If you’ve visited my site before you’ll know we have a Yoto Player Gen 3, a couple of Yoto Minis and a Toniebox. We’ve used all of these players extensively over the years and you can find lots of helpful posts about these players on the home page here. Recently, I’ve been hearing lots about a new kid on the block – Voxblock – did you like what I did there!
I’ve had lots of questions about the Voxblock and how it compares to Yoto Players and Tonieboxes so thought it was about time that I investigated. Voxblock kindly sent me a player to test with no expectation to review and as always you only ever get what I truly think about a product/ book.
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Voxblock 20% Discount Code
If you do decide to purchase a Voxblock then make sure to use the code BUSYBUSY or use this link (which should enter the code automatically) to get 20% off for one use per customer only from the Voxblock site.
Voxblock: Do We Need More Audio Players?
As parents and caregivers, many of us are always on the lookout for screen-free ways to engage our children. Audiobook players like Toniebox and Yoto have risen in popularity over recent years, offering a modern twist on storytime. So where does Voxblock fit into the world of audio players for children? Designed as a fully screen-free audiobook player for kids, Voxblock brings a tactile, independent listening experience into homes, schools, and travel bags alike.
In this post, I’m sharing our first impressions and early experiences using the Voxblock. I’ll also briefly touch on how it stacks up against our trusty Yoto Player (Gen 3), Yoto Mini, and Toniebox. Further posts on Voxblock will follow as we get more experience with the player. However, spoiler alert, Voxblock absolutely has a place in the world of audio players and there’s some key reasons why. Read on for my thoughts.
What is Voxblock?
Voxblock is a dedicated audiobook player created specifically for children. What makes it stand out immediately is its commitment to being completely screen-free. It doesn’t rely on a smartphone app, Wi-Fi, or any digital interface to operate. This is a big plus for usability in my book! Instead, stories are played by inserting physical Voxblocks – robust, book-shaped audio blocks – directly into the device.
I’m a child of the 80s and the Voxblock gives me all the nostalgic feels of the Fisher Price cassette player from back in the day (in a good way!). Do you know the one I mean?
Anyway let’s return to the present. Voxblock is a brilliant example of “tech that doesn’t feel like tech” – accessible, durable, and refreshingly simple.
Voxblock First Impressions and Design Features
We received a green bumper case with our Voxblock, which fits snugly around the unit and gives it extra durability. Currently, you can purchase the player without the bumper or with a green, orange or red bumper case. Personally, as with the Yoto Player, I would always recommend getting a protective case for your audio players. For the price, it’s well worth it to help protect against knocks and drops.
For a closer look check out the video below:
What Stood Out Straight Away
Nostalgic Appearance
The device has a charming, almost retro aesthetic – as I mentioned it’s giving me some real Fisher Price feels. Voxblock has soft rounded edges, a sturdy build and looks simple and clean. Great for children who can find over stimulation too distracting and tricky. The book blocks are satisfying to hold – almost like books in themselves. Ready for you to start your own ‘library’.
Tactile Buttons
There’s only five tactile buttons for playing, volume and navigation. I particularly like that the buttons are of varying sizes as you can see in the image below.
The symbols are also raised from the button and I therefore feel this player is ideally suited for those with sight impairment. The other key feature of the buttons that we love is you get a vibration feedback so you know you have pushed the button. The buttons are so simple to use. Anyone who has had a Toniebox and has knocked the character clean off the top trying to whack the box to skip a track will appreciate the simplicity of this!!
Totally Screen Free
No screen at all – ideal for younger users or those needing low-stimulation tools. This fits more with how the Toniebox is designed whereas the Yoto Player as a small pixilated display.
Parent Free Set Up
Simple setup – ready to go straight out of the box. As someone who has tried a variety of audio players, I appreciated that there was no need to download an app or fiddle with a Wi-Fi connection before getting started.
The claim on the back of the box is that it is parent-free set-up. Well we just had to test this one out. As you can see from the verdict below the claim is accurate in under 30 seconds! Where I think this is of incredible benefit is for families that aren’t tech savvy. I frequently get messages from grandparents about Yoto Players and Tonieboxes and how simple they are for them to set up. Each one needs an app and WiFi to get going which really puts off some people. This is truly the simplest player I’ve tested for ease of set up and use. You don’t need any WiFi or any other device to support this player.
USB-C charging (yay for modern compatibility!)
The Voxblock audiobook player offers a battery life of up to 14 hours of continuous playtime or 25 days on standby per full charge. I’ve popped a little comparison table below – it’s worth noting that battery life of Yotos is affected by card use, volume and light use.
| Device | Battery Life (Playback) | Standby Time | Charging Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Voxblock | Up to 14 hours | Up to 25 days | USB-C | Very energy-efficient; Bedtime Mode auto-standby after 20 mins. |
| Yoto Player Gen 3 | Up to 24 hours | Several days (unspecified) | USB-C or magnetic dock | Improved battery from Gen 2; has nightlight and pixel display. |
| Yoto Mini | Up to 14 hours | Several days (unspecified) | USB-C | Compact; battery may vary based on speaker volume and card use. |
| Toniebox | Up to 7 hours | Few days (unspecified) | Proprietary charging base | Shorter battery life. |
Similarities in use to Toniebox
The way you interact with the VoxBlock is very similar to how you use the Toniebox. For Toniebox you have characters and for Voxblock you have ‘book’ blocks that you place directly on the player to start the audio recording playing. Therefore if you’re looking for the next purchase for a child getting older after they’ve outgrown their Toniebox this would have a similar feel but in a more grown up style. One big difference between Toniebox and Voxblock is that Voxblock can be used independently from age 2 whereas Toniebox is from age 3. It’s worth noting that corded headphones are from age 3 usually and should be used with supervision.
Sound Quality
In my opinion sound quality without headphones is not as good as Yoto/ Tonie from what we’ve tested. However with headphones it is good. My daughter and I found the quality fine and it’s only because we’re directly comparing that we can tell the difference. Although, my other half is very particular about sound quality and he said he’s prefer to listen through the headphones.
Mini Bookcase Collection
We’re totally in love with the cute mini book style of the blocks and being able to build a ‘library’. Our daughter has already decided we need a dedicated shelf to curate her collection! Reading for pleasure is so important and it’s not just about the book content, it’s the total package. The look and feel of a book in my hand has always appealed to me and I totally judge a book by its cover! Therefore, building up a cute little collection of incredible book titles totally appeals to my daughter and me.
All Books are not Created Equal
As an erstwhile teacher and children’s book enthusiast & reviewer I’m passionate about getting great books into the hands of children to ensure their love of reading is fostered through quality texts. The range of audiobooks available from Voxblock is incredibly exciting. There are lots of titles that you won’t find available with other audio players. I love that they are seeking out more recently released titles to entice young readers.
For me the book selection is one of Voxblock’s biggest strengths. Some of the titles we’re starting with include:
- Moomin stories – timeless and gentle
- Kensuke’s Kingdom by Michael Morpurgo – emotional and adventurous
- The Shark Caller by Zillah Bethell – mysterious and rich in culture
- Voyage of the Sparrowhawk by Natasha Farrant – a historical page-turner
- Loki series by Louie Stowell – full of humour and mythology
- Alex Rider by Anthony Horowitz – fast-paced for older listeners
Check out this post for more information on some of the titles mentioned: Top 5 Blocks: Audiobooks to Start With on Voxblock.
Voxblock vs Yoto vs Toniebox: How Does It Compare?
So, how does the new kid on the block – Voxblock – stack up against other popular audio players. Here’s a very brief overview:
| Feature | Voxblock | Yoto (Gen 3/Mini) | Toniebox |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen | None | Small pixel display | None |
| Wi-Fi Needed? | No | Yes for setup | Yes for downloads |
| Physical Media | Voxblocks | Yoto Cards | Tonies (figures) |
| App Required? | No | Yes (for setup, playlists) | Yes (optional, for extras) |
| Ease of Use | Very Simple | Moderate | Simple |
| Age Range | 2–12+ | 3–12+ | 3–8+ |
| Content Type | Audiobooks | Audiobooks, music, podcasts, make your own content | Stories, songs, limited audiobooks (but have started) and upload original content |
Verdict?
Voxblock is the clear winner for those who want a no-fuss, purely audiobook-focused player without any app dependency.
Usability for Different Age Ranges
Voxblock is delightfully straightforward. The blocks insert easily, and the navigation is intuitive. For younger users, you might want to offer a little guidance at first, but it’s quick to learn.
For older children who are ready for longer chapter books or want a more grown-up alternative to character-themed players like the Toniebox, Voxblock offers a nice transition into audiobook enjoyment with zero screens.
I also think this is an ideal player for adults. Check out this post for my full thoughts on why this is the perfect player for some adults.
Pros and Considerations for Voxblock
Pros:
- No app, screen, or Wi-Fi required – true independence
- Durable and portable with optional bumper case
- Fantastic audiobook selection for all ages
- Encourages deep listening and focus
- Very quick to set up – no tech know-how needed
- Ideal for homes trying to reduce screen time
Considerations:
- Only supports audiobooks (this could be a pro for some) – no music (yet) or podcasts. I’d be surprised if podcasts would ever be on the horizon as they need an RSS feed which would require connectivity. I do wonder if there will every be a way to record your own content like you can with Yoto and Toniebox. And yes, I’m of the age who remembers putting sellotape over the hole on your cassette tapes!
- No Bluetooth or wireless headphone support
- Books must be purchased as physical blocks (no downloads) – again could be seen as a pro too!
- A little larger than Yoto Mini for travel but still lightweight
Final Verdict: Is Voxblock Right for You?
If you’re looking for a simple, screen-free way to encourage storytelling and independent listening, Voxblock is a fantastic option. It’s particularly well-suited for:
- Families wanting to reduce screen reliance
- Children who love audiobooks
- Homes with multiple kids across different ages
- Travel or quiet-time use without Wi-Fi
- Neurodivergent children who benefit from low-stimulation tech
- Families and relatives who find tech tricky
While it won’t replace podcast or music players like the Yoto, it carves a unique niche in the world of children’s audio – and it does it beautifully. I feel that Voxblock have carved themselves their own space in the audio player world and it’s a space that we’re certainly enjoying being in. Look out for more posts in future.
Where to Buy Voxblock
Voxblock 20% Discount Code
If you do decide to purchase a Voxblock then make sure to use the code BUSYBUSY or use this link (which should enter the code automatically) to get 20% off for one use per customer only from the Voxblock site.
Have you tried Voxblock yet? Or are you team Yoto or Toniebox? Let me know your thoughts or questions in the comments!
Audio Player Homepage
Find out more about audio players and audiobooks at the audio player homepage that you can find here.