10 Best Kids Smart Watches 2026 in the United States

The Apple Watch SE 3 GPS 40mm is a high-quality smartwatch that can serve kids well, especially those who are a bit older or tech-savvy. It offers reliable built-in GPS for location tracking, which is great for parents wanting to keep an eye on their child's whereabouts. The battery lasts about 18 hours with normal use, enough for a full day, and it charges quickly, so kids won’t be stuck waiting long to get back on. Its durable aluminum case and tough Ion-X glass provide reasonable protection against everyday bumps and scrapes, though it’s not specifically designed as a rugged kids' watch.

Parental controls are supported through the "Apple Watch For Your Kids" setup, letting parents manage calls, texts, and location sharing even if the child doesn’t have their own iPhone. This helps keep communication safe and under supervision. The watch includes many health and fitness features like heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and fitness workouts, which can encourage healthy habits but it lacks explicit educational apps or games tailored for younger children.

Communication options are solid with texting, calling, Siri voice assistant, and notifications, but these require pairing with an iPhone or Wi-Fi. The always-on display is convenient, making it easy for kids to check the time or notifications without extra effort. Design-wise, the 40mm size and lightweight build make it comfortable for smaller wrists, and there are various band colors and styles to choose from. While it is water resistant, it may not be as rugged or kid-focused as other watches specifically made for younger children with heavy play in mind. Some advanced health features might be more useful for adults than kids. The Apple Watch SE 3 is a versatile, stylish smartwatch with strong tracking, communication, and safety features that suit preteens and teens, but families looking for simple, durable watches with built-in educational tools for younger kids might want to explore other options.

The Garmin Bounce™ 2 is a solid choice for parents looking for a kids' smartwatch with strong safety and communication features. Its real-time GPS tracking and geofencing alerts help parents keep an eye on their child’s location, though these features require an active subscription and LTE connectivity. Two-way calls, voice messaging, and text messaging provide easy ways to stay connected, making it more than just a basic tracker. The watch also includes an emergency assistance function for added security.

Battery life lasts up to 2 days, which is decent but can drain faster when using GPS or communication features frequently. The watch is lightweight and comfortable for kids to wear, with a durable design suitable for active use. Parents can manage tasks, track activity, and set schedules through the Garmin Jr. app, adding an educational and behavioral dimension.

Some features like music streaming need separate subscriptions, and the device’s durability details are less emphasized compared to other rugged kids' watches. It presents a well-rounded option for parents wanting a blend of safety, communication, and basic educational tools in a child-friendly smartwatch, though the need for subscriptions and moderate battery life are worth considering.

The Fitbit Google Ace LTE is a solid choice for a kids smartwatch, especially for parents wanting reliable GPS tracking and constant connectivity through its built-in 4G LTE. It offers peace of mind with real-time location tracking and the ability to call or message up to 20 approved contacts without needing a separate phone number, which is great for safety and staying connected. Battery life is adequate for a full day of active use, with over 16 hours and fast charging to quickly get back in action. Durability is impressive with Gorilla Glass 3, a protective bumper, and water resistance up to 50 meters, making it tough enough for active kids. Parental controls like School Time mode help limit distractions while still allowing essential communication.

The watch encourages movement through activity-based games and the Fitbit Arcade, adding educational and fitness value. Design-wise, the lightweight and comfortable band should suit children well, and the touchscreen is easy to use. One downside is the mandatory Fitbit Ace Pass data plan for LTE features, which adds ongoing costs. Also, communication features require specific Android or iOS versions and a Google account, which might complicate setup for some families. While it doesn’t allow kids to message each other directly, this restriction supports safer usage.

The Fitbit Ace LTE is a feature-rich, durable, and safety-focused smartwatch ideal for kids who want interactive fitness fun combined with secure parental monitoring and communication.