My kids have loved their Tonieboxes for years.
We’ve tried them all — the Toniebox, StoryPod, and Yoto Player — but if you peek into their room at bedtime, it’s always the Toniebox playing.
So when the Toniebox 2 was announced, I pre-ordered it so we could see what was new, and here’s what I think: If you’re buying your first Toniebox, the Toniebox 2 is absolutely the one to get.
If you already own the original, you don’t have to upgrade… but once you see the new features, you may want to.
What We Love:
- Sturdier design with softer sides and cute colors
- New Tonieplay games (interactive, screen-free fun)
- Smart Sleep Timer + Sunrise Alarm
- USB-C charging (no more bulky charging dock!!!)
- App controls for volume + battery check
- Works with all existing Tonies
What to Know:
- Slightly pricier than the original
- Tonieplay controller sold separately
- Not many Tonieplay games are available (yet)
Toniebox 1 vs Toniebox 2
If you’re brand new to Toniebox, I shared a full breakdown of why my kids love it in my original Toniebox review, but here’s the short version: it’s a screen-free audio player that works with small figurines called Tonies. Set one on top, and it starts playing a story or song.
We usually go for the educational Tonies because they’re basically little podcasts for kids, but there are also plenty of character Tonies (Disney, PAW Patrol, Cars, etc.).
Here’s how the new Toniebox 2 compares to the original:
Toniebox 1 | Toniebox 2 | |
Design | Boxier shape | Softer sides + curved base |
Colors | Red, Hot Pink, Dark Gray, Light Blue, Bright Green, Purple | Red, Light Pink, Light Gray, Light Blue, Tropical Teal |
Durability | Gets scuffed over time | More scratch-resistant |
Charging | Bulky docking station | USB-C cord (so much easier) |
Light Feature | Small LED square | Functional rainbow light ring |
Sleep Features | None (You can buy a Tonie that has a nightlight) | Nightlight with Sleep Timer + Sunrise Alarm |
Storage | 8 GB storage | 32 GB storage |
App Controls | None | Can control features from app |
Interactive Play | None | Tonieplay games |
Compatibility | All Tonies | All Tonies + Tonieplay boards |
Price | $99 | $129 |
The Big New Feature: Tonieplay Games
This is the big new feature — and the reason my kids can’t get enough of their new box.
You’ll need the Tonieplay Controller (a little magnetic arrow button that sits on top like a Tonie). It’s sold separately, but you can also grab it as part of a starter bundle.
Then you pick a Tonieplay Game Board, which slides over the top and fits perfectly around the “ears.”
Kids turn the arrow to pick a game, press the button, and the Toniebox walks them through prompts, quizzes, and challenges — all audio-based.
The one my kids are loving right now is called Monster Talent Search. It’s interactive, fun for them, and keeps them busy without any screens. It reminds me a lot of Where’s Waldo, so I felt a bit of nostalgia watching them play!
It’s exactly the kind of play I want for my kids.
I swear their behavior is night and day better when they’re off screens, and Tonieplay has been a huge help with that.
The only downside right now is that there’s just a small handful of Tonieplay Games available to buy (there’s 12 available for purchase on their website).
I’m sure they’ll expand the lineup like they always do, but if you’re hoping for a big library of games to start with, you might be a little underwhelmed.
I’ll keep an eye out, though — they tend to release new content pretty regularly.
What Else We Love About the Toniebox 2
A Sturdier Design
Our original Tonieboxes look… well, loved.
The Toniebox 2 feels a bit more durable overall. The material on the sides is softer, and the top seems like it will get less scuffed up (unlike the original, which pretty much got scratched every time you put a Tonie on top of it).
The signature “ears” are still there to squeeze for volume, and kids can still skip tracks by tapping the sides and tilting it. If you’ve used the Toniebox 1, you know how great these kid-friendly controls are. No screens, no menus, no help from parents needed.
A few new colors were added, too. The tropical teal and light pink are very cute.
Smart Sleep + Wake Features
In my original Toniebox review, I talked about how my son adored his little Nightlight Tonie. He literally wouldn’t go to sleep without it. It glows when charged and plays lullabies when put on top of his Toniebox.
Well, the Toniebox 2 now has a built-in nightlight, so you don’t need a special Tonie for that anymore.
The ring light on top gives off a soft glow whether or not there’s a Tonie sitting on it.
You can also set a sleep timer, which slowly fades the light and sound as they fall asleep. Since mine literally take their Tonieboxes to bed every night, this feature is a total win.
And in the morning, there’s a Sunrise Alarm that can gently wake them up with a warm glow and soft music. I haven’t set this up yet, but it’s nice to know it’s an option.
Tonies Compatibility
The good news is the Toniebox 2 works with all your existing Tonies. You don’t have to rebuy a single thing (thank goodness).
Along with the new box, they also rolled out a new line called My First Tonies, made for little ones ages 1 and up. They’re soft, squeezable, and easy to wipe clean, with short stories and real animal sounds that make them perfect for toddlers just starting out.
I love that Tonies thought about this age group, because now, with the addition of the games, the Toniebox is something that’s going to last a lot longer than most toys ever do.
They work with both the original Toniebox and the Toniebox 2, so if you’re not ready to upgrade just yet, you can still grab these new Tonies.
More Perks We Didn’t Know We Needed
- Parents can control it from the app: Now you can check the battery, adjust the volume, or even dim the nightlight all from your phone. Super handy when the kids have fallen asleep mid-story or are flat-out refusing to turn it down.
- USB-C charging: Just makes it more convenient than the bulky white charging dock the original had.
- Sleeves are available: You can grab new sleeves to accessorize the box with a fresh look or your kid’s favorite characters. And they’re surprisingly affordable — cheaper than most of the Tonies themselves.
- Future updates: Tonies says they’ll keep adding free firmware updates over time — things like headphone connectivity and new sleep functions — so you’ll keep getting new features without having to spend more down the road.
Price & Value
Yes, it’s a splurge. But for us, it’s worth it. We use our Tonieboxes daily so the cost per use is basically pennies.
Compared to the Yoto and StoryPod, the Toniebox feels the most kid-driven and independent.
Final Verdict
The Toniebox 2 didn’t just get a new look — it gave us Tonieplay Games, which means it’s not just for storytime anymore.
If you’re buying your first Toniebox, skip straight to this one.
It’s the same Toniebox we fell in love with, only way more fun.
