Best Smart Watch for Kids

Three parents and their kiddos helped us test several kids smart watches, comparing top features like GPS tracking ,video calling, durability and battery life.
Best for SOS calls
Angel Watch kids smartwatch
Angel Watch
4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5
  • pro
    Camera
  • pro
    Health monitoring
  • pro
    48 hour battery
  • bullet
Best for Verizon customers
Verizon GizmoWatch 3
4 out of 5 stars
4
  • pro
    Camera
  • pro
    No games
  • pro
    72 hour battery
Budget pick
Gabb Watch 3
4 out of 5 stars
4
  • pro
    No camera
  • pro
    Virtual pet game
  • pro
    48 hour battery life
Best for unlimited data
COSMO JrTrack 3
4.3 out of 5 stars
4.25
  • pro
    Camera
  • pro
    No games
  • con
    24 hour battery
Best advanced GPS tracking
""
AngelSense
4.3 out of 5 stars
4.25
  • pro
    No camera
  • pro
    Transit tracking
  • con
    24 hour battery

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.

Kids smart watches can help you stay connected with your kids without getting them a cell phone before they're ready. But there are a lot of kids smart watch options out there. Parents, if you're in a  pickle choosing the right kids smart watch, it's time to relax and exit out of that overwhelming Amazon search page. We slogged through it for you to find the kids smart watches that are actually worth your time and money. We tested the most important features to be absolutely, positively sure they work—from GPS tracking to voice calling to screen locking.

The Angel Watch is best for emergencies with its SOS call feature, Verizon's GizmoWatch is great if you're already a Verizon customer, and Gabb Watch 3 is coming in hot with easy setup, incredible deals, and the cutest digital pet this side of 2020.

AngelSense has a simple take on kids' watches with outstanding GPS tracking features, and our testers really liked the TickTalk 4 with some hard-to-find features (like voice-to-text) that both kids and parents love. Those aren't the only top kids smart watches with unique features. Check 'em out below.

Compare the best smart watches for kids

Watch
Best for
Watch price bullet
Video calling
GPS tracking
Max. number of contacts
Compatible cell providers
Learn more
Angel Watch kids smartwatchAngel Watch
Best for SOS calls
bulletYes
bulletYes
25Red Pocket (AT&T)
Best for Verizon customers
bulletYes
bulletYes
20Verizon
Budget pick
bulletNo
bulletYes
100Gabb Wireless
Best for unlimited data
bulletNo
bulletYes
10COSMO Family Safe Network
Best advanced GPS tracking
bulletNo
bulletYes
10AngelSense subscription using AT&T, T-Mobile
Tester favorite
bulletYes
bulletYes
53Red Pocket,
T-Mobile, AT&T

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.
 **No contract required. $30 activation. New lines only.

bullet
Watch smart watches at school

We like smart watches 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 smart watch. And you can help educators out—use parental controls (like "Focus mode" on Gabb,"Do Not Disturb" on the TickTalk 4 or "School Mode" on COSMO)to ensure the device isn't disruptive during class. 


What to look for in a kids smart watch

After 10-plus years of testing and wearing family safety devices, we know what makes a kids smart watch stand out (or not). Here's a peek into our process and features to look for when picking the best kids smart watch for your family.

  • Price and monthly costs
  • GPS tracking
  • SOS call button
  • Durability
  • Parental controls
  • Connectivity
  • Ease of use
  • Video calling
  • Fun games or activities 

In addition, it's important for parents and caregivers to have an open, ongoing dialogue with the children in their lives about the goals for getting a smart watch and how to use and take care of it responsibly. 

bullet
Alternatives to kids smart watches

A kids smart watch 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:

Best smart watch for kids reviews

1. Angel Watch: Best smart watch for SOS calls and health tracking

The Angel Watch is a kids GPS tracker, health tracker, and phone service rolled into one. We’re especially impressed with the Angel Watch’s SOS feature, which activates after a three-second press and calls three designated contacts in a loop until someone picks up.

Best for SOS calls and health tracking
Price
$179.99 (sale price)
Suggested age
7–12
Max. battery life
48 hours
Waterproof
No

Info current as of publish date.

pro
Pros
pro Geofencing and GPS tracking
pro Parent-controlled call list
pro SOS button
pro Video calling
pro Vital sign readings
pro Listen-in feature
pro Red Pocket Mobile SIM card included
con
Cons
con Doesn't work well with all service providers
con No games

Like the TickTalk4, the Angel Watch includes video calling and a listen-in feature, but it has fewer contact slots and zero entertainment for your kid. (Which can certainly be a good thing, depending on what you're looking for.) It works with either AT&T or T-Mobile networks.

Health monitoring features

The Angel Watch also helps parents monitor the health of their child via a vital sign sensor that rests against the skin. The watch can detect four vital signs:

  • Body temperature
  • Blood pressure
  • Blood oxygen
  • Heart rate

As neat as this sounds, the Angel Watch Company warns that these readings may not always be accurate. It’s also totally up to the parents to monitor vital signs and take action if needed. This device won’t send out an alert if there’s a worrisome deviation from the norm.

The Angel Watch also counts your kid’s steps and estimates the total distance covered and calories burned. If your child wears this watch to bed, it will also track sleep quality.

Learn more in our full Angel Watch review.

2. Verizon Gizmo Watch 3: Best smart watch for Verizon customers

Best for Verizon customers
Price
$149.99
Suggested age
6–12
Max. battery life
86 hours
Waterproof
No

Info current as of publish date.

Because the new Verizon Gizmo Watch 3 combines the best features of the GizmoWatch 2 and the Disney Edition, it easily became our favorite kids smart watch from Verizon. Plus, there are new features on the Gizmo Watch 3 that make it more competitive against other kids smart watches in general, like location history reports, Bluetooth compatibility for earbuds, and more than 3.5 days of standby battery.

pro
Pros
pro Geofencing and GPS tracking
pro Parental-controlled contact list
pro Reminders and to-do lists
pro Activity tracking
pro Video calling
pro SOS button
pro Some games
con
Cons
con Requires Verizon plan
con No direct-to-911 option

There are some pockets of the country where the TickTalk4 won't work because it uses the AT&T cellular network. If you live in a Verizon-network-only area, this is the best kids smart watch for you. Plus, it's super easy for existing Verizon customers to add it to their plan so there's still just one family cell bill to worry about.

Vibration mode and auto answer

Parents can switch the GizmoWatch to quiet mode or vibration mode via the app. This allows incoming calls to show up on the screen but silences the ringtone and any of the watch’s sound effects. You can also set up specific quiet times to ensure, for example, your child’s ringtone doesn’t disrupt their class. 

Another neat feature is “auto answer.” After parents toggle this setting on the GizmoHub app, the watch will automatically pick up your call after ringing for ten seconds. This lets you listen in to check on your child or talk through the watch in an emergency.

Learn more in our full GizmoWatch review or compare the GizmoWatches to the ever-popular Gabb Watch in our head-to-head review: GizmoWatch vs. Gabb Watch.

3. Gabb Watch: Best budget smart watch

Best for budgets
Price
$74.99 (50% off limited time)*
Suggested age
5–12
Max. battery life
48 hours
Waterproof
No

*Info current as of publish date. Codes are applicable for new lines only.
Promo codes can not be stacked. $30 activation fee.

The Gabb Watch 3 is an affordable and simple watch with no camera, but a digital pet helps motivate kids to stay active and complete chores. Plus, the latest model (Gabb Watch 3) includes IP68 water resistance and an ultra-strong Gorilla Glass 3 screen to withstand whatever kids put it through.

Our testers said it was one of the easiest kids smar twatches to set up since it comes with its own SIM card.

pro
Pros
pro Geofencing and GPS tracking
pro Parent-controlled call list
pro SOS button
pro Easy setup
pro Gamified activity
pro Gabb Wireless SIM card included
pro Free device with 2-year contract
con
Cons
con No camera
con No video calling
con No 911 option
bullet
NEW: Gabb Watch 3

Gabb released the newest version of its watch: Gabb Watch 3. Take a first look at this new safe smart watch for kids and keep any eye out for updates from our testing experience coming soon! 

Basic features mean it's easy to use

The parents we talked to felt satisfied with the Gabb Watch's features: location  tracking, safe zones, to-do lists and reminders, and easy text or voice communication.

There's no video calling, no 911 option, and no discreet audio check-ins, which help keep the price affordable and the battery chugging along. 

An awesome virtual pet—or six

A happy GabbGo T-Rex. Image: Kyle Lemmon, SafeWise

But the real highlight of the Gabb Watch is GabbGo—a clever way to motivate kids to do their chores and stay active. It's cute, simple, and a big hit with our group of testers.

Here's how it works: kids earn virtual coins by completing their to-do lists (which you delegate through the parent app) or reaching step goals. They can spend those coins to care for a virtual pet, teach it tricks, and add even more pets (including a T-Rex and a unicorn) to their menagerie. 

Gabb released three new pets with its latest software update, which helps keep the game fresh.  

bullet
We've loved the Gabb Watch
We’ve had a Gabb Watch for our 9-year-old daughter for almost two years. We love that we can give her some independence and freedom while still feeling like we’re able to keep her safe. Our favorite thing about it is that she can only call and text with preapproved contacts. We’ve loved the Gabb Watch and are planning on upgrading her to the Gabb Phone in a few months and handing the watch down to our son. —Kyle L.

Check out the details—including more of our test group's opinions and images—in our full Gabb Watch review. Or get all your questions answered on our Gabb Watch FAQ page.

Video: Gabb smart watch review

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4. COSMO JrTrack 3: Unlimited data

Best for unlimited data
Price
$64.99 (50% off for limited time)
Suggested age
5–12
Max. battery life
24 hours
Waterproof
No

Info current as of publish date.

The COSMO JrTrack 3 was designed by a father with the needs of both parents and kids in mind. It combines safety features with cool colors, comfortable straps, and the convenience of a full-size keyboard.

We like that it has all the features you need (GPS tracking, safe zones, SOS button, two-way talk) plus nice extras like a camera. Best of all, COSMO Membership plans are simple, straightforward, and affordable. 

pro
Pros
pro Safe zones and GPS tracking
pro 30-day money-back guarantee
pro SOS and 911 buttons
pro Easy setup
pro School mode
pro Full keyboard
pro Comfortable and colorful
con
Cons
con No video calling
con No games

Unlimited everything

With COSMO you get to talk, text, and share photos as much as you want—everything is unlimited. It's a huge relief to not worry about data limits when you need to stay in touch with your little ones.

COSMO Plans: Get unlimited 4G talk, text and data.

  • $19.99/mo. No contract, month-to-month
  • $16.99/mo. Pre-pay for 6-months, device insurance included
  • $14.99/mo. Pre-pay for 12 months, device insurance included.

Colorful and comfy

Image: Rebecca Edwards, SafeWise

One thing COSMO stands out for is its fun colors and comfortable fit.  Kids get to pick from colors like orange and purple and my kid tester says COSMO is the most comfortable and lightweight watch she's tried for us. The strap is soft, and the fact you tuck in the end of the band makes it extra secure.

We also found setup to be a breeze. COSMO's private family-safe network makes it easy to get the JrTrack up and running. We've struggled connecting other watches to networks like AT&T and Verizon, so we really appreciate COSMO's simple network activation.

5. AngelSense: Best kids smart watch for advanced GPS tracking

Like the Angel Watch, AngelSense is a kids GPS tracker, health tracker, and phone service. The difference is that AngelSense is for parents who want a watch that is simple, game and video-free and easy to use.

Like the TickTalk4, the AngelSense Watch includes video calling and a listen-in feature, but it has fewer contact slots and zero entertainment for your kid. (Which can certainly be a good thing, depending on what you're looking for.) It works with either AT&T or T-Mobile networks.

Best advanced GPS tracking
Price
$229.00
Suggested age
All ages
Max. battery life
24 hours
Water-resistant
Yes

Info current as of publish date.

pro
Pros
pro Auto pickup
pro Ride monitoring
pro GPS Tracking
pro Water resistant
con
Cons
con 60 minutes per month limit
con 1-year contract with monthly plan
con 24-hour battery life
con Large on small children's wrists

Tracking, tracking and more tracking

AngelSense goes beyond the usual GPS tracking by getting to know the wearer's routine. Imagine if little Jimmy takes a different route to school—AngelSense will send you a heads-up. It's like having an extra pair of eyes on your loved ones.

Remember those hide-and-seek games in store clothing racks? With AngelSense, those mini heart-stopping moments can be a thing of the past. Can't spot your little adventurer nearby? Just trigger the watch's alarm and follow the sound straight to your cheeky hider. Plus, you can share a temporary tracking link with friends, family, or even the police to help locate the watch wearer quickly.

For those with loved ones on the move, AngelSense's Live Safe Ride Transit Tracking is a gem. It lets you check if the vehicle they're in is going a bit too fast—super useful for keeping an eye on teen drivers.

Curious about your child's activity levels? AngelSense can tell you if they're really joining in during PE class or if they are sitting on the sidelines.

And here’s something truly reassuring: fall detection. In case of an accident, you're alerted instantly, so you can swiftly get help.

One small thing to note: to keep this constant tracking going, the watch needs regular charging. We found that a daily charge is best to avoid any gaps in coverage and keep the insights coming.

Learn more in our full AngelSense Watch review.

6. TickTalk 4: Tester favorite

Tester favorite
Price
$199.99
Suggested age
7–12
Max. battery life
72 hours
Waterproof
No

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

The TickTalk 4 keeps parental anxiety at bay with location tracking and an SOS button. And it caters to kids by streaming music or stories through iHeart Radio Family. The main downside is its price tag: around $200.

pro
Pros
pro GPS tracking
pro Parental-controlled contact list
pro SOS button
pro Music or story streaming
pro Video calling
pro Voice to text
pro Direct-to-911 option
con
Cons
con Not compatible with Verizon or Sprint
con No games
con Expensive up-front price
con Some video calling setup snafus
con Bulky

Full of features for kids and parents alike

We love that the TickTalk 4 isn’t just a smart watch for parents—it includes features that kids enjoy too. Your child can choose how to communicate, whether it’s through video calls, voice calls, voice messages, preset text messages, voice to text, emojis, GIFs, or photos. It’s just enough variety to allow them to explore some creative expression, but they won’t have access to a full keyboard.

Kids can also use the TickTalk 4’s camera to take pictures, selfies, or videos. Other features include a step counter, do not disturb/school mode, and a reminder list.

What our testers liked about the TickTalk4

Images: SafeWise

TickTalk 4 kid favorite features

We had to see if the TickTalk4 performed well in the real world before crowning it a best kids smart watch. So, we asked a mom and her kids to put it through the ringer. 

As we expected, the kids loved playing music, making video calls, sending each other greeting cards, and engaging with all of the other kid-centric features of the watch. Mom, on the other hand, appreciated the safety side of things, like the closed communication network and listen-in function.

TickTalk4 featured image

Image: Rebecca Edwards, SafeWise

Our testers noted that it was difficult to set up TickTalk4 video-calling permissions with grandparents who lived across the country—the approval process required them to scan the watch's QR code. The 7-year-old's only complaint was the size of the watch—it's pretty bulky, even on an adult-sized wrist. 

Get all the details in our full TickTalk 4 Kids Smart Watch review.

More kids smart watches we considered

Apple Watch: Best smart watch for teens

Best smart watch for teens
apple watch series 4 rose gold
Apple Watch Series 4
$169.00
(Refurbished)

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

Unless you have one to hand down or choose an older refurbished model, the Apple Watch can be an expensive choice for a kid's smart watch and GPS tracker. But it does work. Choose an Apple Watch SE or Apple Watch 4 (or later series) with LTE connectivity and add it to a Family Sharing account to get started. You'll be able to manage apps, control contacts and screen time, and see your child's location from your iPhone. 

Because it does include internet access, we recommend the Apple Watch for teens, not little ones. On the plus side, your kid will have a full-fledged smart watch once they outgrow the parental controls. 

The most affordable Apple Watch option we found retails for around $189 (refurbished), putting it in the same range as a Angel Watch or TickTalk 4. Expect to pay more for different colors or the latest release. The watch also needs a cell plan to make phone calls or send texts, which typically costs around $10 per month.

Garmin Bounce Watch: Best simple kids smart watch

Best simple option

The Garmin Bounce is one of the most stripped-down kids smart watches out there, which makes it a great starter watch. There are no phone calls or videos on this smart watch. There’s also no internet or social media. If you want to test out tech with your little one, this is a great, safe place to start.

But enough about what it doesn’t have. You still get the most important features with the Garmin Bounce: live GPS tracking, parent-controlled contact list, and geofencing. It also comes with some games, a rewards system for chores, and limited, pre-set texting. One of the most appealing features is that you don’t have to switch cell phone providers—Garmin uses its own network for the Bounce, and plans start at $10 per month or $100 for the full year.

T-Mobile SyncUP Kids Watch: Best for T-Mobile customers

Best for T-Mobile customers

Brand new to the market, the GPS-enabled SyncUP Kids Watch by T-Mobile offers a full keyboard for texting, which we haven't seen in many other kids smart watches. Other rare features include an unlimited number of contacts (parent-approved, of course) and a 911 option. 

And if your child activates the SOS button by holding it for about three seconds, you'll get an audio clip of the watch's surroundings so you know what's going on.

We're currently testing the T-Mobile SyncUp to see how it stacks up to other kids smart watches. Over the first month, initial impressions are generally positive. Parents liked getting the device for free with an added line on their T-Mobile account and think the $10 monthly fee is reasonable. 

Both Mom and our 9-year-old tester have noted it has fewer features than the TickTalk, but it serves its primary purpose—location tracking and communication—well.

We don’t think the SyncUP Kids Watch is quite ready to knock our top five faves out of position. It has a few flaws:

  • Available to existing T-Mobile customers only
  • Available in stores only
  • No video calling
  • The 911 option can’t be toggled off in the parent app
  • Camera quality is poor

The SyncUP Kids Watch retails for about $175 and requires a $10 monthly subscription through T-Mobile. Check back as we continue to test the SyncUP and share the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Xplora X5 Play: Best for active fun

Best for active fun
Xplora X5 Play kids smartwatch

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

Before the Gabb Watch came along, the Xplora X5 Play was the go-to if you wanted games and GPS tracking rolled into one slick kids smart watch. Recommended for 5-12 year olds, it has a 24 hour battery life and is waterproof. And, it still holds its own thanks to the sheer quantity of games available—all of which are designed to get your kid moving.

pro
Pros
pro Geofencing and GPS tracking
pro Parental-controlled contact list
pro SOS button
pro High-quality camera
pro Gamified activity tracking
pro Waterproof up to 3 feet
con
Cons
con No video calling
con SIM card not included
con Does not work with all cell providers
con No 911 option

Fun features

With Xplora's Goplay platform, your child earns one coin for every 1,000 steps logged on the watch. Coins can be redeemed on the Goplay platform to play virtual games or purchase products.

Physical fitness aside, we think this is a great incentive for kids to wear this GPS-tracking watch at all times.

Selfie camera but no video calling

This smart watch includes a 2MP selfie camera and stores around 1,000 photos and videos. We’re impressed by the video and audio quality. In fact, we expected video calling to be included in this smart watch since it has such a nice camera. But that’s the major downside of the Xplora X5 Play; you can’t hop on a video call with your kid. 

Limited cell networks

The Xplora X5 works best with the T-mobile network and does not work with Verizon, Sprint, or U.S. Cellular. You’ll also need to purchase a SIM card separately.

Learn more in our full Xplora X5 Play review.

Little Tikes Tobi Robot: Best for preschoolers

Best for preschoolers
Little Tikes Tobi Robot kids smartwatch

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

The Little Tikes Tobi Robot smart watch reminds us of the Tamagotchi keychains popular in the ’90s. Kids get to feed and interact with the animated face on this smart watch, making it great for younger kids ages 4-6. It even has arms and legs that pop out from the side of the watch. (Don’t worry, it’s not as creepy as it sounds.)

Retailing for about $20 (or more, depending on the color), it’s one of the most affordable kids smart watches on the market. It's not waterproof, but does have a good battery life of 120 hours. However, it really can’t compete with the other watches on our list in terms of features. In fact, it seems to be meant for entertainment and learning rather than safety or as a stepping stone of independence. 

pro
Pros
pro Storage for up to 3,000 photos
pro Games
pro Fitness tracker
pro No monthly payments
con
Cons
con No GPS tracking or geofencing
con No SOS button
con No calling or messaging

This isn’t a GPS smart watch, nor does it support texting or calling. That’s probably because it’s meant for kids as young as four years old, who probably remain under direct supervision anyway. But if your little one feels super left out when their older sibling gets a cool new gadget, this is what you could give them to keep them entertained.

This watch features a camera and impressive storage. Your budding photographer can store up to 30 minutes of video footage or 3,000 pictures. They can also add stickers to their photos.

Tobi also includes some basic games and an activity tracker/fitness tracker. If one of your kid’s friends also has a Tobi watch, they can send each other photos or emojis. 

The good news is that you don’t need to purchase a monthly cellular plan for this watch because it can't make phone calls.

Learn more in our full Little Tikes Tobi Robot review.

VTech Kidizoom Smartwatch DX2: Best preschool education apps

Best for preschool education

Amazon.com price as of publish date. Read full disclaimer.

We waffled back and forth about whether to make the VTech Kidizoom DX2 our fifth pick or to keep it as an honorable mention. It’s been one of our top picks in previous iterations of this list, but it just can’t hold a candle to some of the new kids smart watches on the market. 

The VTech Kidizoom is nearly identical to the Little Tikes Tobi Robot in terms of functionality: 

  • No GPS tracker
  • No communication
  • No SOS button
  • Camera for photos and videos
  • Games

We decided to use price as a tie-breaker, and the VTech Smartwatch Kidizoom DX2 lost out because it costs more than double the Little Tikes Tobi Robot.

But we do love that there are plenty of extra learning games you can add to this smart watch via the VTech Learning Lodge. Your kid won’t get bored if you add a new game to the watch every so often. And they might learn some neat skills like telling time.

Kiwip: Best for families in Europe

Best for families in Europe

We’re keeping an eye on the French kids smart watch Kiwip. If it becomes available in the US, it could disrupt our top five rankings. We’re impressed with its features and love the way it acts as a voice-controlled smart hub, gamifies activity and fitness tracking, and allows children to safely connect with each other. 

Spacetalk Adventurer: Best for smart watch removal notification

Watch removal notification
Spacetalk Adventurer
3 out of 5 stars
3
$119.99

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

The Spacetalk Adventurer watch includes all the basic features we look for in a kids smart watch: GPS tracking, calling and texting, parent-approved contacts, school mode, and some nifty tools like alarms and reminders. There's no social media or internet to worry about either.

The Spacetalk Adventurer's only unique feature is its removal notification, which alerts parents if the watch is taken off. We also like that it's waterproof, supports unlimited approved contacts, and includes a heart rate monitor.

Other than that, the Spacetalk Adventurer doesn't stand out from the crowd. Plus, its battery life is less than stellar, lasting only about 36 hours with 15-minute location tracking updates.

Final word: Best kids smart watch

If you want a kids smart watch that helps you watch out for your kids without distracting bells and whistles, then AngelSense is your best bet. Otherwise, the Angel Watch is best for emergencies with its SOS call feature and earned our vote as the best smart watch for kids because it includes virtually every safety feature that parents want in a kids smart watch. It's compatible with AT&T or T-mobile. If you use Verizon, then the Gizmo Watch is the one for you.

Although we wish it had a camera for video confirmation of your kiddo's whereabouts, we think the accessible price tag makes Gabb Watch the a good budget pick. And because Gabb designed its device with safety in mind, we're confident in its closed network to keep kids safe from cyber dangers.

Kids smart watch FAQ

No. The GizmoWatch2 is locked to Verizon. When you purchase the GizmoWatch2 online as a new customer, you’re prompted to purchase a Verizon plan for $10 per month.

The Xplora X5 Play and the Imoo Watch Phone Z6 have the highest level of water resistance of all the kids smart watches we reviewed. The TickTalk 4, Angel Watch, Gabb Watch and GizmoWatch 2 can handle being splashed by water but shouldn’t be submerged.

How we reviewed the best smart watches for kids

Image: Rebecca Edwards, SafeWise

There are a lot of features packed into smart watches for kids. To narrow down the contenders, we prioritized the following:

  • GPS tracking
  • Video calling
  • SOS button
  • Parent-controlled contact list
  • Fun games or activities 
  • Durability
  • Connectivity

We ultimately came up with a list of 43 criteria for comparing kids smart watches and sussing out the top candidates. We also read hundreds of user reviews to evaluate each contender’s performance and customer service.

We tested several watches including the TickTalk4, Gabb Watch, Cosmo, Angel Watch, Xplora, Apple Watch, AngelSense Watch, and also collected feedback from parents with experience using top kids smart watches on the market. We're always trying out new watches as they hit the market, and are currently testing the Gabb Watch 3 and T-Mobile SyncUP to see if they can beat out any of our current faves.

Learn more about how we rank and review.

Related articles on SafeWise

Disclaimers

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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