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Expert Picks for January 2026

Best Kids Smartwatches

Independence without anxiety. We compared kids smartwatches for GPS tracking accuracy, two-way calling reliability, and whether they're phone replacements or expensive toys.

Last updated: January 28, 2026

Best Overall Comparison All Products User Reviews Buying Guide FAQ

Best Overall Our top recommendation

Best Overall

Gabb

Gabb Watch 3

4.5 (5,678 reviews)

The "phone replacement" that actually works. GPS tracking shows where they are within meters, calling connects to pre-approved numbers only, and zero social media.

GPS

Real-time 4G

Battery

2-3 days

Water

IP67 splash-proof

Calling

Approved contacts only

Pros

✓ Real GPS tracking that works
✓ 4G calling and texting
✓ No social media or games

Cons

✗ Monthly service required (~$10)
✗ Limited to Gabb contacts
✗ Bulky for small wrists

$150

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Head-to-Head Comparison

Product	Rating	Price	Action
Gabb Watch 3 Best Gabb	4.5	$150	View
X5 Play XPLORA	4.4	$170	View
TickTalk 4 TickTalk	4.3	$180	View
GizmoWatch 3 Verizon	4.2	$150	View
KidiZoom Smartwatch DX3 VTech	4.1	$60	View

* Prices may vary. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

All Recommended Products

Best Overall

Gabb

Gabb Watch 3

4.5 (5,678 reviews)

The "phone replacement" that actually works. GPS tracking shows where they are within meters, calling connects to pre-approved numbers only, and zero social media.

GPS

Real-time 4G

Battery

2-3 days

Water

IP67 splash-proof

Calling

Approved contacts only

Pros

✓ Real GPS tracking that works
✓ 4G calling and texting
✓ No social media or games

Cons

✗ Monthly service required (~$10)
✗ Limited to Gabb contacts
✗ Bulky for small wrists

$150

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Premium Pick

XPLORA

X5 Play

4.4 (4,567 reviews)

The feature-rich option. Beyond calling and GPS, activity tracking gamifies exercise—kids earn coins for steps.

GPS

4G real-time

Camera

2MP

Battery

2 days

Special

Activity rewards

Pros

✓ Activity tracking rewards
✓ Camera for video calls
✓ Works worldwide

Cons

✗ Expensive with service
✗ Some features need subscription
✗ Battery only 2 days

$170

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TickTalk

TickTalk 4

4.3 (6,789 reviews)

The tech-forward choice. Bring-your-own-SIM means using your existing family plan. Video calling feels modern.

GPS

4G LTE

Camera

5MP

Battery

2 days

Carriers

T-Mobile/AT&T

Pros

✓ Video calling capability
✓ iMessage-like messaging
✓ Free app with most features

Cons

✗ Premium price
✗ Video calls drain battery
✗ Setup learning curve

$180

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Verizon

GizmoWatch 3

4.2 (8,901 reviews)

The carrier option for Verizon families. Adding it to your existing plan is seamless.

GPS

Verizon 4G

Water

5ATM

Battery

3 days

Carrier

Verizon only

Pros

✓ Verizon network reliability
✓ Integrates with family plan
✓ Step counter and games

Cons

✗ Verizon customers only
✗ Added line cost
✗ Basic features

$150

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Budget Pick

VTech

KidiZoom Smartwatch DX3

4.1 (12,345 reviews)

The "first smartwatch" for kids who aren't ready for independence. No GPS or calling, but cameras and games.

GPS

None

Camera

Yes

Battery

2 weeks

Calling

None

Pros

✓ No monthly fees ever
✓ Games and camera built-in
✓ Great for younger kids

Cons

✗ No GPS tracking
✗ No calling capability
✗ It's essentially a toy

$60

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Buying Guide: How to Choose Kids Smartwatches

Kids Smartwatches: Freedom with Boundaries

Why Not Just a Phone?
Phones mean social media, unrestricted internet, and contact with anyone. Kids smartwatches provide communication and tracking while blocking everything else.

### The Real Costs
Watch: $60-200 upfront
- Monthly service: $5-15/month for GPS and calling
Budget for 2 years of service when comparing.

### GPS Accuracy
Not all GPS is equal. Some update every few minutes; others provide real-time tracking. For peace of mind, real-time matters.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kids Smartwatches

Can strangers call my child's watch?

No. All kids smartwatches limit incoming calls to pre-approved contacts set by parents.

Do these work at school?

Many have "school mode" that disables features during set hours. Check your school's policy.

Why Trust Our Recommendations?

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