Smartwatches can do a lot these days—count steps, show texts, and honestly, sometimes they make us feel like we’re living in a spy movie. But one of the best things they offer now? Emergency SOS features.
With the right watch, you can get help in a scary moment with just a button press. That’s way easier than yelling for help (we’ve tried, it’s not great).
But let’s be real—not every smartwatch is up to the task. We want a device that calls for help fast, does it reliably, and—ideally—doesn’t need us to fumble through menus when we’re panicked. Battery life matters, too. If a watch can’t connect to your phone or work solo, it’s not much good in an emergency.
We dug through piles of specs and reviews to find the smartwatches that make getting help quick and painless when you need it most.
Best Smartwatches for Emergency SOS
Nobody wants to think about emergencies, but if trouble shows up, it’s smart to be ready. Here’s our list of smartwatches that can call for help faster than you can say, “Uh-oh.” Maybe your next adventure needs a trusty sidekick.
If you want a smartwatch with SOS features and you’re also a sucker for extra watch straps, this one gets the job done—though it’s got its quirks.
Pros
Two emergency call buttons and automatic fall detection (sometimes)
Big, clear screen (finally, we can read it)
Medication and hydration reminders kept us on track
Cons
Fall detection only triggers for big falls—trip over a rug? Forget it
Too many sports modes (who needs 100+ anyway?)
Straps didn’t match the pictures (ours were a surprise)
Honestly, we didn’t care about all the sports modes. We just wanted a watch that could call for help and keep an eye on our health, so testing the COCO BT2-Z felt like strapping a mini nurse to our wrist.
It tracked our steps, spO2, and sleep, which gave us some fun facts to share at family dinners.
The emergency call feature really stood out. Those two big buttons mean you don’t have to remember any complicated gestures—just press and hold for three seconds, and help is on the way.
But fall detection? It’s picky. If you don’t take a dramatic dive, the watch might not notice.
We liked the big, easy-to-read display and the reminders to move, drink water, or take meds. The extra watchbands? Well, they weren’t quite what we expected. Still, if you want a watch that’s part fashion accessory and part personal assistant (even if it ignores your less-epic falls), this one’s worth a look.
If you’re after a budget smartwatch with a bunch of safety features, the Fajocru delivers—but you’ll need patience. Maybe a lot of it.
Pros
Fall detection and SOS button are straightforward
Soft, comfy band (we barely noticed it)
Two-way calling and voice chat actually work
Cons
Setup almost made us give up
SIM card not included—seriously?
Battery life is forgettable (keep a charger close)
Let’s be real, none of us needed another gadget in our lives, but here we are—strapping on the Fajocru. It promises SOS, GPS tracking, and health alerts.
The band feels great, which saved us from complaining about wearing it. Once we figured out the buttons, calling family was just a tap away.
Setup, though, was a headache. We spent more time messing with the SIM card and scratching our heads than actually using the watch. Customer service felt like a rumor.
Unless you’re charging this thing all the time, the battery will let you down by lunchtime. If you want a gadget that needs babysitting, this is it.
The GPS tries, but if you want to know which street you’re on, don’t count on it. The SOS feature worked when we tested it—a long press and the alert fired off.
We liked the peace of mind for older family members, but this one’s for folks who don’t mind a challenge (and who keep a charger handy).
Honestly, this smartwatch is for people who want quick emergency help and can live with a few quirks (and a subscription fee that never seems to leave).
Pros
SOS button is big and easy to press
GPS tracking keeps up with Grandma’s walks (most of the time)
Speakerphone for hands-free “Where are you?” calls
Wristband is flimsy (ours nearly fell off at dinner)
Setup isn’t fun if you’re not tech-savvy
We set this up for Grandpa, and while the SOS feature was a breeze, the subscription fee made us double-check our budget. Paying every month for emergency peace of mind doesn’t feel that peaceful, honestly.
One tap on the SOS button called us right away, and we could talk to Grandpa through the watch—even when he pretended to be lost (he was always in the kitchen). But the wristband almost slipped off a few times, so test that before sending anyone off with it.
The mobile app let us check his location, though setup turned into a family project. Not a bad choice if you need to keep tabs on someone, but expect some tech headaches and keep those monthly bills in mind.
If you want peace of mind for your parents but don’t want to tape a GPS tracker to their shoes, this smartwatch does a pretty good job—though it’s not perfect.
We tried out the MJVV Senior SOS Watch. It’s not slim, but it made it easy for us to check on Grandma.
Setting up the real-time GPS tracking was pretty simple, and the app pinged us whenever she left the “safe zone” we set. It’s basically Mom yelling, “Where are you going?” but digital.
The two-way call and video features worked well enough for Grandma to see us and ask if we’re eating our veggies. After a minor sink mishap, the waterproofing held up, so no panic there.
The emergency SOS button is simple—just a long press and the watch pings each preset number until someone answers.
On the downside, we had to hunt down a Nano SIM card and sign up for a plan (not exactly advertised). The size is perfect if you like a chunky watch or have bigger wrists.
Setup wasn’t quick, but once it was going, the watch worked well and the location history actually helped us a couple of times.
If you’re tired of worrying every time a loved one goes out, the MJVV Senior SOS 4G Smart Watch is a step up from sticky notes and hoping for the best.
If you want instant access to emergency help without lugging around some brick-sized gadget, this might be the peace-of-mind watch we’ve all been searching for.
Pros
Lightweight—easy to forget we’re even wearing it
Calls for help at the push of a button, and you actually get a real person
Built-in fall detection that doesn’t care if you’re clumsy
Cons
Needs a monthly subscription, so our wallets might groan
Strap is tighter than our last family hug—watch out if you have big wrists
Battery lasts a few days, but it’s easy to forget to charge and end up with a fancy bracelet
We slipped on the Smart Med Alert Watch and immediately noticed it didn’t feel like strapping a tablet to our wrist.
It’s light but still manages to pull its weight when help is needed.
Getting an operator just by pushing a button made us feel like secret agents, and knowing they could see our GPS location was reassuring (though, honestly, a little Big Brother).
Figuring out how to activate it took a quick call to customer service, but after that, the emergency feature worked.
When we pushed the button, someone answered fast—and they sounded like a real person, not a robot.
The fall detection gave us just enough courage for a kitchen dance, just in case gravity decided to get creative.
The monthly fee isn’t our favorite, and the watch band hugs a bit too tight.
Charging every few days is a minor hassle, but a sticky note reminder helps.
If you or someone you love wants extra security without wearing a spatula on your arm, the Smart Med Alert Watch could honestly be a lifesaver.
Right away, we realized setup wasn’t going to take just five minutes.
After wrangling a SIM card and following instructions that made us question our life choices, the main features finally kicked in.
The SOS button worked, and GPS tracking kept us updated when our parents wandered out for their “walks” (which, let’s be real, is usually just to the mailbox).
Video calls can’t replace Sunday visits, but it’s nice to check in when needed.
The safety fence feature gave us a bit more comfort.
If you’re hoping for perfect translations or full menu customization, keep in mind English/Chinese is the main option—so brush up on those language skills.
Battery life didn’t wow us—charging every day is not ideal if you’re forgetful.
Navigating network requirements felt like talking to robots on those endless phone company calls.
If you’ve got patience and just want the main SOS and location features, this watch is workable.
Is it perfect? Nope, but it gave us a few laughs and, more importantly, some peace of mind.
Hands-free calls and message alerts are a lifesaver, especially with slippery fingers
Cons
No built-in GPS—our sense of direction is still hopeless
Touch screen can be a bit too sensitive for clumsy hands
Waterproof, but don’t try to win any swimming medals
When we popped this BOOOMIC Smartwatch out of the box, it felt lighter than expected and honestly looked fancier than something that cost less than our last pizza.
Setup was a breeze—just a couple taps and we were already bossing Alexa around.
We started asking for the weather, setting reminders, and pretending to be secret agents during Bluetooth calls.
If you’re the type who drops your phone between couch cushions, getting calls and texts right on your wrist is a game changer.
We liked how easy it was to reply or just screen a call from a telemarketer without breaking stride.
The big 1.83-inch display keeps everything clear, even when we’re squinting before coffee.
Health tracking runs around the clock and doesn’t seem to miss a beat.
Let’s be real, our stress spikes every time we lose the remote.
The IP68 rating means we can wash our hands or run through the rain, but we won’t risk it with a cannonball into the pool.
We only wish it had built-in GPS, because relying on our phone to track a jog gives us fewer excuses to skip the gym.
If you want a practical, fun, connected smartwatch with useful emergency features, the BOOOMIC Smartwatch with Alexa & SOS brings a lot of value and enough charm to keep us showing it off.
If you want a simple smartwatch for older family members that keeps emergency SOS just a button away (as long as you don’t mind a few tech hiccups), the COCO could do the trick.
Pros
Lightweight and comfy enough to forget it’s there (until it’s time to charge)
Easy to see with large fonts—no squinting
Medication reminders are a lifesaver for our forgetful afternoons
Cons
Emergency alerts only work if the caregiver’s app stays open (and who remembers that?)
Some extra features, like more contacts and geo-fencing, cost extra every month
Bluetooth likes to disconnect just when we’re getting settled
When we tried out the COCO smartwatch, the first thing we noticed was how easy it was to wear all day.
The band stayed comfortable—even through spaghetti dinner, a shower, and the neighbor’s overly enthusiastic dog walk.
The watch face is huge and the fonts are big, so even our uncle who forgot his glasses could read it.
Setting it up took a bit longer than we hoped.
We found ourselves entering the same info a few more times than we’d like.
Once we got rolling, we liked the simple app and how easy it was to set those medicine reminders.
Someone’s got to keep us from missing our vitamins.
Unfortunately, emergency alerts don’t always show up unless you keep the app open on a caregiver’s phone.
We can’t promise we’ll remember to check the app every five minutes.
Also, some important features like geo-fencing and adding more family contacts cost extra, which can sneak up on you.
Despite the small tech quirks, this watch can help us look out for aging family—just don’t expect perfection right away.
This smartwatch is a good pick for anyone who wants peace of mind with help right on their wrist, even if we wish the battery could hang in there longer.
Pros
Easy to set up, even for our less tech-savvy grandparents
Waterproof design means we can wear it in the shower—just in case we get too into singing and slip
One-button access to emergency help is actually at our fingertips
Cons
Battery life could use a pep talk; ours didn’t last the whole day
Monthly fee isn’t our favorite, but it’s required for protection
Fall detection is optional, so we might pay more if we want all the bells and whistles
Let’s be honest—sometimes we just want a watch that can take a beating and still work when we need it. If that’s you, this one’s worth a look.
Pros
The built-in SOS alarm gives us some peace of mind when we’re out on wild adventures.
Battery life actually lasts; we don’t have to scramble for a charger every single night.
It comes packed with tools like a flashlight and compass—stuff we end up using more than we’d like to admit.
Cons
Getting a stable Bluetooth connection with our phones can test anyone’s patience, honestly.
The rugged look? Not exactly something you’d wear to a fancy dinner.
It’s waterproof, but don’t dunk it in a hot tub unless you want a bad surprise.
Wearing this watch kind of makes us feel like we could survive anything, even if our idea of “roughing it” is just losing Wi-Fi for a few minutes.
The SOS alarm blares loud enough to grab attention, which is great if we’re lost or just want to mess with our hiking buddies.
Tapping the side flashlight instantly lights up the dark, so finding keys at the bottom of a tent isn’t a problem.
The battery life impressed us. After almost a week outdoors, we still didn’t see that dreaded low battery warning.
Playing with the compass and barometer is fun, even if our sense of direction is basically “uh, left?”
Staying connected is possible, but sometimes Bluetooth just decides to take a nap right when we want to take a call on our wrist.
Sure, it’s not going to win any style awards, but it looks ready for a fight, and we don’t have to worry about puddles.
If you want real outdoor features, a legit SOS function, and a battery that just keeps going, the EIGIIS KE5 is a pretty solid pick.
Buying Guide
When you’re picking out a smartwatch for emergency SOS features, you want it to actually help when it matters. Nobody wants to get stuck in a bad spot only to realize their watch thinks “SOS” just means yelling into the void.
What Matters Most:
Reliable SOS Function: You should be able to call for help fast. Who has time to dig through endless menus in a crisis? That’s not practical.
Battery Life: If your watch runs out of juice before your phone does, it won’t do you much good when things go sideways.
Water Resistance: Emergencies don’t wait for perfect weather. Your watch needs to handle rain, sweat, and maybe even a splashy accident.
Let’s Check a Quick Comparison Table:
Feature
Why We Care
SOS Button
Fast help, no menu mazes
Location Sharing
Friends or emergency services can find us
Battery Life
Stays alive when we need it
Water Resistance
Handles rain, sweat, and coffee spills
Cellular Option
Keeps working if we forget our phone
You should also think about how the watch feels on your wrist. If it’s bulky, scratchy, or just uncomfortable, you’ll probably “forget” to wear it more than you’d like.
And don’t overlook the screen. Go for easy-to-read displays. If the sun’s out and you can’t see your SOS button, you’re basically just wearing an overpriced accessory.
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.
