The best kids' smartwatches now rival adult models, offering robust, child-friendly designs packed with features. These mini wearables track activity levels, encourage exercise through step goals, and some even include GPS tracking, games, and cameras. For parents wanting to delay giving their child a smartphone, connected smartwatches with restricted calling and messaging provide a great alternative without social media or unrestricted internet access.
To find the top options, I tested several models over a month with my six-year-old and nine-year-old helpers. We evaluated ease of setup, battery life, screen quality, features, and kid-appeal. The Garmin Bounce 2 emerged as the best overall. Its slate grey design felt more grown-up, appealing to style-conscious tweens. Setup was straightforward via the Garmin Jr app, and the LTE subscription (£9.99/month) enabled real-time location tracking and geofencing. The screen was the brightest and most responsive, and my nine-year-old quickly mastered calling, messaging, and using pre-programmed emojis. He loved the sports apps for biking and swimming, and the school mode kept distractions at bay. Despite being the priciest option, it's a worthwhile investment for years of use.
For a budget-friendly choice, the Ice-Watch offers impressive features at a low price. Setup was quick, and it includes a step counter, distance tracking, sports modes, sleep tracking, and heart rate monitoring (though accuracy was questionable, recording 96bpm when not worn). Navigation via touchscreen and side button was easy for my nine-year-old. The parent app is relatively straightforward, making it a solid entry-level option.
Other models tested included various connected smartwatches with calling and messaging, all designed to keep kids active and safe. My testers particularly enjoyed the fun features like cameras and games, while I appreciated the peace of mind from GPS tracking and restricted communication. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your child's age, your budget, and whether you prioritise fitness tracking, connectivity, or entertainment.
