Toniebox vs Yoto Player for a 3 y/o - are they actually worth the money?

[Singlemumofoneanddone]

I’m considering buying some sort of audio player for my 3-year-old and I’m torn between a Toniebox and a Yoto Player.

She absolutely loves stories, music and listening to things in the car/at home, so I think she would get a lot of use out of one. But they’re not exactly cheap once you factor in all the additional characters/cards, accessories etc., so I’m trying to work out whether they’re genuinely worth the investment or whether they’re one of those things that seem brilliant but end up gathering dust!

For those who have one (or have had both), I’d really love your honest opinions on:
How much does your child actually use it? Particularly around age 3.
Is it something they can operate independently, or do they still need you to set everything up?
Which has the better range/variety of content? Stories, music, nursery rhymes, educational content, podcasts etc.
How good is the quality of the audio/player itself?
How expensive does it become once you start buying additional content? I’m interested in the cost of Tonies vs Yoto cards, as well as things like headphones, cases, charging docks etc.
Is it worth looking at second hand players online? Likewise second hand characters/ cards?
How much longevity do they have? Does your child still use it at 4, 5, 6+ or does the appeal wear off?
Can you use them for things other than children’s stories? For example, music, audiobooks or content that an older child would enjoy?
Are there any particular features that you think make one significantly better than the other?
And perhaps most importantly… if you were buying one again today, which would you choose and why?

I’m particularly interested in overall value for money rather than simply which is “better” — i.e. taking into account the initial cost of the player, ongoing cost of content/accessories, quality, variety and how long it remains useful.

Please tell me which version you have and your child’s age, and whether you bought it new or second-hand if relevant. I’d especially love to hear from people who have had theirs for a couple of years, as I’m interested in whether they genuinely have good longevity!

Thanks 😊

Yoto player 100%

ours is still used each night, (we have a standard one with a cover) had it for over 7 years now. The stories grow with him, I’d rebuy if it broke it’s very loved, it even comes camping with us!

My 4 year old got a tonie box for his 2nd birthday and a yoto mini for his 3rd birthday. He used the yoto while eating breakfast and in the car and he uses his tonie to listen to stories when he is falling asleep at night. He uses both every single day without fail. 2 of the best things we own

Oh and I was sceptical of the Toniebox as we already had a Yoto and thought it would be a waste of money, but DD2 absolutely loved it from the first day, she took it to way more than her Yoto (annoyingly). I think the figures are more appealing for young kids and I do agree some of the narration on the Tonies is better for younger kids.

I think the Yoto will still be going strong well after she’s out of the Toniebox era. But I’m glad we did get it as she never disturbs us in night and in mornings now, just puts her Tonies on and vibes. Which is well worth the money!

Tonie do have increasing content for older kids too, I noticed the other day they had a lot of ‘book’ Tonies that are aimed at older kids. Not tried any so not sure how good they are but seemed a decent mix of stuff.

From my experience, yoto box owners are in the majority on here and adamant that’s the best choice. I’ve never had one so can’t compare. We have the original Tonie box and it’s grown with my kids, the books (Adam Kaye, Minecraft, Horrible Histories) are current favourites and are usually around £8, there’s also loads cheaper on Vinted. When they were younger we bought whatever cartons they were into, so Paw Patrol and Octonauts were favourites back then. They do some great bedtime stories like Enid Blyton. I like that a lot of the Tonies match actual books so my kids could read along.

I have a mini yoto for my DD, bought when she was 3 shes now 5. Listens to it every night and really helps her settle to sleep after a story.

I was going to get a tonies but I think the figures would of been a bad idea, they'd of probably ended up in the bath or something 🤣

I've got a lot of her cards off vinted but tbf she likes listening to the same ones for comfort.

We have both, a Tonie 2 and a mini yoto. We get more use from the yoto because of its portability.

Had Tonie Box since lo was 2, he's 8 now and listens to it every day at bed time, its great.