From GPS tracking and parental controls to texting, calling, and video chats, these are the best smartwatches for kids in America—tested, reviewed, and recommended for every age group children are reaching the age where parents want to stay in touch without handing over a smartphone The solution? A kids smartwatch These devices allow safe communication, real-time GPS tracking, and parental controls—all while keeping kids entertained with cameras, fitness tracking, and games.
After testing more than a dozen models with children in elementary and middle school, we narrowed the list to three winners: the Verizon Gizmo Watch 3, the Apple Watch SE with cellular, and the TickTalk 5 smartwatch Each of these devices caters to different age groups and family needs.
1. Best Kids Smartwatch Overall: Verizon Gizmo Watch 3
Best for younger kids who need safety, GPS tracking, and simple communication.
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Battery life: Up to 3.7 days standby, 4.45 hours call time
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Screen size: 1.4 inches
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Water resistance: IP68
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Maximum contacts: 20 approved numbers
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Features: Texting, calling, GPS tracking, step counter, camera, video calling, school mode
The Verizon Gizmo Watch 3 stands out as the best smartwatch for kids in America 2025 because it balances safety features with just enough fun to keep children engaged. With no access to the internet or social media, parents can rest easy while still allowing kids to text, call, and video chat with up to 20 approved contacts.
Key Benefits of Verizon Gizmo Watch 3
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Reliable GPS tracking – parents can set virtual boundaries and receive alerts when their child leaves school or home.
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Camera and video calling – allows kids to take selfies and make video calls, making the watch feel more like a phone substitute.
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Parental controls via GizmoHub app – school mode, downtime settings, and contact management are simple to adjust.
The Verizon Gizmo Watch 3 review revealed that GPS works reliably outdoors, though accuracy can lag in crowded indoor spaces. Still, during testing at a Brooklyn Nets game, the watch correctly placed the child at the right location within the stadium.
Skip this watch if: Your child is a tween or teen who wants more advanced features like internet access, group messaging beyond approved contacts, or music streaming.
2. Best Apple Watch for Kids: Apple Watch SE (GPS + Cellular)
Best for tweens and teens, especially families already in the Apple ecosystem.
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Battery life: Up to 18 hours
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Screen sizes: 40mm and 44mm
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Water resistance: 50 meters
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Maximum contacts: Unlimited
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Features: Texting, calling, Apple Pay, Siri, GPS tracking, fitness tracking, music
For families who already use iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks, the Apple Watch SE cellular is the most seamless option. It gives kids nearly the full smartwatch experience of adults, minus some features like FaceTime video.
Why Parents Choose Apple Watch SE for Kids
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Independent calling and texting – with the cellular model, children get their own phone number.
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Find My tracking – helps parents locate the device if it’s lost or left behind.
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Parental controls – via the Apple Watch app and Family Sharing, including Schooltime mode, screen limits, and app restrictions.
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Cool factor – older kids see the Apple Watch as stylish, making them more likely to wear it daily.
The Apple Watch SE for kids shines for tweens and teens who want group chat access, music streaming, and fitness tracking. However, it requires nightly charging and costs more than typical kids smartwatches.
Skip this watch if: Your child is under 10 or tends to lose expensive items.
3. Most Fun Kids Smartwatch: TickTalk 5
Best for younger kids who want maximum features and fun designs.
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Battery life: Up to 100 hours standby; 48 hours of regular use
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Screen size: 1.5 inches
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Water resistance: IP67 (splash proof, not swim-proof)
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Contacts: Up to 50
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Features: Texting, calling, video calling, GPS tracking, music streaming, camera, step counter
The TickTalk 5 smartwatch combines practicality with kid-friendly appeal. It includes free iHeartRadio music streaming, animated GIFs, group chats, and even e-greeting cards.
Unique Features of TickTalk 5
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Accurate GPS tracking – in testing, the TickTalk 5 outperformed Verizon Gizmo Watch 3 by pinpointing not just buildings but specific areas inside stadiums like the Barclays Center.
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Customizable parental controls – guardians can toggle features on and off, making it suitable for different age levels.
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Fun design – colorful, chunky style appeals to kids under 10, making it more toy-like yet functional.
The TickTalk 5 kids smartwatch is thicker than the Apple Watch SE or Gizmo, but it’s a durable, engaging option for younger children.
Skip this watch if: You want a slimmer design, don’t want your child to have a camera, or prefer a more grown-up device.
How We Tested the Best Smartwatches for Kids
To identify the best smartwatches for kids in America 2025, we tested over a dozen models across categories including:
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Ease of setup and parental controls
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GPS accuracy and reliability
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Texting, calling, and video calling performance
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Battery life in real-world use
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Kid appeal and comfort
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Durability and water resistance
We tested devices with children aged 6 to 13, both in everyday environments and special outings like concerts, sports games, and school days.
Tips: How to Choose the Best Kids Smartwatch
When selecting the best smartwatch for kids, consider these factors:
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Age group:
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Ages 6–9: Verizon Gizmo Watch 3 or TickTalk 5.
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Ages 10–13: Apple Watch SE cellular.
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Safety vs. freedom:
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Younger kids benefit from restricted contacts and parental oversight.
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Older kids may need more independence with group chats, fitness tracking, and music.
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Budget:
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Gizmo Watch 3: $150 (plus Verizon plan).
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Apple Watch SE: $279+ (plus cellular plan).
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TickTalk 5: Around $200 (with AT&T or T-Mobile plan).
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Carrier compatibility:
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Verizon Gizmo Watch 3 only works on Verizon.
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TickTalk 5 supports AT&T and T-Mobile.
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Apple Watch SE works on all major carriers.
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Conclusion: The Best Smartwatches for Kids in America 2025
The market for kids smartwatches in America continues to grow as parents seek safe communication tools without the risks of full smartphones.
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The Verizon Gizmo Watch 3 is the best all-around kids smartwatch for younger children, combining safety, GPS tracking, and fun features like video calling.
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The Apple Watch SE cellular is the best choice for tweens and teens, especially in Apple families.
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The TickTalk 5 smartwatch delivers the most fun, with music, GIFs, and standout GPS tracking accuracy.
Ultimately, the best smartwatch for kids depends on your child’s age, maturity, and your family’s tech ecosystem. With these top three options, you can stay connected, give kids a sense of independence, and ensure peace of mind.
