Best Kids' Smartwatches Guide & Reviews of 2021

Today, kids are looking for new ways to entertain themselves. Yet, it’s important for parents to make sure this fun is also safe. The internet has a lot of dangers, like interacting with strangers or even falling into the hands of hackers. Here is when a smartwatch comes to the rescue. They have secure systems to help them play and talk to their friends without risks. Keep on reading and discover the best kids’ smartwatches in 2021.

Jerry Carter - Editorial Staff

Updated: April 20, 2021

What We Did to Find the Best

To come up with the best list of watches, we carried out a lot of research. We selected 8, then tried them, and observed what clients had to say about them. We applied a 100 balls system with a maximum 10 score for each separate point. Take a look at those metrics below, then:

  • Features

    0-10

    monitoring period, 24/7 alerts, disaster protection etc.

  • Support

    0-10

    telephone, email, chat, and other channels

  • Price

    0-10

    monthly fee, money-back, trial period

  • Ease of Use

    0-10

    installation, maintenance, service support

  • Trust Score

    0-10

    BBB.org and Trustpilot (positive, negative reviews)

In addition to our own experience, we took into account several opinions from true clients and from experts in the field. Then, after considering all the metrics above, we put all the equipment in order and ranked them from 1 to 8.

1. VTech Kidizoom Smartwatch DX: Basic but Fun

Total Score 9.6/10

  • Features9.0/10
  • Equipment10/10
  • Price10/10
  • Ease Of Use10/10
  • Trust Score9.6/10

Starting Price

$57.89

Visit Website
BBB Rating B+
Best for Imaginative Kids

DIY instal

YES

Trial Period

VTech has been well-known for creating high-quality materials like this kids smartwatch. In addition to traditional features such as an alarm or a timer, this model includes a calendar and a calculator. Children can solve addition and division problems, for example.

The display is digital and analog with rechargeable batteries. Just make sure it doesn’t get wet because it’s not waterproof (though it supports splashes).

Pros:

  • Available in different colors like blue or pink
  • The display size of 1.4 Inches
  • Supports tasks and activities
  • Motion sensor included
  • Take pictures and videos
  • Suitable for ages 4-9
  • Photo effects and recorders

Cons:

  • Weak customer support
  • Can stop working suddenly
  • The warranty can improve

2. ProGrace Kids’ Smartwatch: Playing With Cameras

Total Score 9.6/10

  • Features8.0/10
  • Equipment10/10
  • Price10/10
  • Ease Of Use10/10
  • Trust Score10/10

Starting Price

$36.97

Visit Website
BBB Rating C+
Best for Playful Toddlers

DIY instal

YES

Trial Period

The age group for this device is bigger, comprising kids from 4 to 12 years old. They will be able to perform a lot of functions using it, such as taking pictures from different angles. Plus, the watch includes health sensors that count the steps children take and the calories they spend.

The watch also supports earphones so kids can listen to music without any further issues. The price is affordable for big families with a lot of members.

Pros:

  • Built-in games
  • Rotatable cameras
  • FM radio
  • Supports earphones
  • Take selfies with ease
  • Classics to play anytime
  • Health motion sensor

Cons:

  • SD card not included
  • Only 4 programs supported
  • Made of plastic

3. VTech KidiZoom Smartwatch DX2: Great Sound Effects

Total Score 9.4/10

  • Features9.0/10
  • Equipment9.0/10
  • Price10/10
  • Ease Of Use10/10
  • Trust Score9.0/10

Starting Price

$43.95

Visit Website
BBB Rating B-
Best for Music Lovers

DIY instal

YES

Trial Period

This stylish kids smartwatch is a great option for those looking for affordable equipment. Like many other alternatives on this list, the KidiZoom DX2 is splash-proof but not water-resistant. Be careful with going under a pool when wearing this watch. Sound effects are great so each child can enjoy games and communicate with friends.

The motion detector is a nice addition that lets them play on a whole new level, something that is not usually included in smartwatches.

Pros:

  • Monster detector game
  • Motion sensor to play
  • Share photos and videos
  • GPS tracking
  • Camera effects
  • Battery included
  • Affordable smartwatch

Cons:

  • Limited warranty of 3 months
  • Sensitive

4. Fitbit Ace 2 Activity Tracker: Parents & Minors Together

Total Score 9.4/10

  • Features9.0/10
  • Equipment8.0/10
  • Price10/10
  • Ease Of Use10/10
  • Trust Score10/10

Starting Price

$40.95

Visit Website
BBB Rating C+
Best for Active Child

DIY instal

YES

Trial Period

Fitbit Ace 2 is more suitable for kids aged 6 or older, as it includes challenging games and tasks. This smartwatch also includes sleep tracking so parents can know more about their rest patterns and help them in case they need something.

The battery is great, as it lasts 5 days without recharging. And, as they don’t have to be replaced, buying a new one will not be a hassle. Also, it’s possible to create parent and minors accounts in different spaces.

Pros:

  • Bedtime reminders
  • Silent alarms available
  • Swim-proof
  • It doesn’t require frequent charging
  • Lithium battery included
  • Resistant straps
  • The best design

Cons:

  • No games
  • No connection to Wi-Fi
  • It doesn’t include two-way voice

5. Garmin Vivofit JR 2: For Geeky Owners

Total Score 9.2/10

  • Features9.0/10
  • Equipment8.0/10
  • Price9.0/10
  • Ease Of Use10/10
  • Trust Score10/10

Starting Price

$42.95

Visit Website
BBB Rating A-
Best for StarWars Fans

DIY instal

YES

Trial Period

Garmin Vivofit is the perfect watch for Star Wars fans. Plus, the size of one’s kids’ wrist doesn’t matter. The bundle includes a lot of bands to make it larger in case it doesn’t fit. The activity tracker is nice, as it includes a system of rewards for kids who achieve their goals.

This smartwatch for kids has a 1+ battery life, which seems like a lot. Yet, it can be hard to find a new one once this battery runs out, and this can render the watch unusable.

Pros:

  • Can be Star Wars-themed
  • Tracks steps and sleep time
  • Tailor-made color screen
  • Can be paired up with a mobile phone
  • Alerts for parents
  • 60-minute games available
  • Adjustable bands for bigger wrists

Cons:

  • The battery only lasts a year
  • Only accepts up to 2 alarms
  • The slow operating system found on Amazon

6. LeapFrog Leapband Activity Tracker: Great Parental Controls

Total Score 9.2/10

Leap Grog main
  • Features9.0/10
  • Equipment8.0/10
  • Price9.0/10
  • Ease Of Use10/10
  • Trust Score10/10

Starting Price

$20

Visit Website
BBB Rating B+
Best for Activity Tracking

DIY instal

YES

Trial Period

The more they do, the more rewards they will get. A child can later spend those points in new games. Plus, the parental controls give adults peace of mind about what their family members are doing and when. The watch is available on Amazon.

Pros:

  • Nice virtual pets
  • Very cheap
  • 50 games and activities
  • Quiet time and other controls
  • Battery included
  • For 4 year-olds and up
  • Durable materials

Cons:

  • Only color green
  • Slow-motion tracking
  • Fragile USB port

7. TickTalk 3.0 Kids Smartwatch: Fun & Communication

Total Score 9.0/10

  • Features9.0/10
  • Equipment9.0/10
  • Price9.0/10
  • Ease Of Use10/10
  • Trust Score8/10

Starting Price

$189

Visit Website
BBB Rating A
Best for Playful Kids

DIY instal

YES

Trial Period

TickTalk 3.0 is one of the most expensive smartwatches for kids on this list, and for a reason. It can be paired up with mobile watches and phones using 4G and combines video calling with sending smart messages. Plus, it includes the best GPS tracking technology found on Amazon.

In this way, parents will always know where their children are and if they are safe. Also, it’s IP67 resistant to water, which means it can get splashed if the kid gets wet, and it won’t get ruined.

Pros:

  • Video and Wi-Fi calling
  • IP67 water-resistant
  • GPS tracker
  • 2-way text messages
  • Emojis supported
  • 4G reception

Cons:

  • A bit expensive
  • Limited battery life
  • Cannot be bought on Amazon

8. Pebble Time Round Smartwatch: For Mature Children

Total Score 9.0/10

  • Features10/10
  • Equipment8.0/10
  • Price8.0/10
  • Ease Of Use10/10
  • Trust Score9.0/10

Starting Price

$69

BBB Rating B+
Best for Older Kids

DIY instal

YES

Trial Period

Pebble Time is not exactly a smartwatch for kids. Yes, they can use the watch, but the designers did not think of it as a product for infants. Instead, it’s more suitable for people aged 12 or more. Among its perks, it’s very lightweight.

Owners will even forget they are using watch during the day. Some other benefits found on Amazon include a calendar of events, sending text messages and alerts, reminders, getting incoming calls, and more.

Pros:

  • Silver and red colors available
  • Very thin and comfortable
  • Built-in activity tracker
  • Splash resistant
  • Quick-change bands included
  • Apps available
  • Latest technology

Cons:

  • Only works with iPhone
  • It’s not waterproof
  • Not good for a younger child

Best Smartwatches for Kids of 2021 (Pricing & Features)

Use the following table to compare the best kids’ smartwatches. It includes all the important features, the objective public, the pricing, and other useful data that can be of help when choosing what to buy in 2021.

Provider Best For Price Batteries Included Games Supported Waterproof Recommended Age Rotatable Camera Supports Earphones Health Motion Sensor Quick-change Bands
1. VTech Kidizoom DX Imaginative Kids $57.85 Yes Yes No 4-9 No No No No
2. ProGrace Kids Playful Toddlers $36.97 Yes Yes No 4-12 Yes Yes No No
3. VTech KidiZoom DX2 Music Lovers $43.95 Yes Yes No 4+ No No No No
4. Fitbit Ace 2 Activity Tracker Active Child $49.95 Yes No No 5+ No No Yes Yes
5. GARMIN Vivofit JR 2 StarWars Fans $42.95 Yes Yes No 6-12 No No Yes Yes
6. Leapfrog and Activity Tracker Activity Tracking $20 Yes Yes No 4+ No No Yes No
7. TickTalk 3.0 Kids Playful Kids $189 Yes Yes Yes 5-12 Yes Yes Yes Yes
8. Pebble Time Round Older Kids $69 Yes No No 10+ No No No Yes

Tips to Buy the Best Kids Smartwatch

So, what should parents consider when trying to buy the best smartwatch for kids? There are several elements that are crucial when it comes to these devices. From battery life to warranty and the type of games included, find these perks below and make the smartest decision.

Appropriate for the Age

Most smartwatches for kids come with a suggested age group. This happens because the watch comes with certain features, such as games, messaging, camera, and other functions appropriate for them.

The Best GPS Track Available

Knowing where one’s loved family members are is essential to have some peace of mind. Luckily, a good kids smartwatch will give this to parents thanks to their GPS tracker.

Two-Way Communication

Some watches will include a microphone and a speaker. In this way, children can communicate with their friends without a phone: they will only use the watch to talk to them no matter the time.

SOS Button

Although this is not the idea of a kid’s smart watch, some of the best equipment includes an SOS button.

Games Included

Children love nothing more than games and music. That is why the best smartwatch for kids should include a nice variety of games and activities they can carry out without connecting it to other devices.

Durability

A child doesn’t have their fine motor skills under control yet. As a result, they may end up splashing their watches, falling, and doing other things that can damage them. Choose the watch with durable materials and a good reputation.

Ease of Use

Most of these watches include a very simple operating system, so it won’t be hard to learn how to use them. With some simple touches on the screen, people can carry out almost all the functions included.

Fitness Trackers

These smartwatches for kids are also useful to know how much activity the owners are doing. Some of them will track the heart rhythm, steps, the calories they are burning, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which Kids Smartwatch Is the Best?

    The best device will be one that suits the needs of the child. One factor to consider, for example, is the target age group. Older people will get bored while younger ones will not understand how to use it.

  • Why Do I Need a SIM Card for My Child’s Smartwatch?

    Not all of them will need a SIM card. But some of them require this because they function like cellphones. As such, they need a SIM so people can communicate with each other by sending messages, videos, images, and more in 2021.

  • Is a Kid’s Smartwatch Vulnerable to Hackers?

    Not really. They don’t have operating systems or other external features where hackers can infiltrate. The only ones that can be a bit dangerous are kids smartwatch that can pair up with a smartphone.

    In those cases, if the smartphone is compromised, so will the other device.

Smartwatches for Kids - Put Fun Into Action

Children certainly need entertainment, and parents may find it hard to buy safe, smart watches. In these cases, a smartwatch can be a sensational option. A kid can play, speak to their friends, have rewards for everyday tasks, and a lot more in a safe environment.

Just make sure to choose the best smartwatch for kids from the list and give them endless hours of fun and games. Have you ever tried these devices? How much would you be willing to spend in 2021?


Editorial Staff

Jerry Carter is an experienced writer and has a passion for content development for varied projects. Jerry had been studying law at university when he realized that only writing could satisfy his adventurist spirit and his desire for knowledge. As a person with many unusual hobbies, he is also interested in security and modern technology.


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