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 Fitbit Google Ace LTE is a feature-rich kids smartwatch designed to keep children connected and active. One of its standout features is the built-in GPS, which allows parents to track their child's location, ensuring peace of mind. The watch also boasts a solid battery life of over 16 hours, with fast charging that provides 11 hours of use in just 30 minutes, making it suitable for all-day wear.

Durability is another key strength, as it is built with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 and includes a protective bumper case, making it resistant to bumps, scratches, and water up to 50 meters deep. This makes it a good fit for active kids who may be a bit rough with their gadgets. Parental controls are robust, including features like School Time, which limits gameplay during school hours, ensuring kids stay focused. The watch also includes educational and activity-based games to keep kids engaged and active.

Communication options are well-covered with in-app calls and messages that do not require a phone number, and parents can add up to 20 additional contacts. The design is both comfortable and appealing to children, with a 1.6-inch square touchscreen that is easy to navigate. However, the requirement for a Fitbit Ace Pass data plan for full functionality such as calling, messaging, and access to games may be a drawback for some, as it adds ongoing costs. Additionally, while the battery life is good, it may not be sufficient for multi-day use without recharging. The watch is relatively lightweight at 0.986 ounces, making it comfortable for kids to wear.

The Bark Watch stands out as a reliable kids' smartwatch, particularly in terms of safety and communication. It offers GPS tracking, which is essential for parents to keep tabs on their child’s location. The communication features are robust with options for talk, text, and video monitoring. The ability to manage all contacts and the inclusion of an SOS button add extra layers of security, offering great peace of mind for parents. These features make it an excellent choice for safety-conscious families.

The watch’s battery life, at 700 milliamp hours, may require frequent charging depending on usage, and it might not last through a full day of heavy use without a recharge. Additionally, while the watch has a solid water-resistant build that should handle everyday splashes, it may not be fully waterproof, so it might not be ideal for swimming or prolonged water exposure.

The design is kid-friendly and the 1.6-inch screen size is suitable for small wrists, ensuring comfort. The watch also has parental controls, which are incredibly useful for monitoring and managing usage, but it appears to lack a range of educational and entertainment features that might engage kids beyond basic communication. Weighing 7.4 ounces, it is reasonably lightweight and portable for children. In summary, if your primary focus is on safety and communication, the Bark Watch is a strong contender, though you may want to consider your child's needs for entertainment and the practicality of frequent charging.