to do with technology has produced its own version of wireless headphones.
That’s because they come with so many advantages and little drawbacks in comparison to wired headphones. They’re designed with revolutionary technologies that provide much better sound quality, are durable, and last you quite a few years before they start giving up.
Unfortunately, they lie on the expensive side, and if you forget to charge them, then that’s it, they’re dead, and there’s nothing that you can do about it. One more thing, though, a lot of wireless, over-the-head headphones come with a wire that you can attach to your phone, turning them into wired headphones when needed.
Sound Quality
The most important feature that can make or break headphones is the sound quality that comes out of them. There’s no way to find that out other than trying the headphones on yourself and listening to different types of music. You should see how rock music sounds, jazz, hip-hop, and so on, as the difference in instruments, tempos, and frequencies can make a world of difference.
If you’re purchasing your headphones online, then make sure to go through as many reviews as possible. Additionally, always know the return policy of your purchase by heart, just in case you’re not satisfied with the product.
Comfort
The fit of the headphones is paramount to the quality of your teen’s experience. Whether you’re choosing over-the-head headphones or earbuds, you must, again, let them try them out and make sure that they fit correctly.
Ensure that they don’t fall out of their ears and that you’ve got a warranty and return policy so that when they try it for extended periods, they can make an informed decision.
Noise Cancellation
Noise cancellation has become one of the critical features that headphones can possess. Whether your teen wants to wear the headphones while studying and in need of maximum concentration or when chilling and relaxing, locking the outside noises remains essential, and that’s where noise cancellation technologies come into play.
We have two types of noise cancellation: active and passive, and we’ll discuss them momentarily.
Passive
Passive noise cancellation is what all headphones possess. In simple words, the materials from which the headphones were made try to block out as much noise as they can. Sometimes it’s enough, but most of the time, you need a little bit more than that, which is why active noise cancellation has been made.
Active
Active noise cancellation also includes the passive type as materials still lock-out as much sound as they can. What happens to the rest of the sound is that the headphones are designed to produce counter-waves that cancel out the incoming ones. Hence, you’ll only end up hearing what’s coming out of your headphones and nothing else.
Design
There’re so many subcategories that fall under the design category of headphones, as you can differentiate them according to several features. We’ll talk about the most prominent ones which have the most significant effect on how sounds will come out of your headphones.
The first is how the headphones cover your ears from the inside; over-the-ear and on-ear headphones, while the second subcategory will be the outer shell of the headphones, being either closed or open.
Over-The-Ear
Over-the-ear headphones are the largest category that you’ll find. They cover the entire ear, and that’s why they offer much better isolation from the outside noise. Moreover, they’re an excellent option when your teen wants to distance themselves from everything that’s happening around them completely.
Furthermore, they’re a lot more comfortable than the on-ear headphones as they don’t put pressure anywhere on the ear. Rather, they surround it comfortably. Regrettably, they tend to be bulkier and heavier than their counterpart.
On-Ear
On the other hand, on-ear headphones lay on the ears. They’re smaller, lighter, cheaper, and they provide more awareness of what’s happening around than over-the-ear headphones.
Nevertheless, because they stay flat on the ears for long periods, the pressure is bound to cause some pain in the pressure points.
Closed-Back
Closed-back headphones are designed with solid outer shells that prevent any sound from coming in or out of the cup. Naturally, they provide superior noise cancellation. They’re typically a bit more affordable than the open-back ones.
However, unfortunately, we have to deal with the echo created from the clothed-compartment design. Also, after some time, sweat starts to form, and discomfort levels will rise.
Open-Back
The back of the caps here are in one way or another more exposed, as they allow sound to escape a little bit. This makes them a lot lighter to carry, and much more comfortable since there’s a circulation of air around the ears.
Sadly, they tend to be costlier than clothed-back headphones. Plus, the sound leakage is bound to negatively affect the quality of the sound you’re paying for.
Foldable
This feature is quite helpful, especially for a teen who’s always on-the-go from one place to another, mostly carrying a backpack to hold all their stuff.
If they wish to remove their headphones and store them, then having them safely folded within themself protects them from scratches and breakage. It’ll also be a lot easier to find them, and of course, that creates more space for other stuff.
Final Words
We’ve arrived at the end of our article discussing the best headphones for teens, and as you can see, the market is chock-full of options that can easily overwhelm you. We’ve spoken about the six that we believe are the best picks for anyone, and if you wish to explore the market more, you have got the buying guide that’ll walk you through it.
As for our recommendations, our first will be our top pick as they’re the ultimate headphones for teens, and that’s the Mpow 059. This pair of headphones balances everything your teen will need as they’re comfortable, budget-friendly, have 20 hours of battery life, and a transition distance of 33 ft. Hence, we can hardly go wrong with them.
Our next pick will be the most durable earbuds that you can purchase, and the coolest; the Apple AirPods, which are kind of a middle ground in relation to price. These earbuds will effortlessly offer a few years of stable usage, automatic switching between devices, and 24 hours of battery life.
Our last recommendation will have to be the most basic budget pick, and that’s the Panasonic ErgoFit wired headphones. These headphones are all about comfort and functionality. They give excellent sound quality, mic, central controller, different sets of ear pads, and a 3.6 feet cord.