The short answer: For younger kids, my favorite is the Yoto Player. It has a huge library of audiobook cards, a nightlight that tells kids when it’s okay to get up, and you can make your own cards. For older kids who want their own playlists without a phone, I recommend the Mighty, a tiny player that downloads playlists from your streaming account. The Jooki player I originally reviewed here is no longer supported, because the company shut down in 2024.
Music has always been part of bedtime in our house. When my kids got older, they wanted to use their phones as music players, but our rule is that phones get turned in at night. So the hunt was on for a music player that didn’t need a phone.
Yoto Player: My Top Pick for Younger Kids
Here’s why the Yoto Player is my favorite:
- Small cards hold everything. You can fit a whole stack in the palm of your hand, so they’re easy to take on trips.
- A huge book library, from short stories to whole series like Diary of a Wimpy Kid.
- A nightlight that teaches bedtime: set it to one color at night and a different one when they’re allowed to get up.
- Make-your-own cards for your own MP3s, recordings of you reading a favorite story, or a podcast that updates automatically.
- A dial for chapters and another for volume, plus timers for things like teeth brushing or homework.
Toniebox: Best for Little Ones Who Are Rough on Things
The Toniebox is soft and squishy, and the figurines double as toys, which little kids love. The library leans toward picture books and Disney stories for younger kids. On the original Toniebox I tested, skipping tracks meant tipping or smacking the side of the box, and some figurines fell off when it tipped. Some of the songs also didn’t sound like the original recordings. There’s a newer Toniebox 2 that I haven’t tested yet.
Mighty: For Older Kids Who Want Their Own Music
The Mighty is a tiny screenless player, about 1.5 inches square, that downloads playlists from your family’s streaming account. Kids listen with wired or Bluetooth headphones, and no phone is needed. The 2026 Mighty 3 is $129.99 and needs a paid streaming plan. One thing to know before buying: Mighty is focusing on Amazon Music and says Spotify support ends on April 21, 2027.
What Happened to Jooki?
This post used to be all about the Jooki, and my kids loved it. Sadly, the company behind it shut down in 2024, and the app and services it depends on are no longer supported. If you have one, it may still work as a basic speaker, but I wouldn’t buy one today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do kids’ music players need a subscription? The Yoto and Toniebox don’t. You buy the cards or figurines you want. The Mighty needs a paid streaming plan, since it plays your family’s playlists.
Can I limit how loud they get? Yes. Both the Yoto and Toniebox let you set a volume limit in the parent app.
What’s the best music player for a 10-year-old who doesn’t have a phone? For kids who have outgrown audiobook cards, the Mighty gives them their own playlists without the internet or a screen.
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