11 of the Best Smartwatches for Kids of All Ages

March 18, 2024
Updated:
March 18, 2024
11 of the Best Smartwatches for Kids of All Ages
(Left) Fitbit Ace 3 Activity-Tracker Smartwatch for Kids (Right) Luyiilo Smartwatch for Kids (Illustration by The Epoch Times, Amazon)
Are you in search of a smartwatch for your kid but don’t know how to pick one? There are smartwatches for kids with fun themes, bright colors, and interactive features available on the market.
You can find the best smartwatch for kids by considering some features. Finding a balance of functionality, durability, age-appropriateness, and kid-friendly design can be tricky.
In this article, we break down the top smartwatch models for children of all ages. We consider their features and guide you to choose the best smartwatch for your kid.
Consider your kid’s needs and preferences. Then determine the best smartwatches for kids that you both enjoy using. Give your kid independence in a responsible, controlled way.
The Fitbit Ace 3 is a smartwatch designed especially for kids ages 6 and up. It can track your kids’ activities and sleeping habits. It comes with a bright, fun Minions theme that makes using it fun and engaging. It means that it is an engaging watch encouraging kids to be more active.
This smartwatch is waterproof and made of durable materials so it is suitable for daily use. It also has animated clock faces that evolve during the day and sounds more interesting to use by kids.
The Ace 3 can sync with iOS and Android devices via the Fitbit app. It allows parents to observe their child’s progress and stats. Its battery life stands up to 8 hours which sounds reasonable for kids’ use.
This watch with its step and sleep tracker, animated clock faces, long battery life, and compatibility can be a good choice for kids and parents.
Pros
  • 8-day battery life: It has a long battery life of about 8 days. With normal usage, you do not have to be worried about recharging it.
  • Waterproof: The Ace 3 smartwatch has a waterproof design. It means that it can withstand being immersed in a liquid up to 50 meters. 
Cons
  • Compatibility issues: Requires use of a smartphone in order to first get it to work.
$49.69 at Amazon (Price at Time of Publishing)
 

VTech KidiZoom Smartwatch

VTech KidiZoom Smartwatch VTech KidiZoom Smartwatch
The VTech KidiZoom Smartwatch DX3 is a great smartwatch for kids. It has a sleek black design which makes it like a grown-up smartwatch. It can be a good suggestion for those children who want to look more mature.
This smartwatch is provided with a dual camera, video recorder, and voice recorder. Children can use these engaging features to make memories along with being creative. The quality of its camera does not compare with a smartphone but it is decent for kids.
Educational games and activities make this smartwatch suitable for fun and learning. This feature is highly appreciated by parents and kids. Math, logic, and creativity are included subjects in the games section.
Kids can customize clock faces from their photos or choose from 50+ animated faces. They can switch the mode to School mode to use the DX3 as a watch only.
Kids can use this smartwatch for several days without recharging with regular use. Actually, its battery life-long is adequate for kids.
Parents also appreciate the Kid Connect feature. It allows kids to send messages to other Kid connect-equipped VTech devices. It’s a fun way for kids to stay in touch with family and friends in a controlled and safe environment.
Pros
  • Games: Educational games including subjects math, logic, and creativity. Kids can enjoy playing while learning.
  • Customizable clock faces: There are over 50 animated clock faces to choose from. Kids also can use their own photos.
  • Kid Connect: Kids can use this smartwatch to send messages to other Vtech devices. It provides safe communication with friends and family. 
Cons
  •  Poor camera quality: Camera quality is not as good as a smartphone, especially in low-light settings.
$49.98 at Amazon (Price at Time of Publishing)

XPLORA XGO 3 Smartwatch for Kids

XPLORA XGO 3 Smartwatch for Kids XPLORA XGO 3 Smartwatch for Kids
The Xplora XGO 3 is a phone designed as a smartwatch for children ages 5-12. It allows parents to monitor their kids. They can observe voice calls, messages, location tracking, and safety features.
Xplora uses GPS, active Wifi, and GSM triangulation to provide location. These features are widely needed and approved by parents. With the use of this device, parents can always monitor a child’s location. Parents can mark some safe areas like home and school. If a child wanders out of these pre-marked areas, notifications will be sent to parents.
When school mode is activated, kids can only watch the clock. Calls and messaging get disabled. Still, parents can track the location and SOS is active.
Kids can take a photo and share it with family and friends, record voice messages and use emojis. This smartwatch provides full mobile phone features.
It comes with all the features a child will need, such as voice calls, location, safe zones, SOS, and a calculator.
Customers consider it as a wearable computer as a watch. With its entertainment value, ease of use, and call quality, the Xplora XGO 3 is a great device for kids.
So in summary, the Xplora XGO 3 is a full-featured smartwatch phone. It is packed with parent and child safety capabilities, though it comes at a premium price point. Key highlights are communication freedom within boundaries, location tracking, and the SOS button. 
Pros
  • GPS and safety zones: This watch is equipped with GPS. Parents can track their child’s exact location and set up some safety zones.
  • School mode: This feature disables calls and messages during classes. Features like location tracking and the SOS function are still active.
  • SOS button: Children can automatically make emergency contacts and share their locations.
Cons
  • You have to pay: This smartwatch requires a paid cellular plan subscription.
$93.55 - $129.99 at Amazon (Price at Time of Publishing)

Accutime SNC4055AZ Smartwatch for Kids

Accutime SNC4055AZ Smartwatch for Kids Accutime SNC4055AZ Smartwatch for Kids
The SEGA Sonic the Hedgehog Smartwatch is made specifically for kids. It features popular Sonic the Hedgehog character designs. Both boys and girls enjoy using this theme. With no internet connectivity, calling, or messaging features parents can feel secure.
It has a selfie camera for taking pictures that are saved to the photo album viewer. There is also a video player, voice recorder, calculator, alarm clock, pedometer, games, and customizable watch faces. The touchscreen display is easy for young kids to navigate.
This smart wearable is trendy. It is designed for their favorite Sonic the Hedgehog characters.
It has a long-lasting rechargeable battery. It means that there is no need to buy and replace batteries. It also comes with a USB charging cable.
It provides an easy-to-read touchscreen display and a cool, fun Sonic the Hedgehog design. 
Overall, this smartwatch comes with fully engaging features kids need. It can also satisfy parents to put their minds at ease and choose one of the best smartwatches for kids on the market.  
Pros
  • Selfie camera: This feature allows kids to take pictures that are saved to the photo album on the watch.
  • Customizable watch faces: Kids can change the clock display. Different themes show a variety of Sonic-themed watch faces.
  • Pedometer: The step tracker can encourage kids to exercise and stay active.
Cons
  • Steep learning curve: Kids can have a hard time learning how to use this device.
$34.97 at Amazon (Price at Time of Publishing)

Luyiilo Smartwatch for Kids

Luyiilo Smartwatch for Kids Luyiilo Smartwatch for Kids
Luyiilo smart game watch for kids is designed for boys and girls 5-7 years old. It comes with features that make using it fun and educational. It means that it provides different games that can make learning fun and engaging for kids.
Kids can set daily alarms on the watch. It helps children to develop a healthy routine. They can wake up on time, get ready for school, and establish a consistent schedule.
The built-in calculator can help kids to practice math and improve problem-solving. They can use it wherever they are and calculate a tip or complete homework. This feature saves time and encourages independence in their math skills.
This smartwatch is equipped with a flashlight that provides comfort and security. The flashlight decreases the fear of darkness, helping them to navigate in the dark. This children’s smartwatch is featured with 2 sheets of high-strength toughened film. They protect the watch screen from accidental falls or collisions in daily life.
This smartwatch also has 13 educational functions and 26 different games. They help develop your child’s brain and logic skills. This feature is suitable for kids aged 3-6 years old.
The 300,000-pixel camera can record every memorable moment. With an 8G SD card, kids can easily store up to 10,000 photos and more than 6 hours of video.
The rechargeable 400mAh battery can last 7-14 days in standby mode. The strap is made of high-quality, skin-friendly silicone that is waterproof. However, the dial is not fully waterproof.
Customers appreciate the quality, value, gift-giving, and fun of this watch. They mention that it is a great product for kids and worth the money. They are also like ease of use, features, and appearance.
 Considering all, the Luyiilo smartwatch can promote your kids’ independence. It can bring joy and learning to kids. While providing them with their first technology device.
Pros
  • Music player: They can enjoy listening to their favorite music that provides joy for them.
  • Gallery for photos/videos: Kids can have fun with their favorite photos and videos.
Cons
  • Not waterproof: You can’t take this smartwatch to the shower as it is not waterproof.
$37.99 at Amazon (Price at Time of Publishing)

Accutime Kids Microsoft Minecraft Green Smartwatch

Accutime Kids Microsoft Minecraft Green Smartwatch Accutime Kids Microsoft Minecraft Green Smartwatch
This Minecraft kids’ smartwatch is one of the coolest watches for a Minecraft fan! It has a reasonable size and an easy-to-read touchscreen display. with its cool and fun Minecraft design, it can be a good choice for your kid. Both boys and girls 3+ years old can enjoy using this smartwatch.
To increase kids security there is no wireless technology or internet for this watch. This feature can help parents to put their minds at ease and provide security for their kids.
The Minecraft smartwatch comes with features including a selfie camera for taking pictures. Kids can enjoy spending time taking pictures of their own. It also has a photo album viewer where kids can review their taken photos.
The video player and voice recorder can also be used for fun and making memories. The alarm clock and pedometer step counter can help kids to promote their habits. They can set alarms for specific tasks like doing their homework. The step counter encourages them to count their steps and stay more active.
Various playable games are designed to increase problem-solving skills. These features can provide kids with fun gamified learning independently. It also comes with changeable watch faces that are fun and engaging. This customizable feature can truly cheer your kids up.
It includes a built-in rechargeable battery with a one-year warranty from Accutime Watch. It means that you do not need to worry about looking for an outlet while you’re on the go.
Overall, this fashionable wearable computer features designs of their favorite Minecraft characters. It is one of the best smartwatches for kids available on the market. It has features that suit both kids’ and parent’s needs and preferences.
Pros:
  • Kid-friendly design: It has a trendy Minecraft design that appeals to kids.
Cons:
  • Short battery life: Some users have mentioned that the battery life is too short.
$34.99 at Amazon (Price at Time of Publishing)

L.O.L. Surprise Accutime Kids Hot Pink Smartwatch

L.O.L. Surprise Accutime Kids Smartwatch L.O.L. Surprise Accutime Kids Smartwatch
This LOL Surprise comes with kid-friendly features for children. They can enjoy wearing a smart wearable computer like grownups.
This smartwatch is equipped with an easy-to-read display that is also a touchscreen. It doesn’t support any wireless technology which means there is no connecting feature.
It features a selfie camera, photo album viewer, video player, and voice recorder. These features can keep your kids entertained and help them to become more creative.
It also comes with a calculator, alarm clock, and pedometer step counter. They can help kids and parents to observe kids’ activities and become more active.
This LOL Surprise has various playable games that increase kids’ skills while playing. Changeable watch faces are another feature that kids like a lot. They can set their favorite face and have fun.
There is no need to worry about the battery. This watch has a long-life rechargeable battery. It includes a one-year warranty from Accutime Watch. This smartwatch with a fashionable design can be a good gift for both girls and boys.
Pros
  • Kid-friendly features: The watch comes preloaded with kid-friendly games to keep them entertained while you’re shopping.
  • Rechargeable battery: The company gives you a rechargeable battery upon purchase so you won’t have to regularly change batteries.
Cons
  • Small storage capacity: The storage capacity issues can potentially ruin your moments by disallowing you from taking photos.
$34.99 at Amazon (Price at Time of Publishing)

Cosjoype Kids Game Smart Watch 

Cosjoype Kids Game Smart Watch  Cosjoype Kids Game Smart Watch
This smartwatch is designed for boys aged 4-12. It has a 1.54-inch IPS HD touchscreen. It is very easy to work with for children and there is no need to connect phones or download apps.
Cosjoype Kids smartwatch comes with new functions. It features 13 habit-tracking alarms, 100 learning cards, and 10 audio stories. These features make using this smartwatch educational and fun.
With 24 games to choose from for kids, it is a suitable device for children of multiple ages. That can effectively improve kids’ logical thinking skills and hand-eye coordination.
It includes a selfie camera, MP3 player, video recorder, pedometer, and voice recording. Other features are games, an alarm clock, a stopwatch, a calendar, a timer, a calculator, a flashlight, and more.
All in all, this smartwatch has a feature that makes it stand out from other competitors. 13 habit-tracking alarms can help kids improve their habits. 100 learning cards increase their learning habit with fun. And 10 audio stories are features that can entertain your kids effectively.
Pros
  • Easy to use: Has a touchscreen interface for kids to use and it’s fairly easy too.
  • Educational content: This smartwatch has features like learning cards so your kids can better learn the material taught in school.
Cons
  • Low-quality build: Can break easily if handled roughly. It’s best to only use it when you’re sure it’s not going to get dropped or handled roughly.
  • Limited internal storage: This will definitely affect how good of an experience you have with this smartwatch.
$35.99 at Amazon (Price at Time of Publishing)
 

SPACETALK Kids Smartwatch

SPACETALK Kids Smartwatch SPACETALK Kids Smartwatch
Spacetalk Adventurer 4G smartwatch phone is a decent choice for kids aged 5 - 12. It has a location tracker for tracking your child’s location. Parents can manage contacts for text messaging and chats with the Spacetalk app. HD video calling, SOS button, 5MP camera, school mode, and Bluetooth are also provided.
Parents can also enable school mode. It means when kids are at school some features like chat and call get disabled. School mode features help kids to stay focused in the classes. And parents can make sure the watch can’t distract their children during learning.
There is another feature that completes the parental control feature of this watch. Parents can set up safe zones for kids. So when kids get away from the safe zone, parents get notifications. In this way, parents can rest assured about their kids’ security.
This smartwatch can help you protect your kids with no social media or open internet. The parental app gives you full control of your child’s Spacetalk device from your own smartphone.
This smartwatch lets children customize watch faces. It can be an engaging and fun feature for kids to enjoy.
Customers are also happy with the value. But, there are some complaints about the performance, quality, and battery life. They mention that it never worked well, the quality is poor and the battery life is limited.
Pros
  • Great connectivity: Communication and coordination features keep families connected.
  • Family safety: It has features in place to keep your children from coming across potentially harmful content.
  • Tracking features: GPS tracking provides real-time location visibility for parents.
Cons
  • Short battery life: Battery life is limited according to some customer reviews.
  • Distractor: Possibility of distractions in school if controls are not set properly.
$119.99 at Amazon (Price at Time of Publishing)
 

TickTalk 4 Unlocked 4G LTE Kids Smartwatch

TickTalk 4 Unlocked 4G LTE Kids Smartwatch TickTalk 4 Unlocked 4G LTE Kids Smartwatch
This smartwatch is one of the best kids’ smartwatches. It provides 2-way voice and HD video calling, talk-to-text, voice messages, photos, emojis, GIFs, and group chats. This watch has dual 5MP cameras for creative photography.
It is enhanced with a unique antenna for unparalleled nationwide signal. It means that wherever around the world parents are, they can contact and observe their children.
GPS tracker offers real-time location tracking, and route history. It also comes with SOS and 911 calls and blocks unknown calls and texts. All these features are designed for parents’ peace of mind.
DND mode is designed to minimize distractions during classes or homework. 3D reminders can boost good habits and effective time management. It means that kids can promote a healthy and organized lifestyle.
It offers free streaming of kid-friendly music, podcasts, and stories (U.S. only)powered by iHeartRadio Family. TickTalk 4 kids watch phone is built tough with IP67 water resistance, 100+ hours standby, and shock-proof tech.
Pros
  • Easy to use: The interface and parental controls are easy to figure out and set up.
  • Safety: It has great safety features with GPS tracking and an SOS button.
Cons
  • High price: Might be too expensive compared to other similar smartwatches.
$199.99 at Amazon (Price at Time of Publishing)

Why Do Kids Need Smartwatches?

Smartwatches for kids are more popular these days with the rise of technology. Parents prefer to provide smartwatches for their kids because of some advantages. They can call and message their kids through smartwatches.
When the kids are away from home or school, they can see where the child is located by GPS tracking feature. Some smartwatches for kids allow parents to set reasonable limits on usage time. These features provide peace of mind for parents.
Smartwatches allow parents to oversee their child’s well-being, safety, health, and habits. Besides giving kids more freedom and independence.
Some smartwatches have features like step counting that can encourage physical activity. Plus, they have tools to promote better sleeping habits.
All in all, using smartwatches by kids has benefits for both parents and children. Parents can observe their kids anytime and anywhere, while children can entertain using digital tools.

Are Smartwatches for Kids Worth It?

There are some key points on whether smartwatches for kids are worth it.
  •     Safety and Security: Parents can keep in contact with their kids and track their location via GPS. With these features, they can make sure about their children’s safety and security.
  •     Health and Fitness Tracking: Many smartwatches for kids have step counters. This can encourage physical activity that leads to promoting healthy habits.
  •     Engagement vs Distraction: Smartwatches provide games, apps, and entertainment to engage kids. However, they can be distracted in school and social settings if not used judiciously.
  •     Expense: There are affordable options like basic location trackers under $40. High-end smartwatches for kids with more features can cost over $100. The value depends on how much functionality you want and need.
  •     Durability and Responsibility: Smartwatches need to be durable and waterproof. Also, the child’s responsibility to care for the device properly matters.
All in all, smartwatches with location tracking and basic features are worth buying. They provide valuable safety and connectivity benefits for parents and kids. But more advanced ones may be overkill for very young kids. Consider your Child’s specific needs and level of responsibility.
 

What Age Should I Get My Kid a Smartwatch?

What age a child can start wearing a smartwatch varies based on the family and the kid’s behavior. But there are some general guidelines.
  •     Ages 5-8: At this age, a basic kids’ GPS tracker watch makes the most sense. A durable location-tracking model with a calling feature would be satisfying. This allows peace of mind while building responsibility.
  •     Ages 8-12: These children are older and more responsible. They can use more advanced models. Still focus on basic communication, fitness tracking, and privacy safeguards first. Make sure to set rules and limitations on usage.
  •     Ages 13+: In the teen years, many of the features of adult smartwatches become more relevant. Texting, apps, responsibility controls, and full fitness/health tracking capabilities have more utility. Keep communicating on healthy usage.
However, every child’s maturity and responsibility level develops at different paces. Consider your child’s behavior and concerns before getting a smartwatch at any age. An inexpensive GPS tracker watch may make the most sense for the youngest kids. 

Are Smartwatches OK for Kids?

Smartwatches can have benefits for families. However, there are some considerations when deciding if they are okay for children.
Potential Benefits:
  •     Safety via GPS tracking and the ability to contact the child
  •     Promoting physical activity and healthy habits
  •     Entertainment and engagement when used judiciously
Potential Downsides:
  •     Distraction in class/social settings if overused
  •     Durability and responsibility required to care for the device
  •     Privacy concerns with location/internet connectivity
  •     Exposure to inappropriate content if not restricted properly
  •     Expense of more advanced smartwatches with additional features
Some suggestions can help you to avoid downsides and enjoy benefits:
  •     Set age-appropriate restrictions and rules on usage
  •     Monitor how it impacts focus, behavior, and physical activity
  •     Use a basic kid-friendly GPS tracker at younger ages first
  •     Ensure your child is mature enough to use it responsibly
Overall, smartwatches can be okay for kids in moderation. Family rules can increase responsible use and both parents and children can benefit. A family should consider the child’s age and maturity level. They must always be able to have an open conversation about healthy usage habits.
 

Does Apple Make a Kid’s Watch?

Yes, Apple does make a kid-focused smartwatch named the Apple Watch SE. Here are some key things to know about the Apple Watch SE for kids:
  •     It runs WatchOS and connects to an iPhone. Kids are able to call and text, track activity and sleep, access apps, and more while parents set restrictions and limits for their access.
  •     There is a Family Setup mode that doesn’t require connecting the watch to the child’s own iPhone. Instead, it can be set up through a parent’s iPhone.
  •     It has fall detection and emergency SOS features to help keep kids safe.
  •     Compared to the regular Apple Watch, the SE model is more affordable. However, it lacks some advanced health sensors and features.
  •     There are kid-friendly wristband options like sports loops and colorful cases available.
  •     The battery life lasts around 1-2 days depending on usage.
  •     Parental controls allow limiting contacts, app usage, and features based on age.
Although the Apple Watch SE is designed for kids, it provides core smartwatch functions. With its safety, connectivity, and parental control it can be a good choice for families.
 

Can Kids Wear Smartwatches at School?

Using smartwatches for kids depends on the school’s policy. However, many schools do allow students to wear basic smartwatches, with some rules and restrictions:
Most schools allow smartwatches but don’t want them to be a distraction or used to cheat. They may want students to disable certain features during tests or classes.
Smartwatches with internet access, cellular connectivity, or app-installing capabilities are more likely prohibited. Simple watches for basic activity tracking and timekeeping tend to be allowed.
Kids cannot use smartwatches with cameras, microphones, or communication apps.
Some schools ban smartwatches for younger grade school students (K-5th grade). Although, they allow middle and high school students to wear them.
It is within the authority of teaching staff to ask students not to use smartwatches. If they discern it can be a distraction during class, students will be banned.
Finally, basic smartwatch functions tend to be allowed to be used at schools. But privacy, cheating, and distraction risks, make schools regulate certain rules. 
 

What Size Watch Is Best for Kids?

The best smartwatch size for kids depends on the child’s age and wrist size. Here are some points to consider when you want to buy a smartwatch for your kid.
Toddlers (ages 3-5): Look for small watch cases sized 36mm or under. Pay attention to strap adjustments to get the right fit.
Young kids (ages 6-8): Case sizes around 32-38mm tend to work well, with adjustable bands. Prioritize an easy-to-fast and comfortable band.
Older kids (ages 9-12): Larger case sizes of 38-42mm fit better as kids grow. Choose a strap with enough holes for adjusting wrist size.
Teens (ages 13+): Adult smartwatch sizes of 42mm+ cases work well. Bands should fit a 6“ - 8.5” wrist.
It’s important to measure your child’s wrist rather than age as all kids grow at different rates. Make sure you can achieve a snug but comfortable fit. The watch should stay put during activity but not be constricted. An improper size risks not only destroying accurate data but also could be unsafe if it slides around. Getting the right-sized smartwatch is key to comfort and proper use.

Conclusion

There are a variety of smartwatches available on the market for kids. Key factors in choosing a smartwatch for kids are durability, safety features, and parental control.
The Luyiilo smartwatch is a budget-friendly option with all the necessary features. It is an entertaining and educational device with a durable design and good value. It has an easy interface and promotes independence and learning.
Here is a suggestion for those wanting the best smartwatch regardless of the price. The TickTalk 4 stands out. It packs the most robust connectivity, communication, and safety capabilities. This includes 2-way calling, GPS tracking, parental controls, and an SOS button.
You can read the best smartwatches for kids reviews and based on your budget and preference decide. Get your kid a standard safe increasing smartwatch and put your mind at ease.