The Best Smartwatches for Kids: A Parent’s Guide to Safety, Fun, and Connection

This guide will walk you through the key considerations when selecting the best smartwatch for your child, and highlight some of the top kids smart watch options available in 2025. Whether you’re looking for a GPS watch for kids to provide peace of mind, or a children’s smart watch with fun games and activities, we’ve got you covered. We’ll even touch on what features make a device ideal as the best smartwatch for a 10 year-old and beyond.

Why Get a Smartwatch for Your Child?

Before diving into specific models, it’s important to understand the potential benefits of equipping your child with a smartwatch:

Safety and Location Tracking: A GPS watch for kids allows parents to track their child’s location in real-time, offering peace of mind when they’re at school, playing outside, or traveling. Many devices also offer geofencing capabilities, alerting you when your child enters or leaves pre-defined zones.

Communication: Most smartwatches enable kids to make and receive calls and text messages to pre-approved contacts, ensuring they can easily reach you in case of an emergency.

Emergency SOS Function: Many children’s smart watch options include an SOS button that, when pressed, automatically calls a designated emergency contact and sends location information.

Activity Tracking: Smartwatches can track steps, activity levels, and even sleep patterns, encouraging a healthy and active lifestyle.

Responsibility and Independence: Owning a smartwatch can help kids learn responsibility by managing their own device, keeping it charged, and using it appropriately. It also allows them to gain a sense of independence while still remaining connected to their parents.

Learning and Entertainment: Some smartwatches offer educational games, puzzles, and other activities that can keep kids entertained while stimulating their minds.

Key Features to Consider When Choosing a Kids Smartwatch

With so many options available, it’s crucial to identify the features that are most important to you and your child. Here are some key factors to consider:

GPS Tracking Accuracy and Reliability: This is arguably the most important feature, especially for younger children. Look for devices that utilize multiple GPS systems (GPS, Wi-Fi, and cellular triangulation) to provide the most accurate and reliable location tracking possible. Real-time tracking is a must, as is the ability to view location history.

Communication Capabilities: Consider whether you want your child to be able to make and receive calls, send and receive text messages, or both. Some devices only allow communication with pre-approved contacts, while others offer more flexibility. Video calling is another feature to consider, but keep in mind that it requires a data connection and may raise privacy concerns.

SOS Emergency Function: An SOS button can be a lifesaver in emergency situations. Make sure the device has a prominent and easily accessible SOS button that, when pressed, automatically contacts designated emergency contacts and sends location information.

Geofencing: Geofencing allows you to set up virtual boundaries (e.g., school, home, park) and receive alerts when your child enters or leaves these areas. This can be particularly useful for monitoring children who are walking to school or playing in the neighborhood.

Battery Life: Battery life is crucial, especially for devices that rely on GPS tracking. Look for a smartwatch that can last at least a full day on a single charge. Some devices offer power-saving modes that extend battery life by limiting certain features.

Durability and Water Resistance: Kids can be tough on their belongings, so it’s important to choose a durable and water-resistant smartwatch that can withstand everyday wear and tear. Look for devices with scratch-resistant screens and robust casings. Water resistance is also important, especially for kids who are active and spend time outdoors.

Ease of Use and Interface: The smartwatch should be easy for your child to use, with a simple and intuitive interface. Look for devices with large icons, clear fonts, and easy-to-navigate menus. Parental controls should also be user-friendly and allow you to easily manage contacts, set boundaries, and monitor activity.

Safety and Privacy Features: Prioritize devices that have strong security and privacy features to protect your child’s personal information. Look for end-to-end encryption, secure data storage, and clear privacy policies. Make sure you understand how the device collects, uses, and shares your child’s data before making a purchase.

Entertainment and Educational Features: While safety is paramount, it’s also important to choose a smartwatch that your child will enjoy using. Look for devices with fun games, puzzles, and other activities that can keep them entertained and engaged. Some smartwatches also offer educational apps that can help kids learn new skills.

Cost and Subscription Fees: Smartwatches for kids range in price from affordable to premium. Consider your budget and the features you need before making a decision. Keep in mind that some devices require a monthly subscription fee for cellular connectivity and GPS tracking. Be sure to factor these ongoing costs into your budget.

Top Smartwatch Recommendations for Kids in 2025

Based on the features discussed above, here are some of the best **smart watches for kids** available in 2025:

Gabb Watch 3:

Key Features: GPS tracking, calling to pre-approved contacts, SOS button, customizable safe zones, no social media or internet access.

Pros: Strong focus on safety and communication, simple interface, durable design.

Cons: Requires a monthly subscription fee.

TickTalk 4:

Key Features: GPS tracking, calling, texting, video calling, SOS button, activity tracking, two-way firewalls.

Pros: Versatile communication options, accurate GPS tracking, parental controls.

Cons: Can be more expensive than other options, may require a data plan.

Verizon GizmoWatch 3:

Key Features: GPS tracking, calling to pre-approved contacts, SOS button, geofencing, step tracking, water resistance.

Pros: Reliable GPS tracking, durable design, user-friendly interface.

Cons: Limited features compared to other options, requires a Verizon data plan.

Xplora XGO3:

Key Features: GPS tracking, calling, texting, SOS button, step counter, no social media or internet access.

Pros: Affordable price, simple interface, focuses on essential safety features.

Cons: Limited features compared to more expensive options.

Garmin Bounce:

Key Features: GPS tracking, calling and texting, activity tracking, task timer, parental app access.

Pros: Focuses on encouraging healthy habits, safety features, simple to navigate.

Cons: No social media access

Apple Watch SE (with Family Setup):

Key Features: GPS tracking, calling, texting, SOS button, activity tracking, fall detection, water resistance. (Requires an iPhone to set up).

Pros: Feature-rich, durable, excellent safety features, familiar interface.

Cons: Can be expensive, requires an iPhone for setup, may be too complex for younger children.

The Best Smartwatch for a 10-Year-Old

When choosing the best smartwatch for a 10 year-old, consider a device that balances safety features with entertainment and learning opportunities. At this age, kids are becoming more independent and responsible, but still need parental supervision and guidance.

Smartwatches like the TickTalk 4 and Garmin Bounce are good choices for 10-year-olds, as they offer a good balance of communication, GPS tracking, and activity tracking, as well as age-appropriate entertainment features. Look for a device with a user-friendly interface, durable design, and reliable parental controls.

Setting Boundaries and Ensuring Responsible Use

No matter which smartwatch you choose, it’s important to set clear boundaries and expectations for your child’s use of the device. Discuss responsible use, safety protocols, and privacy considerations. Teach them how to use the SOS button in emergencies and how to communicate effectively with pre-approved contacts.

Also, establish rules about screen time, appropriate content, and respecting others’ privacy. Regularly monitor their activity and adjust settings as needed. Open communication and ongoing conversations are key to ensuring that your child uses their smartwatch safely and responsibly.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the best smartwatch for your child is a personal decision that depends on your family’s needs, budget, and values. By carefully considering the key features and recommendations outlined in this guide, you can select a device that provides peace of mind, enhances your child’s safety, and fosters their independence and responsibility. Remember that technology is a tool, and it’s up to us as parents to guide our children in using it wisely and safely.