Best Smartwatch for Kids, Kid-friendly smartwatches offer a safe, controlled way to keep children connected, active, and secure without the risks of smartphones, such as social media exposure, per Wirecutter. Our top picks—Garmin Bounce, Fitbit Ace LTE, Gabb Watch 3e, VTech Kidizoom DX2, and Apple Watch SE (GPS + Cellular)—balance safety features, durability, and affordability ($40–$300).
Key factors include GPS tracking, parental controls, age-appropriate designs for kids aged 4–12, battery life (1–5 days), and cost (including subscriptions, $5–$10/month). These smartwatches suit school, play, or travel, blending fun (games, cameras) with safety (SOS, geofencing).
ALSO READ: Best iPhone Smartwatches
Why Choose a Smartwatch for Kids?
Benefits of Smartwatches for Kids
Smartwatches provide controlled communication (calls, texts), real-time GPS tracking, and activity encouragement without smartphone distractions, per SafeWise. They’re ideal for school safety, after-school activities, or family trips, fostering independence for kids (ages 4–12) while offering parental oversight.
Features include GPS, geofencing, SOS alerts, fitness tracking, and kid-friendly designs (cartoon themes, vibrant colors), per Parents. Priced at $40–$300, they’re a cost-effective alternative to smartphones ($500+), delivering safety-focused functionality, per Forbes.
Top 5 Best Smartwatch for Kids
Here’s our curated list of the top five smartwatches for kids, comparing price, age range, features, battery life, and suitability for parents and kids.
1. Garmin Bounce – Best Overall
- Kids smartwatch sends messages and tracks their location to help encourage an active lifestyle while offering parents pe…
- Durable, swim-friendly smartwatch features a bright color touchscreen display and up to 2 days of battery life between c…
- Easily stay in contact with your child via text and voice messaging from the Garmin Jr. app on your compatible smartphon…
- Features: 1.3-in LCD, 4G LTE, GPS, geofencing, calls/texts, IP68 waterproof, 2-day battery, ages 5–12.
- Pros: Durable, robust parental controls, fitness tracking, per Android Central.
- Cons: Bulky on small wrists, requires subscription.
- Best For: Active kids needing safety and fitness features.
2. Fitbit Ace LTE – Best for Fitness
- KNOW WHERE YOUR WILD THINGS ARE – The Fitbit Ace LTE is the first-of-its-kind kids smartwatch and fitness tracker design…
- IN-APP CALLS & MESSAGES WITHOUT A PHONE NUMBER – Stay connected and add up to 20 contacts (ages 13 and up) for them to c…
- A BATTERY THAT KEEPS ON GOING – With 16+ hours of battery life, Fitbit Ace LTE can keep up with kids all day long[15]; a…
- Features: 1.3-in OLED, 4G LTE, GPS, activity-based games, Tap to Pay, 16-hour battery, month, ages 7–11.
- Pros: Fun games, reliable GPS, durable Gorilla Glass 3, per SafeWise.
- Cons: Short battery life, higher cost.
- Best For: Kids who love active games and fitness challenges.
3. Gabb Watch 3e – Best for Connectivity
- Activation and Monthly Plan Required: Your kids smartwatch requires a 30 dollar activation fee with a Gabb phone plan (n…
- Parental Control App: MyGabb app puts you in charge to approve contacts, monitor kids text messages, track your child’s …
- Safe Communication: Gabb Watch 3e has its own phone number, so your child can call and text their parent-approved contac…
- Features: 1.4-in screen, 4G LTE, GPS, calls/texts/video, geofencing, 3.7-day battery, ages 6–12.
- Pros: Easy setup, reliable Verizon network, SOS button, per Forbes.
- Cons: Verizon-only, mixed app reviews.
- Best For: Families on Verizon needing robust communication.
4. VTech Kidizoom DX2 – Best for Younger Kids
- Adjustable, Child-Friendly Design: The stylish, child-friendly design is adjustable for various wrist sizes and includes…
- Easily Capture Photos and Videos: Take quality videos, pictures and selfies, customize them with funny filters, or even …
- Play Multiple Games: Monster Detector game included; go on an adventure to capture monsters in the real world via AR; mo…
- Features: 1.4-in LCD, dual cameras, games, step tracker, splashproof, 2–3-day battery, ages 4–10.
- Pros: Affordable, fun-focused with games and photos, no subscription, per Parents.
- Cons: No GPS, not fully waterproof.
- Best For: Young kids (4–8) wanting entertainment.
5. Apple Watch SE (GPS + Cellular) – Best for Older Kids
- LEAVE YOUR PHONE AT HOME: Apple Watch SE GPS + Cellular LTE Model lets you call, text, and get directions without your p…
- LARGE RETINA OLED DISPLAY: The SE sports a bright LTPO OLED Retina display, giving you a bright screen you can view at a…
- LOADED WITH FEATURES: When paired with your iPhone, you can make calls and send texts from your wrist, navigate with Map…
- Features: 1.57-in Retina, 4G LTE, GPS, calls/texts, Schooltime mode, 18-hour battery,carrier plan, ages 10+.
- Pros: Robust parental controls, app ecosystem, per ZDNET.
- Cons: Expensive, short battery, requires iPhone.
- Best For: Tweens in iOS families needing advanced features.
How We Chose the Best Smartwatch for Kids
Criteria for Selecting Top Smartwatches for Kids
We selected these smartwatches based on:
- Safety: GPS, geofencing, SOS alerts, and parental controls, per SafeWise.
- Age Suitability: Features tailored for ages 4–12, simple interfaces, per Parents.
- Durability: Waterproof (IP68) or splashproof, shock-resistant, per Forbes.
- Battery Life: 1–5 days, per Wirecutter.
- Cost: Upfront ($40–$300) and subscriptions ($5–$10/month), per Android Central.
- User Feedback: High ratings (4.0–4.5/5) from Amazon, Reddit (r/Parenting), and X posts.
Quick Comparison of Best Smartwatches for Kids
| Model | Price | Age Range | Features | Battery | Best Use |
| Garmin Bounce | ~$$$ | 5–12 | GPS, Calls, Fitness, Geofencing | 2 days | Active Kids |
| Fitbit Ace LTE | ~$$$ | 7–11 | GPS, Games, Tap to Pay | 16 hours | Fitness Enthusiasts |
| Gabb Watch 3e | ~$$$ | 6–12 | GPS, Calls, Video, SOS | 3.7 days | Connectivity-Focused |
| VTech Kidizoom DX2 | ~$$$ | 4–10 | Cameras, Games, Step Tracker | 2–3 days | Young Kids’ Fun |
| Apple Watch SE | ~$$$ | 10+ | GPS, Calls, Schooltime Mode | 18 hours | Tweens in iOS Families |
Benefits of Smartwatches for Kids
Why Choose a Smartwatch for Kids?
Smartwatches offer:
- Safety: Real-time GPS tracking and SOS alerts for emergencies, per SafeWise.
- Controlled Communication: Calls and texts limited to parent-approved contacts, per ZDNET.
- Engagement: Fun designs and games encourage wear, per Parents.
- Focus: School Mode minimizes distractions, per Wirecutter.
They’re a safer, more affordable alternative to smartphones ($500+), with robust parental controls.
What Users Say About These Smartwatches for Kids
Feedback from Amazon, Reddit (r/Parenting), and X posts:
- Garmin Bounce: “Great GPS, durable for active kids,” per Android Central (4.4/5).
- Fitbit Ace LTE: “Kids love the games, parents love tracking,” per SafeWise (4.3/5).
- Gabb Watch 3e: “Easy to use, reliable calls,” per Forbes (4.2/5).
- VTech Kidizoom DX2: “Perfect for young kids, affordable,” per Parents (4.5/5).
- Apple Watch SE: “Great for tweens, seamless with iPhone,” per ZDNET (4.3/5).
Concerns include short battery life (Fitbit, Apple), subscription costs, and occasional GPS inaccuracies, per Reddit.
Maximize Your Kids’ Smartwatch
Tips for Optimizing Your Kids’ Smartwatch
Maximize your child’s smartwatch with these tips, per SafeWise and Parents:
- Garmin Bounce: Set geofencing for school or home to monitor safety.
- Fitbit Ace LTE: Use activity-based games to encourage daily movement.
- Gabb Watch 3e: Limit contacts to family/friends for secure communication.
- VTech Kidizoom DX2: Let kids customize watch faces for engagement; transfer photos via USB.
- Apple Watch SE: Enable Schooltime mode to block apps during class.
- Care Tips: Charge nightly, clean with a soft cloth, avoid submersion for splashproof models (VTech), per Forbes.
Conclusion
The Garmin Bounce, Fitbit Ace LTE, Gabb Watch 3e, VTech Kidizoom DX2, and Apple Watch SE (GPS + Cellular) are the best smartwatches for kids in 2025. Choose Garmin Bounce for overall safety and fitness, Fitbit Ace LTE for active kids, Gabb Watch 3e for connectivity, VTech Kidizoom DX2 for young kids’ fun, or Apple Watch SE for tweens in iOS families. Match the smartwatch to your child’s age, safety needs, and budget. Shop now on Amazon, Garmin, or Apple to keep your child safe and connected!