10 Best Smartwatch For Kids 2025 in the United States

The Google Fitbit Ace LTE is a solid choice for a kids' smartwatch, especially if you want reliable GPS tracking and easy communication. It includes built-in 4G LTE and GPS, so parents can keep track of their child's location without requiring a paired phone. The watch supports calls and messages with up to 20 approved contacts, which helps maintain safety and control. Battery life is good for a full day's use, offering over 16 hours and a quick 30-minute charge for extended playtime.

Its durability is impressive, featuring Corning Gorilla Glass 3, a protective bumper, and water resistance up to 50 meters, making it tough enough for active kids who might bump or drop it. The Fitbit Arcade offers movement-based games that encourage physical activity, combining fun and fitness in one device. Plus, the School Time feature helps limit gameplay during class while still allowing essential communication. Parental controls are thoughtfully designed through the Fitbit app, though younger kids (under 13) cannot message each other, which may limit peer interaction. The design is lightweight and comfortable with a 1.6-inch touchscreen, available in a kid-friendly color. An interesting bonus is the Tap to Pay feature, allowing children to make small purchases with a linked debit card, which could be helpful for teaching money management.

One downside is the need for the Fitbit Ace Pass data plan to enable cellular functions, adding an ongoing cost. Also, while communication is secure, it relies on parents managing contacts through a Google account and the Fitbit app, which might require some setup effort. The watch works best with newer Android and iOS devices, so compatibility should be checked beforehand. The Fitbit Ace LTE balances safety, fun, and fitness well, making it a great pick for parents who want a durable, feature-rich smartwatch to keep kids connected and active without needing a phone.

The JrTrack 5 Kids Smart Watch by Cosmo is a strong choice for parents seeking a safe, connected device for children aged 6 and up. Its standout feature is an impressively precise real-time GPS tracking system powered by advanced HaloGPS technology, which gives parents peace of mind about their child's location. Communication options are robust, offering secure calling and texting limited to parent-approved contacts, which effectively blocks spam and internet access for safer use. The watch supports real calling, messaging, and even sharing pictures and short videos within the family network.

Parental controls are comprehensive, allowing customization of apps, screen time limits, and a distraction-free Focus Mode to help kids stay attentive during school or other activities. The inclusion of Spotify music apps adds a fun, age-appropriate entertainment option, though it requires a separate subscription. In terms of durability and comfort, the JrTrack 5 has a lightweight design with a 1.4-inch square screen, which should fit most kids comfortably. However, the battery life, powered by a 680mAh lithium-ion cell, is decent but not exceptional, so daily charging is likely needed.

One limitation is the watch’s dependency on Cosmo’s own cellular service, which might restrict flexibility compared to more universal carriers. The watch also includes useful everyday tools like alarms, activity tracking, and a find-my-watch feature, enhancing its practicality. The JrTrack 5 suits parents prioritizing safety, location accuracy, and controlled communication, making it a reliable choice for a child’s first phone watch.

The Garmin Bounce is a solid choice for a kids' smartwatch, especially for parents who want to stay connected and track their child's location. It offers built-in GPS with real-time tracking, which helps parents know where their kids are and get notifications when they enter or leave designated safe zones. The two-way text and voice messaging features let kids and parents communicate easily through the Garmin Jr. app, though these require an active subscription and LTE connectivity.

With a bright, colorful 1.3-inch touchscreen, the watch is designed to be kid-friendly and durable, including swim-friendly water resistance, making it suitable for active children. The battery life can last up to two days but may drain faster depending on how often location and communication features are used. This means daily charging might be necessary for heavy users. While Garmin Bounce doesn’t heavily focus on educational apps or games, its main strength lies in communication and safety features, along with parental controls that give caregivers peace of mind. The Assistance function is a helpful safety tool, enabling kids to send an alert with their live location if needed.

In terms of comfort and design, it’s lightweight and compact, which should be comfortable for kids to wear all day. It is important to note that the watch requires a subscription for full functionality, which adds to the overall cost. Parents seeking a reliable, durable smartwatch focused on safety, communication, and location tracking will find the Garmin Bounce fits well, while those looking for more educational content or longer battery life might want to explore other options.