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We compare products from their published specs and features; the verdicts below are our independent editorial opinions.
Updated: 2026-10-03 · 6 min read · Independent comparison
• JLab JBuddies Gen 2 — biggest strength: a built-in 85dB volume limiter plus a kid-sized foldable on-ear fit (ages 2+), so a small child can wear them without close supervision.
• JLab JBuddies Gen 2 — biggest trade-off: it's a wired 3.5mm headphone with no microphone, so it's for listening only — not calls or voice chat.
• RIYADAone Case — biggest strength: a hard EVA shell with a velvet-like interior and a mesh accessory pocket, built to protect on-ear headphones in transit.
• RIYADAone Case — biggest trade-off: it is a case only. No headphones are included, so it's useless on its own.
• Pick JLab JBuddies Gen 2 if you're buying headphones for a toddler or young child.
• Pick RIYADAone Case if you already own Beats Solo/Studio-style on-ear headphones and want to carry them safely.
The JBuddies Gen 2 is a wired on-ear headphone designed around one idea: letting a young child listen without a parent hovering. The headline feature is the built-in volume limiter that caps output at 85dB, which is the whole reason this model exists. If you've ever handed a phone to a four-year-old on a long drive and then winced at how loud they turned it up, that limiter is the answer.
The fit is built for small heads, not adult ones. The headband adjusts, the ear cups are cushioned in what JLab describes as ultra-soft pillow material, and the folding hinges are designed to be pinch-free so little fingers don't get caught. It collapses down for storage in a bag, and the build is meant to survive drops and tugs — the kind of abuse a toddler dishes out daily. The earpieces are on-ear, so they sit against the ear rather than around it, and the passive noise isolation helps cut down background chatter on a plane or in a car.
Who should buy it: parents of kids roughly two and up who want a simple, wired, volume-limited headphone for movies, lessons, and travel. It uses a standard 3.5mm jack, so it works with tablets, laptops, and in-flight entertainment without any pairing hassle. The 32-ohm impedance and dynamic driver with a 20Hz–20,000Hz range mean it's easy to drive from just about any device.
Who should skip it: anyone who needs a microphone. This model has no mic, so it's not the pick for online classes that require talking or for gaming chat. Adults will also find the sizing too small, and if you want wireless freedom, this isn't it — it's a wired set by design. It also ships as headphones only, with no hard case, so if protection in a backpack matters a lot, you'd be pairing it with something else.
The RIYADAone Case is a different kind of product entirely — it's storage, not sound. It's a hard-shell carry case with an EVA and nylon exterior and a soft, velvet-like lining inside, designed to hold on-ear headphones like the Beats Solo 4, Studio Pro, Solo3, Studio3, Solo Pro, and Solo2. The rigid shell is there to absorb the bumps that happen when a headphone gets tossed into a backpack or a gym bag.
The details are thoughtful for a case. There's a dual-pull zipper for secure closure and a side hand-strap for carrying. Inside, a breathable mesh pocket on the upper section holds the small stuff — charging cables, adapters, replacement ear pads — so your accessories aren't rattling loose against the headphones. It's lightweight and compact enough to slide into a backpack, handbag, or suitcase without adding much bulk.
Who should buy it: anyone who owns a pair of Beats Solo or Studio-style on-ear headphones and wants to keep them protected between uses. It's especially useful if you commute, travel, or take your headphones to the gym, where a bare headphone in a bag is asking for scratched cups or a bent headband.
Who should skip it: anyone who doesn't already own compatible headphones. This is a case only — the headphones and accessories are not included. If you're shopping for the headphones themselves, or you own a brand or model that isn't in the Beats Solo/Studio family, this won't help you. And if your headphones never leave your desk, a hard travel case is simply money you don't need to spend.
Side-by-Side: Which Should You Choose?
• Best for a young child → JLab JBuddies Gen 2, thanks to the 85dB limiter and ages 2+ sizing.
• Best for protecting headphones in transit → RIYADAone Case, with its hard EVA shell and velvet-like interior.
• Best for organizing cables and small accessories → RIYADAone Case, which has a breathable mesh pocket.
• Best for travel with a toddler → JLab JBuddies Gen 2, since it folds compactly and survives rough handling.
• Best for the gym or commute → RIYADAone Case, with its carry strap and shockproof build.
• Best if you need a microphone → neither — the JLab model has no mic, and the case isn't audio gear.
• Best if you already own Beats on-ear headphones → RIYADAone Case, because that's exactly what it's shaped for.
In my opinion, these two products barely compete — they solve completely different problems, so the "winner" depends on what you actually need. If you're outfitting a small child with their first safe headphones, I'd go with the JLab JBuddies Gen 2: the 85dB cap, kid-sized foldable fit, and wired simplicity are exactly what a parent wants. If you already own a pair of Beats Solo or Studio on-ear headphones and want them to survive your bag, I'd buy the RIYADAone Case instead. Buy the one that matches the job, and check the current price on Amazon before you commit.
FAQ
what are the best open ear headphones
Open-ear and on-ear are different categories. The JLab JBuddies Gen 2 is an on-ear design, meaning the cups rest against the ear rather than blocking it. If you specifically want open-ear headphones, neither product here is that — the RIYADAone item is a case, not a headphone.
are on ear headphones good
are open ear headphones good
Open-ear designs leave the ear canal unobstructed, which some people prefer for awareness of surroundings. The JLab JBuddies Gen 2 is on-ear, not open-ear, so it's a different fit. If open-ear is a hard requirement, keep looking — but for a child, the on-ear, volume-limited JLab approach is the safer, simpler bet.
are on ear headphones comfortable
Comfort depends on cushioning and fit. The JLab JBuddies Gen 2 uses soft cushioned ear cups and an adjustable headband sized for kids ages 2+, which is designed to stay comfortable through movies and travel. Adults may find the sizing too small, so it's best judged as a child-focused fit.
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