10 Best Smart Watch With Texting For Kids 2026 in the United States

The TickTalk 5 is a strong choice for a kids’ smartwatch that supports texting and communication. It offers real SMS and secure messaging with family-approved contacts, making it easy and safe for kids to send texts, voice messages, and even photos. Video and voice calls are clear thanks to a 5MP front camera and HD quality, which adds extra fun and reassurance. GPS tracking is highly accurate, powered by Google Maps and an AI feature called SmartPin that improves location details, even indoors. Parents get instant alerts for emergency calls, giving peace of mind.

Battery life is impressive, with over 100 hours of standby time, meaning the watch can last a full day or more on a single charge. It is built tough with IP67 water resistance and shockproof features, perfect for active kids. The parental control app is comprehensive, allowing parents to add trusted contacts, block strangers, set reminders, and manage data easily from their phones. The watch also includes kid-friendly features like activity tracking with custom step goals and free streaming music from a safe app, without distracting games or social media. Compatibility covers both iPhones and Android devices, making it accessible for most families.

Some drawbacks to consider are the relatively small 1.52-inch screen, which may be a bit limited for younger kids, and the learning curve for parents new to managing smartwatch apps. Also, while the watch supports global 4G bands, coverage quality can depend on local networks. TickTalk 5 is well suited for parents who want a reliable, safe, and feature-rich smartwatch for kids aged 3-12 that prioritizes communication and safety with strong parental controls and durable design.

The Garmin Bounce is a well-rounded kids’ smartwatch designed to keep children connected and parents reassured. It offers two-way texting and voice messaging through an easy-to-use app, making communication simple and fun. Built-in GPS allows real-time location tracking, with notifications when kids enter or leave set boundaries, which adds a useful safety layer. The watch is durable and swim-friendly, suitable for active kids, and its bright 1.3-inch touchscreen is clear and responsive.

Battery life lasts up to two days, though heavy use of connected features will drain it faster, so daily charging might be needed. Parental controls are strong, letting caregivers manage contacts and receive location updates through the Garmin Jr. app, but an active subscription and LTE connectivity are required, which is an extra cost and depends on good network coverage. The watch is lightweight and comfortable, but its Garmin OS limits compatibility mostly to smartphones supporting the Garmin Jr. app.

This smartwatch successfully balances safety features and ease of use, making it a reliable choice for parents wanting a durable, interactive smartwatch for their kids with secure texting and tracking features.

The Fitbit Google Ace LTE is designed with kids and their parents in mind, offering a solid mix of communication, safety, and fun. It supports in-app calling and messaging with up to 20 approved contacts, which keeps kids connected without exposing them to strangers. GPS tracking is built-in, helping parents know their child’s location easily. The battery life lasts around 16+ hours, which is enough for a full day, and it charges quickly if you need a boost.

The watch is quite durable, featuring Corning Gorilla Glass 3 and a protective bumper, plus it’s water resistant up to 50 meters, making it tough enough for everyday kid adventures. Parental controls are thoughtful, with a School Time mode that limits gaming during class but still allows important communication. Kids will enjoy the activity-based Fitbit Arcade games and movement tracking, encouraging healthy habits.

It’s compatible with most modern Android and iOS devices, although a Google account and Fitbit Ace app are required to set up and manage the watch. Messaging is limited to approved contacts only and kids cannot message each other, which might feel restrictive for some. Additionally, the LTE connectivity requires a separate data plan (Fitbit Ace Pass), adding to ongoing costs. The device provides an engaging and safe smartwatch experience tailored for kids who want to stay active and connected under parental guidance.