LUXEMBOURG — tonies SE, the globally leading interactive audio platform for children, announced Tuesday the launch of Toniebox Lite, a smaller, lighter, and more affordable version of its popular audio player. The new device is designed to complement the flagship Toniebox 2 and marks the company’s first step toward building a multi-device ecosystem for families.
Certified for children aged 1 and older, Toniebox Lite is compatible with all existing Tonies, giving families immediate access to a library of more than 1,500 Tonies and over 3,500 digital titles. Pre-orders in North America begin today through tonies.com and walmart.com, with in-store availability at Walmart starting August 22. The device will launch in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand in fall 2026.
The introduction of Toniebox Lite comes just a year after the launch of Toniebox 2, reflecting tonies’ accelerated innovation cadence. While Toniebox 2 offers enhanced features such as Tonieplay gaming, a dynamic light ring, and bedtime functions like a sleep timer and sunrise alarm, Toniebox Lite focuses on delivering the core listening experience in a more portable form factor. Both devices operate on the same unified platform, allowing families to choose based on their needs.
According to CEO Tobias Wann, the expansion addresses a growing demand for screen-free audio alternatives. “As parents increasingly seek mindful alternatives to passive screen time, we see a tremendous opportunity to champion the power of listening, spark imagination, foster independence and curiosity,” Wann said in a statement. “With Toniebox Lite, we open the door to that world for more families than ever.”
Ginny McCormick, CXO of tonies, emphasized the device’s portability. “Childhood rarely stands still. It unfolds across family vacations, visits with grandparents, and everyday adventures in between. Toniebox Lite’s simple, portable design allows families to bring the tonies experience wherever childhood happens,” she said.
The move positions tonies as a multi-device ecosystem provider, a strategy that could reshape the children’s audio market. By offering devices at different price points and feature sets, tonies aims to capture a broader audience, from families new to the platform to existing customers looking for a travel-friendly option. The company reports that children engage with tonies for an average of 280 minutes per week, underscoring the platform’s integration into daily routines.
Toniebox Lite will be available in multiple colors, and kids can personalize their devices with colorful covers that add cushioning for everyday use. The launch follows tonies’ strong financial performance, with group revenue reaching EUR 630 million in fiscal year 2025, a 31% year-over-year increase. The company guides for FY 2026 revenue above EUR 760 million.
