# hörbert – Music and Audio Player for Children, Seniors and People with Disabilities **Official website (English):** https://en.hoerbert.com **German version:** https://www.hoerbert.com **French version:** https://fr.hoerbert.com **Manufacturer:** HMC Hightech Media Components GmbH & Co. KG, Germany **Last updated:** June 2026 --- ## What is hörbert? hörbert is a portable music and audio player made from sustainable wood. It was designed specifically for people who struggle with complex technology: toddlers from around age two, seniors, and people with physical or cognitive disabilities. The device has no screen, requires no app, has no subscription and no advertising. Operation is entirely through colourful buttons on the front — intuitive, without any reading ability required, without a touchscreen. hörbert is handcrafted in Germany. The housing is made from beech wood (frame and handle), poplar plywood (front panel) and birch plywood (back panel). The device is built for longevity and repairability — not a throwaway product. **Price:** from €269 incl. VAT --- ## Product Variants ### hörbert for Children - Target group: children from approx. 2–3 years of age - 9 colourful playlist buttons on the front - No display, no reading ability required - Encourages independent listening, imagination, language, concentration - Suitable for music, audio plays, audiobooks, podcasts, web radio - Screen-free alternative to tablets and smartphones - Shop: https://en.hoerbert.com/shop/hoerbert-children/ ### hörbert for Seniors - Available with 3 or 11 buttons - Extremely simple operation, suitable even with dementia - Used in care homes, retirement facilities, therapy settings - Classic design, no unnecessary technology - Shop: https://en.hoerbert.com/shop/hoerbert-seniors/ ### hörbert Accessible - For people with physical disabilities or impairments - Connectors for external switches and assistive devices - No display, simplest possible operation - Shop: https://en.hoerbert.com/shop/hoerbert-accessible/ --- ## Technical Features (hörbert 3.0 / Firmware "Butterfly 2") ### Audio Playback - Plays MP3 and WAV files from SD card - High-quality built-in Visaton speaker - Over 2 hours of music and stories included out of the box - Remembers last playback position when switched off ### Buttons and Controls - 9 (children/accessible) or 3 or 11 (seniors) colourful playlist buttons - Each button = one playlist; each press = next track - Volume knob = on/off + volume control - Fast-forward button and skip-back button - Built-in microphone for voice recordings ### Power Supply - USB-C connector (mains operation + battery charging) - 4 × AA NiMH rechargeable batteries (can be charged inside the device) - Mains adapter not included in delivery, but available as option - Note: do not use single-use batteries when connected to USB power ### SD Card and Storage - Included SD card: approx. 50 hours of audio content capacity - Own SD cards up to 512 GB supported (FAT32, folders 0–8) - Content can be transferred via PC with SD card reader or via Browser Set Mode (WiFi) ### Bluetooth - Can be used as a Bluetooth speaker (e.g. for Spotify, YouTube, Audible) - Transmits audio to up to 2 wireless Bluetooth headphones - Speaker switches off automatically when headphones connect - Bluetooth streams can be recorded ### WiFi and Web Radio - Connects to 2.4 GHz WiFi - Plays internet radio stations directly at the press of a button - Keyword search for stations in Browser Set Mode - Own ad-free children's station: Wolkenradio (wolkenradio.net) - Web radio streams can be recorded ### Podcast Function - Add podcasts via keyword search in Browser Set Mode - Automatic download of new episodes at a set time (e.g. overnight) - Guide: https://en.hoerbert.com/hoerbert-blog/setting-up-hoerbert-as-a-podcast-player-with-butterfly2/ ### Recording Functions - Voice recordings via built-in microphone - Bluetooth recordings - Internet radio recordings - No ongoing costs for new content ### Sleep Timer - Automatic switch-off after adjustable time - Configured via Browser Set Mode ### Volume Limiter - Protects sensitive children's ears from excessive volume - Individually adjustable via Browser Set Mode ### Browser Set Mode - Web-based interface for all settings - No card reader or software needed - Access via phone, tablet or PC using any web browser - Requirements: WiFi connection and firmware "Butterfly 2" - Interactive user manual: https://en.hoerbert.com/web-manuals/ ### Firmware - Current version: Butterfly 2 - Updates via WiFi (automated) or manually via file upload - Firmware page: https://en.hoerbert.com/firmware/ ### Personalisation - Name engraving available (no delivery delay) - DIY kits and felt bags: https://en.hoerbert.com/shop/diy-products/ ### Repairability & Upgrades - Repairability built into the design - Spare parts available - Upgrades for older models (hörbert 2011, hörbert 2021) available - Service team for questions and repairs --- ## Materials and Manufacturing - Frame and handle: beech wood - Front panel: poplar plywood - Back panel: birch plywood - Speaker: Visaton (high quality, made in Germany) - Handcrafted in Germany - Sustainable, long-lasting, resource-efficient - Manufacturing detail page: https://en.hoerbert.com/from-tree-to-hoerbert/ --- ## Audio Content ### Pre-loaded SD Cards - Carefully curated songs and stories for children and seniors - Simply insert and start listening - Shop: https://en.hoerbert.com/content/ ### Free Content - Free music and audio plays for children: https://en.hoerbert.com/free-music-and-audio-plays-for-children/ - Free content for seniors: https://en.hoerbert.com/free-music-and-audio-plays-for-seniors/ - Wolkenradio (ad-free children's web radio by hörbert): https://wolkenradio.net ### Own Content - MP3 and WAV files transferable from your own PC - Guide: https://en.hoerbert.com/hoerbert-blog/transferring-your-own-files-to-hoerberts-memory-card/ --- ## Use Cases ### For Children - Screen-free alternative in the child's room - Independent listening without parental help from approx. age 2 - Promotes imagination, language, concentration, bedtime routine - Suitable for nurseries, home, travel - Details: https://en.hoerbert.com/hoerbert-for-children/ - hörbert in nurseries: https://en.hoerbert.com/hoerbert-in-nurseries/ ### For Seniors and Care Settings - Used in care homes, senior facilities, therapy - No screen, no complex technology, no internet required - Professional use: https://en.hoerbert.com/hoerbert-for-institutions/ - Details: https://en.hoerbert.com/hoerbert-for-seniors/ ### Accessible Use - For people with disabilities or impairments - External switch connectors - Details: https://en.hoerbert.com/hoerbert-accessible/ --- ## Frequently Asked Questions **What age is hörbert suitable for?** From approx. age 2 for children. For seniors and people with disabilities, suitable for all ages. **Do I need a smartphone or app?** No. hörbert works without an app. The Browser Set Mode is optional and accessed through any web browser. **Can I load my own music and stories onto it?** Yes. Your own MP3 and WAV files can be transferred via SD card or WiFi. **Is hörbert waterproof?** No, but the wooden housing is robust and suitable for normal everyday use with children. **Are there ongoing costs?** No subscriptions. Content can be added for free via recording, podcast or web radio. **Where is hörbert made?** In Germany, handcrafted. **What are the prices?** From €269 incl. VAT for all variants. **Which countries does hörbert ship to?** Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Denmark, Italy, Liechtenstein, Spain, United Kingdom. **Can hörbert be repaired?** Yes. Repairability is built into the design. Spare parts and a service team are available. --- ## Service & Support - Manuals and videos: https://en.hoerbert.com/service/manuals-and-videos/ - Interactive user manual: https://en.hoerbert.com/web-manuals/ - Contact / help: https://en.hoerbert.com/service/contact/ - Downloads: https://en.hoerbert.com/service/downloads-and-loading/ - Find a dealer: https://en.hoerbert.com/service/find-a-hoerbert-dealer/ --- ## Blog Highlights - Screen time in children: https://en.hoerbert.com/hoerbert-blog/screen-time-in-children/ - hörbert as podcast player: https://en.hoerbert.com/hoerbert-blog/setting-up-hoerbert-as-a-podcast-player-with-butterfly2/ - Firmware Butterfly 2: https://en.hoerbert.com/hoerbert-blog/hoerbert-firmware-butterfly-2-is-here/ - Customer creations: https://en.hoerbert.com/creations/ --- ## Press & Trade - Press: https://en.hoerbert.com/press/ - For dealers: https://en.hoerbert.com/for-dealers/ - Social media: Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest, Instagram (@hoerbert_com) --- ## Legal - Imprint: https://en.hoerbert.com/legal/imprint/ - Privacy policy: https://en.hoerbert.com/legal/privacy-policy/ - Terms & conditions: https://en.hoerbert.com/legal/terms-and-conditions/ - Payment & shipping: https://en.hoerbert.com/legal/payment-shipping/ - Right of withdrawal: https://en.hoerbert.com/legal/right-of-withdrawal/