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Puro Sound Labs PuroQuiet Plus headphones review: are they worth the price tag?
If you are looking for a pair of quality kids' headphones, look no further than the PuroQuiet Plus - but they don't come cheap.
By Laura Cooke | Last updated Mar 5, 2024
Overall rating: 5/5
Price on writing: £115 | Buy now from Amazon
What we like
Noise cancelling function
Built-in microphone
Volume limiting technology
Long battery life
Comes with a sturdy travel case
Comfortable to wear
What we don’t like
Pricey
Key specs
Age: 3+ | Sound limit: 85dB | Wireless: Yes | Connection type: Bluetooth | Weight: 169g | Battery life: 23 hours (with ANC), 35 hours (without ANC)
What Mumsnet users say
“Not cheap but Puro Sounds makes really lovely volume-limited headphones for kids. They are pretty robust too.” Brand rated by Mumsnetter AllTheWorldIsGreen
Our verdict
Puro Sound Labs has upgraded its award-winning PuroQuiet kids headphones - enter, the new PuroQuiet Plus.
Just like its predecessor, these super comfy headphones protect children’s delicate eardrums by limiting volume to 85dB. They also have a fab Active Noise Cancellation feature, which effectively blocks out daily noise and background sounds up to 22dB, allowing kids to focus their attention on their studies. This effective ANC can also help to calm children down in a loud and unfamiliar environment, reducing any noise-related stress and increase their overall focus on one thing without the distraction of ambient noise.
It is true that £115 feels like an awfully high price to pay, even for a pair of the very best kids headphones. But the audio quality is excellent and the ANC is highly effective at shutting out any distracting background noise. They’re comfortable, easy to use, and available in a range of fab colours, from fun and funky pinks and purples to a sleek and sensible (but no less stylish) black. It’s a big thumbs up from us.
What’s in the box?
Headphones
3.5mm audio cable
USB-C charging cable
Daisy chain cable
Hard travel case
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What are the Puro Sound Labs PuroQuiet Plus headphones like to set up?
The PuroQuiet Plus headphones were very easy to set up. I charged the headphones with the USB C-USB cable. This process can take up to three hours, but that is a small price to pay for a at least 23 hours of battery life. A red LED indicated the headphones were charging up. This turned blue when they were ready to use.
The headphones can be turned on using the slider power switch on the left side. Turning the headphones on enters pairing mode, which is indicated by a rapid blinking blue light. The headphones must be within 3 feet of the device you want to pair them with, making sure that your tablet, laptop or phone has Bluetooth turned on. A calming voice filters through the headphones to let you know that pairing is complete. Overall, setting up was a straightforward procedure that my six-year-old was able to carry out quite easily. To unpair, press and hold the Bluetooth button for three seconds.
The 3.5mm audio cable will allow the headphones to be used in wired mode - just make sure to slide the switch to ‘off’ first.
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What are the Puro Sound Labs PuroQuiet Plus headphones like in day-to-day use?
Although the headphones are designed for children, adjusting the length of the arms means the PuroQuiet Plus can also be used by older teens and adults. The headband and ear cushions are made of durable, vegan-protein leather, so they feel soft and comfortable to wear.
The audio is excellent - when listening to music, the patent-pending Puro Balanced Response Curve resulted in a crisp sound, with clear vocals and a full bass sound, all within the safety of 85dB. The volume is controlled by two buttons on the left side.
I was impressed with how much background noise was cancelled out when using the ANC. The boiling kettle and my rattly washing machine virtually ceased to exist. As did the doorbell (sorry DPD delivery driver). Being wireless, the headphones give you or your kids freedom to roam, as they stay wirelessly connected up to 30 feet. This comes in handy as it means you can control your child’s device from the front seat in the car or even the next room at home.
The headphones fold flat and come with a sturdy carry case, which makes them perfect for slipping in your cabin bag or popping in the back of the car for your next family holiday.
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Do the Puro Sound Labs PuroQuiet Plus headphones have any special features?
Puro Sound Labs prides itself on ‘promoting healthy ears’ by following the World Health Organisation’s recommendation of an 85 dB limited volume range. This is supported by the ANC feature that enables kids to listen clearly in loud environments. The headphones make daily noise and background sound up to 22 dB quieter, complemented by 78% noise isolation (@ 1kHz).
The PuroQuiet Plus also has a highly sensitive built-in microphone for taking calls or gaming with friends.
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Are the Puro Sound Labs PuroQuiet Plus headphones good value for money?
There is little doubt that the Puro Sound Labs PuroQuiet Plus are high-quality headphones, and the brand puts the comfort and wellbeing of its young users at the very heart of it does. But a premium pair of headphones come at a premium price.
If your child uses tech regularly and you are concerned about their hearing, then the PuroQuiet Plus should provide parental piece of mind. If your budget doesn’t quite stretch to the £115 at the time of writing (February 29th, 2024), then you may want to check out the other products features on Mumsnet’s round-up of the best kids headphones to buy.
How we tested
The Puro Sound Labs PuroQuiet Plus headphones were tested over several weeks by Laura and her helpful six-year-old. The headphones were rated on performance, ease of use, design and value for money.
About the author
Laura Cooke is a Content Editor at Mumsnet, with a special focus on child’s play, outdoor play and toddler play content.
Laura started writing Swears By articles for Mumsnet in 2021, writing buyers' guides and product reviews to help Mumsnetters make informed choices when it comes to parting with their pennies.
Laura is also a freelance journalist and has written articles for publications including the Daily Mirror, the i, Metro, Stylist and Happiful magazine.
About Mumsnet Reviews
All Mumsnet product reviews are written by real parents after weeks of research and testing. We work hard to provide honest and independent advice you can trust. Sometimes, we earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links in our articles. However, we never allow this to influence our coverage.