Cat ear headphones, also known as neko (“cat” in Japanese) headphones, made a statement in the world of music and technology back in 2014. Anime artist Wenqing Yan began designing them alongside her partner, Victoria Gu, raising over $3 million during their Kickstarter campaign.
While their partnership didn’t last, cat ear headphones did eventually come to fruition through Yan’s partnership with Brookstone. By 2015, the product was on the shelf and was capturing the attention of a host of manufacturers.
Cat ear headphones encompass the best of creativity, uniqueness, and functionality. You can find them in many different designs, often with bright colors and even flashing lights. They hold all the design elements you’d want out of a good pair of headphones while adding a touch of fun to the mix.
Today, there are so many different options that it’s become difficult to know which pair of headphones are the best. Fortunately, we’ve scoured the market and reviewed some of the top competitors available.
The Best 6 Cat Ear Headphones
Short on time? We get it. Check out our top 6 cat ear headphones below:
- Axent Wear Wireless Cat Ear Headphones
- Censi Moecen Wireless Cat Ear Headphones
- Riwbox CT-7S Kids Cat Ear Headphones
- Somic G951s Stereo Gaming Headset
- MindKoo Bluetooth Cat Ear Headphones
- Econstyle Kids Headphones
If you’ve got a few minutes to spare, continue on to read short reviews on each of the products above.
Axent Wear Wireless Cat Ear Headphones
Indulge in a mesmerizing light show with independently controlled color-changing accent lights. With a wide range of color options, you can set the perfect mood to match your style or simply choose from six dynamic flash modes for a vibrant and dynamic display.
Connect wirelessly to any Bluetooth-enabled device for the utmost convenience. Additionally, the included 3.5mm music jack allows you to connect to a variety of devices. Enjoy your music without the hassle of wires and experience seamless audio playback. The rechargeable Type-C technology ensures 1.5 hours of continuous playtime per charge.
Stay connected on the go with the built-in microphone, allowing you to effortlessly take phone calls without removing the headphones. Though the headphones weigh 460g, the plush ear cushions and adjustable headband ensure a comfortable fit for most users.
Whether you want to immerse yourself in your favorite tunes privately or share your beats with friends, these headphones are sure to become your new favorite accessory. Experience music like never before with our captivating color-changing lights and unleash your inner feline spirit.
Pros
- Unique cat ear design & fun fashion accessory for cat lovers
- The convenience of not dealing with tangled wires
- In addition to the headphones, the cat ears themselves are equipped with small speakers
- The cat ears come with LED lights that can be customized
- The satisfactory audio experience for casual listening
Cons
- Due to the open-back design of the cat ears, these headphones might not provide the best noise isolation in noisy environments
- The cat ear design might not be as comfortable for everyone
- As with most wireless headphones, the battery life can be a concern
- The emphasis on design and additional features may come at the cost of sound performance
Censi Moecen Wireless Cat Ear Headphones
The Censi wireless cat ear headphones are widely recognized by reviewers and customers alike, often being referred to as one of the best options on the market today. They seem to encompass the best of every: sound, durability, and quality.
Let’s start with their design. Unlike other cat ear headphones, the Censi headphones come with removable ears. This is great for kids who change their minds or adults who simply want a new style. They’re also available in two different color sets: pink and white, or red and black.
You can use these headphones with most Bluetooth products on the market today, but they come with a removable audio cable, too. They also include a USB charging cable, along with a cute and functional carrying case.
You can certainly count on professional tuning for better sound quality, clear bass, and an overall excellent listening experience. The soft, leather, 3D cut memory foam ear cushions feel great and work to isolate outside noises so you can listen uninterrupted.
Pros
- High-quality, comfortable ear pads
- Clean, sleek design
- Removable ears for versatile style
- Well-made, well-constructed
- Good sound quality
Cons
- Issues with static and poor connection
Riwbox CT-7S Kids Cat Ear Headphones
If you’re looking for a good pair of cat ear headphones specifically for a child in your life, the Riwbox CT-7S headphones are a great option. These headphones are both fun and functional, boasting adorable pastel blues, purples, and greens.
These volume-limiting headphones let your kids enjoy cartoons, movies, music, and games without damaging their hearing. The soft cushions gently cover their ears to block out sound, eliminating the need to boost the volume.
The ears display fun LED lights with an easy on/off button. They blink bright colors, offering a unique and fun effect.
The CT-7S works both with a headphone jack and as wireless speakers, which allows you to switch seamlessly from one device to another. Switches on the headphones let you control your music, volume, and Bluetooth mode.
These headphones also come with a detachable gaming microphone, making them versatile across all platforms.
Pros
- Bright, fun, and vibrant color design
- Ears include a fun light-up effect
- Easy-to-use controls featured on headphones
- Comfortable to wear for long periods
- Bluetooth connection with optional audio cable
Cons
- Wired option can be a little finicky
- Ear lights only work in wireless mode
Somic G951s Stereo Gaming Headset
Pretty in three different colors and affordable, the Somic G951s are 3.5MM sound headphones that feature a built-in microphone with 360-degree voice pick-up. These headphones, which are available in blue, pink, and purple, work with a wide range of devices – including Xbox, PlayStation, PC, Windows, Mac, Nintendo, Apple, and Android. No one is left out of this race.
The lightweight frame is auto-adjusting, giving each user their best fit. The soft, cushioned ear pads keep you comfortable as you wear them, whether you’re inside or on the go.
The speakers are also quite high quality. They deliver high, medium, and low frequency and feature a full-function controller.
Finally, the detachable ears make these headphones great for anyone. If you find yourself growing tired of the cat ear trend, simply remove them for a traditional headphone style.
Pros
- Breathable, comfortable leather earmuffs
- Adjustable headband gives a customized fit
- 40MM large size speaker has great sound and resolution
- Comes equipped with several plug types for multi-platform capability
- Removable ears allow you to switch up your style
Cons
- Sound quality when used on phones may not be great
- Microphone can be very sensitive
MindKoo Bluetooth Cat Ear Headphones
Finally – one headphone set that can suit all personalities! The MindKoo wireless headphones’ most outstanding feature is their LED lights. These lights have seven different colors that you can choose from with four different modes to switch things up. The fun with these headphones is endless.
On top of that, the headphones are wireless and feature Bluetooth technology. They work great with popular wireless devices, but they also come equipped with a standard headphone jack to use as needed.
One of the most impressive features of these headphones is their battery life. You can get up to 70 hours of wireless listening in with one charge.
The foldable set is convenient and comfortable, with cushioned earmuffs that sit softly over your ears. The frame is adjustable, so you don’t have to worry about the fit. And finally, the wireless earphones also have a built-in microphone.
Pros
- Extra-long battery life at 70 hours
- Balanced, clear sound
- Both wireless and cable functionality
- Includes built-in microphone for hands-free calling
- Universal compatibility
Cons
- Even with adjustments, frame is a bit big for smaller heads
- Noise cancellation isn’t the best
Esonstyle Kids Headphones
If you’re on a strict budget but have a child who’s dying for a fun and functional pair of cat ear headphones, you have landed in the right place. The Esonstyle kids’ headphones are incredibly affordable and allow your child to express their creative personality on a budget.
These headphones are more than just budget-friendly, though; they are also kid-friendly. They come equipped with safe volume control technology, which keeps volumes at safe levels for young children and their developing ears.
The fun cat ears also light up. With color designs ranging from pink to peach to purple, they make excellent gifts for young girls with bold styles.
Lightweight and portable, the headphones fold up for quick and easy storage. They are perfect for travel, and the cushioned earmuffs ensure your child will be comfortable for long drives or even air travel.
The Esonstyle kids’ headphones come with a 3.5mm headphone jack, making them compatible with most devices.
Pros
- Volume control technology keeps kids safe
- Fun color designs and LED light for style
- Very comfortable to wear for long periods
- Compatible with a wide range of devices
- Foldable design for easy travel and storage
Cons
- Headphones do not have a microphone
- Plastic headband can snap with rough use
And the Winner Is…
If you’re looking for a great pair of cat ear headphones for your daughter, niece, or just a friend’s child, the Riwbox CT-7S cat ear headphones would make an excellent choice. They feature some really fun color choices along with light-up ears; whose young daughter wouldn’t love that?
With both wired and Bluetooth options, you can use these headphones across a wide range of devices. They also have volume control, which is a plus when you’re dealing with kids and sensitive ears.
On the more adult side, we would recommend going with the Censi cat ear headphones. These headphones feature a unique design in more ways than one. Not only can you remove the cat ears for regular headphones, but the memory foam ear-blasting technology is both noise-canceling and comfortable.
Both of these headphones make great options, but you may find another one on the list that sparks your attention. Take all the reviews into consideration and find your next great pair!
FAQs
Buying a product that’s brand-new to you can be a bit challenging, so you’re bound to have a few questions. We’ve answered some of the most common questions about cat ear headphones below to cut down on your research time.
Who Should Buy Cat Ear Headphones?
The answer to this question really comes down to personal preference. Cat ear headphones can be an appealing product to different groups of people.
One of the larger demographics who use this product is young girls who like music, watching movies, or playing video games. With both wired and wireless options, they’re an appropriate yet exciting gift for any young girl.
Likewise, older individuals with a creative flair and a love of all things unique can also enjoy these headphones. In that same range, someone who enjoys Japanese culture and anime may also find cat ear headphones cool and attractive.
If you don’t fall into one of these categories, don’t dismay; many people actually like these kinds of headphones for their quality rather than appearance. Many designs allow you to remove the cat ears, allowing a broader demographic to enjoy the product.
Are Cat Ear Headphones Comfortable?
While your idea of comfort may differ from someone else, cat ear headphones are generally considered comfortable, flexible, and even easy to transport with foldable designs. They feature an over-the-head construct with foam ear covers, so you can remain comfortable while listening to music.
In fact, some high-quality headphones even feature specially molded memory foam, which increases levels of comfort. Many people find over-the-head headphones more comfortable than headphone buds, which can make your ears hurt after long periods of use. If that’s the case for you, you will likely find cat ear headphones comfortable.
Are There Cat Ear Gaming Headphones?
Yes. Many companies in the gaming industry, such as Somic, Razer Kraken, and MindKoo, have developed cat ear headphones that you can use for gaming. They include a microphone so you can speak to your opponents, as well as various types of connective cords and capabilities.
Many cat ear headphones also come with removable microphones, so you can use them to listen to music or watch a movie without having a mic in the way. Simply reattach it when it’s time to use it.
Are Cat Ear Headphones Wireless?
You can find cat ear headphones in both wireless and wired forms. Many brands boast Bluetooth capabilities while still including a standard headphone jack. Some only have wired capabilities, while others include several types of wires for multi-platform use.
Born and raised in Austin, David is a dedicated writer and avid fragrance lover. When he's not trying out perfumes, he enjoys traveling and exploring new restaurants.