A GPS watch can help you protect your child as they grow more independent. But with new models popping up daily, each boasting a wide range of features and claims, we parents can quickly become overwhelmed.
That’s why we’ve chosen some essential criteria to focus on in our search: accuracy, battery life, durability, and ease of use. With these necessary features, we’ve narrowed down hundreds of models to find the six best GPS watches for kids. Not only did these units impress us, but thousands of parents agree that these are better than the rest.
Keep an eye on your kids from afar — without breaking the bank — with a top-quality GPS watch.
- Accurate GPS tracker
- 100 hours runtime
- Facetalk
- Fantastic for various activities
- Large, high-quality screen
- Classroom mode
- Multifarious color options
- Waterproof materials
- Sleep tracker
- Waterproof
- Great Battery Life
- More than 12 features
- GPS tracker
- Smart emergency button
- School mode
- Fun features
- Flashlight
- Two-way calls
The Best GPS Watches for Kids of 2024
Using our list of features above, we set out to find the best kid’s GPS watches. We researched leading sites on the subject as well as analyzing parent reviews. Here’s our top seven:
TickTalk 4 Unlocked 4G LTE Kids Smart Watch
Best Kid's GPS Smartwatch
The TickTalk 4 is super cute and has much to offer children between the ages of 5 and 12 years.
The watch lets you track your child’s whereabouts, ensuring they’re safe and within range. With the parental control app, you can approve all watch contacts and block unknown numbers, keeping your young one away from strangers.
Your child can even wear it in school thanks to the no-disturb function. Aside from being water resistant, it has several useful features like a camera, video and voice calling, secure messaging, talk-to-text, SOS button, activity tracking, 911 response, and historical routes.
What We Like
Accurate GPS Tracker
This smartwatch utilizes accurate GPS location tracking. This allows the watch to send real-time information about your child’s whereabouts. You connect the watch to your smartphone, and then you can track its location anytime.
SOS Button
A must-have safety feature is the SOS button. If there’s an emergency when your child is out, they can push a simple button. As they do this, the watch will call the three guardian numbers you’ve chosen and send them all a notification.
Remember to add the contacts when you receive the watch, though. Otherwise, the emergency button won’t help. Parents praise how easy it is to set up and use, even for a technology novice.
Long Battery Life
The unit can give you 100 hours of runtime. The battery is superb, using around half of the battery when playing music for 2 hours, which is exceptional.
Video Chat
The TickTalk kids smartwatch is compatible with SIM cards, so if you choose to add one, your child can engage in calls with selected contacts pre-approved by you.
You can also select three no-disturb times for when your child is at school or other places where quiet is necessary.
Camera, Voice Recording, and Other Fun Gadgets
Your kid can also have some fun with this watch. It includes a front and rear camera to snap memories.
Among many other features, the watch has an activity tracker that reminds your child to set daily step goals, perfect for achieving a healthier lifestyle. Do note that there isn’t a single game installed.
What We Don't Like
Simple
Although the watch has a lot to offer, it’s best suited for younger children. It’s recommended for ages 5 to 12 years. However, the design and the simplicity are probably better suited for children under 10.
Product Specs
| Recommended age | 5 to 12 years |
| Color | Pink, blue, black |
| Call options | Yes |
| Camera | Yes |
| SOS emergency call | Yes |
Our Ratings
Rayph Store Kid's GPS Smart Watch
Best GPS Watch For the Active Child
For active children, we recommend this GPS watch. It features excellent functions, enabling your child to track their fitness goals. They can use it while doing almost any sport, even swimming.
It has a camera and photo album — catching all your child’s important moments. Connecting to the app allows you to keep track of your child and help them set alarms and no-disturb times.
The watch is available in both pink and blue. It’s recommended for children between the ages of 5 and 12.
What We Like
Fantastic for Various Activities
This watch is excellent for active children who engage in various sports. The watch includes a fitness tracker, which counts steps and monitors your child’s activity levels. It’s also waterproof and can be submerged for up to three hours — ample time for swimming lessons.
Large, High-Quality Screen
The watch includes a 1.44-inch, high-definition screen. It’s perfect for viewing incoming calls and playing games, among other things. The touch screen is easy to use, enabling your child to scroll through the phonebook and other included apps effortlessly.
Camera
Your child can record their life using the front-view camera on the watch. They can snap plenty of photos, which you can later upload to your computer using a USB cable. You can also view the images in the watch’s album, which can hold up to 32 MB.
Classroom Mode
You can set no-disturb times for when your kids are in the classroom. You can identify up to three different periods per day and control it all from the app on your phone.
What We Don't Like
Not Useful Without a SIM Card
You will need to purchase a compatible SIM card — otherwise, most of the essential functions won’t work. In the U.S., the manufacturer recommends T-Mobile.
Product Specs
| Recommended age | 5 to 12 years |
| Color | Pink or blue |
| Call options | Yes |
| Camera | Yes |
| SOS emergency call | Yes |
Our Ratings
Blackview Kid's GPS Waterproof Smartwatch
Best GPS Tracker for Kids
If your child does a lot of after-school activities, this watch is worth a look.
The Blackview GPS watch offers plenty of functions your child can use. They can call, text, set an alarm, or even get notifications from applications installed on their phone. Plus, it allows parents to easily track their kids’ whereabouts with the accurate built-in satellite positioning system.
You can control it all and keep track of your child from a mobile app.
What We Like
Precise GPS
The built-in GPS is incredibly accurate when your child is outdoors. You can even view a weather report, ensuring your child will stay safe and dry.
Waterproof Materials
Made with waterproof materials, your child can continue to wear the watch even during watersports. The manufacturer was certified to 5ATM standards, which means that the watch is water-resistant for up to 50 meters within 10 minutes.
Sleep Tracker
The watch will automatically track your child’s sleep quality and sleeping time.
What We Don't Like
App Notification May Be Distracting
Some parents want their child to focus on their studies at a given time. However, when the watch is synchronized with a social networking app, it may get their child’s attention, and they might lose their focus on the task. Thankfully, you have the option to turn off notifications in the app.
Product Specs
| Recommended age | Not specified |
| Color | Black, pink, gray, green |
| Call options | Yes |
| Camera | Yes |
| SOS emergency call | No |
Our Ratings
Vaoyao Waterproof Smart Watch
Best GPS Watch for Watersports
If your kid loves swimming, paddle boarding, or diving, this is a great watch to consider. It doesn’t track physical activities, calories, or steps but is completely waterproof. So no matter where they are, the GPS function continues to operate.
It can track kids all day with super-accurate positioning. Keep in mind that if they’re indoors or somewhere with a bad signal, the positioning may be off.
What We Like
Waterproof
When a child gets a new watch, it’s exciting! With this watch, they never need to remove it because it’s waterproof. So if they’re out in the rain, swimming, canoeing, showering, or just doing the dishes, it can stay on at all times.
Long Battery Life
This watch could last up to 30 days on standby mode or seven days when constantly in use. This is one impressive feature to consider as it means longer charging intervals.
Calling Features
If you don’t want your kid to have a cell phone yet, but you want to stay in touch throughout the day, this is a top choice. Your child can call you directly from the watch. The watch has a built-in phone book so they can add all the contacts they need.
What We Don't Like
Unknown Brand
One downfall is that the company’s brand is not well known and has not been in the industry for a long time. This may mean a lack of trust from future buyers.
Product Specs
| Recommended age | 5 to 14 years |
| Color | Blue |
| Call options | Yes |
| Camera | Yes |
| SOS emergency call | No |
Our Ratings
Xplora X5 Play Watch Phone for Kids
Best GPS Watch for Girls
We found this cute GPS watch for your girl. Besides the pretty appearance, this watch has plenty to offer.
It utilizes multiple services to give you an accurate location, and there’s an option for you to set up safety zones around some locations, such as home and school.
You can keep a close watch through the app.
Among other things, it allows you to add your number as the primary contact.
What We Like
GPS Tracker
This watch uses multiple GPS services to give you the most accurate location of your child.
Smart Emergency Button
If your child is in distress, they can use the emergency button to contact you. It’s straightforward to use and doesn’t even require the wearer to watch the screen. As they push the button, the watch sends out notification calls to all of the three selected numbers.
Do Not Disturb Mode
One of the best things about this watch is that the parents are in charge of almost everything. Parents can set no-disturb times blocking their kid from accessing features like games or the camera, but it still allows for SOS emergency calls and the GPS.
What We Don't Like
Battery Life
The only drawback of this GPS watch is that it requires frequent charging — every two to three days.
Product Specs
| Recommended age | 5 to 12 years |
| Color | Pink, blue, black |
| Call options | Yes |
| Camera | Yes |
| SOS emergency call | Yes |
Our Ratings
PTHTechUS 4G GPS Kids Smartwatch Phone Tracker
Best GPS Watch for Boys
This watch from PTHTechUS is good for boys who enjoy being active. The watch uses a GPS and LBS tracker to give you the most precise location. It can make and receive calls and facilitates video and voice chats.
Your child can wear the watch on any occasion, whether it’s at the pool or school. It includes lots of fun features, even some educational games.
It’s easy to set up all the functions by downloading and connecting to the compatible smartphone app.
Although no age range is listed for this watch, any child over 8 years would likely find it cool since it doesn’t have a babyish appearance.
What We Like
Fun Features
This watch is more than just a GPS tracker — it includes fun educational games teaching your little guy math. There’s also a camera function, allowing your child to record their day and present it to you later.
Waterproof Materials
The watch is excellent for summer, as the wearer can safely jump in the pool or run through the sprinklers with it on. Your child can even continue to wear it during bathtime or when washing hands. However, don’t press the buttons or try to use it while it’s submerged.
Time Tracker
Your little one can easily keep track of time thanks to the large clock display on the watch. They can even set their own alarms to wake up in the morning or have you do it through the app.
What’s more, you can enable specific no-disturb times for when your child is in class. All of this is controlled in the app.
Two-Way Calls
When you set up the watch, your child can then call and receive from those selected numbers. Also, it allows you to set up three emergency numbers that will get calls and notifications during emergencies.
What We Don't Like
The Clock Uses a 24-hour Format
This watch is pre-formatted to a 24-hour clock, which can be confusing for some children. Figuring out the settings is tricky, but you can change it to a 12-hour clock instead.
Product Specs
| Recommended age | 4 – 15 years |
| Color | Blue |
| Call options | Yes |
| Camera | Yes |
| SOS emergency call | Yes |
Our Ratings
| Product | Best | Recommended age | Color | Call options | Camera | SOS call |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TickTalk Kids GPS Smartwatch | GPS Smartwatch | 5 – 12 yrs | Pink, blue, black | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Rayph Store Kid’s GPS Smart Watch | For the Active Child | 5 – 12 yrs | Pink or blue | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Blackview GPS Waterproof | GPS Tracker | N/A | Black, pink, gray, green | Yes | Yes | No |
| Vaoyao Waterproof Smart Watch | Watersports | 5 – 14 yrs | Blue | Yes | Yes | No |
| Xplora X5 Play | Girls | 5 – 12 yrs | Pink, blue, black | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| PTHTechUS 4G GPS Kids Smartwatch | Boys | 4 – 15 yrs | Blue | Yes | Yes | Yes |
How to Choose a GPS Watch for Kids
SOS Alerts
One feature at the top of our must-have list is SOS alerts. This is a specified button your child can press in an emergency.
The watch then automatically calls out to a selected group of numbers that also receive notifications. Almost all devices with this feature will continue calling the numbers until someone answers.
Teach The Power Of SOS
Accuracy
Accuracy is essential with such a watch. However, not all are equally precise.
When searching, always look for watches that utilize GPS, not merely LBS, WiFi, or Bluetooth. Bluetooth, in particular, is fairly useless for tracking because it has such a short range (1).
There are different methods of identifying a location, which can make the reading more accurate, but usually, it’s best to stick with GPS.
Two-Way Calls
Another great feature to look for is two-way calling. This transforms the watch into a mini-phone, allowing you to always stay in contact.
You will usually have to use an app to add phone numbers to the watch’s phonebook. Some models only allow the selected numbers to call, blocking others. Most also answer automatically when you call, preventing your child from declining.
To use these functions, you must purchase a compatible SIM card. This will depend on the manufacturer of the watch and your location in the world.
Durable Material
The watch must be durable. A common material manufacturers use for the strap is non-toxic silicone, which is soft and comfortable to wear.
Another good thing to look for is a waterproof exterior. Having to remove the watch every time it rains or when washing hands can get tiring. Plus, forgetful kids may not remember to put it back on.
Not To Be Used Underwater
Camera
Cameras are included on most GPS watches. It doesn’t necessarily add to the safety benefits, but it’s fun for the child. They can snap all the memorable moments and then upload them to a computer or cloud storage.
Why Buy a GPS Watch for Your Child?
It can be easy to view GPS watches as toys. But if you invest in one with the right features, such gadgets can be a great benefit.
A GPS watch helps you keep track of your child at all times. The Global Positioning System (GPS) utilizes satellites to track its approximate location.
Many will have a backup LBS tracker, which uses cell towers to communicate its whereabouts.
Most kid’s GPS watches work the same. They ask you to download an app that gets updates from the GPS inside the kid’s watch. Some high-tech models even allow you to set a limited perimeter, alerting you when your child steps out of it.
It has been estimated that approximately 460,000 children are reported missing each year in the U.S. (2). If your child goes missing while wearing one of these devices, you can find their location quickly.
Even if the watch is removed or broken, it will still transmit where it was last in use. Many parents say that having their child wear a GPS watch gives them some peace of mind, particularly after the child starts school.
FAQs
What is the Best GPS Watch For Kids?
The best GPS watch for kids is one that is durable, has real-time tracking, and offers features like geofencing and SOS alerts for safety.
The TickTalk 4 Unlocked 4G LTE Kids Smart Watch Phone with GPS Tracker is a great option if you want durability and safety features.
What Watch Can I Track My Child With?
Watches like the Verizon GizmoWatch, Vodafone Neo, and TickTalk 4 allow parents to track their child’s location using GPS.
Are Kids’ GPS Watches Worth It?
Yes, for many parents, kids’ GPS watches are worth it for the peace of mind they provide through location tracking and communication features.
Is a GPS Watch Better Than a Phone?
A GPS watch can be better for younger kids as it’s more secure and less likely to be lost or misplaced compared to a phone.
Are Kids’ GPS Watches Safe?
Yes, when used responsibly, kids’ GPS watches are safe. However, it’s important to choose a watch with secure data encryption to protect privacy.
