10 Best Kids Smart Watches 2025 in the United States

The JrTrack 5 Kids Smart Watch is designed specifically for kids aged 6 and up, with a strong focus on safety and communication. Its standout feature is the advanced real-time GPS tracking powered by HaloGPS, which offers very accurate location updates—ideal for parents who want to keep an eye on their child’s whereabouts. Communication is easy and secure, with calling and texting limited to parent-approved contacts only, blocking unwanted calls and internet access. This helps create a safe and controlled environment for kids. The watch also supports photo, audio, and short video messaging, making it a fun tool for kids to stay connected.

Parental controls are extensive, allowing parents to manage which apps their child can use, set time limits, and enable a Focus Mode to minimize distractions during school or homework. Safety is further enhanced with SOS alerts and emergency calling options, giving parents peace of mind. The inclusion of kid-friendly apps like Spotify Kids (with a separate subscription) adds an entertainment element without losing control. Battery life is decent, thanks to a 680mAh lithium-ion battery, which should comfortably last through a typical day of use. The watch is lightweight and comfortable, and it comes with essential features like an activity tracker, alarms, and a calculator, making it useful beyond communication and safety.

One limitation is that the watch requires activation with Cosmo’s cellular service, which is only available in the US, Canada, and Mexico, and is not compatible with other carriers. This might limit flexibility for some users. Also, while the watch has built-in apps, it may not offer as broad an educational feature set compared to some competitors focused more on learning. The JrTrack 5 is a smart choice for parents wanting a safe, reliable, and interactive watch that combines real-time GPS, secure communication, and strong parental controls, especially for younger children needing a first phone experience.

The TickTalk5 LTE Kids Smart Watch is an impressive option for parents looking for a reliable smartwatch for their children aged 3-12. Its standout features include excellent GPS tracking capabilities powered by Google Maps, which ensures accurate real-time location monitoring and even route playback. This is particularly beneficial for parents who prioritize safety. The watch also supports voice and video calls with a quality 5MP front camera, enabling kids to stay connected with family in a secure manner.

One of the defining strengths of the TickTalk5 is its robust parental controls. Parents can manage contacts, monitor call logs, and set reminders, which helps maintain a safe communication environment for kids. The watch's durability is designed for active play, being IP67 water-resistant, shockproof, and dustproof. This means it can withstand the rough and tumble of children's activities without easily getting damaged.

The inclusion of educational and entertainment features—like customizable activity goals, a music streaming option, and practical apps such as a calculator and calendar—adds value, making it a fun and engaging device for kids. The watch also effectively limits distractions by avoiding games and social media, allowing for a focus on safety and well-being.

The Garmin Bounce is a solid choice for a kids' smartwatch, especially if you want strong location tracking and easy communication. It has built-in GPS that lets parents follow their child's whereabouts in real time and set safe zones with alerts. Messaging works both ways, with text and voice options accessible through a parent app, which helps stay connected without a phone. The watch is durable and swim-friendly, so it can handle active kids, and the bright 1.3-inch touchscreen is easy to use.

Battery life lasts up to two days but can be shorter if you use GPS and messaging a lot, so daily charging might be necessary. Parental controls are good for safety, including an assistance feature for kids to send quick location alerts. However, there are no specific educational features built in, so it’s more about communication and safety than learning. The design is comfortable and suitable for kids, but keep in mind it needs an active subscription and LTE network to unlock most smart features.

If your priority is reliable tracking and staying in touch, Garmin Bounce serves well, though those wanting extra learning tools might want to look elsewhere.