Smartwatches for kids come with most of the same features as the ones for adults. These include games, cameras, video functions, and activity trackers, and even GPS and SOS systems, messaging, and voice calling.
Your kid is going to love their new smartwatch, as long as you find the perfect one with functions your child is actually going to use. For example, have a budding photographer or videographer? Look for a smartwatch with photo and video capabilities. Does your child sometimes need extra help with math, and you can never find that calculator? You won’t have to worry if it’s already on your kid’s wrist. Are your children active? Find one with a GPS tracker.
After all, no parent wants to buy something their child won’t like. Finding the wrong smartwatch means you’ve just overpaid for a product that won’t get used to its full abilities, and we don’t want that. That’s why I’m here. I’m going to help you navigate through the best smartwatches for kids, saving you valuable time and possibly even money. By the end of this article, you’ll be thanking me.
Now’s your chance to continue reading to find out how and why I chose the watches that I did, or you can jump straight to our number #1 Amazon pick here.
Table of Contents
- What Should I Look for in a Smartwatch for Kids?
- Here’s How We’ve Determined the Best Smartwatch for Kids
- Our Top Picks for the Best Smartwatch for Kids of 2024
- #1: Fitbit Ace 2 Activity Tracker for Kids (Best for Healthy Habits)
- #2: Jsbaby Kids Smartwatch (Best for Tracking and Calls)
- #3: Kids Game Smart Watch (Best for Calls and Games)
- #4: Garmin Vivofit Jr. 2 - Disney Princess (Best Activity Tracker for Girls)
- #5: Marvel Touchscreen (Best Themed Watch for Boys)
- #6. VTech KidiZoom Smartwatch DX2 (Best for Selfies)
- Tips for Helping Your Child Develop Healthy Tech Habits With Their Smartwatch
- Should I Get My Kid a Smartwatch?
- Do I Need a Sim Card for My Child’s Smartwatch?
- Verdict: Your Best Smartwatch for Kids
What Should I Look for in a Smartwatch for Kids?
Before purchasing the best smartwatch for your kids, there are a few things you’ll want to consider. I’ve listed them below for quick reference.
Criteria #1: What is your child’s age?
Considering your children’s age will go a long way in determining the right smartwatch for them. This way you won’t choose one that is too advanced for the younger kids but has the features your older kids may want and use.
Criteria #2: Is the touch screen easy to use?
Both younger kids and older kids will benefit from a touchscreen that’s easy to use. The last thing parents want is something that’s going to frustrate their kid by being too difficult to figure out.
Criteria #3: Is the watch durable?
Look for a smartwatch and touchscreen that are durable. This way the watch will grow with your kids and last a lot longer than one that is made with cheaper materials. The best kids’ watches are going to be made of silicone with resin glass touchscreens.
Criteria #4: Is it water resistant?
If your child is one to forget that they’re wearing a watch while hanging out at the pool with their friends, you need to find a water-resistant smartwatch. Most smartwatches will handle simple hand washing and splashing, but not all will be able to handle the depths of water when your kid jumps off the high dive.
Criteria #5: What do the reviews say?
I say this a lot, and I’m going to keep saying it. Read the product reviews. Parents and grandparents tend to be extremely honest when leaving a review. This is a great opportunity to find out the pros and cons of a smartwatch as well as how the manufacturer handles any complaints.
Here’s How We’ve Determined the Best Smartwatch for Kids
I’ve determined my best smartwatches for kids list by practicing what I preach. I read the reviews, looking at the experiences of other consumers as well as the pros and cons of the product. I’ve also weighed the number of features compared to the price point because no one wants to overpay for a smartwatch that doesn’t have all of the necessary features.
Our Top Picks for the Best Smartwatch for Kids of 2024
I recommend you pick your smartwatch based on the feature you want most. Here are your options:
#1: Fitbit Ace 2 Activity Tracker for Kids (Best for Healthy Habits)
Age recommendation: 6 years old and up
This is definitely my number one pick. If you’re looking for the best smartwatch for kids that’s going to promote a healthy lifestyle, look no further than the Fitbit Ace 2 Activity Tracker for Kids. Your children are going to love to move around when they’re wearing this watch.
Tracks Steps
This smartwatch wouldn’t be an activity tracker if it didn’t count steps, right? Not only does it do just that, but it also keeps track of active minutes, including when your child skips, jumps, or just generally moves around.
More Tracking
Not only does the Fitbit Ace 2 Activity Tracker for Kids track steps, but it also tracks your child’s sleep with bedtime reminders and silent alarms for a fun and new bedtime routine.
Earn Badges
Kids love setting and meeting their own goals. Your child gets to earn virtual badges and on-screen celebrations every time they hit one of their goals with this product. What better way to encourage a healthy lifestyle than with this fitness tracking product.
Challenge Friends
When paired with a child account in the Fitbit app, your kids can challenge their friends to some friendly competitions as well as cheer each other on. The kids can even send each other messages with the limited kid view in the app.
Water Resistant
This smartwatch is water resistant. So if your child is one that might forget to take off his or her smartwatch before doing that cannonball or front flip off the diving board, this is the perfect watch for them. That’s because this watch is water resistant up to 50 meters (or 164 feet). And I’m pretty sure most kids don’t dive that far.
Longer Battery Life
This watch has up to five days of battery life. It does vary with the amount of use and animated clock features, but overall, it should last a good week or so in between chargings.
Reviews
This smartwatch provides great motivation for healthy living for kids. Parents and grandparents who bought this for their little ones say this waterproof watch is a great buy and worth the money.
#2: Jsbaby Kids Smartwatch (Best for Tracking and Calls)
Age recommendation: 3 years old and up
If GPS tracking is what you’re after, then this is one of the best kids’ smartwatches for the younger ones. The features on this watch allow you to keep track of your children no matter where they are, they can make and receive phone calls, and it’s water resistant, so you don’t have to worry about it getting wet.
GPS Tracking
The Jsbaby Kids Smartwatch comes with Double Position Technology, giving your children double security with this GPS tracking system. You’ll be able to see all-day, real-time tracking with accurate positioning of your child’s location. Basically, you’ll know your kid’s location at all times. Perfect for kids that are always on the go.
Two-Way Communication
This smartwatch has a two-way communication feature when you purchase a separate SIM card. You can save up to 10 numbers on this watch, so your children can make and receive phone calls.
Receives Parent Voice/Text Messages
When you set up the SeTracker app, you can send voice and text messages as well, so you can always be in contact with kids. If you need to tell them important information that doesn’t warrant a phone call, just send a text via the app.
SOS Capabilities
For added security, there is also an option to save three emergency numbers. When your child presses the SOS button, the watch will call these three numbers in two rounds until someone answers the call. You won’t have to worry about your children being in harm’s way with this smartwatch.
Water Resistant
This smartwatch features the latest technology in water-resistant watches, making it so waterproof that your little one will be able to wear it during bath time as well as while swimming at the local pool. You won’t have to worry about them remembering to take it off before they jump in the pool. Win-win for everyone involved.
Reviews
This stylish smartwatch is durable and made of good quality materials. The GPS tracking function is great for knowing where your kids are at all times. Parents say it’s a great kid watch for the money.
#3: Kids Game Smart Watch (Best for Calls and Games)
Age recommendation: 4-12 years old
The Kids Game Smart Watch is one of the best smartwatches for kids for the value. This multi-functional watch has many of the features you’d expect from a smartwatch, plus more. Your kids can set their own schedules with the alarm clocks or take selfies with the camera and then share their photo album. There’s not much this smartwatch can’t do.
Multi-Functional
This smartwatch lets your child access all sorts of neat things with features like a music player, three alarm clocks, a calculator, cameras for photos, a photo album, and call recorders. And that’s just the beginning. Keep reading for more great features.
Allows Two-Way Communication
Similar to the Jsbaby Kids Smartwatch, this product has a two-way communication feature when you purchase a separate SIM card. This means you can always know where your kids are and who they’re playing with. And don’t worry if you don’t want to add the SIM card. The watch will still function as a smartwatch, just without the calling feature.
Comes With Games
We’ve already established that this Kids Game Smart Watch is fully functional and has two-way calling capabilities, but it is, however, called a game smartwatch. So it has to come with a game, right? It does. Seven, in fact. Your kids will love playing 2048, Basketball Shoot Master, Pinball Hit Bricks, and Ultimate Racing, just to name a few.
SOS Features
Every parent’s nightmare is for their child to be in distress without the parent being able to help. Well, with this smartwatch, if your kids are ever in an emergency, they can press the SOS button. This button then circularly calls family members for assistance, so they can get help right away.
Not Water Resistant
Unlike the Jsbaby Kids Smartwatch, the Kids Game Smart Watch isn’t waterproof. Keep this in mind when hitting up the local watering hole.
Reviews
Parents like that this is a standalone smartwatch and that no app is needed. It’s affordable and a great value for the price. With its two-way calling, it’s a great alternative to a cell phone.
#4: Garmin Vivofit Jr. 2 - Disney Princess (Best Activity Tracker for Girls)
Age recommendation: 4-9 years old
If you’re buying an activity tracker smartwatch for your daughter, granddaughter, little sister, or niece, look no further than the Garmin Vivofit Jr. 2 – Disney Princess. They’ll love feeling like their favorite princess every time they look at their wrist with this interactive smartwatch.
Tracks Active Minutes
Your little girl will love moving their way into a healthy lifestyle with this smartwatch. Not only is it great for fitness tracking by recording active minutes, but it also motivates your child to unlock adventures, games, and icons featuring Ariel, Belle, Jasmine, Mulan, and Rapunzel. The watch also tracks sleep time.
Chore Management
What better way to get your little girl to do chores than with a chore management tool? You can access your child’s chores on the parent-controlled Garmin Vivofit Jr. 2 app, so your child may earn fun rewards designated by you as parents.
Reminder Alerts and Task Timer
This smartwatch has reminder alerts and task timers to help with chores, homework, practice time, and even tooth brushing. You can even create a chart, so your child may earn prizes for a fun reward system.
Water Resistant
Comparable to the Jsbaby Kids Smartwatch and the Fitbit Ace 2 Activity Tracker, this Garmin Vivofit Jr. 2 is also swimmer-friendly. The little princess in your life will love showing off her princess smartwatch to her friends at the local pool.
Long Battery Life
This smartwatch comes with a user-replaceable battery that will last longer than a year, so the watch can grow with your child.
Reviews
Parents say the Garmin Vivofit Jr. 2 is great for incentive-driven children. Their little girls love it and don’t want to take it off. Parents also love the fact that they don’t have to often replace the battery and that it’s water-resistant, making it a long-lasting watch.
#5: Marvel Touchscreen (Best Themed Watch for Boys)
Age recommendation: All ages
If the boys in your life are into Marvel comics, this smartwatch for kids is where it’s at. These smartwatches for kids come with all the user-friendly functionality you’d expect out of a smartwatch, but with the added fun of Spider-Man coming along for the adventure.
Multi-Functional
Similar to the Kids Game Smart Watch, this official Marvel Touchscreen watch is also multi-functional. While it doesn’t have two-way communication, it does offer features like a voice recorder, three games, a pedometer, an alarm, a stopwatch, and a calculator.
Selfie-Cam and Video
The little boys in your life are going to love taking selfies and recording videos with Spider-Man on their wrists. You can even download these awesome photos and videos to share with family and friends.
Long-Lasting Battery
This touchscreen smartwatch comes with long battery life, so you won’t have to worry about interruptions at inconvenient times throughout the day or night.
Not Waterproof
Similar to the Kids Game Smart Watch, this smartwatch isn’t waterproof. However, it can handle handwashing and light splashing. Just make sure your child doesn’t jump in the pool or bath with this smartwatch on.
Reviews
The Marvel Touchscreen smartwatch has great reviews. Parents love it, but it seems their little boys love it even more. You can be sure that Spider-Man is always going to be a big hit.
#6. VTech KidiZoom Smartwatch DX2 (Best for Selfies)
Age recommendation: 4 -9 years old
VTech is well-known for its children’s products. The VTech KidiZoom Smartwatch DX2 is no exception. This is one of the best smartwatches for kids for selfies and pictures, as well as its AR game to keep your kids active.
Selfie Cam
Similar to the Marvel Touchscreen, the VTech KidiZoom Smartwatch DX2 takes quality photos and videos. Your child is going to love taking selfies and pictures and then customizing them with funny filters to make them into watch faces. It’s a great way for them to personalize their smartwatch.
AR Experience
This smartwatch comes with the Monster Detector game. This game creates an AR (augmented reality) experience where they get to chase monsters in the real world.
Motion Sensor
The watch comes with a motion sensor for active play challenges, a pedometer, and sound effects.
Micro-USB Charging
The VTech KidiZoom Smartwatch DX2 comes with a battery and Micro-USB cable for charging. Just connect it to a computer and you’re good to go. Make sure not to use a third-party adapter for charging purposes.
Reviews
Parents say this is a fun smartwatch, complete with learning aspects. It’s entertaining for the younger kids and a great purchase overall.
Tips for Helping Your Child Develop Healthy Tech Habits With Their Smartwatch
Your children can most certainly develop and learn healthy tech habits with their smartwatch. My advice is to use the smartwatch to its full capabilities. Whether it’s with GPS tracking or activity tracking, these watches really can get your kid into a healthy routine.
Encourage Active Lifestyles
Smartwatches and fitness tracking watches encourage an active and healthy lifestyle. They are literally designed to help keep your kids moving. Whether it’s with a reminder that they’ve been sitting too long or that they’ve hit their goal for the day, your children will know where they stand with their daily activity.
Set Challenges
Many of these smartwatches have parental control that allows for challenges and goals to be set. Your children will have so much fun beating those challenges and reaching their goals, they’ll be asking for more in no time.
Play Educational Games
Your kid’s smartwatch might just have educational games on it. This is a great way to get them away from the television or family computer for a bit while still being able to use their minds to strengthen their learning capabilities.
Set Routines
With parental control, you can set alarms. This can include reminders for homework, teeth brushing, bedtime, or whatever you need it to be. Routines are established when they’re done repetitiously. Kids are no different. They thrive on routine and this is a great way for your family to get on the same page.
Should I Get My Kid a Smartwatch?
My advice is there’s no harm in getting your kids a touch screen smartwatch. Not only will it help your children learn to tell time, as we’ve learned, but it also has so many health and educational benefits. You can find them with GPS tracking so you can track your child at all times, or look for one with cameras to take awesome selfies and photos as well as fitness trackers to keep your kid moving.
Do I Need a Sim Card for My Child’s Smartwatch?
You only need a SIM card if you’re purchasing a smartwatch that allows for two-way calling, such as the Jsbaby Kids Smartwatch or the Kids Game Smart Watch. However, they all work without one; your kid just won’t be able to make or receive calls without it. All the other functions will still work.
Verdict: Your Best Smartwatch for Kids
If you chose to not read the article and jump straight to the bottom, that’s okay. I forgive you. Here’s a cheat sheet I’ve made specifically for you.
If you want the best GPS tracker, pick the Jsbaby Kids Smartwatch.
If you want to encourage healthy habits, choose the Fitbit Ace 2 Activity Tracker for Kids.
If you’re looking for a girl, pick the Garmin Vivofit Jr. 2 - Disney Princess.
If you want to keep the cost under $30, choose the Kids Game Smart Watch.
If you’re looking for boys, pick the Marvel Touchscreen.
If you want one for selfies, choose the VTech KidiZoom Smartwatch DX2.
The bottom line is, no matter what type of kids smartwatches you choose, whether you choose to get your child a Verizon Gizmowatch 2 or a VTech KidiZoom DX2, your child is going to love their smartwatch with a touch screen. You can always find good deals at Amazon.com. You don’t need to break the bank buying a smartwatch for kids.
