Yoto vs. Tonies, which is the better choice? Both are screen free speakers that can play music, stories, meditations and more. Below are my to help you choose between them + deals on both.

Yoto vs. Tonies Box + promo code discount

Disclosure: I worked on a paid campaign with Tonies in the past and my kids (now nearly 7 and 3.5 each have one + lots of the Tonies figurines). Yoto sent me a player and a bunch of cards recently as a PR sample. Below are affiliate links, which means I make a commission if you click through to buy. The below is just a quick summary of my impressions and not as methodical as my usual reviews. Prices and promotions as of time posted and are subject to availability and change.

WHERE TO BUY & PROMO DISCOUNT CODES/LINKS:

Tonies

Tonies site: click here and use code PARTNER15 for 15% off (minimum purchase may apply)
Amazon
Target

Yoto

YOTO site: 10% cards and accessories when you click here. 12/26 only: 20% cards and accessories when you click here.
Amazon

COMPARISON

Both Tonies and Yoto are cordless speakers with add-ons that play different stories, songs, etc. For the Tonies box, the add-ons are cute figurines called Tonies, and for the Yoyo player, the add -ons are cards.

While both have tactile controls for volume, the Tonies player is a bit more simplistic and less flashy (no light up screen), Yoto serves as a clock, nightlight and displays simple images.

I think less is more for younger kids. My daughter easily managed the Tonies controls at 2.5 and didn't get overstimulated or want to constantly tinker with the few controls.

Yoto seems to have more options and even cards designed up to age 12, but Tonies is expanding its collection too.

My seven year old uses the Yoto as a clock and nightlight. You can customize the hue for night and morning hours, so you can use it as an OK to wake clock, but it’s more crude than the Hatch (which we also have and allows you to set different schedules for different days of the week (e.g., later wake time on weekends).

Grandparents can record stories or songs for kids on on either device. Yoto can play podcasts and a daily radio show, which my seven year old really enjoys.

Both have headphone jacks and with similar charging bases.

Tonies is covered in a soft handled case, while Yoto has a hard plastic exterior.

BOTTOM LINE

For kids under four, I'd choose Tonies unless there is particular content that you like on the Yoto. For age 5+ I’d likely choose Yoto. For the age 4-5, I'm not sure. If you travel a lot or spend a lot of time in the car, the Yoto mini looks like a great option. Also, the Tonies figurines are adorable (and cute to display or play with), but the Yoto cards are more compact to store or travel with.

In my own home, my seven year old loves the Yoto player and has lost interest in the Tonies, while my 3.5 year old still loves the Tonies and isn’t interested in the Yoyo.

Here's a video of my kids with Tonies box.

Scroll to the top of this post for discounts on both Tonies and Yoto.