GPS smartwatches allow you to safely keep track of your child. Learn more about some of the best GPS smartwatches for children.
Smartwatches are becoming increasingly popular not only among adults, but also children. A smartwatch has many of the same features as a smartphone. The exact capabilities vary from product to product, but most watches allow you to send text messages, make and receive phone calls, listen to music and more. For parents, one of the most useful features of a smart watch is GPS tracking.
There are two primary benefits with GPS tracking. The first is you always know where your child is. Additionally, if your child is ever lost, he or she can use GPS programs on their smartwatch to reach a safe location. Another reason parents are fans of smartwatches instead of phones is a watch is much easier to lose. Many children end up misplacing their smartphone, but a watch is directly attached to your wrist. Watches are also less intrusive than phones, making them easier for children to keep on their person. This is especially helpful if your child often goes out to play without taking his or her phone, so you can always keep track of his or her location, and you have a way to communicate with him or her.
LG GizmoWatch 2
While it is good for smartwatches to have so many options, some parents prefer a more basic watch for their children. If you do not want your children getting distracted by games, music and videos normally available from a smartwatch, consider getting the GizmoWatch 2. GizmoWatch was built specifically with children in mind. It has fewer features than other watches, limited to GPS tracking and making phone calls. This is especially useful if you want a smartwatch your child can take to school, but do not want him or her playing games instead of paying attention to his or her teacher. Because it has fewer features, it is also less expensive than other smartwatches, frequently costing between $100 and $125.
TickTalk 4
TickTalk boasts a number of features, including advanced geofencing and an SOS button. It has more advanced options to stream music and videos, but parents can control what their children are able to access through the parental features. Another positive for parents is the watch does not come with any games, making it an appropriate choice for school. It is one of the pricier smartwatches for children, costing around $200 to $250. As of writing, it is not compatible with Verizon or Sprint.
Angel Watch
Angel Watch has advanced parental control settings, allowing you to create a curated list of who your child can call, as well as who can call him or her. It features advanced geofencing and GPS tracking. Because it has several fitness apps, you can also monitor vital signs. It also features an SOS button for emergencies. Unlike other SOS buttons, you can program multiple numbers into the button. It also keeps trying to contact the recipient until he or she picks up. Many parents with special needs children enjoy Angel Watch, since it lets them keep an eye on their child without constantly disrupting him or her. It does not have any games or streaming capabilities. The Angel Watch typically costs between $175 to $200.
Kurio 2.0
Kurio was designed for children, but it has most of the features you’d expect to see in an adult smartwatch. It includes a camera, voice recorder and even photo editing software. Text messaging is available, but only for Android devices. Kurio comes standard with a number of games, including educational options. The strap is easy to change, with multiple colors available. A popular choice among children is the thermal strap, which changes color based on heat. Despite all of the features, it still has a low price, costing between $80 and $100.
Amazfit Bip Smartwatch
Amazfit mostly produces smartwatches for adults, but they have several options designed for a younger audience, mostly the 8-12 range. The default color is black, but there are several other color variants available, which appeal more to children. It has numerous fitness features normally found in adult watches. While children are less likely to use all of these features, they are still helpful for aspiring athletes. Part of the fitness programs also includes a GPS app.
One feature children may enjoy that parents are hesitant about is access to social media apps. If you are worried about your child getting glued to the screen, consider disabling these apps. Amazfit features one of the strongest batteries. It takes under three hours to charge and has enough power to last for nearly a month. The Amazfit goes between $120 and $150.
LeapFrog LeapBand
LeapFrog is designed for a much younger audience, primarily children ages 7 and under. It has fewer features compared to other smartwatches, but it has the greatest parental control of any smartwatches. There are several games built in specifically for younger children. It does not have the ability to make calls or send messages. Since it has so few features, it is only between $25 to $35.