Contrary to smartphones, which have unrestricted internet access as well as social media, data feeds, and a propensity to get missing, wrist-mounted mobile watches seem to be better suited for younger children because they offer all the same communication features without browsers and attach directly to small bodies. Additionally, they include a pre-approved list of contacts, GPS tracking, calling, plus texting capabilities. And some even have a one-touch emergency button for extra security. Although some do feature activities, if a kid develops a liking for an iPhone and iPad, there isn’t much else to keep them happy.
Bonus: With far more affordable data plans, smartwatches are more economical than smartphones as well as require much less maintenance. The touchscreens on the watches on the list make it simple for both adults and kids to communicate. The whole point is that.
How to pick a child’s ideal smartwatch?
We have detailed the most crucial factors to take into account if you’re not sure what is happening when looking for the finest kids’ smartwatch or you just want to learn more about the characteristics to look out for.
Durability and design
The ideal smartwatch for children should be something that fits their tiny wrists easily and has a fashionable design that they can be proud to wear. Numerous watches on our list of the top children’s smartwatches come in an array of colors to let your youngster exhibit their unique personalities. Further, then aesthetics, search for lightweight, resilient styles, especially with elastomer bands that are simple to clean, letting the kids play wildly.
Features
What a child needs from a smartwatch will determine what features to seek when making a purchase. Need to keep them moving? Choose any children’s smartwatch from a company that specializes in trackers for fitness for everyone.
Do your children prefer to use the watch for pleasure or education? The best options are the Kurio and VTech versions. For updates and to enable the watch sync using apps on phones, Bluetooth functions are required. Wi-Fi is occasionally useful for some online services, but 4G connectivity is not a need.
5 Best Smartwatches for Kids
1. Garmin Vivofit Jr 3
The Vivofit Jr. is, as the name implies, primarily made to motivate your kid to exercise. Here on the Garmin Jr app, which is accessible through the parent’s smartphone or tablet, they can unlock minigames and other entertaining features if they exercise for at least an hour each day. There are many designs and themes available for your child to select from, ranging first from the Disney Princess model shown above to the Marvel watches with characters like Black Panther & Iron Man. It’s a cool enticement to get your youngster off the screen and to encourage exercise.
In contrast to the Vivofit Jr 2, which had a smaller fitness band design, the Vivofit Jr 3 has a square screen that seems like it belongs on a smartwatch. The time plus a child’s basic fitness numbers are displayed on the colorful display along with characters designed to complement the watch’s theme.
The Vivofit Jr. 3 is a terrific choice if you want to get your youngster moving with such a fun smartwatch even though it lacks a touchscreen and GPS.
2. Fitbit ace 3
A new version of Fitbit’s kids’ wristwatch has been released. Fitbit is one of the most well-known manufacturers of activity trackers. It is specifically made for kids, with a thin, strong face & strap, a good battery life, and a simple interface. There are two views available—one for parents and one for kids—while users do pair this with their smartphones.
The monitoring feature has also been simplified; it now only measures activity and sleep, with the option to create family obstacles if other family members also own Fitbits. It will gently awaken children in the mornings in time for class and remind them when it is time to go to bed. Unfortunately, it doesn’t encourage children to put on their shoes or brush their teeth, but we can’t have it all.
The display isn’t quite as striking as some of the others we tested; while it’s OLED, it’s just in greyscale, so there aren’t any vibrant colors. As older children might decide they want something more from their smartwatch, this is suitable for children up to maybe age 10.
3. Vodafone neo kids’ smartwatch
This introduction to the world of smartwatches for children strikes a wonderful balance between granting them some palpable independence but preventing them from becoming completely unrestrained. There are 2 ways to go about doing this as it needs a SIM plan: purchase the watch entirely and then sign up for Vodafone’s plan, which is present £5.99 each month, or pay little more than £8 each month for 11 months while simultaneously paying the £5.99 subscription price. However, you have complete control because you connect the watch to your phone using an app.
Kids could select a Disney avatar to be their sidekick from the user interface, which is simple to use for them. Whenever the phone is being used, this “sidekick” animates and serves as a sort of guidance. Naturally, we chose Iron Man, but you could also use the switch option to select any of the other usual suspects.
4. Kurio Watch 2.0
The Kurio Watch 2.0 is more concerned with enjoyment than activity tracking contrasted with its Fitbit & Garmin competitors. It has 20 pre-installed apps and games, including Snake & Noughts and Crosses, which may be playable alone or with pals.
Your children may send messages through Bluetooth to certain other Kurio watches and through the Kurio Android app (currently not available on iOS), and a front-facing camera allows them to snap photos and movies and apply amusing filters before sharing.
Additionally, they could use the watch as an activity tracker, alarm clock, calendar, calculator, and player of music through Bluetooth or built-in storage.
5. Xplora XGO2
The XGO2 is among the most costly smartwatches on the list, but if you want to gift your youngster a smartwatch that could do it all, it’s a worthwhile investment.
Only with the Xplora Go play Platform, a child may win virtual coins with the steps. The XGO2 combines the entertaining messaging and selfie functions of the Kurio with the fitness aspects of the Garmin & Fitbit watches mentioned above. The XGO2 is watertight and has a 700mAH battery, both of which are improvements over the XGO, its predecessor. There is a SIM card slot plus cellular connectivity, however, you will need to purchase your SIM card individually.
With location services, one can monitor your child and create “security zones,” but in an emergency, a child could click an SOS button to notify the emergency contacts recorded on the watch.
