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JLab JBuddies Folding Kids Headphones vs JLab JBuddies Pop Wired: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the JLab JBuddies Pop Wired comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 70. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: JLab JBuddies Pop Wired - Good overall at around $10.

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

JLab JBuddies Pop Wired leads on 4 of 4 measures.

  • JLab JBuddies Folding Kids Headphones
  • JLab JBuddies Pop Wired
HearWiki score
61
70
Sound
5.2
6.2
Value
8.1
8.8
Price (USD)
$15
$10

Generation & platform

The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?

New platform

JLab JBuddies Pop Wired (2021) against JLab JBuddies Folding Kids Headphones (2018). The JLab JBuddies Pop Wired is the newer platform here: Bluetooth 5.2 against 5.0 and Top codec AAC against SBC. It also adds Multipoint pairing.

  • JBuddies Folding Kids Headphones2018
  • JBuddies Pop Wired20213 yr newer
What differsJBuddies Folding Kids HeadphonesJBuddies Pop Wired

Platform

Bluetooth
5.0
5.2
Top codec
SBC
AAC

Everyday features

Multipoint pairing
No
Yes

Level on: USB-C.

Specifications

JBuddies Folding Kids HeadphonesJBuddies Pop Wired
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$15
$10
HearWiki score
61
70
Released
2018
2021
Availability
Still sold new
Still sold new
Driver
30 mm dynamic
40 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
30 mm
40 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
20 Hz - 20 kHz
Impedance
32 Ω
32 Ω
Bluetooth
5.0
5.2
Codecs
SBC
SBC, AAC
Multipoint pairing
No
Yes
Wireless range
-
9 m
Battery life
-
48 h
Full charge time
-
180 min
Wireless charging
-
No
Active noise cancelling
No
No
ANC type
-
none
Transparency mode
-
No
Companion app
-
No
Custom EQ
-
No
Wear detection
No
No
Controls
buttons
buttons
Voice assistant
-
Yes
Weight
-
128.1 g
Water resistance
none
-
Foldable
Yes
-
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Connector
-
3.5 mm
Microphones
1
1

What reviewers said

JLab JBuddies Folding Kids Headphones

These JLab JBuddies Folding Kids Headphones are a budget-friendly, wireless over-ear option designed specifically for younger listeners. They feature a safe volume limit, a foldable build for easy portability, and simple button controls, making them a practical choice for everyday kids' use. With a 30mm driver and SBC codec support, they deliver straightforward sound that prioritizes safety and convenience over audiophile performance.

  • Pro:Safe volume limiting for young ears
  • Pro:Foldable and compact design for portability
  • Pro:Good value for a kids' headphone set
  • Con:Small fit may be uncomfortable for older kids
  • Con:Sound quality is basic, not for critical listening
  • Con:No active noise cancellation

JLab JBuddies Pop Wired

The JLab JBuddies Pop Wired headphones are an affordable, kid-focused over-ear option that prioritizes safe listening with a volume-limiting design. They offer a comfortable fit, decent sound quality for the price, and a wired connection that works with a 3.5mm jack. While they lack advanced features, they deliver reliable performance for younger listeners.

  • Pro:Safe volume cap for children
  • Pro:Comfortable for smaller heads
  • Pro:Solid sound quality for the price
  • Con:May fit snugly on older kids
  • Con:No wireless or ANC features
  • Con:Limited volume for louder listening

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

Compare something else

Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.

New comparisonJLab JBuddies Folding Kids HeadphonesJLab JBuddies Pop Wired