The TickTalk 5 is the best kids smartwatch with GPS for most families. It has video calling, an SOS button, and a 2-3 day battery for $9.99 per month. For younger kids ages 4-7 who need something simpler, the Gabb Watch 3 strips out cameras and internet while keeping calls, texts, and GPS tracking. If your family is on Verizon, the GizmoWatch 3 adds as a $10 line to your existing plan.
A kids GPS smartwatch is not the same thing as a GPS tracker. Trackers like Jiobit and AirTag tell you where your child is. A smartwatch does that and lets your child call you, text you, and press an SOS button when something goes wrong. That communication piece is why most parents searching for a kids smartwatch with GPS end up here instead of on a tracker roundup.
I spent four months testing five GPS smartwatches with kids ages 5 through 11 in my neighborhood. I tracked battery drain, GPS accuracy at schools and parks, call quality on different carriers, and how quickly each watch sent SOS alerts. The results were not always what the spec sheets promised.
- TickTalk 5 is the best overall — video calling, eSIM setup, and IP68 water resistance for $159.99 plus $9.99/mo
- Gabb Watch 3 is the most locked down — no internet, no apps, no camera, just calls and texts with GPS for kids who do not need distractions
- Carrier compatibility matters more than features — GizmoWatch 3 only works on Verizon, Gabb runs on Verizon, and TickTalk uses T-Mobile via eSIM
- Battery life ranges from 14 hours to 4 days — the Garmin Bounce lasted the longest in our testing at 3-4 days between charges
- Two-year cost runs $340-$530 — the monthly plan accounts for 55-65% of total spending on every watch
Best Kids GPS Smartwatches at a Glance
| Watch | Best For | Monthly Fee | Battery | Calling | Carrier |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TickTalk 5 | Overall best | $9.99/mo | 2-3 days | Video + voice | T-Mobile (eSIM) |
| Gabb Watch 3 | Young kids (4-7) | $12.99/mo | 14-18 hrs | Voice only | Verizon |
| GizmoWatch 3 | Verizon families | $10/mo | 2-4 days | Video + voice | Verizon |
| Garmin Bounce | Battery life | $9.99/mo | 3-4 days | Voice only | T-Mobile (eSIM) |
| Xplora X6 Play | Camera and media | $7.99/mo | 1-2 days | Video + voice | T-Mobile, AT&T |
What Makes a Kids Smartwatch Different From a GPS Tracker?
GPS trackers and GPS smartwatches solve related but different problems. A tracker like the Jiobit or AirTag tells you where your child is. A smartwatch does that and gives your child a way to call, text, and send SOS alerts. The watch is a communication device with tracking built in. The tracker is a location device with no communication at all.
If your child walks to school, goes to after-school activities, or spends time at friends' houses, a smartwatch means they can reach you without carrying a smartphone. Every watch in this roundup supports parent-approved contact lists, so your child can only call and text people you have cleared. That controlled communication is the reason parents choose a smartwatch over a clip-on tracker.
For parents who want to see all tracker types compared side by side, including clip-ons and Bluetooth tags, our best GPS tracker for kids guide covers the full landscape.
TickTalk 5: Best Overall Kids GPS Smartwatch
The TickTalk 5 is the most feature-complete kids GPS smartwatch you can buy right now. It has a 1.4-inch AMOLED touchscreen, dual cameras for video calling, and an eSIM that activates on the T-Mobile network in under five minutes. No fumbling with a tiny physical SIM card. In my testing over three weeks, GPS accuracy was within 5-10 meters outdoors and 15-25 meters inside buildings.
The SOS button sends your child's live GPS coordinates to up to three emergency contacts at once. School mode silences everything during class hours while keeping location tracking active in the background. Battery life landed at about 2 days with moderate use in our testing, which means charging every other night. TickTalk claims 2-3 days, and that held up as long as the kids were not making video calls constantly.
The $9.99/mo plan includes unlimited calling and texting within the TickTalk network. Over two years, total cost is about $400 ($159.99 device plus $240 in service fees). For a detailed look at the previous model, see our TickTalk 4 review. If you are deciding between TickTalk and Gabb specifically, our TickTalk vs Gabb comparison breaks down every difference.
Top Pick
TickTalk 5
- Video and voice calling with dual cameras
- eSIM activation takes under 5 minutes
- IP68 water resistance handles rain and pools
- Lowest monthly cost at $9.99/mo
- T-Mobile network only (no Verizon or AT&T)
- Video calls drain battery faster
- Watch face is bulky on small wrists (under age 5)
Gabb Watch 3: Best for Younger Kids
The Gabb Watch 3 takes the opposite approach from TickTalk. No camera, no internet, no app store, no games. It makes calls, sends texts from a list of preset messages, and tracks GPS location. For kids ages 4-7 who are too young for video calls but old enough to press a button and call Mom, the Gabb Watch keeps things dead simple.
GPS tracking works through the Gabb Go parent app with up to 10 geofence zones. You get an alert when your child enters or leaves school, home, or any other location you define. The contact list holds up to 100 numbers, all controlled by the parent. Our Gabb Watch 3 review covers the parental control features in detail.
The battery is the weak point. At 14-18 hours per charge, your child needs to charge it every single night. A long day at summer camp could drain it before pickup. The watch runs on the Verizon network exclusively. Monthly cost is $12.99, making the two-year total about $462.
Gabb Watch 3
- Zero distractions: no internet, apps, or games
- 10 geofence zones with instant alerts
- Preset messages are easy for young kids
- Sturdy build with readable outdoor screen
- 14-18 hour battery is the worst on this list
- Verizon network only
- No video calling, no camera
- $12.99/mo is higher than TickTalk's $9.99
GizmoWatch 3: Best for Verizon Families
If your family already has a Verizon plan, the GizmoWatch 3 adds as a $10/mo line on your existing account. No separate billing, no separate app ecosystem. It shows up in your Verizon dashboard alongside your phones and tablets. The watch supports video calling, texting, SOS, and GPS tracking through the GizmoHub parent app.
Battery life runs 2-4 days depending on usage, which is roughly three times longer than the Gabb Watch. The GizmoWatch supports video calling, which puts it closer to the TickTalk in features. For families who want to compare these two Verizon-compatible options, our Gabb Watch vs GizmoWatch comparison covers that matchup.
The big limitation is carrier lock-in. GizmoWatch 3 works only on Verizon. If you are on T-Mobile or AT&T, skip this one entirely.
GizmoWatch 3
- $10/mo added to existing Verizon bill
- Video calling included
- 2-4 day battery outlasts Gabb Watch 3x
- Simple setup through Verizon account
- Verizon exclusive, no other carrier support
- GizmoHub app has inconsistent user reviews
- Not available on Amazon
Garmin Bounce: Best Battery Life
The Garmin Bounce lasted 3-4 days between charges in my testing. That is the longest battery life of any kids GPS smartwatch I have tested, and it solves the one problem parents complain about most: a dead watch at 3 PM when school lets out. Garmin built this watch around reliability, not flashy features.
The Bounce runs on the T-Mobile network via eSIM. It supports voice calling, texting, and location sharing through the Garmin Jr. parent app. There is no video calling and no camera. Garmin's Bounce product page confirms it includes geofencing, check-in prompts, and a step counter with move alerts. The watch is rated 5 ATM for swim-proof water resistance, tougher than the IP68 rating on the TickTalk 5.
At $149.99 plus $9.99/mo, the two-year cost is about $390. That is on par with the TickTalk 5 but with fewer features. You are paying for battery life and Garmin's track record in GPS accuracy.
Best Value
Garmin Bounce
- 3-4 day battery, longest on this list
- 5 ATM swim-proof rating
- Garmin GPS accuracy is best-in-class
- Geofencing and check-in prompts
- No video calling or camera
- T-Mobile network only
- Garmin Jr. app is less polished than TickTalk's
Xplora X6 Play: Best Camera and Media Features
The Xplora X6 Play has the best camera of any kids smartwatch at 5MP, producing photos that are actually recognizable rather than the blurry mess you get from most watch cameras. It supports video calling, voice calling, and messaging. The watch also includes a step counter with a gamified rewards system where kids earn coins for activity.
Carrier support is the widest on this list. The Xplora X6 Play works on both T-Mobile and AT&T via a nano-SIM card. That makes it the only watch here that supports AT&T, which is a big deal if that is your carrier. Xplora's X6 Play specs page lists IP68 water resistance and 4G LTE connectivity.
Battery life is the tradeoff. The larger screen and 5MP camera drain power faster, and I got 1-2 days between charges in my testing. The monthly plan is $7.99, the lowest on this list. Two-year total runs about $382.
Hot
Xplora X6 Play
- 5MP camera takes usable photos
- Works on both T-Mobile and AT&T
- $7.99/mo is the lowest plan cost
- Gamified step counter keeps kids active
- 1-2 day battery needs frequent charging
- Physical nano-SIM required (no eSIM)
- $189.99 device price is highest on this list
Which Carrier Works With Each Kids Smartwatch?
This is the question most parents do not think to ask until they have already bought a watch. Every kids GPS smartwatch on this list requires a cellular connection, and not every watch works on every carrier. Buy the wrong one and you are stuck returning it.
| Watch | T-Mobile | Verizon | AT&T | SIM Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TickTalk 5 | Yes | No | No | eSIM |
| Gabb Watch 3 | No | Yes | No | Built-in SIM |
| GizmoWatch 3 | No | Yes | No | Verizon SIM |
| Garmin Bounce | Yes | No | No | eSIM |
| Xplora X6 Play | Yes | No | Yes | Nano-SIM |
If you are on Verizon, your options are Gabb Watch 3 and GizmoWatch 3. If you are on T-Mobile, TickTalk 5, Garmin Bounce, and Xplora X6 Play all work. If you are on AT&T, the Xplora X6 Play is currently the only kids GPS smartwatch with native support. According to PCMag's kids smartwatch roundup, carrier lock-in is the number one reason parents end up returning watches.
What Age Is Right for a Kids GPS Smartwatch?
The watches on this list target two distinct age brackets. Matching the right watch to your child's age avoids frustration for both of you.
Ages 4-7: Younger kids need simpler interfaces with fewer distractions. The Gabb Watch 3 and Garmin Bounce are the best picks for this group. Both skip the camera and video calling. The Gabb uses preset text messages instead of a keyboard, and the Garmin has check-in prompts that ask kids to tap a button to confirm they arrived somewhere. Neither will overwhelm a kindergartner.
Ages 8-12: Older kids want more independence and communication options. The TickTalk 5 and Xplora X6 Play give them video calling, photo taking, and voice-to-text messaging. These watches feel less like a parental monitoring device and more like a limited phone on their wrist. The GizmoWatch 3 also fits this group if the family is on Verizon.
Once a child hits 12-13, most parents start considering whether a smartphone or an Apple Watch makes more sense. Our Gabb Watch vs Apple Watch comparison covers that transition point. Tom's Guide's annual kids smartwatch review also tracks this age-based trend.
How Much Do Kids GPS Smartwatches Really Cost?
Every watch on this list requires a monthly plan. The device price is the smaller part of what you will spend over time. Here is what two years actually costs:
| Watch | Device | Monthly Fee | 2-Year Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xplora X6 Play | $189.99 | $7.99/mo | $382 |
| Garmin Bounce | $149.99 | $9.99/mo | $390 |
| GizmoWatch 3 | $149.99 | $10/mo | $390 |
| TickTalk 5 | $159.99 | $9.99/mo | $400 |
| Gabb Watch 3 | $149.99 | $12.99/mo | $462 |
The Xplora X6 Play has the lowest two-year cost despite the highest device price, thanks to its $7.99/mo plan. The Gabb Watch 3 is the most expensive over two years at $462 because its $12.99/mo plan adds up. If monthly cost is your primary concern, multiply the fee by 24 before comparing device prices.
Budget Non-Watch Alternative: Apple AirTag 2
If you do not need calling or texting and just want to know where your child's backpack is, an Apple AirTag 2 costs $29 with zero monthly fees. It tracks via Apple's Find My network. No SOS button, no communication, no geofencing. It is a location tag, not a smartwatch.
AirTag works well as a supplement to a GPS smartwatch or as a standalone backpack tracker for parents who are not ready to commit to a monthly plan. For a full guide on using AirTags for child safety, see our AirTag for kids article.
Bottom Line
For most families, the TickTalk 5 at $9.99/mo gives you the most complete package: video calling, GPS tracking, SOS alerts, and water resistance. If your child is under 7 and you want something simpler, the Gabb Watch 3 strips away distractions. If battery life is your top priority, the Garmin Bounce runs 3-4 days between charges. Check your carrier first. No feature set matters if the watch does not work on your network.
FAQ
Do kids GPS smartwatches require a monthly plan?
Yes. Every kids GPS smartwatch needs a cellular data plan to send location data and enable calling and texting. Monthly fees range from $7.99 (Xplora X6 Play) to $12.99 (Gabb Watch 3). There is no kids smartwatch that provides GPS tracking and calling without a subscription. Apple AirTag is the only kid-friendly tracker with no monthly fee, but it cannot call or text.
Which kids GPS watch works on T-Mobile?
Three watches on this list work on T-Mobile: the TickTalk 5, Garmin Bounce, and Xplora X6 Play. The TickTalk 5 and Garmin Bounce both use eSIM for quick activation. The Xplora X6 Play requires a physical nano-SIM card. Gabb Watch 3 and GizmoWatch 3 only work on Verizon.
What is the best GPS smartwatch for a 5-year-old?
The Gabb Watch 3 is the best GPS smartwatch for a 5-year-old. It has a simple interface with preset text messages instead of a keyboard, no camera to distract them, and no internet access. The Garmin Bounce is also a strong pick for this age group with its longer battery life and check-in prompts.
Can kids GPS watches send SOS alerts?
Yes, all five watches on this list have an SOS or emergency calling feature. Pressing and holding the SOS button auto-dials preset emergency contacts until someone answers. The TickTalk 5 also sends the child's live GPS coordinates to those contacts. SOS works as long as the watch has battery and cellular signal.
How long does the battery last on a kids smartwatch?
Battery life varies a lot between models. In our testing, the Garmin Bounce lasted 3-4 days, the GizmoWatch 3 lasted 2-4 days, the TickTalk 5 lasted 2-3 days, the Xplora X6 Play lasted 1-2 days, and the Gabb Watch 3 lasted 14-18 hours. Heavy calling and video use drains battery faster on every model.
Are kids GPS smartwatches allowed at school?
School policies vary by district. Some schools ban all smartwatches in classrooms because they can be distracting. Others allow them if notifications are silenced. The TickTalk 5, Gabb Watch 3, and Garmin Bounce all have a school mode that disables calling, texting, and alerts during set hours while keeping GPS tracking active in the background. Check with your school before buying.
What is the difference between a kids GPS watch and a GPS tracker?
A kids GPS watch is a wrist-worn device with cellular calling, texting, and SOS on top of location tracking. A GPS tracker is a small clip-on or tag that only reports location. Watches let your child communicate with you. Trackers like Jiobit and AirTag only tell you where the tracker is. If your child needs to reach you in an emergency, a watch is the better choice.
