The best smartwatches and fitness trackers for kids can help the whole family stay connected

The children are glued to technology these days. If you are a parent you are looking to buy your child their first laptop, a smart watch Or Fitness Tracker specially designed for children is a wise choice.

Although it is suitable for children Apple Watch SE is one of the best options for older children, from top brands like Fitbit and VTech manufacture watches filled with fun, kid-friendly benefits. This includes step counters, virtual rewards for activity, sleep tracking and apps that allow parents to set schedules and track progress. Most also have a built-in GPS that allows you to check your child’s location while they play. Some even let you call or message them in case you need to talk to them, making it quick and easy to stay in touch no matter the situation.

When looking for a smartwatch or fitness tracker for kids, look for sturdy models that can withstand daily play; water resistance; battery life capable of keeping up with them; and a range of communication options that put you in control as a parent.

Discover our selection of the best smartwatches and fitness trackers for kids below.

What is the best smartwatch for kids in 2024?

Discover our selection of the best smartwatches and fitness trackers for kids below.

Best smartwatch for older kids: Apple Watch SE (2nd generation)

If you’re shopping for a smartwatch for an older child, the affordable second-generation Apple Watch SE is a great option that doesn’t skimp on features. It’s also a “grown-up” smartwatch that your child will want to wear, thanks to the Apple Watch moniker.

This model has most of the features you’ll get with newer, more expensive Apple Watches, like activity tracking, health monitoring, security features like Emergency SOS, and up to 18 hours of battery life. battery life. It shares the same easy-to-use interface as the Apple Watch Series 9, along with comparable water resistance and heart rate tracking, as well as a responsive sleep display.

Although advanced health sensors and an always-on display aren’t included, the SE focuses on basic features kids will enjoy, like interactive faces, activity rings, music controls, and location monitoring for parents who want to keep an eye on them.

You don’t need to spend an arm and a leg to get your older child their first smartwatch with the essential Apple Watch experience. It offers security and activity tracking in a more economical package that still contains many attractive factors.

Best Smartwatch for Young Kids: VTech Kidizoom Smartwatch DX3

Younger people will be attracted to the VTech KidiZoom Smartwatch DX3, and so will you, for various reasons. This candy-colored watch may look like a simple toy, but it comes with dual cameras for photos and videos as well as a built-in light that can be used as a camera flash or flashlight.

Kids can decorate the clock face with their own photos or choose from over 50 animated designs. At school time, the watch can switch to school mode to limit play time. When it’s time to relax, your child can go on a solo adventure with games like “Monster Catcher” for find hidden creatures, or get moving with the “Racing Run” and “Crazy Dance” challenges. Two kids with watches can even share predefined messages to communicate while playing games.

While there’s no location or tracking functionality, this watch is a good introduction to what a smartwatch is capable of for the future when your kids are a little older. With so many ways to personalize, capture memories, get active, and connect, the KidiZoom DX3 is a great first wearable.

Best Tracking Smartwatch for Kids: AngelSense Assistive Technology Watch

If you want to know where your child is at all times or if you have a child with special needs who requires extra attention, the AngelSense assistive technology watch is the perfect solution. This wearable goes beyond standard tracking to provide 24/7 monitoring and alerts, so you can rest easy knowing you’ll be able to track your kids wherever they go, even if you briefly lose track. contact in the middle of a crowd.

AngelSense automatically learns your child’s routine and then sends alerts for potentially dangerous situations like unexpected stops or delays. You can listen with the watch’s assistance speaker to check if they’re okay and speak in case of an emergency. If your child wanders off, use live location sharing and alarms to initiate an emergency search.

Key features such as accident and fall detection, SOS calls, geofencing and two-way voice provide an extra level of protection. Wellness tools like step counting and voice prompts also let you monitor your health and activity.

Keep in mind that live features require a $49.99 monthly subscription that includes a SIM card, unlimited tracking, support speaker, special alerts, customer service and more. It’s worth paying for. AngelSense is a great smartwatch that can give you the peace of mind you need when it comes to keeping your children safe.

Best budget smartwatch for older kids: Xplora XGo 2

The Xplora XG 2 is a cell phone watch that uses GPS, WiFi and GSM tracking. It allows you to monitor real-time location to keep an eye on your children. It’s also very affordable, with subscriptions starting at just $9.99 per month on top of the watch’s base price.

Set safe zones around the home, school or other key locations and receive alerts if your child strays from pre-marked areas. The XGo 2 allows calls, messaging, voice notes, camera use and has an SOS button in case of emergency.

School mode limits functions during classes while still allowing location tracking and SOS access. With the Xplora app, you get full control over the watch settings and variety of options. It’s the perfect introduction to mobile for children aged 5-12 while giving parents peace of mind.

The XGO 2 offers the perfect balance of independence for kids and control for parents in an all-in-one mobile watch. You’ll need to purchase a subscription, but it’s the cheapest option available at the moment with all these features, and kids will love feeling like they have their first adult watch.

Best fitness tracker for kids: Fitbit Ace 3

The Fitbit Ace 3 is an ideal fitness tracker for kids. It’s not a smartwatch – it lacks the capabilities seen in most of the other options on this list – but it’s great at what it does. It offers all-day activity and sleep tracking in a durable, waterproof design built to withstand daily play.

With up to eight days of battery life, animated clock faces, and family account management, the Ace 3 strives to make health fun for even the youngest users. Kids can earn virtual rewards for hitting their step goals while you track their progress through the Fitbit app, and that should be enough to get them moving.

For active kids, the Ace 3 provides friendly motivation to build healthy habits as a family. If you have an energetic child who’s ready to use their first laptop, the Ace 3 is perfect for encouraging healthy habits in a simple, fun package.

By making fitness an adventure, it can inspire children and parents to be more active.