Skullcandy Grom Kids Headphones Review: Stylish but Flawed
Starting at under $40, the Skullcandy Grom Wireless Headphones for Kids have become one of the few children’s models that “look like something adults might actually wear,” according to PCMag’s 3.5/5 review. The verdict from across Amazon, Reddit, and Trustpilot? A stylish, long-lasting pair with bass-heavy audio, but an overly simple volume-limit override keeps parents on edge. Overall score: 7.8/10.
Quick Verdict: Conditional Buy
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 45-hour battery life outperforms many rivals | Volume limit override is too easy for kids to use |
| Stylish, adult-like design | Runs small for older kids |
| Audio sharing port for multi-listening | Limited color options |
| Clear, bass-rich sound | No carrying case included |
| Comfortable fit for most young kids | Earcups can be tight on larger ears |
Claims vs Reality
One of Skullcandy’s headline claims is the “volume limited to a kid-safe 85dB” feature. On paper, this is critical for hearing protection, but PCMag cautioned that “it’s trivial for kids to get past the volume-limited 85dB mode and listen at potentially damaging volumes.” Amazon buyers echoed this, with one saying “it is a little easy to bypass the child volume limit for my 6-year-old.” The override, designed for loud environments like air travel, simply requires moving the volume dial past a physical stop — hardly a deterrent for curious children.
Skullcandy also promises “Supreme Sound” tuned for music you can feel. This marketing pitch aligns closely with buyer experiences. PCMag reported “deep bass and sculpted highs” without distortion, and an Amazon reviewer described it as “clear and balanced…the sound isn’t compromised at all by the fact these are kids headphones.” The bass-forward tuning delighted some parents whose kids watch movies or play games, though others noted mids can be slightly recessed on orchestral tracks.
Battery life is officially rated at 45 hours with rapid charge (10 minutes = 4 hours playback), and here the company delivers. PCMag confirmed this “slightly beats the 40-hour mark of the EarFun K2,” while an Amazon buyer verified that the set “still going” after months of use with a 6-year-old. No user complained about battery life falling short, suggesting the spec holds true in everyday scenarios.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across platforms, the most universally praised aspect is the Grom’s styling and build. PCMag highlighted that they “look much cooler than the average pair of kids’ headphones,” while one Amazon buyer enthused that “they offer much better quality, look cooler than many similarly priced headphones and are more comfortable to use.” For style-conscious kids or parents seeking something that won’t appear overly juvenile, this adult-like design aesthetic is a major selling point.
Comfort is another consistent win. Multiple Amazon reviewers referenced good comfort for younger children’s head sizes. One noted, “fit comfortably and well made…overall great for what he needs them for.” The adjustable canvas strap headband is repeatedly praised for accommodating various head shapes.
Battery performance garners strong approval, especially for travel. A buyer called them “perfect for a kid…very easy to connect,” and credited the long runtime with surviving long trips. The optional wired mode during Bluetooth downtime extends versatility — a feature an Amazon customer appreciated when noting “the wireless model offers more features…you can use it wired or wireless.”
The audio-sharing port also found fans among families with multiple children. One user said their kid “can be use[d] with extension cord to share with other kid,” a simple but welcome touch for group entertainment.
Common Complaints
The most prominent complaint relates to the volume control override. Parents worry the child-safe limit is undermined by the ease of pushing past the detent. PCMag described it as “not really a challenge for a curious child,” and an Amazon parent confirmed their 6-year-old could easily bypass it. This feature’s visibility — with a red skull icon when override is active — compounds concerns.
Fit issues appear among older children or tweens. “They do run on the small side,” wrote one Amazon buyer about their 9-year-old daughter struggling to fit. With over-ear cups sized for younger kids, larger ears may find them pressing against edges, trending toward an on-ear experience.
Accessory omissions drew minor frustration. Despite collapsible earcups, Skullcandy doesn’t include any storage case, meaning they’re more prone to scratches in backpacks — a shortcoming noted in PCMag’s design overview.
Color variety is another sore point. “I do wish they had more color options,” lamented one Amazon parent, explaining they settled for a less-favorite color due to limited availability.
Divisive Features
Sound tuning created a split in opinion based on content type. For pop and bass-driven tracks, parents and reviewers lauded the “palpable thump” and “pleasant low-mid richness.” But those who prioritize balanced mids, like orchestral lovers, observed a slight lack of midrange presence.
The snug fit, while loved by parents of younger kids for security, felt constrictive for occasional adult use. One Amazon buyer admitted “meant for children, but they do fit an adult…a little snug,” suggesting they’re fine for short adult gaming sessions but not extended wear.
Trust & Reliability
No widespread scam concerns surfaced in verified purchase reports. In fact, durability stories tend toward the positive: “still going” after many months of daily use by a 6-year-old, and “holding up very well with daily use” from another buyer whose grandson received them for his birthday. Skullcandy’s build quality seems consistent — PCMag’s physical inspection found no flaws in the matte finish, swiveling earcups, or canvas strap.
Trustpilot promotional copy aligns with user reports of reliable Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity and straightforward setup. No reports indicated pairing drops or noticeable lag during gaming or streaming.
Alternatives
The main rival mentioned is the EarFun K2 Kids Headphones, which PCMag rated higher for value. They observed the K2 provides “similar sound for just $24.99,” but lacks the sophisticated styling that gives the Grom appeal for older children. Battery life is slightly shorter on the K2 (40 hours vs. 45 hours), and both share the same weakness of an easily overridden volume limit.
Price & Value
Pricing varies regionally: $34.88 on Amazon US, £34.99 in the UK, and €39.99 in Europe. On eBay, certified refurbished units can be had for around $23 with a two-year warranty, making them a strong budget pick. Resale value seems modest due to their age and niche target — expect 50-60% of original retail. The community suggests targeting sales or refurbished listings for added value, as performance differences vs. new are negligible thanks to robust build.
FAQ
Q: Can older kids or adults use the Grom comfortably?
A: They can, but fit leans small. Multiple users noted that for teens or adults, the cups may feel snug and headband reach is limited.
Q: How effective is the volume limiter?
A: At default it caps at 85dB, safe for younger ears. However, a simple dial move overrides it to 95dB, which concerned parents due to the ease of access.
Q: Does it have active noise cancellation?
A: No. While over-ear design helps block ambient noise, there’s no ANC built in.
Q: How long does a full charge take?
A: Skullcandy doesn’t specify full recharge time, but reports affirm rapid charge delivers ~4 hours playback in 10 minutes as advertised.
Q: Can I share audio between two sets of headphones?
A: Yes, via the right earcup’s 3.5mm jack and included aux cable. This lets two listeners enjoy the same audio source.
Final Verdict: Buy if style, bass-rich audio, and long battery life matter most for a younger child. Avoid if your child is old enough to defeat the volume limit — or needs a larger fit. Pro tip from Amazon users: Grab the wireless black model for full features; colored variants may be wired-only despite unclear listings.
