{"id":69801,"date":"2026-11-13T08:30:00","date_gmt":"2026-11-13T03:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/?p=69801"},"modified":"2026-11-10T16:54:16","modified_gmt":"2026-11-10T11:24:16","slug":"kids-smart-watch","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2026\/11\/kids-smart-watch\/","title":{"rendered":"9 Best Kids Smartwatches: GPS, Calling and Safe Picks for Every Age"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>A kids smart watch lets your child call you, share their location and send an SOS without handing them a full smartphone. The trick is picking the right one: some lock everything down for a 6-year-old, others are really a grown-up smartwatch with parental controls for a 12-year-old. We compared nine watches you can buy in the US right now, using each maker&#8217;s own specs and plan prices.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-70111\" src=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-content\/uploads\/kids-smartwatch-on-wrist.jpg\" alt=\"A white smartwatch worn on a wrist\" width=\"1200\" height=\"630\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-content\/uploads\/kids-smartwatch-on-wrist.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-content\/uploads\/kids-smartwatch-on-wrist-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-content\/uploads\/kids-smartwatch-on-wrist-1024x538.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-content\/uploads\/kids-smartwatch-on-wrist-150x79.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-content\/uploads\/kids-smartwatch-on-wrist-768x403.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<div style=\"border: 1px solid #d0d7de; border-radius: 8px; padding: 12px 16px; background: #f6f8fa;\">\n<p><strong>Quick answer<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Best for a first watch (ages 5-8):<\/strong> Gabb Watch 3e<\/li>\n<li><strong>Best for video calls with younger kids:<\/strong> TickTalk 6<\/li>\n<li><strong>Best value:<\/strong> Cosmo JrTrack 5 SE<\/li>\n<li><strong>Best on Verizon:<\/strong> Gizmo Watch 4<\/li>\n<li><strong>Best for active kids:<\/strong> Garmin Bounce 2<\/li>\n<li><strong>Best for tweens:<\/strong> Bark Watch<\/li>\n<li><strong>Best for iPhone families:<\/strong> Apple Watch SE 3 with Apple Watch For Your Kids<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_89 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6af688ec74749\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"ez-toc-cssicon\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #1a202c;color:#1a202c\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #1a202c;color:#1a202c\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6af688ec74749\" checked aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2026\/11\/kids-smart-watch\/#Kids_smartwatches_compared\" >Kids smartwatches compared<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2026\/11\/kids-smart-watch\/#What_to_look_for_before_you_buy\" >What to look for before you buy<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2026\/11\/kids-smart-watch\/#The_9_best_kids_smartwatches\" >The 9 best kids smartwatches<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2026\/11\/kids-smart-watch\/#1_Gabb_Watch_3e_best_first_watch_for_ages_5-8\" >1. Gabb Watch 3e: best first watch for ages 5-8<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2026\/11\/kids-smart-watch\/#2_TickTalk_6_best_for_video_calls_with_younger_kids\" >2. TickTalk 6: best for video calls with younger kids<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2026\/11\/kids-smart-watch\/#3_Cosmo_JrTrack_5_SE_best_value\" >3. Cosmo JrTrack 5 SE: best value<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2026\/11\/kids-smart-watch\/#4_Verizon_Gizmo_Watch_4_best_for_Verizon_families\" >4. Verizon Gizmo Watch 4: best for Verizon families<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2026\/11\/kids-smart-watch\/#5_Garmin_Bounce_2_best_for_active_kids\" >5. Garmin Bounce 2: best for active kids<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2026\/11\/kids-smart-watch\/#6_Bark_Watch_best_for_tweens\" >6. Bark Watch: best for tweens<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2026\/11\/kids-smart-watch\/#7_Xplora_X6Play_simple_GPS_and_calling\" >7. Xplora X6Play: simple GPS and calling<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2026\/11\/kids-smart-watch\/#8_Apple_Watch_SE_3_with_Apple_Watch_For_Your_Kids_best_for_iPhone_families\" >8. Apple Watch SE 3 with Apple Watch For Your Kids: best for iPhone families<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2026\/11\/kids-smart-watch\/#9_Samsung_Galaxy_Watch_for_Kids_best_for_Samsung_families\" >9. Samsung Galaxy Watch for Kids: best for Samsung families<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2026\/11\/kids-smart-watch\/#Which_kids_watch_should_you_pick\" >Which kids watch should you pick?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2026\/11\/kids-smart-watch\/#How_to_set_up_a_kids_smartwatch_safely\" >How to set up a kids smartwatch safely<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2026\/11\/kids-smart-watch\/#FAQ\" >FAQ<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2026\/11\/kids-smart-watch\/#Can_a_kid_have_a_smartwatch_without_a_phone\" >Can a kid have a smartwatch without a phone?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2026\/11\/kids-smart-watch\/#What_is_the_best_age_for_a_kids_smartwatch\" >What is the best age for a kids smartwatch?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2026\/11\/kids-smart-watch\/#Do_kids_smartwatches_need_a_SIM_card_or_data_plan\" >Do kids smartwatches need a SIM card or data plan?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2026\/11\/kids-smart-watch\/#Can_you_get_a_Gizmo_Watch_without_Verizon\" >Can you get a Gizmo Watch without Verizon?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2026\/11\/kids-smart-watch\/#Are_kids_smartwatches_safe_for_privacy\" >Are kids smartwatches safe for privacy?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Kids_smartwatches_compared\"><\/span>Kids smartwatches compared<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Watch<\/th>\n<th>Best for<\/th>\n<th>Watch price<\/th>\n<th>Monthly plan<\/th>\n<th>Camera<\/th>\n<th>Ages (maker)<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Gabb Watch 3e<\/td>\n<td>First watch<\/td>\n<td>$229.99 (+$30 activation)<\/td>\n<td>$12.99-$17.99<\/td>\n<td>No<\/td>\n<td>5-12<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>TickTalk 6<\/td>\n<td>Video calls<\/td>\n<td>$169.99<\/td>\n<td>$9.99 or $19.99<\/td>\n<td>Yes (5MP)<\/td>\n<td>3-12<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Cosmo JrTrack 5 SE<\/td>\n<td>Value, music<\/td>\n<td>$129.99 (+$14.99 activation)<\/td>\n<td>$9.99-$19.99<\/td>\n<td>Yes (2MP)<\/td>\n<td>6-12<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Verizon Gizmo Watch 4<\/td>\n<td>Verizon families<\/td>\n<td>$179.99<\/td>\n<td>Verizon &#8220;Unlimited for Gizmo&#8221;<\/td>\n<td>Front camera for video calls<\/td>\n<td>Not stated<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Garmin Bounce 2<\/td>\n<td>Active kids<\/td>\n<td>$299.99<\/td>\n<td>$9.99 LTE<\/td>\n<td>Not stated<\/td>\n<td>Not stated<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Bark Watch<\/td>\n<td>Tweens<\/td>\n<td>$288<\/td>\n<td>$15<\/td>\n<td>No<\/td>\n<td>Older kids<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Xplora X6Play<\/td>\n<td>Simple GPS + calls<\/td>\n<td>$169.99<\/td>\n<td>$12<\/td>\n<td>Yes (5MP)<\/td>\n<td>Varies on page<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Apple Watch SE 3 (cellular)<\/td>\n<td>iPhone families<\/td>\n<td>From $249 (GPS model)<\/td>\n<td>Through your carrier<\/td>\n<td>No<\/td>\n<td>No minimum<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Samsung Galaxy Watch for Kids<\/td>\n<td>Samsung families<\/td>\n<td>Varies by model<\/td>\n<td>Verizon, AT&amp;T or T-Mobile line<\/td>\n<td>No<\/td>\n<td>Under 13 needs parental consent<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><em>Prices are the makers&#8217; list prices when we checked in November 2026 and can change, especially during holiday sales. Plan prices do not include taxes or activation unless shown.<\/em><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_to_look_for_before_you_buy\"><\/span>What to look for before you buy<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Calling and approved contacts.<\/strong> The core job. Most kids watches only let your child call and text numbers you approve in the parent app. Check how many contacts you can add (Gabb allows up to 100, Gizmo Watch 4 up to 40).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Location updates.<\/strong> &#8220;Real-time&#8221; GPS means you see where your child is right now. Some watches update every few minutes to save battery. Gabb, for example, says its location updates about every 15 minutes.<\/li>\n<li><strong>SOS button.<\/strong> Find out who it calls. Some watches alert parents only, some can also dial 911, and on some 911 is optional or off by default.<\/li>\n<li><strong>School mode.<\/strong> Look for a schedule that turns off games and calls during class but keeps SOS working. Many schools have rules about watches, so this matters.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Camera or no camera.<\/strong> A camera means video calls and photos, which younger kids love, but also more to manage. No camera is the simplest choice.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Internet, apps and social media.<\/strong> Most kids watches have none of these. Apple and Samsung watches can install apps, but you approve each one.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Plan and network.<\/strong> Every cellular kids watch needs its own monthly plan. Some use the brand&#8217;s own service; Gizmo and SyncUP only work with Verizon and T-Mobile.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Battery and water resistance.<\/strong> A full school day plus evening is the minimum. Look for IP68 or 5ATM if your child swims or plays outside.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_9_best_kids_smartwatches\"><\/span>The 9 best kids smartwatches<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Gabb_Watch_3e_best_first_watch_for_ages_5-8\"><\/span>1. Gabb Watch 3e: best first watch for ages 5-8<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/gabb.com\/gabb-watch\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Gabb Watch 3e<\/a> is the simplest watch here, and that is the point. It has no camera, no browser, no social media and no third-party apps. Your child can call and text up to 100 contacts you approve, and the SOS button calls a parent. A scheduled Focus Mode keeps it quiet at school.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Price:<\/strong> $229.99 list (it was on sale for $209.99 when we checked), plus a $30 activation fee<\/li>\n<li><strong>Buy:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/go\/gabb-watch-3e\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored nofollow noopener\">Gabb Watch 3e on Amazon<\/a> (you still pick and activate a Gabb plan)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Plan:<\/strong> $12.99 a month on a 2-year contract, $14.99 on 1 year, or $17.99 with no contract (see Gabb&#8217;s plans page)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Battery and water:<\/strong> about 14-18 hours; IP68<\/li>\n<li><strong>Parent app:<\/strong> MyGabb<\/li>\n<li><strong>Keep in mind:<\/strong> location updates about every 15 minutes, not live, and SOS calls a parent rather than 911<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_TickTalk_6_best_for_video_calls_with_younger_kids\"><\/span>2. TickTalk 6: best for video calls with younger kids<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.myticktalk.com\/products\/ticktalk-6\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">TickTalk 6<\/a> replaces the TickTalk 5. It adds a 5MP camera for video calls with approved contacts, real-time GPS, a School\/Focus Mode, and an SOS that can also reach 911 in the US. There is no internet, no games and no social media.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Price:<\/strong> $169.99<\/li>\n<li><strong>Plan:<\/strong> Essential $9.99 a month (1GB, 1,000 minutes) or Premium $19.99 a month (unlimited)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Battery and water:<\/strong> about 48 hours of use; IP68<\/li>\n<li><strong>Ages:<\/strong> TickTalk suggests 3-12<\/li>\n<li><strong>Keep in mind:<\/strong> video calling is fun but uses more battery than voice calls<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Cosmo_JrTrack_5_SE_best_value\"><\/span>3. Cosmo JrTrack 5 SE: best value<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/cosmotogether.com\/pages\/startphone\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Cosmo JrTrack 5 SE<\/a> is the cheapest watch on this list to buy, and its prepaid plans bring the monthly cost down too. It has fast GPS updates, calls and texts with approved contacts, and a clever School-Fi feature that switches to school mode automatically when your child arrives at school. An App Station includes Spotify Kids.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Price:<\/strong> $129.99, plus $14.99 activation<\/li>\n<li><strong>Plan:<\/strong> $19.99 a month month-to-month, or prepaid from $9.99 a month (2 years)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Battery and water:<\/strong> 18-24 hours; IP68<\/li>\n<li><strong>Keep in mind:<\/strong> SOS alerts guardians, and 911 calling is optional and off by default, so turn it on in the app if you want it; no video calls<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Verizon_Gizmo_Watch_4_best_for_Verizon_families\"><\/span>4. Verizon Gizmo Watch 4: best for Verizon families<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.verizon.com\/connected-smartwatches\/verizon-gizmo-watch-4\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Gizmo Watch 4<\/a> offers real-time GPS with safe zones, calls, texts and voice notes with up to 40 approved contacts, short video calls (up to 3 minutes), and an SOS button that still works in School Mode. It also has an optional &#8220;Ask &amp; Learn&#8221; AI helper.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Price:<\/strong> $179.99<\/li>\n<li><strong>Plan:<\/strong> Verizon only, on its Unlimited for Gizmo plan (check Verizon for today&#8217;s price)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Battery and water:<\/strong> up to 36 hours of use; 5ATM<\/li>\n<li><strong>Parent app:<\/strong> Verizon Family<\/li>\n<li><strong>Budget option:<\/strong> the camera-free Gizmo Watch 3 Adventure is $99.99<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Garmin_Bounce_2_best_for_active_kids\"><\/span>5. Garmin Bounce 2: best for active kids<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.garmin.com\/en-US\/p\/1815501\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Garmin Bounce 2<\/a> is the sportiest pick. Besides location tracking, two-way calls, voice messages and texts with a full keyboard, it has activity tracking, chores, games and sports apps. It can also download music from Amazon Music if you have Prime or Amazon Music Unlimited.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Price:<\/strong> $299.99<\/li>\n<li><strong>Buy:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/go\/garmin-bounce-2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored nofollow noopener\">Garmin Bounce 2 on Amazon<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Plan:<\/strong> LTE $9.99 a month<\/li>\n<li><strong>Battery and water:<\/strong> up to 2 days; Garmin calls it swim-friendly<\/li>\n<li><strong>Parent app:<\/strong> Garmin Jr. on your phone<\/li>\n<li><strong>Keep in mind:<\/strong> the most expensive dedicated kids watch here; check Garmin&#8217;s page for its SOS and school-time options before you buy<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Bark_Watch_best_for_tweens\"><\/span>6. Bark Watch: best for tweens<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bark.us\/bark-watch\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Bark Watch<\/a> is built on a Samsung Galaxy Watch8 (40mm LTE), so it looks like a regular grown-up smartwatch, which older kids appreciate. Bark adds its monitoring: it scans texts and media for signs of trouble and alerts you. Calls, group texts, dual-frequency GPS and an SOS with a 911 option are included; there is no camera, browser, games or social media.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Price:<\/strong> $288 one-time (Bark also offers a monthly payment option)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Plan:<\/strong> $15 a month<\/li>\n<li><strong>Water:<\/strong> 5ATM and IP68<\/li>\n<li><strong>Parent app:<\/strong> Bark<\/li>\n<li><strong>Keep in mind:<\/strong> contact approval is optional here, so switch it on if you want only approved callers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_Xplora_X6Play_simple_GPS_and_calling\"><\/span>7. Xplora X6Play: simple GPS and calling<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/shop.myxplora.com\/products\/x6play\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Xplora X6Play<\/a> covers the basics well: GPS, Wi-Fi and cell-tower location with safe zones, calls and texts with approved contacts, a 5MP camera, a &#8220;Beyond School&#8221; mode and an SOS you trigger by holding the button for 10 seconds. No internet or social media.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Price:<\/strong> $169.99<\/li>\n<li><strong>Buy:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/go\/xplora-x6play\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored nofollow noopener\">Xplora X6Play on Amazon<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Plan:<\/strong> $12 a month with Xplora&#8217;s SIM<\/li>\n<li><strong>Battery and water:<\/strong> up to 2 days; IP68<\/li>\n<li><strong>Parent app:<\/strong> Xplora Guardian<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8_Apple_Watch_SE_3_with_Apple_Watch_For_Your_Kids_best_for_iPhone_families\"><\/span>8. Apple Watch SE 3 with Apple Watch For Your Kids: best for iPhone families<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>If you already use an iPhone, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.apple.com\/apple-watch-se-3\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Apple Watch SE 3<\/a> can be set up for a child who doesn&#8217;t have an iPhone, using Apple&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/support.apple.com\/en-us\/109036\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Apple Watch For Your Kids<\/a> (formerly Family Setup). You get Find My location, Schooltime, Messages and approved apps from the App Store. It grows with your child into the teen years.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Price:<\/strong> from $249 for the GPS model; you need the GPS + Cellular model for this setup, which costs more<\/li>\n<li><strong>Buy:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/go\/apple-watch-se-3\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored nofollow noopener\">Apple Watch SE 3 on Amazon<\/a> (choose the GPS + Cellular version)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Plan:<\/strong> a watch line from your carrier, if it supports Apple Watch For Your Kids<\/li>\n<li><strong>Battery and water:<\/strong> up to 18 hours; water resistant to 50m<\/li>\n<li><strong>Keep in mind:<\/strong> you need your own iPhone, and some health features are age-limited (for example, Fall Detection is for 18+)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"9_Samsung_Galaxy_Watch_for_Kids_best_for_Samsung_families\"><\/span>9. Samsung Galaxy Watch for Kids: best for Samsung families<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Samsung&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.samsung.com\/us\/watches\/galaxy-watch-for-kids\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Galaxy Watch for Kids<\/a> experience turns an LTE Galaxy Watch (Watch8 or Watch7) into a kid-friendly watch managed with Google Family Link. You approve contacts and apps, set School time, and get location and safe-zone alerts. Pressing the side button five times sends an SOS.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Price:<\/strong> depends on the watch model you choose<\/li>\n<li><strong>Plan:<\/strong> an LTE line from Verizon, AT&amp;T or T-Mobile<\/li>\n<li><strong>Keep in mind:<\/strong> you need a Samsung Galaxy phone to set it up<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Which_kids_watch_should_you_pick\"><\/span>Which kids watch should you pick?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Ages 5-8, first device:<\/strong> Gabb Watch 3e for the fewest distractions, or TickTalk 6 if video calls with grandparents matter.<\/li>\n<li><strong>On a tight budget:<\/strong> Cosmo JrTrack 5 SE, or the Gizmo Watch 3 Adventure if you&#8217;re already on Verizon.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Sporty kids:<\/strong> Garmin Bounce 2.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Ages 10-13:<\/strong> Bark Watch, or an Apple or Samsung watch if your family already uses that phone.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Already on Verizon or T-Mobile:<\/strong> check the carrier&#8217;s own watch first; it often has the easiest setup.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Shopping for a gift and not sure a watch is right? Our free <a href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/tools\/gift-idea-generator\/\">gift idea generator<\/a> suggests ideas by age and interest.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_set_up_a_kids_smartwatch_safely\"><\/span>How to set up a kids smartwatch safely<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Add only people you know<\/strong> to the approved contacts list, and turn on contact approval if it&#8217;s optional.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Test the SOS button together<\/strong> so your child knows how it works and who it calls.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Set a school schedule<\/strong> and check your school&#8217;s rules on smartwatches.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Set safe zones<\/strong> (home, school, grandparents) so you get an alert when your child arrives or leaves.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Read the privacy settings.<\/strong> The FTC&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/node\/76325\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">advice on smart toys and devices<\/a> suggests checking what the camera and microphone record, what data is stored and whether you can delete it.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Talk about it.<\/strong> Explain that the watch is for staying in touch and staying safe, not for tracking them in secret.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>When your child is ready for more screen time, our guides to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2015\/02\/download-youtube-kids-app\/\">YouTube Kids parental controls<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2012\/09\/lock-google-safe-search-protect-children-online\/\">locking SafeSearch<\/a> help keep the next step safe too.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQ\"><\/span>FAQ<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_a_kid_have_a_smartwatch_without_a_phone\"><\/span>Can a kid have a smartwatch without a phone?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes. Dedicated kids watches like Gabb, TickTalk, Cosmo and Xplora work on their own with their own plan; your child doesn&#8217;t need a phone. You do need a smartphone for the parent app.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_best_age_for_a_kids_smartwatch\"><\/span>What is the best age for a kids smartwatch?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Most makers aim at ages 5-12. A simple watch suits ages 5-8; tweens often prefer a watch that looks like a regular smartwatch, like the Bark Watch.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_kids_smartwatches_need_a_SIM_card_or_data_plan\"><\/span>Do kids smartwatches need a SIM card or data plan?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>For calling and live location away from Wi-Fi, yes. Every watch here needs a monthly plan, usually $10-$20 a month, either from the watch brand or a carrier.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_you_get_a_Gizmo_Watch_without_Verizon\"><\/span>Can you get a Gizmo Watch without Verizon?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>No. The Gizmo Watch works only on Verizon&#8217;s network and needs a Verizon plan.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_kids_smartwatches_safe_for_privacy\"><\/span>Are kids smartwatches safe for privacy?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The good ones limit who can contact your child and have no internet or social media. Still, they collect location data, so read the privacy policy, use the parent app&#8217;s settings and follow the FTC&#8217;s tips above.<\/p>\n<p>Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, QuickOnlineTips earns from qualifying purchases.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A kids smart watch lets your child call you, share their location and send an SOS without handing them a&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":70111,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_post_transparent":"default","_kad_post_title":"default","_kad_post_layout":"default","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"default","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"default","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[15],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-69801","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-gadgets"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/69801","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=69801"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/69801\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":70170,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/69801\/revisions\/70170"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/70111"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=69801"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=69801"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=69801"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}