Garmin has launched the Bounce 2, a new LTE-connected smartwatch designed specifically for children, priced at $300 with a $10 monthly subscription. This smartphone alternative offers parents peace-of-mind features including two-way voice calling, text and voice messaging, real-time location tracking, and temporary geofencing alerts. The watch features a bright 1.2-inch AMOLED display, swim-friendly design, and built-in sports apps for tracking activities like running and cycling. A notable entertainment upgrade includes Amazon Music support for phone-free listening through the watch’s speaker or paired headphones. However, the device comes with a relatively short two-day battery life, which while better than Apple and Google’s kid-friendly alternatives, still requires frequent charging.
Make sure to check out our other blog post on our top 10 picks for Kids wearable.
Garmin Bounce 2 – Highlights:
- Design with a new round case and a 1.2 inch AMOLED touchscreen display. Higher resolution and more vibrant than the original square LCD.
- Durability rated 5 ATM for swimming and everyday splashes. Built to handle daily bumps.
- Connectivity over LTE for real time location tracking, two way voice calling, voice messaging with automatic transcription, text messaging, and geofenced alerts. Requires a Kids Smartwatch Plan.
- Battery life up to 2 days on a single charge. Actual time varies with music and LTE use.
- Music support through the Amazon Music app with direct song downloads. Includes 4 GB of storage for offline listening.
- Voice features with a built in speaker and microphone for calls and voice commands such as call mum or set a timer.
- Activity tracking for steps and many sports including running, biking, swimming, and team sports. Summaries sync to Garmin Connect.
- Safety tools including LiveTrack, geofenced boundaries, incident detection alerts sent to parents, and quick location check ins.
- Customization with fun watch faces, animated themes, and built in educational games.
- Colors and price available in purple, turquoise, and slate gray at a launch price of 299.99 USD.
The Garmin Bounce 2 addresses a genuine gap in the market for dedicated kids’ smartwatches, especially as major tech brands have largely abandoned this space. The LTE connectivity and comprehensive parental controls make it an excellent phone alternative for families wanting to stay connected without giving children full smartphone access. The addition of Amazon Music is a smart move that will likely appeal to kids, while the sports tracking features encourage active lifestyles. However, the two-day battery life is concerning for a device targeting children who may forget to charge it regularly. At $300 plus monthly fees, it’s a significant investment, but the safety features and parental peace of mind may justify the cost for many families.