Toniebox vs. Yoto Review: Which One Is Right for You?

Reviewer: Alexia Dellner, PureWow Executive Editor

Kids: Ages 1, 3 and 6

Ease of Use

Both my oldest (6) and middle child (3) can use the Toniebox, no problem. They both use it for quiet time (RIP, naps) and depending on the day, it can really keep them preoccupied for up to an hour. My 3-year-old daughter hasn't totally mastered the art of slapping the side to go to the next chapter, but she can start her Tonies and adjust the volume easily.

Durability and Value

The Toniebox is extremely durable—we've had some figurines for years, and my baby has most definitely slobbered all over them, and they still work! And I really like the stories and visual appeal of the Tonies...I just wish they were slightly more affordable. I've been known to swap Tonies with friends and neighbors because—especially for my 3-year-old, who has a much more limited attention span—it's nice to have variety.

Standout Benefits

I love using it for quiet time, and it's kind of the only way I'm able to keep my toddler in her bedroom in the afternoon while her baby brother is sleeping. I wish she'd nap too, but if that's not happening, then Tonies is my preferred way for her to spend that time. And for my baby, even though he's too young to use the Tonies, my toddler loves putting one of the musical ones on for her so he can shake his little booty! It's been a fun way for them to "play" together.

Growing With The Kids

So, for my 6-year-old I'd say he's outgrown the Tonies we bought for him when he was 3 and 4 (Batman, Paw Patrol, Wonder Woman), but I know that there's an entire collection out there for his age group that I've been meaning to try! Nat Geo stories, Captain Underpants... I can totally see him getting into those.

What I Would Change

• Price of individual tonies (wish they were cheaper)
• Charging time (the battery lasts approx. 7 hours but it takes about 3 hours to charge)

Would You Tell Another Parent The Toniebox Is Worth It?

“I've recommended the Toniebox to so many parents—particularly ones whose kids are transitioning out of naps. In fact, I've given them as gifts to at least two parents! It's a screen-free and relaxing way for your kid to have some independent playtime, plus reinforces the importance of storytelling (without you having to read Llama Llama Red Pajama for the 100th time).”

Fast Facts

• Included in the Box: Charging Station, Favorite Children's Songs: Playtime Songs Tonie
• Colors Available: Blue, Pink, Green, Grey, Purple, Red
• Charge: Up to 7 hours of battery life

Reviewer: Dara Katz PureWow Executive Editor

Kids: Ages 2, 4

Ease of Use

Punching in content cards, turning up volume and changing tracks is easy and straightforward for my 4 year-old. This is the essential point of the player, so that’s all gravy. As for my 2-year-old, he’s very much in the “I’m just going to wreak havoc on this whole operation” and isn’t quite ready to tinker with the Yoto at the moment. 

That said, there is a bit of a learning curve for the grown-ups. There’s a lot of behind-the-scenes elements that are controlled by the app on a smartphone—nightlight color, maximum volume, day or night mode, downloading cards, etc. It’s nothing that a digitally native millennial parent can’t figure out, but it’s more app time for me than I expected for a screen-time alternative toy. Sometimes, I’d rather just switch on a nightlight than toggle into my apps. 

Durability and Value

Though the price of the Yoto player is higher than the Toniebox, the cards are pretty reasonable. The brand offers all the IP favorites like anything Disney, Daniel Tiger, Peppa and more—and range in prices from a $7 draw-along card to a $270 Harry Potter set. 

There are “club” subscription options, for families who know they’ll be purchasing new cards on regular (starting at $4.99/month). But there’s also the fact that one create-your-own card (a set of 5 for $18) can hold up to 100 tracks or 500MB, which means I can record my own songs or stories (ha, not gonna happen) or download a ton of free stories/music from places like the Yoto Public Domain Library. And, if push comes to shove, Yoto Radio, an all-day, ad-free kids station, is included with every player. 

The Yoto is smartly designed and doesn’t flinch being manhandled by grubby little toddler hands, but it also does not come with a case, and I highly recommend nabbing one from Amazon or the brand’s own Adventure Jacket ($30)—we have the pink one—which also doubles as a little handle to carry the device from room to room. 

Standout Benefits

The standout benefit with the Yoto is the create-your-own function. It adds the most value, longevity and opportunity for creativity to the player with the smallest investment.

What I Would Change

The toughest thing for me to swallow about the Yoto is how tech-y it is for a screen-free toy. First of all…elephant in the room: There is a screen, just a very primitive one. You can even add your own custom icons, which is great, but also means logging into the computer to make them. Finally, you have to be connected to WiFi to use the player. The Yoto never promised that it’d be a toy for Luddites, but it is a bit more of a gateway to the internet than I realized it would be. 

Would You Tell Another Parent The Yoto Is Worth It?

We initially loved the idea of a screen-free music player, but quickly realized this could be a game-changer for reading. Giving our kids the option to listen to audiobooks as sparked an interest in storytelling and literature I didn’t see coming. So yes, I would definitely tell other parents the Yoto is worth investing in, but just how their family will wind up using it will probably surprise them. 

Fast Facts

• Included in the Box: USB-C charger cord, welcome card
• Colors Available: Grey and orange
• Charge: Up to 24 hours