Quick Links
A smartwatch is an excellent option for a younger child who’s not yet ready for a full-fledged smartphone. It provides a number of advantages for both parents and children. Below, we’ll highlight some of the best smartwatches for children.
The Best Apple Watch for Kids
Overall, the best smartwatch for kids is the Apple Watch SE (2nd generation). It strikes the perfect balance between cost and essential features, making it a top choice for children.
The second-generation Apple Watch SE is available in both a 40mm and 44mm case. The smaller 40mm watch is perfect for smaller wrists, while the 44mm option features a larger screen and takes up a bit more room on a wrist.
You can choose from a wide variety of aluminum case colors and bands. In addition to Apple’s official band options, you can find a host of cheaper options onAmazonand other third-party retailers.
Because it’s cheap, there are a few tradeoffs compared to other Apple Watch models. The Apple Watch SE lacks ECG functionality and doesn’t feature an always-on display. But those shouldn’t be on top of the list for kids. It can still track heart rate and record important fitness metrics, though.
You can choose between two variants of the Apple Watch SE. TheGPS-only Apple Watch SErequires a paired iPhone for texting and making phone calls. TheGPS + Cellular Apple Watch SEis a much better choice for kids.
With the cellular model, you canuse the Family Setup feature to let your child use their Apple Watch without an iPhone. They can make phone calls, send messages, and share their location with you using Wi-Fi or a cellular network. Your child will have a separate phone number, but you’ll have to pay an additional monthly fee—usually around $20—on your carrier bill.
After purchasing the watch, set it up with your iPhone and then choose your child. During that process, you can enableSchooltime to limit some watchOS features during school hours.
The Best Wear OS Watch for Kids
If you’re an Android user looking to provide a Wear OS smartwatch for your child, theGoogle Pixel Watch 2is the best choice. There is a lot tolike about the Pixel Watch 2, most notably Fitbit integration, which can help better analyze fitness metrics.
Unlike the Apple Watch, the Pixel Watch 2 is only available in a single case size, 41mm. It’s small and unobtrusive, and it will work well on most children’s wrists. You can select from a number of case color and band options.
you may also choose between Wi-Fi and LTE variants. The cellular version is the best bet if you want to give your child only the smartwatch.
That said, setting up the Pixel Watch 2 as a standalone device takes more work than the Apple Watch SE. There’s no dedicated option to allow a child to use the smartwatch for taking calls, text messaging, and sharing location, without a paired Android device.
One workaround is to purchase an inexpensive Android device and pair that with the watch. The Pixel Watch 2 will work with most phones running Android 9.0 or later.
The Best Fitbit for Kids
Another great option, compatible with both Android and iOS, is theFitbit Ace LTE. The smartwatch is designed specifically for kids aged seven and older. The wearable device combines a Fitbit and smartwatch into a kid-friendly combination.
There are two band/case color options to choose from. And since it’s designed for younger kids, it comes with a protective bumper case.
Parents can use the companionFitbit Ace appto contact their children and see their location at all times. You can also approve up to 20 other people your kids can communicate with via calls, text, and voice messages.
To make the device fun for kids, the Fitbit Ace has an animated eejie that becomes happier as your child moves and hits their fitness goals. It also offers several other movement-based games to keep your kids engaged.
To use the watch, you have to pay a $9.99 monthly fee for the Fitbit Ace Pass, which provides unlimited calling, messaging, and location sharing along with all the available games. It’s not tied to a specific carrier.
A smartwatch is a big step for both parents and children. Any of these wearables can provide a great first taste of mobile technology without some of the hassle and negative aspects of using a smartphone.
