Best Smartwatches for Kids

Three parents and their kiddos helped us test several kids smartwatches, comparing top features like GPS tracking ,video calling, durability and battery life.
Best overall
Gabb Watch 3
4 out of 5 stars
4
  • pro
    No camera
  • pro
    Virtual pet game
  • pro
    48 hour battery life
Budget pick
COSMO JrTrack 3
4.3 out of 5 stars
4.25
  • pro
    Camera
  • pro
    No games
  • con
    24 hour battery
Best for kids under 10
TickTalk 5
4 out of 5 stars
4
  • pro
    Video calls and messaging
  • pro
    Chore lists
  • pro
    Parent-managed contacts
Best for Verizon customers
Verizon GizmoWatch 3
4 out of 5 stars
4
  • pro
    Camera
  • pro
    Some games
  • pro
    72 hour battery
Best advanced GPS tracking
AngelSense smartwatch for kids
AngelSense
4.3 out of 5 stars
4.25
  • pro
    No camera
  • pro
    Transit tracking
  • con
    24 hour battery

SafeWise experts have years of firsthand experience testing the products we recommend. Learn how we test and review

For parents who need to stay connected to their kids, options can feel slim. Smartphones can be distracting for younger kids and GPS trackers can feel invasive for older kids. Smartwatches strike a balance between the two with kid and parent-friendly features. 

The best smartwatches for kids can track your kids' location, send messages and call, al while having enough features to keep them excited about the device. 

The Gabb Watch 3, for example, has a virtual pet that your child can care for with coins they earn from chore lists that parents set. Cosmo JrTrack 3 allows your kids to call and message parent-approved contacts from their wrists. And the TickTalk 5 has kid-safe music streaming and "school mode" to avoid distractions.

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2024 SafeWise Kids Safety Awards

Four of the five smartwatches on this list are Kids Safety Award winners. We tested and measured four categories of kids' safety tech including smartwatches, GPS trackers, parental controls, and phones to find products parents and kids love. 


Compare the best smartwatches for kids

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Are smartwatches allowed in school?

Before getting a smartwatch for your kiddos, consider classroom and school policies. Not all classrooms, teachers, or school districts allow tech like this during learning hours

Thankfully, the best kids smartwatches have DND (do not disturb) or "focus" modes that parents can set, locking the watch during certain hours. Be sure to talk to your child's teacher or principal before sending them to school with a smartwatch. 


What to look for in a kids smartwatch

After 10-plus years of testing and wearing family safety devices, we know what makes a kids smartwatch stand out (or not). Here's a peek into our process and features to look for when picking the best kids smartwatch for your family.

  • Price and monthly costs
  • GPS tracking
  • SOS call button
  • Durability
  • Parental controls
  • Connectivity
  • Ease of use
  • Video calling
  • Fun games or activities 

In addition, it's important for parents and caregivers to have an open, ongoing dialogue with the children in their lives about the goals for getting a smartwatch and how to use and take care of it responsibly. 

Watch
Best for
Watch price Icon Tooltip  Dark
Video calling
GPS tracking
Max. number of contacts
Compatible cell providers
Learn more
Best overall
Icon No  LightNo
Icon Yes  LightYes
100Gabb Wireless
Budget pick
Icon No  LightNo
Icon Yes  LightYes
20Cosmo
Best for kids under 10
Icon Yes  LightYes
Icon Yes  LightYes
10AT&T and T-Mobile
Best for active kids
Icon No  LightNo
Icon Yes  LightYes
20Garmin
Best for kids with special needs
Icon Yes  LightNo
Icon Yes  LightYes
10AngelSense subscription using AT&T, T-Mobile

Amazon.com price as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Read full disclaimer.
*Limited time deal.
 **No contract required. $30 activation. New lines only.

Video: Gabb smartwatch review

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Is my child old enough for a smartwatch?

Smartwatches are more interactive and require a little more responsibility from your kiddos than GPS trackers but much less than their first phone.

While maturity varies from child to child, we generally recommend smartwatches to kids in elementary and early middle school who are old enough to take care of the device and use it without too much distraction. 

1. Gabb Watch: Best overall

Best overall
Price
$149.99 + Gabb cellular plan
Suggested age
7–14
Max. battery life
24 hours
Waterproof
IP68

*Info current as of publish date. Codes are applicable for new lines only.
Promo codes can not be stacked. $30 activation fee.

The Gabb Watch 3 is an affordable and simple watch with no camera, but a digital pet helps motivate kids to stay active and complete chores. Plus, the latest model (Gabb Watch 3) includes IP68 water resistance and an ultra-strong Gorilla Glass 3 screen to withstand whatever kids put it through.

Our testers said it was one of the easiest kids smartwatches to set up since it comes with its own SIM card.

pro
Pros
pro Geofencing and GPS tracking
pro Parent-controlled call list
pro SOS button
pro Easy setup
pro Gamified activity
pro Gabb Wireless SIM card included
pro Free device with 2-year contract
con
Cons
con No camera
con No video calling
con No 911 option
Light Bulb
NEW: Gabb Music+

This year Gabb released its music streaming service, Gabb Music+. Kids can create their own playlists and share their favorite songs all without explicit lyrics or content. While this feature isn't available with the Gabb Watch 3, it is available for the Gabb phones

Basic features mean it's easy to use

The parents we talked to felt satisfied with the Gabb Watch's features: location  tracking, safe zones, to-do lists and reminders, and easy text or voice communication.

There's no video calling, no 911 option, and no discreet audio check-ins, which help keep the price affordable and the battery chugging along. 

An awesome virtual pet—or six

A happy GabbGo T-Rex. Image: Kyle Lemmon, SafeWise

But the real highlight of the Gabb Watch is GabbGo—a clever way to motivate kids to do their chores and stay active. It's cute, simple, and a big hit with our group of testers.

Here's how it works: kids earn virtual coins by completing their to-do lists (which you delegate through the parent app) or reaching step goals. They can spend those coins to care for a virtual pet, teach it tricks, and add even more pets (including a T-Rex and a unicorn) to their menagerie. 

Gabb released three new pets with its latest software update, which helps keep the game fresh.  

Icon Quote  Dark
We've loved the Gabb Watch
We’ve had a Gabb Watch for our 9-year-old daughter for almost two years. We love that we can give her some independence and freedom while still feeling like we’re able to keep her safe. Our favorite thing about it is that she can only call and text with preapproved contacts. We’ve loved the Gabb Watch and are planning on upgrading her to the Gabb Phone in a few months and handing the watch down to our son. —Kyle L.

Check out the details—including more of our test group's opinions and images—in our full Gabb Watch review. Or get all your questions answered on our Gabb Watch FAQ page.

2. COSMO JrTrack 3: Budget pick

Budget pick
Price
$129.99 + data plan

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Suggested age
5–12
Max. battery life
24 hours
Waterproof
IP68

Info current as of publish date.

The COSMO JrTrack 3 was designed by a father with the needs of both parents and kids in mind. It combines safety features with cool colors, comfortable straps, and the convenience of a full-size keyboard.

We like that it has all the features you need (GPS tracking, safe zones, SOS button, two-way talk) plus nice extras like a camera. Best of all, COSMO Membership plans are simple, straightforward, and affordable. 

pro
Pros
pro Safe zones and GPS tracking
pro 30-day money-back guarantee
pro SOS and 911 buttons
pro Easy setup
pro School mode
pro Full keyboard
pro Comfortable and colorful
con
Cons
con No video calling
con No games

Unlimited everything

With COSMO you get to talk, text, and share photos as much as you want—everything is unlimited. It's a huge relief to not worry about data limits when you need to stay in touch with your little ones.

COSMO Plans: Get unlimited 4G talk, text and data.

  • 3-month plan: $17.99/month
  • 6-month plan: $14.99/month
  • 1-year prepaid plan: $12.99/month
  • 2-year prepaid plan: $9.99/month

Colorful and comfy

Image: Rebecca Edwards, SafeWise

One thing COSMO stands out for is its fun colors and comfortable fit.  Kids get to pick from colors like orange and purple and my kid tester says COSMO is the most comfortable and lightweight watch she's tried for us. The strap is soft, and the fact you tuck in the end of the band makes it extra secure.

We also found setup to be a breeze. COSMO's private family-safe network makes it easy to get the JrTrack up and running. We've struggled connecting other watches to networks like AT&T and Verizon, so we really appreciate COSMO's simple network activation.

3. TickTalk 5: Best for kids under 10

Best for kids under 10
Price
$159.99 + cellular service

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Suggested age
5-11
Max. battery life
48 hours
Waterproof
IP67

*Amazon.com price as of publish date. Read full disclaimer.

The big, bright, colorful TickTalk 5 smartwatch has everything your youngest wants in a device. They can send voice memos, messages, and video call with trusted contacts like family and friends who also have TickTalk watches. It comes with a pre-installed SIM card for AT&T and T-Mobile users, making it easy to add on to your existing family cellular plan.

We like the TickTalk 5 for younger users because its features lean more in favor of parents. Kids still get fun features like music streaming, e-cards, and emojis. But parents get the lion's share of control over the watch. And the on-board camera will be fun for kids to take pictures of their adventures and video call with loved ones. 

pro
Pros
pro GPS tracking
pro Parental-controlled contact list
pro SOS button
pro Music or story streaming
pro Video calling
pro Voice to text
pro Direct-to-911 option
con
Cons
con Not compatible with Verizon or Sprint
con No games
con Expensive up-front price
con Some video calling setup snafus
con Bulky

Full of features for kids and parents alike

Parents can set reminders and timers for chores and activities. So if your kids need an extra nudge to pick up their toys, Mom or Dad can do it through the TickTalk app and send it straight to their child's watch. 

Parents can also set do-not-distrub modes on the watch for school hours and focus time to lock the watch from use. Thankfully, its SOS and 911 features can still work in case kids get in a tough situation. 

The TickTalk 5 also has improved GPS and mapping features, allowing parents to get a more accurate picture of their child's location. 

What our testers liked about the TickTalk smartwatches

Images: SafeWise

TickTalk 4 kid favorite features

We had to see if the TickTalk performed well in the real world before crowning it a best kids smartwatch. So, we asked a mom and her kids to put it through the ringer. 

As we expected, the kids loved playing music, making video calls, sending each other greeting cards, and engaging with all of the other kid-centric features of the watch. Mom, on the other hand, appreciated the safety side of things, like the closed communication network and listen-in function.

TickTalk4 featured image

Image: Rebecca Edwards, SafeWise

Our testers noted that it was difficult to set up TickTalk4 video-calling permissions with grandparents who lived across the country—the approval process required them to scan the watch's QR code. The 7-year-old's only complaint was the size of the watch—it's pretty bulky, even on an adult-sized wrist. 

Get all the details in our full TickTalk 4 Kids Smartwatch review.

4. Garmin Bounce: Best for active kids

Best for active kids
Price
$149.99

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Suggested age
6–12
Max. battery life
48 hours
Waterproof
Yes

Info current as of publish date.

The Garmin Bounce matches advanced location and activity tracking features with the safety of a kids smartwatch. While your active kiddo enjoys outpacing their siblings on the family leaderboard, you can rest easy knowing they can't download apps or reach unknown contacts through their device. 

This Garmin kids' watch is swim-friendly and durabl enough to withstand the roughest horseplay. And like adult Garmin watches, it can track multiple activities like running, biking, walking, swimming and more. 

As the parent, you can manage their contacts list and permissions around who the speak with and when they can use their watch (no more classroom distractions). 

Read our full review on the Garmin Bounce watch to learn more! 

pro
Pros
pro Geofencing and GPS tracking
pro Parental-controlled contact list
pro Reminders and to-do lists
pro Activity tracking
pro SOS button
pro Some games
con
Cons
con No video calling
con Limited to 20 contacts

You still get the most important features with the Garmin Bounce: live GPS tracking, parent-controlled contact list, and geofencing. It also comes with some games, a rewards system for chores, and limited, pre-set texting. One of the most appealing features is that you don’t have to switch cell phone providers—Garmin uses its own network for the Bounce, and plans start at $10 per month or $100 for the full year.

5. AngelSense: Best for kids with special needs

Like the Angel Watch, AngelSense is a kids GPS tracker, health tracker, and phone service. The difference is that AngelSense is for parents who want a watch that is simple, game and video-free and easy to use.

Like the TickTalk4, the AngelSense Watch includes video calling and a listen-in feature, but it has fewer contact slots and zero entertainment for your kid. (Which can certainly be a good thing, depending on what you're looking for.) It works with either AT&T or T-Mobile networks.

Best for kids with special needs
Price
$229.00
Suggested age
All ages
Max. battery life
24 hours
Water-resistant
Yes

Info current as of publish date.

pro
Pros
pro Auto pickup
pro Ride monitoring
pro GPS Tracking
pro Water resistant
con
Cons
con 60 minutes per month limit
con 1-year contract with monthly plan
con 24-hour battery life
con Large on small children's wrists

Tracking, tracking and more tracking

AngelSense goes beyond the usual GPS tracking by getting to know the wearer's routine. Imagine if little Jimmy takes a different route to school—AngelSense will send you a heads-up. It's like having an extra pair of eyes on your loved ones.

Remember those hide-and-seek games in store clothing racks? With AngelSense, those mini heart-stopping moments can be a thing of the past. Can't spot your little adventurer nearby? Just trigger the watch's alarm and follow the sound straight to your cheeky hider. Plus, you can share a temporary tracking link with friends, family, or even the police to help locate the watch wearer quickly.

For those with loved ones on the move, AngelSense's Live Safe Ride Transit Tracking is a gem. It lets you check if the vehicle they're in is going a bit too fast—super useful for keeping an eye on teen drivers.

Curious about your child's activity levels? AngelSense can tell you if they're really joining in during PE class or if they are sitting on the sidelines.

And here’s something truly reassuring: fall detection. In case of an accident, you're alerted instantly, so you can swiftly get help.

One small thing to note: to keep this constant tracking going, the watch needs regular charging. We found that a daily charge is best to avoid any gaps in coverage and keep the insights coming.

Learn more in our full AngelSense Watch review.

Best smartwatch for kids reviews

6. Verizon Gizmo Watch 3: Best smart watch for Verizon customers

Because the Verizon Gizmo Watch 3 combines the best features of the GizmoWatch 2 and the Disney Edition, it easily became our favorite kids smart watch from Verizon. Plus, there are new features on the Gizmo Watch 3 that make it more competitive against other kids smart watches in general, like location history reports, Bluetooth compatibility for earbuds, and more than 3.5 days of standby battery.

Best for Verizon customers
Price
$149.99
Suggested age
6–12
Max. battery life
86 hours
Waterproof
No

Info current as of publish date.

pro
Pros
pro Geofencing and GPS tracking
pro Parent-controlled contact list
pro Reminders and to-do lists
pro Activity tracking
pro Video calling
pro SOS button
pro Some games
con
Cons
con Requires Verizon plan
con No direct-to-911 option

Vibration mode and auto answer

Parents can switch the GizmoWatch to quiet mode or vibration mode via the app. This allows incoming calls to show up on the screen but silences the ringtone and any of the watch’s sound effects. You can also set up specific quiet times to ensure, for example, your child’s ringtone doesn’t disrupt their class.

Another neat feature is “auto answer.” After parents toggle this setting on the GizmoHub app, the watch will automatically pick up your call after ringing for ten seconds. This lets you listen in to check on your child or talk through the watch in an emergency.

Learn more in our full GizmoWatch review or compare the GizmoWatches to the ever-popular Gabb Watch in our head-to-head review: GizmoWatch vs. Gabb Watch.

Best smartwatch for kids reviews

7. Angel Watch: Best for SOS calls

Bell
Angel Watch Series RS sold out

The Angel Watch Series RS (waterproof) watch is sold out. The website has limited stock for the Angel Watch R (water-resitant). Be sure to click "Kids" on the Angel Watch website to select the Series R if you want an Angel Watch for your little angel.

The Angel Watch is a kids GPS tracker, health tracker, and phone service rolled into one. We’re especially impressed with the Angel Watch’s SOS feature, which activates after a three-second press and calls three designated contacts in a loop until someone picks up.

Best for SOS calls
Price
$179.99 (sale price)
Suggested age
7–12
Max. battery life
48 hours
Waterproof
No

Info current as of publish date.

pro
Pros
pro Geofencing and GPS tracking
pro Parent-controlled call list
pro SOS button
pro Video calling
pro Vital sign readings
pro Listen-in feature
pro Red Pocket Mobile SIM card included
con
Cons
con Doesn't work well with all service providers
con No games

Like the TickTalk4, the Angel Watch includes video calling and a listen-in feature, but it has fewer contact slots and zero entertainment for your kid. (Which can certainly be a good thing, depending on what you're looking for.) It works with either AT&T or T-Mobile networks.

Health monitoring features

The Angel Watch also helps parents monitor the health of their child via a vital sign sensor that rests against the skin. The watch can detect four vital signs:

  • Body temperature
  • Blood pressure
  • Blood oxygen
  • Heart rate

As neat as this sounds, the Angel Watch Company warns that these readings may not always be accurate. It’s also totally up to the parents to monitor vital signs and take action if needed. This device won’t send out an alert if there’s a worrisome deviation from the norm.

The Angel Watch also counts your kid’s steps and estimates the total distance covered and calories burned. If your child wears this watch to bed, it will also track sleep quality.

Learn more in our full Angel Watch review.

More kids smartwatches we considered

Apple Watch: Best smartwatch for teens

Best smartwatch for teens
apple watch series 4 rose gold
Apple Watch Series 4
$138.00
(Refurbished)

Amazon.com list price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

Unless you have one to hand down or choose an older refurbished model, the Apple Watch can be an expensive choice for a kid's smartwatch and GPS tracker. But it does work. Choose an Apple Watch SE or Apple Watch 4 (or later series) with LTE connectivity and add it to a Family Sharing account to get started. You'll be able to manage apps, control contacts and screen time, and see your child's location from your iPhone. 

Because it does include internet access, we recommend the Apple Watch for teens, not little ones. On the plus side, your kid will have a full-fledged smartwatch once they outgrow the parental controls. 

The most affordable Apple Watch option we found retails for around $189 (refurbished), putting it in the same range as a Angel Watch or TickTalk 4. Expect to pay more for different colors or the latest release. The watch also needs a cell plan to make phone calls or send texts, which typically costs around $10 per month.

T-Mobile SyncUP Kids Watch: Best for T-Mobile customers

Best for T-Mobile customers

Brand new to the market, the GPS-enabled SyncUP Kids Watch by T-Mobile offers a full keyboard for texting, which we haven't seen in many other kids smartwatches. Other rare features include an unlimited number of contacts (parent-approved, of course) and a 911 option. 

And if your child activates the SOS button by holding it for about three seconds, you'll get an audio clip of the watch's surroundings so you know what's going on.

We're currently testing the T-Mobile SyncUp to see how it stacks up to other kids smartwatches. Over the first month, initial impressions are generally positive. Parents liked getting the device for free with an added line on their T-Mobile account and think the $10 monthly fee is reasonable. 

Both Mom and our 9-year-old tester have noted it has fewer features than the TickTalk, but it serves its primary purpose—location tracking and communication—well.

We don’t think the SyncUP Kids Watch is quite ready to knock our top five faves out of position. It has a few flaws:

  • Available to existing T-Mobile customers only
  • Available in stores only
  • No video calling
  • The 911 option can’t be toggled off in the parent app
  • Camera quality is poor

The SyncUP Kids Watch retails for about $175 and requires a $10 monthly subscription through T-Mobile. Check back as we continue to test the SyncUP and share the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Xplora X5 Play: Best for active fun

Best for active fun
Xplora X5 Play kids smartwatch

Amazon.com list price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

Before the Gabb Watch came along, the Xplora X5 Play was the go-to if you wanted games and GPS tracking rolled into one slick kids smartwatch. Recommended for 5-12 year olds, it has a 24 hour battery life and is waterproof. And, it still holds its own thanks to the sheer quantity of games available—all of which are designed to get your kid moving.

pro
Pros
pro Geofencing and GPS tracking
pro Parental-controlled contact list
pro SOS button
pro High-quality camera
pro Gamified activity tracking
pro Waterproof up to 3 feet
con
Cons
con No video calling
con SIM card not included
con Does not work with all cell providers
con No 911 option

Fun features

With Xplora's Goplay platform, your child earns one coin for every 1,000 steps logged on the watch. Coins can be redeemed on the Goplay platform to play virtual games or purchase products.

Physical fitness aside, we think this is a great incentive for kids to wear this GPS-tracking watch at all times.

Selfie camera but no video calling

This smartwatch includes a 2MP selfie camera and stores around 1,000 photos and videos. We’re impressed by the video and audio quality. In fact, we expected video calling to be included in this smartwatch since it has such a nice camera. But that’s the major downside of the Xplora X5 Play; you can’t hop on a video call with your kid. 

Limited cell networks

The Xplora X5 works best with the T-mobile network and does not work with Verizon, Sprint, or U.S. Cellular. You’ll also need to purchase a SIM card separately.

Learn more in our full Xplora X5 Play review.

Bell
New Xplora X6 Play now available

Xplora's newest smartwatch is now available on Amazon. The Xplora X6 Play comes in three colors and retails around $170. Like all our favorite smartwatches, it can send texts, video messages, emojis and voice messages to approved contacts. 

Little Tikes Tobi Robot: Best for preschoolers

Best for preschoolers
Little Tikes Tobi Robot kids smartwatch

Amazon.com list price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

The Little Tikes Tobi Robot smartwatch reminds us of the Tamagotchi keychains popular in the ’90s. Kids get to feed and interact with the animated face on this smartwatch, making it great for younger kids ages 4-6. It even has arms and legs that pop out from the side of the watch. (Don’t worry, it’s not as creepy as it sounds.)

Retailing for about $20 (or more, depending on the color), it’s one of the most affordable kids smartwatches on the market. It's not waterproof, but does have a good battery life of 120 hours. However, it really can’t compete with the other watches on our list in terms of features. In fact, it seems to be meant for entertainment and learning rather than safety or as a stepping stone of independence. 

pro
Pros
pro Storage for up to 3,000 photos
pro Games
pro Fitness tracker
pro No monthly payments
con
Cons
con No GPS tracking or geofencing
con No SOS button
con No calling or messaging

This isn’t a GPS smartwatch, nor does it support texting or calling. That’s probably because it’s meant for kids as young as four years old, who probably remain under direct supervision anyway. But if your little one feels super left out when their older sibling gets a cool new gadget, this is what you could give them to keep them entertained.

This watch features a camera and impressive storage. Your budding photographer can store up to 30 minutes of video footage or 3,000 pictures. They can also add stickers to their photos.

Tobi also includes some basic games and an activity tracker/fitness tracker. If one of your kid’s friends also has a Tobi watch, they can send each other photos or emojis. 

The good news is that you don’t need to purchase a monthly cellular plan for this watch because it can't make phone calls.

Learn more in our full Little Tikes Tobi Robot review.

VTech Kidizoom Smartwatch DX2: Best preschool education apps

Best for preschool education

Amazon.com price as of publish date. Read full disclaimer.

We waffled back and forth about whether to make the VTech Kidizoom DX2 our fifth pick or to keep it as an honorable mention. It’s been one of our top picks in previous iterations of this list, but it just can’t hold a candle to some of the new kids smartwatches on the market. 

The VTech Kidizoom is nearly identical to the Little Tikes Tobi Robot in terms of functionality: 

  • No GPS tracker
  • No communication
  • No SOS button
  • Camera for photos and videos
  • Games

We decided to use price as a tie-breaker, and the VTech Smartwatch Kidizoom DX2 lost out because it costs more than double the Little Tikes Tobi Robot.

But we do love that there are plenty of extra learning games you can add to this smartwatch via the VTech Learning Lodge. Your kid won’t get bored if you add a new game to the watch every so often. And they might learn some neat skills like telling time.

Spacetalk Adventurer: Best for smartwatch removal notification

Watch removal notification

*Amazon.com price as of publish date. Read full disclaimer.

The Spacetalk Adventurer watch includes all the basic features we look for in a kids smartwatch: GPS tracking, calling and texting, parent-approved contacts, school mode, and some nifty tools like alarms and reminders. There's no social media or internet to worry about either.

The Spacetalk Adventurer's only unique feature is its removal notification, which alerts parents if the watch is taken off. We also like that it's waterproof, supports unlimited approved contacts, and includes a heart rate monitor.

Other than that, the Spacetalk Adventurer doesn't stand out from the crowd. Plus, its battery life is less than stellar, lasting only about 36 hours with 15-minute location tracking updates.

Final word: Best kids smartwatches balance fun and freedom

Our favorite kids smartwatches meet in the middle between "fun gadget" and parental features. Kids will love having a direct line to their loved ones and the games and fun features certainly don't hurt. Parents will love giving kids more freedom while drawing fair boundaries. 

From our tests with parents and kids alike, we found the Gabb Watch 3 came out on top for its user friendliness, price, and ability to graduate into a similar ecosystem when your child's ready for a phone. 

We also loved the Cosmo JrTrack 3 for its pricing and the TickTalk 5 smartwatch for younger users. 

Kids smartwatch FAQ

No. The GizmoWatch2 is locked to Verizon. When you purchase the GizmoWatch2 online as a new customer, you’re prompted to purchase a Verizon plan for $10 per month.

Yes, in most cases they can withstand being submerged a few feet for several minutes. Look for water and weatherproofing info on specs like "IP67". This will tell you how long a watch can withstand water exposure. 

Yes! In the products we tested, kids didn't need a cellphone to use their smartwatch. However, these watches require a cellular signal to work with parents' phones, so they will include a monthly fee just like your cellphone. 

Some do, depending on the model and how it's connected to a cellular signal. In cases like the Gabb Watch 3, parents won't need to add the smartwatch to their cellular plan because Gabb offers its own service. But other products can work with your existing cellular carrier like AT&T or T-Mobile.

How we reviewed the best smartwatches for kids

Image: Rebecca Edwards, SafeWise

There are a lot of features packed into smartwatches for kids. To narrow down the contenders, we prioritized the following:

  • GPS tracking
  • Video calling
  • SOS button
  • Parent-controlled contact list
  • Fun games or activities 
  • Durability
  • Connectivity

We ultimately came up with a list of 43 criteria for comparing kids smartwatches and sussing out the top candidates. We also read hundreds of user reviews to evaluate each contender’s performance and customer service.

We tested several brands including the TickTalk, Gabb, Cosmo, Angel Watch, Xplora, Apple Watch, AngelSense Watch, and also collected feedback from parents with experience using top kids smartwatches on the market. 

Learn more about how we rank and review.

Related articles on SafeWise

Disclaimers

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Safewise.com utilizes paid Amazon links.

Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. This content is provided “as is” and is subject to change or removal at any time.

Cathy Habas
Written by
Cathy Habas
With over eight years of experience as a content writer, Cathy has a knack for untangling complex information. Her natural curiosity and ability to empathize help Cathy offer insightful, friendly advice. She believes in empowering readers who may not feel confident about a purchase, project, or topic. Cathy earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Indiana University Southeast and began her professional writing career immediately after graduation. She is a certified Safe Sleep Ambassador and has contributed to sites like Safety.com, Reviews.com, Hunker, and Thumbtack. Cathy’s pride and joy is her Appaloosa “Chacos.” She also likes to crochet while watching stand-up comedy specials on Netflix.

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