Compare TickTalk 5, Gabb Watch 3, Xplora X6Play, and Garmin Bounce to find the best kids smartwatch for calling, GPS, safety, and school use.
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Quick Picks: Kids Smartwatches at a Glance
| Product | Best For | Price | Key spec | Second key spec |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TickTalk 5 | Best for video calling | Check Price on Amazon | 1.52-inch touchscreen | 5-megapixel camera |
| Gabb Watch 3 | Best for distraction-free communication | Check Price on Amazon | 1.41-inch display | IP68 water resistance |
| Xplora X6Play | Best for younger children | Check Price on Amazon | 4G LTE connectivity | GPS location tracking |
| Garmin Bounce | Best for activity tracking | Check Price on Amazon | LTE connectivity | 5 ATM water rating |
| Garmin Bounce 2 | Best premium option | Check Price on Amazon | LTE connectivity | Activity and location features |
| Apple Watch SE with Family Setup | Best for families already using iPhone | Check Price on Amazon | Cellular configuration available | Large Apple app ecosystem |
Prices and cellular-plan costs can change, so check the retailer and carrier terms before purchasing. The watches in this guide generally require a recurring cellular subscription for calling, messaging, GPS updates, and other connected features.
How We Chose
We compared manufacturer specifications, current advertised pricing, cellular requirements, water resistance, display and camera hardware, GPS and communication tools, parental controls, school-mode features, and battery information where manufacturers provide it.
We also considered patterns reported in expert reviews and owner feedback, including ease of setup, call quality, location reliability, durability, comfort, app usability, and the practical limits of subscription-based services. This is not a hands-on laboratory test, and we do not claim to have personally measured battery endurance, GPS accuracy, water resistance, or call performance.
Kids’ smartwatches are not interchangeable. Some are designed mainly for approved-contact calling and location sharing, while others add cameras, music, games, activity tracking, or broader smartwatch functions. Our recommendations reflect those differences rather than assigning artificial scores.
Detailed Picks
TickTalk 5: Best Kids Smartwatch for Video Calling
The TickTalk 5 is a feature-rich GPS smartwatch aimed at families that want more than voice calling. It supports cellular calling, video calling, messaging, GPS, SOS functions, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and a camera. It uses a pre-installed Nano SIM in United States purchases and requires compatible cellular service.
The watch has a 1.52-inch TFT touchscreen, a 5-megapixel camera, 4G connectivity, and a 770mAh battery. Its stated dimensions are 47 × 45 × 16mm, and it weighs 55g. TickTalk lists IP67 water resistance, meaning it is designed to handle dust and temporary water exposure but is not the best choice for swimming.
It is a strong fit for parents who want two-way communication and visual contact without giving a child a full smartphone. The camera and video-calling features are more capable than those on simpler communication watches. Expert reviews and owner feedback commonly identify the TickTalk 5 as a versatile option, although the larger feature set can also mean more settings and a greater need for parental configuration.
Pros
- Supports voice and video calling.
- Includes GPS, SOS, messaging, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth.
- 5-megapixel camera is useful for video calls and photos.
- 8GB of storage and 1GB of RAM are specified by the manufacturer.
- Designed around parent-approved contacts rather than unrestricted smartphone access.
Cons
- Requires a cellular plan.
- IP67 protection is less suitable for swimming than a 5 ATM rating.
- The watch is relatively substantial for smaller wrists.
- More features can create more distractions than a basic calling watch.
Gabb Watch 3: Best for Distraction-Free Communication
The Gabb Watch 3 is designed for families that want calling, messaging, GPS location features, and safety tools without open internet access or a conventional app store. It focuses on controlled communication and parental management rather than entertainment.
Gabb lists a 1.41-inch display with a 360 × 320 resolution, a 500mAh battery, IP68 water resistance, and wireless charging. The listed dimensions are 46 × 40 × 14.5mm. It uses a 20mm quick-release band and Gorilla Glass 3 on the watch face.
Gabb offers monthly plans at different service levels; the company lists $12.99, $14.99, and $17.99 per month for its current watch service options. The exact features depend on the selected plan, so buyers should confirm whether location, calling, messaging, and other controls are included before checkout.
This is a good choice for parents who want a deliberately limited device. Expert coverage and owner feedback generally favor Gabb’s restricted approach for younger children or families concerned about social media, unrestricted browsing, and unnecessary apps. The tradeoff is that it does not offer the broad app ecosystem or camera-focused communication of a more fully featured watch.
Pros
- Focuses on calling, messaging, GPS, and safety rather than open-ended apps.
- IP68 water resistance is useful for everyday spills and rain.
- Wireless charging is convenient for regular use.
- 360 × 320 display resolution is specified by the manufacturer.
- Multiple service plans provide some flexibility.
Cons
- Monthly plan pricing can make the total cost higher over time.
- Features vary by subscription tier.
- More limited than a smartphone or general-purpose smartwatch.
- Families wanting video calling or extensive entertainment may prefer TickTalk.
Xplora X6Play: Best for Younger Children
The Xplora X6Play is a child-focused LTE smartwatch built around communication, location sharing, and parental controls. It is commonly positioned for children in the early-school years who need a way to contact family but are not ready for a smartphone.
Its feature set includes cellular calling, messaging, GPS location tracking, safe-zone or location alerts, SOS functionality, and school-mode controls. Xplora’s platform is designed to limit communication to parent-approved contacts. The watch also includes activity features intended to encourage movement without turning the device into a general social or gaming platform.
The X6Play is typically sold with a watch price around $179.99, while compatible service plans are often advertised around $9.99 per month. Prices and availability vary by region and carrier. Confirm network compatibility before buying, because cellular support is not universal across countries or carriers.
Xplora is a particularly sensible option when the priority is a simple interface and controlled communication. Expert reviews and owner feedback often highlight the platform’s child-oriented design and school controls. Parents should still review location permissions, contact settings, and notification behavior before handing it to a child.
Pros
- Child-focused interface and parent-approved contacts.
- Includes LTE, GPS, SOS, and school-mode tools.
- Good match for younger children who do not need a smartphone.
- Activity features encourage movement without requiring social media access.
- Service pricing is relatively straightforward compared with some competitors.
Cons
- Requires a recurring cellular subscription.
- Feature availability depends on region and network support.
- Less suitable for families seeking video calling or a broad app ecosystem.
- Location and communication features depend on adequate cellular coverage.
Garmin Bounce: Best for Activity Tracking
The Garmin Bounce combines kid-focused communication and location tools with Garmin’s strengths in activity tracking. It is designed for families that want voice calling, messaging, GPS, geofencing, and activity information in one device.
Garmin Bounce supports LTE connectivity, location tracking, voice messaging, and parental controls through Garmin’s service. It has a 5 ATM water rating, which is more suitable for swimming and water-related activities than watches rated only for splash resistance. Garmin also emphasizes activity and movement features, making it a better fit for children who participate in sports or whose parents want more health-and-activity context.
A Garmin-managed LTE subscription is required for connected features. Current third-party coverage commonly lists the service at approximately $9.99 per month, although subscription terms can change. The watch’s strongest advantage is its balance between communication and activity tracking; it is less focused on cameras and entertainment than TickTalk.
Pros
- 5 ATM water rating is useful for active children.
- Strong activity-tracking focus.
- Includes LTE communication and GPS-based location features.
- Garmin’s ecosystem may appeal to families already using Garmin devices.
- Geofencing and school-related controls support routine supervision.
Cons
- Requires a Garmin LTE subscription.
- No camera is a drawback for families wanting video calls.
- Garmin’s feature set may be more than a very young child needs.
- Some functions depend on the Garmin parent app and subscription service.
Garmin Bounce 2: Best Premium Kids Smartwatch
The Garmin Bounce 2 is the newer premium direction for Garmin’s child-focused smartwatch line. It is intended for families that want communication, location tracking, activity features, and a more capable wearable than a basic GPS tracker.
Compared with simpler kids’ watches, the Bounce 2 is positioned toward active children and families already comfortable with Garmin’s software ecosystem. It uses an LTE service plan for connected communication and location features. Current listings place the watch around $299.99, with service commonly listed around $9.99 per month, though buyers should verify the current price and plan directly before purchase.
The Bounce 2 makes the most sense when activity tracking and water resistance matter as much as calling. It is not the most economical choice for a child who only needs occasional voice calls and location sharing. Expert reviews generally frame it as a more capable but more expensive option than entry-level kids’ watches.
Pros
- Premium Garmin feature set for active children.
- LTE connectivity supports communication and location services.
- Strong fit for families already using Garmin products.
- Activity tracking is more central than on basic communication watches.
- Suitable for buyers who want room to grow beyond simple calling.
Cons
- Higher upfront price than most dedicated kids’ watches.
- Ongoing LTE charges add to ownership cost.
- May be excessive for a child who only needs basic contact and GPS.
- Availability and exact features can vary by market.
Apple Watch SE With Family Setup: Best for iPhone Families
An Apple Watch SE can work as a child’s smartwatch when configured through Apple’s Family Setup, but it is not a dedicated kids’ watch. It is most appropriate for households that already use iPhones and want Apple’s calling, messaging, location sharing, emergency tools, and broader smartwatch ecosystem.
Family Setup requires compatible Apple hardware and a cellular-capable Apple Watch model for independent communication. Parents can manage contacts, schooltime restrictions, location sharing, and selected apps from the family’s Apple devices. The exact features depend on the watch generation, cellular carrier, Apple account setup, and country.
The main advantage is software familiarity and integration with an existing iPhone household. The main disadvantages are cost, complexity, shorter typical battery expectations than many purpose-built kids’ watches, and a broader set of apps that may require closer parental management.
Pros
- Excellent choice for families already invested in Apple devices.
- Strong calling, messaging, location, and emergency features.
- Family Setup provides parental controls and school restrictions.
- Broader accessory and app ecosystem than most dedicated kids’ watches.
- Cellular models can operate without the child carrying an iPhone.
Cons
- Requires compatible Apple hardware and cellular service.
- More expensive and complex than a basic GPS watch.
- Broader app access can create additional distractions.
- Not every Apple Watch model or feature supports Family Setup.
What to Look For
1. Cellular compatibility and total cost
A kids’ smartwatch is usually only useful when its cellular service works where your child spends time. Check carrier compatibility, coverage, activation fees, included data, calling limits, and cancellation terms. Compare the total cost over the first year rather than looking only at the watch price.
2. Contact controls
Look for parent-approved contacts, blocked unknown numbers, SOS calling, and clear controls for adding or removing contacts. A watch that allows unrestricted communication may undermine the safety and simplicity that motivated the purchase.
3. GPS and location privacy
GPS features can provide location sharing, geofencing, and arrival or departure alerts. Check how frequently location updates occur, how the parent app presents location history, and whether the child can disable location services. Location data should be treated as sensitive information, so review account security and privacy policies.
4. School mode and distractions
School mode can silence notifications or limit functions during class hours. Consider whether the watch has games, an app store, social features, a camera, or internet access. A simpler watch may be a better fit for a younger child or a school with strict device rules.
5. Water resistance and durability
IP ratings and ATM ratings are not identical. IP67 and IP68 describe protection against dust and water under specified test conditions, while a 5 ATM rating is commonly used for water-pressure resistance. Neither rating makes every watch appropriate for diving or all water activities. Confirm the manufacturer’s restrictions, especially around charging ports and salt water.
6. Battery and charging routine
Battery life depends on location updates, cellular coverage, calls, messages, screen use, and other settings. Choose a watch your child can reliably charge. Wireless charging can simplify the routine, while a proprietary charger can be inconvenient if it is lost.
FAQ
Q: Do kids’ smartwatches require a monthly plan?
A: Most models with cellular calling, GPS updates, messaging, and SOS functions require a recurring plan. TickTalk, Xplora, Gabb, and Garmin each use service arrangements that should be checked before purchase.
Q: What is the best kids smartwatch for a child who should not have social media?
A: The Gabb Watch 3 and Xplora X6Play are strong choices because they emphasize approved contacts, GPS, and parental controls rather than open social-media access. The best choice depends on the required calling features, network compatibility, and subscription price.
Q: Which kids smartwatch is best for video calling?
A: The TickTalk 5 is the clearest choice in this guide because it includes a camera and supports video calling. It also has messaging, GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and SOS features.
Q: Are kids’ smartwatches waterproof?
A: They are water-resistant to different degrees, not universally waterproof. TickTalk 5 is rated IP67, Gabb Watch 3 is rated IP68, and Garmin Bounce is listed with a 5 ATM water rating. Follow the manufacturer’s restrictions for swimming, bathing, salt water, and charging.
Q: Can a child use an Apple Watch without an iPhone?
A: A compatible cellular Apple Watch can be configured through Family Setup so a child can use communication and location features independently. However, the family still needs compatible Apple hardware, an Apple account, and a supported cellular plan.
Q: Can parents track a child with a kids’ smartwatch?
A: Cellular kids’ watches commonly provide GPS location sharing, location history, geofencing, or arrival alerts through a parent app. Accuracy and update behavior depend on satellite visibility, cellular coverage, device settings, and the manufacturer’s software.
Q: Which kids’ smartwatch has the best battery life?
A: Battery performance varies with calling, GPS frequency, cellular coverage, and usage, so manufacturer claims are not directly comparable. Check the stated battery specification for the exact model and expect heavier GPS or call use to require more frequent charging.
Q: What age is appropriate for a kids’ smartwatch?
A: Many purpose-built models are aimed broadly at children from about 5 to 12 years old, but readiness matters more than a specific age. A child should understand approved contacts, location sharing, charging, school rules, and what to do if the watch is lost.