Key Takeaways
- The best smartwatches for kids combine GPS tracking, two-way calling, and robust parental controls, without open internet or social media access, giving children independence while keeping parents in the loop.
- For younger kids (ages 5–9), simpler watches like Gabb or similar call‑and‑text devices work best; tweens (ages 10–12) usually benefit from more advanced features like group messaging or fitness tracking; teens (ages 13+) often outgrow kid-specific watches and prefer options like Apple Watch SE.
- Safety features to look for include SOS buttons, geo-fenced safe zones, school/class modes, and parent-approved contact lists, along with transparent privacy policies that confirm COPPA compliance.
- Smartwatches work best as a “first step before a smartphone” for families who want location and communication without exposing kids to app stores, open web browsing, or social platforms.
- No kids’ smartwatch is completely “set and forget” – parents still need to review settings, update software, and talk with kids about digital safety and privacy on a regular basis.
Here’s a moment that arrives much sooner than parents expect: your child wants to go over to their friend’s house… but you dropping them off is (in their words) cringe.
They may be old enough to play outside without constant supervision, and they may even be involved in extracurricular activities at school. You want them to have their independence and begin exploring their world, but you also want a way to reach them (or vice versa).
But there’s a dilemma. The easiest way to track and reach your child is with a smartphone. But you aren’t quite ready for that step yet.
This is exactly why kids’ smartwatches have become one of the fastest-growing categories in family technology. Smartwatches provide the communication and safety features parents need without the pitfalls of handing over a full smartphone too soon.
But hop online, and you’ll find that there are tons of options to choose from. There are basic smartwatches that offer just enough tech to get by, all the way up to Apple Watches that are nearly as complicated as iPhones.
Choosing the best smartwatches for kids can feel overwhelming. So let’s look at everything you need to know when it comes to wrist technology for kids.
Why a Smartwatch Instead of a Smartphone?
It’s easy to just pick a smartphone as a communication and tracking tool for your kids. But many families are now choosing a smartwatch for kids over screen devices – and it’s about more than just saving money:
Safety Without the Risks
A dedicated kids’ smart watch provides GPS tracking and calling capabilities without giving children access to the wider internet. There’s no app store to browse, no social media to scroll, and no strangers who can contact your child.
Most models restrict communication exclusively to parent-approved contacts, creating a controlled communication environment that simply isn’t possible with smartphones.
The wearable design offers another practical advantage: it’s harder to lose a device strapped to your wrist than one tucked in a pocket or backpack. If you have younger children, this alone can be worth the investment.
Age-Appropriate Technology
Think of a smart watch for kids as “training wheels” for technology responsibility.
With a smartwatch, children learn to manage a device without being sucked into a screen. They’ll learn to notice and respond to messages appropriately and to set healthy boundaries.
Best of all, this introduction comes without the overwhelming temptation of unlimited entertainment and content. When they eventually do get a smartphone, they’ve already developed some digital citizenship skills.
Cost Considerations
Most kids’ smartwatches with calling features cost roughly $100–$300 upfront, with monthly service plans often in the $10–$20 range.
Compare that to smartphones starting at $400 or more (plus cases, screen protectors, and similar service plans). If a smartwatch is lost or damaged (and with kids, it’s when, not if), the financial impact is more manageable.
When Watches Work Best
A smartwatch for kids typically works well for:
- Elementary school children (ages 5-9) who need basic communication and location tracking
- Tweens and pre-teens (ages 10-12) who want more independence but aren’t ready for phones
- Families committed to delaying smartphone use until high school
- Active kids who need something durable and always accessible during sports or outdoor play
For teenagers with complex social coordination needs – such as part-time jobs or multiple sports practices – a smartphone may eventually make more sense.
But for many families, a smartwatch bridges the gap more effectively than jumping straight to a smartphone.
What Features Should A Kids’ Smartwatch Have?
Not all smart watches for kids are the same. Some pack impressive-sounding features that rarely get used, while others nail the essentials. So, what should you look for? Here are a few of the key features to keep in mind as you shop:
GPS Location Tracking
This is likely the feature that most parents care about – and rightly so. But GPS tracking quality varies significantly between devices. Look for watches that offer:
- Real-time location updates rather than periodic check-ins every 10-15 minutes
- Geofencing capabilities (sometimes called SafeZones) that alert you when your child enters or leaves designated areas like school or home
- Location history so you can see where your child has been throughout the day
- Multi-source positioning using GPS, Wi-Fi, and cellular data together for better accuracy indoors
Premium models like the COSMO JrTrack 5 now feature AI-enhanced GPS (HaloGPS) that learns your frequent locations and corrects for drift, offering accuracy within 5 feet in some conditions.
Two-Way Communication
At a minimum, any kids’ smartwatch with calling capabilities should allow voice calls to parent-approved contacts. Beyond that, consider whether you want:
- Text messaging (some watches support full keyboards, others use voice-to-text or preset messages)
- Video calling for face-to-face check-ins (TickTalk 5 and COSMO JrTrack 5 support this)
- Voice messages for quick back-and-forth when calling isn’t convenient
Note the difference between true SMS texting (which works with any phone) and app-based messaging (which requires the parent app). True SMS offers broader compatibility but may involve more carrier considerations.
Emergency Features
Most smartwatches include an SOS button that, when pressed, alerts parents and begins automatic location tracking.
Some models also support direct 911 calling. But keep in mind that this can be a double-edged sword if your young child accidentally triggers emergency services.
Consider what emergency protocol makes sense for your family: automatic calls to parents, sequential dialing through a contact list, or true emergency services access.
Parental Controls
The companion parent app is where the real control happens.
Strong parental control options may or may not be available for different smartwatches, but if a model does offer them, here’s what to look for:
- Contact whitelisting so only approved numbers can reach your child
- School Mode or Class Mode that limits distractions during designated hours
- Remote management of settings, contacts, and apps
- Content monitoring (the Bark Watch uniquely scans messages for concerning content)
These controls should integrate into your broader family’s digital parenting strategy, working alongside any other parental control tools you use for tablets, phones, and computers.
Durability and Battery Life
Kids are hard on devices – and it doesn’t matter if the device lives in a backpack or on their wrist.
Look for water-resistance ratings of at least IP67 (splash-proof) or IP68 (submersible for brief periods), and screen protection.
Battery life is also important, because no smartwatch is useful if it isn’t on! But battery life can vary considerably.
Basic watches may last 2-3 days between charges, while feature-rich models with frequent GPS updates might need nightly charging. The TickTalk 5 claims up to 137 hours of standby time, while the Fitbit Ace LTE offers around 16+ hours of active use.
The Best Kids Smart Watches for 2026
After reviewing dozens of models and analyzing parent feedback, these are our top picks for the best smart watches for kids across different needs and budgets.
TickTalk 5: Best Overall for Most Families
- Price: Typically around $150–$170 | Plans starting at $9.99/month
- Best for: Ages 5-12, families wanting comprehensive features
- Network: AT&T and T-Mobile (via built-in MVNO)
The TickTalk 5 has earned its reputation as one of the most feature-complete smartwatches for kids on the market. It offers HD voice calling, video calling, full texting with talk-to-text, group messaging, and photo sharing – all within a secure, parent-controlled environment.
What sets it apart is the AI-powered SmartPin GPS technology, which learns from location corrections to improve accuracy over time.
The watch is COPPA-certified for children’s privacy and includes over 40 parental control options, including contact whitelisting, app permissions, screen time management, and remote shutdown.
The battery life stands out, and the smaller, lighter design fits comfortably on younger wrists.
- Pros: Excellent GPS accuracy, video calling, comprehensive parental controls, strong battery life, COPPA-certified privacy
- Cons: Carrier locked to AT&T/T-Mobile networks, higher price point than basic options
Gabb Watch 3e: Best for Younger Kids and Simplicity
- Price: $149.99 device | Plans from $12.99-$17.99/month
- Best for: Ages 5-10, parents wanting distraction-free tech
- Network: Verizon (only)
If you’re looking for a truly distraction-free smart watch for kids, the Gabb Watch 3e delivers. There’s no internet access, no social media, no browser, and no app store.
This watch is designed for calling, texting, GPS tracking, and a handful of other useful features.
The virtual pet game (Gabb Go) motivates kids to stay active and complete chores set by parents – without the addictive dopamine loops of typical mobile games. It also includes voice-to-text, which makes messaging easier for younger children who can’t type quickly.
Notable is the wireless magnetic charging, which is simpler for kids than fiddling with cables. Battery life reaches 14-18 hours during normal use.
One consideration: there’s no 911 calling option, which prevents accidental emergency calls but may concern some parents.
- Pros: No distractions, simple interface, wireless charging, virtual pet engagement, excellent for screen-time-conscious families
- Cons: Verizon-only network, no camera, no 911 calling, fewer features than competitors
COSMO JrTrack 5: Best GPS Accuracy and Customization
- Price: Around $150 for the device | Plans starting at $9.99/month, with higher tiers available for additional data and coverage.
- Best for: Ages 6-12, parents prioritizing location accuracy
- Network: AT&T, T-Mobile, US Cellular (FlexSIM)
The JrTrack 5 earned the SafeWise award for Best To Wear at School in 2025, and testing consistently shows it has some of the most accurate GPS we’ve seen in a kids’ smart watch.
The HaloGPS technology uses a dedicated positioning chip and 115 satellite signals to achieve pinpoint accuracy (up to about 5 feet in optimal conditions) with 92% faster location locks than previous models.
The Cosmo App Station lets parents add curated, kid-safe apps, including Spotify and Spotify Kids for music, as well as productivity tools. We found it to be the only smartwatch for kids that genuinely grows with your child as functionality expands.
The Parent Insights Dashboard provides oversight of text messages, call logs, and device usage data, which can help parents enter into more transparent conversations about device use.
- Pros: Best-in-class GPS accuracy, expandable app ecosystem, coverage in US/Canada/Mexico, parent text oversight, frequent software updates
- Cons: No video calling (despite having a camera), app additions may create feature creep concerns
Bark Watch: Best for Content Monitoring and Safety
- Price: $7/month for device (24 months) + $15/month service
- Best for: Ages 7-11, parents concerned about cyberbullying or inappropriate content
- Network: Bark’s proprietary network
The Bark Watch stands out on our list for one key reason: it’s the only mainstream kids’ smartwatch we found that automatically scans content (texts, photos, and videos) for concerning content.
Bark’s AI monitors nearly 30 topics, including bullying, predatory behavior, inappropriate content, and signs of emotional distress, and alerts parents when issues arise. For families using comprehensive parental control tools across devices, the Bark Watch fits naturally into that ecosystem.
The watch itself is deliberately minimal. There are no games, no apps, no internet browsing. There’s a camera for photos and video messages, GPS tracking with excellent geofencing, and an SOS button.
- Pros: Unique content monitoring, excellent geofencing alerts in reviews and testing, includes Bark Premium subscription, distraction-free design.
- Cons: No video calling, payment spread over 24 months (not outright purchase), some RCS messaging compatibility issues
Fitbit Ace LTE: Best for Active Kids and Gamified Fitness
- Price: Typically around $150–$230 depending on retailer and color | $9.99/month or $119/year (Ace Pass) for connectivity and games.
- Best for: Ages 7-12, fitness-focused families
- Network: Built-in LTE (Fitbit Ace Pass required)
Google’s Fitbit Ace LTE takes a different approach to kids’ smartwatches: it’s a smartwatch built around movement and games.
If you’ve ever owned a Fitbit product, this makes total sense. The entire interface centers on activity-based gaming – kids earn game time by reaching movement goals, and the games themselves require physical activity to progress.
The “Noodle” activity ring captures more than just steps, recognizing jumping, climbing, and various movements that kids naturally do.
The Fitbit Ace LTE has built-in safety features, including Google-powered location tracking, emergency contacts, and School Time mode. Communication happens through the Fitbit Ace app rather than standard phone calls, keeping everything within a controlled ecosystem.
- Pros: Innovative gamified fitness approach, premium build quality, Google ecosystem integration, Tap to Pay capability
- Cons: App-based calling only (not traditional phone calls), highest upfront cost, US-only LTE coverage
Garmin Bounce 2: Best for Athletic Families
- Price: $299.99 device | $9.99/month
- Best for: Ages 7-12, families already in the Garmin ecosystem, active kids
- Network: Garmin-managed LTE
Another fitness-focused kids’ smartwatch option is the Garmin Bounce 2.
This watch supports running, cycling, swimming, pickleball, and many other team sports, making it the most comprehensive activity tracker for young athletes. It may be a great option for older kids who aren’t ready for a more advanced watch.
New in the Bounce 2 is full two-way calling (the original only supported messaging), plus Amazon Music integration for on-watch listening. The 1.2-inch AMOLED display is bright and vivid, with a round design that looks more like a “real” watch than many kid-focused options.
Real-time location tracking and temporary geofencing are available through the Garmin Jr. app, which also handles chore management and rewards. For families already using Garmin devices, accounts can connect for family fitness challenges.
- Pros: Exceptional fitness tracking, two-way calling, Amazon Music integration, premium build quality, Garmin ecosystem compatibility
- Cons: Highest price point, overkill for non-athletic families, music requires a separate Amazon subscription
Apple Watch SE: Best for Apple Families and Teens
- Price: $299 device | ~$10/month cellular add-on to family plan
- Best for: Ages 10+, families fully invested in the Apple ecosystem
- Network: Major carriers (cellular model required)
Apple has really owned the market when it comes to smartwatches, so it only makes sense that we include it on our list.
Here’s why: If your family already uses iPhones extensively, the Apple Watch SE is a compelling smartwatch for teenagers and mature tweens. One parent’s iPhone can manage multiple Apple Watches for family members who don’t have their own phones.
This approach gives children their own phone number for calls and texts, location sharing through Find My, emergency SOS (including fall detection), and controlled access to Apple’s ecosystem.
Schooltime mode limits functionality during class hours. For a deeper dive into using Apple Watch with children, check out our comprehensive Apple Watch for kids guide.
The watch itself is more capable than dedicated kids’ devices, which is both an advantage and a consideration. Older, responsible children gain access to powerful tools; younger ones might find too many temptations.
- Pros: Premium Apple quality, seamless family sharing, powerful safety features, broad carrier support, mature design teens appreciate
- Cons: Requires cellular model ($299+), more features to manage, may be overkill for younger children, typical bands don’t fit very young children
Best Smartwatches for Kids: At a Glance
| Watch | Device | Monthly | Video | Camera | Best For |
| TickTalk 5 | $170 | $11-25 | Yes | Yes | Most families |
| Gabb 3e | $150 | $13-18 | No | No | Simplicity seekers |
| JrTrack 5 | $150 | $10-18 | No | Yes | GPS accuracy |
| Bark Watch | $7/mo* | $15 | No | Yes | Safety monitoring |
| Fitbit Ace | $229 | $10 | No | No | Active kids |
| Bounce 2 | $300 | $10 | No | No | Young athletes |
| Apple SE | $299 | $5-10 | No | No | Apple families |
*Bark Watch device typically paid over 24 months at $7/month, plus $15/month for service (pricing may vary by promotion).
A Note on Smartwatch Safety and Privacy
We would be remiss if we didn’t speak to the reality of data and privacy. Any connected device raises legitimate privacy questions, which you’ll want to consider before you give a device of any kind to your child.
Here are some considerations when it comes to smartwatches for kids:
Data Handling
Reputable brands like those listed here state that they comply with COPPA (Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act) requirements. The TickTalk 5, for example, is explicitly COPPA Safe Harbor–certified through a third‑party program.
Encryption
Look for watches that encrypt messaging and location data in transit. Brands like TickTalk highlight strong security protections for calls, texts, and GPS data, which can help safeguard your child’s information from attackers.
Location Tracking
It’s important to discuss with your child the importance of privacy and setting boundaries when sharing their location with others. Make sure they understand that this feature should be used only in emergencies or with trusted family members.
Account Security
Use strong, unique passwords for parent apps, and enable any available two-factor authentication.
While smartwatches handle GPS tracking and calling, managing your child’s overall digital safety across all devices requires a broader approach.
Parental control apps help you set screen time limits, filter content, and monitor activity on smartphones and tablets – capabilities that complement the safety features of kids’ smartwatches.
The Best Kids’ Smartwatch is a Safe Smartwatch
The best smartwatch is the one that addresses your specific needs while aligning with your child’s age and maturity level.
For example, a 6-year-old starting kindergarten has different needs than a 12-year-old who wants to range farther from home.
Each device on our list offers a meaningful middle ground between complete disconnection and the overwhelming connectivity of smartphones. They let children practice digital responsibility in a controlled environment while giving parents the ability to stay in touch and know where their kids are.
Before you make your final decision, consider how a smartwatch fits into your broader digital parenting approach. The watch handles communication and location – but what about the family tablets, gaming devices, and eventually smartphones? Planning ahead helps ensure consistency as your child grows.
Whichever watch you choose, you’re taking a thoughtful step toward balanced technology use for your family. And that intentionality is what matters most.
At Kidslox, we’re committed to helping families learn how to navigate new technology safely – without fear.
Want to learn more about how to effectively introduce technology to your family at any age? Check out our full library of guides and resources on all the latest technology updates – and learn how Kidslox parental controls can help your family stay safe and connected online!
FAQ
What age is appropriate for a kids’ smartwatch?
Most manufacturers recommend ages 5-12, though this varies by model and child. Simpler watches, such as the Gabb Watch 3e, work well for ages 5-8, while feature-rich options, such as the TickTalk 5, suit ages 8-12. Maturity matters more than exact age – can your child follow rules about device use, keep track of belongings, and handle the responsibility?
Do kids’ smartwatches work without a phone?
Yes, all dedicated kids’ smartwatches are standalone devices with their own phone numbers and cellular connections. They don’t need to be paired to a smartphone to function. Parents use a companion app on their phone to manage settings and receive location updates, while the child’s watch operates independently.
How much does a kids’ smartwatch really cost?
Expect to pay $150-$300 upfront for the device, plus $10-$20 monthly for cellular service. Over a year, the total cost ranges from roughly $270 (basic watch + low-end plan) to $500+ (premium watch + full-featured plan). Some brands, like Bark, spread the device cost over monthly payments.
Can kids bypass parental controls on smartwatches?
Quality kids’ watches make this difficult by design. There’s no app store to download workarounds, no browser to search for hacks, and changes to settings require the parent app. That said, no system is completely foolproof. The Bark Watch specifically markets ‘tamper‑resistant’ controls designed to stay in place regardless of what the child tries, though no system is completely foolproof.
What happens if my child loses the watch?
Most parent apps include a “find my watch” feature that plays a sound or shows the last known location. Some brands (COSMO, Gabb) offer optional protection plans covering loss and damage. Without protection, you’d need to purchase a replacement watch, though your service plan typically continues to cover it.
Will these watches work at school?
All watches listed include School Mode or similar features that restrict functionality during designated hours. Some schools still prohibit the use of connected devices, so check your school’s policy.
