Smartwatches are no longer limited to adults. Today, the market is already full of smartwatches made for children and teens. If you have invested in one for yourself, then buying one for your child will be a good idea. If you’re planning to buy him or her a smartphone someday, then giving a quality smartwatch to your child is a good start.
When buying a smartwatch for kids, you have to go for the one equipped with basic and essential features, such as GPS. Here are your top 10 choices for smartwatches for your child.
1) Top-Rated: The Verizon Gizmo Watch
Editor’s Rating: 4.5 out of 5
- High-End Device – this is not a simple smartwatch. It claims to get your son or daughter ready for his or her 1st smartphone. With up to 4GB of internal memory and a large battery capacity of up to 510 mAh, you can easily see how innovative the watch is.
- Great Features – by using the 4G LTE network supported by Verizon, 2-way calling is simple. It is surprisingly sturdy and water-resistant as it goes with an IPX7 rating.
- Efficient GPS Locator – this smartwatch is also equipped with the best GPS locator. Also, the parents can track and monitor their kids with ease. The unit will even allow them to set some GPS boundaries.
Pros:
- Good battery life
- Water-resistant
- GPS tracking
Cons:
- SIM card not included in the package
2) Best in Tracking: Vtech Kidizoom DX2
Editor’s Rating: 4.5 out of 5
- Recommended for Ages 4 to 12 Years – this might be the best smartwatch for your child. It looks nice and pretty decent.
- Two Cameras – one of them sits on the side while the other on the front. It can be used for taking photos, selfies, or recording videos. Coming with decent internal storage, you get ample space for storing videos and photos taken by these cameras.
- Built-in Motion Sensor – this special feature helps a lot in playing great games with the augmented reality experience. The smartwatch offers some games that will keep your child hooked and occupied.
- Custom Clock Backgrounds – the watch also comes with a wide variety of personalized clock backgrounds that can be set by using the images captured by the cameras.
Pros:
- AR games
- Built-in motion sensor
- Customizable clock UI
Cons:
- Doesn’t support the calling feature
3. With Child-Friendly Features: TickTalk 3
Editor’s Rating: 4.2 out of 5
- Ideal for Ages 4 to 10 – if your child is too young for a smartwatch but still wants to use one, then consider this model. It ranks as among the few smartwatches with child-friendly interface and functions. Your child will enjoy using the smartphone with its multi-touch screen display that measures 1.49 inches. It has a resolution of 800 x 480 dpi, ensuring the clearest and detailed display.
- Good Battery Life – this smartwatch can last for days when kept on the standby mode. When the GPS has been enabled, then the unit will last from 12 to 18 hours, depending on the use.
- SOS Emergency Signal – your child can quickly send one with just a tap on the unit’s power button.
- Dialing Pad – your child can dial contact numbers they want aside from the numbers saved on contacts. Parents can also enable and disable it through the smartphone application.
- Do-not-disturb Mode – the smartwatch also supports this feature, which is good to use while the child is in the school. However, this function can be controlled only through the smartwatch.
Pros:
- Waterproof and dustproof
- High-resolution display
- Nylon wristband
- Dialing pad
Cons:
- Short battery life
4) Best Value: SZBXD Waterproof Smart Watch
Editor’s Rating: 4.0 out of 5
- Ideal for Kids Age 6 to 12 – if your child is old enough and can manage to use a smartwatch properly, then consider this next item for her. Coming in a cozy shade of pink, this smartwatch will make her happy for sure.
- Great Screen Size – making calls, setting the alarm, and doing other things that your child can do with this smartwatch has been made easy with that wide and vivid screen display. It’s an HD display that measures 1.44 inches wide. The fonts are clear and sharp. Everything else is vivid and readable.
- Augment GPS – also known as AGPS; this is the latest GPS version that is available in this smartwatch. It is effective in facilitating improved real-time movement tracking of your child. Hence, you’ll stay updated with the whereabouts of your child.
- SOS Emergency Call Button – it is a very important feature that your child will enjoy in this smartwatch. It helps a lot when your child is in danger. With this, she can easily contact you or someone else she can trust.
- Remote Voice Monitor – this feature will allow your child to contact you when she has doesn’t feel okay with her peers. With this, she can quickly call you while the system allows you to hear anything around your child even if you’re not physically present in the location.
Pros:
- Expandable storage
- Affordable
- Resistant against dust and water
- One-touch SOS emergency button
Cons:
- The UI slows down when the watch overheats
5) Best for Teenagers: TicWatch E
Editor’s Rating: 4.0 out of 5
- Best for Teenagers – this is one of the most recommended smartwatches for users age 12 to 17. It can even be a good choice for adults. The smartwatch runs on the Android Wear 2.0. Also called Wear OS, it is the Android-based OS created and introduced by Google. It has been designed for wearables, especially smartwatches. This particular OS offers a huge ecosystem packed with various applications that your child can download and install in this device.
- OLED Display – this screen comes with a resolution of 400 x 400 with 281 dpi that guarantees a sharp and well-detailed display. The screen is also multi-touch and offers various options for different touch modes.
- GPS – this smartwatch supports GPS+GLONASS+Beidou-based GPS tracking. This combination of 3 global positioning locations from the US, China, and Russia depends on the radio-satellite telecommunication. Hence, it can give the most precise monitoring for the publicized navigation system.
Pros:
- Runs on Wear OS
- Highly compatible
- Revolutionary GPS tracking
Cons:
- Reduced battery backup
6) Best in UI: Jsbaby Kids Smartwatch
Editor’s Rating: 4.0 out of 5
- Ideal for Children 3 to 12 Years Old – this waterproof smartphone is highly suitable for kids of all ages. It is so child-friendly, thanks to its multifunctional black-themed design. If you want to stay updated with the activities and whereabouts of your child, then consider getting this for him. It is an intelligent watch that can shoot images and receive calls, so it helps a lot in case of emergencies.
- GPS and LBS – this smartwatch has these two functions to allow you to track the motions of your child. It supports 2-way calls and comes with an IP67-rated waterproof design that will last for years. It is waterproof, so your child can wear it while swimming.
- SOS Calls & Monitoring – this smartwatch supports SOS calls & monitoring. This feature will allow your child to call to 3 preset numbers in 3 seconds with just one press on the button. However, the device requires a 3rd party 4G SIM card for enabling this feature.
Pros:
- SOS calling and monitoring
- Comfortable design
- Precise GPS adapter
Cons:
- Short battery life
7) Best in Battery Life: Karaforna Smartwatch
Editor’s Rating: 4.0 out of 5
- In-built GPS Chip – with this feature, the smartwatch can accurately detect a child and his location within 30 meters.
- Comfortable to Wear – the strap feels good and friendly to sensitive skin. Therefore, your child will not hesitate to put it on and keep it in his wrist for hours.
- SOS Emergency Call Feature – this feature is allowing the smartwatch itself to be very handy and useful in case of emergencies. The system will allow you to set up to 3 numbers that the child can call to with one press on the button when he is in trouble. The watch does not come with a SIM card but can work with various networks: Sprint, AT&T, Verizon, etc.
- Great Design – this smartwatch has a great, decent design that will appeal to any child. The unit is available in different colors such as blue, pink, and purple. The device is light as well. It is fitted with the non-irritating, soft straps that your child can wear during the day without any problem.
Pros:
- Ideal for extended use
- Great color choices
- SOS emergency calls
Cons:
- Expensive
8) Best Design: Lsflair Smartwatch for Kids
Editor’s Rating: 4.0 out of 5
- Perfect for Children Aged 4 to 15 – this smartwatch is not just for teens but even for younger kids that are at least four years old. This will be a great gift to any child on his or her birthday.
- Good Smartwatch for Kids – the unit boasts its ergonomic design. Also, it goes with non-irritant straps made of plastic. It also has a lightweight stage that will fit comfortably on the child’s wrist. The parts of this smartwatch are all free from BPA, ensuring the unit’s safety for the kids.
- Feature-Rich Design – the smartwatch is so beneficial to parents and children in several ways. If you’re struggling to trace your child’s movements and activities, then this will be a perfect solution.
Pros:
- BPA-free
- Realtime GPS monitoring
- SOS alarm messages
Cons:
- Expensive
9) Best Smartwatch for Older Children and Teenagers: Amazfit Bip
- Best for Children Age 12 and Above – this smartwatch is one of the best that you can buy for tween or teen. It’s easy to use, making it a perfect choice for less tech-savvy kids.
- GPS Tracking – this product offers GPS+GLONASS tracking that allows you to track your child with increased accuracy. Thus, it helps eliminate your worries regarding his or her whereabouts.
- A Quality Fitness Tracker – the product is not as simple as a smartwatch for kids. Instead, it also works as a fitness tracker for adults. However, if your child is asking for a watch that he or she can connect to a smartphone or a simple-looking watch the features a heart rate tracker or step counter, then this could be the right choice.
- Non-reflective Display – it has a vivid, non-reflective display that can clearly show the statistics even under the direct sunlight. The numbers and fonts on the screen will stay visible enough when the user is outdoors.
- Extended Battery Life – this smartwatch packs a big battery capacity for stress-free use. On the standby mode, it can last for 4 to 7 days. Of course, the battery life shortens when the GPS is enabled. In that case, the smartwatch stays usable for 13 to 16 hours straight.
Pros:
- Accurate GPS tracking
- Waterproof
- Lightweight
- Great display quality
Cons:
- No extra 3rd party applications
10) Best in SIM Card Support: Ojoy A1 Kids Smartwatch
Editor’s Rating: 4.0 out of 5
- Best for Kids 5 to 10 Years Old – this child-friendly smartwatch is full of interesting features that are sure to grab your child’s interest. On your part, this smartwatch will be very useful in ensuring the safety of your child whenever he or she goes out of the house.
- Decent Screen Quality – this smartwatch is equipped with a wide and bright screen display that measures 1.4 inches. It’s a Retina display, so your child will enjoy crisp and easy viewing, even under direct sunlight.
- Good Battery Life – on the standby mode, this smartwatch will stay capable of functioning for up to 2 days. However, when the GPS is enabled, the battery shortens to less than 24 hours. That will be enough to continue monitoring the whereabouts of your child until he goes home.
- Good Internal Storage – with a maximum internal storage of 4GB, your child has enough space to capture and store photos in this smartwatch. The watch has a 2MP camera that can be used for video calls.
- GPS Tracking – it offers a GPS+GLONASS tracking system that keeps your peace of mind regarding the daily activities of your child at school or outdoors.
Pros:
- Built-in 2MP camera
- 2-way calling support via 4G LTE and 3G SIM cards
- Waterproof
Cons:
- Limited internal storage without SD card support
The Benefits of Buying a Smartwatch for Children
1) Tracking
One of the basic functions of smartwatches that urge the parents to purchase one for your kids will be the ability to find out your child’s whereabouts. In this period that crime rates incredibly increase, it became so important for the parents to ensure the safety of your child.
2) SOS Feature
No parents will ever want their children to be in trouble. However, when your child inevitably got involved in a chaotic situation, a smartwatch will help you know the problem as soon as possible.
3) Calling
Children will not have to carry their phones because smartwatches also allow them to call you or any reliable contact with just one press on the button.
4) Cognitive Development & Informative Learning
Smartwatches also allow users to download and install a wide range of apps or games. These things will help the kids gain knowledge without losing their attentiveness.
Features to Consider When Buying a Smartwatch for Kids
Buying a smartwatch is not as easy as you think. Here are some tips to help you:
1) Battery Backup
It is among the most crucial factors that should be present in a child’s smartwatch. You do not want your child to be cannot be reached because his watch ran out of battery juice. Thus, it is best to buy a smartwatch that has a large battery backup. Many of the watches are powered by the 380 to 440 mAh battery that is always easy to replace.
2) Device and OS Compatibility
A smartwatch should serve as the companion to its users. Parents will require a smartwatch that can be configured and synced using their smartphone. While some units just work with a specific OS like iOS and Android.
3) Durability
Don’t expect your child to keep in mind everything that you told her about the watch. She may listen but doesn’t pay attention to everything. Unless your child is big enough and can follow the instructions that you gave, then buy her a durable smartwatch.
4) Display
It should be vivid, bright, and intuitive. Also, it must be at least 1.5-1.78 inches. The screen must have a better density of PPI or pixels per inch that makes the fonts look more transparent and easier to read.
5) Waterproof
Kids will not hesitate to dive into the water or do anything else that allows their smartwatches to be in contact with water. Don’t worry, for as long as you go for a quality smartwatch, rest assured the unit is water-resistant.
A water-resistant smartwatch is durable and with an extended life span. A regular watch will short-circuit right from the first time it gets in contact with any form of liquid, be it water, milk, juice, etc. But, you must consider getting a smartwatch that your child spends much of his time in swimming.
6) Strap Material
The breathable and sturdy band stays on the child’s arm for an extended time. If the band is uncomfortable, it may force the child to take the watch off and leave it somewhere he cannot remember in the long run.
7) After-Sale Service
A smartwatch for kids is a great investment that their fathers and mothers want them to have. When something wrong happens, if you want to send it for the RMA, then the after-sales service must be easy to avail, fast, and convenient. Getting the smartwatch back to normal after a problem should be as quick as possible.
8) Connectivity Options
WiFi and Bluetooth are given by most manufacturing companies as the package. The cheaper models often settle for providing just the Bluetooth connection. Expensive smartwatches, on the other hand, also provide the NFC with just one-touch.
9) Weight
Children are extremely active. They flail their legs and arms in random ways in which they find fun. Something they wear on their arms will always be the last thing they tend to think about. Their hyperactivity often leads to problems, such as getting their things misplaced. A lightweight smart with a modest display will be the best combination ever.
10) Apps
Smartwatches are often equipped with the needed applications that are often standard content of these wearables. They provide generic functionality. Extra features and functionalities will require a wide array of applications. The modern-day devices are as great as the number of apps that they can operate or run.
11) Price
Although smartwatches are expensive, you will still need to consider the costs. If you can stretch your budget to get a more premium unit, then that would be a great choice. When it comes to price and your budget, there’s no reason to sacrifice some features just to get a smartwatch for your child.
GPS is one of the most important features of this device, but it adds up to the cost of a smartwatch. Don’t hesitate to stretch a little bit of your budget for a smartwatch. Remember, the higher your budget is, the more features your child will enjoy in his new watch.
Conclusion
So, which smartwatch should you buy for your child? If you’re not on a tight budget and want a smartwatch that ensures good battery life, good GPS locator, and great features, then you will never go wrong with this one. This unit is paying more than what you might be expecting for a premium smartwatch for kids.
However, if your budget is quite tight, but you still want a great smartwatch for your daughter, then you may go for SZBXD Waterproof Smart Watch. Like the first choice, it also guarantees good battery life, protective features against water and dust, expandable storage, and an SOS emergency button. If your child is younger but can already wear a watch, then you can choose TickTalk 3. It’s the smartwatch in this list that seems to be the friendliest to both young and old kids. It offers GPS, good battery life, SOS emergency button, and many more.
