As a parent, I know how tricky it can be to balance keeping kids connected, entertained, and safe without putting a smartphone in their hands too early. That is where a kids smart watch can really shine. These clever gadgets not only help children learn responsibility and independence but also give parents peace of mind with features like GPS tracking, step counters, and even emergency SOS buttons.
In this guide, I’ve rounded up the best kids smartwatches after carefully researching, testing, and looking at real parent reviews. You’ll find quick picks, in depth reviews, and a handy buyer’s guide to help you choose the right smart watch for kids. Safety remains the top priority: according to the NHS guidance, children benefit most from age appropriate technology that supports health, activity, and communication without overwhelming them.
So, whether you’re looking for a children’s smart watch that focuses on fitness, fun, or communication, this guide will walk you through the best options available right now.
Comparison Table: Top Picks
| Product | Key Features | Price Range | Why I Recommend It |
| imoo Watch Phone Z1 Kids Smart Watch | 4G Video & Phone Call, Real-Time GPS Location, IPX8 Water Resistance, Durable Design | £70 – £100 | Reliable GPS tracking, durable build, water resistant, great for parents needing real-time tracking and call features |
| Blackview 4G Kids SmartWatch Z20 | GPS+LBS+WIFI tracker, SOS function, Video Call, Phone Call, Voice Chat, SMS, Sleep Monitor, Pedometer, Class Mode, Camera, Puzzle Games | £50 – £80 | Offers comprehensive tracking and communication features, strong battery life, suitable for active kids |
| Garmin vívofit Jr. 3 | Activity tracker, themed designs, rewards for chores | £65–£80 | Brilliant for encouraging kids to stay active |
| Fitbit Ace 3 | Sleep tracking, activity monitoring, parent app controls | £55–£70 | Reliable fitness focused watch with simple design |
| VTech KidiZoom Smartwatch Max | Games, camera, fun clock faces | £45–£55 | Best for younger kids who love fun and creativity |
| Tikkers Watch & Headphone Set | Interactive features, affordable bundle with headphones | £30–£40 | Budget friendly starter smartwatch |
| Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) | GPS, calls, messages, Family Setup with iPhone | £230–£270 | Best premium option for older kids and teens |
How I Picked These
Choosing the best smart watch for kids means balancing fun with function. Here are the criteria I used:
- Safety: Features like GPS tracking, parental controls, and SOS alerts.
- Certifications & Build: Child friendly design, durability, and safe materials.
- Comfort: Lightweight, adjustable straps that suit growing wrists.
- Durability: Scratch resistant screens, water resistance, long battery life.
- Value for Money: Balancing features against price.
As a parent myself, I also looked at real life usability. Do kids actually enjoy wearing them? Do parents find the apps easy to use? These honest parent perspectives helped shape my list.
Parent Tip: Always check age recommendations on children’s smart watches. Some are designed for ages 4+, while others are better suited for 8-12 years.
Best Kids Smartwatches Reviews
imoo Watch Phone Z1 Kids Smart Watch
The imoo Watch Phone Z1 is a durable smartwatch that supports real-time GPS tracking, video calls, phone calls, and is IPX8 water resistant. Its strong build quality makes it perfect for adventurous kids.
Pros:
- Real-time GPS location accuracy
- Video call and phone call functionality
- IPX8 water resistant (safe for swimming)
- Durable design withstands active play
- Strong parental control features
Cons:
- Slightly higher price compared to competitors
- Some features may require specific network compatibility
Best for: Parents needing real-time GPS tracking and video calling for enhanced child safety
Personal insight: This smartwatch stood out because of its reliable real-time tracking and exceptional durability. Perfect for parents of active kids who need constant connectivity and peace of mind.
Blackview 4G Kids SmartWatch Z20
The Blackview 4G Kids Smart Watch is a feature-rich option that provides GPS, WIFI, and LBS tracking for accurate location monitoring. It supports video calls, phone calls, SMS, and even has fun features like puzzle games and a camera.
Pros:
- Multiple location tracking methods (GPS, LBS, WIFI)
- SOS button for emergencies
- Supports video calls and voice chat
- Sleep monitoring and pedometer for fitness tracking
- Class Mode prevents distractions during school hours
Cons:
- User interface may be a bit complex for younger kids
- Bulky compared to simpler models
Best for: Parents who want a comprehensive communication and tracking solution on a budget
Personal insight: This one stood out because of its full feature set at an affordable price, making it an excellent choice for active kids and tech-savvy parents wanting complete control and communication options.
Garmin vívofit Jr. 3
Overview: A fitness focused kids smart watch with themed Disney and Marvel designs, this is a brilliant way to make activity tracking fun. Kids can unlock adventure games by completing daily steps and tasks.
Pros
- Long battery life (up to 1 year)
- Durable, waterproof design
- Parental chore and reward tracking via app
Cons
- No messaging or call features
- Screen is quite small
Best for: Kids aged 4-10 who need gentle motivation to stay active.
Personal insight: This one stood out because it turns fitness into a game, which really appeals to kids who need encouragement to move more.
Fitbit Ace 3
Overview: Fitbit’s children’s model focuses on activity and sleep tracking, with simple designs and parental controls through the Fitbit app.
Pros
- Excellent sleep tracking
- Comfortable and lightweight
- Easy to use parent app
Cons
- No camera or games
- No GPS tracking
Best for: Parents who want a straightforward children’s smart watch for healthy routines.
Expert Tip: Sleep plays a vital role in child growth and mood regulation. Using a tracker like Fitbit Ace 3 can help establish better bedtime routines (NHS Sleep Advice).
VTech KidiZoom Smartwatch Max
Overview: This playful kids smart watch includes a camera, fun games, and lots of interactive features. It’s perfect for younger children who aren’t ready for a high tech device.
Pros
- Built in camera and games
- Affordable and fun
- Easy for younger kids to use
Cons
- Shorter battery life
- No GPS or messaging
Best for: Kids aged 4-8 who want fun features in a colourful package.
Personal insight: My child loved experimenting with the camera and silly effects, it keeps them engaged without needing extra devices.
Tikkers Plain Blue Interactive Watch & Headphone Set
Overview: A great budget friendly option, this smartwatch comes bundled with matching headphones. It’s simple but offers enough interactive features to introduce kids to wearable tech.
Pros
- Affordable bundle
- Interactive clock faces
- Matching headphone set included
Cons
- Limited features compared to others
- Not as durable as premium models
Best for: Parents on a budget looking for a starter smart watch for kids.
Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen)
Overview: The most advanced choice here, the Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) includes Family Setup, so parents can manage calls, messages, and GPS tracking without giving a child an iPhone of their own.
Pros
- Premium build and design
- Calls, messages, GPS
- Strong safety features
Cons
- Expensive
- Requires iPhone setup
Best for: Older kids and teens who need advanced safety and communication features.
Personal insight: This stood out because it bridges the gap between smartphone independence and parent safety checks.
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Kids Smartwatch
When I was shopping for a kids smart watch, here are the things I wish I had known:
- Safety Features: Prioritise GPS tracking, SOS buttons, and parental controls.
- Age Suitability: Younger kids may prefer playful options like VTech, while older kids benefit from Fitbit or Apple.
- Battery Life: Some watches need charging daily, while others (like Garmin) last months.
- Ease of Use: Buttons, icons, and menus should be child friendly.
- Durability: Water resistant designs are a must for active kids.
Pro Tip: Think long term. A slightly higher investment in a durable children’s smart watch may save you from replacing a cheaper one within a year.
Safety & Extra Tips
According to the NHS, screen time should be balanced with physical activity and rest. While kids’ smart watches can encourage movement, remember to set healthy boundaries.
- Encourage active play beyond just step counting.
- Use parental controls to manage usage.
- Talk to your child about online safety if the watch connects to messaging apps.
FAQs
Are smart watches safe for kids?
Yes, when chosen carefully. Look for models with parental controls and limited online connectivity.
Do kids really need a smart watch?
Not every child needs one, but they can help with safety, fitness, and developing responsibility.
At what age should a child get a smart watch?
Most models are designed for ages 4-12. Teens may benefit from more advanced models like Apple Watch SE.
Can kids’ smart watches replace smartphones?
Not entirely, but premium watches like Apple Watch SE cover communication, fitness, and location needs for younger users.
How long do kids’ smart watch batteries last?
Ranges from 1 day (Apple Watch) to 1 year (Garmin vívofit Jr. 3).
Conclusion
After testing and reviewing, my top all rounder choice for the best kids smart watch is the Blackview Z20. It offers a great balance of affordability, health focused features (like step tracking and fitness modes), and parent-friendly controls making it a safe bet for most families.
I know choosing the right smart watch for kids can feel stressful, but hopefully this guide makes the decision easier and gives you confidence. Whether you need a fun gadget for a younger child or a reliable safety device for an older one, there’s something here to suit your family.
