ConsFirst / Kids' headphones / Compare
iClever BTH20 vs Skullcandy Grom Wireless
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
We may earn a commission when you buy through our links. It never changes what we report. Learn more
The short answer
iClever BTH20 ranks higher (#2 vs #4 of 8) and scores better on volume limiting (as tested), kid-proof durability. Skullcandy Grom Wireless wins on sound.
The biggest complaint about the iClever BTH20 is hollow mids and boomy bass; for the Skullcandy Grom Wireless it's volume limit is easy to defeat. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| iClever BTH20 | Skullcandy Grom Wireless | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in kids' headphones | #2 | #4 |
| Price tier | $$ | $$ |
| Type | Bluetooth | Bluetooth |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 6% | 14% |
| Overall score | 3.8 | 3.5 |
| Volume limiting (as tested) | 4.0 | 2.5 |
| Fit & comfort | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Sound | 3.0 | 3.5 |
| Battery & connection | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| Kid-proof durability | 3.5 | 3.0 |
Price tiers: $ under $25 · $$ $25–60 · $$$ over $60. Highlighted = clearly better (a score gap of 0.3 or more, or a 1–2★ share at least 3 points lower). Scores are explained, with sources, on each product's page.
Top complaints
iClever BTH20
- Hollow mids and boomy bass
PCMag says a deliberate dip in the 2 to 4 kHz range makes the mids sound hollow and the audio empty at times, and the extra bass muddies orchestral music. Mic quality is average.
Source: PCMag iClever BTH20 review - Small for older kids
WIRED says its 10-year-old testers found the BTH20 a bit small, so it's best for younger kids. PCMag found it adjustable and comfortable, even on an adult head.
- Charging issues, no IP rating, and hiss on high ANC
Amazon's summary says battery life gets mixed reviews, with some owners having charging issues. PCMag notes there's no IP rating, the buttons feel a little cheap, the high ANC setting adds a hiss when nothing is playing, and the power button needs about a four-second hold.
Skullcandy Grom Wireless
- Volume limit is easy to defeat
PCMag says pushing the volume dial past a click stop raises the cap from 85 dB to 95 dB, which is 'not really a challenge for a curious child'. It notes that NIOSH says 94 dB is unsafe for more than an hour at a time. WIRED shares the concern but notes a red skull appears on the dial when the override is on.
- Mixed reliability and fit
Amazon's summary says owners disagree on reliability, durability and value, and fit is mixed, with some reporting poor fit. Some also find the volume control too low.
- Bass-heavy, and no case
PCMag says the mids are somewhat lacking under the boosted bass, the pair doesn't include a pouch or case, and there's no multipoint or Fast Pair.
Who should pick which
Pick the iClever BTH20 if
Flights and noisy places (ANC with two levels)
Parents who want a limit kids can't override
Younger kids, roughly 3 and up
Skip it if: Your child is older, about 10+ (WIRED's testers found it small); You need water resistance; Your child often lies on their headphones (a different iClever model squealed for Wirecutter)
Pick the Skullcandy Grom Wireless if
Style-conscious kids about 6 and up
Heads of different sizes (adjustable strap)
Road trips (long battery and audio sharing)
Skip it if: You need a limit kids can't override; You want a case included; Your child prefers balanced sound over heavy bass
We don't list prices — they change daily. Paid links.