Ultimate Guide to Kids’ Audio Players – When Each One Shines (and Why)

Yoto Player, Yoto Mini, Voxblock, Toniebox 2 or 1?

We’ve had our audio players for a number of years now and each one has its own unique qualities. On this website you’ll find lots of information about audio players, comparisons and top tips on how to make the most out of whichever player you have (I’ll pop links to some of the most popular posts at the bottom of this one). This post is going to tell you exactly why I’d choose one player over another in very specific situations.

Audio Player Quiz

Take a quiz to find out which player might be the right choice for your child/ family here. Or read on for specific circumstances where I would choose one player above all others.

Navigate Which Audio Player?

Rough Play

If you have a child who can be a little rough in their play and with their toys then I would very much recommend looking at a Toniebox. You may also have a child who can throw toys when frustrated. Although you can purchase Adventure Jackets for Yoto and the Voxblock has a bumper the Toniebox definitely holds up to more knocks with the added bonus that it’s got a squishy exterior.

If you are new to Tonieboxes then I would go for a Toniebox 2. This post compares the Toniebox 1 and Toniebox 2. For the slight increase in price the Toniebox 2 has superior softness and squish! In the image above the player on the left is the Toniebox 2 and the player on the right is the Toniebox 1. The curved, re-enforced edges are a great cushion.

No Access to WiFi

If you have no access to WiFi then my top recommendation would be a Voxblock audio player. You simply take it out of the box, switch it on and put an audiobook ‘Block’ on the device and away you go! You can see how simple it is to use below. This post tells you more about the Voxblock along with a 20% off discount code.

Technophobe

Doesn’t just have to be a technophobe but anyone who isn’t tech-savvy and doesn’t have anyone to help support getting set up and connected then I would equally recommend a Voxblock.

As mentioned the set up is very easy and ongoing listening so straight forward. You can find out more about features on a Voxblock in the video below. Voxblock features and discount code can be found in this post.

Disney Fan

If you have got a child (or adult) who loves Disney and other characters then my top recommendation would be a Toniebox. If you’re new to the audio player world then I’d go for a Toniebox 2 over a Toniebox 1 – you can find my comparison here.

Toniebox characters usually have original cast audio and songs. So if you have a Disney fan or someone who loves characters such as Gabby’s Dollhouse or Paw Patrol then Toniebox will be the perfect audio player. Lots of the audio on the Yoto Player are narrated retellings of the stories whereas Tonie characters are often created from the original source. It’s always worth checking before you purchase though to make sure you know exactly what to expect. Often Tonie characters have an abridged story with original cast and a few original songs too.

Ongoing Cost is Top Priority

If ongoing cost is your top priority then I’d very much recommend a Yoto Player. If initial player costs are important too then a Yoto Mini is one of the cheapest players after a Voxblock. Both the Yoto Players can be used with Make Your Own (MYO) cards. These are cards that you can add your own content to. You can make your own content and there are lots of free options that you can check out here.

You don’t even have to purchase MYO Cards you can play direct from the Yoto app to Yoto Players or Yoto Minis. It would also be worth considering signing up to the Yoto Club – there is lots of content available. You can try it out with a free trial – more information on the club can be found in this post.

Here’s a comparison post about the two Yoto Players – the Yoto Player Gen 3 and the Yoto Mini Player.

People with Sight Loss (including blind and partially sighted people)

I’ve gone into much more detail on which audio players I would recommend and when for people with sight loss. The post includes tips on how to make audio player use as independent as possible. This post will give you all the details.

Where to Buy Audio Players, Offers & Discount Codes

Where to Buy Yoto Players and Yoto discount codes

I frequently (several times a week) update offers – click on the button below to head to the dedicated page. You will also find year-round discount codes.

Last Chance Yoto Section – Yoto Discounted Card Deals

If the page defaults to the full library then click on the top right ‘clearance’ block.

Where to Buy Voxblock Players and Voxblock discount codes

Discount Code: BUSYBUSY for 20% off one purchase – limited to one transaction per customer