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We compare products from their published specs and features; the verdicts below are our independent editorial opinions.
Updated: 2026-10-01 · 6 min read · Independent comparison
• Hermitshell's biggest strength: It's built specifically to fit the iClever HS19 and iClever BTH12, so the fit is intentional rather than "close enough."
• Hermitshell's biggest trade-off: It's a case only. No headphones, no cables, no accessories — you need the iClever pair already.
• ChromaBloom's biggest strength: It's a complete, ready-to-use headphone with a mic, a volume ceiling, and both 3.5mm and USB-C audio support.
• ChromaBloom's biggest trade-off: It's a wired-only design, so there's no wireless freedom and no hard shell included.
• Buy the Hermitshell case if you already own iClever HS19/BTH12 headphones and want them to survive backpacks and suitcases.
• Buy the ChromaBloom headphones if your kid needs something to actually listen with for school, calls, or travel.
Let's be clear about what this thing is. The Hermitshell Hard Travel Case is a molded EVA shell sized for two specific models: the iClever HS19 and the iClever BTH12. The internal dimensions land around 6.2 x 4 x 2.2 inches, and the whole point is to stop bumps, dents, and scratches from reaching a pair of kids headphones that would otherwise get crushed at the bottom of a school bag.
What it does best is the boring, unglamorous job nobody thinks about until it's too late: keeping a folded pair of headphones structurally intact. EVA is a firm, semi-rigid foam-like material, so it resists the kind of pressure that turns a plastic headband into a cracked one. There's a single compartment, a fabric handle for carrying, and a nylon exterior in a hot pink colorway. The manufacturer lists a one-year warranty, which is a reasonable reassurance for a shell that's meant to take abuse.
Who should buy it? Parents who already own the iClever HS19 or BTH12 and have watched those headphones get tossed around. If your kid's headphones live loose in a backpack, this is the fix. Who should skip it? Anyone who doesn't own those exact headphones — the sizing is model-specific, and a case for headphones you don't have is just an empty box. Also skip it if you want a case that holds chargers, cables, and a tablet alongside the headphones; this is a one-compartment design with no included components.
The ChromaBloom Kids Headphones are a different category of purchase entirely. This is the actual listening device — a wired, on-ear, over-ear-styled headphone aimed at kids, teens, and honestly adults who want something simple. It weighs 4.8 ounces, which is light enough that a kid won't complain about it on a longer car ride or a school day.
The headline feature is the volume limit — 85/94dB — which is the kind of spec parents care about most. Sensitivity is rated at 94dB with 16-ohm impedance and a 20Hz–20,000Hz frequency range, so it's an easy load for tablets, laptops, and phones to drive without a headphone amp. It supports both 3.5mm audio and USB-C audio, which matters more than it sounds: a lot of modern tablets and laptops have dropped the headphone jack, and having USB-C as an option keeps this usable across a mixed household of devices.
The built-in microphone makes it a genuinely practical pick for online classes, video calls, and language-learning apps. There's a foldable design so it collapses into backpacks and desk drawers, button controls on the earcups, and passive noise cancellation — meaning the cushioning physically blocks some ambient sound rather than using electronics. The ABS plastic enclosure and "Blue Lemon" color keep it kid-friendly, and the listed warranty runs six months.
Who should buy it? Families who need one dependable wired headphone for school, homework, and travel, and who value the volume cap and the mic. Who should skip it? Anyone who needs wireless Bluetooth listening, or who wants a hard case bundled in — neither is part of this package.
Side-by-Side: Which Should You Choose?
• You need headphones to actually listen with → ChromaBloom Kids Headphones. The Hermitshell case contains no device.
• You want volume limiting for young ears → ChromaBloom. The 85/94dB limit is a core design feature.
• You want drop and crush protection → Hermitshell. The EVA shell is the whole product.
• You need a microphone for online class → ChromaBloom. The built-in mic is designed for calls and lessons.
• You need USB-C audio support → ChromaBloom. It handles 3.5mm and USB-C; the Hermitshell case has no audio function at all.
• You're outfitting a kid for school and travel → ChromaBloom first, Hermitshell later. Buy the headphones, then add the case if you own a compatible pair.
• You want everything in one purchase → Neither, strictly speaking. ChromaBloom lacks a hard case; Hermitshell lacks headphones.
If I had to pick one, I'd buy the ChromaBloom Kids Headphones. In my opinion, a protective case is only useful once you own the thing it protects — and ChromaBloom is the complete, functional product with the volume limit, mic, and dual connectivity that most families actually need. The Hermitshell case is a smart, well-targeted accessory, but it solves a narrower problem for a narrower group of owners. Buy the headphones first; add the case if you already have the iClever models it's built for.
No. The Hermitshell case is designed specifically for the iClever HS19 and iClever BTH12, with internal dimensions around 6.2 x 4 x 2.2 inches. The ChromaBloom headphones aren't a listed fit, so I wouldn't assume they'll sit correctly inside.
No. The package is the headphones only, with a listed adapter among the included components. There's no hard shell or carrying case in the box, which is why some buyers pair them with a separate case.
No. They're a wired design using a 3.5mm jack or USB-C audio. There's no Bluetooth mentioned in the specifications, so plan on a cable for every listening session.
In my opinion, ChromaBloom — because it's the actual headphone, and its 85/94dB volume limit is a deliberate safety feature for kids' ears. The Hermitshell case only makes sense as a follow-up purchase if you already own compatible iClever headphones. Check the current price on Amazon before deciding.
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