REVIEW: iClever BTH20 ANC kids headphones – techAU

Protecting our children’s hearing is paramount, particularly in today’s world of readily available audio content. iClever is a brand known for its focus on creating audio products tailored specifically for children, and the BTH20 ANC Kids Headphones are the latest addition to their lineup. These headphones promise not only volume-limiting technology but also active noise cancellation (ANC), a feature rarely found in headphones designed for kids.

This review will delve into the design, performance, and features of the iClever BTH20, assessing its suitability for young listeners based on real-world testing, with some help from my daughter, offering a first-hand perspective on usability and comfort for the target demographic.

In this review, we’ll detail if these headphones deliver on their promise of a safe and enjoyable audio experience for children in Australia.

Design

The iClever BTH20 ANC headphones immediately strike you as being designed with children in mind. The model we tested came in a vibrant blue and green colour scheme, which proved to be a hit. The colour combination is playful and appealing, though a pink variant with integrated cat ear accents is also available, which may be more tempting for some.

The build quality feels solid, utilising a sturdy plastic construction that should withstand the rigours of daily use by younger users. The headband is adjustable, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit for a range of head sizes. My daughter highlighted the comfort of the earcups, which are generously padded with a soft, leather-like material. Even during extended listening sessions, she reported no discomfort or pressure points.

The earcups themselves are on the smaller side, as expected for kids’ headphones. They are designed to sit on the ear rather than fully enclose it (over-ear). This on-ear design has benefits for children, as it allows them to be more aware of their surroundings than a fully isolating over-ear design.

The controls are located on the right earcup and are intuitively laid out. There’s a power button that doubles as a play/pause button, volume up/down buttons, and an ANC toggle switch. A 3.5mm audio jack allows for wired connectivity, and a USB-C port handles charging duties.

Compared to previous models from iClever, the BTH20 represents a design refinement. It’s more modern and streamlined, with a more mature aesthetic that may appeal to older children. Compared to competitors, the BTH20’s dual-colour design is fairly unique. While there are plenty of brightly coloured kids’ headphones available, the BTH20’s blend of functionality and style stands out.

Performance

The most critical aspect of any kids’ headphones is their ability to deliver safe audio levels. The iClever BTH20 offers three volume-limiting settings, selectable via a button combination to prevent accidental changes: 74dB, 85dB, and 94dB. The 74dB setting is ideal for quiet environments, while the 85dB limit is recommended for general use, aligning with safe listening guidelines for children. The 94dB limit should be used sparingly, ideally for older kids in noisy settings like airplanes.

The sound quality itself is surprisingly good for a pair of kids’ headphones. The audio is clear and well-balanced, with a decent amount of bass that doesn’t overpower the mids and highs. These are not audiophile-grade headphones, nor should they be, but they deliver a pleasant listening experience that is perfectly adequate for music, audiobooks, and educational content.

The active noise cancellation (ANC) is a standout feature for headphones in this category. While it’s not as powerful as you’d find in high-end adult headphones, it does a commendable job of reducing ambient noise. My daughter found it particularly helpful when focusing on schoolwork on her laptop, where it reduced the distractions of a busy household. The ANC is also beneficial for travel, helping to reduce engine noise on planes or trains.

Bluetooth connectivity is stable and reliable. Pairing with a variety of devices, including laptops and tablets, was seamless. My daughter confirmed that switching from Bluetooth connection for school tasks on her laptop, to using the included Aux cable when using her tablet was easy. The built-in microphone is also functional for online classes or calls, although it can pick up some background noise.

Battery life is excellent, with iClever claiming up to 50 hours of playtime with ANC off and a still-impressive 35 hours with ANC enabled. This should be more than enough for multiple days of use on a single charge, making these headphones a reliable option for travel.

Features

The iClever BTH20 is packed with features designed to enhance the listening experience and ensure child safety. Here’s a breakdown:

Auto-power off: When no audio is detected for a period of time, the headset will automatically power off, conserving battery.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): As mentioned, the inclusion of ANC is a real plus. It helps to create a quieter listening environment, allowing kids to focus on their audio without needing to increase the volume to unsafe levels.
Three Volume Limiting Settings: 74dB, 85dB, and 94dB options provide flexibility for different environments and age groups.
Bluetooth 5.2: The latest Bluetooth standard ensures a stable connection and improved power efficiency.
Wired Connectivity: The included 3.5mm audio cable allows the headphones to be used with devices that don’t have Bluetooth or when the battery is depleted.
USB-C Charging: The modern USB-C port offers faster charging compared to older micro-USB ports.
Built-in Microphone: Enables hands-free calling and participation in online classes.
Foldable Design: The headphones fold down to a compact size, making them easy to store and transport.
Adjustable Headband: Ensures a comfortable fit for a wide range of head sizes.
Soft Ear Cushions: The plush earcups provide a comfortable listening experience, even during extended use.

Issues and Opportunities

While the iClever BTH20 is an excellent choice for kids’ headphones, there are a few areas where future iterations could be improved:

Haptic feedback for button presses: For younger users, some haptic feedback would be beneficial to ensure they understand button presses.

ANC Fine-Tuning: While the ANC is a great addition, it could be more effective at blocking out higher-frequency sounds.

Carrying Case: A soft carrying pouch or hard case would be a welcome addition to protect the headphones when not in use.

More Colour Options: While the available colours are appealing, expanding the range to include more options, such as solid colours or different patterns, would provide more choices for kids.

Price and Availability

The iClever BTH20 ANC Kids Headphones are available in Australia through online retailers like Amazon Australia. The typical price is around A$79.99, though it is worth checking for sales and discounts. This pricing positions the BTH20 as a mid-range option in the kids’ headphones market, offering a good balance of features and value.

You can get more information or purchase the product at https://iclever.com/products/iclever-bth20-active-noise-cancelling-headphones-for-kids

Overall

The iClever BTH20 ANC Kids Headphones are a well-designed, feature-rich option for parents seeking a safe and enjoyable audio experience for their children. The combination of volume limiting, active noise cancellation, comfortable design, and robust build quality makes them a compelling choice.

The performance is impressive, especially for the price, and the battery life is exceptional. While there’s always room for minor improvements, the BTH20 represents a significant step forward in the kids’ headphones category.

My daughter’s positive feedback, particularly regarding comfort and the convenience of both wired and wireless connectivity, reinforces the BTH20’s practicality for everyday use.

If you’re looking for a pair of headphones that will protect your child’s hearing without compromising on features or audio quality, the iClever BTH20 is a solid recommendation and a worthy investment in your child’s audio well-being.