These smartwatches help kids stay active, connected and safe—all at once!
Smartwatches for kids have become essential devices in 2025, providing parents with peace of mind and children with an engaging blend of safety, connectivity and entertainment. Today’s smartwatches for children come equipped with features such as GPS tracking, SOS emergency buttons, parental controls and fitness tracking. Whether your child needs precise location tracking, reliable two-way communication or motivational fitness activities, there’s a smartwatch perfectly tailored for them.
Here’s an in-depth look at the top five best smartwatches for kids in 2025, selected for their strong safety measures, durability and engaging features.
Verizon GizmoWatch 3
Image by Verizon
The Verizon GizmoWatch 3 puts safety first, making it an ideal choice for concerned parents. It features real-time GPS tracking, which means parents can quickly see their child’s location through the GizmoHub app anytime. The watch has impressive battery life, lasting up to 3.7 days on standby, reducing the need for constant charging.
Kids can make clear voice and video calls using the 5 MP camera, but only to the 20 contacts that parents approve. If there’s ever trouble, a dedicated SOS button immediately notifies parents. Additional engaging features, such as step tracking, fun games and customizable watch faces, make the GizmoWatch 3 enjoyable for children and reassuring for parents. Moreover, its IP68-rated water-resistant design means it’s durable enough for daily adventures. Available for US$149.99, it requires a Verizon service plan at US$10 per month, on top of a one-time activation fee of US$35.
TickTalk 5
Image by TickTalk
The TickTalk 5 is specially designed for kids and stands out for its advanced GPS tracking, enhanced with AI for accurate indoor and outdoor positioning. It makes communicating easy with voice and video calls, plus fun messaging options like greeting cards and GIFs in secure group chats.
In emergencies, pressing the SOS button immediately alerts designated contacts. Parents can add up to 53 trusted contacts and block unknown numbers to keep communication secure. It also includes music streaming, fitness tracking and helpful reminders. With up to 100 hours of battery life on standby and IP67 water resistance (handling short submersion and dust), the TickTalk 5 can handle kids’ active lifestyles. It retails at US$159.99, with monthly service plan options ranging from US$9.99 to US$19.99, without any activation fee.
Fitbit Ace LTE
Image by Fitbit
Fitbit Ace LTE is great for active kids, combining fitness tracking with smart connectivity in a fun, user-friendly design. Kids will enjoy tracking their steps, active minutes and heart rate, motivated by interactive features like avatars and achievement badges.
The watch has GPS tracking and a handy School Time mode, which lets parents set limits during school hours to encourage concentration. With an Ace Pass subscription, kids can call and message safely, making it a solid choice for older kids needing independence and safety. The Ace LTE costs US$179.99, and the Ace Pass subscription is an additional US$9.99 per month, with no activation fee required.
Apple Watch SE 40 mm (GPS + Cellular)
Image by Apple
For parents wanting a premium experience, the Apple Watch SE 40 mm (GPS + Cellular) is hard to beat. Kids can stay connected without needing their own phone, thanks to the built-in cellular capabilities. Precise GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking and an Emergency SOS feature provide comprehensive safety measures, including automatic alerts in case of falls.
Using Apple’s Family Setup, parents have control over apps, communication and screen time, ensuring a safe experience. Kids can explore a vast range of apps and music streaming options from Apple’s extensive ecosystem. Designed to be swim-proof and robust, the Apple Watch SE is perfect for active kids. It retails for US$299, requires a monthly service fee of approximately US$10 to US$15 (depending on the carrier), and typically includes an activation fee ranging from US$30 to US$35.
Gabb Watch 3e
Image by Gabb
The Gabb Watch 3e is ideal for younger children, offering essential features in an easy-to-use package. It allows secure communication with up to 100 pre-approved contacts. The watch includes GPS tracking and customizable Safe Zones that alert you when your child enters or leaves designated areas.
Kids can call or send voice messages to contacts you approve, and an SOS button provides immediate emergency alerts. The unique Gabb Go feature encourages physical activity by turning steps and chores into an interactive game, including caring for a virtual pet. Durable and user-friendly, the Gabb Watch 3e is priced at US$149.99. It requires a monthly Gabb Wireless service fee between US$12.99 and US$17.99, plus a one-time activation fee of US$30.
Choosing the right smartwatch for your child
The best smartwatch depends on your child’s age, activity levels and your priorities for safety. For strong GPS tracking and parental control, the Verizon GizmoWatch 3 and TickTalk 5 are great choices. Active kids will appreciate Fitbit Ace LTE’s fitness tracking and engaging games. For premium features and broader app access, the Apple Watch SE (GPS + Cellular) is ideal. The Gabb Watch 3e is perfect if you’re looking for something budget-friendly yet safety-focused for younger children.
Kids’ smartwatches today go beyond basic communication, seamlessly integrating safety, health and entertainment into their daily lives. Whichever smartwatch you choose, it can foster independence and fun for your child while providing you with invaluable reassurance.
Also read:
- 6 Healthy Products for Kids in 2020
- 5 Essential Smart Gadgets Every New Parent Should Have in 2024
- 4 Budget-Friendly Smartwatches for 2023
Header Image by Writesonic
