Parents News Forum
Toniebox 1 Review (2025): Still a brilliant screen-free buy
Quote from Beth Ashton on September 2, 2025, 9:43 amIf you’re hunting for a screen-free alternative that actually sticks, the Toniebox is a gem. In our house, it’s become part of the daily wind-down: our son loves popping a character on top and making the magic happen himself. No menus, no screens — just stories, songs and that proud “I can do it!” grin. And while there’s a brand-new Toniebox 2 in town, the original Toniebox 1 still holds up beautifully for most families. It’s sturdy, simple and keeps kids happily listening without the blue-light battle.
Is Toniebox 1 still worth it in 2025?
Yes. If you want classic, screen-free listening with a massive library of characters, Toniebox 1 delivers. Every Tonie character works on both models, so you’re not boxed into a dated ecosystem. For many parents, that means you can scoop a Toniebox 1 at a keener price and still enjoy the same storytelling magic your child will adore. If you don’t need the newest bells and whistles, Toniebox 1 is a smart bargain that stands the test of time.
Why you might consider Toniebox 2
Toniebox 2 adds genuinely new tricks: Tonieplay (screen-free interactive games with a controller), a dynamic light ring, sleep timer with light and a sunrise alarm managed from the app. It’s also designed from age 1+, has USB-C charging, more on-board storage (32GB) and longer playtime (up to ~10 hours). None of that stops Toniebox 1 being great — it simply means early-years families or feature-hunters may lean to the newer model.
Toniebox 1 vs Toniebox 2 (at a glance)
Feature Toniebox 1 Toniebox 2 Age range 3+ 1+ Works with every Tonie character Yes Yes Tonieplay (interactive games + controller) No Yes Built-in sleep light & bedtime mode No Yes Sunrise alarm No Yes Dynamic light ring No Yes Charging Charging Station (fully charged in ~2 hrs) USB-C (fully charged in ~2 hrs) App controls Library preview & free content access Library preview, free content access + battery status display Storage 8GB 32GB Battery life (up to) ~7 hours ~10 hours
Verdict
For story-time, quiet-time and car-time, Toniebox 1 is still a fantastic, screen-free pick, especially at this price. If you want the newest features for toddlers (age 1+) or love the idea of interactive Tonieplay and smart sleep tools, Toniebox 2 is the step-up. Otherwise, grab the original and a couple of favourite Tonies — you’ll get the same beloved experience, often for less.
If you’re hunting for a screen-free alternative that actually sticks, the Toniebox is a gem. In our house, it’s become part of the daily wind-down: our son loves popping a character on top and making the magic happen himself. No menus, no screens — just stories, songs and that proud “I can do it!” grin. And while there’s a brand-new Toniebox 2 in town, the original Toniebox 1 still holds up beautifully for most families. It’s sturdy, simple and keeps kids happily listening without the blue-light battle.
Is Toniebox 1 still worth it in 2025?
Yes. If you want classic, screen-free listening with a massive library of characters, Toniebox 1 delivers. Every Tonie character works on both models, so you’re not boxed into a dated ecosystem. For many parents, that means you can scoop a Toniebox 1 at a keener price and still enjoy the same storytelling magic your child will adore. If you don’t need the newest bells and whistles, Toniebox 1 is a smart bargain that stands the test of time.
Why you might consider Toniebox 2
Toniebox 2 adds genuinely new tricks: Tonieplay (screen-free interactive games with a controller), a dynamic light ring, sleep timer with light and a sunrise alarm managed from the app. It’s also designed from age 1+, has USB-C charging, more on-board storage (32GB) and longer playtime (up to ~10 hours). None of that stops Toniebox 1 being great — it simply means early-years families or feature-hunters may lean to the newer model.
Toniebox 1 vs Toniebox 2 (at a glance)
| Feature | Toniebox 1 | Toniebox 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Age range | 3+ | 1+ |
| Works with every Tonie character | Yes | Yes |
| Tonieplay (interactive games + controller) | No | Yes |
| Built-in sleep light & bedtime mode | No | Yes |
| Sunrise alarm | No | Yes |
| Dynamic light ring | No | Yes |
| Charging | Charging Station (fully charged in ~2 hrs) | USB-C (fully charged in ~2 hrs) |
| App controls | Library preview & free content access | Library preview, free content access + battery status display |
| Storage | 8GB | 32GB |
| Battery life (up to) | ~7 hours | ~10 hours |
Verdict
For story-time, quiet-time and car-time, Toniebox 1 is still a fantastic, screen-free pick, especially at this price. If you want the newest features for toddlers (age 1+) or love the idea of interactive Tonieplay and smart sleep tools, Toniebox 2 is the step-up. Otherwise, grab the original and a couple of favourite Tonies — you’ll get the same beloved experience, often for less.