Yoto Players vs. tonie box: Which is Better for Toddlers and Preschoolers?
When it comes to screen-free entertainment, parents are always on the lookout for engaging options that promote learning, creativity, independence, and calm vibes. Two of the most popular audio players in this category are the Yoto Player and Tonie Box. Both are pretty amazing at keeping little minds engaged, but you might be trying to decide which is best for your toddler or preschooler. As pediatric speech language pathologists and moms of a combined 6 kids, we’d love to break down the pros and cons of each.
Before we chat about the differences between the Yoto Player and Tonie Box, we want to note that with either audio player, your toddler or preschooler will participate more fully and likely get more out of this screen free entertainment when they are already familiar with the characters or story they’re listening to. As the grow and develop, the familiarity matters less.
What’s a Yoto Player?
The Yoto Player is an audio device that plays content from physical cards. These cards hold a variety of stories, songs, and educational content, making it a versatile option for parents looking to introduce their child to a world of imagination without screens. With its pixelated display (a bit of a retro vibe!), and simple button interface, Yoto allows kids to rather independently explore a library of content.
KEY FEATURES OF YOTO PLAYER
Content spans a wide range: from audiobooks to podcasts to music to mindfulness exercises
Grows with your child, offering more complex material as they age
Can play in-app audio that easily connects from your phone to the bluetooth player in your vehicle–making it pretty great for road trips or waiting in the school pick up line
What’s a Tonie Box?
The Tonie Box, on the other hand, uses small, figurine-like characters called Tonies that connect to the top of the device. Each Tonie contains its own set of songs or stories. The concept is wonderful, in that kids can collect and play with their Tonies, while also listening to content. It’s incredibly simple to use, with no buttons or screens—just place a Tonie on the box and the magic happens.
key features of the tonie box
Fun, tactile characters that engage kids beyond just listening
Soft, squishy design that can handle toddlerhood (and the accidental drops!)
Straightforward controls—just pop the character on and go!
Which audio player Is Better for Toddlers?
This is the big question. Both the Yoto Player and Tonie Box are fantastic, screen-free options, but when it comes to younger toddlers, we lean slightly toward the Tonie Box. Here’s why:
Ease of Use: For toddlers who are still working on their fine motor skills, the Tonie Box’s snap-on figurines are easier to manipulate than Yoto’s cards. Toddlers don’t have to put it on “just right” for the Tonie Box to recognize what they’re trying to listen to. Plus, the lack of buttons or a screen means there’s less to figure out—just place a Tonie on the box and it starts playing automatically.
Durability: The soft, cushy design of the Tonie Box makes it practically indestructible. It can withstand toddler tumbles and rough play, which is a bonus for parents who are tired of replacing fragile gadgets!
Playfulness: The physical figurines add an element of imaginative play that toddlers seem to adore. They can use their Tonies as toys, creating stories or playing pretend, adding another layer of engagement beyond just listening to the audio.
Easy to Store: We just put our Tonies in a cute basket or bin on the shelf, and it’s good to go!
Which is better for preschoolers?
As your child gets older, the choice becomes less clear.
Preschoolers, with their growing curiosity and improved motor skills, might get more out of the Yoto Player’s wider content library. With Yoto, they can explore everything from music to short podcasts, and even set up daily routines like morning alarms or bedtime stories. Plus, we love the compatibility of the in-app audio you can play with any bluetooth speaker.
This makes the Yoto Player a fantastic companion as your little one transitions into preschool and beyond.
final thoughts on yoto vs. tonie box for young kids
Both the Yoto Player and Tonie Box are excellent investments for families looking for screen-free entertainment. For toddlers, the Tonie Box edges out as the top choice for its simple design, durability, and play appeal. However, as kids grow, the Yoto Player offers a more extensive range of content that will keep preschoolers engaged and learning.
Ultimately, it’s hard to go wrong with either choice—they both nurture creativity, independent play, and a love for stories. Whether your child is choosing their favorite Tonie character at quiet time or popping in a new Yoto card before bed, you’re giving them the gift of imagination, without relying on screens.
We think whatever you envision working for your family is the clear winner.
Did you know we have a podcast for kids?
It’s true! Our Songs+Stories podcast can be downloaded on both Make Your Own Yoto cards and Creative Tonies. You can try an episode for free (no credit card info needed) by clicking the button below.
about wee talkers
Carly Tulloch, M.A., CCC-SLP and Katie Sterbenz, M.S., CCC-SLP, are pediatric speech language therapists with over 25+ years of combined experience, but first and foremost, they’re parents–just like you. Between them, they have six kids and they all have unique and different needs.
Katie is licensed in Arizona and holds a Master’s degree from Arizona State University. With over 13 years of experience, she has worked in hospitals, clinics, schools, and private practice settings. Carly, licensed in British Columbia, has over 15 years of experience and holds a Master’s degree from California State University, Long Beach. She is certified in PROMPT (levels 1 and 2) and has completed Hanen’s It Takes Two To Talk and More Than Words training programs.
As moms and professionals, they understand the challenges parents face. They believe you should never have to navigate your child’s development alone. They’re here to show you how helping your child talk and communicate more can be both doable and fun. You can do this!
You can connect with Katie and Carly on instagram and in Wee Talkers’ programs and memberships.