As a parent, you likely worry about the safety of your child. This can become an even greater concern when your child is away from home, but with the best GPS watch for kids, your worries will cease. You can track your child’s movements, and your child will have an easy way to request help if they need it.
GPS watches come in a wide range of styles with a variety of features. To help you sort through the selection, we’ve collected some of the best choices. You’re sure to find the right GPS watch for you!
1. YENISEY Kids Smart Watch
This watch uses both wifi and GPS to determine the location of the child wearing it. This makes for a very accurate positioning report, and you can see it live in real-time. The watch includes an SOS button that your child can press in the event of an emergency along with a voice chat feature that will allow your child to have two-way voice contact with them.
One of the features that make this device worthy of inclusion on our list is the electronic fence function. You can use the mobile app to set a range for their travel and activities. If your child tries to move beyond the boundaries you have set, you will get a notification. This watch also includes a listening feature. It will allow you to hear the sounds in the periphery of your child’s location at any time.
As with many of these devices, there are a few quirks that you will want to be aware of. You will need a sim card for this watch; there is a monthly fee associated with it, and you aren’t likely to be able to add it to your existing wireless network. We also found that the location service is better in some places than others.
What I Like:
- SOS call makes emergency help easy
- Two-way voice chat for easy parent contact
- Electronic fence to provide parent-set freedom
- Included pedometer encourages activity
- Trace allows review of historical GPS locations
What I Don’t Like:
- GPS location isn’t always accurate
- Monthly fees
2. TickTalk3
The TickTalk 3 watch has a big upgrade! It uses 4G reception, which really improves the GPS location. Not only is it more accurate, it also finds the location much more quickly. If you have more than one child, you can even locate more than one watch at a time. You can also avoid a data plan and use Wi-Fi connections, if you prefer.
The band on this watch is replaceable. It’s made of nylon so many children find it more comfortable than other watch band options. The watch itself is waterproof, which means there’s no need to panic when it gets left on during handwashing.
The watch includes a nice messaging feature that will offer instant message capabilities that include preset text messages. The messages include phrases like, “I’ll call you later,” and you can add text responses that you customize to the watch. The TickTalk 3 has the ability to make video calls within the US, too.
There are some limitations with this watch. It will not work with all cellular networks, including Sprint and Verizon. You will need to connect the SIM card for this watch to an AT&T or T-Mobile network, and the only way you can set it up is through a special website to activate the SIM card. AT&T and T-Mobile will not be able to help you.
What I Like:
- Text messaging works well
- GPS is usually fast and accurate
- Good screen size
- Intuitive feature for easy use
What I Don’t Like:
- Short battery life
- Limited cellular network options
3. Laxcido 3G Real-time Tracking SOS GPS Watch
This GPS watch uses 3G connectivity, so its GPS location is more accurate than the YENISEY, but not quite as quick as the TickTock3. The 3G availability in your area will ultimately determine how well it tracks your child’s location. The watch comes with a free micro SD card that has a 1 GB capacity, so you won’t need to worry about storage space.
Of course, it will need cell service for the phone features to work, but the monthly fee is reasonable and includes data. It won’t need a SIM card if you won’t wish to enable the phone features. This would allow your child to use the watch and its fun features without a sim card; just remember that the GPS location, along with the texting and phone call features won’t work.
Kids will love the features that come with this watch. There are seven choices of games, a camera, and a voice recorder. It even has a music player that will allow them to listen to their favorite songs once you load them onto the device. These features ensure that your child will be excited to wear this watch and unlikely to remove it or leave it behind.
As will all of these watches, there are some important details to note. This watch will not work with AT&T or T-mobile. It does have a decent battery life, but you should know that it will not allow you to limit the hours that it works or control the contacts. This means that you won’t be able to block your child from using it during class nor will you be able to block your child from adding contacts.
What I Like:
- Great storage space
- Lots of fun features
- Reasonable GPS accuracy
- Decent battery life
What I Don’t Like:
- Does not work with AT&T or T-mobile
- No parent approval needed for contacts
- No parent control for hours of access
4. Lexcido 4G GPS Tracker Watch
For those who like all of the features that come with a Lexcido GPS watch for their child, the 4G model offers some additional upgrades. First and foremost is the 4G connectivity. It will allow you to track your child’s GPS location quickly and accurately. It works with both Android and IOS operating systems, too.
This version of the watch has full phone capabilities. It can make calls, send and receive text messages, and facilitate video calls. It will also work with any cellular carrier’s SIM card, so long as that SIM has a plan for both voice and data. It has some added features that parents may appreciate, too.
The 4G version of this watch offers a Geo-Fence that will alert you any time your child goes outside of the boundaries that you have set for them. It does include an SOS button that can be pressed in the event that an emergency response is needed. The system will also store GPS data for 30 days so that you can view the historical data.
Overall, this watch is a great choice for a kid’s GPS watch. Its battery life will get your child through the day, and the GPS tracking is great. Children love the features that come with it, too. It still doesn’t offer parents a ton of control over contacts and time usage, though.
What I Like:
- Great storage space
- Lots of fun features
- Works with any cellular carrier
- Great GPS accuracy
- Decent battery life
What I Don’t Like:
- No parent approval needed for contacts
- No parent control for hours of access
5. HuaWise Kids Smartwatch
This waterproof smartwatch is a great choice for parents who want to have full control over their child’s contact list. It also offers the option for you to shut down the watch and set a timer on it so that you can see when your child arrives at school and turn off the watch until the end of the day. This is a great way to teach and train your child not to mess with common electronics during work or learning time.
This watch offers geo-fencing capabilities similar to those found in other watches, and it is easy for kids to operate. It does have an SOS button that will call up to three contacts with just one touch. All of that is in addition to its GPS location abilities.
This phone is an excellent choice for those who worry about where their children will be and what they’ll be doing. It offers the option to open a voice connection without the child having to answer. You can call the watch. It will answer without the child having to do anything, and you’ll be able to hear everything going on around your child.
What I Like:
- Good parental controls
- Simple to use
- Geo-fencing to give kids freedom with a safety net
- Decent battery life
What I Don’t Like:
- GPS tracking sometime struggles
- Does not come with a SIM card
Buyer’s Guide
There are many things to consider when choosing the right GPS watch for your kids. There are several different networks that can be used to track the GPS and a wide range of features. Different GPS watches will have different parental controls, and each watch has unique bonuses that will entice some children more than others.
SOS Support
One of the biggest reasons for parents to get a GPS watch for their kids is for safety reasons. The SOS alerts are almost always a key feature on these watches, so you’ll want to carefully consider how the SOS feature works on each model that you are considering.
Some SOS alerts work by automatically dialing for a police response. This can be intimidating and often more of a response than the situation warrants. On the other hand, it can be a great reassurance during custody disputes and other sticky situations.
Other SOS alert buttons are designed to automatically call one or several pre-programmed numbers. With this kind of SOS support, you can program in your work number, cell number, and/or another key phone number. If your child presses their SOS button, the watch will automatically call the numbers and allow you to listen in. From there you can decide how best to respond to the situation.
Location Tracking
The location tracking feature is often what draws parents to find one of these devices for their child. Being able to pinpoint the location of your child at any given time can be really reassuring for many parents. It alleviates the fear of a lost child.
All of these watches will allow you to track your child in real-time, at least in theory. Some watches do it better than others. There are three options for tracking a person using a device like these. GPS is the global positioning system that we are most familiar with. It works well outside and in clear areas. Some watches can also use Wi-fi to track your child, and some can use LBS to track them.
The more tracking methods, the fewer interruptions you’ll see in tracking data. Just remember that it will all be sent across a cellular network. The differences between 2G and 4G service can have a huge impact on the accuracy and speed at which you receive information. Watches that work on the newer generations (4G or 5G) of service will give you better data that updates more quickly.
Call & Text
Many of these watches will come with some kind of call or text options, but the specifics will vary widely. Some watches may offer fully functional calls and texts, or even include video call options. Other watches may just accept incoming calls.
There is a wide range of options between fully functioning video calls watches and those that only accept calls from pre-programmed numbers. Some may allow calls and text with pre-programmed numbers, while others will offer pre-written text responses. Consider what capabilities you want your child to have.
Activity Tracking
Activity trackers have become very popular among adults and children alike. GPS watches will often come with a pedometer built-in. One of the biggest benefits of this feature is the encouragement that it provides to get your child up and moving around. It won’t likely offer the same reminders to move that you might get with one of our dedicated best fitness watches, but simply seeing the daily step count will often be enough to challenge your child to see how high they can make the counter go.
Entertainment
While few parents select a GPS watch based on the games and camera included, these are the features that can often make the difference between a daily fight to wear the watch and a kid who is begging to wear their watch to school. Most of these watches will include a camera, though you should know that the quality will be poor.
A flashlight is a second feature that many kids love in these watches. It seems to be a fun thing for them to play with, but it will drain the battery if they leave it on too long. Of course, the range of games available is always a big draw. Most of the games available on these watches are old-school arcade games with a new name. They are not the same games you’ll find in your app store.
Parent Controls
Different watches offer different levels of parental control. Some may only allow you to track your child’s GPS location, while others offer you the option to set a “fence” or boundary that your child isn’t supposed to move beyond. These watches will send you an alert if a boundary has been breached.
Of course, there are also parental controls like setting up “do not disturb” periods for when your child is in class. Some watches will even let you pre-program the only contacts allowed to communicate with the watch. This can be a great option to ensure that you know who your child is texting or talking to.
Best Lens for Family Portrait Brands
Yenisey
Like most of the manufacturers of GPS watches for kids, their headquarters is overseas. They have a small line of watches made for children but are not generally considered the best in the category.
TickTalk
TickTalk is the best-supported brand of GPS tracking watches for kids. They believe in connecting families and provide a website with contact information and even offer support through an instant messenger. TickTalk understands how hectic life can get, and they work to make it easier to keep track of your children.
Lexcido
Lexcido offers one of the largest selections of GPS watches for kids. They often upgrade their devices and provide a range of options. It’s likely that you could find a Lexcido that’s the right watch to meet your need, just know that they do not offer the same level of support as TickTock.
HuaWise
This is another company that is based overseas and makes a few different smartwatches. They may not be known as a powerhouse brand, but their GPS tracking watch for kids may be just what you are looking for.
FAQs
I wanted to provide a few commonly asked questions just in case you want a little bit more information. I’m keeping it simple to clarify the myriad of specifications you’ve already read about.
Q: How does the tracking feature work?
A: GPS watches will track your child using GPS, LBS, and/or WiFi. You’ll log in through an app or website and the cell company powering the data portion of the phone will show you where your child is located on a map. Remember 4G is going to be faster and more accurate than 3G, which will be faster and more accurate then 2G.
Q: What features do I need?
A: Generally speaking, older children will want more features than younger children. Start with the GPS tracking, geo-fencing, and SOS Alert. These are the basic features that will keep your child safe.
From there it’s nice to add on-call & text features. As children get older and resist parental oversight and control, fun games, cameras, and flashlights can keep the watch appealing to them. You may even want them to help pick out the watch, so that they can see which games it will include.
Q: Will I need a SIM card?
A: In most cases – YES! The GPS tracking data will only work with a SIM card. Phones that can work without one will lose that tracking capability when they don’t have a SIM card. Be sure that the watch you select will work with the cell carrier that you use. You will also need to get a monthly data plan for the watch’s SIM.
Bottom Line
This guide should help you sort through the wide range of choices and information available about GPS tracking watches for children. Depending on the age of your child, you may want a watch the ability to work like a phone, or you may just be looking for an emergency beacon that will always reassure you that you know where your child is. It’s one of many items designed with the safety of kids in mind.
The thought of a child going missing is every parent’s worst nightmare. We’d all love to live in a perfect world where this fear didn’t exist. In the absence of that, we are forced to try and balance the safety of our children with their freedom to explore the world and develop independence as they grow.
A GPS smart can make that balance much easier to find. You can let your child go free and feel independent while watching their every move. You and your child will both have the peace of mind that comes from knowing that they can reach you with just the press of a single button. As children grow up the best GPS tracking watches for kids are great tools to support independence without sacrificing safety.