The Yoto Player 3rd Generation is an incredible audio device for your children. If they are aged 3 to 12 years, then this will pique their interest. Moreover, it wonderfully introduces them to a range of books, podcasts, and a family-friendly radio station. Additionally, there is loads of free audio to download and activities to complete.
Alongside this, it is straightforward to use and hard-wearing, and I loved its pixel art display. What’s more, each of my kids could use it with limited guidance as the cards are easy to handle. Accordingly, this is the perfect device if you want to surprise your munchkins this Christmas.
The Yoto Player 3rd Generation’s biggest rival is the Toniebox. This interesting product utilises vibrant figurines to interest its fanbase. However, I think the Yoto team has delivered a more attractive and robust set-up. Furthermore, the ability to obtain free stories and other products daily is a real winner!
What’s in the box of the Yoto Player 3rd Generation?
- The mellow packaging is attractive. Furthermore, the helpful sleeve highlights key selling points. On top of this, you can recycle it if you wish.
- The Yoto Player 3rd Generation is eye-catching. The 2 large dials and the display screens complement the striking white finish. Moreover, the card slot and the charging point are conveniently placed.
- The make-your-own card lets your kids record a story of their choice from a large library.
- The USB-C cable is vibrant and robust.
- Learn the fundamentals with the user manual.
Additional items.
The Yoto team kindly provided me with some extras to complete the package. Consequently, if you want the best Yoto experience, I recommend adding these items to your basket. The wireless docking station lets you charge the device permanently. Thankfully, it has a safety cut-off to prevent your player from overcharging. Additionally, it is perfectly safe to use around youngsters. Yet, I’d still recommend younger children are supervised if you go for this option.
The Adventure Jacket protects your player whilst out and about. As such, if you are camping or undertaking a long car journey, this will help to prevent damage. Additionally, there are loads of fantastic cards to choose from. I was given a mind-blowing variety of stories to interest a 5, 7, and 9-year-old. As such, there is plenty to appease your youngsters. Finally, I have a safe place to store the cards thanks to the helpful carry case.
Technical aspects.
The Yoto Player 3rd Generation delivers impressive stereo sound. Accordingly, every story, podcast, and radio moment sounded incredible. What’s more, the audio volume wasn’t too loud and it can be capped using the app. This was a great move, as it prevents your kids from cranking up the volume at inopportune times. What impressed me as well was the pleasant range of tones. No matter if there was spoken dialogue or music, the speaker never cracked or popped.
Unlike Toniebox, this item uses Wi-Fi to download the information from each card. As such, when you are out and about, you can simply insert the story of your choice and you’ll have no issues with buffering or crashing. This was ideal, as we all know that young children and patience don’t mix. Subsequently, I suggest inserting each story into the player to allow it to gather every piece of information for an optimised experience.
Yoto app.
There is an app for everything these days. Consequently, it is advised to download the Yoto app to learn the fundamentals and keep on top of your player. Thankfully, this is free to download and easy to understand. Moreover, setting up an account is straightforward, and I loved how reassuring every element was.
On top of this, the UI is intuitive and selecting settings, customising pixel art, or downloading each story was a cinch. What’s more, you can use your phone to install items on your make-your-own story card. This was impressive as there was no mucking about and every action was simple to understand.
Usability of the Yoto Player 3rd Generation.
Though I adored the excellent audio and the impressive app, where this shines is its usability. Every aspect of the Yoto Player 3rd Generation is designed with children in mind. Therefore, the settings are easy to adjust; the cards are robust and pleasant to use, and flitting through stories, podcasts, or radio stations is child’s play.
Alongside this, I cherished the ability to control the device from my phone. As such, if the volume was too loud or my kids were playing up, I could adjust the sound or stop the player altogether. The freedom to do this on my mobile was fantastic. Consequently, this item ticks many boxes for adults and children alike.
Build quality.
Child-friendly products and durability go hand-in-hand. Thankfully, Yoto got the memo as this player is robust and sturdy, and can take some roughhousing. What’s more, the control knobs are chunky and easy to manipulate. Additionally, the tactile buttons deliver a pleasant click whenever they are used.
Whether you charge this via a USB-C or the handy docking station, it must be done on a flat surface. For the most user-friendly approach, I recommend the docking station. Not only does this stop your kids from inserting and removing cables, but it also looks cleaner as well.
Talking of inserting items, the cards can be easily placed into the device without the use of force. This was great, as each card had to be securely inserted for the machine to read it. However, you needn’t worry as youngsters can do this without the help of an adult.
Is the Yoto Player 3rd Generation worth it?
If you want your kids to invest their time into books and music, then I suggest this is a great first step. This incredible product looks fantastic and is easy to use. Moreover, it is robust and offers great value for money. Even if you opt for the basic set-up, your kids will adore every moment. Consequently, the Yoto Player 3rd Generation is worth every penny and I recommend that you buy it here!
(More information on Yoto can be found here!)
