Uncover the best smartwatches for kids in 2023! Keep them safe, active & entertained with top choices. Don’t miss out on these game-changing devices!
The world of technology is always evolving, and smartwatches for kids are no exception. In 2023, a plethora of new and improved options are available for parents who want to invest in the best smartwatches for kids.
As a parent, choosing a smartwatch that suits your child’s needs and interests and provides essential features like GPS tracking, parental controls, and communication capabilities is essential. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the 6 best smartwatches for kids and what features to look for when choosing the perfect watch for your little one.
Smartwatch Features
| Feature | Description |
| Display | Color or monochrome, touchscreen or button-operated, ranging from 1 inch to over 2 inches in size |
| Battery Life | Sensors track steps, distance, heart rate, and calories burned; some have GPS |
| Fitness Tracking | Making payments with the watch; requires a connection to a smartphone and a compatible payment method |
| Notifications | Receive calls, texts, emails, and app notifications; view on the watch and often include the ability to reply or dismiss |
| Voice Control | Use voice to make calls, send texts, set reminders, and more |
| Mobile Payments | Prices vary from under $50 to over $1000 based on features like display, battery life, and extra sensors. |
| Music | Varies in degree from splashes to swimming or diving, measured by an IP (Ingress Protection) rating |
| Water Resistance | Store and play music and control playback on a smartphone; some have a built-in speaker or connect to wireless headphones |
| GPS | Built-in or requires connection to a smartphone |
| Compatibility | Utilize Siri or Google Assistant for reminders, inquiries, and smart home management. |
| Design | Variety of designs, materials, and interchangeable bands |
| Phone & Messaging | Compatible with different operating systems, affects the availability of apps and features |
| Built-in Camera | Capture images and record videos with an integrated camera |
| Digital Assistant | Initiate and accept calls and texts; integrated cellular capabilities or linked to a phone. |
| Diverse Sensors | Multiple sensors, including accelerometers, gyroscopes, and barometers, for tracking fitness, fall detection, and altitude measurement |
| Device Connection | Link to smartphones and gadgets via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or mobile data |
| App Selection | Assortment of apps, such as fitness tracking, music players, and weather; compatibility depends on the watch’s OS and smartphone pairing |
| Cost Range | Store and play music and control playback on a smartphone; some have a built-in speaker or connect to wireless headphones. |
| Extra Capabilities | Additional features like ECG monitors or fall detection; bonus accessories like charging docks, extra bands, or carrying cases |
Beyond GPS and Parental Control
In addition to the standard features of a smartwatch, such as GPS tracking and parental control, a few other features may be worth considering.
Smartwatches can also track your child’s activity level and fitness. This can be beneficial if you want to ensure they get enough exercise during the day or need help staying active at school.
Some smartwatches have built-in speakers, so you can make calls right from your wrist without carrying around another device, like a smartphone or tablet. You can also text with them using these devices as well!
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Choosing the Best Smartwatch for Your Child
The first thing to consider is the battery life of your child’s smartwatch. If it is used for more than just a few hours, you’ll want one with good battery life to last through an entire day without needing to be charged.
Next, look at the watch face itself. Does your child prefer digital or analog? Are there any special features on their favorite watch face? Do they need something more durable than other types of smartwatches?
Also, think about GPS location tracking and age range limitations when choosing which type of smartwatch will work best for them; some devices may not be able to track locations beyond 100 meters away from where they’re worn, while others may require parental permission before allowing children under 13 years old access (or even younger).
1. Garmin Vivofit Jr. 3: Fitness Tracking and Parental Controls
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Garmin is known for its high-quality GPS devices, and its Vivofit Jr. 3 smartwatch for kids is no exception. This watch offers activity tracking and daily step goals to keep your kids moving and sleep tracking to ensure they get enough rest. The watch face is customizable, and the battery life lasts up to a year.
Key Features:
- Activity tracking
- Sleep tracking
- Parental control app
- Customizable watch face
- One-year battery life
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fun and interactive fitness tracker for kids that motivates them to stay active and healthy1 | A bit pricey compared to other kids’ fitness trackers2 |
| Colorful display that shows the time, date, activity, reminders and more1 | Doesn’t have a heart rate monitor or GPS3 |
| Long battery life of up to one year and is water-resistant up to 50 meters1 | Requires a parent-controlled app to set up and sync data1 |
| Colorful display that shows the time, date, activity, reminders, and more1 | May not fit well on smaller or larger wrists as the band is not adjustable3 |
| Companion app that lets kids unlock games, adventures and rewards by meeting their activity goals1 | May not be compatible with some smartphones or tablets1 |
2. VTech KidiZoom Smartwatch DX2: A Fun and Educational Option
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The VTech KidiZoom Smartwatch DX2 is a popular choice for younger kids just starting to explore the world of smartwatches. This kid’s smartwatch has fun features like photo and video capabilities, voice-changing effects, and educational games.
Key Features:
- Photo and video capabilities
- Voice-changing effects
- Educational games
- Touchscreen
- Durable design
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Designed for kids, dependable and fun. Kids can snap photos and videos, enjoy games and learn how to read the clock | Can handle some water but not submersion |
| Features dual cameras that let kids take selfies, action shots, and videos. Kids can also add funny effects to their creations | Doesn’t have much room for storing files or a long-lasting battery |
| Offers over 55 choices of digital or analog clock faces that teach kids how to tell time | Needs a computer and a micro-USB cable to transfer files or get new games and clock faces |
| Includes a Monster Detector game that uses AR technology to let kids hunt and catch monsters in their surroundings | Might not work well with some adapters from other brands |
| Comes with a motion sensor that encourages active play and a step counter to track movement | Might be too loose or too heavy for some kids’ wrists |
3. Fitbit Ace 3: Encouraging Healthy Habits
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The Fitbit Ace 3 smartwatch for kids is an excellent option for parents looking to instill healthy habits in their children. This watch offers activity tracking, sleep tracking, and reminders to move, making it easy for kids to stay active and healthy.
Key Features:
- Activity tracking
- Sleep tracking
- Reminders to move
- Water-resistant
- Up to 8 days of battery life
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fun and engaging fitness tracker for kids | Relatively expensive compared to other kids’ fitness trackers |
| Colorful display with time, date, activity, reminders | Lacks heart rate monitor and GPS |
| Long battery life (up to 8 days) and 50m water resistance | Requires parent-controlled app for setup and data sync |
| Various band designs with bright colors and patterns | Band may not fit well on smaller or larger wrists (non-adjustable) |
| Companion app with games, adventures, and rewards based on activity goals | Potential compatibility issues with certain smartphones or tablets |
4. Apple Watch SE: A High-End Option for Older Kids
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For older kids who want a smartwatch similar to the ones their parents use, the Apple Watch SE is a great choice. This watch offers all the features of a standard Apple Watch, including GPS, activity tracking, and the ability to make calls and send texts with a paired smartphone.
Key Features:
- GPS tracking
- Activity tracking
- Call and text capabilities (with paired smartphone)
- Water-resistant
- Apple Pay
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Faster dual-core processor for added performance | No Always-On Retina display (need to raise wrist or tap the screen to see information) |
| Powerful sensors for health and fitness insights (heart rate, blood oxygen, ECG, sleep tracking, etc.) | Lacks some latest features of Apple Watch Series 8 (IP6X dust resistance, temperature sensing, brighter display) |
| Innovative safety features (Crash Detection, emergency SOS, fall detection, noise alerts, etc.) | Shorter battery life than Apple Watch Series 8 (up to 18 hours) |
| Convenient ways to stay connected (GPS + Cellular models, Family Setup, Siri, Apple Pay, etc.) | Limited choice of case colors and band styles compared to other Apple Watch models |
| Lower price than other Apple Watch models (starting at $249) |
Source:
(1) Apple Watch SE – Apple. https://www.apple.com/apple-watch-se/.
(2) Buy Apple Watch SE – Apple. https://www.apple.com/shop/buy-watch/apple-watch-se.
(3) Apple Watch SE (2022) Review | PCMag. https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/apple-watch-se-2022.
(4) Apple Watch SE – Apple (CA). https://www.apple.com/ca/apple-watch-se/.
5. TickTalk 4: The Ultimate Communication Tool
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The TickTalk 4 smartwatch for kids is perfect for parents who want to stay connected with their children. This watch features a built-in SIM card for voice and video calling and GPS tracking for peace of mind.
Key Features:
- Voice and video calling
- GPS tracking
- Text messaging
- Water-resistant
- Parental control app
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Versatile smartwatch for kids with voice/video calls, messaging, location tracking¹ | Pricey compared to other kids’ smartwatches² |
| Colorful display with time, date, activity, reminders¹ | Lacks heart rate monitor and GPS² |
| Long battery life (up to 7 days) and 50m water resistance¹ | Requires parent-controlled app for setup and syncing¹ |
| Varied band designs with bright colors and patterns¹³ | Non-adjustable band may not fit all wrist sizes² |
| Dual 5MP cameras for selfies, action shots, and videos shared via app¹ | Possible incompatibility with some smartphones or tablets¹ |
| Dual 5MP cameras for selfies, action shots, videos shared via app¹ | No music player or streaming service² |
Source:
(1) TickTalk 4 – 4G LTE Kid’s Smartwatch Phone with Calling, GPS Tracking. https://www.myticktalk.com/products/ticktalk-4.
(2) Kids’ Smart Watch | Smart Watch With Calling | TickTalk. https://www.myticktalk.com/.
(3) TickTalk 4 Review | PCMag. https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/ticktalk-4.
(4) TickTalk 4 – Review 2022 – PCMag Australia. https://au.pcmag.com/ticktalk-4/97195/ticktalk-4.
6. Xplora X5 Play: A Fun and Functional Smartwatch
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The Xplora X5 Play kids’ smartwatch is a versatile option that combines fun with practicality. This watch offers GPS tracking, the ability to make calls and send texts, and a built-in camera for taking photos and videos.
Key Features:
- GPS tracking
- Call and text capabilities
- Built-in camera for photos and videos
- Water-resistant
- Customizable watch face
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Versatile kid’s smartwatch with voice/video calls, messaging, location tracking¹ | Pricey compared to other kids’ smartwatches² |
| Colorful display showing time, date, activity, reminders¹ | Lacks heart rate monitor and GPS² |
| Up to 5 days battery life, 50m water resistance¹ | Parent-controlled app needed for setup and syncing¹ |
| Varied band designs with bright colors and patterns¹ | Band not adjustable, may not fit all wrist sizes² |
| Active kids earn coins for in-watch games¹ | Potential incompatibility with some smartphones or tablets¹ |
| 2MP camera for selfies, action shots, videos shared via app¹ | No music player or streaming service² |
Sources:
(1) X5 Play – Xplora US. https://shop.myxplora.com/products/x5.
(2) Xplora X5 Play Kids Smartwatch Review: Well-done hardware, but half …. https://www.androidcentral.com/xplora-x5-play-kids-smartwatch-review.
(3) Amazon.com: XPLORA X5 Play – Watch Phone for Children (4G) – Calls …. https://www.amazon.com/XPLORA-X5-Play-Children-Pedometer/dp/B08FKSTXCG.
Comparison table of the Best Smartwatches for Kids in 2023
| Smartwatch | Garmin Vivofit Jr. 3 | VTech KidiZoom Smartwatch DX2 | Fitbit Ace 3 | Apple Watch SE | TickTalk 4 | Xplora X5 Play |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age Range | 4-12 | 4-9 | 6+ | 12+ | 5-12 | 5-12 |
| GPS Tracking | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Two-way Calling | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Text Messaging | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Camera | No | Yes | No | No | No | Yes |
| Activity Tracking | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Parental Controls | Yes | Limited | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Waterproof | Yes | Splash-proof | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 1+ year | 2-3 days | 8 days | 18 hours | 2 days | 72 hours |
| Price Range | $80-$100 | $50-$60 | $80-$100 | $280-$350 | $190-$210 | $160-$180 |
Please note that the features and prices mentioned in the table may change over time. Check the manufacturer’s website or authorized sellers for the most up-to-date information.
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How to Choose the Best Smartwatch for Your Child
When selecting the best smartwatches for kids in 2023, there are several factors to consider. Here are some tips to help you find the best option for your child:
Features to Look for in a Smartwatch for Kids
When shopping for a smartwatch for your child, there are a few features to look for. These include:
- GPS tracking. Parents can use this feature to keep track of their children’s location at all times, and it also allows them to set safe zones so that the watch will send an alert if the child leaves the designated area without permission.
- Parental controls. These allow you to limit what apps your kids can use on their devices and set time limits on when they can use them each day (or week). You may also want to consider using parental control software like Norton Family Premier ($59/year), which lets you monitor activity on any devices connected through Wi-Fi or cellular data networks in your home network.
- Battery life.
- Watch face.
- Video calling.
- Activity tracking.
- Fitness tracking.
- Photo and video capabilities (including filters)
- Call and text capabilities
- Voice calling.
- Texting.
- Location tracking.
- Sleep tracking
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Choosing the Best Smartwatch for Your Child
- Price. The best smartwatch for your child will depend on their age and how much you’re willing to spend.
- Age of the child. Many options are designed specifically for young children if you have a young child. These watches are often less expensive than other models and may offer fewer features.
- Features. Consider what features are essential to your family when choosing a smartwatch for your child: do they need fitness tracking? Do they want to be able to make calls or send texts? Will this be used primarily as an educational tool or just for fun?
- Watch design/battery life/parental controls etc. You’ll also want to consider how easy it is for them (and others) to use this device; some watches have complicated menus which can be confusing even for adults!
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The Benefits of Smartwatches for Kids
You might be wondering why you should get a smartwatch for your kid. Here are some of the benefits:
- Peace of mind. A smartwatch can help keep track of your child’s location, so you don’t have to worry about them getting lost or running into trouble when they’re out on their own.
- Make calls and send messages, even if your phone isn’t around (or if it’s broken). Your child will always have access to someone who knows where they are and what time it is–and that person can call 911 if necessary!
- Use the watch as an activity tracker or fitness monitor. This way, even if they don’t want to wear something bulky like an Apple Watch Series 4 or Galaxy Watch Active 2 on their wrist all day long every day (which would look pretty weird), there’s still some benefit being gained by wearing one during certain activities such as playing sports or going for walks outside with friends during recess at school.
Conclusion
With the wide variety of smartwatches for kids in 2023, there’s a perfect option for every child. Be it a timepiece offering instructive games, high-end traits, or trustworthy GPS monitoring, the choices mentioned in this article embody a few of the finest smartwatches for children in 2023. Bear your kid’s inclinations and necessities in thought, and you’ll undoubtedly discover the impeccable smartwatch to maintain them absorbed, secure, and linked.
References
Best Smartwatches For Kids 2023 – Forbes Vetted
The best smartwatches for kids keep everyone connected via text messaging, GPS tracking and video calls. … Jan 20, 2023, 04:09pm EST. The Best Gaming TVs That’ll Immerse You In …
Best kids’ smartwatches in 2023: Parent and expert picks | ZDNET
Vtech Kidizoom Smartwatch DX3. Best smartwatch for kids to take photos. View at Amazon. Garmin Vivofit Jr. 3. Best smartwatch for kids who want to play games. View at Amazon. …
6 Best Smartwatches for Kids in 2023 | SafeWise.com
A kids smartwatch is a stepping-stone between a basic GPS tracker and your child’s first phone. Here’s a quick guide to what’s best for each age group: 4- to 8-year-olds: …
7 Best Smartwatches for Kids of 2023 – Reviewed
Verizon GizmoWatch 2. The second iteration of the Verizon GizmoWatch has a lot going for it: a fun design kids will be proud to wear, lots of exciting games to …
7 Best Smartwatches for Kids (2023 Reviews) – Mom Loves Best
The Fitbit Ace 2 is a miniature Fitbit made for kids, including all the adult version’s benefits. The watch will track your child’s steps and even …
Alex is a fitness aficionado, empowers others towards healthier, active lives through small, sustainable changes for lasting results. Visit Gearuptofit.com for insightful tips and resources to enrich a balanced lifestyle.