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Best kids' smartwatches: wearable tech for kids of all ages
Smartwatches are the newest trend in wearable tech. Whether you’re buying a smartwatch for a toddler or a teen, here are the best kids' smartwatches, as recommended by parents.
By Gemma Lumley | Last updated Jun 1, 2023
No longer strictly for adults, smartwatches are becoming an increasingly popular accessory among children. For little ones though, a kids’ smartwatch should be a toy above all else. They will enjoy having a camera to experiment with, fun games to play and tracking their activity. Of course, it will also help them learn to tell the time.
If your child enjoys sports and being active, consider a watch with a built-in fitness tracker. They can hit training targets and take part in challenges with family or other app users, which will inspire them to keep moving.
For teenagers, a more grown-up watch will be a hit. They will enjoy opportunities to communicate with their friends as they become more independent. Look for safety features such as GPS tracking and parental controls.
To help you find the best smartwatch for your child, we’ve looked to tech experts for the latest recommendations, as well as Mumsnet parents for genuine and honest reviews on the products their children love, to find quality smartwatches that meet the needs of each age range.
Here are the best kids’ smartwatches to invest in this year.
Want more kids’ tech inspiration? Take a look at our guides to the best kids’ tablets, best cameras for kids, best games consoles and best laptops for kids.
Best kids’ smartwatches at a glance
- Best overall kids' smartwatch: VTech Kidizoom DX2 Smartwatch
- Best budget kids' smartwatch: Tikkers Activity Tracker
- Best smartwatch for active kids: Garmin Vivofit Jr 3
- Best Fitbit smartwatch for kids: Fitbit Ace 3 Activity Tracker
- Best kids' GPS smartwatch: Spacetalk Kids' Smartwatch
- Best smartwatch for younger kids: Little Tikes Tobi Robot Smartwatch
- Best smartwatch for teens: Amazfit Bip U Pro Smartwatch
- Best kids' smartwatch with phone features: XPlora X5 Play Smartwatch
- Best waterproof kids’ smartwatch: Honor Band 5 Fitness Tracker
1. Best overall kids' smartwatch: VTech Kidizoom DX2
RRP: £54.99 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Age range: 4-10 years | Screen size: 1.4 inch | Battery: Rechargeable through USB; battery life not specified | Weight: 200g | Water-resistant: No - splashproof only | Camera: Yes | GPS: No | Compatible systems: Windows, Mac
What we like
- Soft and comfortable material
- Customisable watch face
- Encourages physical activity
What we don’t like
- The watch face is light but large and chunky so can get in the way of sleeves
- Designed for younger children
What Mumsnet users say
“I’ve got three boys - four, six and eight - and they love their watches.” Doctorboo
“I got one for my then seven-year-old. He still plays with it aged nine, especially when his sibling plays with their one (of course). The games are quite good on it and the step counter is popular here too.” UniversalTruth
Our verdict
The VTech Kidizoom DX2 Smartwatch is a fantastic first smartwatch for kids. Both affordable and versatile, it has lots of fun and useful features that will delight little ones and reassure you that learning and physical activity are being encouraged, with a healthy focus on movement.
While it’s a little bulky for those in the lower half of the recommended age group, this splashproof smartwatch is robust and comfortable to wear. The watch face has 55 personalisation options, so it can easily be customised to suit your child’s preferences including both digital and analogue clocks. The full colour touchscreen is easy to use even for younger children - simply slide through menu options and press to confirm.
We like the games, especially Monster Detector, which will inspire kids to hunt for creatures in the garden or park, while the step tracker is accurate and helps children take part in fun challenges. Children will also enjoy the built-in camera, which is easy to use and includes a wide range of filters and stickers to help bring photos to life.
Read next: The best board games for kids
2. Best budget kids' smartwatch: Tikkers Activity Tracker
RRP: £19.99 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Age range: Not specified (tweens) | Screen size: 18mm | Battery: 1 Lithium Ion battery required (included) | Weight: 20g | Water-resistant: No | Camera: No | GPS: No | Compatible systems: iOS
What we like
- Budget-friendly price
- Text and call notifications
- Motivating pedometer to encourage movement
- Can set hydration reminders
What we don’t like
- Requires compatible app to work
- Some reviewers have found the strap a little unreliable
What Mumsnet users say
“My son got a Tikkers watch as he was interested in counting his steps and knowing what time he has to come home from the park. Quite simple to use and does the job.” Iwritethissittinginthekitchensink
Our verdict
If you’re after a first smartwatch for your child but don’t want to break the bank, they don’t come much more affordable than the Tikkers Activity Tracker.
With a soft silicone strap and slim, lightweight design, this clever watch can track steps, distance and calories burned as well as set goals - motivating and encouraging your tween to get up off the sofa and head outside for some re-energising fresh air and exercise. With a simple-to-use touchscreen interface, it can provide call and text notifications so your child isn’t constantly reaching for their smartphone.
It’s worth mentioning that the Tikkers Activity Tracker does require the use of a compatible app - Reflex Active - and unless you want them to receive all your notifications, they’ll need to have the app installed on their own phone or device.
It also doesn’t have a built-in camera, but it can be used as a controller for your kids’ phone camera, making it handy to have around when snapping a selfie with friends.
Read next: Discover the best online tutoring to boost your child's learning from the comfort of your own home.
3. Best smartwatch for active kids: Garmin Vivofit Jr 3
RRP: £79.99 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Age range: 4+ years | Screen size: 14.11mm | Battery life: Up to 1 year of use before it needs replacing | Weight: 25g | Water-resistant: Yes | Camera: No | GPS: No | Compatible systems: Android, IOS
What we like
- Lots of colour choices
- Sleep tracker helps to create a bedtime routine
- Easy to connect to the Garmin app
What we don’t like
No camera
What Mumsnet users say
“Both my kids have the Garmin Vivofit Jnr and it’s great… The Garmin has a game which is only unlocked each day when they’ve done enough activity and also you can set chores and reward them being done with virtual coins.” Blahblahblah111
“Both my kids, aged five and eight, have the Garmin watch which is a step counter. They like it, it motivates them to exercise more, and you can set chores in it for them to complete and get a reward.” suzabell83
Our verdict
The Garmin Vivofit Jr 3 is full of clever features that parents will love almost as much as kids. With a comfortable silicone strap and a small square watch face, it’s a non-bulky smart watch for younger children that's less likely to catch on clothing than other brands. With motivating prompts that encourage an hour of physical activity a day, you can monitor your child's movements, active energy and sleep.
This brightly coloured kids’ running watch has Disney-themed educational games and rewards children when they hit their step count, go to bed on time or complete parent-set chores. There's also a variety of designs to choose from, including Disney and Marvel favourites, which makes this a great birthday present too.
We were impressed with how easy the Garmin Vivofit Jr 3 is to use and like that the battery won’t need charging for at least a year.
4. Best Fitbit smartwatch for kids: Fitbit Youth Ace 2
RRP: £69.99 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Age range: 6+ | Screen size: 0.96 inch | Battery: Lithium Polymer battery lasts up to 8 days | Weight: 0.2kg | Water-resistant: Yes, Up to 50m | Camera: No | GPS: No | Compatible systems: Compatible with iOS 12.2 or higher and Android OS 7.0 or higher
What we like
- Focused on encouraging activity
- Slimline and non-bulky on small wrists
- Kids can earn badges and complete challenges with their friends
What we don’t like
- Limited to a choice of two colours
- Requires a compatible app
What Mumsnet users say
“I bought my son the new Fitbit Ace and am so impressed with it. I feel inspired to get a Fitbit for myself!” Tootired1
“I got my 10-year-old the Ace as ours seemed a bit more grown up in style. I went with Fitbit as I already use the app and I could just add the Ace to the 'family' bit of the app.” fruitpastille
Our verdict
The Fitbit Ace 3 Smartwatch offers many of the features you may be familiar with from adult Fitbits including a comfortable, slimline strap and the ability to track steps and active minutes. The Fitbit Ace 3, however, is made specifically for kids, encouraging a 60-minute activity goal and 10,000 steps a day target with motivating rewards for achieving their goals.
Lightweight and soft, it’s simple to use and can be connected to the Fitbit app alongside existing devices in the house, allowing everyone to join in family goals and keep each other motivated.
This attractive watch can be worn all the time, including for swimming. As it's water-resistant (up to 50m), aqua-based activities and a little sweat won’t harm it, so it's an ideal choice for active or messy kids.
The battery lasts for ages (eight days of average use) and the watch comes with a handy charger cable. Reviewers also found the features and app easy to set up and use.
5. Best kids' GPS smartwatch: Spacetalk Kids' Smartwatch
RRP: £159 | Buy now on Amazon
Key specs
Age range: 5+ | Screen size: 1.2 inch | Battery life: Not specified | Weight: 58g | Water-resistant: Splashproof only | Camera: No | GPS: Yes | Compatible systems: Android, iOS
What we like
- SOS button
- School mode
- Rewards physical activity
What we don’t like
- Pricey
- Needs a SIM card for calls and monthly app subscription
- Battery life could be better
What Mumsnet users say
“It’s given our nine-year-old lots of extra independence and me lots of reassurance.” Nitpickpicnic
“We have a watch for my seven-year-old. Spacetalk. I can see where he is. Limited numbers that have to be added by parents (five I think).” Ellie1015
Our verdict
The Spacetalk Kids' Smartwatch has a sleek design that older kids and teenagers will like. It acts as a GPS tracker, so you can let your child explore and enjoy their independence without worrying where they are.
This superb watch acts as a movement tracker too, encouraging children to take more steps by rewarding physical activity with a cool chart - ideal if you want to prompt them to get outdoors.
The Spacetalk Smartwatch is also a mobile phone with impressive safety features, including an SOS button and parental control of the contacts who can call or message, although kids can’t access the internet.
Schools will also approve as all features other than the time can be switched off during certain hours, allowing maximum concentration. It may be a pricey smartwatch for children, but we think the extra safety features make it worth it, although a few reviewers think the battery life could be improved.
6. Best smartwatch for younger kids: Little Tikes Tobi Robot Smartwatch
RRP: £49.99 | Buy now on Amazon
Key specs
Age range: 4+ | Screen size: 1.54 inch | Battery life: Up to two days | Weight: 60g | Water-resistant: Splashproof only | Camera: Yes | GPS: No | Compatible systems: Not specified
What we like
- Comes with a clothing clip and display stand
- Soft and comfortable silicone watch strap
- Great interactive features designed specifically for little ones
What we don’t like
- You need to read the instructions carefully to get the most out of the watch
- On the large side for small wrists
Our verdict
The Little Tikes Tobi Robot Smartwatch is perfect for small children. The more they play with it, the more fun it is. The watch engages kids by allowing them to capture videos and photos with the two featured cameras, and it has a pedometer along with dance games to encourage movement. It ticks the educational boxes too, including activities that help them learn to tell the time.
Essentially, this watch acts as a wearable ‘friend,’ and we like that your child can use it to pair up with other Tobi 2 watches to compete in games with friends or siblings. In addition, it allows them to send messages to other Tobi 2 watches, so they can still chat to friends if they’re not quite ready for a phone yet.
One of the most popular features of the Tobi is the interaction it allows, displaying over 100 silly facial expressions on its screen.
This quirky watch is comfy to wear but we like that it can also be stood on a desk or table, acting as a bedside clock too.
7. Best smartwatch for teens: Amazfit Bip U Pro Smartwatch
RRP: £59 | Buy now on Amazon
Key specs
Age range: 11+ | Screen size: 1.43 inch | Battery Life: Up to nine days | Weight: 31g | Water-resistant: Yes, up to 50m | Camera: No | GPS: Yes | Compatible systems: Android, IOS
What we like
- Can be used with Amazon Alexa
- Water-resistant to 50 metres so can track underwater swimming
- Comprehensive health modes
What we don’t like
- The strap can irritate sensitive skin
What Mumsnet users say
“Has good reviews and is cheaper than a Fitbit.” Tttigress
Our verdict
Lightweight but with a large full-colour screen, the Amazfit Bip U Pro is a smartwatch that feels good on the wrist and is simple to use. It does everything that older children, teenagers and adults could need from a piece of wearable technology.
The health features include heart rate, blood oxygen and sleep monitoring, plus 60 different types of fitness and sports. A winner with kids who love science and learning.
Accurate GPS functionality tracks your child’s location and offers reassurance when they’re out and about with friends. The Bip U Pro is also a great choice for Google Alexa homes.
8. Best kids' smartwatch with phone features: XPlora X5 Play Smartwatch
RRP: £169.99 | Buy now on Amazon
Key specs
Age range: 4+ | Screen size: 1.4 inch | Battery life: Up to 72 hours | Weight: 34g | Water-resistant: Yes | Camera: Yes | GPS: Yes | Compatible systems: Android, iOS
What we like
- SOS button
- Phone contacts need registering with a parent or guardian
- Tie-ins with new movies and TV programmes to encourage engagement
What we don’t like
- SIM card required
What Mumsnet users say
“We use an Xplora X5. It’s a smartwatch with mobile phone capabilities, camera and GPS.” Beenaboutabit
“Mine have Xplora X5. Works as advertised, you can track them and they can call and message you.” KatharinaRosalie
Our verdict
The Xplora X5 Play is an excellent choice if you think your child is ready for phone features. Parents love its many features such as GPS, contacts that require parental approval and safety zones, all of which protect your child and give you peace of mind as they explore the world by themselves.
This watch also comes with lots of motivational features via the Xplora app. A pedometer can connect to high-profile campaigns like challenges affiliated with new movie releases and TV programmes, encouraging kids to get moving in a fun and engaging way. They can immerse themselves in these campaigns by earning rewards and seeing themselves on leaderboards, with the chance to win fun prizes.
We also love the chunky, modern design of the watch, making it desirable for style-conscious tweens too.
9. Best waterproof kids’ smartwatch: Honor Band 5 Fitness Tracker
RRP: £29.69 | Buy now on Amazon
Key specs
Age range: Not specified, but only suitable for older children | Screen size: 0.95 inch | Battery life: Between six and 14 hours | Weight: 28g | Water-resistant: Yes, up to 50m | Camera: No | GPS: No | Compatible systems: Android, iOS
What we like
- Long battery life
- Works well as a swimming tracker
- Movement reminder for gamers
What we don’t like
- The app can be glitchy
- Only suited to older children
What Mumsnet users say
“I have an Honor Band 5 and bought one for my eight-year-old. Tested it on his wrist and it’s OK - he’s small for his age. I previously bought a cheap Amazon one and it’s rubbish. Honor band is miles better!” MiniMileyMoo
“I recently bought the Honor Band 5 and I think it's brilliant! The distance tracker is insanely accurate” ilovecardigans
Our verdict
The Honor Band 5 is a waterproof fitness tracking watch that's ideal for the swimming pool or running. Your child can manage their training, see their heart rate improve and make sure they are getting enough rest with the sleep tracker.
We were impressed with the design and feel of this watch. It comes in three sleek colour choices and looks much more expensive than its affordable price tag would suggest.
The watch works well without it but, if required, the Honor Band 5 can receive and make calls, send text messages and receive emails. It's also an alarm clock with a choice of traditional tones or gentle vibrations on the wrist.
What features should I look for in a kids' smartwatch?
The right smartwatch for your child will depend on their age and what they want to do with their watch, whether that’s tracking their fitness or communicating with friends. Here are the best features to look for:
- Age suitability: A four-year-old and a 14-year-old will have very different needs from a smartwatch. Consider what your child will be using it for and choose something appropriate for their age.
- Design: Younger kids will love bright, chunky watches with large, colourful screens that show funny faces and icons. Older children and teenagers will prefer a sleek look with intuitive touchscreen displays.
- Health and fitness tracking: If you want to encourage activity, look for a smartwatch that tracks step count and different sports such as running and swimming. If you want more, you can go even more advanced with models that will monitor sleep, heart rate and even blood oxygen levels. Some smartwatches have reward charts, games and challenges to encourage kids to move more for a healthy mind and body.
- Location services: Tracking your child’s location with an in-built GPS is a good idea as they start to take steps towards independence. Knowing where they are means you’ll feel more confident about allowing them to walk to the shop or go to the park with friends.
- Battery life: A smartwatch that needs charging infrequently is much less faff and will give you and your child confidence that the battery won't die when they are out and about. Some smartwatches can last over a week with average use.
- Smartphone connectivity: The ability to connect to their phone and yours will make the watch more fun to use and means you can keep an eye on information such as how much sleep they have had and if more exercise is needed.
- Connectivity: Do you want your child to keep in touch with you while they are out playing or on the way home from school? A smartwatch that uses a SIM card will let them send messages and make phone calls to you. In addition, most watches designed for children will include safety features to ensure you know who they are communicating with. Remember if the smartwatch needs a SIM card, you'll likely have to pay a monthly fee for this too.
Read next: The best noise-limiting kids' headphones
Does my child need a smartwatch?
Technology is a big part of our lives, and it can be a valuable tool for parenting in the modern world. Of course, a smartwatch isn’t a necessity, but there are some very good reasons for investing.
A smartwatch with GPS tracking is a great device that will build your child’s confidence and independence while giving you the reassurance that you know where they are. The ability to receive and send messages and calls from trusted contacts and pre-set SOS buttons are also helpful features for peace of mind.
Most children are screen-obsessed and live increasingly sedentary lives. Activity tracking that rewards reaching targets and completing challenges will encourage your child to move their body.
There is no need for a six-year-old to have an expensive Apple Watch. Smartwatches specifically designed for kids are cheaper, durable and have limited functionality so that they won’t be surfing the internet in the school playground.
What is the best smartwatch for kids?
The VTech Digizoom V2 is our choice for the best smartwatch for kids. It’s well made, easy to wear and has lots of fun features as well as educational games, all at an affordable price point. We also like the safety features, from GPS tracking and SOS buttons to parental visibility and contact controls.
How we chose our recommendations
Our starting point was a deep dive into the Mumsnet forums to find the kids’ smartwatches that real parents rate and have put to the test. We noted the models parents loved (and loathed), researching each model in-depth to check it was up to task.
We then thoroughly investigated smartwatches for children recommended by tech experts, adding the best to our shortlist of watches, combing through authentic customer reviews to determine the advantages and limits of each product. Hours have been spent compiling all of this research, ensuring we are bringing you an honest, useful guide to the best smartwatches for your little ones.
Why you should trust us
We work hard to provide unbiased, independent advice you can trust. We do sometimes earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links in our articles. This helps us fund more helpful articles like this one.