If you want a simple one-ear design that keeps a child’s other ear open, choose EXMAX 3.5mm; if you need a soft, adjustable headband with a microphone and wireless listening, choose KIDSBAND Headphones Headband. For children who dislike earbuds or bulky headphones, KIDSBAND is the more child-focused design; EXMAX makes more sense when speech clarity and environmental awareness matter most.
• EXMAX 3.5mm strength: A single ear-hook earpiece leaves the other ear open and combines both stereo channels into one ear. Trade-off: It is wired, has no microphone, and its speech-first sound is not designed for bass-rich music.
• KIDSBAND Headphones Headband strength: A soft, washable band holds thin speakers, with Bluetooth, a built-in microphone, and a wired fallback. Trade-off: It covers both ears, so it does not offer EXMAX’s one-ear-open setup.
• Choose EXMAX 3.5mm for a child who needs to hear speech while staying aware of nearby sounds and whose device has a standard 3.5 mm jack.
• Choose KIDSBAND Headphones Headband for a child who dislikes earbuds or bulky earcups and would benefit from a headband, microphone, and wireless option.
EXMAX 3.5mm is a single-side earphone with a flexible ear hook and a standard 3.5 mm plug. Its defining choice is to prioritize spoken audio over full-bodied music: it is described as having no bass and is intended to make voices such as talk radio, podcasts, and sports commentary easier to follow. Its circuitry combines left and right stereo channels into the single earpiece, so audio from both channels can be heard on that side.
For children, the most relevant use is listening while keeping one ear open to the room. That could suit a child who needs to hear a parent nearby, or who listens to speech while doing a task where awareness matters. The ear hook pivots, and the soft foam pad rests against the ear. The cable is about 115 cm long, and the plug works with devices that have a standard 3.5 mm audio jack.
We compare products from their published specs and features; the verdicts below are our independent editorial opinions.
Updated: 2026-10-22 · 6 min read · Independent comparison
The compromises are substantial if this is meant to be an all-purpose kids’ headset. It has no microphone, requires a cable, and its speech-focused, bass-light sound is not a natural fit for music or gaming where fuller audio matters. I would skip it for online lessons that require the child to speak back, or for anyone who wants a headband rather than an earpiece. It is also a single-ear listening design, not a way to create a private, two-ear listening space.
KIDSBAND takes a different approach: the speakers sit inside a soft, adjustable headband instead of earbuds or traditional bulky earcups. The band is described as washable, but the speakers need to be removed first. Its thin on-ear discs may appeal to children who find earbuds uncomfortable or do not want the feel of larger headphones. The adjustable rear strap helps tailor the fit.
Its feature set is more suited to everyday children’s listening and learning. It has a built-in microphone for calls or online tutoring, plus volume and media controls. Bluetooth provides a wireless option, while the 3.5 mm audio cable lets it play wired if the battery runs down. The product information lists up to 10 hours of battery life, with charging taking around two to two and a half hours depending on the supplied details. The description also says the speakers are limited to 90 dB.
There are limits to keep in mind. Unlike EXMAX, KIDSBAND does not leave one ear open, and its wireless use depends on the battery being charged. The headband is the defining fit, so it is a poor match for a child who dislikes wearing fabric around the head. I would also distinguish it from a dedicated gaming headset: it has a microphone and wireless audio, but the supplied details do not establish gaming-specific features such as a gaming mode or specialized sound positioning.
• Best for keeping one ear open → EXMAX 3.5mm. The single ear-hook design leaves the other ear uncovered, which is its clearest advantage when a child needs to stay attentive to the surroundings.
• Best for online lessons with two-way conversation → KIDSBAND Headphones Headband. Its built-in microphone is useful when a child needs to answer a tutor or take a hands-free call. EXMAX has no microphone.
• Best for avoiding earbuds and bulky earcups → KIDSBAND Headphones Headband. Its fabric band and thin speakers offer a different fit from conventional earphones.
• Best for speech-first listening → EXMAX 3.5mm. The design emphasizes human voices and combines both stereo channels into one earpiece. The trade-off is a sound profile without bass.
• Best for wireless listening → KIDSBAND Headphones Headband. It supports Bluetooth as well as wired playback through a 3.5 mm cable. EXMAX is wired only.
• Best when the battery runs down → KIDSBAND Headphones Headband. It can continue playing through its audio cable, though wireless listening requires its rechargeable battery.
• Best for a child who wants a microphone-free, uncomplicated earpiece → EXMAX 3.5mm. There are fewer headset-style features, but that may suit a simple listening task.
• Best for a washable fabric design → KIDSBAND Headphones Headband. Remove the speakers before washing the band, as specified in the product details.
Neither product is the best ANC headset for children: neither data sheet identifies active noise cancellation. KIDSBAND lists passive noise cancellation, while EXMAX is intended to leave one ear open. That distinction matters. A child who needs to hear the room is better matched to EXMAX; a child who wants a more enclosed listening experience may prefer KIDSBAND.
My Verdict
In my opinion, I would choose KIDSBAND Headphones Headband for most children because its adjustable fabric fit, microphone, wireless option, and wired fallback cover more everyday situations, especially learning and travel. Its washable band is another practical detail, provided the speakers are removed first.
I would choose EXMAX 3.5mm instead when the priority is keeping one ear open and hearing speech through a simple wired earpiece. For children, that specific awareness benefit is more compelling than a feature-rich design if the child needs to remain tuned in to nearby conversation.
KIDSBAND is the more direct fit for that need: its speakers sit in a soft headband rather than inside the ears. EXMAX uses a single ear-hook earpiece, so it still rests at one ear.
KIDSBAND has a built-in microphone, making it the more suitable option when a child needs to speak during a lesson. EXMAX has no microphone and is better suited to listening-only use.
KIDSBAND is the more plausible choice if the child needs voice chat, because it includes a microphone and supports Bluetooth and wired listening. The supplied details do not identify gaming-specific audio features, and EXMAX has no microphone.
Neither is described as having active noise cancellation or waterproof construction. KIDSBAND lists passive noise cancellation and has a washable band, but its speakers must be removed before washing.
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