The Best Kids GPS Trackers of 2022

We tested kids GPS trackers—including kids smartwatches—to bring you our top five faves.

Best overall
AngelSense_Product_Image
AngelSense
  • pro
    SOS button
  • pro
    1-day battery
  • pro
    Location history
Smartwatch pick
TickTalk 4 Kids Smartwatch
TickTalk 4
  • pro
    SOS button
  • pro
    2-day battery
  • pro
    Location history
Budget pick
Tracki
  • pro
    SOS button
  • pro
    3-day battery
  • pro
    Location history
Best battery life
jiobit kids tracker
Jiobit Next
  • pro
    SOS button
  • pro
    7-day battery
  • pro
    Location history
Best for travel
GeoZilla kids GPS tracker
GeoZilla
  • pro
    SOS button
  • pro
    5-day battery
  • con
    No location history

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' GPS tracker comparison video

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Reviews of the best kids' GPS trackers

1. AngelSense Kids’ GPS tracker: Best overall

Best overall
AngelSense GPS Tracker
AngelSense Kids' GPS Tracker
$69.00 (sale price) + $39.99
/mo

AngelSense GPS tracker was created with one purpose in mind: to help protect children with special needs. 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

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

Read our full review of the AngelSense GPS Tracker for kids.

Standout feature: Regular updates

AngelSense sends consistent updates throughout your day, so you can 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
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New features for 2021

New AngelSense GPS trackers purchased in 2021 include the following upgrades:

  • 30% better battery life
  • Direct SOS calls
  • Fall detection (in beta testing)
  • New wearing options
  • More weatherproofing

2. TickTalk 4: Smartwatch pick

Smartwatch pick
TickTalk 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 smartwatch, so your older kids should want to wear it. It's a solid investment that should last until your kid is ready for a cell phone

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 their 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.

Thumbs Up
Read our full review

Read more about the TickTalk 4 and discover our other favorite kids smartwatches on our full roundup page: Best Smartwatches for Kids.

3. Tracki: Budget pick

Budget pick
Tracki
$18.88 + $19.95
/mo

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

The Tracki is tiny and has a small up-front price tag to match. 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 No distracting games or apps
pro Live location-tracking
con
Cons
con Monthly service plan is pricey

Not much to it, but it's affordable

The Tracki is a no-frills GPS tracker with geofencing and an SOS button. It uses multiple location tracking technologies, so it works despite poor cell reception.

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. 

Pay annually for best price

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. 

Light Bulb
Works for pets, vehicles, and more

The Tracki doubles as a vehicle GPS tracker thanks to its strong mounting magnet. You'll get speed alerts if you use it this way.

Because it works in 190 countries, you can put it inside your luggage just in case the airline loses it. The Tracki can even be attached to your dog's collar before you embark on an adventure. 

4. Jiobit Next: Best battery life

Best battery life
jiobit kids tracker
Jiobit Next
$149.99 + $8.99
/mo

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

The Jiobit GPS tracker for kids is lightweight and smaller than an Oreo—making it easy for little ones to wear all day. But there’s no way to call or listen in with the Jiobit, so if two-way communication is a must-have, this device won’t fit the bill.

Speaking of bills, Jiobit offers a one-year contract plan at around $9 per month or a month-to-month plan for about $13 per month.

The Jiobit tracker can go up to one week without charging. But its real-time GPS may drain the battery if your child is on the move often. This means you don’t have to worry about charging it daily, which gives you one less thing to worry about before bed every night.

pro
Pros
pro Risk-free trial
pro Long battery life
pro Secure, durable attachments
con
Cons
con No voice communication

Jiobit can attach securely with a built-in loop, waistband clip, secure loop, strap clip, or an outer sleeve attachment.

While the Jiobit offers accurate GPS tracking, there’s no speaker, so your child can’t call for help, and you can’t listen in to make sure they’re okay.

Standout feature: Self-learning

Jiobit 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.

Learn more by reading our in-depth Jiobit review.

Bell
The Jiobit Next

The Jiobit Next—the newest version of this kids tracker—is out now. This generation comes with more reliable tracking for spotty areas like rural locations and indoors. 

5. GeoZilla GPS tracker: Best for travel

Best for travel
GeoZilla kids GPS tracker
GeoZilla GPS Tracker
$59.99 + $4.99
/mo

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

For kiddos who tend to wander during outings, the GeoZilla GPS tracker has you covered. Its worldwide GPS coverage and SOS feature make it easy for your kids to get in touch if they get separated.

This tiny wearable tracker has an impressive battery that lasts up to five days (or 120 hours) and can pinpoint the tracker within 15 feet.

You can adjust the update frequency to make the battery last longer to change the frequency of updates (basically, the more frequent the updates, the higher drain on the battery).

pro
Pros
pro Worldwide coverage
pro 5-day battery
pro Compatible with iOS, Android, and Apple Watch
con
Cons
con Not waterproof

GeoZilla's app includes a bunch of bonus features that make tracking and communication easier. Perks include location history, place alerts, schedule alerts, and even to-do lists.

You can opt for a seven-day free trial followed by contracts around $80 yearly or $50 every three months (about $16 monthly).

Bell
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. 

What to look for in a kids GPS tracker

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

The best GPS tracker is comfortable and fun for kids to use, durable enough to last all day, and accurate in its readings. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • User-friendliness: Choose a tracker that’s easy for you and your child to use. It shouldn’t interfere with their range of motion or get in the way.
  • Age range: Check the recommended age range on any tracker you’re considering. Some have anti-tamper features for older kids if you’re worried they will remove it.
  • Durability: Kids play rough, so be sure their tracker can withstand all the roughhousing, horseplay, and hazards kids can throw at it. Look for waterproof models that can handle puddles and spills too.
  • Range: Not all GPS devices 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.
  • Alerts and notifications: Look for a device with adjustable settings to avoid false alarms or blowing up your phone. Your device should be customizable to let you check on your kids when you want and notify you when there’s trouble.
  • Panic button: Some kids GPS devices come with a panic button that let your child alert you when something’s wrong or they need help.
  • Two-way communication: This feature lets you speak to your child through their tracker like an intercom so you can ask them where they are or if they need help.
  • Games: Features like games and step counters give kids more motivation to wear their tracker. After all, the device isn’t helpful if your child doesn’t want to wear or use it. Just make sure the games aren't too distracting.
  • Real-time tracking: When you need to know where your child is, this is the most important feature. You can adjust the settings in your tracker’s app to send an updated location to you every minute to every fifteen minutes.

Final word

We chose AngelSense as our top pick for its inclusive features for kids with special needs as well as its practical wearability. 

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. 

GPS trackers for kids FAQ

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 like AngelSense, Jiobit, and Relay in-house to give them a spin. 

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. 

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