Buying Guide for the Best Kids Smartwatch With Gps
Choosing a kids' smartwatch with GPS can help parents keep their children safe while also giving kids some fun, age-appropriate tech. It's important to find a balance between features, comfort, and ease of use. Begin by considering what you want from the watch: is safety your main concern, do you want your child to be able to communicate, or are you looking for games and activities to keep them entertained? Understanding your priorities will make the selection process much easier.GPS Tracking AccuracyGPS tracking is the core feature of these watches, letting you know your child's location in real-time. High accuracy means you'll see their position closely matched to where they actually are, while low accuracy may show only a general area. Some watches use only GPS, while others combine it with Wi-Fi and cell towers for better precision. If your main concern is safety and peace of mind, pick a watch with multi-method location tracking, especially if you live in areas with tall buildings or poor signal.
Battery LifeBattery life determines how long the watch works between charges. Kids' smartwatches usually last from one to several days, depending on how much GPS, calling, and other features are used. If your child wears the watch all day and you want to avoid frequent charging, look for models with longer battery life. For kids who tend to forget to charge devices or are away from home all day, longer battery life is especially important.
Durability and Water ResistanceKids can be tough on gadgets, so the watch should withstand drops, bumps, and exposure to water. Water resistance is often measured with terms like 'splash proof' or 'waterproof.' Splash proof is fine for daily play and washing hands, but if your child loves swimming or playing in the rain, a fully waterproof watch will last longer. For very active or younger kids, durability and better water resistance should be prioritized.
Communication FeaturesSome kids' smartwatches allow calling and messaging, often with a restricted list of contacts set by parents. This feature is great for staying in touch and offering peace of mind, but it may also mean more responsibility for the child. If your main goal is emergency contact, even simple voice calling is helpful. Texting or voice messages are also handy if your child is not ready for phone calls. Match the features to your child's age and your comfort with them communicating.
App Compatibility and Parental ControlsMost smartwatches need a companion app for parents to set them up, track the watch, and manage settings. Parental controls allow you to decide who your child can contact and what features are available. Easy-to-use apps make it simpler to set safe zones and keep an eye on your child. If you're not very tech-savvy, look for watches with straightforward apps and clear parental controls. For younger kids, strong parental settings are a must.
Comfort and SizeSince kids have smaller wrists and sensitive skin, comfort and fit are crucial. A watch that's too bulky or heavy won't be worn regularly. Adjustable, soft straps and lightweight cases make a difference, especially for younger children. When choosing, consider your child's age, wrist size, and whether they'll wear the watch all day. Let your child try it on if possible, to ensure it's comfortable.