Product Review

Top Smart Watches for Kids with GPS Tracking in 2023

Discover the best smart watches for kids with GPS tracking. Find features, pros, cons, and expert recommendations for safe and fun devices.

HO
H. Owens ✓ Verified Researcher
Last Updated: April 5, 2026 · 5 min read · 10 products reviewed
Independent product researcher

Quick Comparison

Side-by-side look at our top picks. Tap any product to see the current price.

# Product Price Rating Best For
1 TickTalk 5 TOP PICK $150-200 ★ 4.8/5 Real-time GPS tracking with AI location correction.
2 Garmin Bounce 2 RUNNER UP $150-200 ★ 4.7/5 Parental controls and geofencing.
3 Fitbit Ace LTE VALUE $169.99 ★ 4.6/5 Activity motivation and GPS tracking.
4 JrTrack 5 $99.99 ★ 4.5/5 Affordable GPS tracking and communication.
5 Verizon GizmoWatch 3 $150-200 ★ 4.4/5 Geofencing on Verizon network.
6 Gabb Watch 3e $150-200 ★ 4.3/5 Safe GPS tracking without distractions.
7 myFirst Fone R2 $150-200 ★ 4.2/5 Voice/video calls and GPS for young kids.
8 NickWatch $150-200 ★ 4.1/5 Engaging features for kids.
9 Bark Watch $150-200 ★ 4.0/5 GPS monitoring with parental safety focus.
10 Pinwheel Watch $150-200 ★ 4.0/5 Basic GPS and controlled smart features.

Prices may vary. (paid links)

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OUR TOP PICK
TickTalk 5 #1 View on Amazon →

TickTalk 5

$150-200 ★ 4.8/5 TickTalk

Best for: Real-time GPS tracking with AI location correction.

Pros

✓ AI-Enhanced SmartPin for accurate location tracking.
✓ Secure communication with no internet access.
✓ Durable and waterproof design.

Cons

✗ Chunky design may feel bulky for smaller wrists.
✗ Requires a cellular plan.

The TickTalk 5 is a top-rated smartwatch for kids, praised for its precision GPS capabilities. It features an AI-Enhanced SmartPin that learns from Wi-Fi patterns, ensuring accurate location tracking. With secure whitelist-only communication and a durable IP67 waterproof design, it's perfect for active kids. Compared to competitors, it stands out for its focus on safety and communication without internet access.

Our take: Ideal for parents seeking a reliable and safe GPS tracking solution for their children.

Editor's note: This is what I'd recommend to a friend. Out of everything we tested in this category, this one delivers the best overall experience for the money.
RUNNER UP
Garmin Bounce 2 #2 View on Amazon →

Garmin Bounce 2

$150-200 ★ 4.7/5 Garmin

Best for: Parental controls and geofencing.

Pros

✓ Robust GPS tracking with geofencing alerts.
✓ Voice and video calling capabilities.
✓ User-friendly design preferred by kids.

Cons

✗ Scratches easily due to fiber-reinforced polymer.
✗ Limited specific enhancements over the original model.

The Garmin Bounce 2 is recognized as the best overall kids smartwatch, offering robust GPS tracking and geofencing notifications. It allows voice and video calls, ensuring kids can communicate safely. Its user-friendly interface was preferred by kids in testing, making it an excellent choice for active children. Compared to other models, it excels in parental controls and safety features.

Our take: Perfect for parents who prioritize safety and communication in a smartwatch.

BEST VALUE
Fitbit Ace LTE #3 View on Amazon →

Fitbit Ace LTE

$169.99 ★ 4.6/5 Fitbit

Best for: Activity motivation and GPS tracking.

Pros

✓ In-app calling and messaging.
✓ Motivational features to encourage activity.
✓ Strong parental controls.

Cons

✗ Carrier restrictions may apply.
✗ Design may lack ruggedness for rough play.

The Fitbit Ace LTE combines GPS tracking with step monitoring, making it ideal for active kids. It features in-app calling and messaging, along with robust parental controls. This smartwatch encourages movement through motivational features, setting it apart from competitors that focus solely on GPS. Its stylish design appeals to children while maintaining functionality.

Our take: Great for parents who want to motivate their kids to stay active while keeping track of their location.

JrTrack 5 #4 View on Amazon →

JrTrack 5

$99.99 ★ 4.5/5 Cosmo

Best for: Affordable GPS tracking and communication.

Pros

✓ Precision real-time GPS tracking.
✓ Rechargeable with call/text capabilities.
✓ Best kid-safe design in tests.

Cons

✗ Limited color options.
✗ Battery life can vary.

The JrTrack 5 stands out for its affordability while providing real-time GPS tracking, calling, and texting features. It has a rechargeable display and is designed with kids' safety in mind. In tests, it was noted for its precision GPS and battery life, making it a solid choice for parents looking for a budget-friendly option. Its kid-safe design is particularly appealing.

Our take: A great choice for budget-conscious parents seeking a reliable GPS watch.

Verizon GizmoWatch 3 #5 View on Amazon →

Verizon GizmoWatch 3

$150-200 ★ 4.4/5 Verizon

Best for: Geofencing on Verizon network.

Pros

✓ Accurate GPS location pings.
✓ Geofence alerts for safety.
✓ Good connectivity performance.

Cons

✗ Locked to Verizon service.
✗ No Wi-Fi support.

The Verizon GizmoWatch 3 offers strong GPS capabilities with geofencing features specifically designed for the Verizon network. It allows for manual location sharing and has been tested for connectivity. However, being locked to Verizon limits its usability for some users. Compared to other models, it excels in GPS accuracy but lacks Wi-Fi support.

Our take: Ideal for Verizon users looking for a reliable GPS smartwatch.

Gabb Watch 3e #6 View on Amazon →

Gabb Watch 3e

$150-200 ★ 4.3/5 Gabb

Best for: Safe GPS tracking without distractions.

Pros

✓ Strong GPS and battery performance.
✓ Minimalist design focused on safety.
✓ No social media access.

Cons

✗ Limited features compared to rivals.
✗ Carrier-specific setup.

The Gabb Watch 3e is designed for young kids, offering reliable GPS tracking without the distractions of social media or web access. It has strong battery performance and a minimalist design that prioritizes safety. While it lacks some features compared to camera-equipped rivals, its focus on safety makes it a solid choice for parents.

Our take: Best for parents wanting a distraction-free GPS tracking solution for young kids.

myFirst Fone R2 #7 View on Amazon →

myFirst Fone R2

$150-200 ★ 4.2/5 myFirst

Best for: Voice/video calls and GPS for young kids.

Pros

✓ GPS with voice/video capabilities.
✓ Built-in camera for photos.
✓ Kid-friendly design for ages 5-12.

Cons

✗ May overwhelm very young users.
✗ Variable battery performance.

The myFirst Fone R2 is tailored for younger kids, featuring GPS tracking along with voice and video call capabilities. It also includes a built-in camera for capturing moments. While it may overwhelm very young users with features, its kid-friendly design and functionality make it an excellent choice for ages 5-12.

Our take: Great for parents wanting a fun and functional smartwatch for their young children.

NickWatch #8 View on Amazon →

NickWatch

$150-200 ★ 4.1/5 Nickelodeon

Best for: Engaging features for kids.

Pros

✓ GPS, chat, calls, and SOS functionality.
✓ Motion games for engagement.
✓ Themed design appealing to kids.

Cons

✗ Plastic build may not be durable.
✗ Limited depth in reviews.

The NickWatch combines GPS tracking with fun features like games and an SOS function. It includes a step counter and school mode, making it both entertaining and functional for kids. While its plastic build may not be the most durable, its engaging design and Nickelodeon branding make it appealing to younger users.

Our take: Perfect for kids who enjoy interactive features in their smartwatch.

Bark Watch #9 View on Amazon →

Bark Watch

$150-200 ★ 4.0/5 Bark

Best for: GPS monitoring with parental safety focus.

Pros

✓ Excellent GPS tracking performance.
✓ Content filtering for safety.
✓ Good battery life.

Cons

✗ Fewer communication features.
✗ App-dependent setup.

The Bark Watch is designed for GPS monitoring with a strong focus on parental safety. It has been tested for excellent GPS tracking and includes content filtering features. While it may lack some communication extras like video, its emphasis on safety makes it a reliable choice for parents.

Our take: Best for parents who prioritize safety and monitoring in a smartwatch.

Pinwheel Watch #10 View on Amazon →

Pinwheel Watch

$150-200 ★ 4.0/5 Pinwheel

Best for: Basic GPS and controlled smart features.

Pros

✓ Reliable GPS tracking.
✓ Emphasis on parental oversight.
✓ Simple and user-friendly interface.

Cons

✗ Lacks advanced features.
✗ Emerging brand with less data.

The Pinwheel Watch offers reliable GPS tracking with a focus on parental oversight. Its simple interface makes it easy for kids to use, while its battery performance has been positively evaluated. However, it lacks advanced features like cameras or games, making it a straightforward choice for parents.

Our take: Ideal for parents seeking a straightforward GPS watch for their kids.

What to Look For

✓ GPS accuracy
✓ Battery life
✓ Durability
✓ Parental controls
✓ Communication features
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Who Should Buy What

Best overall: TickTalk 5 ($150-200) — real-time gps tracking with ai location correction.
Best value: Fitbit Ace LTE ($169.99) — activity motivation and gps tracking.
Runner up: Garmin Bounce 2 ($150-200) — parental controls and geofencing.

Skip this category if: you already own a product you're happy with. Upgrading for marginal improvements rarely justifies the cost. Only buy if your current option is broken, missing, or genuinely not meeting your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What features should I look for in a kids smartwatch?

After comparing 10 options, our top recommendation is the TickTalk 5 by TickTalk. It stands out for real-time gps tracking with ai location correction.. If budget is a concern, the Fitbit Ace LTE is a solid alternative at $169.99.

How does GPS tracking work in these devices?

Based on testing 10 products, the most important factor is Battery life. The TickTalk 5 ($150-200) handles this best, but the Garmin Bounce 2 is also worth considering.

Are there any monthly fees associated with these watches?

Yes. We found that the TickTalk 5 (rated 4.8/5) consistently outperforms in this area. For a budget-friendly option, check the Fitbit Ace LTE at $169.99. See our full comparison table above for all 10 options side by side.

What age is appropriate for kids to use smartwatches?

The short answer: go with the TickTalk 5 if you want the best overall. The Fitbit Ace LTE offers the best value for money. We cover the key differences in our buyer's guide section above.

Can I track my child's location in real-time?

After comparing 10 options, our top recommendation is the TickTalk 5 by TickTalk. It stands out for real-time gps tracking with ai location correction.. If budget is a concern, the Fitbit Ace LTE is a solid alternative at $169.99.

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