Yoto and Toniebox both offer fantastic screen-free, interactive audio devices that foster independence, imagination, and a love for stories in children. Essentially, they are devices that your children can use on their own, encouraging independent play and self-sufficiency all without those pesky screens.
But it’s rare that you hear about one without the other. And choosing between the two can be a bit of a minefield.
Let us break down the differences between the two, and hopefully help you to finally answer that age-old question: the Yoto or the Toniebox?
HOW DO THEY WORK?
We’ll stick to the basics first. How do they actually work?
YOTO: The Yoto plays audio through inserting a card into a slot at the top of the device. The first time you use a card, you need to be connected to Wi-Fi. The card will then be downloaded and added to the cloud, alongside the Yoto’s internal storage enabling offline listening.
App functionality
Yoto also has an app, which enables you to control the device through your phone/tablet – cards can be played even if you don’t have them on your person. The app remote means that you have ultimate control over the Yoto (so no late-night raves!).
Other features
The Yoto also contains numerous other features such as a daily Yoto podcast, a child-friendly radio station, sleep sounds, and the ability to set timers/alarms.
TONIEBOX: The Toniebox is slightly different. Instead of inserting a card, you instead place a figure (a Tonie) atop the box, which triggers the audio to play. Similarly to the Yoto, a Wi-Fi connection is required when you use a new figure, but once downloaded, it can be played offline.
App functionality
Toniebox also offers a portal of free content, and has recently introduced Tonieplay – a screen-free gaming alternative. Toniebox also offers an app which functions similarly to the Yoto app – containing your library of Tonies and also allowing you to set a sunrise alarm, although it doesn't have the ability to remotely control the toniebox.
So on the surface, aside from the differing cards and figures, the two seem pretty similar. But what sets them apart?
PRICE COMPARISON
Audio Players:
· Yoto Player - £89.99
· Yoto Mini - £59.95
· Toniebox 2 - £94.99
Cards/Figures
Yoto Cards are available individually with the price averaging at around ten pounds, depending on length, largely. They are also available in packs which can get more expensive, but are arguably more cost effective. The Roald Dahl Collection, for example, costs £57 yet contains six unabridged audiobooks, averaging each one at less than ten pounds.
Tonies skew on the more expensive side compared to Yoto cards, due to them also doubling as toys in their own right. The original Tonies are £14.99 each, while their new cuddle Tonies come in at £24.99. Toniebox does also make book Tonies, but these are not figures, and each one costs £8.99. They also sell a line of Pocket Tonies which are more educational in nature, selling individually at £8.99 also.
TOYS OR CARDS?
A key selling point of the Toniebox is that the figures double up as toys in their own right. And yes, the figures looks great. They’re finished to a high quality, and would undoubtedly be enjoyed by young kids. However, how many toys do you already own? How many figures? As sweet as they may be, there is a lacking practical aspect to the Toniebox figures. On holiday or in the car, for example, it would be a struggle to pack the many figures your child will surely want to bring. And yes, audio can be played through the app, but this takes away the self-sufficient aspect of the player if your child has to request whatever they want to listen to every time.
Yoto cards, on the other hand, are easily transportable. And to help with storage even more, Yoto even sell a Yoto Card Case where you can safely store every card, without risk of damage. There are concerns over the longevity of the cards, however they are more akin to a credit card than a piece of card, and will certainly survive even rigorous play.
PORTABILITY AND ACCESSORIES
Bringing your Yoto or Toniebox away on trips with you is a no brainer – they’re a vital part of the bedtime routine, and can make long car journeys all the more enjoyable. This is a key area where Yoto has Toniebox beat.
The Yoto Mini is specifically designed for this purpose – pocket-sized for little hands with a headphone jack for independent listening and uses the same Yoto cards as the large Yoto so there’s no need to purchase any additional cards.
And that’s where Yoto really does have Tonies beat; there is currently no mini Toniebox available and the Toniebox 2 is both larger and heavier than the Yoto 3rd Gen.
CONTENT
You’re never going to be left wanting more with either – both have content which spans the educational and entertainment spaces, although Yoto has a wider selection of over 900 titles in comparison to Tonies’ 300+.
A lot of these differences will come down to personal preferences. Yoto, for example, has a more extensive library of older titles (think Harry Potter, Roald Dahl, and classics like Little Women, The Wizards of Oz, Treasure Island etc.) whereas Toniebox has more current options such as Ms Rachel.
A favourite feature of both are the Make Your Own Cards by Yoto and the Creative Tonies. Both give you the option to upload your own mp3 content to the card/figure, and play it on the box yourself. This can be really special, allowing loved ones to record their own stories for your children, enabling them to listen to it whenever they want. You can also curate your own playlists for your children – really the opportunities are endless.
The verdict: The Yoto or the Toniebox?
It’s a hard question to answer – both really are great. However, for us, the scale is tipped towards the Yoto. And largely, it’s an age thing.
The Toniebox is great; the figures doubling as toys are always going to be a hit, but more so with younger children.
The Yoto, however, will grow with your child. Its room thermometer, night light, and white noise machine make it perfect for a newborn’s nursery shelf whilst still having the functionality and content for kids 12 or so years old. It’s also visually more ‘grown up’ than the Tonies and suitable for even the most discerning tweenager. So the fact that it's cheaper than the Tonies and potentially has more longevity, means that you get a lot more for your money.
Check out our full breakdown below:
