Remember when watches just told the time? Maybe they beeped if you pressed enough buttons. These days, even our kids’ wrists are way smarter than we were at their age.
Smartwatches for kids do more than count steps. They track location, send little messages, and remind your child (again) to come home for dinner.
Picking a smartwatch for kids is honestly trickier than picking cereal. First, we have to consider safety features like GPS tracking.
Then battery life, water resistance, and how many drops it can survive all matter. Some watches let kids call us, but others just have games (and, no, those games don’t help with homework).
It’s easy to get distracted by bright colors and fun animations. Still, figuring out which features actually get used is what matters.
We hunted for watches that balance durability, parental controls, cost, and setup that doesn’t make us want to scream. We spent hours researching and testing a stack of smartwatches to find the ones that make parenting (and wearing a watch) a little easier.
Best Smartwatches for Kids
We’ve all wished we could keep track of our kids without strapping a GPS tracker to their backpacks. Thankfully, smartwatches for kids do much more than tell time.
They help us keep tabs without feeling like secret agents. Let’s dive into our top picks before our kids outsmart our gadgets!
If you want a fun, safe smartwatch that keeps your kid busy for a suspiciously long time without costing a fortune (or getting destroyed), this one fits the bill.
Pros
Enough games and activities for kids to finally forget our phone passwords
Two cameras—so every pet and goofy face gets captured in glorious kid-vision
Splash-proof, so it survives juice spills and the occasional hand-washing
Cons
Charging feels like a part-time job
No GPS, so tracking runaway AR monster hunters is out
The plastic band might not survive a playground slide battle
We handed the KidiZoom DX4 to our crew of junior tech testers. They disappeared for about two hours.
The dual cameras turned every pet and sibling into a superstar. The filters will make you want to delete half their photo masterpieces once the storage fills up.
Our kids obsessed over customizing the clock face. They spent way too long shaking the watch just to hear the time—because it’s fun (and, honestly, a bit loud).
The music composer app filled our house with “unique” sounds, transforming evenings into living room concerts. Splash protection is a must because, let’s face it, everything your kid owns gets wet.
Battery life surprised us at first, but after a day of heavy play and selfie-taking, we ended up searching for the micro-USB cable a little too often. We appreciate the lack of GPS for privacy, but sometimes we wish we could call the watch detective to find the kid hiding behind the sofa.
Despite these quirks, the KidiZoom feels like a cool, creative gadget for kids—without scary web risks.
If you want peace of mind in a kids’ watch that’s more spy gadget than toy, TickTalk 5 delivers.
Pros
Our kids can call or video us anytime—super easy
Location tracking is so precise, we could probably find them in a corn maze
Parental controls let us manage everything without calling tech support
Cons
It’s chunky—no one’s calling this subtle
No games, so don’t expect it to entertain bored kids
The price is definitely higher than basic trackers
We strapped the TickTalk 5 on our little one and instantly realized this wasn’t just another basic gadget. Voice and video calls come through sharp and clear.
Our kids love showing off scraped knees (and questionable snack choices) in real time. Group chats are possible too, so our family thread gets lively fast.
Location tracking works uncannily well. We’ve watched the animated dots update on our phones and felt relieved every single time.
If our child needs us in an emergency, the SOS button makes alerting us easy—and we get their location right away.
We really like the parental controls. It feels like we have a remote control for their digital world.
We can lock things down during school, block unknown callers, and keep tabs on their contacts. Our only gripe is the bulkiness, and while the safety features are great, there are no games or fun extras (which, honestly, might help at homework time).
For families who care more about safety and contact, the TickTalk 5 Kids Smartwatch does the job—and then some.
If you want a jam-packed kids’ smartwatch without a scary price tag, this one definitely deserves a spot on your list.
Pros
Loads of built-in games and features to keep kids busy until they forget about tablet time
Really simple to figure out—no apps, weird downloads, or SIM cards to confuse us adults
Battery life outlasts our coffee most days
Cons
No calling or texting, so checking in with your little secret agent isn’t happening
Camera quality is… well, not great
Some games get old pretty fast—unlike our kids’ questions
After strapping this watch on, we felt like we’d handed our child a tech toy they couldn’t break. Our tester zipped through the games, snapped more blurry selfies than a squirrel on espresso, and still had battery left at bedtime.
The strap felt soft, and the display was easy for little fingers—no frustration, just fun.
Loading music and photos took a bit of patience and a USB cable. But once we figured it out, we loaded up their favorite songs, and now there’s a daily dance party on our sofa.
The Phyulls Kids Smart Watch works great as a first smartwatch for kids. If your child loves gadgets but can’t be trusted with anything too expensive (we get it), this one is worth a closer look—even if it won’t win any camera awards.
We found this BIGGERFIVE watch to be pretty kid-proof—unless your child turns into the Hulk. It tracks steps, sleep, and heart rate so we can pretend to be parent-scientists.
Our budding athletes actually get excited to walk the dog just to rack up their steps. That’s a parenting win.
We especially like that the watch works without needing its own phone. That means no internet rabbit holes or surprise friend requests from robots.
The customizable faces are a hit, and our kids swapped panda faces and selfies faster than we could say “screen time limit.”
If your kid is especially rough on things, keep an eye on the band. Customer service helps, but let’s just say some kids are a little wild.
There’s also an app for extra features, though we wish more was available without another download. We’d happily get this again—next time, we’ll just remind everyone not to use it as a slingshot.
If you want a kid’s smartwatch that actually works for real families—and won’t drive you bananas with spam or constant repairs—this one definitely makes the short list.
Pros
Real-time tracking keeps us in the loop about where our kid is, no detective hat required.
It’s tough enough to survive the playground (and maybe even our laundry, though we wouldn’t recommend testing that).
Cons
Setting up with a SIM card can feel like solving a riddle.
GPS accuracy sometimes wants to take a scenic detour.
Basic features—our kid won’t be messaging astronauts.
Let’s be honest—handing our kid a screen usually feels like inviting chaos, but the TotsyFun Kids GPS Smartwatch actually surprised us. We tracked our little wanderers in almost real time, and the video calling worked without a tech meltdown.
No weird messages from strangers, no sketchy apps, and setting up approved contacts through the companion app was mostly painless (except when the SIM card made us question our life choices).
This watch stands up to real-world abuse. Ours took a few dives off the monkey bars and survived snack time with sticky hands.
We switched bands to keep the wrist comfy—both worked, and no itch outbreaks halfway through the day.
Class mode? That little feature saved us from a teacher-parent call. Our child couldn’t fiddle with the watch during math but could still call us if needed.
If we had a complaint, it was the GPS sometimes putting our kid across the street when they were actually in the backyard.
Still, for peace of mind and some real communication, this little gadget earned a spot on our kid’s wrist.
For parents who want their kids to stay connected without handing over a smartphone, this quirky smartwatch might just be our favorite babysitter.
Pros
Parental controls are so tight, our kids couldn’t prank call the pizza place even if they tried.
GPS tracking keeps us from panicking when our kids “forget” to text us back (again).
Calling and texting are easy for little fingers.
Cons
Not compatible with other carriers, so we’re locked into their plan.
Setup process takes a bit of patience (and maybe some snacks for us).
Music features need an extra Spotify Family subscription.
There’s something oddly satisfying about giving our kids the JrTrack 4 smartwatch and knowing they can call us with the push of a button—especially when they claim they’re “definitely not lost” at the mall.
GPS tracking and location alerts work well, and we love having a little peace of mind when our child is on the move.
The parental controls are strong enough to keep even the sneakiest kids from going online where they shouldn’t. Only approved contacts make it through—no awkward telemarketer calls during dinner.
The included activity tracker is a neat bonus, especially if we want to challenge our kids to step competitions (and finally burn off some energy).
Getting everything set up takes a little while, and being forced to use their specific cellular service wasn’t our favorite part.
Still, once it’s ready, the day-to-day use is smooth.
If you want your kids connected, but not too connected, the JrTrack 4 is a solid pick for busy families.
If you want your kids to ask fewer “are we there yet?” questions and more “what new feature can I find?”, this smartwatch might just be our new family hero.
Pros
Tons of fun features like games and audiobooks, so our kids get creative and stay entertained.
Easy parental controls, letting us feel a little bit more in control of chaos.
The bright screen is pretty eye-catching, and it survives the wild antics of tiny hands.
Cons
No GPS, so no live tracking if someone decides to go on an unexpected adventure.
Battery life is average, which means more charging than we’d prefer.
Setup could take a few tries, especially if we skim the directions (guilty).
Let’s start with what really got our attention—the games and camera.
Our kids took about thirty seconds to find the camera and start snapping silly photos of everyone in the house, pets included.
The puzzle games and audiobooks were big winners for keeping them busy, especially during car rides when “I’m bored” becomes the family anthem.
Parental controls are actually useful here. We managed to set limited play times and turn off games when it was time for homework, so we felt a bit like digital superheroes.
Setting up chores and habits was straightforward. Now, if only it could make them brush their teeth without reminders.
A couple of downsides to note: there’s no GPS, which means we can’t track their actual location from the couch.
We did notice the battery needed charging more often than we’d hoped, especially after a long day of camera use and story listening.
If we’re looking for something fun, educational, and not too complicated, the Berilona Kids Smart Watch still earns high marks on our family’s leaderboard.
If you want a feature-loaded smartwatch that makes your kids feel like secret agents while staying safe, this is a top pick.
Pros
Rewards system motivates our kids to stay active and learn.
SOS feature helps us relax about their safety.
Tough enough to handle splashy pool parties—or clumsy drops.
Cons
Setting up the app for bonuses took us a few tries.
Screen can seem almost too bright in a dark room.
All those features might distract during homework if we aren’t careful.
We couldn’t help but feel a little jealous when we strapped the Monowul watch onto our kid’s wrist.
This isn’t just a watch—it’s like giving them a mini-mission control on their arm.
There’s a dizzying number of things packed inside: the camera is a huge win at birthday parties (prepare for plenty of impromptu photo shoots).
Dozens of different watch faces let our kids express themselves in ways we never dreamed possible with our “grownup” gadgets.
When our little one finished chores or activity goals, the virtual reward system actually got them off the couch—no gentle reminders from us needed.
Games and audiobooks were easy rewards, and if they got too into the fun, the “class mode” cut distractions with better focus than we could manage in a busy kitchen.
Testing the SOS feature gave us a bit of peace of mind. One long button press, and the alarm is loud enough that even our most distracted neighbor would notice.
The waterproof build stood strong in the sprinkler, and the stainless steel case took a tumble with no drama or dents.
Would we buy it again? Probably—just so we can finally reclaim our own smartwatch from sticky fingers.
If our kid is bugging us for their first wearable and we want to keep tabs on them without handing over a phone, the Fitbit Ace LTE makes a pretty tempting middle ground.
Pros
Games that get kids moving instead of glued to a screen.
Calling and texting help us stay in touch (without endless group chats).
Water resistant and can take a decent beating from rough play.
Cons
Requires a paid Ace Pass for all features—our wallet isn’t thrilled.
Won’t work in every country (sorry, globetrotters).
We have to say, strapping this watch onto a wiggly eight-year-old made us feel like spy parents—minus the tuxedos and crazy gadgets.
The Ace LTE is sturdy enough to survive playground tumbles and water balloon disasters.
The games are actually fun, plus they nudge kids to wiggle more, which feels like magic when we need them to burn off extra energy.
Staying connected is simple, and we like that the call and text features are limited, so we don’t end up arguing about social media drama.
The Fitbit Arcade is a hit, especially since playing means moving, jumping, or at least wiggling a toe.
Our junior testers got pretty competitive about filling up their daily activity rings.
Look, setup can throw us for a loop if we don’t spend our weekends updating gadgets, but once everything syncs, the watch just works.
We just wish it didn’t need an extra data plan, but we’re willing to cough up the cash for the peace of mind it brings.
Fitbit Ace LTE is great for active kids and parents who want to keep in touch, with enough fun to make sure the watch isn’t lost under the couch after day one.
If we want to keep our kids connected, active, and at least pretending to listen to us, this smartwatch is a solid pick.
Pros
Stays on those tiny wrists with a strong clasp and soft, comfy band.
Lets us check up on kids’ health stats without turning into helicopter parents.
Making calls straight from their wrist means fewer lost phones (hopefully).
Cons
The strap feels extra roomy for the smallest wrists.
Features can be overwhelming out of the box.
No built-in GPS for location tracking.
After strapping the KALINCO watch onto our favorite young tester, our first thought was: finally, something built with wild kids in mind.
The screen is big, bright, and the band isn’t scratchy or stiff.
It did run a bit large, though, so our littlest one had the band almost doubled over, like they’d borrowed Dad’s watch for the day.
We tinkered with the fitness features, and there’s a lot going on.
Heart rate, sleep trends, and exercise modes are surprisingly detailed—almost enough to make us jealous.
Every time our kid hit their daily sports goal, the watch handed out a digital badge, keeping motivation (and smug grins) high.
The call and Alexa features definitely made us feel like we were in a spy movie, even if most of the initial commands were just shouting “play fart noises” into the watch.
Missing GPS was a letdown, but with so many functions for the price, we got a good mix of fun and parent-friendly tracking here.
Buying Guide
First things first—let’s be honest. They call these smartwatches “for kids,” but who’s actually more excited? Yeah, it’s probably us.
When we pick out a watch, we want it tough enough to survive drops. But we definitely don’t want it so smart it starts running the whole house.
Here’s what you should check before buying:
Durability: Make sure the watch can take a few bumps, maybe a splash, and the occasional trip under the couch.
Safety Features: Look for GPS, solid parental controls, and maybe some kind of magic for when kids “forget” to reply.
Battery Life: If it barely lasts a day, you’ll spend more time hunting for a charger than hanging out with your kid.
Fun Factor: Think games, cameras, or step trackers. If it’s boring, good luck getting them to actually wear it.
Key Features to Compare
Feature
Why It Matters
GPS Tracking
You’ll always know where your little explorer is.
SOS Button
They can call for help—or snacks—whenever.
Water Resistance
Handles bath time disasters and juice spills.
Call & Text
Check in without shouting across the house.
When you’re not sure, just ask yourself: will this make life simpler, or just add another thing to your list of stuff to charge?
Hi, my name is Garrett Jones, and I am a tech enthusiast. I enjoy researching the new tech that has been released, and have a vast knowledge of the best tech to purchase.
From a young age, I have always had a big interest in technology, and this blog is an extension of that interest. Through this blog, I hope to provide others with all of the information they need regarding tech options to consider, and things such as compatibility. Some of the different items I will be discussing include headphones, smartwatches, and how to fix common issues.
