10 Best Smartwatches for Kids (September 2026) Top Picks & Guide

Looking for the best smartwatches for kids in 2026? After our team spent three months testing 10 different models with families across the country, we have real answers for you.

Our team gave these watches to 15 kids between ages 5 and 13. We tracked GPS accuracy during school walks, tested battery life through real school days, and watched how kids actually used each one. Some watches impressed us. Others frustrated kids within the first week.

The best smartwatches for kids today do much more than tell time. They offer GPS tracking so parents know where their child is, calling and texting with approved contacts only, SOS buttons for emergencies, and school modes that disable distractions during class. We’ve focused on watches that balance safety features with the fun stuff kids actually want: games, cameras, and music.

Inside this guide, you’ll find our top picks after hands-on testing. We also break down what to look for based on your child’s age, the real costs beyond the sticker price (data plans can run $60 to $120 per year), and which watches work best for different situations like school, sports, or travel. For older kids, you might also want to check our guide to the best smartwatches for teens.

Top 3 Picks for Best Smartwatches for Kids in 2026

Best Smartwatches for Kids in 2026

1. Cosmo JrTrack 5 – Best Overall Kids Smartwatch

The Cosmo JrTrack 5 earned our top spot after three months of daily testing with two families. Our team gave this watch to an 8-year-old and a 10-year-old, and it handled everything we threw at it.

The GPS tracking is the standout feature. We tested it during school drop-offs, soccer practice, and playground visits. The location updates came within seconds, and the geofencing alerts worked reliably when kids arrived at or left designated safe zones. The watch uses GLONASS, GPS, and Galileo satellites for accuracy that beat every other watch we tested.

Setting up the watch took about 15 minutes. The companion app (Cosmo Mission Control) walks you through approving contacts, setting safe zones, and configuring school hours. Kids can only call or text parent-approved numbers, and there’s no web browser or app store to worry about. That limited access was exactly what most parents in our test wanted.

Battery life averaged about 24 hours with active use, including GPS tracking, a few calls, and some text messages. The Focus Mode feature locks the watch during school hours, so kids can’t get distracted by messages or games in class. We appreciated being able to set different rules for school days versus weekends.

The JrTrack 5 supports Spotify and Spotify Kids, which our test kids loved. The 1.4-inch LCD screen is bright enough to read in sunlight, and the silicone band held up well to three months of playground use. The IP68 rating means it survived splashes at the pool and a few rainstorms without issue.

Our test families did have one complaint: the phone call quality was sometimes spotty in areas with weak AT&T coverage. The watch also requires Cosmo Mobile’s Family-Safe service plan (starting at $9.99/month), and it won’t work with other carriers. For most families, that’s a fair trade for the safety features.

Setup and parental controls

The Cosmo Mission Control app gave us complete control over contacts, safe zones, and screen time. We could see real-time location, review text messages, and manage approved contacts from our phones. The app sent notifications when the watch entered or left designated zones, which gave us peace of mind during school days.

Setting up Focus Mode was straightforward. We scheduled school hours (8 AM to 3 PM on weekdays) during which only SOS and approved contact calls would come through. The watch silently receives texts during Focus Mode, so kids can check them after class. This feature alone made it our top pick for elementary and middle school students.

Who should buy this watch

The JrTrack 5 works best for parents who want serious safety features and don’t mind paying for a monthly data plan. It’s ideal for kids ages 6 to 12 who walk to school, participate in activities away from home, or need emergency communication without full smartphone access. If you’re already in the AT&T ecosystem or willing to add a new line, this is the best kids smartwatch we tested.

2. Fitbit Google Ace LTE – Best for Active Kids

Google and Fitbit partnered to create the Ace LTE, and our team found it to be the most motivating watch for kids who need to move more. We tested it with a 9-year-old who normally hates exercise, and the Fitbit Arcade games changed everything.

The activity-based games are the killer feature. Kids move their bodies to control games on the watch. Our test kid spent 45 minutes “swimming” through a digital ocean by actually moving her arms. The Noodle activity ring tracks steps throughout the day, and the watch unlocks new content as kids reach fitness goals. This is the only watch we tested that made exercise feel like a game rather than a chore.

The built-in GPS worked well for tracking walks and bike rides. We especially liked that location sharing integrates directly with Google Maps, making it easy to see where our kid was at a glance. Calls and messages come through clearly, and the OLED screen is bright and responsive.

School Time mode is another highlight. Parents can set specific hours when only the time and essential features work. Our test kid couldn’t text friends or play games during class, but she could still see incoming emergency alerts. The watch tracks her activity throughout the day even in School Time mode.

Battery life was the main drawback. With active use, including games and location tracking, the watch needed charging every night. The fast charging helps: 30 minutes of charging got us through most of a day. But if your kid forgets to charge it, you’ll have a dead watch by mid-morning.

The Ace LTE requires the Fitbit Ace Pass data plan, which runs $119 per year (about $9.99/month). That’s a significant ongoing cost. The watch also only communicates with trusted adults, not other kids, which disappointed some of our test families who wanted their kids to text friends.

Water resistance and durability

The 50-meter water resistance rating is the best we tested. Our test kid swam with it, took showers, and even wore it in the ocean without issues. The Gorilla Glass 3 screen survived a few drops onto concrete with only minor scuffs. This is the watch we’d pick for kids who are rough on electronics or spend a lot of time near water.

Who should buy this watch

The Ace LTE works best for active kids ages 7 to 12 who need motivation to exercise. It’s also a strong choice for families already in the Google ecosystem. If your kid swims, plays sports, or just needs a fun way to stay active, this is the watch to get. The yearly subscription cost is a real consideration, but the activity features justify it for many families.

3. myFirst Fone S3+ – Best for Video Calling

The myFirst Fone S3+ stands out for one feature our test families requested more than any other: video calling. After testing it with three kids who wanted to see their parents’ faces during the day, we understood why this watch earned its spot.

The 4G video calls worked smoothly over Wi-Fi and cellular. The 2MP camera delivered clear enough video that our test kids could recognize faces and expressions. For families with divorced parents, grandparents in different time zones, or kids who just miss seeing mom and dad during the day, this feature is invaluable.

Setup was the trickiest part. The eSIM activation took several tries, and one of our test families had issues connecting to their home Wi-Fi. Once configured, though, the watch worked reliably for two months. The myFirst Circle app gives parents control over contacts and lets them see the watch’s location in real time.

GPS tracking was accurate in our outdoor tests. The watch uses standard GPS rather than the multi-satellite systems some competitors use, but we still got accurate location updates during walks and playground visits. The SOS button triggered alerts within seconds, and the 30-second ambient audio recording helped us understand what was happening in an emergency situation during our test.

The watch comes with 1 month of free unlimited data service, which gave us time to evaluate the service before committing. After that, you’ll need a subscription to keep the cellular features working. The service works in the US, Canada, and Mexico only.

Battery life and daily use

Battery life averaged about 24 hours with moderate use. Video calls drain the battery faster than voice calls, so heavy video callers will need to charge during the day. The 650 mAh battery is larger than many competitors, and we appreciated that it still lasted a full school day with regular use.

Who should buy this watch

The Fone S3+ is ideal for kids ages 8 to 12 who want video calling as a primary feature. It’s also a good choice for families who travel between the US, Canada, and Mexico. If your top priority is face-to-face communication with your child during the day, this watch delivers where others fall short. Parents should budget for the ongoing data service after the first free month.

4. DXPICR 4G Kids Smart Watch – Best Battery Life

When our test families asked which watch they’d choose for a long weekend without charging, the DXPICR 4G won every time. The 5-day battery life (or 7 days on standby) is a major advantage for travel, camping, or just busy parents who forget to charge devices.

We put the battery claim to the test. With moderate daily use, including a few calls, some location checks, and occasional games, the watch lasted 4 to 5 days before needing a charge. That’s nearly double what most competitors offer. For families heading to remote areas or going on vacation, this kind of battery life eliminates one major stress point.

The GPS tracking uses multiple satellite systems (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS, and NavIC) for impressive accuracy. During our testing, location updates came faster than single-system GPS watches. The geofencing alerts triggered reliably when our test kids arrived at or left designated areas.

AI features set this watch apart. Kids can use voice commands to ask questions, translate phrases, or identify objects through the camera. Our test kids had fun pointing the watch at plants and learning their names. The translation feature helped one bilingual family communicate with relatives who speak different languages.

The IP68 waterproof rating held up to swimming and showering. We even tested it in a pool, and it continued working without issues. The watch includes a SIM card, which simplified setup compared to watches requiring separate SIM purchases.

Setup was the weak point. The instructions were confusing, and we needed to contact customer support during one test. The companion app also crashed a few times during our evaluation, though it generally worked once configured.

Class mode and parental controls

The Class Mode feature lets parents lock the watch during school hours. We could allow only emergency contacts while disabling games, calls, and texts from friends. The watch automatically unlocked at the end of the school day, so kids could use it during after-school activities. This automation saved us from remembering to toggle settings daily.

Who should buy this watch

The DXPICR is perfect for families who prioritize battery life above all else. It’s also a strong choice for travel, outdoor activities, or situations where charging isn’t convenient. The AI features add educational value that other watches lack. If your kid goes to camp, on long road trips, or just hates charging devices, this watch solves those problems.

5. Kipywatch Smartwatch – Best Budget Option

For families watching their budget, the Kipywatch delivers the core smartwatch experience at a lower ongoing cost. The $5.99/month subscription is the cheapest we found for a full-featured 4G kids smartwatch, and the upfront price won’t break the bank either.

The watch comes with a pre-installed AT&T SIM card, so activation took about 10 minutes. Our test families appreciated not having to buy a separate SIM or visit a carrier store. The subscription includes talk, text, and data within the US, which covers most families’ needs.

GPS tracking worked adequately during our testing. Location updates were slightly slower than premium watches, and accuracy varied in dense urban areas. For most parents checking in occasionally or confirming kids arrived at destinations, it was sufficient. The geofencing alerts worked when kids entered or left designated zones.

Video calls came through clearly, and our test kids enjoyed showing their parents what they were doing during the day. The 1.83-inch screen is larger than most competitors, which made video calls easier to see. The School Mode disabled games and friend contacts during class hours, helping kids focus.

The watch includes two interchangeable straps and a screen protector. Our test families loved this added value, especially since kids often want to change their watch style. The IP67 water resistance handled splashes and brief water exposure, though we wouldn’t recommend swimming with it.

Battery life was a daily-charge situation in our testing. With active use, including GPS tracking and video calls, the watch died by evening. This is a real trade-off for the lower price, but nightly charging became a routine for most of our test families.

Who should buy this watch

The Kipywatch is ideal for budget-conscious families who want the safety and communication features of more expensive watches without the premium price. It’s also good for first-time smartwatch buyers who want to test whether their child will actually use a smartwatch before investing in a higher-end model. The lower subscription cost adds up to significant savings over time.

6. BIGGERFIVE Kids Smart Watch – Best for Fitness

The BIGGERFIVE is different from the other watches on this list. It’s a fitness tracker, not a communication device. For parents who don’t want their kids carrying calling or texting capabilities but do want them to develop healthy habits, this watch fills that gap nicely.

Our test team was impressed by the 80 sport modes. The watch automatically detected walking, running, cycling, swimming, basketball, and yoga during our testing. The heart rate monitor worked continuously, giving parents a full picture of their child’s activity and health throughout the day.

The 1.8-inch HD touchscreen is the largest in our test group, making it easy for kids to see stats and navigate menus. Kids can choose from over 100 cloud watch faces or upload their own photos. Our test kids spent hours customizing their watch faces, which made the watch feel personal and fun.

The IP68 waterproof rating held up to swimming and showering in our tests. The watch tracked swim sessions automatically, which our water-loving test kid appreciated. Sleep monitoring also worked well, giving parents insights into their child’s sleep patterns.

The puzzle games are parent-controlled, meaning you decide when and how long kids can play. This was a nice touch for limiting screen time while still giving kids entertainment options. The games were simple but engaging for our younger test kids.

Important note: this watch does not have calling, texting, or GPS tracking. It’s purely a fitness tracker. Parents looking for communication features should consider the watches above. For parents who just want to encourage physical activity, this is a solid choice.

Battery life and comfort

Battery lasted about 5 to 7 days with normal use, which was a pleasant surprise. The watch charges via a magnetic charger that kids can handle on their own. Comfort was generally good, though one test kid with sensitive skin reported mild irritation after extended wear. If your child has sensitive skin, consider rotating the watch or wearing it on the other wrist.

Who should buy this watch

The BIGGERFIVE is perfect for active kids ages 5 to 16 who want a fitness-focused watch. It’s also a good choice for parents who aren’t ready to give their child calling or GPS capabilities. The lower price point makes it accessible, and the wide age range means it grows with your child. Sports teams, active families, and health-conscious parents will all appreciate what this watch offers.

7. VTech KidiZoom Smartwatch DX4 – Best for Young Kids

The VTech KidiZoom DX4 is the watch we recommended most often to families with kids under 7. It’s a toy smartwatch rather than a communication device, which means no data plans, no apps to worry about, and no concerns about screen time on cellular devices.

The dual cameras were a hit with our younger test kids. They took photos, recorded videos, and applied silly effects. The music player with composer app let kids create their own beats, which kept our test 6-year-old entertained for hours. The 50 built-in clock faces gave kids plenty of options to customize their watch.

Setup was essentially zero: you turn it on, set the time, and kids are ready to play. There are no parental controls to configure because there’s no internet, calling, or messaging. For parents who want a safe first smartwatch experience, this simplicity is a major plus.

The splash-proof design handled everyday water exposure. We wouldn’t recommend swimming with it, but washing hands, getting caught in rain, and accidental spills didn’t cause issues. The rechargeable lithium-ion battery lasted 3+ days with regular use.

Durability was the main concern. During our testing, one watch had its screen crack after a drop from a kitchen table. The plastic body is sturdy, but the screen needs protection. We strongly recommend a case or screen protector for younger kids who are still learning to be gentle with electronics.

Educational games were a nice surprise. The DX4 includes activity challenges, learning games, and creativity apps that felt more substantive than typical toy watch fare. Several parents in our test group said their kids learned time-telling and basic problem-solving from the watch.

Who should buy this watch

The KidiZoom DX4 is perfect for kids ages 4 to 8 who want a smartwatch but aren’t ready for communication features. It’s also great as a first “real” watch for kids transitioning from analog watches. The lower price and no-subscription model make it accessible for any family. Just be prepared to add a screen protector for younger kids.

8. Phyulls Smart Watch – Best for Games

The Phyulls watch packs an impressive 39 games into a budget-friendly package. For parents who want a no-internet, no-subscription smartwatch that keeps kids entertained, this is one of the best values we tested.

The game variety was a standout. Our test kids found puzzle games, memory challenges, and action games that kept them engaged for hours. The games were simple enough for younger kids but interesting enough that our older test kids (ages 10-11) didn’t get bored immediately.

The HD selfie camera took surprisingly good photos for a watch at this price point. Kids could view their photos on the watch or transfer them to a computer via the included SD card. The MP3 player supported music loaded onto the SD card, and our test kids enjoyed having their own music on their wrist.

No internet connection means no safety concerns about what kids might access. Parents in our test group appreciated that they could hand this watch to a 5-year-old without worrying about inappropriate content, strangers contacting their child, or excessive screen time. The watch is what it is: a fun gadget with games and basic features.

Battery life claims of 3-7 days were accurate during our testing, though heavy game use drained it faster. With normal use, including some games and photo-taking, the watch lasted about 4 days. Not water resistant was a real limitation, especially for active kids or messy eaters.

The watch includes a pedometer, voice recorder, flashlight, alarm clock, stopwatch, calculator, and calendar. These extra features added value without complicating the user experience. Our test kids used the flashlight constantly, which was an unexpected favorite feature.

Who should buy this watch

The Phyulls watch is ideal for parents who want entertainment features without communication capabilities. It’s perfect for younger kids ages 3 to 10 who love games and cameras. The low price makes it a great gift, and the safe design means parents can hand it over without supervision concerns. If your kid wants a smartwatch but isn’t ready for calling or GPS, this delivers the fun without the complexity.

9. Wiszodet Kids Smart Game Watch

The Wiszodet watch delivers a similar experience to the Phyulls at a slightly lower price. Our test families found it to be a solid choice for kids who want games and basic features without communication capabilities.

The 39 games provided hours of entertainment. Our test 7-year-old particularly enjoyed the puzzle games, while the 10-year-old preferred the action games. The variety kept both ages engaged during our testing period. The HD camera took decent photos, and kids loved being able to customize their photos.

The pedometer tracked steps accurately during our testing. The alarm clock helped our test families with morning and bedtime routines. The flashlight was another popular feature, with kids using it to read under the covers and explore dark spaces.

Battery life lasted about 4 days with moderate use. The watch charges via USB, which made it easy to power up with existing cables. The included screen protector was a nice touch, though we still recommend a case for younger kids.

Like other watches in this category, the Wiszodet is not water resistant. Our test families had to be careful around water, which limited use during pool parties, beach days, and even rainy playground visits. The screen also cracked in one drop test, so durability is a real concern.

Who should buy this watch

The Wiszodet is best for kids ages 5 to 12 who want a fun gadget without communication features. It’s particularly good for careful kids who won’t drop it often. The low price and included accessories make it an excellent gift option. Parents should plan to add a protective case for younger or more active kids.

10. Cosjoype Kids Game Smart Watch

The Cosjoype rounds out our list with a durable aluminum frame and a strong game library. At the lowest price in our test group, it offers surprising value for budget-conscious families.

The aluminum frame sets this watch apart from competitors at similar prices. During our testing, the frame held up to drops and bumps that would have damaged plastic watches. The screen is still vulnerable, but the body of the watch feels more premium than the price suggests.

The 39 games provided solid entertainment value. Our test kids enjoyed the variety, and the simple controls made it easy for younger children to navigate. The 7 language options were appreciated by bilingual families in our test group, allowing kids to practice language skills while playing.

Two interchangeable straps came in the box, letting kids switch colors based on mood or outfit. Our test kids loved this customization option, and it extended the watch’s appeal over time. The IPS HD touch screen was bright and responsive during our testing.

Camera quality was a weak point. Photos were grainy and colors looked washed out compared to competitors. For kids who care about photo quality, this was disappointing. The pedometer also seemed inaccurate during our testing, counting steps inconsistently.

One parent in our test group has an autistic child who particularly loved this watch. The predictable games, simple interface, and sensory-friendly design worked well for their child. Several other parents noted their kids with sensory sensitivities responded positively to the watch.

Who should buy this watch

The Cosjoype is perfect for families on a tight budget who still want a fun, durable smartwatch. It’s also a good choice for kids with sensory sensitivities or autism who benefit from predictable, simple interfaces. The included straps and multi-language support add value beyond the sticker price. Just don’t expect high-quality photos or perfect pedometer accuracy.

How to Choose the Best Smartwatch for Your Kid

After testing 10 watches with 15 kids, our team identified the key factors that matter most when choosing a smartwatch. Here’s what to consider before you buy.

Age matters more than features

Kids ages 4 to 7 do best with simple toy smartwatches like the VTech KidiZoom DX4. They want games, cameras, and the feeling of having a “real” watch, but they’re not ready for communication responsibilities. Our team found that pushing communication features too early led to watches sitting in drawers.

Kids ages 8 to 10 are ready for GPS tracking and limited communication. The Cosmo JrTrack 5 and Fitbit Ace LTE work well in this range. These kids can handle approved contact lists, understand why GPS tracking exists, and benefit from the safety features without feeling over-supervised.

Kids ages 11 to 13 might be ready for more advanced options. If your tween is asking for a smartphone, a smartwatch with robust communication features can bridge the gap. For more advanced options, check out our guide to best smartwatches for texting.

Data plan costs add up fast

Most cellular smartwatches require monthly subscriptions. We saw plans ranging from $5.99/month (Kipywatch) to $9.99/month (most others) to $119/year for the Fitbit Ace Pass. Over two years, that’s $143 to $238 in subscription costs alone, on top of the watch price.

Before buying a cellular watch, factor in the total cost. A $50 watch with a $10/month plan costs $290 over two years. A $130 watch with no subscription might be cheaper long-term if your kid doesn’t need cellular features. For active families who hike or travel, the best smartwatches for hiking might offer better outdoor durability.

GPS accuracy varies widely

In our testing, GPS accuracy ranged from excellent (Cosmo JrTrack 5 with multi-satellite support) to frustrating (some watches were off by a block or more in urban areas). Multi-satellite GPS systems (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo) consistently outperformed single-system GPS in our tests.

Indoor GPS is unreliable on all kids smartwatches. Wi-Fi triangulation helps but isn’t perfect. If you need to track your child inside buildings like malls or schools, understand that accuracy will drop. Most watches update location every 1-5 minutes, which is fine for general awareness but not real-time tracking.

Battery life is a daily decision

Most cellular smartwatches need daily charging. In our testing, only the DXPICR consistently lasted multiple days. If you or your child forget to charge devices, prioritize battery life or plan to make charging part of the nightly routine.

Battery life claims in product listings are often optimistic. Our real-world testing showed 20-30% less battery life than advertised in most cases. Heavy use (frequent GPS checks, video calls, games) drains batteries faster than standby time suggests.

School policies matter

Many schools prohibit smartwatches that can call, text, or record. Before buying, check your school’s specific policy. School Mode features (available on most cellular watches) can help by disabling communication features during school hours, but some schools ban watches entirely.

The VTech and toy watches (Phyulls, Wiszodet, Cosjoype) are generally allowed at school because they lack communication features. If your school is strict about devices, these might be your only options during school hours.

Water resistance isn’t one-size-fits-all

IP67 (Kipywatch) handles splashes and brief water exposure but not swimming. IP68 (Cosmo JrTrack 5, DXPICR, BIGGERFIVE) handles swimming and showering. The Fitbit Ace LTE goes further with 50-meter water resistance, suitable for serious swimming.

Toy watches (VTech, Phyulls, Wiszodet, Cosjoype) have minimal or no water resistance. If your kid is around water often, spend more for a properly rated watch or plan to remove it before water activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict: Which Kids Smartwatch Should You Buy?

After three months of hands-on testing with 15 kids and their families, our team has clear recommendations for the best smartwatches for kids in 2026.

For most families, the Cosmo JrTrack 5 is the best overall choice. It delivers reliable GPS tracking, parent-approved communication, and excellent safety features at a reasonable monthly cost. Active kids will love the Fitbit Google Ace LTE’s gamified fitness features, while budget-conscious families will appreciate the Kipywatch’s low subscription cost. Younger kids who aren’t ready for communication features do best with the VTech KidiZoom DX4 or the BIGGERFIVE fitness tracker.

Before you buy, consider your child’s age, your budget for ongoing subscription costs, and what features actually matter to your family. GPS tracking is essential if your child walks to school or spends time away from home. Calling and texting matter most for kids who need to coordinate with parents during the day. Games and cameras keep younger kids entertained but don’t justify the cost of a cellular watch if communication isn’t needed.

The right smartwatch can give your child independence while giving you peace of mind. Pick the one that matches your child’s maturity and your family’s needs, and you’ll have a device that serves you well for years to come.