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A GPS watch is the halfway point between “no phone” and “phone.” Your kid can call you, you can see where they are, and they don’t get a pocket full of TikTok. The tricky part is that almost every real GPS kids watch needs a monthly cellular plan, so the sticker price is only half the cost.
| Best for | Our pick | Calls and texts | Monthly plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall | Garmin Bounce 2 | Yes | Yes, through Garmin |
| Most fun, fitness first | Fitbit Ace LTE | Yes | Yes, through Fitbit |
| iPhone families and older kids | Apple Watch SE 3 GPS + Cellular | Yes | Yes, through your carrier |
| Video calls | TickTalk 5 | Yes, plus video | Yes |
| Verizon customers | Verizon Gizmo Watch | Yes | Yes, through Verizon |
| Young kids, no GPS needed | Garmin vivofit jr. 3 | No | No |
Best kids smartwatch with GPS overall
Garmin Bounce 2
This is the one I’d buy for most kids between about 6 and 12. The Bounce 2 has a bright AMOLED screen, two-way calling, texting with an on-screen keyboard, live GPS location and safe-zone alerts that tell you when they arrive at or leave school. It’s water resistant enough for the pool, and the battery usually lasts around two days.
It also feels like a real watch, not a toy, which matters to kids who don’t want to look like they’re wearing a baby gadget. The parent app lets you approve contacts, set school mode, and even assign chores. You’ll pay for a Garmin LTE plan on top of the watch.
Best for active kids who love games
Fitbit Ace LTE
Fitbit built this one around movement. Kids earn points for being active, which they spend on games and a little virtual pet. It has calling, messaging and location sharing too. If your kid spends more time on the couch than you’d like, the gamified nudges really work. It requires Fitbit’s own monthly plan.
Best for iPhone families
Apple Watch SE 3 (GPS + Cellular) with Family Setup
For tweens and teens, an Apple Watch can be a better fit than a dedicated kids watch. With Family Setup, you manage it from your own iPhone, approve contacts, and turn on Schooltime to lock it down during class. Your kid doesn’t need their own iPhone. You do need the cellular model and a line from your carrier, and the battery needs a charge every night.
Best for video calling
TickTalk 5
If grandma wants to see their face, TickTalk is the brand to look at. It does voice and video calls, GPS tracking, and has a long list of parental controls. Check which carriers it supports before you buy, since that’s the most common headache with this one.
Best carrier option
Verizon Gizmo Watch
If your family’s already on Verizon, the Gizmo is the simplest path. It’s sold and activated through Verizon, adds to your existing account, and offers calling, texting and location tracking with very little setup. It isn’t sold on Amazon, so buy it through Verizon directly.
For younger kids who don’t need GPS
Garmin vivofit jr. 3
Under 6, or not walking anywhere alone yet? Skip GPS entirely. The vivofit jr. 3 tracks steps and sleep, lets you set up chore and reward systems, and the battery lasts about a year with no charging. No plan, no calls, no stress.
We cover the safety side of these watches in more detail in Smartwatches for Kids: Safety, GPS Tracking, and Fun Features Parents Love.
What to check before you buy
Ask the school first. Plenty of schools restrict smartwatches, and the ones that allow them often expect a school mode that blocks calls during class. All of the watches above have one.
Add up the real cost. A $150 watch with a $10 monthly plan costs $270 in the first year. Compare that number, not the sticker price. And pick a watch that fits small wrists comfortably, because a too-big watch gets taken off and lost.
FAQ
What’s the best smartwatch for kids with GPS?
The Garmin Bounce 2 is the best all-around pick for most kids, with calling, texting, live GPS and a two-day battery.
Do kids GPS watches need a monthly plan?
Almost all of them do if you want live location and calling. The plan usually runs around $10 a month, depending on the brand or carrier.
Can my child use an Apple Watch without an iPhone?
Yes, with Family Setup. A parent manages it from their own iPhone, and the watch needs the cellular model with its own carrier line.
What age is right for a GPS smartwatch?
Most families start around age 6 to 8, when kids begin walking to a friend’s house or the bus stop alone. Younger kids usually do fine with a simple tracker like the vivofit jr. 3.
Can kids GPS watches access the internet or social media?
The dedicated kids watches above don’t have open web browsing or social media. Parents control who can call or message the watch.
