Not quite ready to hand your child a smartphone? A smart watch for kids might be the perfect middle ground.
These wearable devices offer many of the same benefits as adult smartwatches – activity tracking, goal setting, and heart-rate monitoring – without the distractions of unlimited internet access or social media. Especially for children aged 5 to 12, the best kids' smart watch provides parents with peace of mind whilst giving children their first taste of technology responsibility.
If your child is among the more than 90% of 5-16-year-olds keen on sports, these smart watches for kids can effectively encourage and track their movement. Additionally, they give you a direct way to check on your children when they're on the move, without the steep investment of a full-fledged phone.
Parents also appreciate how these devices allow them to keep track of important metrics like sleep quality. The best smartwatches for kids combine the features of a GPS tracker, a basic phone, and a pedometer – all whilst maintaining appropriate safety controls.
We've thoroughly tested the top options available today to bring you this parent-approved list of the 9 best smartwatches for kids in 2025.
Garmin Bounce
The Garmin Bounce stands as an excellent bridge between simple activity trackers and full-featured smartphones. This robust smart watch for kids combines activity tracking capabilities with communication features, making it particularly suitable for parents seeking a balanced tech solution for their children.
→ Check out our collection of Garmin bounce straps and accessories.
Key Features of Garmin Bounce
The Bounce comes equipped with a 1.3" LCD touchscreen display that's surprisingly easy for small fingers to navigate. Despite its relatively large size (40.5mm wide, 42.4mm tall), children typically find the watch's substantial appearance appealing rather than cumbersome.
This smart watch for kids excels in activity monitoring, tracking steps, distance, and active minutes through four basic exercises—walk, run, swim, and bike. Furthermore, the built-in GPS enables precise workout tracking whilst simultaneously providing parents with location information.
One standout feature is the innovative "Adventure" mode, where animated explorers encourage daily activity. As your child moves, they virtually travel around the world, collecting gems and learning educational facts about international locations. This gamification makes physical activity more engaging for youngsters.
The Bounce likewise includes helpful practical features such as wake-up alarms, weather details, and timer functions that help teach children time management concepts.
Parental Controls in Garmin Bounce
Parental supervision options in the Garmin Bounce are comprehensive and managed through the Garmin Jr. app. Parents can establish geographical boundaries around locations like home and school, receiving alerts if their child crosses these predetermined areas.
The "School Mode" function is particularly valuable, automatically silencing and restricting watch functions during school hours whilst still allowing emergency assistance features. Moreover, the watch includes an "Assistance" button that sends emergency alerts to designated family contacts.
Other notable parental controls include:
- Managing approved messaging contacts
- Setting daily step goals
- Establishing a do-not-disturb during sleep hours
- Creating chore reminders with optional rewards
- Monitoring sleep patterns
Garmin Bounce Battery Life & Durability
Battery performance varies according to usage patterns. With continuous LTE connectivity, the Bounce typically delivers about 2 days of battery life. However, removing the watch at night significantly extends battery life, as the device enters an efficient sleep mode when detecting no movement.
The primary drawback regarding power management is the lengthy charging time—over 2 hours for a full charge. This might prove challenging for families with busy morning routines.
On the durability front, the Bounce excels with its 5 ATM water resistance rating, making it suitable for swimming pools and bath time. The lightweight design (38g) ensures comfort during extended wear, whilst the replaceable 20mm band allows for customisation.
Best Age Group for Garmin Bounce
Garmin officially recommends the Bounce for children aged 6-12 years. Nevertheless, the interface is straightforward enough that even younger children (5-7 years) can navigate it successfully.
The device represents an ideal first step into wearable technology for elementary-aged children who aren't quite ready for smartphones. It reassures parents of location tracking and emergency communication without exposing children to the potential risks associated with unrestricted internet access or social media platforms.
Overall, the Garmin Bounce strikes a fine balance between functionality and simplicity, making it a top contender amongst the best smartwatches for kids currently available.
MyFirst Fone R2
For families seeking a premium smart watch for kids with comprehensive features, the MyFirst Fone R2 offers an impressive blend of safety, communication, and entertainment capabilities in a sleek, child-friendly design.
Key Features of MyFirst Fone R2
The MyFirst Fone R2 combines six essential functions in one device: phone, GPS tracker, music player, camera, clock, and fitness tracker. At the heart of this smart watch sits a vibrant 1.3-inch AMOLED touchscreen with 360×360 resolution that automatically adjusts brightness based on surrounding light conditions, reducing power consumption by up to 20%.
Design improvements make this model notably more comfortable than its predecessor. The R2 has been slimmed down to 13.6mm (from 16.5mm) and weighs just 48 grammes, making it 7 grammes lighter than the previous version. The device features a customisable "Magic Button" on top that can be programmed for different functions with single, double, or long presses.
Communication options are robust, with voice and video calling capabilities through the built-in 5MP front-facing camera. Children can also express themselves using the fun stickers and GIFs included in the messaging system.
Parental Controls in MyFirst Fone R2
Safety stands as the cornerstone of the MyFirst Fone R2 design. Parents gain precise real-time GPS tracking through the myFirst Circle app, alongside customisable geofencing that creates virtual boundaries around important locations like home and school.
Other critical safety features include:
- One-touch SOS alert button for emergencies
- Parent-approved contacts list to prevent communication with strangers
- "Class Mode" that silences the watch during school hours (except for the SOS function)
- No third-party apps permitted (preventing access to games and social media)
The watch even includes heart rate monitoring with customisable alerts if your child's heart rate exceeds your designated threshold.
MyFirst Fone R2 Battery Life & Durability
Battery performance varies based on usage patterns, but generally provides about a day and a half of regular use. Most parents find daily charging is the safest approach, particularly with active children who use video calling frequently.
In terms of durability, the MyFirst Fone R2 features IPX8 water resistance, making it suitable for splashes and brief immersion. The elastic straps have been redesigned to ensure a snug, comfortable fit for small wrists.
Best Age Group for MyFirst Fone R2
The manufacturer specifically designates this smart watch for children aged 5-12 years. Yet, some reviewers note that due to its size and feature set, it might be better suited for children closer to the 7-12 range.
The MyFirst Fone R2 is ideal for families seeking a balanced solution between no device and a full smartphone. It provides essential communication and safety features without exposing children to the potential downsides of unrestricted internet access or social media platforms. For parents who want the reassurance of being able to contact and locate their children whilst giving them their first taste of responsible technology use, this best kids smart watch offers a compelling package.
TickTalk 4
The TickTalk 4 stands out amongst children's wearables as a communication-centric smart watch for kids. Unlike its competitors, this device places two-way video calling and robust messaging at the forefront, whilst still delivering comprehensive tracking capabilities for concerned parents.
Key Features of TickTalk 4
This versatile smartwatch comes equipped with dual 5MP cameras—one for selfies and another for capturing the world—providing good image quality even in varying light conditions. The bright display showcases vibrant colours with improved clarity compared to previous generations.
Communication features are comprehensive:
- Two-way HD video calling (requires Wi-Fi connection)
- Voice calls with speakerphone or Bluetooth headphones
- Secure messaging with parent-approved contacts
- Digital greeting cards for expression
Unique to the TickTalk 4 is its free iHeartRadio Family integration, giving children access to age-appropriate stations, including Disney and Kidz Bop. The watch also functions as an activity tracker, allowing parents to set step goals and view comprehensive reports through the companion app.
Parental Controls in TickTalk 4
TickTalk provides over 20 parental control options through its dedicated app. Parents manage all communication through the TickTalk App using an AWS-protected cloud server with end-to-end encryption, ensuring children's data remains secure.
Key safety features include the ability to approve every contact (up to 53 allowed), a firewall that blocks unknown callers, and a "Do Not Disturb" mode for school hours. Parents can even disable the watch from being turned off—a helpful precaution for children who might accidentally (or deliberately) power down their device.
The watch offers comprehensive location tracking. Though it lacks geofencing capabilities, parents can view real-time locations and historical routes from the past three days. The tracking system uses a combination of GPS, Wi-Fi, and cell towers to provide accuracy within 100-500 feet.
TickTalk 4 Battery Life & Durability
The TickTalk 4 houses a 1,000 mAh battery—the largest available in any children's smartwatch. Under normal usage conditions, the average battery life reaches approximately 62 hours, with standby time extending beyond 100 hours. In practical terms, most children can go at least two full days between charges.
Several factors affect battery performance. Poor cellular reception causes the watch to continuously search for signals, potentially draining the battery faster. Similarly, video calls consume substantial power. To maximise battery life, parents can implement several strategies:
- Rebooting the watch daily to close background features
- Turning off cellular data when connected to Wi-Fi
- Enabling Aeroplane Mode in areas with poor reception
In terms of durability, the TickTalk 4 features IP67 water resistance, protecting against splashes and brief immersion. The manufacturer has incorporated drop-proof and shock-proof technology, even including a raised rubber shell to protect the screen from shattering. During testing, the watch survived a six-foot drop onto concrete without damage.
Best Age Group for TickTalk 4
The manufacturer specifically designates the TickTalk 4 for children aged 5-12 years. However, the watch's substantial size and weight (approximately 2.4 ounces—nearly twice that of an adult Apple Watch) might make it somewhat cumbersome for the youngest users.
The comprehensive feature set makes this device ideal for elementary school-aged children who need reliable communication with parents without the distractions and concerns of a full smartphone. The straightforward interface is navigable by most children, whilst the robust parental controls give adults peace of mind regarding safety and appropriate usage.
Gabb Watch 3e
Designed with simplicity and safety at its core, the Gabb Watch 3e offers parents a worry-free introduction to wearable technology for their children. This kid-friendly smart watch balances essential communication tools with robust safety features whilst eliminating potential digital distractions.
→ Check out our collection of Gabb Watch 3 straps and accessories.
Key Features of Gabb Watch 3e
The Gabb Watch 3e serves as a wearable phone with capabilities tailored specifically for children. It includes precise GPS tracking that enables parents to monitor their child's location, receive notifications within 15 minutes when their child enters or leaves designated areas.
Communication options are comprehensive yet controlled. Children can easily dictate texts through speech-to-text functionality, use audio messaging, or choose from preset text templates. The watch offers multiple keyboard styles to match different communication preferences:
- Speech-to-text for effortless messaging
- Audio messaging for voice communication
- Preset texts for quick responses
- 9-key keypad for traditional typing
- Emoji keyboard for expressive communication
Crucially, the Gabb Watch 3e operates without social media, internet browsers, or dangerous apps. Instead, it includes practical tools like a calculator, alarm, timer, and stopwatch. The watch even features Gabb Move, which tracks fitness activity, including steps taken, walking, biking, and dancing.
Parental Controls in Gabb Watch 3e
Parental supervision is managed through the MyGabb app. Parents can add up to 100 pre-approved contacts, ensuring children can only communicate with parent-approved individuals. The watch's safety features include:
- Customisable Safe Zones that alert parents when children enter or leave designated areas
- Focus Mode that silences notifications during specified times
- The SOS function allows children to quickly contact a designated emergency contact by pressing the back button for four seconds
Parents can assign up to nine guardian contacts who can view the child's location but cannot modify other parental controls. The Gabb Go feature enables parents to assign tasks and set daily step goals for their children.
Gabb Watch 3e Battery Life & Durability
Battery performance varies based on usage patterns. Under normal conditions, expected battery life ranges from 14-18 hours. Nevertheless, some parents report that battery life may not consistently last through a full school day, particularly when features like GPS tracking are used frequently.
Regarding durability, the Gabb Watch 3e boasts IP68 water resistance, dust protection, and ultra-strong Gorilla Glass 3. This combination makes it well-suited for active children who may subject their devices to rough handling, splashes, or brief immersion in water.
Best Age Group for Gabb Watch 3e
Whilst Gabb doesn't specify strict age restrictions, the device is primarily marketed for children aged 5 and up. The watch is ideally suited for younger children who need basic communication capabilities (calling, texting) without exposure to internet browsers or social media platforms.
The straightforward interface and durable design make it appropriate for children who are learning to handle technology responsibly. The wireless charging feature further simplifies usage, allowing even younger children to manage device maintenance independently.
Fitbit Ace LTE
The Fitbit Ace LTE reimagines the concept of a smart watch for kids by turning physical movement into an interactive gaming experience. Unlike conventional children's wearables, this device cleverly motivates activity through engaging gameplay and colourful digital companions.
→ Take out our collection of Fitbit Ace LTE straps and accessories.
Key Features of Fitbit Ace LTE
At the core of this smartwatch is the revolutionary approach to fitness tracking. Children earn "movement points" through various physical activities, with more intense movement generating higher point totals. These points unlock game time and digital rewards, creating a positive association between physical activity and fun.
The watch features fully immersive 3D games that require real-world movement to play. A quirky activity ring called the "Noodle" lives on the homescreen, visually tracking progress toward daily movement goals.
Children also adopt an "eejie," a digital character they can dress and accessorise using tickets earned through completing daily quests. The sleek hardware and Wear OS-inspired interface put other chunky kids' watches to shame.
Parental Controls in Fitbit Ace LTE
The Fitbit Ace app provides extensive parental management options. Parents can track their child's real-time location, view activity data, and communicate directly through calls and messages.
For academic focus, the "School Time" setting disables games whilst still allowing messages to trusted contacts. Parents can assign up to 20 trusted contacts for their child to reach through the watch.
Consequently, privacy remains a priority—Google promises never to use watch data for advertisements, location information is deleted after 24 hours, and fitness data is erased on a rolling 35-day basis.
Fitbit Ace LTE Battery Life & Durability
The Fitbit Ace LTE provides more than 16 hours of battery life during typical use. Usage patterns significantly impact longevity—extended gaming, long voice calls, or poor signal quality may reduce performance.
For extended battery life, parents can enable Battery Saver mode by tapping the battery icon in Quick settings. The watch features a Corning Gorilla Glass 3 screen and 5ATM water resistance (up to 50m), making it durable enough for active children.
Best Age Group for Fitbit Ace LTE
Officially designated for children ages 7+, the Fitbit Ace LTE works best for elementary-aged children who need activity motivation without smartphone distractions. The engaging games appeal most to younger users, whilst older children might outgrow the eejie concept.
Garmin Vivofit Jr. 3
Looking for a simpler, budget-friendly option in the world of kids' wearables? The Garmin Vivofit Jr. 3 offers impressive battery life and engaging activity features without the bells and whistles of communication capabilities.
→ Check out our collection of Garmin Vivofit Jr. 3 straps and accessories.
Key Features of Garmin Vivofit Jr. 3
The Vivofit Jr. 3 comes with a 1.4cm square colour display (112 x 112 pixels) that showcases the time, exercise stats, and animated characters. Unlike touchscreen alternatives, this smart watch for kids uses a single button for navigation, keeping the operation straightforward.
What truly distinguishes this device is its gamified approach to exercise. Once children complete 60 minutes of activity, they unlock "adventures" within the parent's app that allow them to virtually travel worldwide, collecting digital treasures and educational facts.
Parental Controls in Garmin Vivofit Jr. 3
Parents can monitor their child's activity and sleep patterns through the companion app while assigning tasks and chores. The clever reward system lets you set incentives—like ice cream or a new toy—that children earn through completing assigned tasks for virtual coins.
The "School Mode" feature automatically silences the watch during school hours whilst still allowing emergency assistance. Additionally, parents can enable "Kid Mode" in the app, allowing children to check completed chores and view adventure progress independently.
Garmin Vivofit Jr. 3 Battery Life & Durability
Perhaps the most impressive aspect is the extraordinary battery life—up to one year on a single replaceable cell battery. This longevity depends on usage patterns, with stopwatch, task timers, and timed activities having the greatest impact on battery performance.
Best Age Group for Garmin Vivofit Jr. 3
Garmin specifically designed this best smart watch for kids aged 4-7 years, yet older children would equally enjoy its features. It's ideally suited for children who need activity motivation—the WHO recommends 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous daily exercise for 5-17 year-olds.
T-Mobile SyncUP Kids Watch
T-Mobile's SyncUP KIDS Watch 2 combines connectivity and safety features in an affordable package that runs exclusively on T-Mobile's network. This second-generation wearable builds upon its predecessor with enhanced features for both parents and children.
Key Features of T-Mobile SyncUP Kids Watch
The SyncUP KIDS Watch 2 boasts impressive dual cameras—an 8MP auto-focus camera with flash and a 5MP selfie camera for video calls and photo taking. In addition to cameras, the watch features an LED flashlight for added safety and night photography.
Connectivity options include Bluetooth for wireless earbud pairing, allowing children to enjoy music privately. The watch comes preloaded with several games, including Memory and Math, making it entertaining whilst maintaining educational value.
Parental Controls in T-Mobile SyncUP Kids Watch
First and foremost, parents manage the watch through the T Life app. The virtual boundary alerts feature notifies parents when children leave designated areas like home or school.
The watch restricts communication to parent-approved contacts only, preventing unwanted communication. In emergencies, children can press a dedicated help button that alerts emergency contacts and can call 911.
T-Mobile SyncUP Kids Watch Battery Life & Durability
Battery performance includes 8 hours of talk time and up to 10 days of standby time. Meanwhile, the watch features water resistance and comes with a pre-installed screen protector for additional durability.
Best Age Group for T-Mobile SyncUP Kids Watch
The manufacturer designates this smart watch for children aged 5-12 years. Indeed, the balance of safety features and kid-friendly capabilities makes it suitable for primary school-aged children not yet ready for smartphones.
Cosmo JrTrack 4
The budget-friendly Cosmo JrTrack 4 strikes an impressive balance between functionality and affordability, making it an excellent entry-level smart watch for kids who need basic connectivity without smartphone distractions.
Key Features of Cosmo JrTrack 4
First and foremost, the JrTrack 4 functions as a standalone phone with its own dedicated number and pre-installed SIM card. The watch supports real SMS texting with multimedia capabilities—allowing children to send photos, videos, voice messages, and even emojis.
A standout element is the customisable app library, including Spotify Kids for music and educational options. Furthermore, the watch includes helpful everyday tools such as alarms, a pedometer, and a calculator.
Parental Controls in Cosmo JrTrack 4
The Parent Portal grants extensive oversight through the accompanying app. Parents can establish SafeZones around locations like home and school, receiving alerts when children enter or leave these areas. Additionally, the Focus Mode allows scheduling distraction-free periods that lock non-emergency functions during school hours.
The watch blocks all social media and internet browsing whilst implementing a strict approved contacts system.
Cosmo JrTrack 4 Battery Life & Durability
With normal usage, the battery typically lasts 36-48 hours. In fact, the watch boasts IP68 certification, making it resistant to dust, dirt, sweat, and water up to 1 metre.
Best Age Group for Cosmo JrTrack 4
The manufacturer recommends ages 6-12, yet some parents suggest it's better suited for children 9-10 and older.
Xplora XGO3
The Xplora XGO3 offers an ideal first smart watch for kids who aren't ready for smartphones yet, focusing on safety and communication essentials without unnecessary distractions.
→ Check out our collection of Xplora XGO3 straps and accessories.
Key Features of Xplora XGO3
The XGO3 features a 1.3" touchscreen display and a 2MP camera for capturing childhood moments. This kid-friendly device enables calls and messaging while completely blocking internet browsing. Beyond communication, it includes a step counter, stopwatch, and alarm to help children develop time management skills.
Parental Controls in Xplora XGO3
Through the Xplora Guardian app, parents maintain complete oversight. You can define up to 50 approved contacts, ensuring children communicate solely with trusted individuals. The customisable School Mode automatically disables non-essential features during lessons, showing only the time. Safety zones send notifications whenever your child enters or exits predetermined areas.
Xplora XGO3 Battery Life & Durability
Under optimal conditions, the 900 mAh battery provides approximately 72 hours in standby mode. Throughout everyday use with network connectivity, expect at least 24 hours of battery life. The watch boasts IP68 water resistance, making it suitable for active children.
Best Age Group for Xplora XGO3
Officially recommended for children aged 5-8 years, this device perfectly bridges the gap before smartphone readiness.
Conclusion
Finding the perfect smartwatch for your child ultimately depends on your family's specific needs and priorities. The options highlighted above offer something for every age group and budget, whether you need comprehensive communication capabilities or simply want to encourage more physical activity.
Parents seeking robust location tracking and communication features might prefer options like the Garmin Bounce or MyFirst Fone R2, which provide reliable GPS monitoring alongside controlled messaging capabilities. Alternatively, families primarily focused on fitness motivation could find the Garmin Vivofit Jr. 3 or Fitbit Ace LTE better suited to their needs, as these devices gamify physical activity through engaging challenges and rewards.
Price considerations certainly factor into this decision as well. Though most devices require both an upfront purchase and ongoing subscription, the Garmin Vivofit Jr. 3 stands apart with its one-time purchase price and remarkable year-long battery life. Meanwhile, other options like the T-Mobile SyncUP Kids Watch might offer promotional deals for existing customers.
Battery performance varies significantly across models, ranging from the extraordinary year-long performance of the Vivofit Jr. 3 to the daily charging requirements of communication-heavy devices. Additionally, water resistance ratings differ between models, making some options better suited for active, water-loving children than others.
Remember that these smartwatches serve an important transitional role in your child's technology journey. They provide essential safety features and limited communication capabilities without the potential downsides of unrestricted internet access or social media exposure. Therefore, selecting the right device helps establish healthy technology habits while still giving your child the independence they crave.
Whichever smartwatch you choose, these devices offer a thoughtful middle ground between no connectivity and full smartphone access—giving both you and your child peace of mind as they take their first steps toward digital independence.
