A smartwatch can be especially handy (excuse the pun) for kids. If you’re going to pay for them to have a smart device, knowing it is safely attached to their wrist is a good option.
When it comes to choosing a smartwatch for your child, there are heaps of choices… which are both good and bad. Knowing where to start and what to buy can be overwhelming.
For this reason, we’ve broken it down into an easy guide, including the following:
- What is a smartwatch?
- The benefits of smartwatches for kids
- What to look for when buying a smartwatch for your child
- Our pick of best smart watches for kids
This article about Smartwatches for kids was last updated in 2024
Thinking of getting your little one a phone? See: Should I get my child a phone or not?
What is a smartwatch?
A smartwatch is like a mini-mobile device that you wear on your wrist. Unlike adult versions, smartwatches for kids come with parental controls to track activity like screen time. These portable devices don’t just tell the time; they have built-in educational apps, games, cameras, and even texting and calling features. Kid-friendly smartwatches are designed for children as young as 3 years.
The benefits of smartwatches for kids
Superwatches for kids are like less powerful smartphones that give parents control but foster a child’s independence at the same time.
Here’s why we love them:
Stay in touch with your kids
Smartwatches for kids let you keep in touch quickly and track their location. A smartwatch with a SIM card lets you contact them on the go; a GPS tells you their exact location and SOS notifications alert you to emergency situations.
Keep them entertained
Smartwatches are packed with games, educational apps, music streaming and selfie cameras to keep little ones entertained.
Monitor screen time
Set screen time limits to keep kids focused on school and chores. If you’re worried about dangers like cyberbullying and online addiction, get a watch that doesn’t connect to the internet.
Establish healthy habits
Some smartwatches for kids have apps that encourage positive behaviours (like going to bed on time, brushing their teeth, completing chores) through rewards.
What to look for when buying a smartwatch
Before buying, figure out what features are most important to you and your child. Here’s a list of must-haves to help you make a decision:
Durability
Kids are tough on devices. Get a smartwatch that can withstand dirt, moisture, scratches and everyday use.
GPS
GPS is a great feature for parents who want to keep tabs on their child’s location. No need to text your kid every hour for their whereabouts; a GPS function lets you see it.
Emergency alerts
Safety is a priority, and SOS alerts tell you when your child is in potential danger.
Battery life
Battery life depends on use, and you want a watch that doesn’t lose juice quickly. Check the battery life on standby to get an idea of when you need to charge the device.
Extra features
Call and text, fitness tracking, games, reward apps, cameras and calculators are nice to have on top of the basics.
Our pick of best smart watches for kids
VTech Kidizoom Smartwatch MAX (Blue)
We can see why the Vtech Kidizoom is one of the top-rated smart watches for kids on Amazon. It’s durable, easy to use, and packed with fun features: games, activities, a voice-changer, a pedometer and a dual camera to snap selfies. Great for kids aged 4 years and up.
GPS: Yes
Fitness tracking: No
Water resistant: Waterproof
Battery life: Rechargeable
What we like most about this smartwatch: Easy-to-use and fun smartwatch
Kogan Play 3 Kids Smart Watch (Pink)
The Kogan Play 3 Kids Smart Watch offers everyday health tracking to ensure your child’s well-being. It monitors heart rate, sleep patterns, stress, and SpO2 levels, providing valuable insights into their health. Parents can stay informed and help their kids maintain a healthy lifestyle with ease.
GPS: Yes
Fitness tracking: Yes
Water resistant: Yes
Battery life: Up to 8 days battery life!
What we like most about this smartwatch: Real-time tracking with GPS, cellphone signal and Wi-Fi
Spacetalk Loop 4G Smartwatch
Spacetalk Loop is packed with features to keep your child safe and connected. It includes GPS tracking for real-time location updates, an emergency SOS button, and talk, text, and call functions, all within a comfortable, durable design with strong Gorilla Glass and a flexible strap in 4 stylish colours and 13 variations. With a school mode to minimise distractions and no access to social media or the web, Loop lets kids enjoy the freedom of connection in a secure, kid-friendly way.
GPS: Yes
Fitness tracking: Step counter
Water resistant: No
Battery life: Depends on use
What we like most about this smartwatch: No social media or web browser
Moochies Odyssey 4G Smartwatch
If communication is your main concern, the Moochies Odyssey is worth considering. Kids can make and receive calls and texts, but only from people on a contact list that you approve. Two-way video calling is supported, and there’s a GPS to track location. The core functions of voice and video calling, GPS tracking, and messaging have been joined by educational games, music integration, step tracking, and heart rate and temperature monitoring.
GPS: Yes
Fitness tracking: Yes
Water resistant: Yes
Battery life: Depends on use
What we like most about this smartwatch: Solid communication and GPS tracking features
DGTEC Smart Watch with Wireless Earbuds
The DGTEC Smart Watch with Wireless Earbuds has many features, including connecting with your smartphone for Bluetooth calling. Music playback control is available when you are on the go. 22 Multisport modes that enable you to keep track of your fitness goals in a variety of sports. On top of that, it comes with a heart rate monitor to further help track your fitness.
GPS: Yes
Fitness tracking: Yes
Water resistant: Yes
Battery Life: Depends on use
What we like most about this smartwatch: Bluetooth single-chip voice calling, so they can answer on the go.
Q12B The most economical smartwatch for kids
A waterproof smartwatch with two-way calling, voice chat, camera, SOS emergency call, and even a math game? It’s an all-in-one communication powerhouse. There’s also a GPS and safety zones that parents can set to trigger an alarm when their child goes outside the area.
GPS: Yes
Fitness tracking: No
Water resistant: Yes
Battery life: Up to 4000 hours
What we like most about this smartwatch: All the features for the little price tag!
Last words on the best smartwatches for kids
Ultimately, choosing the best smartwatch for your child comes down to what matters most to you and your family. Whether it’s safety features like GPS tracking and SOS buttons, the ability to stay connected through calls and texts, or a focus on simplicity without social media or browsing, there’s a smartwatch to suit every need. Each of the six watches reviewed here offers unique advantages, from basic models for young children to more advanced options for older kids ready for extra features. A smartwatch can be a great way to keep your child safe and connected, adding convenience, peace of mind, and a bit of fun to everyday life.
