Smartwatches for kids aren’t just trendy gadgets; they offer safety, learning, and connection for families. However, as a parent, figuring out which watch suits your child’s needs can be overwhelming. With so many options, it’s hard to know which ones provide genuine value and functionality.
Let’s dive into the five best smartwatches for kids in 2024: Garmin Bounce, TickTalk 4, VTech Kidizoom Smartwatch DX3, Xplora X5 Play, and Verizon GizmoWatch 2.
Smartwatches for kids are designed with this balance in mind. They allow communication, location tracking, and some entertainment while staying focused on safety. But not all watches are created equal—some prioritize fun over function, and others pack too many unnecessary features. The challenge is to find the right smartwatch that balances parental control, ease of use, and durability without breaking the bank.
Parents often feel frustrated with devices that claim to have everything but fall short where it matters. Some smartwatches say they offer seamless GPS tracking but fail when your kid’s at the playground. Others promise parental control but deliver a confusing interface that leaves both parents and kids feeling lost. Add to that the worry about kids becoming too screen-dependent, and the stress is real.
You’re not alone in this struggle. A case study conducted by a group of parents in 2023 revealed that 43% of them purchased smartwatches that didn’t meet their basic expectations of battery life and ease of use, causing them to ditch the product within a year. That’s why it’s crucial to choose a device that’s not just flashy, but actually delivers on its promises.
So, what’s the solution? Let’s explore the best options available that are designed with kids—and parents—in mind.
Table of Contents
Top 5 Smartwatches for Kids in 2024
1. Garmin Bounce: Fitness Meets Functionality
Why it works: Garmin Bounce is more than a GPS tracker—it’s a fitness motivator. If your child loves to stay active, this is an ideal choice. Garmin Bounce not only offers essential safety features like location tracking and emergency contacts, but it also nudges kids to keep moving with activity goals.
Key Features:
- Real-Time GPS Tracking: Stay in the loop with your kid’s whereabouts. Whether they’re at school or hanging out with friends, you get instant updates.
- Two-Way Communication: The watch allows kids to send voice messages and texts to pre-approved contacts, so you stay connected without giving them a full-on smartphone.
- Durability: Built to withstand the rough and tumble of an active child, the Garmin Bounce is water-resistant and robust enough for daily wear.
Parental Peace of Mind: Garmin Bounce balances safety with activity-tracking in a way that doesn’t feel like surveillance. You get real-time location updates, and they get fun fitness challenges. It’s a win-win, especially for kids who are always on the go.
What could be better: It’s not the most affordable option out there, and the user interface could be more intuitive for younger kids. However, the fitness features make it worth the extra cost if your child is active.
2. TickTalk 4: The All-in-One Powerhouse
Why it works: TickTalk 4 packs a punch with its all-in-one design. It offers a full suite of safety, communication, and entertainment features. From video calls to real-time location tracking, this smartwatch leaves nothing out.
Key Features:
- 4G LTE Connectivity: You don’t need to worry about being out of range. TickTalk 4 uses 4G LTE, ensuring constant connectivity.
- Video & Voice Calls: Kids can make video and voice calls to pre-approved contacts, keeping them connected to family and friends without the risks of a smartphone.
- GPS Location Tracking: With real-time GPS, parents can track their child’s location from their smartphone.
- Activity Tracker & Reminders: Kids stay active with daily step goals, and you can set reminders for homework or chores.
Parental Peace of Mind: For parents who want a watch that does it all, the TickTalk 4 is hard to beat. The GPS tracking is reliable, and the ability to make calls and send messages offers the best of both safety and convenience. In a case study from 2023, parents reported feeling more connected to their kids without giving up control over who their children could contact.
What could be better: It’s feature-rich, which could be overwhelming for younger kids. Additionally, the bulky design might not appeal to every child, but it gets the job done when it comes to functionality. Munication options ensure your child’s safety while keeping them entertained.
3. VTech Kidizoom Smartwatch DX3: Fun Meets Function
Why it works: If you’re looking for a smartwatch that leans more into fun but still offers solid functionality, the VTech Kidizoom DX3 is a standout. It’s packed with games, dual cameras, and customizable watch faces, making it perfect for younger children who are just getting into tech.
Key Features:
- Dual Cameras: Kids can take photos and videos, then add filters and effects, encouraging creativity.
- Learning Games: The watch comes preloaded with educational games, blending fun with learning.
- Activity Challenges: While it doesn’t have GPS, it motivates kids to stay active with fun activity challenges.
Parental Peace of Mind: The VTech Kidizoom DX3 is perfect for kids who don’t need all the bells and whistles of GPS or call functions. It’s great for younger children, offering basic functionality like time-telling, games, and a step counter. Parents love its simplicity—no app syncing or extra parental control features needed.
What could be better: There’s no GPS or communication features, so it’s not the best option if you’re looking for location tracking or call functions. It’s a great entry-level smartwatch, but for older kids, it might feel too basic.
4. Xplora X5 Play: A Kid’s First Phone (Without the Phone)
Why it works: The Xplora X5 Play is designed for parents who want their child to have the essentials of a phone without the actual phone. It offers reliable GPS tracking, calling features, and even fitness tracking—all wrapped up in a kid-friendly design.
Key Features:
- GPS and Safe Zones: The real-time GPS feature allows parents to create “safe zones” and get notified if their child leaves these zones.
- Call and Text Functionality: The watch supports calling and texting to pre-approved contacts, making it an excellent first step toward digital communication.
- Activity Tracker: It’s also a fitness tracker, encouraging kids to stay active by completing challenges and earning rewards.
Parental Peace of Mind: Parents love the Safe Zones feature, which helps you know when your child strays too far from a designated area like school or home. With a focus on safety and communication, the Xplora X5 Play offers a middle ground for parents who aren’t ready to give their kids smartphones but still want to stay connected.
What could be better: Battery life could be improved, especially with all the features it packs in. Also, the call quality can sometimes be inconsistent, but it’s reliable enough for most daily use.
5. Verizon GizmoWatch 2: Simple, Safe, and Reliable
Why it works: The Verizon GizmoWatch 2 is a no-frills, reliable option for parents focused on safety and communication. This watch is all about keeping things simple—GPS tracking, calling, and messaging—without overwhelming parents or kids with extra features.
Key Features:
- GPS Tracking: Track your child’s location in real-time using the GizmoHub app.
- Calling and Messaging: Kids can call and send messages to up to 10 pre-approved contacts.
- Durable Design: Built to withstand rough play, this watch is durable and kid-proof.
Parental Peace of Mind: The simplicity of the Verizon GizmoWatch 2 is its biggest strength. Parents appreciate the intuitive interface and dependable tracking. It’s an excellent choice if you want to keep things basic—no games, no distractions, just safety and communication.
What could be better: It lacks some of the bells and whistles of other watches, such as fitness tracking or cameras, but if you’re looking for a straightforward solution, this is it.
Detailed Comparison Table
| Feature | Garmin Bounce | TickTalk 4 | VTech Kidizoom DX3 | Xplora X5 Play | Verizon GizmoWatch 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GPS Tracking | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Two-way Calling | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Video Calling | No | Yes | No | No | No |
| Parental Controls | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Fitness Tracking | Yes | No | No | Yes | No |
| Dual Cameras | No | No | Yes | No | No |
| Educational Games | No | No | Yes | No | No |
| SOS Button | No | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Customizable Watch Faces | No | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Streaming Music | No | Yes | No | No | No |
Conclusion
When it comes to keeping your kids connected and safe in 2024, these five smartwatches each offer something unique. Whether you’re looking for a fitness-oriented option like Garmin Bounce, an all-in-one powerhouse like TickTalk 4, or a basic and reliable choice like Verizon GizmoWatch 2, there’s a perfect match for your family’s needs.
By focusing on the balance between safety and function, these smartwatches allow you to stay connected without the concerns that come with giving your child a full smartphone.