In today's tech-filled world, getting the right balance for your child's screen time is hard. But we're here to chat about the different options for screen-free audio fun that'll keep the kids entertained and learning.
Audiobooks are popular for good reason – they're like a secret weapon for your child’s development: entertainment and learning at the same time, it’s a win-win situation.
There are lots of ways to listen to audiobooks. Spotify and Audible are popular, but they still need those trusty devices – phones, tablets, and computers. That's where screen-free audio players come in, such as Tonies and Yoto, offering a sweet spot between tech engagement and immersive learning.
We're excited to be part of this audiobook boom at Voxblock. We've got an easy-peasy, wifi and app-free audiobook player that kids, from toddlers to teens can control themselves. Each of these different players on the market brings something unique to the table, catering to different families' needs and wants.
So, why should you choose Voxblock? There are a number of screen-free audio players on the market, so this is a question we get a lot. We've whipped up a handy guide to lay out the differences for you, we've focused on what we get asked most often, which is the differences between Voxblock, Tonies and the Yoto Player.
Let's start with what they have in common:
-
They're all about that screen-free audio fun
-
No sneaky microphones or cameras
-
They are all equipped with a headphone jack and a built-in speaker
Now, the big question: Do they need the internet?
Voxblock? Nope, no need for internet at all – we're 100% connectivity-free. Tonies and Yoto? They need it for setup, but once that's done, the internet isn’t always needed - although that depends on player downloads and whether you're staying in the same place.
How long do they take to set up?
Voxblock takes the easy road – no setup required. The player is good to go straight out of the box. Tonies and Yoto suggest doing a full setup before gifting as they need to be connected to the wifi and have downloads enabled.
Looks-wise, do they look the same?
Not really. Tonies has that toy-like charm, while Yoto and Voxblock keep it cool and neutral. Check out their websites for a quick style check.
Where do the differences lie?
Each player has its own library of titles, spanning various themes and age groups. Here's a quick rundown of key features:
|
Key features |
Voxblock |
Yoto |
Tonies |
|
Screen-free |
✔️ |
✔️ |
✔️ |
|
Microphone and camera free |
✔️ |
✔️ |
✔️ |
|
Headphone jack and speaker |
✔️ |
✔️ |
✔️ |
|
Wifi-free |
✔️ |
✖️ |
✖️ |
|
No apps or downloads needed |
✔️ |
✖️ |
✖️ |
|
Parent free set up |
✔️ |
✖️ |
✖️ |
|
Robust and tangible stories |
✔️ |
✖️ |
✔️ |
|
Neutral design to grow with your child |
✔️ |
✔️ |
✖️ |
|
Battery Life |
14 hours play time |
Varies depend on set up and usage |
Up to 7 hours |
Now, the nitty-gritty details:
Extras:
- Voxblock has bedtime mode and is glow-free
- Yoto has Bluetooth, bedtime mode, and a nightlight, clock, and radio
- Tonies, the stories can be played with as toys
Pricing:
We have put together a player and three book bundle, so you can compare the prices of what you might want to get started with each type of player.
- Voxblock Starter Pack: £59.99 includes three stories and protective bumper
- Yoto: £124.95 for a player, protective bumper and three book bundle.
- Tonies: £114.95 for a player, three Tonie characters and one creative Tonie.
This info is brought to you by Voxblock, so we're not totally neutral, but we're keeping it straight to help you make an informed decision.
Happy listening!
