Skip to content
HearWiki

JLab JBuddies Studio 2 Wireless Kids Headphones vs Skullcandy Icon® 180: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the JLab JBuddies Studio 2 Wireless Kids Headphones comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 81. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: JLab JBuddies Studio 2 Wireless Kids Headphones - Outstanding overall at around $30.

Score breakdown

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

JLab JBuddies Studio 2 Wireless Kids Headphones leads on 6 of 6 measures.

  • JLab JBuddies Studio 2 Wireless Kids Headphones
  • Skullcandy Icon® 180
HearWiki score
81
64
Sound
6.4
5.8
Battery
9.0
8.8
Calls
6.2
6.1
Value
9.0
8.3
Price (USD)
$30
$37

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?

Half a step newer

Skullcandy Icon® 180 (2026) against JLab JBuddies Studio 2 Wireless Kids Headphones (2024). The Skullcandy Icon® 180 edges ahead on platform, but only just: Top codec aptX against AAC. It also adds Multipoint pairing.

  • JBuddies Studio 2 Wireless Kids Headphones2024
  • Icon® 18020262 yr newer
What differsJBuddies Studio 2 Wireless Kids HeadphonesIcon® 180

Platform

Top codec
AAC
aptX

Everyday features

Multipoint pairing
No
Yes

Level on: Bluetooth, USB-C, Custom EQ, Companion app.

Specifications

JBuddies Studio 2 Wireless Kids HeadphonesIcon® 180
Type
On-Ear
On-Ear
Price (USD)
$30
$37
HearWiki score
81
64
Released
2024
2026
Availability
Still sold new
Sold new
Driver
40 mm dynamic
30 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
40 mm
30 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
20 Hz - 20 kHz
Impedance
32 Ω
32 Ω
Bluetooth
5.3
5.3
Codecs
SBC, AAC
SBC, AAC, aptX
Multipoint pairing
No
Yes
Wireless range
9 m
-
Battery life
70 h
50 h
Full charge time
180 min
120 min
Quick charge
-
10 min → 4 h
Wireless charging
No
No
Active noise cancelling
No
No
ANC type
none
-
Transparency mode
No
-
Companion app
Yes
Yes
Custom EQ
Yes
Yes
Wear detection
No
-
Controls
buttons
buttons
Voice assistant
-
Yes
Weight
150 g
145.5 g
Water resistance
-
IPX4
Foldable
-
Yes
Detachable cable
-
Yes
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Connector
-
3.5 mm
Microphones
1
2
Microphone type
MEMS
-
Mic sensitivity
-42 dBV
-

What reviewers said

JLab JBuddies Studio 2 Wireless Kids Headphones

The JLab JBuddies Studio 2 Wireless Kids Headphones are a budget-friendly on-ear option designed with safety and convenience in mind, featuring volume limiting and a remarkably long battery life. They offer a straightforward wireless experience with Bluetooth 5.3, a built-in mic, and a simple button control scheme, making them a practical choice for younger listeners. While they perform well for their intended audience, the fit may be snug for older kids, which can impact comfort and sound isolation.

  • Pro:Volume limiting for hearing safety
  • Pro:Exceptional 70-hour battery life
  • Pro:Lightweight and comfortable for younger kids
  • Con:Ear cups may feel small for older children
  • Con:No active noise cancellation or transparency mode
  • Con:Plastic build feels less durable than premium options

Skullcandy Icon® 180

The Skullcandy Icon 180 is a budget-friendly on-ear headphone that prioritizes long battery life and portability over advanced features. It offers a comfortable, closed-back design that passively blocks some noise, along with Bluetooth 5.3, multi-device pairing, and a foldable frame for easy travel. While it lacks active noise cancellation, its IPX4 rating and optional wired connection add versatility for everyday use.

  • Pro:Excellent 50-hour battery life
  • Pro:Supports multipoint and aptX for flexibility
  • Pro:Lightweight, foldable, and IPX4-rated
  • Con:No active noise cancellation
  • Con:Sound quality is only acceptable, not impressive
  • Con:Plastic build may feel less premium

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 Studio 2 Wireless Kids HeadphonesSkullcandy Icon® 180