An Honest Review of the Yoto Player with Feedback from My 4-Year-Old

The big Yoto (aka the full size) has stereo output, while the mini is really designed for headphone wearing. It also has a longer battery life and a really cool programmable night light and clock, Ok-to-wake settings, its own daily podcast, family radio stations as well as endless hours of free stories, music, podcasts and sleep sounds—which adds a lot of value considering the cost of cards (I get into that next). 

The Yoto Cards Aren’t Cheap 

The Yoto works by inserting cards into a slot to play audiobooks, music, podcasts and more. There is a big, always-expanding/changing library of Yoto Cards available for purchase and even the ability to create your own content with "Make Your Own" cards. The issue I have, and only issue, is that the cards are expensive, usually anywhere from $10 to $39 based on the scope of content (a five-minute story might be $10 while a set of stories could be closer to $40). So buying a Yoto means buying more stories. That said, if there’s something a 4-year-old likes, it’s the same story over and over and over again. We’re actually still cycling through her original cards from the Mini, so this has yet to be a problem for us, but it’s worth noting.  

With everything set up and cards purchased, the Yoto is kinda my daughter’s first foray into independence. It’s a toy I feel comfortable leaving with her since the content is limited and controlled. There is no microphone, no camera and no ads. Plus, it’s easy enough for her to figure out. 

When I asked my daughter what she thought about the Yoto she simply said, “I love my Yoda.” Yoda too I love.

FAST FACTS

• Ages: 3-12+
• Features: stereo sound, OK-to wake settings, night light, sleep sounds, radio, BlueTooth Enabled, room thermometer
• What’s in the Box: Yoto 3rd Generation, Free Make Your Own Card, USB-C charger