The Toniebox Lite, a smaller and simpler version of the bestselling Toniebox audio player for children, has launched at £59.99 for a starter set. Parents have praised it as "perfect for use on the go" and say it helps make bedtime easier, while experts recommend it particularly for children under five.
Smaller size and lower price than Toniebox 2
The Toniebox Lite is designed for the littlest of hands and is ideal for travelling with thanks to its compact size, making it a boredom-busting alternative to screens both on the go and at home. It works with the full Tonies library, so families who already own the Toniebox 1 or 2 can use their collection on it. There are more than 250 Tonies characters to collect, from Disney and Pokémon favourites to TV icons from Peppa Pig, Bluey, Paw Patrol and more.
The starter set also includes Creative Tonie Rubie and her Amazing Adventures. For those unfamiliar with Tonies, these collectable characters each have hours of their own stories and songs that play through the Toniebox when placed on top of the screen-free audio player. Designed to be easy for kids to control on their own, the Toniebox Lite has ears that can be squeezed to turn the volume up or down, while a simple tap or tilt can skip, fast-forward or rewind, and there's the option for kids to record their own content to play through the Tonies app too.
The Toniebox Lite is considerably cheaper than the Toniebox 2, which has a price tag of £104.99 by comparison, making it a more affordable option for parents. However, it's worth noting that the Toniebox 2 has additional features, including a Dynamic Light Ring, Sleep Light and Sunrise Alarm, and the Toniebox Lite does not work with Tonieplay games.
Expert reviews highlight benefits for under-fives
Despite this, the Toniebox Lite has earned rave reviews from experts so far, with Good Housekeeping describing it as "especially great for kids under five". Similarly, New York Magazine branded it "an especially good option for younger siblings whose brothers and sisters already have a Toniebox and a collection of Tonies".
The Everymom also praised the Toniebox Lite as a "great counterpart" to the Toniebox 1 or 2, and named its smaller size as its best feature, thanks to how easy it is to pack for days out, long journeys or holidays. However, this review did note that it lacks the protection of the soft fabric shell seen on the larger Toniebox, with squishy silicone covers available to purchase separately for the Toniebox Lite instead.
Parents share their experiences
Meanwhile, one parent said in a review of the Toniebox Lite: "My son is using it after his sister had the original Toniebox. We love how this one is much lighter and smaller - easier to carry around. Still uses all the same Tonie characters. My son and I already downloaded and added songs and stories to it."
Another praised: "The Toniebox Lite is perfect for use on the go! It is about half the size of the original Toniebox and fits much better when packing up. The set-up was very simple, and my three and six-year-olds both enjoyed the storytime, Tonie."
And a third person advised: "Definitely worth a try if you're trying to maintain a lower amount of iPad time or TV time for the kids. This is a great addition to your kid's entertainment. It was super easy to assemble and understand the app."
However, one reviewer fed back: "Took a star off because I wish it lit up as the regular Toniebox does. The lights help him drift to sleep, and unfortunately, this one does not have that."
Someone else wrote: "It has made bedtime so much easier for our four-year-old twin boys. The app was easy to download and has helpful instructions for setup. The sound quality was excellent, and the battery lasts quite a while before it requires a plug-in charge. Overall great option for bedtime."
