10 Best Kids Smart Watches 2025 in the United States

The JrTrack 5 Kids Smart Watch is designed specifically for kids aged 6 and up, with a strong focus on safety and communication. Its standout feature is the advanced real-time GPS tracking powered by HaloGPS, which offers very accurate location updates—ideal for parents who want to keep an eye on their child’s whereabouts. Communication is easy and secure, with calling and texting limited to parent-approved contacts only, blocking unwanted calls and internet access. This helps create a safe and controlled environment for kids. The watch also supports photo, audio, and short video messaging, making it a fun tool for kids to stay connected.

Parental controls are extensive, allowing parents to manage which apps their child can use, set time limits, and enable a Focus Mode to minimize distractions during school or homework. Safety is further enhanced with SOS alerts and emergency calling options, giving parents peace of mind. The inclusion of kid-friendly apps like Spotify Kids (with a separate subscription) adds an entertainment element without losing control. Battery life is decent, thanks to a 680mAh lithium-ion battery, which should comfortably last through a typical day of use. The watch is lightweight and comfortable, and it comes with essential features like an activity tracker, alarms, and a calculator, making it useful beyond communication and safety.

One limitation is that the watch requires activation with Cosmo’s cellular service, which is only available in the US, Canada, and Mexico, and is not compatible with other carriers. This might limit flexibility for some users. Also, while the watch has built-in apps, it may not offer as broad an educational feature set compared to some competitors focused more on learning. The JrTrack 5 is a smart choice for parents wanting a safe, reliable, and interactive watch that combines real-time GPS, secure communication, and strong parental controls, especially for younger children needing a first phone experience.

The Fitbit Google Ace LTE is a feature-rich kids smartwatch designed to keep children connected and active. One of its standout features is the built-in GPS, which allows parents to track their child's location, ensuring peace of mind. The watch also boasts a solid battery life of over 16 hours, with fast charging that provides 11 hours of use in just 30 minutes, making it suitable for all-day wear.

Durability is another key strength, as it is built with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 and includes a protective bumper case, making it resistant to bumps, scratches, and water up to 50 meters deep. This makes it a good fit for active kids who may be a bit rough with their gadgets. Parental controls are robust, including features like School Time, which limits gameplay during school hours, ensuring kids stay focused. The watch also includes educational and activity-based games to keep kids engaged and active.

Communication options are well-covered with in-app calls and messages that do not require a phone number, and parents can add up to 20 additional contacts. The design is both comfortable and appealing to children, with a 1.6-inch square touchscreen that is easy to navigate. However, the requirement for a Fitbit Ace Pass data plan for full functionality such as calling, messaging, and access to games may be a drawback for some, as it adds ongoing costs. Additionally, while the battery life is good, it may not be sufficient for multi-day use without recharging. The watch is relatively lightweight at 0.986 ounces, making it comfortable for kids to wear.

The Garmin Bounce is a solid choice for a kids' smartwatch, especially if you want strong location tracking and easy communication. It has built-in GPS that lets parents follow their child's whereabouts in real time and set safe zones with alerts. Messaging works both ways, with text and voice options accessible through a parent app, which helps stay connected without a phone. The watch is durable and swim-friendly, so it can handle active kids, and the bright 1.3-inch touchscreen is easy to use.

Battery life lasts up to two days but can be shorter if you use GPS and messaging a lot, so daily charging might be necessary. Parental controls are good for safety, including an assistance feature for kids to send quick location alerts. However, there are no specific educational features built in, so it’s more about communication and safety than learning. The design is comfortable and suitable for kids, but keep in mind it needs an active subscription and LTE network to unlock most smart features.

If your priority is reliable tracking and staying in touch, Garmin Bounce serves well, though those wanting extra learning tools might want to look elsewhere.