Tigerbox Touch in the test: a sensible alternative to the Toniebox?

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Radio play box for children
Tigerbox Touch in the test: is it a good alternative to the Toniebox?

by Mareike Fangmann
11/29/2021, 3:34 pm

In addition to the Toniebox, there are now some alternatives when it comes to Radio play boxes for children. A popular variant is the Tigerbox Touch. But what makes it different from the Toniebox? And what can be improved? The test showed advantages and disadvantages.

Tigerbox Touch: what is it and what can it do?

The Tigerbox Touch is a 11.5 centimeter radio play box that children can use to click their way through the world of radio play. The box must first be set up by the parents, but then the little ones can operate it independently via the touch display. With a so-called “Tiger Ticket”, which works like a streaming subscription, the young listeners have access to thousands of advertising-free radio plays and songs. In addition, there are more than 80 “Tigercards” with individual radio plays. The Tigerbox Touch is suitable for children between two and twelve years. In addition to the accessories (instructions, charging cable and tips), the starter set also includes a radio play and a “Tiger Ticket” with a free month for streaming.

The box makes a very good visual impression: it is handsome and modern designed and not cheesy at all. The LED strips, which offer a subtle light show adapted to the audio playback, are also appealing. There is also a night light so that the kids can comfortably hear in the evening. There is knotted fabric around the box, it has a bamboo front and is otherwise very simple. There is a single button that can be used to turn the box on and off. My son was also enthusiastic about the display and the selection. He was able to deal with it himself immediately after setting it up. But it took a little while to get there.

Set up Tigerbox Touch

As with the Toniebox must the Tigerbox Touch first set up with the help of parents. However, this is not so easy at all. First she has to connected to the WiFi will. And that took at least three attempts for us to work – even when the box tries to guide the user step by step: You have to download the app and connect to the WiFi and the smartphone. However, once that is done, the rest is self-explanatory and is fun for the little ones too: There is music and audio books to click through and the user can already orientate himself on the covers and easily switch back and forth. In addition, you can insert a “Tigercard” and make the box sound. There is also a “wildcard” which you can use to play messages you have recorded yourself, mp3 files or stories from the “Tigertones” media library.

the Setting up the Tigerbox Touch was a bit more complicated than with the Toniebox, but overall the operation is easier to understand at first: you know exactly where to click. With the Toniebox you first had to get used to tilting, slapping and operating it. For very small children, however, operating the Tigerbox’s touch display is not ideal either.

With both providers, the Parents area very helpful in the respective apps. Settings can be made there: for example, to limit the volume or the playing time of the Tigerbox Touch or Toniebox. The “Tigertones” app also has cool extras, such as an advent calendar at Christmas time with jokes, stories or Christmas music.

Tigercard and tiger ticket

While the Toniebox works with figures that are placed on the box, with the Tigerbox you either need a card that you insert into the slot provided. Once the “Tigercard” is inserted into the box, the content is downloaded and saved on the device. Or you use that Streaming subscription via the so-called “Tiger Ticket”, which can be bought for three, six or twelve months. With it, the children can stream thousands of radio plays or songs – without any advertising.

The cards are not as visually appealing as the Tonies, which can also be used as pawns. But they are cheaper: They cost between around six euros and ten euros – Tonies, on the other hand, usually between around twelve and 16 euros.

Sound

A big advantage of the Tigerbox Touch is its sound. It’s very clear and the real wood makes for a really great sound experience. This is particularly noticeable to adults and older children and is certainly not so important for smaller children.

Advantages of the Tigerbox Touch

Disadvantages of the Tigerbox Touch

In comparison: the Toniebox can do that

Compared to the Tigerbox Touch, the Toniebox is very soft and completely covered with a water-repellent fabric. All of the edges are rounded and she is so ideal for small children, as it can withstand even worse falls without damage. It has two “ears”: a small one to turn the sound down and a big one to turn it up and turn on the speaker. The Tonies ensure that music or radio plays are played. You just put the cute figures on the small field and off you go. To fast forward or rewind, you tilt the box, with a tap you get to the next chapter or song: left back, a tap on the right lets the listener jump forward. It’s child’s play and most children really enjoy it. And collecting the figures is also nice for many children.

Tigerbox Touch vs. Toniebox: Conclusion

In the end, both boxes are definitely recommended, but from my point of view it has Tigerbox Touch the nose a little bit ahead compared to the Toniebox – also because I think it’s so appealing and of high quality. My son is enthusiastic about the sound, loves clicking his way through the selection of music and radio plays and also listens to new stories or formats when the cover appeals to him. Since he is almost four years old, he has no problem switching or fast-forwarding. For smaller children, however, I find the Toniebox more suitable and I think it’s great that they can also play with the Tonies as with toy figures and collect them.

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