TickTalk 5 is the best kids GPS smartwatch with video calling, SOS, and 2-3 day battery at $9.99/mo. Younger kids (4-7) should pick Gabb Watch 3 for its distraction-free design.
A kids GPS smartwatch isn't 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 weren't 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 don't 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 GizmoWatch 3 lasted the longest in our testing at up to 4 days between charges
- Two-year cost runs $382-$540 -- the monthly plan is the bigger cost on most of the watches
Quick Pick: Which Kids GPS Smartwatch Should You Buy?
If you already know your child's age and your phone carrier, use this shortcut before reading the full reviews. A kids GPS smartwatch is a carrier-connected safety device first; the best watch on paper is useless if it won't activate on your network or your child won't keep it charged.
| Your situation | Best pick | Why it fits | Read next |
|---|---|---|---|
| Most 5-12 year olds who want calls and video | TickTalk 5 | Video calling, SOS, eSIM setup, and the lowest mainstream plan at $9.99/mo. | TickTalk vs Gabb |
| Younger child who needs fewer distractions | Gabb Watch 3 | No camera, no internet, no games; just GPS, approved contacts, and simple texts. | Gabb Watch review |
| Verizon family that wants video calling | GizmoWatch 3 | Adds to an existing Verizon account and lasts longer than Gabb in our testing. | Gabb vs Gizmo |
| AT&T family or kid who cares about photos | Xplora X6 Play | The only AT&T-friendly option here, with the best camera and lowest monthly plan. | TickTalk vs Xplora |
| Bright screen and swimming matter most | Garmin Bounce 2 | AMOLED display, Garmin-managed LTE, and 5 ATM water resistance, but highest 2-year cost. | Garmin vs Fitbit |
| You only need backpack location, not calls | Skip the watch | An AirTag or clip-on tracker is cheaper if your child does not need to call you. | All kids trackers |
Best Kids GPS Smartwatches at a Glance
Every watch here uses real GPS plus a cellular SIM, so a parent sees a live map location rather than a last-seen ping. Federal data on the official GPS accuracy page puts open-sky positioning at about 4.9 m (16 ft.), accurate enough to confirm a child is at school but not which classroom -- so geofence alerts and SOS calling matter more than raw precision.
| 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 2 | AMOLED display | $9.99/mo | ~2 days | Calling + text | Garmin plan |
| 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?
Common Sense Media's tech safety research has found that kids wear a GPS smartwatch far more consistently than a clip-on tracker, because a watch feels like a normal accessory rather than something to remember. A clip-on tracker like Jiobit or an 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
Wirecutter's kids smartwatch guide recommends the TickTalk 5 as the top pick for most families. It's 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 weren't making video calls constantly.
TickTalk's official product page states that the plan starts at $9.99/mo, with 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're deciding between TickTalk and Gabb specifically, our TickTalk vs Gabb comparison breaks down every difference.
§ Review summary
TickTalk 5 — at a glance
≡ Specs
- Network
- T-Mobile eSIM
- Subscription
- $9.99/mo unlimited in-network
- Display
- 1.4" AMOLED, dual cameras
- Battery
- 2-3 days
- Water rating
- IP68 waterproof
- 2-year cost
- About $400
✓ Pros
- +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 with unlimited in-network calling
✗ Cons
- −T-Mobile network only (no Verizon or AT&T)
- −Video calls drain battery faster
- −Watch face is bulky on small wrists (under age 5)
§ Buy if
- ·Your child is 5-12 and ready for video calling
- ·You're on T-Mobile (or willing to add a T-Mobile eSIM line)
- ·$9.99/mo lowest monthly plan in this roundup matches your budget
- ·AMOLED display + dual cameras justify the $160 device cost
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, and our Fitbit Ace LTE vs Gabb Watch 3 comparison weighs that no-games approach against a gamified rival.
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.
§ Review summary
Gabb Watch 3 — at a glance
≡ Specs
- Network
- Verizon
- Subscription
- $12.99/mo
- Features
- Calls + texts + GPS only
- Battery
- 14-18 hours
- Geofences
- 10 zones, 100 contacts
- 2-year cost
- About $462
✓ Pros
- +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
✗ Cons
- −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
§ Buy if
- ·Your child is 4-7 and too young for video calls or social features
- ·You want zero distractions (no apps, no internet, no camera) to stay age-appropriate
- ·You're already on Verizon (no carrier flexibility here)
- ·Daily charging routine (every single night) fits your household
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're on T-Mobile or AT&T, skip this one entirely.
GizmoWatch 3 at a glance: $10/mo rolls into your existing Verizon bill, video calling is included, and the 2-4 day battery outlasts the Gabb Watch by roughly 3x. The trade-offs are real: Verizon exclusive (skip it on T-Mobile or AT&T), the GizmoHub parent app has inconsistent user reviews, and the watch isn't sold on Amazon.
Garmin Bounce 2: Best AMOLED Display
The Garmin Bounce 2 is the premium pick here, built around a bright 1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen that the LCD-screened rivals can't match. It's the September 2025 successor to the original Bounce, and the headline upgrade is two-way calling: a built-in speaker and mic let kids actually talk, not just send voice clips. Our Fitbit Ace LTE vs Garmin Bounce 2 comparison weighs that hardware against a gamified rival.
Unlike the carrier-based watches here, the Bounce 2 runs on Garmin's own managed LTE plan via eSIM, so you don't pick a carrier. It supports two-way calling, texting with an on-device keyboard, and location sharing through the Garmin Jr. parent app. There's still no video calling and no camera.
Garmin's Bounce 2 announcement confirms two-way calling, geofencing, check-in prompts, and a school mode. The watch is rated 5 ATM for swim-proof water resistance, tougher than the IP68 rating on the TickTalk 5.
At $299.99 plus $9.99/mo, the two-year cost is about $540, the highest on this list. Garmin rates battery at up to 2 days, and heavy calling pulls that down further, so this isn't the watch for battery anxiety. You're paying for the screen, the calling hardware, and Garmin's GPS accuracy.
§ Review summary
Garmin Bounce 2 — at a glance
≡ Specs
- Network
- Garmin managed LTE plan
- Subscription
- $9.99/mo or $99.99/yr
- Battery
- About 2 days (Garmin)
- Water rating
- 5 ATM swim-proof
- Features
- Two-way calling + text + GPS
- 2-year cost
- About $540
✓ Pros
- +Bright 1.2in AMOLED touchscreen, the only one on this list
- +Two-way calling with a built-in speaker and mic, plus texting
- +5 ATM swim-proof rating (deeper than IP68)
- +Garmin GPS accuracy with geofencing and check-in prompts
✗ Cons
- −At $299.99 it's the priciest watch here
- −Garmin rates battery at only about 2 days, less with heavy calling
- −No video calling or camera
§ Buy if
- ·You want the brightest, most modern screen your child will actually use
- ·Two-way calling matters more to you than multi-day battery
- ·Your child swims or plays in water (5 ATM beats IP68 for poolside use)
- ·You value Garmin GPS accuracy and a managed plan with no carrier to choose
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.
§ Review summary
Xplora X6 Play — at a glance
≡ Specs
- Network
- T-Mobile or AT&T (nano-SIM)
- Subscription
- $7.99/mo
- Camera
- 5MP, video + voice calls
- Battery
- 1-2 days
- Water rating
- IP68
- 2-year cost
- About $382
✓ Pros
- +5MP camera takes usable photos (not the blurry mess of most watch cameras)
- +Works on both T-Mobile and AT&T (only AT&T option in this guide)
- +$7.99/mo is the lowest plan cost in this roundup
- +Gamified step counter keeps kids active
✗ Cons
- −1-2 day battery needs frequent charging
- −Physical nano-SIM required (no eSIM)
- −$189.99 device price is highest on this list
§ Buy if
- ·You're on AT&T (no other watch in this guide supports your carrier)
- ·Photo + video capability matters to your child's age group (gives social-feature substitute)
- ·$7.99/mo lowest plan offsets the $190 device cost long-term
- ·Daily charging cadence is acceptable for the camera + media tradeoff
Which Carrier Works With Each Kids Smartwatch?
This is the question most parents don't think to ask until they've 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're 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 2 | n/a | n/a | n/a | Garmin-managed eSIM plan |
| Xplora X6 Play | Yes | No | Yes | Nano-SIM |
If you're on Verizon, your options are Gabb Watch 3 and GizmoWatch 3. If you're on T-Mobile, TickTalk 5 and Xplora X6 Play work. If you're 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.
The Garmin Bounce 2 is the exception to all of this: Garmin sells its own managed LTE plan, so you don't choose a carrier at all.
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 2 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'll 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 |
| GizmoWatch 3 | $149.99 | $10/mo | $390 |
| TickTalk 5 | $159.99 | $9.99/mo | $400 |
| Gabb Watch 3 | $149.99 | $12.99/mo | $462 |
| Garmin Bounce 2 | $299.99 | $9.99/mo | $540 |
The Xplora X6 Play has the lowest two-year cost thanks to its $7.99/mo plan. The Garmin Bounce 2 is the most expensive over two years at about $540, this time driven by its $299.99 device price rather than the monthly fee. 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 don't 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's 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 aren't 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 GizmoWatch 3 runs up to 4 days between charges.
Check your carrier first. No feature set matters if the watch doesn't 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 can't call or text.
Which kids GPS watch works on T-Mobile?
Two watches on this list work on T-Mobile: the TickTalk 5 and Xplora X6 Play. The TickTalk 5 uses eSIM for quick activation, while the Xplora X6 Play requires a physical nano-SIM card. Gabb Watch 3 and GizmoWatch 3 only work on Verizon. The Garmin Bounce 2 sidesteps the carrier question entirely with Garmin's own managed LTE plan.
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 2 is also a strong pick for this age group with its bright AMOLED screen 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 GizmoWatch 3 lasted the longest at 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; Garmin rates the newer Bounce 2 at up to 2 days. 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 2 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.
