The Best Smartwatches For Kids
Smartwatches aren't just for adults anymore. Kids can also benefit immensely from a mini computer strapped to their wrist. Smartwatches can help youngsters develop an awareness of body fitness, with programs that track heart rate, calories, and other indicators of activity. There are many options, too, including large models that can make phone calls and compact ones that stay out of the way. We're sure you can find one your kiddo loves.
What to Look For
Choosing the right smartwatch for your child can be a challenge, but it becomes much easier if you can focus your search on a few key details. We recommend paying close attention to durability, versatility, safety, and connectivity. For example, the Fitbit Ace 3 holds up well to everyday wear and tear, and it has tons of extra features that help your kiddo stay on track. However, it isn’t capable of making phone calls or GPS tracking like the TickTalk. If you want more info on these and our other top picks, check out our list below.
Fitbit Ace 3 Activity Tracker
The Ace 3 by Fitbit has fabulous features for children, and the battery life makes it super convenient for parents, too. It keeps track of physical activity and reminds them to work towards their goals. Once they meet them, the screen will light up in celebration as added motivation. And best of all, you only need to charge it about once a week.
Pros:
- You can seamlessly connect this watch to the Fitbit app so your kids can challenge the rest of the family to compete in fitness goals.
- The fun animated clock faces on the screen grow as their step count goes up, which helps motivate them further.
- It’s perfect for keeping track of your child’s sleeping habits, and it can even come in handy at health appointments.
Cons:
- The waterproof feature isn’t automatic, so you’ll have to teach your kids to engage the water lock manually.
Inspiratek Kids Fitness Tracker
Just keep swimming
Many smartwatches and fitness trackers claim to be waterproof, but you often have to do something special for it to keep it safe as you swim. That’s not the case when you go with the Inspiratek fitness tracker. It gives your kids the space to swim, bathe, and have fun at the beach without worry.
Pros:
- The battery easily stays charged for up to a week.
- You can set as many alarms as you’d like, making it a great choice if your kids need reminders to do their chores or get to virtual school meetings.
- It can connect to your phone or your child’s tablet to help you keep an eye on their activity.
Cons:
- The watch may receive your messages and calls if you forget to turn those features off when you connect it.
Garmin Vivofit Jr 2 Kids Fitness Tracker
Convenience meets cuteness
Girls can be picky about what they wear, which is why we appreciate the color and style options of the Garmin Vivofit Jr. 2. It’s obviously not exclusive to girls, but fans of Disney princesses, Frozen characters, and other heroines will adore this watch. There are even Spiderman and Star Wars versions, as well. Best of all, the included app gives parents the ability to set goals, and meeting those goals unlocks rewards like games and other fun stuff.
Pros:
- Kids love that they can earn coins and special screen time by completing the chores their parents set using the watch.
- The bands are sturdy and comfortable, but they are also easily replaced. Accidents happen, and it’s nice to have that security.
- It’s super cute, and kids love the popular character designs.
Cons:
- The screen is much smaller than that of most competitors.
Cubitt Jr Smartwatch
Ready for life
Schedules and structures are a drag, but they can also be a necessary part of life. For kids who struggle to keep up with the hustle and bustle of the day, this smartwatch by Cubitt is the answer. It has ten built-in alarms you can help them set for breakfast, lunchtime, classes, bedtime, and anything else they need to do. On top of it all, it enables you to keep track of their sleep patterns, temperature, activity, and hygiene.
Pros:
- An easy-to-use interface allows most kids and teens to set their alarms and reminders independently.
- It’s very durable and waterproof, so it holds up while kids swim and play.
- The colors and watch face style look good enough that even teens can wear it confidently to school.
Cons:
- The pedometer isn’t always the most accurate.
TickTalk 4 Unlocked Smartwatch
More fun, less risk
The TickTalk 4 smartwatch is just what you need if you’re searching for an option that keeps you and your children connected. It includes a pay-as-you-go sim card, but you can choose to get your own through your personal carrier for added convenience. Once connected, your child can use it to text, voice, and make video calls to the contacts that you add. As a bonus, you’ll always know where they are with GPS tracking.
Pros:
- The band and watch face are super sturdy and easily last through your kids playing outside and running around.
- You choose who your child can contact, so you won’t need to worry about spam or dangerous calls.
- This is a terrific choice when you want the security of your kids having a phone without all of the unnecessary extras.
Cons:
- The initial setup can be fairly time-consuming.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I get my child a smartwatch that can make phone calls?
Deciding whether or not kids need access to calling and texting can be confusing for us as parents. We want the safety and security of knowing we can always be connected, but we don’t want the danger of strangers talking to them. We think parents should evaluate each child individually. Your responsible eight-year-old with lots of friends and after-school activities may benefit, while your prankster twelve-year-old may just make prank calls. Thus, age is just one indicator of a child’s degree of responsibility.
Why are smartwatches good for kids?
Smartwatches are awesome. They can help you teach your kids to maintain good health habits, track their sleep and activity for their pediatrician, and allow you to set reminders for school and chores. In addition, many have games and other fun features.
About the Author
Why Trust Us
With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.