10 Best Smartwatch For Kids 8 12 2026 in the United States

The TickTalk5 LTE Kids Smart Watch is a robust option for kids aged 8-12, offering a range of practical features. Its durability is impressive, being IP67 water-resistant, shockproof, and dustproof, which is ideal for active children. The watch has a decent battery life, providing up to 100+ hours of standby time, ensuring that kids stay connected throughout the day without frequent recharging.

GPS tracking is advanced, with AI-powered location correction providing precise real-time tracking and route playback, giving parents peace of mind regarding their child’s whereabouts. Communication features are extensive, including HD voice and video calls, secured messaging with end-to-end encryption, and quick-dial buttons for emergency contacts, making it easy for kids to stay in touch with their family. The parental controls are some of the most powerful available, allowing parents to manage contacts, view call logs, set reminders, and control various aspects of the watch's usage through an app.

The design is kid-friendly, with a comfortable rectangular shape and a 1.52-inch touchscreen display. The watch also includes educational and practical apps like a calculator, calendar, and activity tracker, while offering entertainment through kid-friendly streaming music powered by the iHeartRadio Family app. However, it lacks games and social media, which might be seen as a downside for kids seeking more interactive entertainment. Additionally, the watch is relatively heavy at 55 grams, which might be a concern for some children. Despite these minor issues, the TickTalk5 is a strong contender in the smartwatch-for-kids category, providing a balance of safety, connectivity, and fun.

The JrTrack 5 Kids Smart Watch by Cosmo is designed to give kids aged 6 and up a safe, connected experience. Its standout feature is the precise, real-time GPS tracking powered by advanced HaloGPS technology, which helps parents know their child’s location quickly and accurately. The watch supports secure calling and messaging, but only with parent-approved contacts, ensuring no unwanted calls or internet access, which is excellent for safety. Communication features include calls, texts, pictures, and even short videos, keeping family contact easy and fun.

Battery life is decent for a smartwatch of its type, with a 680mAh lithium-ion battery, though heavy usage of GPS and cellular calls might require daily or every-other-day charging. The watch runs on a dedicated Cosmo OS with 1GB RAM and 8GB storage, enough for its apps and music features. Speaking of which, it supports kid-friendly Spotify music apps, adding entertainment value. Parental controls are robust, allowing parents to manage apps, set time limits with a Focus Mode to reduce distractions, and monitor messages. Safety is boosted by SOS alerts and SafeZone notifications, providing extra peace of mind. The watch is lightweight and has a comfortable 1.4-inch square screen that suits kids' wrists.

One limitation is that JrTrack 5 requires activation with Cosmo’s own cellular service, which starts around $9.99 per month, and it doesn't work with other carriers, potentially limiting flexibility. Also, while the watch covers many daily needs like alarms, step tracking, and reminders, it doesn’t mention ruggedness explicitly, so care might be needed to protect it from rough play. This smartwatch is a strong choice for parents prioritizing safety, communication, and parental oversight in a kid-friendly design, especially in the 8 to 12 age group, but budget and carrier lock-in should be considered.

The Fitbit Google Ace LTE is a solid choice for kids aged 8 to 12, especially for parents wanting to keep tabs with GPS and stay in touch through calls and messages without needing a phone. Its built-in 4G LTE and GPS offer reliable location tracking and communication, which is great for peace of mind. The watch is designed with kids in mind, featuring a durable build with Gorilla Glass 3, a protective bumper, and water resistance up to 50 meters, making it tough enough for everyday play and splashes.

Battery life is decent with over 16 hours on a single charge and quick charging that gets you 11 hours in just 30 minutes—enough to keep up through school and playtime. The Fitbit Arcade offers fun, movement-based games that encourage activity, and the School Time mode helps limit distractions by restricting gameplay during school hours while still allowing essential contact. Parental controls are straightforward but have some limitations, especially since kids under 13 can only add contacts aged 13 and up, which could restrict younger users' communication options.

The design is kid-friendly with a comfortable, lightweight feel and a 1.6-inch touchscreen that's easy to navigate. A notable drawback is the required data plan, which adds to ongoing costs. Also, while the watch supports messaging and calls, it doesn’t allow kids to message each other directly, which may disappoint some users. This smartwatch effectively balances safety, fun, and fitness features for children, but parents should consider the subscription requirement and contact restrictions before making a purchase.