10 Best Smart Watch For Kids 8 12 Years Old 2026 in the United States

The TickTalk 5 LTE Kids Smart Watch is a robust choice for children aged 8-12. Its key strengths include excellent durability, being IP67 water-resistant, shockproof, and dustproof, making it suitable for active kids. The battery life is fairly good, with a high-performance battery offering up to 100+ hours of standby time, ensuring it lasts through the day with moderate use. GPS tracking is advanced, featuring AI-powered location correction for precise real-time tracking, even indoors, and route playback, which is excellent for child safety and parent peace of mind.

Communication features are rich, supporting HD voice and video calls, text messaging, and secured messaging with end-to-end encryption, making it easy for kids to stay in touch with family. There are practical apps like a calculator, calendar, and reminders, plus a built-in activity tracker and iHeartRadio Family app for kid-friendly music, promoting healthy habits and entertainment. However, the absence of games and social media might not appeal to all kids. The watch is user-friendly with a 1.52-inch touchscreen and intuitive interface.

Parental controls are a significant advantage, allowing parents to manage contacts, call logs, and set reminders through the TickTalk Parental Control app, enhancing usage control and security. A minor drawback might be the watch's weight, at 55 grams, which could feel slightly heavy for younger children. Additionally, the reliance on cellular connectivity might incur ongoing costs. Nevertheless, with its strong signal coverage, global connectivity, and a range of thoughtful features, the TickTalk 5 stands out as a dependable and versatile smart watch for kids in this age range.

The Fitbit Google Ace LTE is a feature-rich smartwatch tailored for kids aged 8-12. It excels in durability with its Corning Gorilla Glass 3 screen and protective bumper case, ensuring it can withstand bumps and scratches. Additionally, it is water-resistant up to 50 meters, making it suitable for active children. The built-in GPS and 4G LTE connectivity allow parents to keep track of their kids' location, providing peace of mind.

The battery life is robust, offering over 16 hours of use on a full charge, and fast charging capabilities add convenience with 11 hours of battery life after just 30 minutes of charging. Communication is a strong suit, as kids can make in-app calls and messages without needing a phone number. They can also add up to 20 contacts, fostering connectivity. The watch includes Fitbit Arcade games to keep kids entertained while promoting physical activity. However, an Ace Pass data plan is required for accessing these features, which may be an additional expense.

Parental controls such as School Time help limit gameplay during school hours, ensuring kids can focus on their studies. The watch is user-friendly with its touchscreen and straightforward design, but it requires a Google account and the Fitbit Ace app for full functionality. While highly functional, the need for a data plan and the requirement of a Google account might deter some users. The Fitbit Google Ace LTE is a solid choice for parents seeking a durable and feature-packed smartwatch to keep their kids connected and active.

This kids' smartwatch offers a fun and engaging experience for children aged roughly 3 to 12 years, particularly those who enjoy games, photos, and music. It comes packed with 39 puzzle games, a selfie camera, video recorder, MP3 player, pedometer, and useful tools like a calculator and alarm, making it entertaining and somewhat educational. The touchscreen and built-in functions are easy for kids to use, without needing a SIM card or app downloads, which simplifies setup and daily use. Battery life is quite decent, lasting 3 to 7 days depending on use, which supports longer playtime without frequent charging.

The watch does not include GPS tracking or communication features such as calling or messaging, which are often important for safety and parental peace of mind in kids' smartwatches. The soft silicone material suggests comfort over ruggedness.

This smartwatch suits younger kids who want a gadget focused on entertainment like games, music, and photos rather than safety tracking or communication. It serves as a great gift for creative play and learning simple time management tools. Parents looking for GPS location tracking or call functionality might want to consider other options. Its straightforward design and variety of fun features make it a solid choice for kids new to smartwatches who prioritize ease of use and multimedia fun over advanced connectivity.