In a world where screens dominate children’s lives, the Yoto Player stands out as an innovative solution for parents seeking screen free entertainment. With its range of features, from audio books and games to podcasts and free content, this audio player is designed for kids, offering a safe and interactive way for them to engage with audio content. We first discovered the Yoto Player for children at the Christmas Press Fair, and we were blown away by it. In this comprehensive Yoto Player review, we’ll explore the features of both the Yoto Player and the Yoto Mini, compare them, and explain why these devices are must-haves for families looking to reduce screen time.
What Is the Yoto Player?
The Yoto Player is a screen free audio player designed for children, offering hours of entertainment without the need for a screen. By using Yoto Cards – hard plastic cards the same size as a bank card – children can access a vast library of audiobooks, kids’ music, and podcasts. Unlike other audio players, the Yoto Player encourages independent play and learning, all while protecting children from too much screen exposure.
This portable audio device connects to Wifi, and parents can manage content through the Yoto App. It’s a versatile tool that grows with children, offering everything from nursery rhymes for toddlers to adventure stories, Yoto Radio and podcasts for older kids.
Yoto Mini: The Portable Option
For families on the go, the Yoto Mini is the perfect companion. A smaller, more portable version of the original Yoto Player, the Yoto Mini Player is ideal for car trips, holidays, or simply moving from room to room. While it shares many features with the larger version, it’s more compact, making it easy for little hands to carry around or for older children who don’t need a night light.
Yoto Mini vs. Yoto Player: What’s the Difference?
When choosing between the Yoto Player and the Yoto Mini, it comes down to size and portability. The Yoto Mini is more portable and lightweight but offers slightly less sound quality than the full-sized Yoto Player. However, both models support Yoto Cards and access to the same great content, including free audio and podcasts for kids and to be completely honest, we haven’t noticed any difference. The Yoto Player is perfect for home use and has a night light for younger users, while the Yoto Mini is the ultimate entertainment partner on the move.
Screen-Free Audio Player for Kids
The main selling point of the Yoto Player is that it’s completely screen free, offering children a break from digital screens while still providing engaging content. Whether your child is listening to a story or enjoying free audio content, you can rest assured knowing that they aren’t glued to a device. This is especially valuable in an era where reducing screen time is a priority for many families.
Yoto Cards: A World of Audio Content
One of the unique features of the Yoto Player is its use of Yoto Cards. Each card corresponds to a different piece of content, such as a story or music playlist. Once the card is inserted into the Yoto Player or Yoto Mini, the content starts playing. The card can be inserted front to back and upside down, but it will still play. When the card is removed it will stop, once inserted again it will continue from where it stopped.
There’s a huge variety of Yoto Cards available, covering a wide range of themes and genres suitable for both younger and older children. Parents can even create custom Yoto Cards with the Make Your Own Card feature, adding a personal touch to the device. Additionally, new cards are regularly released, meaning there’s always fresh content for your child to enjoy.
Yoto Club Membership: Get New Content Monthly
For those who want a steady stream of new content, the Yoto Club offers a membership program. By joining the Yoto Club, you’ll receive two new cards every month, expanding your child’s library of audio books, podcasts, and other exciting content. Membership also includes free shipping on all card orders, making it a convenient way to grow your collection.
Yoto Daily: A Fun Audio Show for Kids
One of the standout features of the Yoto Player is Yoto Daily, a daily audio show designed to engage and entertain kids. Hosted by Jake Harris, YD offers a mix of fun facts, trivia, jokes, challenges, and creative ideas to spark children’s imaginations. Whether it’s starting the day with a laugh or learning something new, Yoto Daily delivers bite-sized content perfect for kids of all ages.
Best of all, it is completely free and updates automatically on the Yoto Player and Yoto Mini, giving children something fresh to enjoy every day. It’s a wonderful way to add variety to their listening experience while also giving them something to look forward to as part of their daily routine.
The Yoto App: Control and Content at Your Fingertips
The Yoto App is an essential companion to the Yoto Player and Yoto Mini, offering parents full control over their child’s audio experience. Available for both iOS and Android, the app allows you to manage content remotely, adjust settings, and even create personalized playlists. When parents download the app, they can play Yoto Cards directly from their phones, making it easy to enjoy audio on the go, even without the player.
In addition to managing your library, the Yoto App provides access to free content like Yoto Daily, Yoto Radio, and podcasts. You can also explore and purchase new Yoto Cards directly through the app, expanding your child’s audio library with just a few taps. The App ensures a seamless and customisable listening experience for your child, all from the convenience of your smartphone.
Honest Yoto Player Review: Why Parents Love It
Parents love the Yoto Player for many reasons. It’s an excellent way to provide screen-free entertainment, and its durable design makes it perfect for children of all ages. The Yoto Mini adds another layer of portability, making it easy to take your child’s favourite stories and music on the go.
In addition to its variety of content, Yoto promotes creativity and learning, as children can use it independently. With the ability to control the content through the Yoto App, parents can tailor the experience to their child’s interests and needs. Whether it’s using the Player at home or packing the Mini for a trip, it’s a device that provides endless audio entertainment without screens.
Accessories for the Yoto Player
To enhance the Yoto experience, there’s a range of accessories available, including Yoto headphones, protective cases, Mini Adventure Jackets for the Yoto Mini, and Adventure Jacket for the Player, which also doubles as a carry handle. These accessories make the Yoto Player even more kid-friendly, offering protection and customisation options to suit your child’s style.
Conclusion: Is the Yoto Player Worth It?
We have been using the Yoto’s for a couple of months now and have been impressed with the features: its screen-free design, the engaging world of Yoto Cards, and the convenience of the Yoto Mini. The Yoto Player and Yoto Mini offer a fantastic solution for parents looking for portable audio entertainment that sparks creativity and reduces screen time. With a wide range of content, from free audio to exclusive releases through the Yoto Club, this audio player is a game-changer for modern families.
Whether you’re considering the full-sized Yoto Player or the more portable Yoto Mini, both devices are worth the investment for families who prioritise screen-free entertainment. Ready to join the Yoto community? Explore the range of Yoto Cards, accessories, and more on the official Yoto website today.