6 Best Headphones for Teens [2024 Buying Guide]

by Alex.   Last Updated On January 5th, 2024.
SoundGearLab is supported by our readers. We may earn a commission for purchases made after clicking on links on this page. Read our affiliate disclosure for more information.

Teens use their headphones for listening to music, watching videos, gaming, chatting with friends, and even for anxiety when they’re at the dentist. They often carry their microphones with them, so they need headphones that are easy to throw in a backpack and connect to new devices. A teens’ headphones are a status symbol, so stylish options with all the features are important.

I will discuss the top headphones for teens that are easily transported and useful for teen activities. The best headphones for teens have many connectivity options, including Bluetooth and NFC, with multiple devices. Headphones that fold and come with a carrying case are best for teens that carry their headphones with them to school, friends’ houses, and everywhere else. The best headsets for teens are wireless and have a long playtime.

Table of Contents
+

Comparison of the Best Headphones for Teens

Best Quality Headphones for TeensSee On Amazon
photo of the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 WirelessAnker
Soundcore Life Q20 Wireless
Best Budget Headphones for TeensSee On Amazon
photo of the iJoy Matte Wireless HeadphonesiJoy
Matte Wireless Headphones
Best Value Headphones for TeensSee On Amazon
photo of the  Foldable Wireless and Wired Headset
Foldable Wireless and Wired Headset
Best Premium Headphones for TeensSee On Amazon
photo of the Sony WH-1000XM4 WirelessSony
WH-1000XM4 Wireless
Best Mid-Range Headphones for TeensSee On Amazon
photo of the Anker Soundcore Life Q30 WirelessAnker
Soundcore Life Q30 Wireless
Best Gaming Headphones for TeensSee On Amazon
photo of the Sennheiser Game ONESennheiser
Game ONE

Reviews of the Best Headphones for Teens

Anker Soundcore Life Q20 headphones are ideal for teens because of their superior sound quality, long playtime, and convenient folding technology.

See On Amazon
  • Playtime
    • 60 hours
  • Item Weight
    • 9.3 oz
  • Frequency Response
    • 16 Hz – 40 kHz
  • Connectivity
    • Bluetooth 5.0
    • 3.5 mm AUX
  • Range
    • 15 m / 49.21 ft

Soundcore focuses on providing a high res sound quality for listening to movies and music. This headset provides an immersive experience through bass-intensifying technology and two full-range 40mm audio drivers. This experience is amplified through hybrid active noise canceling that blocks out up to 90% of low- and mid-frequency sounds.

The Life Q20 headphones are capable of fast charging. With just five minutes of charging, you get an additional four hours of playtime.

One downside is that they only come in black, blue, and white (perfect for those having an all-white set-up), which may be a bit basic for some teens. They are affordable, but not on the lowest end of the price range for headphones.

There is a newer version of these headphones, but they do not have BassUp technology.

What We Like
Noise Cancellation

The Life Q20 headphones cancel up to 90% of external noise with internal and external microphones.

BassUp Technology

Low frequencies are automatically intensified for dynamically strengthened bass.

Foldable Design

The earpieces fold flat and inward for easy storage in a backpack.

Know Before Buying
BassUp Technology

To activate stronger bass, you will need to double press the play button.

Micro-USB Charging

These headphones have a Micro-USB charging port.

See On Amazon

The iJoy rechargeable wireless headphones are the best affordable set for teens because they come in many colors, have crisp sound quality, and do not cost too much to replace if the teen breaks them.

See On Amazon
  • Playtime
    • 8 hours
  • Colors
    • Blue, Lime, Pink, Violet, Rose Gold, Stealth, Sun
  • Controls
    • 5 buttons: play/pause/answer/hangup, equalizer, next track/volume up, previous track/volume down, Bluetooth/FM mode
  • Connectivity
    • Bluetooth
    • 3.5 mm AUX

The iJoy headphones have seven different colors for teens to represent their personalities. This also makes it easier to keep them separate from their friends with the same set. They are over-ear headphones, so teens find them comfortable and good at noise canceling.

The headphones have a micro SD card slot and an FM radio receiver. One downside is that they charge by micro USB, which is becoming less common. Moreover, they only have an eight-hour playtime, which may not work for teens who live in their headphones.

A major bonus for these headphones is they come with a six-month warranty for a free replacement regardless of how they break. This is great for teens who are rough on electronics.

What We Like
Affordable

The iJoy headphones are some of the most affordable wireless, rechargeable headphones on the market.

Sound Quality

These headphones have high quality, clear sound that rivals some of the more expensive headphone models.

Lightweight

The headphones are exceptionally comfortable to wear for long periods of time.

Know Before Buying
Adjustable Headband

The headband is adjustable and flexible, even for small heads.

Playtime

The iJoy headphones will need to be charged at least every eight hours.

See On Amazon

Teens often judge their technology first by looks and this headset will not disappoint them. It has great quality for the price and a long warranty. Teens will appreciate being able to fold them so they do not take up as much space in their backpacks.

See On Amazon
  • Playtime
    • 14 hours
  • Item Weight
    • 12 oz
  • Connectivity
    • Bluetooth 5.0
    • 3.5 mm AUX
  • Warranty
    • 12 months

The Zihinic headset is another affordable option for teens. They connect through both Bluetooth and 3.5-millimeter auxiliary, so they work for both personal use, where Bluetooth is often available, and computer labs at school, where teens may be required to connect with a wire. However, users report a slight delay between the video and audio when using Bluetooth.

With over 50,000 reviews, this is one of the highest-rated headphones in this price range. Students, in particular, appreciate the convenience and quality of the Zihnic headset but if you need a headphone particularly for studying, there are also other options available.

The Zihnic headset folds and stores in an included case for protection when teens throw them into their bags. Even if it still gets damaged, the company offers a 12-month warranty.

What We Like
Convenient

The headphones are convenient because they fold and come with a carrying case.

Beautiful

Teens will love the soft finish and white accents on the rose gold option.

Comfort

The thick ear pads are made of soft, memory protein foam.

Know Before Buying
Warranty

The 12-month warranty could be essential for teens that are sometimes careless with their devices.

Microphone

The microphone is built into the headset without an extender towards your mouth, so your speech may sound garbled.

See On Amazon

The Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones are the best high-end headphones for teens. Sony has the name brand, style, features, and quality teens demand.

See On Amazon
  • Playtime
    • 30 Hours, Fast charge 10 minutes for 5 hours
  • Item Weight
    • 9 oz
  • Features
    • Foldable, 5 Microphones
  • Connectivity
    • Multiple Device Connection
    • Bluetooth 5.0
    • 3.5 mm AUX

The Sony WH-1000XM4 which is also on our list of the best headphones under $400 are industry-leading premium headphones that even the pickiest teens will love. They are ultra-comfortable and lightweight with a sleek profile.

Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones can keep up with even the busiest teens and for teens that have a collection of vinyl records. They last all day without charging, fold into a small case for easy transport, and work in any environment.

These headphones can do it all. There is no video lag and the sound quality, both listening and speaking, is superior. Most importantly, digital noise-cancellation technology is its best feature. Teens will appreciate the ability of these headphones to block out voices, crying, and snoring.

What We Like
Automatic Pause

The headphones sense when you remove them and automatically pause playback.

Adaptive Sound Control

Edge-AI automatically creates a personalized listening experience.

Digital Noise-Canceling

Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones adjust noise-canceling based on the surrounding environment to effectively filter out all ambient noise.

Know Before Buying
Bluetooth Calling 

The microphones only work if using the headphones in Bluetooth mode.

Alexa Built-In

Hands-free control is provided through Alexa, the Amazon virtual assistant.

Premium Price Range

Sony headphones cost more than most headphones, so these may not be the best for teens who often break their devices.

See On Amazon

Soundcore Life Q30 headphones are the best mid-range option for teens. They have a clear sound quality and hybrid active noise cancellation. With NFC connectivity, multiple microphones, and one of the longest-lasting playtimes, these headphones are sure to satisfy any teen.

See On Amazon
  • Playtime
    • 40 hours in noise-canceling mode, 60 hours in standard mode, a 5-minute charge gives 4 hours
  • Item Weight
    • 9.3 oz
  • Range
    • 15 m / 49.21 ft
  • Connectivity
    • NFC
    • Bluetooth 5.0
    • 3.5 mm AUX

Teens who want high-quality headphones but who do not want to spend hundreds of dollars will love the Soundcore Life Q30 headphones. These have many of the same, or better, specifications as much higher priced models. For example, 60 hours of playtime is far more than most headphones on the market.

The Soundcore Life Q30 headphones have hybrid active noise cancellation that adapts to many environments and allows for a transparency mode to let in some ambient noise. These over-ear microphones rotate up to 15 degrees, making them some of the most comfortable fit for teens.

Teens control the headphones through the Soundcore app. They can customize the EQ and update the firmware. The headphones can be paired with two different devices at one time. Pairing is quick and easy with NFC technology.

What We Like
Playtime

At up to 60 hours of playtime, the Soundcore Life Q30 headphones have one of the longest playtimes on the market.

Transparency Mode

Transparency mode changes the headphones to allow you to hear ambient noise when needed.

NFC

NFC is the fastest way to pair the headphones with a device and just takes tapping the phone to the headphones.

Know Before Buying
Rotate And Fold To Store

The Soundcore Life Q30 earpieces rotate flat and fold in for the flattest possible storage.

IOS

Some users report being unable to pair with iOS, but this is likely incorrect and the headphones do pair with iOS.

See On Amazon

The Sennheiser Game One headset is best for teens who do a lot of gaming. It is an open acoustic gaming headset for spatial sound and a microphone for chatting with friends while gaming.

See On Amazon
  • Microphone
    • The microphone is noise canceling so that it does not pick up background noise
  • Item Weight
    • 22.08
  • Compatibility
    • PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and Mac
  • Wire Length
    • 2 meters

The Sennheiser Game One headset sets itself apart from others in this article because it is primarily for gamers. The open back headphones give a more realistic, immersive gaming experience than closed back headphones.

The Sennheiser Game One headset is wired, so most teens will not want to use it with their phones, tablets, and non-gaming devices. However, the wire is two meters long, making it convenient for gaming with devices that are not handheld.

Even though the Sennheiser Game One headset weighs over twice as much as many other headsets recommended here, it is considered lightweight for a gaming headset. This might make it less desirable than other options for teens since they tend to carry their headsets to friends’ houses, school, and gaming competitions. Also, the wire is too long to be practical while walking.

What We Like
Flip To Mute

Flipping the microphone up mutes the headphones.

Compatible With Many Platforms

This headset works on nearly any gaming platform for teens.

No Need For Charging

Since this is a wired headset, there is no need for charging. Teens will not be annoyed by the headphones stopping in the middle of a long gaming session.

Know Before Buying
Wired Headset

The Sennheiser Game One headset is wired and does not have a wireless option.

Velvet Ear Pads

Although many headphones come with leather or faux leather ear pads, these come with velvet ear pads that users report as more comfortable.

See On Amazon

How to Pick the Best Headphones for Teens

Teenager Listening to Music in Headphones Sitting Near Window

Playtime

Teens are always on the go and need devices that have long playtimes. Some headphones only last for four or five hours, which probably is not enough for teens.

Playtime is affected by whether the teen uses the headphones in noise-canceling mode. Some long play times reported are done so with only the most basic features activated, which would not include noise-canceling.

Connectivity

Most headphones have an auxiliary connection. The best headphones for teens also allow for wireless connectivity through Bluetooth 5.0. A couple of models even provide for NFC connectivity.

Teens probably want there to be at least Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity so they can listen wirelessly. Even the most basic models recommended here have Bluetooth connectivity.

Storage

Teens need headphones that pack away into their backpacks easily and that will not get damaged. The best headphones fold into an included case.

Some headphones come with a soft-sided pouch, which would not be the best for teens. Look for headphones that come with a hardshell case.

Do Teens Need Microphones?

Microphones are most useful for people who use headphones for phone calls. Teens probably do not need a microphone for calls since they do not make many calls but if you want to know the difference between a gaming headset and a headphones with mic, we have an article for that.

Microphones are essential for gaming, however. Teens who want to use headphones for gaming would need a microphone, but most general headphones are not the best for gaming.

What is the Best Connectivity for Teens’ Headphones?

Bluetooth 5 is the most recent version of Bluetooth and is used by many devices. Teens will find it easy to pair with devices that have Bluetooth 5. We have recommendations here for the best Bluetooth headphones.

The fastest way to pair headphones to a device is through NFC. The teen just taps the device to the headphones and they are paired.

It is important to have a wired option, such as with a 3.5-millimeter auxiliary, for when the headphones are low on charge or when the device cannot be connected through Bluetooth.

Can Teens Use the AUX Cable When the Headphones are not Charged?

Not all headphones work when they are not charged, even with the wired option. Be sure to check the manual and information if this is a concern. With headphones that have a long playtime, however, this is less of an issue.

Conclusion

Teens appreciate trendy, luxurious headphones, but their budget may call for more affordable options. There is a wide range of prices and features, so even the pickiest teen should be able to find headphones that suit their needs.

We also have a headphone buying guide here that you might be interested in.