The Best Kids Smart Watches of 2024
A smartwatch can offer valuable features for both children and parents. Many offer GPS tracking and communication capabilities, providing peace of mind for parents by allowing them to monitor their child's whereabouts and stay in touch. Additionally, smartwatches often include health and fitness tracking features, promoting an active lifestyle and encouraging positive habits from a young age.
If you want a modern way to monitor your child while encouraging responsibility, you’ll want to check out the best kids' smartwatches of 2024. Our favorite pick, the Cubitt Jr., can track activities, sleep, heart rate, and more to assist your child with developing healthy habits.
The Best Kids Smart Watches
Cubitt Jr. Kids Smart Watch
Best Overall
The Cubitt Jr. kids smart watch is one of the top options on the market, providing a safe and active experience. Its 1.4-inch IPS color touch screen is easily customizable to suit your child’s preferences, and the watch comes equipped with eight entertaining games that can aid in cognitive development. Additionally, your child can set alarms for daily routines, including waking up for school or going to bed at night. One of the most notable features is the ability to monitor body temperature throughout the day.
This watch comes equipped with an accelerometer sensor that enables your child to keep track of their physical activity. It can monitor various metrics such as distance traveled, steps taken, calories burned, and active minutes. Additionally, six different sports modes are available, including walking, running, climbing, riding, basketball, and free sports. The watch can also track your child’s heart rate and sleep patterns. With a battery life of 5-7 days of working time and 10-15 days of standby time, it has earned its spot as the top choice.
Cosjoype Kids Smartwatch
Best Value
The Cosjoype kids’ smartwatch is an exciting and educational accessory for children. The watch comes with 24 different puzzle games and has many useful functions, such as a video camera, MP3 player, pedometer, flashlight, and more. The 1.54-inch IPS HD touchscreen makes it easy to use, even for the youngest users. It’s designed to encourage kids to stay active and think logically. With each game offering a new challenge and rewarding successful play, kids can learn basic problem-solving skills while having fun.
Additionally, with a pedometer and calorie tracker, kids can be rewarded for reaching their fitness goals. The watch also features a camera and video recording capabilities, allowing children to capture special moments with family and friends. Music playback with the built-in MP3 player is great for entertaining parents and kids. Other handy functions like an alarm clock, stopwatch, calendar, timer, and calculator make this watch versatile enough to be used in multiple situations.
JoJo Siwa Kids Smartwatch
Most Versatile
The JoJo Siwa kids’ smartwatch is a distinctive and thrilling new item for kids. It has a plethora of kid-friendly features and is built to cater to their needs in a safe and secure manner. Children can take selfies, browse through photo albums, watch videos, record their voices, use a calculator, set alarms, track their steps with the pedometer, and enjoy games. Furthermore, this wearable has customizable watch faces that showcase their favorite characters.
The battery life on this smartwatch toy is great too. It’s rechargeable with a USB charging cable and only requires three hours of charging before it’s ready to go. The long-lasting battery eliminates the need to buy and replace batteries over time, which is a big plus. Trendy and fashionable, it gives kids an adult-like experience with added security measures to ensure their safety.
Vakzovy Kids Smartwatch
Most Storage
The Vakzovy kids’ smartwatch is an ideal gift for children aged 3 to 10. It features a dual camera, allowing kids to take photos and videos of their special moments and store up to 3600+ photos and 45 minutes of video. In addition, the watch has 16 useful functions, including an MP3 player, pedometer, recording device, stopwatch, and more. It also features a secure design that utilizes non-toxic ABS plastic to ensure safety and durability.
Furthermore, the adjustable silicone strap creates a comfortable fit. The watch is also sweatproof and splashproof, making it suitable for outdoor activities such as amusement parks or school trips. It includes 13 fun puzzle games that can help improve a child’s logical thinking, reaction skills, and hand-eye coordination. Parents can set an anti-addiction mode to effectively control their children’s game time on the watch. The smartwatch also has a 1.54-inch touchscreen that is easy to use and offers 36 digital and analog watch faces that children can customize for their unique look.
VTech Kids Smart Watch
Most Durable
The VTech kids’ smartwatch is the perfect choice for children ages four and up, combining a kid-friendly design, interactive educational experiences, and the convenience of a dedicated camera. The secure and splash-proof wristband is designed for kids, completing the chic and stylish design. It allows children to take quality videos, pictures, and selfies and customize them with cool filters, turning them into watch faces.
A fun Monster Detector game utilizes augmented reality (AR) technology to capture monsters in the real world. Motion sensor games, a pedometer, and sound effects are included to enhance entertainment and educational value. Parents can have peace of mind knowing that the photos taken using this device can be shared with others only when uploaded to a computer, ensuring the safety of their children. Free games, watch faces, and camera effects are also available from Learning Lodge.
Kids Smartwatch: A Buying Guide
When it comes to selecting the right kids’ smartwatch, there are several product features to consider. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you make the best choice for your needs and budget.
Durability
The first thing to consider when choosing a kids’ smartwatch is durability. Look for models made from sturdy materials that can withstand everyday wear and tear. Choose a watch with a reinforced casing or scratch-resistant material, water-resistant in case it gets splashed or dropped in water.
Battery Life
Battery life is important when selecting a smartwatch for your child. Ensure the watch you choose has a long battery life so it doesn’t need to be recharged often. Consider options with lithium-ion batteries or solar-powered options to get the most out of your battery life.
Features
Think about what types of features are important for your child’s needs. Many features, such as one-way calling, fitness tracking, pedometers, alarms, and games, are available. Some watches also feature GPS locators, secure parental control settings, and educational apps. Pick the features that will benefit your child most and ensure they are easy to use and understand.
Compatibility
It’s important to ensure the watch you purchase is compatible with your phone and other devices. Many watches come with Bluetooth compatibility, allowing communication between multiple devices, but not all are compatible with all devices (Android/Apple). Check the manufacturer’s specifications to ensure compatibility before making a purchase.
Ease of Use
Choose a watch that is easy for children to understand and operate. A straightforward user interface should have clear instructions on how to use each feature. Look for watches that offer tutorials or simple step-by-step guides so your child can learn quickly and without frustration.
Water Resistance
When choosing a watch for children, it’s crucial to consider water resistance. Children might get caught in the rain or jump into a pool, and you don’t want their watch to get damaged. Look for watches that are waterproof or water-resistant to ensure their safety. However, it’s important to check the manufacturer’s specifications before making a purchase, as some watches might only be splashproof rather than fully waterproof.
Design
Kids’ smartwatches come in various designs, colors, and sizes, so choose one that appeals to your child’s tastes but also fits their wrist comfortably, so they can wear it without feeling uncomfortable or awkward. Some children may prefer a more user-friendly design, while others may prefer something more stylish and fashionable—it depends on personal preference.
Security Features
When purchasing a smartwatch for kids, it’s crucial to prioritize security features to ensure your child’s safety. GPS tracking capabilities can help locate your child in case they wander away. The watch should also come with secure parental control settings to monitor your child’s activities and set limits on screen time if necessary. By considering these features, you can have peace of mind knowing your child is protected while using their smartwatch.
FAQ
A: A kids' smartwatch typically has features like GPS tracking, voice calling, messaging, a camera, games, and educational apps. Some models also have fitness tracking, step counting, and heart rate monitoring features. The specific features may vary depending on the brand and model of the watch.
A: Yes, most kids' smartwatches come with safety features such as GPS tracking, emergency calls, and parental controls to ensure the child's safety. Researching and comparing different brands and models is important to find one that meets your specific safety needs.
A: The age range best suited for a kids' smartwatch is usually between 5 and 12 years old, depending on the model and its features.
A: Yes, most kids' smartwatches offer parental controls, allowing parents to monitor their child's activity and set restrictions on usage or access to certain watch features.
A: The most common risk associated with using a kids' smartwatch is relying too heavily on the monitoring feature for parenting purposes, which could lead to excessive control over a child’s activities. Additionally, some models may be vulnerable to hackers if not properly secured.
A: Yes, most models are splashproof and can handle occasional exposure to rain and splashes of water, but they should not be submerged in water or exposed to prolonged moisture as they are not fully waterproof.
A: It's important for parents to clarify with their child's school whether smartwatches are permitted and if there are any limitations on their use during class. The rules regarding smart watch usage may vary between school districts.
A: The process for setting up and activating a kids' smartwatch varies by manufacturer but typically involves downloading a mobile app, creating an account, and pairing the watch with a smartphone.