Smartwatches are especially convenient (pardon the pun) for kids. If you’re going to pay for a smart device for them, knowing that it’s securely attached to their wrist is a nice touch.
When it comes to choosing a smartwatch for your child, there are a lot of options…some good and some bad. Knowing where to start and what to buy can be overwhelming.
So we’ve broken it down into a simple guide that includes the following:
- What is a smart watch?
- Benefits of smart watches for children
- What to look out for when buying a smartwatch for your kids
- Our picks for the best smartwatches for kids
This article about smart watches for kids was last updated in 2024
Want to buy a mobile phone for your child? See: Should I buy my child a cell phone?
What is a smart watch?
Smartwatches are like mini mobile devices worn on your wrist. Unlike the adult version, children’s smartwatches come with parental controls to track activities such as screen time. These portable devices don’t just tell the time; They have built-in educational apps, games, cameras, and even messaging and calling capabilities. Child-friendly smart watch designed for children under 3 years old.
Benefits of smart watches for children
Kids’ superwatches are like less powerful smartphones, giving parents control while fostering independence in their children.
Here’s why we love them:
Stay connected with your children
Smartwatches for kids allow you to quickly stay connected and track their location. A smart watch with a SIM card allows you to contact them anytime, anywhere; GPS will tell you their exact location, and SOS notifications will alert you of emergencies.
make them happy
Smartwatches are packed with games, educational apps, music streaming and selfie cameras to keep little ones entertained.
monitor screen time
Set screen time limits to help your kids focus on school and household chores. If you’re worried about dangers like cyberbullying and addiction, buy a watch that doesn’t connect to the internet.
Establish healthy habits
Some children’s smartwatch apps can encourage positive behaviors through rewards (such as going to bed on time, brushing teeth, completing household chores).
What to look out for when buying a smart watch
Before you buy, figure out which features are most important to you and your child. Here’s a must-have checklist to help you decide:
Durability
Kids are picky about devices. Buy a smart watch that is stain-proof, moisture-proof, scratch-resistant and suitable for daily use.
GPS
GPS is a great feature for parents who want to keep tabs on their children’s location. No need to text your kids every hour asking about their whereabouts; the GPS feature lets you see it.
emergency alert
Safety is a top priority and SOS alerts will notify you when your child is in potential danger.
battery life
Battery life depends on usage, and you want a watch that won’t run out of juice quickly. Check the standby battery life to know when the unit needs to be charged.
Extra features
Calls and texts, fitness tracking, games, rewards apps, camera, and calculator are all great additions to the basics.
Our picks for the best smartwatches for kids
VTech Kidizoom Smart Watch MAX (Blue)
We can see why the Vtech Kidizoom is one of the best-rated kids smartwatches on Amazon. It’s durable, easy to use, and packed with fun features: games, activities, voice changer, pedometer, and dual lenses for selfies. Great for kids ages 4 and up.
GPS: Yes
Fitness tracking: No
water proof: waterproof
Battery life: rechargeable
What we love most about this smartwatch: Easy to use and fun smart watch
Kogan Play 3 Kids Smart Watch (Pink)
The Kogan Play 3 kids smartwatch provides daily health tracking to ensure your child’s health. It can monitor heart rate, sleep patterns, stress and SpO2 levels, providing valuable insights into their health. Parents can stay informed and help their children maintain a healthy lifestyle easily.
GPS: Yes
Fitness tracking: Yes
water proof: Yes
Battery life: Battery life is up to 8 days!
What we love most about this smartwatch: Real-time tracking via GPS, cell phone signal and Wi-Fi
Spacetalk Loop 4G Smart Watch
Spacetalk Loop is packed with features to keep your kids safe and connected. It includes GPS tracking for instant location updates, an emergency SOS button, and call, text, and call functionality, all in a comfortable, durable design with sturdy Gorilla Glass and flexible strap, available in 4 stylish colors and 13 variations. Minimize distractions with school mode and no access to social media or the internet, ring Give your kids the freedom to connect in a safe, kid-friendly way.
GPS: Yes
Fitness tracking: Pedometer
water proof: No
Battery life: Depends on usage
What we love most about this smartwatch: No social media or web browser
Moochies Odyssey 4G Smart Watch
If communication is your biggest concern, the Moochies Odyssey is worth considering. Kids can make and receive calls and text messages, but only from people on your approved contact list. Supports two-way video calling and has GPS to track location. Core features like voice and video calling, GPS tracking, and messaging are joined by educational games, music integration, step tracking, and heart rate and temperature monitoring.
GPS: Yes
Fitness tracking: Yes
water proof: Yes
Battery life: Depends on usage
What we love most about this smartwatch: Reliable communications and GPS tracking
DGTEC smart watch with wireless earphones
The DGTEC smartwatch with wireless earbuds has many features, including connecting to a smartphone for Bluetooth calling. Use music playback controls when you’re on the go. 22 multisport modes let you track fitness goals in a variety of sports. On top of that, it also comes with a heart rate monitor that can further help track your health.
GPS: Yes
Fitness tracking: Yes
water proof: Yes
Battery life: Depends on usage
What we love most about this smartwatch: Bluetooth single-chip voice calling allows them to answer calls anytime, anywhere.
Q12B The most economical smart watch for children
A waterproof smartwatch with two-way calling, voice chat, camera, emergency SOS calling, and even math games? It is an all-in-one communication power source. There’s also a GPS and safe zones that parents can set to trigger alarms if their children step out of the area.
GPS: Yes
Fitness tracking: No
water proof: Yes
Battery life: Up to 4000 hours
What we love most about this smartwatch: All features, one low price!
A final word on the best smartwatches for kids
Ultimately, choosing the best smartwatch for your child comes down to what matters most to you and your family. Whether it’s safety features like GPS tracking and SOS buttons, the ability to stay connected through calls and texts, or a focus on simplicity without the need for social media or browsing, there’s a smartwatch to suit your every need. Each of the six watches reviewed here offers unique advantages, ranging from basic models perfect for toddlers to more advanced options for older kids ready for extra features. Smartwatches are a great way to keep your children safe and connected, adding convenience, peace of mind and fun to everyday life.
