Has your child reached the age where you’d like to text them or check in on their whereabouts? But they’re not quite ready for a smartphone?
A smartwatch can bridge the communication gap without giving them full access to the entire internet.
Most smartwatches designed for kids provide basic texting, tracking, and calls. There are various other features, but you’ll have to decide what’s best for your child.
Here is our list of smartwatches that we found checked all the boxes:
Smartwatches for Kids
1. Verizon Gizmo Watch 3
Details: Only available through Verizon, battery life over 3 days on standby, over 4 hours of call time, screen size is 1.4 inches, can only call and text up to 20 contacts who have a Gizmo or adults who have the app.
Has: GPS tracking, texting, calling, video calls, water-resistant, step counter, games, camera (optional), school/quiet mode, parental controls, weather.
Doesn’t Have: Music, internet, social media.
2. Apple Watch SE
Details: Works best with family already using iOS, battery life up to 18 hours of normal use, screen size up to 1.78 inches, unlimited contacts.
Has: GPS tracking, texting, calling, water-resistant up to 50 meters, fitness tracking, school/quiet mode, weather, Apple Pay, music, games (only if you download them), Siri, parental controls managed through Apple Watch app in your phone.
Doesn’t Have: Video calls, camera.
3. TickTalk 5
Details: Works through AT&T or T-Mobile, battery up to 100 hours on standby, screen size 1.5 inches, 50 maximum contacts approved through companion app.
Has: School/quiet mode, water-resistant, texting, video calls, music and podcasts through iHeartRadio, camera, GPS tracking, step counter, games, send GIFs and animated greeting cards.
Doesn’t have: Internet, social media.
4. Gabb Watch 3e
Details: Activation is $30, plus a monthly plan and only available through Gabb. Kids can feel independent charging their own phone on the magnet charger. Parents can monitor kids text messages.
Has: School/quiet mode, GPS tracker with alerts when child leaves “designated safe zone,”direct texting, app to monitor activity, fitness tracker, task tracker, memory game, alarm clock.
Doesn’t Have: Internet, social media, music.
5. JrTrack for Kids
Details: All-in-one for ages 6+, customizable parental controls, Safe-core safety, True texting and calling through US, Canada and Mexico.
Yes: Parent-approved contacts, calls, texts, GPS tracking, group messaging, pictures, alarms, set counter, task tracker, water-resistant up to 5ft, Spotify music.
No: Not compatible with other carriers, internet, social media.
