The 5 Best Smartwatches for Kids: Reviewed and Ranked

As parents, we want to keep our children safe while still allowing them to spread their wings. GPS smartwatches strike an ideal balance – offering connectivity, independence, and peace of mind in one high-tech yet responsible package.

But with new smartwatches for kids hitting the market offering dazzling features, it becomes tough picking the right one your for family. Don’t worry – I’ve done the homework to determine the top contenders that check all boxes for safety, value, and ease of use.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll uncover:

• Key factors to look for when shopping for your child’s first smartwatch
• In-depth review of the 5 best GPS kids smartwatches
• Expert tips on using smartwatches safely at different ages
• Answers to frequently asked questions all parents have

Arm yourself with the right intel and recommendations so you can shop smart and get your kid the perfect smart sidekick!

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Kid-friendly smartwatches grew over 15% as a market last year alone. Parents spend on average $200 for models with communications and safety tools.

But every child matures differently. The right features cater to their responsibility level, independence, and personal interests.

Before we dive into the top product picks, let’s cover what traits matter most:

🧒 Age Rating – Match the recommended minimum age to your child’s observed maturity and tech savviness. Don’t exceed their abilities.

📶 Connectivity – If real-time location tracking offers you peace of mind, select GPS-enabled models. Two-way calling also helps.

🔋Battery Life – Look for at least 24 hours of runtime before needing a recharge. Easily distracted kids won’t reliably plug devices in.

🏋️‍♂️ Durability – Check durability tests against drops, scratches, water, extreme temperatures. Kid-grade means surviving accidents!

Keeping those key criteria in mind while comparing features and prices helps narrow options. Next let’s review the stand-out smartwatches for kids that provide great bang for your buck.

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🥇 #1 Pick: Gabb Watch

Recognized industry-wide as the premier kids smartwatch, the Gabb Watch shines through thoughtful design.

Top Features:

✅ Built-in GPS Tracking

✅ Two-way messaging with parent-approved contacts

✅ Great battery life at 72 hours runtime

✅ Rugged, waterproof design

Packed with necessities like emergency call alerts and location sharing without unnecessary distractions, it earns top marks across the board.

I especially appreciate elements like:

🧮Activity Tracking – Step counting promotes movement without weight/body image pressures. Kids should think active time is fun!

🗺️Interactive Zones – Get notifications when your child reaches or leaves custom set locations like school or the library to confirm on-time arrival.

🤝Limited Contacts – Kid-safe communication remains the focus with 20 approved contacts and emoji messaging. No risky unknown social media notifications.

Starting around $150 base price, bundles with 12-months of cell service cost just under $200. Take comfort in positive customer reviews praising the Gabb Watch for durability after kids wore them mountain biking, swimming, camping and more without damage! Monthly plans as low as $10 share location updates every 10 minutes so you track progress commuting or playing with friends.

As the leading balance of utility and safety, the Gabb Watch hits every requirement. The built-in virtual pet your child raises by being active shows how smartwatch technology can foster responsibility at the same time as fun.

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🥈 #2 Pick: XPLORA X5 Play

For shoppers seeking maximum features per dollar, the aptly named XPLORA X5 Play delivers.

The built-in GoPlay system sets this versatile smartwatch apart. It encourages activity by rewarding kids fitness efforts and achievements with points for:

🚴‍♂️ Cycling miles

🏊‍♀️ Pool laps swam

🥅 Soccer goals

As kids accumulate virtual currency through monitored movement, they “spend” it downloading games and media through the Xplore mobile app store. Since it taps into existing 4G cell networks, you aren’t locked into a single carrier. Parents simply provide a compatible nano SIM card.

Beyond gamification, must-have safety provisions like:

🔒 Approved contacts – Up to 50 numbers allowed

🚨 SOS Alert button

📍 GPS tracking – Safety View

👂 Two-way calling

Check the boxes. Dialing in contacts means no worrying about random messaging. And the SOS button directly calls the numbers you program so it doubles as a panic alert.

This well-rounded functionality comes at a reasonable price between $120 to $150. Competitors with similar capabilities often cost over $200! Factor in power-packed features tailored to modern kids and the XPLORA X5 Play delivers great economical value.

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🥉 #3 Pick: SPACETALK Adventurer

Does your kid need a device resilient enough for muddy soccer practices and busy school days? The rugged SPACETALK Adventurer smartwatch fits the bill.

Engineered for active children ages 5-12, it meets military standards for surviving drops and dunks with waterproof design. I appreciate elements like:

🛡️ Shatterproof Glass – Scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass touchscreen holds up to classroom and playground accidents.

🥨 Kid Appeal – From built-in games to emojis messaging, it balances business and playtime. Parents still control all functions through the app. Fun encourages consistent wear!

🆘 Crystal Clear Audio – Two-way talk quality ensures voices come through when your child needs reassurance.

Starting around just $120, it costs over $100 less than an Apple Watch with similar impact protection and goodies. Monthly plans through leading carriers like T-Mobile and Verizon enable real-time location checking and contacts.

Give your son or daughter independence to develop responsibility – knowing they have a reliable smartwatch companion able handle the demands kids dish out.

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Budget Pick: PROGRACE Kids Smart Watch

Is your child ready to dip their toes in the smartwatch world for the first time? Meet the ideal entry-level companion.

The PROGRACE Kids Smartwatch sticks to core functions like an:

🕑 Alarm

💡 Flashlight

🎵 Music player

Which appeal to young kids. It builds familiarity with responsible wearable technology use without overwhelming them.

📸 Rotating Camera – Allows fun selfies during video calls you initiate. Teach back camera safety for capturing memories, not mischief!

🚹 Changeable Watch Faces – Pick their favorite character theme from Pokemon to Disney princesses for personalization that encourages daily wear.

For around $30, reviewers praise how easy it is to setup and navigate the PROGRACE. Touch controls keep up with quick-fingered gamers. It skips advanced features unneeded for younger users like cellular connections and GPS to concentrate on entertainment and activity tracking with pedometer-type technology.

Ease them into the wearable tech world without spendy investments. When they outgrow capabilities in a year or so, upgrade them to more loaded models!

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How Old Should My Kid Be For a Smartwatch?

Every child hits development milestones at their own pace. Use the average ages below to help gauge if your son or daughter demonstrates the maturity and responsibility needed:

Ages 4-7 – Starter watches to learn wearable tech care, basic functions like alarms. No calling yet.

Ages 8-10 – Mid-range watches with parent-monitored messaging features. Expand freedoms as they prove trustworthy.

Ages 11+ – Advanced watches with more app permissions once kids consistently stick to ground rules.

Regardless of age btw, set clear expectations about wearing times and charging duties early on. Having your child earn privileges through accountable behavior teaches important life lessons as well!

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3 Tips For Using Kids Smartwatches Safely

Smartwatches promise many benefits but also hold risks if usage isn’t managed properly from the start. Heed this advice when deploying watches to foster balanced habits:

⚙️ Activate Controls – Configure age-appropriate restrictions on calling, apps permissions through companion phone apps. Update as your child demonstrates more maturity over time if you choose advanced Apple or Android models.

🕰 Set Schedules –No need to stay connected 24/7. Establish tech-free zones like during family dinner and bedtimes. And avoid dependency on notifications by teaching kids to assess their own assignment progress instead of push reminders.

🗣️ Discuss Online Safety – Don’t assume kids innately understand digital threats. Review dangers of oversharing private details and set standards for what constitutes cyberbullying even on child-focused platforms. Check in regularly as their tech use evolves.

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Well, we covered a lot of ground on picking the smartest smartwatches to keep your active kids safer and more responsible. Here’s a quick recap on which models topped the list:

I recommend the Gabb Watch for its responsible design allowing communications and tracking without risky distractions.

But any of these watches help connect your kid safely to family and friends when needed – giving them room to gain confidence while staying tethered.soon they’ll be teaching us a thing or two about the latest mobile gear!

Now you’re equipped with savvy buying advice to pick out the right companion for your child’s next adventure. Stay tuned for more tips on fostering healthy, responsible tech habits in kids.

Until next time…talk soon!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do smartwatches work without phones?

Many mainstream models require pairing to a smartphone. But phones aren’t necessary for most watches targeting kids since you manage settings through a parent’s device. Basic functions happen directly on the watch.

Can my kid make calls with their smartwatch?

Select models allow calling and messaging. But parents control which contacts are enabled. Most limit communication to pre-defined people for safety vs open access. Advanced watches eventually support expanding freedoms.

Is there a monthly fee?

For smartwatches relying on cellular connections for calling and GPS tracking, monthly service fees apply similar to smartphones. WiFi-only models don’t have reoccurring costs.

How do I track my kid’s smartwatch?

Download the accompanying app from the watch manufacturer onto your mobile device. Features like location monitoring, geo-fencing, message feeds, and contact controls then happen in one centralized portal.

What’s better – Apple Watch vs competitor brands for kids?

Apple Watches offer best-in-class power and app ecosystems. But alternative picks better tailor to kid independence levels. Evaluate software maturation controls before allowing full iOS access.