What is the best smartwatch for kids?
For a 4-12-year-old child, we are recommending TickTalk 3. This waterproof smartwatch phone is packed with the newest technology, a user-friendly app, and many new functions such as 2-way voice calling, preset texts, and GPS locator.
Another good option is VTech Kidizoom DX2, a device designed for children aged 4 to 9 years. The model comes with two cameras allowing the child to take photos or videos and a variety of effects and filters to boost kids’ creative abilities.
If you need a kids smartwatch for iPhone, the Apple Watch Series 1 is a good choice for older children and for Android users, Ticwatch E is the way to go.
Smartwatches have become insanely popular over the past few years.
There are so many reasons why they can be helpful to adults, but did you know that they are also popular as a gift for children?
The market is already full of smartwatches for kids that not only tell time but have useful functions that keep kids entertained and parents stress-free.
That’s not all…
The kid-friendly smartwatches can tell you where your child is through GPS, help you contact your child as needed, and are typically quite durable to withstand some rugged wear.
BEST SMARTWATCH FOR KIDS 2023
Table could not be displayed.CRITICAL KIDS SMARTWATCH CONSIDERATIONS
Not all smartwatches for kids should have the following features, but it is always nice if they have some of them.
DURABILITY – We are starting with the most important feature. Keep in the mind, these watches are for kids. They should withstand rough handling. Kids’ smartwatches have to be durable, scratch-resistant, and splashproof
CONNECTION – As a parent, the ability to quickly contact your kid at any time, is something you wish to have. Fortunately, lots of smartwatches for kids can be connected to a parent’s phone. Really helpful feature.
GPS – These handy features let you know where your kid is… in real time.
GAMES – Having games on the watch is not so important, but it can help entertain the kid during a boring time.
DESIGN – Do you know the “cool factor”? Many kids wear watches because they look cool and they think it is cool to have one.
Best Smartwatches For Kids – Age 4 to 12
Best Kids Smart Watch With GPS – TickTalk 3
BEST FOR AGES: 4 to 12
Pros: Large display • App for contact and locate your child
Cons: No games • Limited functions
Reasons To Buy: FaceTalk, GPS locator, Preset texts, SOS, Do not disturb mode, IP67 waterproof
TickTalk 3 is the 3rd generation of the kid’s wrist phone with a locator. It is the most advanced 4G universal kids smartwatch phone, a great combination of video calling, Wi-Fi calling, smart messaging, and location-tracking capabilities. All in one nice looking design. What´s more, the TickTalk 3 has an IP67 water-resistant rating and comes with durable construction. So, don´t worry if your child takes this watch into the rain, or in the shower – with IP67, this smartwatch for kids with GPS will withstand these conditions.
The TickTalk 3 is packed with the newest technology, a user-friendly app, and many new functions. Using the watch is easy and intuitive thanks to its pretty simple interface. There are colorful icons for calling dad and mom and sending messages. Your kids can also use the stopwatch, set alarms, and see a calendar.
A nice addition is the FaceTalk, a 2-way video calling feature. With this, you can face to face talk with your child anytime anywhere. But the main power of this smartphone watch for kids is in the app. After the installation in parents’ smartphones, they can set up the watch, add contacts, or send messages to the watch. The TickTack 3 can only call or receive messages from contacts that are added by parents.
➤ TickTalk 3
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Best Kids SmartWatch With Games – VTech Kidizoom DX2
BEST FOR AGES: 4 to 12
Pros: Intuitive interface • Splash and sweat proof • Durable
Cons: No GPS
Reasons To Buy: Motion apps and games, Touch screen, Time apps, Photo, and video editing, Two cameras
VTech Kidizoom DX2 is the next generation of VTech´s best selling kids smartwatch. With a new stylish design, the DX2 brings all the smart features of its predecessor and more.
The unit includes 55 digital and analog customizable watch faces, two cameras for capturing everything from action videos to selfies and it gives your child a pack of brand new games. Add to all of this a motion sensor for active play challenges or a pedometer, and you get a pretty cool smartwatch that will your kids love.
➤ VTech Kidizoom Smartwatch DX2
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Best Fitness Tracker For Kids – Garmin Vivofit Jr. 2
BEST FOR AGES: 6 to 12
Pros: Effective • Durable • Comfortable
Cons: Expensive • Display should be brighter and bigger
Reasons To Buy: Swim-friendly, Kid-tough adjustable band, Tracks steps, sleep and 60 minutes of daily recommended activity
The Garmin Vivofit Jr 2 covers the basic fitness tracking features for kids, but it needs to be worn a long time to make the most of its best features. The real magic of Vivofit Jr 2 is in the unique features like creating chores and the rewards system which can be managed from the parent-controlled mobile app. This waterproof activity tracker is durable with a great quality band, easy to wash and clean.
With the 1-year battery life, you also need to worry about the battery or recharging. Generally speaking, Garmin Vivofit Jr 2 is a great motivator for 4+ years old kids and until Fitbit decides to join the fitness tracker for kids market, Vivofit Jr 2 is your best option.
➤ Garmin vivofit JR 2
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Cheap Activity Tracker For Kids – LeapFrog LeapBand
BEST FOR AGES: 4 to 7
Pros: Funny challenges • Waterproof
Cons: Bulky • No calls
Reasons To Buy: Parental controls, 50 active challenges, Encourages active play, nurturing and healthy choices
LeapFrog LeapBand isn´t the newest device on our list, but it´s is still a great and cheap option for children aged 4 to 7.
In fact, this was the first good activity tracker designed just for kids.
The LeapBand lets kids customize a virtual pet (do you remember Tamagotchi?), and allow kids to hit little micro goals. When they reach certain goals, they earn rewards that can be used to unlock features on the band.
Actually, the LeapFrog LeapBand is designed to get kids moving. It provides fun ways for little children to interact with their pets and learn about healthy living with included challenges – more can be downloaded. With the use of the accompanying app, parents have also the ability to track the activity of their kids.
With a voice giving instructions over the built-in speaker and only 4 buttons on the watch, it is pretty easy for kids to figure out what to do.
➤ LeapFrog LeapBand
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Best Kids SmartWatch For Messaging – Kurio Watch 2.0
BEST FOR AGES: 6 to 15
Pros: Motion sensor • Selfie camera • Cheap
Cons: Worse durability
Reasons To Buy: Bluetooth, Selfie camera, Motion sensor, Built-in camera, speaker, and microphone, Games
The Kurio Watch 2.0 is an updated version of its very popular original.
This one offers even more features, customization options, and fun for kids aged 6 and over.
The watch is pre-loaded with heaps of activities; camera, video, photo filters, Bluetooth messaging and calls, activity tracker, drawing, games and more.
One of the coolest features of the new Kurio Watch 2 is the “watch-to-watch” messaging via Bluetooth. Now, your kids can share texts, drawings, emojis, voice recordings or photos at a close distance.
What´s more, you can also download the company´s Messenger app on any Android device and send messages to the watch or connect your Android or iOS smartphone and make hands-free phone calls.
➤ Kurio Watch 2
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Good Android Watch For Kids –
Omate Wherecom K3
BEST FOR AGES: 6 to 9
Pros: Design • Accurate locator
Cons: Expensive
Reasons To Buy: Restricted phone calls, alarm, music, gallery, pedometer, GPS, Microphone
Omate Wherecom K3 smartwatch offers a number of features for kids to entertain themselves with.
Which features?
This device includes alarms, music, images, pedometer, calculator, stopwatch, and various pre-installed apps and games. Still not impressed?
Due to the fact that Omate has a partnership with Monitorlinq, the smartwatch can track your child’s location using GPS, 3G GSM networks, and Wi-Fi hotspots and as a nice addition communicates it back to you. Omate Wherecom K3 is a really nice looking waterproof Android watch for kids that will keep them safe.
➤ Omate Wherecom K3
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Budget Waterproof Kids SmartWatch – GreaSmart Kids Smartwatch
BEST FOR AGES: 4 to 10
Pros: Durable • Remote monitoring
Cons: Basic functions • Bulky • Battery life
Reasons To Buy: Android, GPS tracker, SOS button, remote monitor, pedometer
If you don´t like the idea of giving your child an expensive smartwatch, this hardware from GreaSmart should be interesting to you. A really cheap yet still quality kids smartwatch with a built-in pedometer, GPS tracker, SOS button and remote monitor. Just download the company´s app to your smartphone and set up contact numbers that can be used by your child to receive or make calls. What´s more, this cheap kids smartwatch is allowing you or your kid to sent text or voice messages.
➤ GreaSmart Kids Smartwatch
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Best Smartwatches For Kids – Age 12 And Over
Best Kid Smartwatch For iPhone – Apple Watch Series 1
BEST FOR AGES: 12 and over
Pros: Easy to set up • Good for goal setting
Cons: Not for swimming • No GPS • Low battery life
Reasons To Buy: iOS, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Light Sensor, Activity Tracker, Heart Monitor, Microphone and Speaker, Bluetooth
Even though we already have Series 43, the Apple Watch Series 1 is a great choice for teen iPhone owners who want to track their fitness activities but don´t need to have GPS.
It is smooth to use, fast and the battery can last long enough to get you through a day with exercise. With good accuracy and connectivity, durable build and comfortable band and the fact that you can use various apps to measure your activities or boost your motivation, Apple Watch Series 1 is a good kid smartwatch for iPhone users who want to stay active.
➤ Apple Watch Series 1
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Decent Choice – LG GizmoPal 2
BEST FOR AGES: 10 to 14
Pros: Affordable • Easy to use • Two-way communication
Cons: Bulky • Slow GPS locator
The LG GizmoPal 2 for Verizon Wireless is a simple, easy to use tracking phone for small children.
The Gizmopal 2 is controlled by an app on your smartphone and only allows four phone numbers for both incoming and outgoing calls.
All of those numbers are entered via the app. A cool feature is the auto-answers after 10 seconds of no pickup. So if your kid doesn’t answer, it will automatically answer for him. A great feature.
Why?
If you need to get in touch with your child, and he doesn’t answer, you can hear what’s going on and it can possibly hear you too. LG GizmoPal 2 also has a GPS locator (a little slow) that can be very helpful when you need to see where your kid is.
➤ LG Gizmopal 2
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Budget Kid SmartWatch For Android and iPhone – Pebble Smartwatch
BEST FOR AGES: 12 and over
Pros: Awesome battery life • Waterproof • Comfortable band
Cons: Cheap feeling • Limited features
Reasons To Buy: iOS, Android, Emails, Caller ID, Downloadable watch faces, iTunes, Spotify, and Pandora enabled
The Pebble Time isn’t a perfect smartwatch, but it’s the long battery life, always-on screen, 30-meter water resistance (swim-friendly), DIY watch faces and apps, makes it a fantastic choice for children aged 10 and over.
It works with both iOS and Android, too. Unfortunately, Pebble Time hasn’t anything that we haven’t seen before. It is good if all you want on your wrist is access to notifications and a clock, but there are not enough features for adults.
For kids age 10 and over, Pebble could be still a good and cheap starter smartwatch compatible with any Android and iOS device.
➤ Pebble Time
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Best Affordable Teen Smartwatch For Android – TicWatch S&E
BEST FOR AGES: 12 and up
Pros: Simple design • Awesome value • Bright touchscreen
Cons: The plastic design is not for everyone
Reasons To Buy: Android Wear 2.0, Activity tracker, Voice assistant, Heart rate monitoring
The Ticwatch is proof that a really good smartwatch doesn’t have to mean expensive.
Never heard of them?
Mobvoi is a relatively new and small brand to the smartwatch community, but with the Ticwatch E, they impressed us. It is not a just great device for its price, but it can also without problems compete with far more expensive smartwatches.
You get full Android Wear 2.0 experience, all of the fitness features you would expect, accurate heart sensor, built-in GPS, e-compass, and much more. The battery life is even more impressive then price and the design… Ok, the design is not for everyone. You get a very straightforward plastic build, but it doesn’t feel cheap.
However, this is a cool looking smartwatch for 12 years old (and over), but the true highlight here is the low price. It makes Ticwatch S&E one of the best values on the market.
➤ Ticwatch
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Smartwatch For Kids Buying Guide And FAQs
Reasons Why A Smartwatch Is A Good Choice For Kids
Safety Of Your Kids – Nothing comes before your child’s security and well-being. Whether it is a medical emergency or a situation where your kid needs help, these smartwatches can send you a signal (some have an SOS button).
Tracking – Knowing the location of your child is probably the main reason why parents think of buying a smartwatch for kids. Just open your iPhone or Android app and you will immediately know where your child is.
Independence – A smartwatch can help to develop a sense of independence for your child. The inbuilt tracking and safety features give parents the confidence to let their children go out alone. Some smartwatches also help the child to keep track of their own schedules and to-do lists.
Should You Really Buy Smartwatch For Your Kids
If you are not sure about the idea of giving a child a smartwatch, here are some of the pros and cons.
PROS
- GPS tracking is a helpful function. You can locate your child and help him in emergency situations.
- Synchronize the kid´s smartwatch with your phone, and you can contact your child whenever you want, block unknown numbers and only allowing authorized devices to interact with it.
- Durable design. These smartwatches are specially designed for kids, so you can expect a durable, scratch-resistant and splashproof device.
CONS
- Not all kids like the fact that they are being tracked by GPS.
- The distraction factor in the classroom is also another downside of wearing smartwatches. As with smartphones, some schools allow kids to wear these devices in class and some don´t.
Is It Safe To Give Your Kid A Child´s Smartwatch
There are things you should know before buying a smartwatch designed for kids. Some watches – which are sold by a large number of providers – are generally aimed at children between the ages of 4 to 12. They are equipped with a Sim card and very limited phone functions and are controlled via an app.
The latest investigation by the Norwegian Consumer Council (NCC) has found that it’s probably not the best idea to slap a GPS tracking wearable on your child’s wrist. The report (with a “#WatchOut” title – the video is below) details the NCC’s investigation into four popular smartwatch brands for children — Xplora, Viksfjord, Gator 2, and Tinitell — which found half to be extremely vulnerable to not only hackers but basically any “stranger with some technical knowledge.” (source).
Even a German regulator has banned the sale of smartwatches aimed at children, describing them as spying devices. “Poorly secured smart devices often allow for privacy invasion. That is really concerning when it comes to kids’ GPS tracking watches – the very watches that are supposed to help keep them safe,” said Ken Munro, a security expert at Pen Test Partners. (source).
To make it clear, all the tests you see in the video have been done only on Gator 2 – a very cheap smartwatch. Always be careful about the quality you are buying. If you buy a cheap watch, don’t be surprised if it is hackable. It is a device your kids will wear. So, always check the quality of smartwatch, pay little more for safety or then better not buying instead of putting your kids at risk.
FAQ
Do You Need A SIM Card For Your Kids Smartwatch?
If the smartwatch has the ability to call and send messages, then you need a SIM card. You have to buy a micro SIM card separately, which supports 2G/3G or 4G network. We are recommending SpeedTalk Mobile SIM card that is specially designed for kids’ smartwatches.
Are These Smartwatches For Kids GSM And LTE Compatible?
Yes, most kids’ smartwatches (when support calls and messaging) run on a GSM networks and some of them are 4G/LTE compatible.
How Do You know If The Smartwatch For Kids Is Compatible With Smartphone?
You have to read the smartwatch description from the manufacturer. If the smartwatch supports Android or iOS, the manufacture will make it clear and in most cases, there is an official app to help you connect the phone with your smartwatch.
How Do You Know If The Smartwatch Is Waterproof?
Being waterproof means the gadget can be submerged in the water, but only for some time. Theoretically, the gadget should remain impervious to water, but in reality, after some time period, the protective shield will reach its level and get few drops of water on the inside. That´s the reason why there is no waterproof smartwatch right now. They are water-resistant.
In terms of water resistance, you should aim for a higher IP rating as it gets. The IP rating refers to how much water, moisture or dirt a product can withstand. Ratings range from 0 to 6 for dust and dirt and 0 to 8 for water. The best smartwatches available come with IP68 which means that the device is suitable for continuous immersion in water under conditions that are specified by the manufacturer. For detailed information read our guide – Waterproof vs Water-resistant: What is the difference.
Are The Silicone Straps Safe For Your Kid?
Don’t worry, silicone straps are safe for children.
Conclusion
Smartwatches are a really great way to stay connected to your kind. Of course, you wouldn’t want to give your child a $200+ smartwatch, with all the newest features and hope that it would take care of it.
Fortunately, many leading manufacturers in this industry understand that issue and making watches specially designed with kids in the mind. They feature games, encourage active play, offer secure 2-way communication with contacts approved by the parent and some of them have even built-in GPS tracking. So, what is the best smartwatch for kids (2019)? Here are our best picks:
- Best Smartwatch For Kids With GPS – TickTalk 3
- Best Smartwatch For Kids With Games – Vtech Kidizoom DX2
- Best Kids Activity Tracker – Garmin Vivofit Jr. 2
- Best Kid Smartwatch For iPhone – Apple Series 1
- Best Kid Smartwatch For Android – Ticwatch E
MORE INFORMATION
If you enjoyed the review of best smartwatches for kids, you’ll probably like our other articles as well. Here are some popular resources from the wearables category on Nechstar:
Main image credit: TickTalk
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