Toniebox 2 Review: What’s New & Is It Worth the Upgrade?

As a parent who has relied on the original Toniebox for countless calm bedtimes and screen-free play sessions, I was excited to hear about a Toniebox 2. The original Toniebox quickly became a family essential here in the UK, giving kids a screen-free way to enjoy stories and songs. It’s been a parenting favourite for good reason – durable, easy for little hands, and endlessly entertaining with those adorable Tonie figurines. Now Tonies have launched the Toniebox 2, and I’ve given it a thorough test as both a parent and a gadget lover. In this friendly review, I’ll break down what’s new in the Toniebox 2, why these upgrades were made, and most importantly the real-life benefits for our families. By the end, you’ll know whether this new kids’ audio player is a must-have Christmas toy or an upgrade you can pass on for now. Let’s dive in!

Introduction: A New Chapter for a Beloved Audio Toy

Before we get into the details, here’s a bit of context. The original Toniebox (launched back in 2018) became hugely popular among parents looking for screen-free entertainment and storytelling for their children. It sparked kids’ imaginations with its simple tap-to-play Tonie figures and toddler-proof, squishy design. If your family already has one, you know how quickly kids fall in love with it. So what’s the buzz about the Toniebox 2? In short: Tonies has taken all the things we loved about version 1 and added some thoughtful upgrades to make it more inclusive, durable, and feature-packed than before. From gentler colours to Bluetooth and better battery life, the Toniebox 2 is aiming to grow with our kids from the toddler years to nearly tween. Let’s explore each new feature and why it matters for parents.

New Pastel Colours for a Calmer Playtime

One of the first things you’ll notice is the fresh new colour palette. Toniebox 2 comes in five colours: Sunset Red, Cloud Pink, Sky Blue, Tropical Teal, and Moon Grey. Unlike the bright, primary hues of the original, these are soft pastel tones – and there’s a good reason behind that choice. Pastel colours are not just trendy; they’re also gentler on the eyes. Tonies considered feedback from parents of neurodiverse children (like those with ADHD or autism) when choosing these tones. Research suggests that muted, pastel colours have a calming effect and are less likely to overstimulate sensitive kiddos. As a parent, I really appreciate this thoughtful touch. The new colours still look fun and kid-friendly, but without the “in-your-face” brightness that could amp up a high-energy child. The Tropical Teal Toniebox 2 we tested is playful yet soothing to look at. Plus, the updated palette means the Toniebox 2 can blend nicely into a nursery or living room without screaming “toy” from across the room. It’s a small change on the surface, but one that shows Tonies is thinking about inclusivity and sensory-friendly design. And don’t worry, if your child adored the classic red or green, Sunset Red is a lovely mellow red that still brings that familiar Tonie pop of colour.

Parent benefit: The calmer colours may help avoid overstimulation, especially during wind-down times like bedtime. It’s a relief knowing the box itself isn’t going to rile the kids up! And let’s be honest, the pastels are pretty enough that we parents don’t mind them sitting out on the shelf or bedside table.

Design & Form Factor: Softer, Cuddlier, and More Toddler-Friendly

The Toniebox has always been a toddler-tough device – covered in soft fabric and padded all around. The Toniebox 2 doubles down on that with an even more rounded, “cuddlier” shape and material improvements. The corners are noticeably softer and more rounded than the original, so there are no sharp edges at all. Every part of the exterior feels plush and safe for little hands (and for being dropped on the floor!). In fact, the Toniebox 2 is now officially certified safe for ages 1+, whereas the first-gen was recommended for 3+. This is a big deal – it means the company redesigned the form factor to pass toddler safety standards. As a parent, the peace of mind it gives to let a toddler play with the Toniebox 2 is significant.

So, what’s changed? First, the material wrapping the Toniebox 2 got an upgrade. It’s a super durable mix of PVC and cotton – the same kind of tough, safe material used in the medical field. It’s still soft and squishable like the original, but now even more tear-resistant and wipe-clean. The idea is that the box can handle years of bumps, dribbles, and tumbles without fraying or splitting. I noticed the texture is slightly smoother than my older Toniebox, but with a bit more grip so it’s easier for tiny hands to hold onto.

Secondly, those signature “ears” on top (the volume controls) are redesigned. They are a tad larger, made of flexible silicone, and more rounded. Why does that matter? On the original, the ears could be a point of weakness (some kids really yank on them) and were a slight choking hazard for under-3s. The new ears are sturdier and safe for mouthing – perfect since the device is now aimed at ages 1 and up. Functionally, they still do the same job (volume up/down), but with a nicer feel.

Overall, the Toniebox 2’s build feels even more like a plush toy than a gadget – yet it’s seriously durable. It’s been drop-tested and “toddler-proofed” so thoroughly that Tonies confidently calls it tumble-proof. As a parent, I love that I don’t have to hover, worried that an accidental drop or toss across the sofa will break it. This new design is all about independent play from the youngest age: kids can grab, carry, and use their Toniebox 2 without delicate handling.

Parent benefit: The softer, rounded design isn’t just cute – it’s safer for little ones and built to survive real family life. No hard corners means fewer ouchies if it’s thrown or tripped over, and the new grippy fabric and flexible parts make it truly toddler-friendly. We get a toy that can grow with a child from their first birthday through primary school (the recommended range is now 1–9+ years). That’s a lot of years of use from one device, which helps justify the investment.

Audio Quality: Sound for Bigger Adventures

One area I was keen to evaluate was audio quality. The original Toniebox is wonderful, but let’s be honest – its sound was fine for bedtime stories, yet it could be a bit tinny for music or hard to hear outdoors. Toniebox 2 addresses this, they’ve upgraded the internal speaker and acoustics to provide a wider frequency range and a bit more bass. Without getting too technical: the new Toniebox 2 can hit lower notes for a fuller sound, and voices come through clearer and crisper.

Why the change? Partly due to parent feedback and competition. Other children’s audio players boasted stronger speakers, so Tonies stepped up their game. They know that kids don’t just listen in silent bedrooms – they take their Toniebox into the garden, the car, the playroom with siblings running around. We all needed a bit more volume and richness, and Toniebox 2 delivers. Tonies haven’t published exact speaker specs publicly yet, but insiders mention an improved driver and tuning for better sound at both low and high volumes (so it’s gentle on the ears at night, but loud enough for playtime).

In our home test, I noticed the difference immediately. We played a musical Tonie on our old Toniebox and then on the Toniebox 2. The Toniebox 2 was noticeably louder at max volume and the bassline had more thump to it. The clarity in spoken stories is also improved – character voices are more distinct on the new box. This all contributes to better story immersion and music enjoyment. It’s easier for kids to catch every word of a story, and songs are more fun to sing along with when they sound good.

Parent benefit: Simply put, everything sounds better. For bedtime, the lullabies and narrated tales on a Tonie come through warm and clear (and you don’t have to strain to understand the words). During playtime, the kids can actually have a mini dance party with the Toniebox 2 – it’s like a tiny but decent-quality speaker. If you have a child who loves music or if you found yourself wishing the old Toniebox was a bit louder, you’ll be thrilled with this upgrade. It makes the Toniebox 2 not just a bedtime storyteller, but also a little jukebox for kids’ tunes during the day.

Wireless Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.2 for Headphones & More

Perhaps the most parent-requested feature is finally here: Bluetooth! Yes, the Toniebox 2 now comes with Bluetooth 5.2 capability, a major leap in tech for this humble toy. The original Toniebox was completely offline (no Bluetooth at all – it only had Wi-Fi for syncing content). In the Toniebox 2, Tonies added Bluetooth hardware so that the box can pair wirelessly with Tonies brand new bluetooth headphones. Why did they do this? Because we parents begged for it! The main use-case is to connect wireless headphones for quiet listening. How many times have we wished the Toniebox could be used on long car rides or in a sibling’s room without everyone else overhearing the same stories on repeat? Tonies heard us.

With Bluetooth 5.2, it makes the initial setup with the Tonies mobile app easier (it uses Bluetooth to pair during setup, instead of the old clunky Wi-Fi-only setup). At the time of writing this review, the headphone pairing feature is enabled via a software update. Tonies has announced that their own official branded wireless headphones will be released soon. This is a fantastic feature for ensuring quiet listening during travel or in shared spaces.

Parent benefit: Quiet time and shared listening are finally possible. You can hand your child the Toniebox 2 with a pair of wireless Tonies headphones during quiet time or road trips and not worry about disturbing others. It’s also great if one child wants to listen to a Tonie while another needs to focus on homework in the same room – now the stories can stay private to the listener. It adds a layer of versatility that the original lacked entirely. For many families, this alone might be worth the upgrade, as it was a long-standing wishlist feature.

USB-C Charging: Goodbye Charging Dock, Hello Convenience

If you owned the original Toniebox, you’ll recall it came with a round charging dock that the Toniebox sat on to recharge. While it worked fine, it wasn’t the most travel-friendly (and losing or breaking that proprietary dock was a pain, since you couldn’t charge the Toniebox any other way). The Toniebox 2 has totally modernised this: no more charging dock! Instead, the new box has a USB-C charging port built in. This is a fantastic upgrade that I’m very happy about.

Why was the dock removed? Tonies realised that modern families value ease and portability. By switching to the universal USB-C standard, the Toniebox 2 can be charged with the same cables and chargers we use for many phones, tablets, and other gadgets. It’s one less special cable to keep track of. You can plug the Toniebox 2 into a USB-C charger, a power bank, or even your car’s USB outlet. The new charging method also means quick top-ups are easier. With the dock, the box had to stay put on its base; now I can plug in a cable for a while, then yank it out and let the kids continue playing, without a bulky base attached.

From a technical standpoint, USB-C charging is fast and efficient. The Toniebox 2’s charger supports standard 5V USB, so you don’t need any fancy voltage adapters. Ease and portability were the goals here, and Tonies achieved them. No more worrying if the box is sitting properly on the dock or if the toddler knocked it off – plug it in like any other device.

Parent benefit: Less hassle, more flexibility. If the charging dock on Toniebox 1 was a mild annoyance for you (or if you ever forgot it on a trip – eek!), you’ll love this change. USB-C is everywhere, so you’ll always have a way to charge the Toniebox 2. It’s also easier to explain to grandparents or babysitters: “just use this cable” instead of “line up these metal dots on this special base”. Additionally, it’s one fewer piece of equipment cluttering the floor or bedside. The Toniebox 2 can sit flat on a shelf while charging, or even play while plugged in if needed. This upgrade shows Tonies aligning with the times – and our busy family lifestyles.

Improved Battery Life = Extended Playtime

Hand-in-hand with the new charging system comes a better battery. Toniebox 2 boasts a longer battery life than the original – officially, up to 10 hours of continuous play on a full charge. That’s an increase from the roughly 7 hours we used to get on Toniebox 1. In everyday terms, those extra hours make a big difference. It means the device can last all day in a child’s hands – from morning dance parties to afternoon storytime to bedtime lullabies – on a single charge.

Why the improvement? Likely a combination of a higher-capacity battery inside and more power-efficient components. Tonies knows families use these on long car rides or for overnight audio (some kids fall asleep to a Tonie story or white noise). The original could sometimes conk out by bedtime if it had been used a lot during the day. The Toniebox 2’s “long battery life” is designed to keep up with busy days and snoozy nights. In my testing, I got very close to the promised 10 hours. That’s 2+ hours more than I typically got out of our old Toniebox under similar usage.

Charging speed is pretty quick too – about 3 hours for a full charge from dead to full (similar to the old one’s charging time, but you get more runtime out of it). And because it’s easy to plug in anywhere (thanks to USB-C), you can give it a quick boost if needed and hand it back to the kids.

Parent benefit: The extended play time means fewer “uh-oh, the Toniebox battery died!” moments when you desperately need it to entertain or soothe your child. It can reliably last through a long journey or an overnight sleepover without needing a charge. Also, if your child uses the Toniebox as a comfort item to fall asleep, the longer battery ensures it won’t cut off mid-night. Longevity is the keyword – it’s a small sanity saver knowing the device will likely outlast your child’s attention span for the day!

Backwards Compatibility: All Tonies Work with Toniebox 2

If you’re already a Toniebox family, you probably have a treasured collection of Tonies figurines – those cute characters containing all the stories and songs. Good news: every single Tonie figurine you own will work perfectly on the Toniebox 2. This includes the content Tonies (like Peppa Pig, Disney, Paw Patrol, etc.) and your custom Creative-Tonies. There’s 100% backwards compatibility between Toniebox 1 and 2 when it comes to playing existing content. Phew! As a parent with dozens of Tonies, I literally breathed a sigh of relief hearing this. Tonies are not cheap, and the company wisely ensured that upgrading the box doesn’t make your library obsolete.

We tested a variety of our Tonies on the new box – from the oldest ones we bought in 2019 to the latest releases – and they all played flawlessly. The Toniebox 2 recognises them just like the original did. This seamless cross-generational compatibility shows Tonies’ commitment to long-term value for families. They don’t want you to re-buy content you already have (thank goodness!).

The only caveat: the new Tonieplay game content (which we’ll discuss next) is exclusive to Toniebox 2 and won’t work on the old Toniebox. But all the regular audio Tonies are interchangeable. So you can keep using your current collection, and any new Tonies you purchase will work on both versions as well. If you decide to have two boxes (say, keep the old one for one child and new for another), you can share Tonies between them with no issue – the figurines are totally cross-compatible.

Parent benefit: This feature protects your investment. You might have spent quite a bit on Tonies over the years – none of that is wasted if you move to Toniebox 2. It’s all plug-and-play. Your kids won’t lose access to their favourite stories, and you don’t have to start a new collection from scratch. It also means if, for example, grandparents have bought your kids Tonies as gifts, those remain usable. As a parent, I appreciate that Tonies didn’t take the cynical route of making a new system that forces us to buy all new content. Instead, they respected the fans and made sure past, present, and future Tonies all work on the new box. Bravo, Tonies! This makes the upgrade decision so much easier, because it’s backwards-compatible fun from day one.

Dynamic Light Ring: A New Visual Dimension

A standout new hardware feature of the Toniebox 2 is the dynamic Light Ring on top of the device. This isn't just a simple status light; it's a full-colour LED ring that surrounds the spot where the Tonie figurine stands. It serves multiple purposes: providing visual feedback, setting the mood, and playing a crucial role in the new interactive Tonieplay features.

The Light Ring changes colour to indicate different modes and actions. For example, it might glow a soft blue during normal playback, pulse orange when the battery is low, or flash different colours during interactive games to guide the child. It can also function as a gentle night-light when the new sleep timer is activated. This visual element adds a whole new layer to the Toniebox experience, making it more engaging and intuitive for children, especially for the new interactive content.

Bonus: Interactive Play with Tonieplay (Exclusive to Toniebox 2)

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Tonieplay, the brand-new feature that truly sets the Toniebox 2 apart. While Tonieplay isn’t a physical change to the box, it’s a huge part of the “what’s new” story. Tonieplay turns the Toniebox 2 into an interactive audio gaming system – something the original Toniebox could not do. Think of it as choose-your-own-adventure stories, trivia quizzes, and treasure hunts, all controlled by the Toniebox and its new Light Ring. How does it work? The dynamic Light Ring changes colours and provides prompts, and you use special Tonieplay figurines and interactive cards or a Tonieplay Controller (a dial with buttons) to play along.

According to Tonies, Tonieplay content will include a mix of interactive games and enhanced stories. For example, a PAW Patrol adventure quiz where the Toniebox speaks a question and the child uses the controller to select an answer. Or an immersive story where the Light Ring sets the scene and the child makes choices that affect the narrative. It was screen-free gaming, and the children testing it were enthralled. This is a completely new way to use the Toniebox – now it’s not just passive listening; it’s active play. Tonieplay games feature popular characters, and Tonies plans to release many more game and story sets over time.

Why is Tonieplay exclusive to Toniebox 2? The new hardware (like the light ring, more memory, and Bluetooth connectivity with the controller) is required. The original just wasn’t built for this level of interactivity. It’s clear Tonies designed the Toniebox 2 to be a platform that can evolve – almost like a little console for educational games as well as an audio player. They’ve quadrupled the storage (32GB vs 8GB) to hold all these new game content and additional audio.

Parent benefit: Tonieplay adds longevity and educational value. As kids grow, they sometimes outgrow simple audio stories – Tonieplay keeps the Toniebox 2 engaging into the older ages (Tonies says up to 9 years and beyond). The games exercise kids’ memory, problem-solving, and listening skills in a super fun way. And it’s something siblings or friends can do together, taking turns or teaming up. If you’ve got an older child who was losing interest in Toniebox, Tonieplay might reignite their excitement. It transforms the Toniebox 2 into more than an audio toy – it becomes an interactive learning companion.

Enhanced App Control: Remote Management for Parents

A significant quality-of-life improvement for parents is the enhanced app control, which Tonies calls "Co-Pilot" features. Through the myTonies app, you can now remotely control the Toniebox 2 from your phone. This means you can play or pause a story, skip tracks, and adjust the volume limit without ever entering the room and potentially disturbing your child.

This is especially useful at bedtime. If a child falls asleep while listening to a story, a parent can simply open the app and pause playback or set a sleep timer from another room. You can also configure the new Sunrise Alarm and check the battery status remotely. This level of remote management adds a layer of convenience that wasn't possible with the original Toniebox, making the overall experience smoother and less disruptive for both parents and children.

Toniebox 1 vs Toniebox 2: Quick Feature Comparison

As you can see, Toniebox 2 keeps everything that made Toniebox 1 great, and layers on a bunch of new features and improvements. It’s essentially Toniebox 1 “plus”: plus Bluetooth, plus better sound, plus more durability, plus new play modes, etc. Now, the big question remains: should you upgrade? And who is the Toniebox 2 really best for? Let’s head to the verdict.

Verdict: Is the Toniebox 2 Worth It, and Who Should Upgrade?

“So, would you recommend upgrading to the Toniebox 2?” As a fellow parent, my honest answer is: it depends on your family’s situation – but for many, yes, it’s worth it. Here’s how I break it down:

For families new to Tonies (first-time buyers): The Toniebox 2 is a no-brainer fantastic starting point. If you’re considering a kids’ audio player, this is one of the best audio toys out there, and the new version is hands-down the one to get over the old model. You’ll get the expanded age range (1+ certification), which means it can engage a child earlier and for longer. You’re also future-proofed with the latest tech (like Bluetooth and Tonieplay). Essentially, you’re buying the best version of an already beloved product. Yes, the price is higher than the original, but you’re getting a device that will entertain and educate your child for potentially several years to come. From nursery through early school years, the Toniebox 2 can be a constant companion. Considering it’s a screen-free, ad-free entertainment system that kids adore, I’d say it offers good value for the quality and content you get.

For existing Toniebox 1 owners: This is trickier. If your current Toniebox is still serving you well and your kids are in the thick of enjoying it, you don’t need to rush out and replace it – after all, Toniebox 1 will continue to work with all new Tonies figures too. However, there are some compelling reasons to consider an upgrade:

• Under-3s / new baby? Safe from 1+ extends the useful life by two years; a gentler introduction for toddlers.
• Feature appeal: Bluetooth headphones, sleep timer/night-light, remote app control, and Tonieplay can significantly enhance daily use.
• Wear & tear: If your original shows scuffs or battery fade, Toniebox 2 is a meaningful refresh (and you can hand down the old one).

If you do upgrade, rest assured you’re not wasting your past investment – all your Tonies will work on the new box, so it’s a smooth transition. It might not be an “essential” upgrade for everyone, but it is a delightful one.

For the budget-conscious: One strategy is to look for a bundle deal. Here at Pushchair Expert, we offer Toniebox Pick and Mix Bundles, allowing you to save where you can by bundling your Toniebox 2 with characters and accessories. This can be a great way to get started or upgrade while making your money go further.

Overall, who is the Toniebox 2 for? It’s perfect for:

New families stepping into the Tonies world – you get the best version yet.

Existing Toniebox lovers who have kids in the target age and want to enrich their play and listening experience (especially if you have little ones and plan to use Toniebox for years to come).

Anyone who values screen-free, educational play: The Toniebox 2 truly doubles down on being a versatile learning toy – from music and stories to interactive quizzes, it’s all in one soft, adorable box.

It might be less crucial if your kids are almost aging out of the Tonies stage (say 8-9 years and not interested in the games), or if you primarily used your Toniebox for basic bedtime stories and don’t need the bells and whistles. In that case, you can absolutely keep enjoying your Toniebox 1 – it’s still a fantastic product and will continue to be supported. But for many modern families, I suspect the Toniebox 2 will become the new must-have nursery essential and a top contender for “best audio player for kids” on the market.

Conclusion: A Thoughtful Upgrade That Puts Families First

To wrap up, the Toniebox 2 feels like a natural evolution of a much-loved product. Tonies clearly listened to parent feedback – nearly every upgrade we’ve been asking for is here. The result is a friendlier, smarter Toniebox that can grow with your child and make our lives a bit easier too. From the pastel colour options (great for creating a calming environment) to the tech improvements like Bluetooth and USB-C, it’s a well-rounded upgrade that maintains the Toniebox’s core magic: screen-free storytelling and music that kids can control all by themselves.

Is it worth the upgrade? For my family, it has been. The kids are utterly enchanted with the new features, and I’m enjoying the convenience factors. The higher price point is something to consider, but given the extended usage range and backward compatibility, Toniebox 2 offers solid value in the long run. It’s the kind of toy that isn’t a fleeting fad – it genuinely becomes part of your daily routine and your child’s growth.

If you’re as passionate as I am about screen-free entertainment and fostering imagination, the Toniebox 2 is easy to recommend. It’s comforting to know that a product designed to reduce screen time has continued to innovate without losing sight of that mission. Toniebox 2 manages to be both high-tech and wholesomely low-tech at the same time – a rare balance in kids’ gadgets.

Ready to explore the Toniebox 2 for yourself? You can find the best value by checking out our Toniebox Pick and Mix Bundle Sets at Pushchair Expert, where you can save on characters and accessories when you buy your new Toniebox 2. Ultimately, every family is different. I hope this review helped clarify what’s new and why it matters. Feel free to get in touch if you have any questions – as a fellow parent, I’m happy to share more insights or hear about your experiences. Here’s to many hours of happy, imaginative, and screen-free play with whichever Toniebox you choose!