The best kids smartwatches: fun, games and safety features
The world of smartwatches isn’t just for grown ups. There are a whole load of wrist-based wearables geared towards younger users, both for a bit of fun and for giving parents some peace of mind.
But trying to find the the right watch for your child can be a tricky task. If your kid is always wanting to have a play with your smartwatch, it’s not as simple as getting them one of their own. You’ll want something specifically geared towards younger users.
As with any evolving space in tech, plenty of devices over the past few years have gone bust or failed to launch at all. And that’s why we’re here, to break down the best kids smartwatches you can buy right now, as well as a few tipped to release soon.
Read next: Best fitness trackers for kids
Some of them also handle activity tracking or instead prioritise location tracking, but all of them provide something a little different to keep everyone happy. Read on…
Apple Watch Series 6 and SE
Buy now: Amazon (SE) Amazon (Series 6) | From $279.99
The idea of handing over your Apple Watch to your little ones has now become a reality thanks to the addition of a its Family Setup mode in watchOS 7.
That new mode brings new child-friendly features like activity tracking, the ability to download Watch apps made for kids and a Schooltime and Downtime modes to stop them getting distracted when it’s homework time. You can also set up Apple Pay to have a certain amount of money to spend too.
It of course works on Apple Watches that run the latest version of watchOS and with two case size options available and a vast collection of bands, you should be able to find something that’s a good fit for smaller wrists.
Verizon GizmoWatch
Buy now: verizon.com | $179.99
Verizon’s GizmoWatch is a great introduction to the world of smartwatches for your young ones. This being from Verizon, it’s also LTE connected so you can be sure your child can always be reached.
With built-in GPS, it can be used to always know where your kid is is as well. That’s a lot of peace of mind. It has a 1.3-inch 240 x 240 AMOLED display and 4-7 days battery life.
On the smartwatch side, there are basic apps to keep kids entertained, including a hopscotch tracker and voice changer. There’s also two-way calling and messaging with up to 10 approved contacts.
The GizmoWatch is aimed at kids aged 3-11.
VTech Kidizoom DX
Buy now: Amazon | $47.99
At the budget end, we have the Kidizoom DX. The aim is to get kids active, attempting to do so with a selection of motion-based activities. However, there are also extra features, such as maths challenges with a digital owl. Available in a range of colors, the main appeal here is that the smartwatch features a built-in camera, with fun photo effects, frames and filters to choose from. This one is aimed at those aged 4 – 9.
For those in the US, there’s also the Kidizoom DX2, which features cameras, customisable watch faces and a range of games.
Xplora 3S
Buy now: myxplora.co.uk| £135.99
Norwegian startup Xplora was one of the first companies to launch a smartwatch built specifically for kids, and now it’s back with a feature-packed follow-up to its Xplora 1.
With the 3S, there’s now a waterproof design and a camera on board for shooting stills, though child safety remains very much at the heart of the device. Features like voice calling, real-time location tracking and the ability for parents to set up safety zones are all still a part of the experience, and the watch managed to perform nicely in our full review, despite the odd hiccup.
Extensive read: Xplora 3S review
Like the majority of the options on this list, bear in mind that the upfront cost also comes with the rolling price of the SIM card support. For now, it’s also only available in Europe through the company’s own site.
LG GizmoPal 2
Buy now: Amazon | $79
A redesign of the smaller predecessor, LG’s GizmoPal 2 offers built-in GPS tracking and geofencing capabilities when worn.
Perhaps most importantly, though, is the watch’s ability to work as a phone, with wearers able to dial up to four pre-set phone numbers. As far as the fun for kids goes, the watch offers a voice clock and brings one of the more sophisticated designs in this area, despite being recommended for anybody aged 4 and above.
Production of the device has now unfortunately been discontinued, though it’s still offered through retailers such as Amazon. Providing you can get your mitts on this elusive kids smartwatch – initially offered exclusively through US carrier Verizon – be sure to watch out for the $5 monthly subscription that comes with the data usage and location tracking.
Coming soon…
hereO V3
With the hereO V2 now sold out, hereO is looking to V3 with its colorful kids smartwatch promising a smaller design and a collection of new features.
Designed for kids aged 3 and up, the new watch features a touchscreen display and LTE connectivity offering the ability to use GPS location tracking with a panic feature also in tow. Like with all previous hereO watches, children are able to send messages to family members with just the push of a button.
Again, as this is a device using both tracking and Wi-Fi, a monthly subscription is also required if you’re looking to get the most out of this device. However, there’s no exact timings on launch date.
Omate O6L
Wearable maker Omate’s latest kids smartwatch is crammed with features once again including virtual SIM support that can let kids make video calls, answer messages for free and share location details if they get into any problems.
Like previous watches one of this data can be compromised as Omate uses end-to-end encryption.
Other features include 1.3-inch display, a 2-megapixel front-facing camera and removable 20mm strap and comes in black and purple looks. It’s launching in the US first for $179 and will arrive in Europe in 2021.
The watch is aimed for kids aged 5-10 and will be compatible with Android and iOS devices.
