Get up to £64 off the best music players for kids for singing, dancing and bedtime stories

best music players for kids

by Stephanie Spencer |
Updated on

Ideal for listening to their favourite songs, bedtime stories and more, the best music player for kids offers a versatile solution to independent play and learning. While many kids tablets offer musical options, investing in a kid’s music player that doesn't rely on a screen may just be the thing you need to reduce screen-time. There are plenty of options out there, whether you're comparing Toniebox vs. Yoto or looking at alternatives, so we've rounded up our favourite options, many of which have been reviewed by our writers or our team of mum testers.

Black Friday deals on kids' music players

Black Friday may officially start on 29th November, but many retailers have dropped their best discounts early this year so you can start your Christmas shopping in good time. There are some great deals on Toniebox and we'll be keeping an eye on other retailers and brands such as Yoto, updating this page when we see the lowest prices.

Shop Black Friday deals: Toniebox

Save £64: Toniebox+ Creative-Tonie + 7 Tonies - Was £184.88, now £119.90

Save £46: Toniebox+ Creative-Tonie + 5 Tonies - Was £154.90, now £107.99

Save £32: Toniebox+ Creative-Tonie + 3 Tonies - Was £124.96, now £91.99

Save £15: Toniebox+ Creative-Tonie - Was £79.95, now £63.96

For small children, playing with musical toys and listening to music encourages expression while engaging in story time enhances creativity, helps them develop key language skills and instills healthy behaviours. So, here are some of the best children’s audio players that are suitable for little hands to help lull kids to sleep and keep toddlers and children entertained for hours without a single screen in sight.

Best kid's music players at a glance:

All of the products listed are designed with kids in mind so they will endure accidentally being dropped far better than your smartphone. So if your kid is a fan of listening to music or audiobooks, it's certainly worth considering investing in an audio player for your child. There's no doubt it will cost less than a new phone or TV and will keep them entertained without a screen!

Best overall audio player

toniebox
Price: £63.96 (was £79.95)

tonies.com

The Toniebox audio player is great for bedtime stories or as a kids' music box. One mum reviewer says her little girl loves this, commenting, "we use it as a music box more than for the story aspect." It's screen-free and so easy to use that even 3-year-olds can use it. It operates through the use of Tonies, which are physical, painted figurines that represent various characters from popular children's stories or contain specific audio content. "Love that each character comes with content but has room to add your own using the app" says one mum. "We add on all her favourite songs, so she can swap to the characters she wants.

Similar to the Yoto Player, the Toniebox aims to encourage storytelling, creativity, and engagement with audio content in a safe and user-friendly way. "If you get a new character simply put it on the box wait for it to sync and it pulls the character through to the app. So easy to set up and use," said one mum.

Read the full Toniebox review.

Pros

  • Lots of characters to choose from
  • Creative tones allow you to upload 90 minutes of online audiobooks, music and voice recordings

Cons

  • 7 hour battery life is shorter than other similar devices
  • The battery of the portable speaker holds up to 7 hours runtime.
  • The box is padded, robust, and has no sharp edges 
  • No complicated assembly and no over-stimulating flashing screens that are so common on kids toys today. Just simple, screen-free playback 
  • The Starter Set has got all you need to get started: the Toniebox, a Creative-Tonie, a charging station, a UK plug and an easy to understand instruction manual

Best music player for kids with stories

The Yoto Player
Price: £99.99
Alternative retailers
Target$99.99View offer

The Yoto Player (3rd Generation) was awarded Bronze for Innovation of the Year at the Mother&Baby Awards 2024.

No more handing over your smartphone or worrying about intrusive ads - Yoto Player puts kids safely in control of their listening, learning and play. It's not just a music player for kids, they can listen to audio stories, podcasts and radio. So they can explore what inspires them, and you can watch their confidence grow. Mums loved this, with our mum tester Nicola saying, "I really like this product, it has provided my daughter with time to listen and learn without the need for a screen which I feel is very few and far between these days" she began. "Don’t get me wrong, I am all for screen time for learning/ a distraction whilst I cook the dinner but this product has arrived and it’s nice to have a change" she continued. Yoto Player (3rd Generation) opens up kids’ creative play to a whole new world of potential. Build independence, inspire imagination and let kids from 3-12 + lead the way through family life.

Read our full Yoto player review.

Pros

  • Can also listen to podcasts and Yoto radio
  • App requires no subscription
  • Screen-free fun, no adverts
  • Huge range of story cards, suitable from baby all the way up until 12 years old
  • Robust
  • Nightlight feature

Cons

  • Can get expensive to buy new cards, cover etc
  • Great for bedtime, but not as engaging as a tablet for the day
  • For ages 3-12+
  • Room thermometer 
  • Enjoy up to 24 hours of play per charge
  • Acoustically-engineered stereo sound
  • Includes endless free audio
  • Ok-to-wake night light and clock
  • Free Make Your Own Card
  • Bluetooth enabled 

The best older kid's music player

If you are familiar with Amazon Alexa, you will know that Echo Dot Kids (5th gen) is more than a music player for children. One parent reviewer said, "I bought this for my daughters birthday so she could listen to music in her bedroom, has worked perfectly for that and she loves it."

It is not a toy so it more appropriate for the older kids in the family but it is suitable for 3-12yrs. Not only can your kids ask Alexa a dozen questions as they become more curious and independent, you can also use the Echo Dot to communicate throughout the house by announcing something like “dinner is ready”. Currently available on Amazon for £64.99, including 1 year of Amazon Kids+ and a 2 year guarantee giving you peace of mind that your children has access to a variety of age appropriate content. It is also a greener choice when it comes to children’s audio players because it is made using 55% recycled plastics and the packaging is nearly entirely made from wood-fibre based materials.

Pros

  • Cute owl or dragon design - can also be purchased with a nest or egg shell stand
  • Kids can ask Alexa to play music, read a bedtime story, get help with their homework and more. 

Cons

  • Not portable
  • Smart speaker with Alexa, made for kids (not a toy). The improved speaker delivers clearer vocals, deeper bass and vibrant sound. 
  • Kids can ask Alexa to play music, read a bedtime story, get help with their homework and more.
  • Stream songs from Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify and more. 
  • Includes 1 year of Amazon Kids + - A digital subscription designed for kids aged 3–12 to safely learn, grow and explore. On Echo Dot, kids can enjoy kid-friendly Audible books, interactive games and educational Alexa skills. After 1 year, your subscription will automatically renew every month starting at just £3.99/month. You may cancel at any time by visiting the Amazon Parent Dashboard or contacting Customer Service. 
  • Alexa will automatically give kid-friendly responses and filter songs with explicit lyrics. You can also set volume and daily time limits, and review activities using the Amazon Parent Dashboard. 
  • Kids can help take charge of their routines with Alexa by setting their own alarms, turning off compatible smart lights and calling parent-approved friends and family. 
  • 2 year guarantee. 
  • Built with multiple layers of privacy protection and control, including a Microphone Off button that electronically disconnects the microphones.

Best portable audio player for kids

The little brother of the Yoto Player, the Yoto Mini is ideal for adventures such as road-trips, flights, play dates or family outings. One parent tester found this great for travel commenting, "amazing travel sized gadget for independent story time." With an all day battery life of up to 20 hours of screen-free entertainment per charge, all content is safe and has been specially chosen and created with children in mind. Parents also loved how it can also work as an alarm clock, daily Yoto radio and speaker. No cameras. No mics. No ads. Testers also found it easy to set up, with one tester saying, "the introductory clip on how to make the best use of the player and app is invaluable to get the maximum use."

Read our full review of the Yoto Mini.

Pros

  • Travel sized
  • Can purchase a case to protect it on the go

Cons

  • Need to purchase a case to prevent cards getting lost

Best audio device for toddlers

cloud-boxMother&Baby

The CloudBox is an audio player and light projector in one and is perfect for smaller tots. There are four different projection options in four different colours and 36 original stories and themes to choose from, so your little one won’t get bored of this in a hurry. Our products editor Lorna White was very impressed with the CloudBox. "I love how parents also get the option to record their very own story personalised to their little one," our tester commented. The design is also adorable, and we think it would look lovely in any nursery. It's also easy to set up and use despite all the different options.

Pros

  • Plays 36 original stories and has four night light projectors
  • Very toddler friendly

Cons

  • Would benefit from a bigger content library

Best audio player for battery life

Ideal for adventures, the Voxblock Screen Free Audio Player is a portable audio device that's easy to use, doesn't require any Wi-Fi connection to work and has a long battery life. "My kids (3 and 4) call this their "storyteller"," said one parent. "It's easy for them to work themselves and I like that the story goes back to the same place when you replace the story block" they continued. Using physical blocks that are easy to hold, there are over 120 stories to choose from.

Pros

  • Built in speaker
  • Easy for tots to use
  • Good battery life compared to others

Cons

  • Not a lot of reviews
Dimensions:N/A
Charge:USB
  • 3 x audiobooks
  • 1 x protective bumper case
  • Headphone compatible
  • USB charge

36% OFF

Best MP3 audio player for kids

VTech KidiZoom Snap Touch in pink
KidiZoom Snap Touch
Tech
Price: £44.99 (was £69.99)

The KidiZoom Snap Touch is the ultimate pocket-sized touchscreen device for kids, offering endless fun and creativity in a vibrant pink design. It's an MP3 player but is also packed with countless games and apps, a voice recorder, and an alarm clock, keeping kids entertained wherever they go. With dual 5MP cameras, children can capture amazing photos, videos, and selfies, adding a creative twist with exciting photo and video filters.The built-in Bluetooth lets children connect with friends who have a KidiZoom Snap Touch, enabling them to share photos, exchange messages, and play fun multiplayer games. It includes a USB port for easy charging and a memory card slot for expanded storage, ensuring there’s always room for more memories and activities.

Pros

  • An MP3 music player but also boasts a huge range of other features
  • Allows them to enjoy the games and activities of a phone in a safe, age-appropriate way

Cons

  • Is more than just an audio player so kids may get distracted from the story or music

Stephanie Spencer is the Hub Editor at Mother&Baby and auntie to four aged 8 to 6 months old. With a particular interest in health, she loves discovering products that make parent’s lives easier.

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