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The best kids' smartwatches: Apple, Vtech, Little Tikes, and more
Kids are growing up with technology more than ever before. By the time they are toddlers, they know how to use a smartphone and watch videos or play games on a tablet. If your child wants a gadget of their own, a smartwatch for kids is a great introductory tech that can keep them entertained with games and keep you at ease with features like location tracking and chore reminders.
Not only do smartwatches keep you in touch with your kids, they can also offer real-time location information so you know where they are at all times. In addition, many kids' smartwatches also have parental controls so you can keep track of things like screen time.
We've rounded up the best kids' smartwatch options for little ones, bigger kids, active youngsters, and children just looking to be entertained by fun features.
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- The best STEM toys for kids
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- Walkie-talkie function
- GPS
- Kids don't need a phone for it
- Expensive
- Only supports iPhones
Features: GPS | SOS feature | Offers parental control
Of course, a smartwatch list wouldn't be complete without an Apple Watch. While it's not made specifically with kids in mind, the Apple Watch SE is an excellent smartwatch for older kids with standout features plus parental controls. Along with using it for phone calls and text messages, the Apple Watch SE also tracks your child's sleep, has state-of-the-art health trackers, an SOS feature, and can pair with thousands of apps.
Also: Apple Watch SE vs Apple Watch Series 7: Which should you get?
You can utilize Apple's Family Setup to check your kid's location, set up shared contacts, set up parental controls like screen time usage, and more. They don't even need their own iPhone to have an Apple Watch; they can pair it up with yours, so you're fully in control. This smartwatch is recommended for older kids, with an age range of 10 and up.
- Tracks sleep
- Makes exercising fun
- Up to 8-day battery life
- No support for phone calls
- Smaller screen
- Black and white screen instead of color
Features: 8 days of battery life | Allows kids to participate in fun fitness challenges | Tracks sleep
One way to get your kids to ease into the world of smartwatches is a fitness tracker, which can also bonus to get them to move more. The Fitbit Ace 3 is a kids' smartwatch that has an animated clock face and fun band colors. With up to eight days of battery life, it tracks not only your child's movement but also their sleep and can even remind them when it's time for bed.
The Fitbit Ace 3 also allows your kid to participate in fun fitness challenges where they can compete with friends, siblings, cousins, or even you, to earn virtual badges if they win a challenge. This fitness tracker is recommended for kids ages six and above.
- Calendar and calculator to help kids learn math
- Parents can send reminders to watch
- Fun camera with filters
- Doesn't support texting or calling
- No GPS
Features: Takes pictures | Added effects like stamps and filters | Parental controls include chore reminders and screen time limits
If your little one is obsessed with taking photos on your phone, they'll love the Vtech Kidizoom Smartwatch DX3. This watch has dual cameras that take pictures and videos and add effects like stamps, frames, and filters. Kids can set their clock face to a photo they took or choose from more than 50 animated ones.
This smartwatch also lets kids share preset messages with friends or siblings that also have a Vtech watch, and they can play games with them as well. In addition, parental controls allow you to give your kid daily reminders like when it's time to do chores or when they've reached their screen time limit. This smartwatch is recommended for kids ages four and above.
- Long battery life
- Lots of band design options, including Marvel and Disney Princess
- Color display
- Fun features
- No phone or text capabilities
- No camera
- Could use more game variety
Features: Unlock games based on daily activity time | Parents can schedule chore reminders | Set playtime limits
Kids who like playing games will like this smartwatch option. The Vivofit Jr. 3 from Garmin lets your child unlock games and activities based on their daily activity time. Once they reach their goal, they can play a game right from their watch.
The Vivofit Jr. 3 has great parent features as well: Parents can schedule reminders for chores and other tasks from their phone, so their kid receives it on the watch, letting them know that playtime is over and it's time to clean up. This smartwatch is best for kids ages four through seven.
- Camera
- Fun and interactive robot design
- Different games geared towards fun and fitness
- Great for younger kids
- Bulky design
Features: Has 100 animated facial expressions | Contains fun games to build brain and fitness development | Parental controls of screen time
As an introductory smartwatch for littler kids, the Little Tikes Tobi 2 Robot Smartwatch is a great option for younger kids that will entertain your child with basic features. The watch's face cycles through more than 100 animated facial expressions, and the arms and legs also move with it.
There are also various games they can play that focus on brain development, fitness, and fun arcade games. A camera allows them to take photos from the watch, but parental controls ensure they're using the tech for a reasonable amount of time. Kids ages four and above will like this smartwatch's fun and quirky design.
- Color touchscreen display
- Low monthly cost
- Loaded with features and tracking
- Battery life isn't the best
Features: 2-day battery life | Real-time tracking | $10/month
Garmin just released its latest kids' smartwatch known as Bounce this month. Along with real-time location tracking, it includes communication features, health and sleep tracking, games, and much more. As far as tracking goes, parents can use location tracking on the Bounce to view their child's current whereabouts in the Garmin app, and be notified when they leave pre-approved areas.
LTE connectivity (that you can purchase from Garmin for $10/month) lets you have two-way texting and voice messaging with your kid for up to 20 parent-approved contacts.
There are also great health metrics like sleep, steps, and active minutes to keep an eye on your growing child's health. Plus, Garmin includes activity-related games within the watch so kids can unlock rewards for meeting their active goals, or responsibilities parents set like completing a chore.
What is the best kids' smartwatch?
We chose the Apple Watch SE as one of the best smartwatches for kids. It has awesome features for kids, like a walkie-talkie. And parents can rest easy, as the watch possesses GPS and you don't have to get your child an iPhone to use it.
However, it isn't the only option available. This table helps you compare the best smartwatches for kids based on pricing and special features:
Kids' smartwatch | Price | Special features |
Apple Watch SE | $199 | Walkie-talkie function, GPS, kids don't need a phone to use it |
Fitbit Ace 3 | $58 | Tracks sleep, makes exercising fun, 8-day battery life |
Vtech Kidizoom Smartwatch DX3 | $50 | Fun camera with filters, parents can send chore reminders, set screen time limits |
Garmin Vivofit Jr. 3 | $90 | Long battery life, ample band design options, color display |
Little Tikes Tobi 2 Robot Smartwatch | $42 | Fun and interactive robot design, different games for fitness and brain development |
Garmin Bounce | $150 | Real-time location tracking, communication features, health tracking, and activity games |
Which smartwatch for kids is right for you?
It depends on your budget and purposes for giving your child a smartwatch. If you want them to exercise more, the Fitbit Ace 3 is a wise option.
Meanwhile, the Vtech Kidizoom Smartwatch DX3 is fantastic for taking pictures. And with a starting price of $40, it's budget-friendly. Overall, this buying tree can help you make sense of all the best options available:
Choose this kids' smartwatch… | If you want... |
Apple Watch SE | The best overall smartwatch for kids |
Fitbit Ace 3 | A kids' smartwatch for fitness tracking |
Vtech Kidizoom Smartwatch DX3 | Your kid to take pictures with a smartwatch |
Garmin Vivofit Jr. 3 | A smartwatch for kids with built-in games |
Little Tikes Tobi 2 Robot Smartwatch | A smartwatch for your younger kid |
Garmin Bounce | Real-time location tracking built-in |
How did we choose these smartwatches for kids?
We looked at the various smartwatches for kids available on the market today and chose our top picks based on reliable brands, price, kid-friendly features, and reading customer reviews.
In addition, we paid attention to watches with parental control features since parents want to be sure any device they give their child is secure and safe.
Do kids need a smartwatch?
Kids don't necessarily need a smartwatch, but a smartwatch is a good introductory device to technology. If your child has been begging for a phone, a smartwatch could be a good alternative that lets them have a fun piece of tech without the commitment and responsibilities of a smartphone.
Plus, there are fewer parental controls to keep track of with a smartwatch versus a phone or tablet while still having the features kids love, like a camera, games, and a touchscreen display.
Are smartwatches for kids safe?
Similar to any device, there can be security vulnerabilities with smartwatches. However, with responsible use and monitoring, you can negate these threats. You can achieve this by limiting app permissions and setting time limits for use through parental control, teaching them responsible internet behaviors by keeping personal information private, and encouraging them to come to you if they encounter any issues.
Do you need a phone plan for kids' smartwatches?
In general, you will need some kind of phone plan if you plan on having your kid use things like voice calling, GPS trackers, or other features like text messaging.
While your kid usually won't need a phone (you can connect the smartwatch to yours) you'll find many brands of kids' smartwatches that will charge you monthly for more advanced features.
Are there alternative kids' smartwatch options to consider?
We know there are a lot of options on the market when it comes to smartwatches for kids, and we know you want the best product for them. Here are some other trustworthy kids smartwatches to look into: