Best GPS Trackers and Tracking Devices for Kids

We tested GPS trackers for kids—including kids smartwatches—to bring you our faves based on gps tracking, location accuracy, alerts, portability and battery life. See why AngelSense is our best tracking device for kids.

Best overall
angelsense product
AngelSense
  • pro
    SOS button
  • pro
    1-day battery
  • pro
    Two-way calling
Smartwatch pick
tick talk 4 kids smartwatch
TickTalk 4
  • pro
    SOS button
  • pro
    2-day battery
  • pro
    Video calling
Best value
Gabb Watch 3
  • pro
    SOS button
  • pro
    2-day battery
  • pro
    Approved contacts
Best for crowded events
airtag product
Apple AirTag
  • con
    No SOS button
  • pro
    1-year battery
  • pro
    No subscription
Best battery life
joibit next
Jiobit Next
  • pro
    SOS button
  • pro
    7-day battery
  • pro
    Advanced tracking

 *Limited time deal. No contract required. $30 activation. New lines only.

SafeWise experts have years of firsthand experience testing the products we recommend. Learn how we test and review. We may earn money when you buy through our links.

Want to keep your little one safe at school, play, and everywhere in between? The best GPS trackers for kids can help you keep tabs on your kiddos and ensure their safety with location tracking. Our in-depth reviews and product testing can help you find the right tracking device for kids for your family and lifestyle, whether you've got kids with busy schedules, special needs, or newfound independence.

The AngelSense GPS tracker was designed for kids with special needs in mind, but is also the best overall option. It has two-way talk, a listen-in function, transit alerts and location updates to pinpoint your child when needed.

The Gabb Watch 3 is a great wearable option that balance key features and affordability. And Jiobit's parent app provides you with frequent updates and virtual fence capabilities without draining the battery, so you can see your kids arrive safely at school and friends’ houses.

Looking specifically for smartwatches? Check out our review of the best kids smartwatches.

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Get a free AngelSense device

🔥 AngelSense is currently offering a FREE kids GPS tracking device (regularly $229) when you sign up for a month-to-month or annual service plan! 

Info current as of publish date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. 



What is the best GPS tracking device for kids?

Product
Best for
Price
Monthly subscription
Max. battery life
Geofences
Two-way talk
Learn more
Best overall $44.99/mo.24 hours
bulletYes
bulletYes
Smartwatch pick $10.00/mo.62 hours
bulletYes
bulletYes
Best value $14.99/mo.**48 hours
bulletYes
bulletYes
Best for crowded events N/A1 year
bulletNo
bulletNo
Best battery life $8.99/mo. 240 hours
bullet

Yes

bulletNo

Amazon.com price as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Read full disclaimer.
*Limited time deal.
**$30 activation fee. New lines only. No contract required.

Video: Best GPS tracker for kids

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bullet
Want to keep track of more than just kids?

Check out the best GPS trackers for seniors, cars, pets and personal stuff (like your keys or luggage).

What to look for in a GPS tracker for kids

Whether you’re looking for a kids gps tracker watch or a tracking device for kids you can conceal in a pocket, let us help you get to know the basics before making a purchase.

After 10-plus years of testing and wearing family safety devices, we have learned that the best GPS tracker is comfortable and fun for kids to use, durable enough to last all day, and accurate in its readings. Here's a peek into our process of choosing and testing the top kids trackers on the market.

Here are a few things to look for to help you find the best gps tracker for kids for your family:

When you need to know where your child is, this is the most important feature. You can adjust the settings in your kids GPS tracker’s app to send an updated location to you every minute to every fifteen minutes.

Kids play rough, so be sure their tracker can withstand all the roughhousing, horseplay, and hazards kids can throw at it. Look for waterproof kids GPS tracker models that can handle puddles and spills too.

Choose a GPS tracker for kids that’s easy for you and your child to use. It shouldn’t interfere with their range of motion or get in the way.

Check the recommended age range on any kids GPS tracker you’re considering. Some have anti-tamper features for older kids if you’re worried they will remove it.

Not all tracking devices for kids are created equal. Those that use cellular 4G LTE tracking can handle long range connections if your kids visit somewhere out of state while Bluetooth devices are meant for close range.

Look for a device with adjustable settings to avoid false alarms or blowing up your phone. Your kids GPS tracker should be customizable to let you check on your kids when you want and notify you when there’s trouble.

Some kids GPS devices come with a panic button that let your child alert you when something’s wrong or they need help.

This feature lets you speak to your child through their GPS tracker like an intercom so you can ask them where they are or if they need help.

Features like games and step counters give kids more motivation to wear their GPS tracker. After all, the tracking device isn’t helpful if your child doesn’t want to wear or use it. Just make sure the games aren't too distracting.

Reviews of the best GPS trackers and tracking devices for kids

1. AngelSense Kids’ GPS tracker: Best overall and for kids with disabilities

Best overall GPS tracker for kids

AngelSense GPS tracker was created with one purpose in mind: to help protect children with disabilities such as autism. But it works for any little ones.

Its comfortable design won’t interfere with your kiddo’s range of motion. And it locks tight onto school bags or clothes to stay with them from home to bus to classroom and beyond.

pro
Pros
pro Two-way calling and listen-in function
pro Transit alerts, including speed and ETA
pro Location updates every 10 seconds
con
Cons
con High monthly fees

Standout feature: Regular updates

AngelSense sends consistent updates throughout your day, so you can feel assured of your child's safety. Check in, listen in, and hold onto your peace of mind while your kids go about their day.

"My son eloped from school! We knew right away and found him so quickly!!" —Stephanie D., AngelSense customer

Beyond plenty of tracking capabilities—from safety-zone setup to 10-second updates—AngelSense’s Listen-In function lets parents listen to how their child’s day is going, ensuring they’re not mistreated, neglected, or lost.

With AngelCall two-way voice, you can talk to your child at any time, and they don’t need to worry about buttons or clicking on anything to chat. Plus, you can see what your child has been up to with diary logs that input data every 30 seconds.

AngelSense’s great features do come at a price. Plans start around $30 and go up from there, depending on whether you pay up front or in installments.

This wearable GPS tracker isn't just for kids, either. We recommend AngelSense for people with dementia prone to wandering off.

Read our full review of AngelSense.

Video: AngelSense GPS Tracker Review

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2. TickTalk 4: Best GPS tracker watch for kids

Best GPS watch for kids
tick talk 4 kids smartwatch
TickTalk 4
$199.99 + $10.00
/mo

 *Amazon.com price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

The TickTalk 4 is a GPS tracker that also functions as a kids smartwatch, so your older children should want to wear it. It's a solid investment that should last until your kid is ready for a cell phone

Check out our full review of the TickTalk 4 in action and hear from our kid tester. 

pro
Pros
pro Step tracker
pro Messaging and video calling
pro No distracting games or apps
pro Geofencing
con
Cons
con Not compatible with all cellular networks

In addition to regular GPS tracking, you can set GPS boundaries (also called geofencing) to keep your kids safe. If they cross a boundary, you’ll get an automatic alert. This feature is especially handy if you’ve got a wanderer. You can see your child's location through the parents' app and check their status live.

Standout feature: iHeartRadio streaming

TickTalk4 doesn't include games, but it does allow kids to stream family-friendly music and stories on iHeartRadio. We think this is a great compromise for limiting screen time while still giving kids an entertaining device they'll want to wear. It also doubles as a fitness tracker thanks to a built-in pedometer.

Video: TickTalk 4 Smartwatch Review

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bullet
Watch smartwatches in the classroom

We like smartwatches to help keep kids and parents in touch, but your child's device might not be welcome in the classroom. Schools are concerned about distraction, privacy, and cheating.

Be sure to talk to your child's teacher or principal before sending them to school with a smartwatch. And you can help educators out—use parental controls (it's called "Do Not Disturb" on the TickTalk 4) to shut down the device during class. 

3. Gabb Watch 3: Best value

Best value
Gabb watch 3
$144.99* + $14.99/mo

 *No contract required. $30 activation. New lines only.
Amazon.com price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

The Gabb Watch 3 is an affordable and simple watch with GPS tracking, no camera, and a digital pet helps motivate kids to stay active and complete chores. 

It's also one of the easiest kids smartwatches to set up since it comes with its own SIM card. Plus, Gabb is one of only two COPPA-certified devices on our list and the newest model (Gabb Watch 3) includes IP68 water resistance and an ultra-strong Gorilla Glass 3 screen to withstand whatever kids put it through.

pro
Pros
pro Geofencing and GPS tracking
pro SOS button
pro Wearable watch
pro Voice calls to parent-approved contacts
con
Cons
con No video calling
con Requires Gabb Wireless plan
bullet
NEW: Gabb Watch 3

Gabb recently released the newest version of their watch: Gabb watch 3.

The GPS tracker in the Gabb Watch makes it easy to find your kid any time, whether they're at ball practice or the park. You can view their location in real-time on the MyGabb app or schedule automatic location updates every 15 minutes or so. You can also set up “safe zones”—like school, home, or friends' houses—and get notifications when your kid enters or leaves these areas.  The idea is that you can let your guard down a bit and not worry about your kid’s whereabouts unless you get that “exiting safe zone” ping.

Gabb Watch 3 Review: Hands-on Testing

While testing the Gabb Watch 3, our tester took her son to a community event at a Botanical Garden to see how location tracking, calling and texting worked in a crowded place with a spotty cell connection. The cell connection worked fine when making a call or sending texts, which was great, but the gps locator was way off, which is not helpful if you're trying to pinpoint your child at a crowded event. Since they were able to call each other it wasn't an issue.

The battery only lasted about a day even though it says it should last 48 hours. However, when the battery is low, you get a notification, so that's helpful. As long as you remember to charge the watch at night it's not an issue and the new magnetic charger is super slick.

Image credit: Krystal Rogers-Nelson, SafeWise.

"My son loves his Gabb Watch. He likes the digital pet he can feed and take care of. Having the watch helps us feel more connected because we can send each other messages throughout the day. It's also been helpful to message him if I need to remind him that I'm picking him up early for an appointment."

—Krystal R., Gabb Watch 3 tester

4. Apple AirTag: Best for crowded events

Best for crowded events
airtag product
Apple AirTag
$27.88

 *Amazon.com price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

Hear us out on this one—while we don't recommend Apple AirTags as everyday kids location trackers, they're an affordable supplemental gadget capable of pinpointing your child's location in a crowd.

pro
Pros
pro No monthly subscription
pro Works worldwide
pro 1-year battery life
pro Affordable
con
Cons
con Can't track fast motion
con No SOS button
con No geofencing
con No two-way talk

Why AirTags make sense as a secondary kids tracker

AirTags don't cut it as a go-to kids tracker in our book—they have no emergency features and have some tracking limitations, which we explain in-depth in our Apple AirTag FAQ

But AirTags fill a gap in GPS trackers' functionality thanks to their Precision Finding feature. GPS trackers can show you your child's location within about 16 feet—which isn't always helpful in crowded areas or when trying to find a child who's really good at hiding. Precision Finding can get you to the AirTag's exact location thanks to its directional arrow and inch-by-inch distance countdown.

It's sort of like using the focus dials on a microscope or pair of binoculars: one gives a general view and the other zooms in much further. For best results, use them together.

Affordable . . . sort of

Apple AirTags retail for around $29 each and don't need a monthly service plan. But you need a nearly $470 phone—the iPhone 11 and above—to use the Precision Finding tool.  

Learn more in our full Apple AirTag review.

bullet
Class action lawsuit against Apple

Two women have filed a class action lawsuit against Apple with the claim that AirTags made it easier for them to be stalked and harassed. There have been a slew of headlines since AirTags launched about bad actors using the devices for nefarious purposes. 

Earlier this year, Apple instituted new safeguards to alert people when AirTags are near them, and the company is also working with law enforcement on crime issues related to the devices.

Learn more about the risks of AirTags and how to keep them safe on our YouTube channel.

Video: Are AirTags Safe? And How to Keep Them That Way

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5. Jiobit Next: Best battery life

Best child GPS tracker
joibit next
Jiobit Next
$169.99 + $8.99
/mo

 *Amazon.com price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

The Jiobit Next GPS tracker for kids stands out for its 10-day battery life, learning technology, and small size. Its data is protected by multiple layers of encryption, and Jiobit's one of only two COPPA-certified devices on our list.1

pro
Pros
pro Risk-free trial
pro Long battery life (10 days)
pro Secure, durable attachments
pro Multiple tracking technologies
con
Cons
con No voice communication

What's new in the Jiobit Next

The Oreo-sized Jiobit Next improves on the original Jiobit with a longer battery life—up to 10 days versus 7 days—and 5G low-power network connectivity that puts less strain on the battery. This means you can check on your kid's whereabouts more often without sapping the battery. 

Jiobit's latest iteration also features antenna technology for more accurate indoor location-tracking, plus a new belt or backpack clip. 

Jiobit Next learns your child's routine

Jiobit Next has learning technology that will remember your child’s routines, routes, and regular locations. That means Jiobit knows if your child goes somewhere they aren't supposed to or doesn't arrive where they need to be, and you'll get an alert on your phone.

What's missing from the Jiobit Next

There’s no speaker in either Jiobit model, so your child can’t talk to you if they need help, and you can’t listen in to make sure they’re okay. Check out AngelSense or TickTalk 4 for two-way talk.

Learn more by reading our in-depth Jiobit review.

Video: Jiobit GPS Tracker Review

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Budget pick
track gps tracker
Tack GPS Tracker
$79.00+ $2.99
/mo

 *Amazon.com price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

The Tack GPS Tracker costs a little more than AngelSense upfront, but it's our budget pick thanks to a $3.99 monthly fee. 

But in many ways, you get what you pay for with this super-simple GPS tracker. It has no audio and no extra features besides one button that activates SOS mode with two quick presses.

pro
Pros
pro Affordable monthly fee
pro SOS button
pro Colorful protective cases
pro Location history and geofences
con
Cons
con No two-way talk
con 2-minute updates max

Active Halo from Amber Alert GPS

Child GPS trackers like Active Halo from Amber Alert make the darkest scenarios a little brighter.

This child tracking device uses 4G LTE to track location, send alerts, and detect speed. The Amber Alert GPS locator helps you keep tabs on your child’s whereabouts at all times.

pro
Pros
pro Up to 20 safety zones
pro Frequent location updates
pro Silent mode
con
Cons
con Expensive price

You can program up to 20 safe zones and get updates on your child’s location every five minutes. To prevent distractions during school, you can place the device in silent mode.

All of these features come at a price, though—the Amber Alert GPS Locator is one of the most expensive devices on our list.

Standout feature: Sex-offender detection

Amber Alert GPS is the only device that alerts you if your child is close to a registered sex offender’s address.

“Given that our society has changed so much, with dual working parents and the emphasis on child safety, we hope to bring a little peace of mind to parents and a little bit of freedom to youngsters who are too young for a cell phone.”

—Mary Anne Keegan, CMO of Amber Alert GPS

Tracki

The Tracki is a tiny, no-frills GPS tracker with geofencing and an SOS button. It's small enough to fit inside a child's pocket, or you can attach it to the included lanyard, keychain, or belt clip to turn it into a wearable tracking device for kids. The Tracki also comes with a silicone cover to protect it from water damage.

pro
Pros
pro SIM card included
pro Live location-tracking
pro Geofencing
pro SOS button
pro 3–30 day battery life
con
Cons
con Monthly service plan is pricey

From your online account or companion app, you can set up geofence zones and change the frequency of location check-ins. The Tracki's battery lasts up to 72 hours with minute-by-minute check-ins. If you check in once a day, the battery can last more than a month. 

The Tracki itself costs around $20, but you'll pay that same amount each month for service. If you pay annually, the price lowers to around $10 per month. 

OurPact

OurPact is billed as a GPS tracker for kids, but we found that isn't its strong point. Since it's an app on your child's device, if your kiddo sets down their device and wanders away, then OurPact is useless. If you don't have a computer to sync it with your child's device, it's also useless. 

pro
Pros
pro Blocks apps and websites
pro Monitors screen time
pro No up-front cost
con
Cons
con Useless if the device isn't with your child
con Needs a computer to install

We did love it as an internet activity-monitoring tool to protect your child from online strangers or cyberbullying. You can see what your child is looking at, block websites and apps, and schedule screen time with ease. 

Learn more from our full OurPact review

Samsung SmartThings Tracker and Galaxy SmartTag

The Samsung SmartThings Tracker was discontinued in October 2021. It used the AT&T 4G LTE network to track anything—including your child's whereabouts. A button on the side let kids notify their parents when they were ready to be picked up or they needed help.

Samsung's Galaxy SmartTag trackers are similar but use Bluetooth instead of cellular technology. That means they have similar pros and cons to the Apple AirTag when used to track a child. 

GeoZilla GPS tracker

The GeoZilla GPS tracker (currently unavailable) offers worldwide GPS coverage and gave reasonably accurate location updates during our tests. But some of the advertised communication features didn't work right. For nearly $20 a month, it's not worth the money.

Read our GeoZilla review to get the full scoop.

My Buddy Tag

My Buddy Tag has gone out of business.

It was a Bluetooth tracker disguised as a comfy wristband. One feature that set the My Buddy Tag apart was the water safety alert, which was great for pool or lake safety since it could help prevent drowning. We hope to see a similar feature prioritized in other kids wearables in the future.

Relay Kids Smartphone

Previously one of our top picks, Relay switched over to the business market and has no plans to restock their kids' GPS trackers. Only refurbished units are available, and they get scooped up fast. Existing customers shouldn't experience any service issues.

If you can get one, we think you'll like it. This innovative take on a kids' smartphone has GPS tracking, nationwide coverage, and one-touch communication. And its lack of a screen means you don't have to worry about monitoring your kid's screen time. Learn more in our full Relay review.

Final Word: Best GPS tracker for kids

We chose Jiobit as best gps tracker for kids overall because it offers a good value, boasting generous battery life and accurate location tracking for a low monthly fee.

But you might prefer another tracker based on your family's needs:

  • AngelSense is feature-heavy and great for kids with disabilities, but it's also the most expensive option.
  • TickTalk4 includes video calling and other communication channels.
  • Gabb Watch is a great wearable option that offers a nice balance between key features and affordability.
  • An Apple AirTag shows your child's direction and distance relative to you, making it perfect for crowded events or vacation getaways. But it's not meant as a primary gps tracker for kids.

With features like geofences, mobile app alerts, and activity tracking, GPS trackers for kids make family outings and their solo adventures a little safer. These simple devices give you the confidence to let them explore their world at a young age. 

Want to keep track of more than just your kids? Check out our full lineup of the best GPS trackers for any situation.

Parent survey statistics

One minute you’re cruising through the grocery store with your kid in tow, the next minute your little one has disappeared without a trace. At least one in three parents have been there. 

How often do parents lose their kids in public? And how does this affect parents’ decisions about purposely letting their children out of sight or keeping tabs on them with a GPS tracker? In October 2021, we surveyed 1,000 parents with kids between the ages of 7 and 17 to get some answers.

Survey Results: All parents

how often do parents lose track of their children infographic

Our surveyed parents reported the following:

  • One in three parents have lost a child in a store.
  • Around 32% have lost a child at a crowded event.
  • Over one in five have lost a child at a park.
  • Nearly one in five have lost a child for more than an hour.
  • Nearly one in five have called police about a lost or missing child.

We wanted to understand how these scary situations affected parents’ willingness to let their kids roam free. According to our survey, the average parent lets their kid do the following:

  • Walk home alone at age 12
  • Take public transportation alone at age 14
  • Play outside unsupervised at age 11
  • Stay home alone at age 13
  • Trick or treat unsupervised at age 13
  • Have a cell phone at age 12

Those ages didn’t change for parents who had lost a child at least once, with one exception: cell phones. Parents were more likely to allow their children to have a cell phone by age 10 if the following applied for them:

  • Had a special needs child
  • Had lost their child in a store
  • Had lost their child at a crowded event
  • Had lost a child at a park
  • Had called police about a lost or missing child

Parents with only one child were less likely to have lost their child in all circumstances. Parents with at least one special-needs child were more likely to have lost a child.

Survey Results: Parents of children with special needs

how often do parents lose track of their special needs children infographic

Surveyed parents with at least one special needs child reported the following:

  • Nearly one in two have lost a child in a store.
  • More than 50% have lost a child at a crowded event.
  • Over two in five have lost a child at a park.
  • Over one in three have lost a child for more than an hour.
  • Nearly two in five have called police about a lost or missing child.

With a kids GPS tracker, you and your child won’t become a scary statistic. If your child slips away in a crowd or is late coming home from a friend’s house, you can look up their exact location before your imagination runs wild. 

Around two-thirds of all parents think their oldest child wouldn’t mind them tracking their location. If your child seems too old for our recommended kids GPS trackers or smartwatches, consider installing a parental control app with location-tracking on their phone. 

GPS tracker for kids FAQs

While helicopter parenting is rarely necessary, there are some cases that call for giving your child a GPS tracker. For example, a GPS device can help parents with kids who live in multiple households or have special needs keep tabs on their whereabouts. Toddlers and little tykes may also benefit from a small tracker on their shoelace or clothes in crowded places. 

Watch our video to learn more: Why kids GPS trackers are a great alternative to a cell phone​

Of course. GPS trackers use the same technology we have in our phones. Bluetooth, GPS locating, and cellular signals are the main methods these devices use.

Most charges last for a couple days. If you plan to use a tracker every day, charge it at night when they get home just like you would charge your cell phone. 

Geofencing is a feature found in many different types of GPS trackers. It allows you to draw digital boundaries around trusted areas like schools, homes, and neighborhoods. When your child enters or leaves that area, you’ll get a notification.

How we reviewed GPS trackers for kids

To get the best results for our lineup, we tested some of the best kids' GPS trackers ourselves. We got products n-house, including AngelSense, Jiobit, Gabb Watch, and TickTalk 4 watch, to give them a spin with our kiddos.

We tested each of these for features like location accuracy (hide and seek, anyone?), portability, and tracking range. 

We also wanted to make sure we picked products kids actually wanted to use. So features like games and activity tracking earned extra points in our testing. 

Learn more from our methodology page about how we conduct reviews like this one. 

Related articles on SafeWise


Sources

  1. Federal Trade Commission, "COPPA Safe Harbor Program." Accessed November 8, 2023
Disclaimer 

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Safewise.com utilizes paid Amazon links.

Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. This content is provided “as is” and is subject to change or removal at any time.

Cathy Habas
Written by
Cathy Habas
With over eight years of experience as a content writer, Cathy has a knack for untangling complex information. Her natural curiosity and ability to empathize help Cathy offer insightful, friendly advice. She believes in empowering readers who may not feel confident about a purchase, project, or topic. Cathy earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Indiana University Southeast and began her professional writing career immediately after graduation. She is a certified Safe Sleep Ambassador and has contributed to sites like Safety.com, Reviews.com, Hunker, and Thumbtack. Cathy’s pride and joy is her Appaloosa “Chacos.” She also likes to crochet while watching stand-up comedy specials on Netflix.

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