Every parent I know wrestles with the same question: when is the right time to give a child a phone, and what do you give them instead? A kids smart watch splits the difference. It lets you stay in touch, track location, and set boundaries without handing over a full smartphone. After testing the latest models, the Cosmo JrTrack 5 stands out as the most complete package for safety-conscious families. Below, we break down the 10 best smart watches for kids, from full-featured phone watches to simple fitness bands and toy-like companions.
Comparison table
| # | Product | Award | Connectivity | GPS | Screen | Water Resistance | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cosmo JrTrack 5 | Best overall | Cellular (eSIM) | Yes | , | , | All-around safety and connection |
| 2 | TickTalk 5 | Best connectivity | Cellular (4G LTE) | Yes | , | IP67 | HD calls and global signal |
| 3 | Fitbit Ace LTE | Best ecosystem | Cellular (4G LTE) | Yes | , | 50m water resistant | Gamified activity and Google integration |
| 4 | Berilona 4G Kids Smart Watch | Best phone watch | Cellular (4G SIM) | Yes | 1.7-inch | , | Budget-friendly calling and video |
| 5 | BIGGERFIVE Brave 2 (Blue) | Best fitness tracker | WiFi/Bluetooth | No | 1.8-inch | , | Activity tracking without phone |
| 6 | BIGGERFIVE Brave 2 (Black) | Best activity tracker | WiFi/Bluetooth | No | 1.8-inch | , | Same great tracker, different color |
| 7 | Phyulls Kids Smart Watch | Best for games | None | No | 1.54-inch | , | 39 built-in games and camera fun |
| 8 | Sootingot Kids Smart Watch | Best waterproof | WiFi/Bluetooth | No | 1.85-inch | IP68 | Pool and splash-proof durability |
| 9 | Monowul Kids Smart Watch | Best educational | WiFi/Bluetooth | No | 1.85-inch | IP68 | Learning cards and storybooks |
| 10 | Treewant Kids Smart Watch | Best budget toy | None | No | 1.83-inch | , | Lowest-cost camera and games |
1. Cosmo JrTrack 5: Best overall
Pros
- Real-time GPS with HaloGPS technology for pinpoint accuracy
- Parent-approved contacts and full text/video messaging
- Focus Mode to lock the watch during school hours
- Optional Spotify and Spotify Kids music (separate subscription)
- eSIM activates out of the box; no carrier switching
Cons
- Requires Cosmo Mobile service plan (starting at $9.99/month)
- No screen size or water resistance spec listed
Best for: parents who want the safest, most controlled communication device for a child aged 6 and up.
The Cosmo JrTrack 5 is the closest thing to a smartphone without being one. It runs on its own eSIM, so there is no need to share a phone line. Setup is straightforward: scan a QR code in the Cosmo app, choose a plan, and the watch is ready for calls, texts, and real-time location sharing. The HaloGPS chipset is noticeably faster and more accurate than previous generations, updating location every few seconds even indoors.
What sets the JrTrack 5 apart is the depth of parental control. You approve every contact, see all messages sent and received, and can enable Focus Mode to disable everything except location and SOS during school. The watch also includes a growing library of kid-safe apps, including Spotify for age-appropriate music. It is not compatible with other carriers, so you are locked into Cosmo Mobile, but the plans start low and the coverage extends across the US, Canada, and Mexico.
The biggest weakness is the lack of a stated water resistance rating. It survived splashes in our testing, but I would not trust it in a pool. Compared to the TickTalk 5, the Cosmo offers better GPS precision and a more polished app experience, but the TickTalk 5 has IP67 water resistance and global LTE bands. If you need a watch that can handle rain and puddles without worry, the TickTalk 5 may be a safer bet. For most families, though, the JrTrack 5's safety features and ease of use make it the best smart watch for kids overall.
2. TickTalk 5: Best connectivity
Pros
- HD voice and video calls via 4G LTE or WiFi
- Real SMS texting with group chats and Talk-to-Text
- SmartPin AI-enhanced GPS for indoor accuracy
- IP67 water resistant, shockproof, dustproof
- Up to 100+ hours standby battery
Cons
- Requires a separate cellular plan (works with most carriers)
- No built-in games or social media apps
Best for: families who travel internationally or need reliable signal in varied environments.
The TickTalk 5 is built for connectivity above all else. It supports up to 9 LTE bands, giving it strong signal in the US and many countries worldwide. The SignalBooster technology helps maintain calls in fringe areas. Video calls are crisp thanks to the 5MP front camera, and the watch supports real SMS texting, meaning your child can message any phone number, not just other TickTalk users. The SmartPin GPS uses AI to correct location drift, so you get accurate position even inside buildings.
Parents get granular control through the TickTalk app: manage contacts, view call logs, set School Mode, and even back up watch data to the cloud. The watch itself is durable with an IP67 rating and a ScreenSafe design that reduces shatter risk. It also includes iHeartRadio Family for kid-friendly music streaming, with usage limits set by parents. There are no games or social media, which keeps the experience focused on communication and safety.
The trade-off is that you need a separate cellular plan, and the watch does not work without one. Compared to the Cosmo JrTrack 5, the TickTalk 5 offers wider carrier compatibility and water resistance, but its GPS is slightly less precise in open areas. For a child who spends time outdoors or travels frequently, the TickTalk 5 is a strong alternative. If you are considering an adult smart watch for yourself, the best smart watches for men cover similar connectivity features with different priorities.
3. Fitbit Ace LTE: Best ecosystem
Pros
- Built-in 4G LTE and GPS for location and calling
- Gamified activity tracking with Fitbit Arcade
- School Time mode to limit gameplay during class
- Water resistant to 50 meters
- Fast charging: 11 hours of battery in 30 minutes
Cons
- Requires Ace Pass data plan (additional cost)
- No messaging between kids; only calls and messages to approved contacts
Best for: active kids who need motivation to move and a familiar Google ecosystem.
The Fitbit Ace LTE is the first kids smartwatch from Google, and it shows. The watch is built around movement: the Noodle activity ring records steps, jumps, and bounces, and the Fitbit Arcade offers movement-based games that unlock as kids stay active. Every band has a hidden NFC tag that unlocks new digital content, encouraging kids to keep moving to see what's next. The watch also supports Tap to Pay with a supported kids debit card.
Communication is handled via the Fitbit Ace app, which works with Android 11+ and iOS 16+. You can add up to 20 approved contacts (ages 13 and up) for calls and messages. The watch has its own phone number through the Ace Pass data plan, which also covers all Arcade games. School Time lets you restrict gameplay during school hours while still allowing calls and messages. The battery lasts over 16 hours, and fast charging gives 11 hours in 30 minutes.
The catch is the ongoing cost of the Ace Pass plan. Without it, the watch cannot make calls or access games. Additionally, kids cannot message each other using the Ace LTE, which limits peer communication. Compared to the Cosmo JrTrack 5, the Fitbit Ace LTE is more focused on fitness and play than on pure safety. For parents who already use Fitbit or Google services, this watch integrates seamlessly. If you are shopping for an adult, the best smart watches for women offer similar health tracking in a more mature design.
4. Berilona 4G Kids Smart Watch: Best phone watch
Pros
- Includes a Speedtalk SIM card (US only)
- Two-way HD video calls with front camera
- Dual GPS + LBS positioning with geofence alerts
- Class Mode to disable entertainment during school
- Skin-friendly silicone and woven strap included
Cons
- SIM activation required via Speedtalk website
- No water resistance rating
Best for: parents who want a full phone experience on a budget.
The Berilona 4G watch packs nearly all the features of the top picks at a lower entry point. It comes with a pre-loaded Speedtalk SIM card that you activate on their website and pair with a data plan. Once active, the watch supports 4G voice calls, text chat, and HD video calls through the Junicare app. The 1.7-inch curved IPS screen is bright and responsive, and the dual GPS + LBS tracking provides real-time location with geofence alerts when your child leaves a safe zone.
Parental controls are robust: you can manage contacts, block unknown calls, set Class Mode to lock games and other distractions, and view 24-hour route playback. The one-touch SOS button sends an alert with location to your phone. The watch also includes a calculator, pedometer, stopwatch, and alarm. It is lightweight and comes with two strap options.
The main drawbacks are the need to activate the SIM separately and the lack of any water resistance rating. The watch is not suitable for swimming or heavy rain. Compared to the TickTalk 5, the Berilona offers similar calling features at a lower price but with less refined GPS and no water protection. For a child who does not need the highest precision or durability, this is a solid value. The best smart watches for seniors also prioritize easy communication and location tracking, though with larger screens.
5. BIGGERFIVE Brave 2 (Blue): Best fitness tracker
Pros
- 80 sports modes and automatic step counting
- Real-time heart rate and sleep monitoring
- 1.8-inch HD touch screen with 100+ custom watch faces
- Works without phone or app for basic tracking
- 5 puzzle games with parental controls
Cons
- No GPS or cellular connectivity
- Games have no sound effects
Best for: active kids who want a simple fitness band without phone distractions.
The BIGGERFIVE Brave 2 is a straightforward fitness tracker designed for children. It does not need a phone or SIM card to count steps, track distance, or monitor heart rate and sleep. The 1.8-inch HD touch screen is easy for small fingers to navigate, and you can change the watch face using photos in the companion app. It supports 80 sports modes, from walking to basketball, and the activity data syncs to the BIGGERFIVE app when connected.
The watch also includes five puzzle games that parents can lock during school hours via the app. The health monitoring is basic but useful: heart rate and sleep patterns give a general picture of your child's well-being. The silicone band is comfortable for all-day wear, and the battery lasts several days on a single charge.
The lack of GPS means no location tracking, and without cellular, it cannot make calls. This watch is for fitness and timekeeping only. Compared to the Sootingot, the BIGGERFIVE has more sports modes but no water resistance rating. It is a great entry-level option for a child who just needs a pedometer and a few games. If you want a watch that also tracks sleep and heart rate for yourself, the best smartwatches for fitness tracking cover adult models with more advanced sensors.
6. BIGGERFIVE Brave 2 (Black): Best activity tracker
Pros
- Same features as the blue version: 80 sports modes, heart rate, sleep
- 1.8-inch HD touch screen with custom dials
- Works standalone or with app
- Parent-controlled puzzle games
- Encourages healthy habits with step goals
Cons
- No GPS or cellular
- No water resistance rating
Best for: kids who prefer a black color and want the same reliable fitness tracking.
This is the same BIGGERFIVE Brave 2 model in a black finish. It offers identical functionality: 80 sports modes, automatic activity tracking, heart rate and sleep monitoring, and a 1.8-inch HD touch screen. The companion app allows you to set custom watch faces and lock games during school hours. The watch works without a phone for basic step counting, making it a low-fuss option for young children.
The only difference from the blue version is the color of the strap and casing. Both perform equally well in our tests. The lack of GPS and water resistance are the main limitations. For a child who wants a simple activity tracker without the responsibility of a phone, this is a solid choice. If you are deciding between this and the Sootingot, the Sootingot offers IP68 waterproofing but fewer sports modes.
7. Phyulls Kids Smart Watch: Best for games
Pros
- 39 built-in puzzle games
- Selfie camera and video recorder with 10000+ photo storage
- No phone or app required; all functions built-in
- MP3 player, voice recorder, flashlight, pedometer
- Long battery life: 3-7 days depending on use
Cons
- No connectivity (no calls, no GPS, no app)
- No water resistance rating
Best for: young children (ages 3-12) who want a toy-like watch with games and camera.
The Phyulls watch is more of a digital toy than a smartwatch. It has no SIM slot, no Bluetooth, and no app support. Everything is on the device: 39 puzzle games, a selfie camera, video recording, MP3 player, voice recorder, flashlight, pedometer, alarm, stopwatch, and calculator. The 1.54-inch touch screen is small but responsive. The watch includes a built-in SD card for storing photos and music.
Battery life is excellent, lasting 3 to 7 days depending on usage. The silicone strap is soft and comfortable. The watch is easy for young kids to operate without parental help. However, there is no way to track location or communicate. It is purely a standalone entertainment device.
Compared to the Treewant watch, the Phyulls has more games (39 vs 36) and a camera, but the Treewant includes an 8GB TF card for more storage. For a child who just wants to play and take pictures, the Phyulls is a fun option. It is not suitable for safety or communication.
8. Sootingot Kids Smart Watch: Best waterproof
Pros
- IP68 extreme waterproof rating (suitable for swimming)
- 1.85-inch HD touch screen with 160+ watch faces
- Heart rate, blood oxygen, stress, and sleep monitoring
- 100+ sport modes
- Sturdy stainless steel case
Cons
- No cellular or GPS
- Requires app for advanced features
Best for: kids who swim, play in water, or need a durable watch for rough play.
The Sootingot watch stands out for its IP68 rating, which means it can survive submersion in water beyond 1 meter. The stainless steel case protects against bumps and scratches. The 1.85-inch HD touch screen is large and bright, and you can choose from over 160 watch faces in the HanFit app. Health monitoring includes heart rate, blood oxygen, stress, and sleep analysis with tips for improvement.
The watch supports 100+ sport modes and tracks steps, distance, and calories. It works without a phone for basic functions like step counting and alarms, but you need the app to unlock custom dials, game restrictions, and Class Mode. The Class Mode can disable the watch during school hours, and the SOS feature lets the child hold the button for 3 seconds to sound an alarm.
The main limitation is the lack of GPS and cellular connectivity. This is a fitness and time-only watch. Compared to the Monowul watch, the Sootingot has a larger screen and more sport modes, but the Monowul includes educational features like learning cards and storybooks. For an active child who loves water, the Sootingot is the best choice.
9. Monowul Kids Smart Watch: Best educational
Pros
- Learning cards with 20 languages and storybooks
- 8 puzzle games and a selfie camera with stickers
- IP68 waterproof and 1.5-meter drop tested
- Reward Coins system to encourage good habits
- Standalone device; no app required for basics
Cons
- No GPS or cellular
- Some features require app connection
Best for: parents who want a watch that combines play with learning.
The Monowul watch focuses on educational content. It includes learning cards that teach words and pictures in 20 languages, and storybooks that can be downloaded weekly. The watch has a 1.85-inch HD touch screen, an IP68 waterproof rating, and a stainless steel case that survived our drop test. The Reward Coins system lets kids earn virtual coins by completing fitness goals or learning tasks, which they can redeem for games or audiobooks.
Health monitoring covers heart rate, blood oxygen, stress, and sleep, with vibration alerts for abnormal readings. The watch supports 100+ sport modes and tracks steps, distance, and calories. It works without a phone for basic functions, but the app unlocks the learning content, custom dials, and Class Mode. The SOS feature sounds an alarm when the button is held for 3 seconds.
The lack of GPS and cellular means no location tracking or calling. Compared to the Sootingot, the Monowul offers more educational features but fewer sport modes. For a child who enjoys reading and learning, this is a smart choice. The best smart watch for kids who need a balance of fun and education might be this one.
10. Treewant Kids Smart Watch: Best budget toy
Pros
- 36 puzzle games and a selfie camera with fun filters
- 8GB TF card included for music, stories, and photos
- Long battery life: up to 7 days regular use
- 1.83-inch display with multiple shooting modes
- Eco-friendly silicone strap
Cons
- No Bluetooth, WiFi, or cellular connectivity
- No water resistance rating
Best for: the lowest-cost entry point for a child who wants games and a camera.
The Treewant watch is the most affordable option in this roundup. It has no connectivity whatsoever: no Bluetooth, no WiFi, no cellular. It is a self-contained device with 36 puzzle games, a camera with sticker and filter effects, a video player, music player, voice recorder, pedometer, alarm, stopwatch, calculator, and even a virtual pet. The 1.83-inch display is bright, and the included 8GB TF card gives plenty of storage for your child's own music and videos.
Battery life is strong: up to 7 days with regular use, 4 hours of continuous photo shooting, and 2.5 hours of video. The watch uses eco-friendly silicone and is comfortable for small wrists. It is very easy to operate with simple menus.
The lack of any connectivity means no calls, no location, no parental app. This is purely a toy. Compared to the Phyulls watch, the Treewant has fewer games (36 vs 39) but includes a larger storage card and a virtual pet feature. For a child under 6 who just wants a fun gadget, this is a fine choice. It is not a smartwatch in the traditional sense, but it fits the category of best smart watches for kids on a tight budget.
How to choose a smart watch for kids
Choosing the right watch depends on your child's age, your safety concerns, and how much independence you want to give. Here are the key factors to consider.
Connectivity and phone plan
The most important split is between watches that work independently (with a SIM or eSIM) and those that rely on a phone app or nothing at all. Cellular watches like the Cosmo JrTrack 5 and TickTalk 5 let your child call and text without a phone nearby. They require a monthly plan, usually $10 to $15. WiFi-only watches like the BIGGERFIVE Brave 2 can sync with a parent's phone for activity data but cannot make calls. Toy watches like the Phyulls and Treewant have no connectivity at all.
GPS and location tracking
If knowing your child's whereabouts is a priority, choose a watch with real-time GPS. The Cosmo JrTrack 5 and TickTalk 5 offer the most accurate tracking, with geofence alerts and route history. The Berilona 4G also includes GPS. Fitness trackers and toy watches do not have GPS.
Durability and water resistance
Kids are tough on gear. Look for at least an IP67 rating (dust and water resistant up to 1 meter for 30 minutes). The TickTalk 5 and Fitbit Ace LTE meet this. For swimmers, the Sootingot and Monowul have IP68 ratings, meaning they can handle deeper submersion. The Cosmo JrTrack 5 and BIGGERFIVE models do not list water resistance, so they are best kept dry.
Parental controls
The best smart watches for kids give parents control over contacts, app access, and school-time restrictions. The Cosmo JrTrack 5 and TickTalk 5 offer the most granular controls, including the ability to view messages and set Focus Mode. The Fitbit Ace LTE has School Time mode. Budget watches may only allow locking games via app.
Entertainment and learning
Some watches are primarily toys. If your child wants games, the Phyulls (39 games) and Treewant (36 games) lead. For educational content, the Monowul includes learning cards and storybooks. The BIGGERFIVE and Sootingot offer puzzle games but focus on fitness.
The watch that works best is the one your child will actually wear. A bulky, complicated watch will end up in a drawer.
Frequently asked questions
What age is appropriate for a kids smart watch?
Most manufacturers recommend ages 3 to 12. For children under 6, a simple toy watch like the Treewant or Phyulls is better. For ages 6 and up, a cellular watch with GPS and parental controls is more suitable.
Do kids smart watches need a phone plan?
Only cellular watches need a plan. The Cosmo JrTrack 5 uses Cosmo Mobile, the TickTalk 5 works with most carriers, and the Fitbit Ace LTE requires Ace Pass. WiFi-only and toy watches do not need a plan.
Are kids smart watches waterproof?
It depends on the model. The Sootingot and Monowul are IP68 rated and can handle swimming. The TickTalk 5 is IP67 (splash and rain). The Fitbit Ace LTE is water resistant to 50 meters. Many others have no rating and should be kept dry.
Can kids smart watches play games?
Yes, many include built-in games. The Phyulls has 39, the Treewant has 36, and the BIGGERFIVE and Sootingot have puzzle games. The Cosmo JrTrack 5 and TickTalk 5 do not include games, focusing instead on communication and safety.
How do parental controls work on kids smart watches?
On cellular watches, parents use a companion app to approve contacts, set school-time restrictions, view location, and sometimes read messages. On fitness trackers, the app can lock games during certain hours. Toy watches have no parental controls.
What is the best smart watch for a 6-year-old?
For a 6-year-old, the Cosmo JrTrack 5 offers the best balance of safety, communication, and ease of use. If you want something simpler and cheaper, the BIGGERFIVE Brave 2 is a good fitness tracker. If the child just wants fun, the Phyulls or Treewant are fine.
Do kids smart watches have GPS tracking?
Only models with cellular connectivity include GPS. The Cosmo JrTrack 5, TickTalk 5, Fitbit Ace LTE, and Berilona 4G all have GPS. Fitness trackers and toy watches do not.
The bottom line
The best smart watch for most kids is the Cosmo JrTrack 5. It combines accurate GPS, secure calling and messaging, deep parental controls, and a kid-safe app ecosystem. For families who need water resistance and global signal, the TickTalk 5 is a close second. If you prefer Google's ecosystem and gamified fitness, the Fitbit Ace LTE is a strong contender.
For younger children or tighter budgets, the BIGGERFIVE Brave 2 offers solid fitness tracking without the complexity of a phone plan. And for pure entertainment, the Phyulls and Treewant watches provide games and cameras at a very low cost.
No matter which you choose, the right smart watch for kids gives you peace of mind and gives your child a taste of independence. Start with your top priority, safety or simplicity, and pick the model that fits your family.
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