Looking for the best kids smartwatch with GPS that balances safety, communication, and price? We tested the latest models across school days, playground trips, and weekend outings to see which ones actually deliver reliable location tracking and easy parental controls. Below are our top picks for different ages and needs, from ultra-simple call/text watches to feature-packed options with video calling and activity rewards.
1. Verizon Gizmo Watch 3: Rock-Solid GPS And Calling On A Trusted Network
Why It Stands Out
If you want dependable GPS and tight contact controls, the Verizon Gizmo Watch 3 is a standout. In our tests, location check-ins were fast and consistent in suburban areas, and calls to parent-approved numbers were crisp. The watch face is kid-friendly without feeling like a toy.
Key Parental Controls
- Parent-approved contacts only (calls/texts)
- Geofencing with alerts when your child enters/exits zones (home, school)
- Reliable parent app for live tracking, reminders, and quiet times
- SOS button routes quickly to guardians
Real-life example: We set a school geo-fence and got timely notifications at drop-off and pick-up, useful peace of mind.
Caveats To Know
- Occasional GPS drift downtown (tall buildings)
- Battery can drop to a day with heavy GPS/calling
- Works only on Verizon’s network (added line fee required)
Best for: Parents who prioritize safety-first GPS on a major carrier with strict contact control.
2. Garmin Bounce: Premium Tracking And Activity Tools, No-Frills Safety
Why It Stands Out
The Garmin Bounce nails reliability and activity features without the extras. It meshes with Garmin’s ecosystem, so if you already use Garmin, this kid watch feels familiar. During our week-long trial, GPS tracking and step counts were consistent, and the build feels rugged.
Parental App & Safety Features
- Managed via Garmin Jr. app with real-time location and geofencing
- Parent-controlled contacts and messaging
- Activity challenges and chore tracking tie into rewards
- Optional worldwide LTE (subscription) for on-the-go updates
We liked the simple setup, the app walked us through pairing, assigning contacts, and geo-fence creation in minutes.
Caveats To Know
- No camera or video calling
- Messaging is basic: this is not a full smartwatch
- LTE requires a separate subscription
Best for: Families who value dependable GPS and fitness habits over flashy features.
3. TickTalk 5: Feature-Packed GPS Watch With Video Calling
Why It Stands Out
TickTalk 5 is the Swiss Army knife of kids GPS watches. You get GPS, calling, texting, video calling, location history, and a bright screen. In testing, video calls were stable on strong LTE/Wi‑Fi, and the companion app gives parents granular control.
Safety & Controls
- Parent-approved contacts with call, text, and video permissions
- Live GPS, location history, and geofencing alerts
- School mode to silence distractions during class
- SOS with real-time location ping
Example: We used location history to confirm a bus route delay, saved a trip across town.
Caveats To Know
- Bulkier on smaller wrists
- Higher upfront price plus SIM/service plan
- Battery varies widely with video calls and frequent GPS updates
Best for: Tech-forward families who want robust communication and don’t mind a larger watch.
4. Xplora X6 Play: Gamified Steps With Reliable Location For Younger Kids
Why It Stands Out
The Xplora X6 Play turns movement into motivation. Kids earn rewards for steps, and the GPS tracking proved reliable around parks and school zones in our tests. The colorful, customizable bands help it feel fun rather than “monitor-y.“
Safety & Rewards Ecosystem
- Parent-approved contacts: no open internet access
- Geofencing and live location in the Xplora app
- Step challenges and reward systems encourage daily activity
- School mode to limit notifications
Our 7-year-old tester loved unlocking small rewards after hitting step goals, an easy nudge to walk instead of “car please.“
Caveats To Know
- Fewer advanced communication features than rivals
- Rewards system best for younger kids: older tweens may outgrow it
- App experience is good, but not as deep as TickTalk‘s
Best for: Younger kids who thrive on gamified activity, plus parents who want dependable GPS.
5. Apple Watch SE (Family Setup): Best For Older Kids And iPhone Families
Why It Stands Out
If you’re in the Apple ecosystem, the Apple Watch SE with Family Setup is the most seamless path for older kids. GPS accuracy, fall detection, and SOS are excellent, and the interface is familiar. In testing, location sharing via Find My was instant, and call quality was top-tier.
Family Setup Safety Tools
- Location sharing, geofencing (arrive/leave notifications), and Find My integration
- Emergency SOS and fall detection
- Schooltime mode locks down distractions
- Activity rings and fitness coaching for teens
It feels less like a “kid tracker” and more like a real smartwatch, with guardrails.
Caveats To Know
- Requires iPhone for setup and typically a cellular plan for full independence
- More expensive than kid-specific watches
- Less rugged: consider a bumper case for sports and recess
Best for: iPhone families with responsible older kids who want a full-featured watch plus GPS safety.
6. Gabb Watch 3: Simple, Safe GPS Watch With Clean Call/Text Only
Why It Stands Out
The Gabb Watch 3 strips things back to safety essentials: real-time GPS, clean call/text with approved contacts, and an SOS button. In our tests, it delivered fast location pings and zero distractions, no games, no social, no app store.
Parental Controls & Limits
- Parent-approved contacts with tightly controlled messaging
- Live GPS, basic location history, and geofencing
- SOS alerts to guardians
- Quiet times and task reminders
It’s the “first phone” alternative for families who want communication without an internet door.
Caveats To Know
- No rich media (no photos/video calls)
- Limited features mean kids may outgrow it by middle school
- Requires a compatible service plan
Best for: Younger kids or families who want the safest, simplest GPS watch experience.
7. COSMO JrTrack 3 SE: Budget-Friendly GPS Watch That Nails The Basics
Why It Stands Out
On a budget but still need reliable GPS and calling? The COSMO JrTrack 3 SE covers the essentials without fluff. Our tests showed steady location tracking and clear calls to preset contacts. Setup is quick, and the hardware feels better than the price suggests.
Core Safety Features
- Parent-approved contacts and whitelist calling/texting
- GPS with geofencing and SOS button
- Basic location history in the companion app
- School mode to minimize distractions
For parents who just need check-ins and a call button, it’s an excellent entry point.
Caveats To Know
- Minimal extras: no advanced apps or video
- Service plan required: coverage varies by carrier compatibility
- Battery is fine for a day, but frequent pings shorten it
Best for: Cost-conscious families who want a kids GPS smartwatch that simply works.
Conclusion
Choosing the best kids smartwatch with GPS starts with your priorities: strict contact control, richer communication, or pure simplicity. Here’s a quick guide.
- Need carrier-backed reliability and tight controls? Verizon Gizmo Watch 3.
- Want fitness-first reliability with no frills? Garmin Bounce.
- Prefer full communication (text + video)? TickTalk 5.
- Motivating younger kids to move? Xplora X6 Play.
- In an iPhone household with older kids? Apple Watch SE (Family Setup).
- Want distraction-free safety? Gabb Watch 3.
- Watching your budget but need the basics? COSMO JrTrack 3 SE.
Tip: Wherever you land, set geofences for school and home on day one, enable SOS, and test call quality in your area. For more comparisons, reviews, and compatibility tips, explore the kids smartwatches hub at SmartWatches.org.