Smartwatches used to be more gimmicky than purposeful. There was a day not so long ago when such devices did little more than tell the time. Today's smart watches, like the Apple Watch 6, are all about function, and that includes watches for children that can now do everything from monitor health to keep kids safe when they're away from home. We've tested them all and have rounded up a list of the best kids' smartwatches of the year.
Dual cameras
VTech's DX2 is geared toward ages 4-12 and combines safety, education, and fun in one small, wrist-friendly design. Kids can play games, learn to tell time, take pics and videos, and count their steps. This is our top choice and the best kids' smartwatch of the year.
For older kids
Ideal for older kids with smartphones, the Android and Apple-compatible Amazfit Bip U Pro has an impressive nine-day battery life. You'll also get GPS, phone notifications, a step tracker, an exercise monitor, and a heartrate monitor.
Health + learning
Garmin's best feature is its battery, which lasts a full year without a charge. Kids ages 4-9 and parents (who can monitor the watch via their phone) will love the step tracker, swim-friendly band, games, and chore management features.
Best for fitness
Kids will learn to love fitness with Fitbit's Ace 3. Children earn virtual badges for reaching goals, and the tracker keeps count of steps, swim laps, skipping, jumps, and more. Battery life is a solid eight days.
Best for iPhone users
The all-new Apple Watch 6 gets high marks from us. It tracks exercise, steps, and your heart rhythm, all while keeping you abreast of what's happening in your inbox and Messages app. And there are a ton of Apple Watch 6 accessories on the market, so you can personalize your watch anyway you like.
Waterproof wonder
This waterproof smartwatch works on AT&T or T-Mobile and is outstanding for holding two-way conversations with kids via video chat. It also features voice messages, a touchscreen, two-way texting, a selfie cam, and a child locator.
Affordable adult-like watch
Aimed at older kids, the iTouch has a built-in heart rate monitor, plus it reads blood oxygen levels. You'll also get a pedometer, calorie tracker, sleep monitor, and exercise tracker in a sporty package that's just a fraction of the Apple Watch cost.
If you want our recommendation
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What's the best kids' smartwatch? All of these picks are stellar choices for helping your kids do everything from learning to tell time to video chat and play games. My favorite is the VTech Kidizoom DX2 for its safety features and parental controls. Plus, the dual cameras for videos and selfies, plus games and challenges, make this a fun watch for kids.
If you're looking for a smartwatch for an older kid with a smartphone, look no further than the Amazfit Bip U Pro. It has a heartrate monitor, exercise, and step counter, and the battery lasts for more than a month.
And if you're more interested in getting your child hooked on fitness, grab the Garmin Vivofit Jr 3. The battery holds out for a year, and your child will be motivated to walk and play to unlock achievements and games.
