Best Wearable Technology for Kids in 2024: Top 10 Kids Wearables

These days, wearable technology isn’t just for adults, kids are getting in on the action, too! Whether it’s to help them stay safe, get moving, or even learn, more and more parents are turning to these gadgets to make their kids’ lives a little better. And it’s not just a trend, the kids’ smartwatch market is booming. In fact, it was valued at $10.4 billion in 2023 and is expected to more than double by 2032, reaching a whopping $21.5 billion. That’s a lot of parents looking for the right tech to keep their little ones safe and healthy.

Curious about how wearable tech is helping seniors, too? Check out our detailed post on wearable technology for seniors. Let’s explore the best wearable technology for kids in 2024!

Why Wearable Tech for Kids is More Than Just a Toy

Wearable tech for kids isn’t just about fun and games, although that’s definitely part of it. These devices are designed to make life easier and safer for both kids and parents. They offer real benefits, like:

• Safety: GPS tracking and emergency call features ensure parents can keep tabs on their children.
• Health: Fitness trackers encourage physical activity and healthy habits.
• Education: Some wearables offer educational games and apps to stimulate learning.

Top 10 Smartwatches for Kids in 2024

1. Garmin vívofit jr. 3
   • Features: Fitness tracker, swim-friendly, parent-controlled app. It includes Bluetooth connectivity, allowing it to sync activity data with the Garmin Jr. app on a parent’s phone
   • Pros: Long battery life, durable design
   • Cons: Limited display
2. Garmin Bounce
   • Features: LTE messaging, voice/text, GPS tracking, geofencing, steps, sleep, exercise tracking, alarms, reminders, weather, and games.
   • Pros: Durable, kid-friendly, accurate tracking, safety-focused, 2-day battery, parental controls, water-resistant.
   • Cons: Requires LTE subscription for full functionality, proprietary charging cable, screen difficult to read in bright light, no voice calls, limited customization of geofence boundaries
   • I recommend to check out this review from DC Rainmaker.
3. VTech KidiZoom Smartwatch DX4
   • Features: Camera (front and selfie), games, educational activities
   • Pros: Interactive, engaging content, durability, parental controls (Includes settings for limiting game time and managing content visibility during school hours)
   • Cons: Bulky for small wrists
4. Fitbit Ace 3
   • Features: Activity tracking, sleep monitoring, customizable bands
   • Pros: Comfortable fit, intuitive app
   • Cons: Requires charging every few days
5. TickTalk 5
   • Features: 4G/LTE connectivity, GPS tracking, video calling
   • Pros: Comprehensive safety features
   • Cons: Expensive
6. Xplora X6 Play
   • Features: GPS, call and message, step tracker
   • Pros: Encourages physical activity, safety features
   • Cons: Limited battery life with heavy use. Also not available in many countries, primarily sold in Scandinavia.
7. Joy Octopus V2
   • Features: Icon-based scheduler, habit tracking, reminders
   • Pros: Great for younger kids, easy to use
   • Cons: Basic features compared to others
8. Kurio Watch 2.0
   • Features: Games, messaging, camera
   • Pros: Affordable, fun games
   • Cons: Lower quality display
9. Prograce Kids Smartwatch
   • Features: Camera, music player, games
   • Pros: Multifunctional, affordable
   • Cons: Less durable
10. LeapFrog LeapBand
    • Features: Fitness tracker, virtual pet, educational games
    • Pros: Promotes physical activity, fun for young kids, Educational Games
    • Cons: Basic design, Limited Age Range: Primarily suitable for ages 4-7, may not appeal to older children.

Additional Picks for Verizon and T-Mobile users

Not a part of the top 10 list, I also want to mention two more if you are either a Verizon or T-mobile user:

• Best for Verizon Users: GizmoWatch 3
  The GizmoWatch 3 is a great pick for Verizon users, offering better connectivity, longer battery life, and stronger GPS tracking than previous models.

• Best for T-Mobile Users: SyncUp Kids Watch 2
  For T-Mobile users, the SyncUp Kids Watch 2 is a solid choice, featuring real-time location tracking, unlimited approved contacts, geolocation boundaries, texting, and even video calling.

The kids’ smartwatch market is always changing, with new models and updates coming out all the time. Choosing the best watch depends on your child’s age, your priorities (like safety, communication, or fitness), and your mobile carrier.

How to Choose the Right Wearable Tech for Your Child

With so many options, finding the best wearable for your child can be challenging. Here are a few key factors to consider:

• Age Appropriateness: Some devices, like the Joy Octopus V2, are better for younger kids, while the TickTalk 5 is more suited for older children.
• Primary Use: Determine if the focus is on safety, health, or entertainment. For example, the Garmin vívofit jr. 3 is ideal for health tracking, while the Xplora X6 Play focuses on safety.
• Budget: High-end options like the TickTalk 5 may have comprehensive features, but a simpler device like the Kurio Watch 2.0 could fit a tighter budget.
• Durability: Choose a rugged device if your child is very active, like the Garmin vívofit jr. 3.

Smartwatches for Kids: Comparison Chart

Device	Features	Pros	Cons
Garmin vívofit jr. 3	Parent-controlled app, customizable rewards system. Fitness tracker, swim-friendly	Long battery life, durable	Limited display
VTech KidiZoom DX4	Parental controls, motion sensor for active play. Camera, games, educational activities	Interactive, engaging	Bulky for small wrists
Google Fitbit Ace LTE	Water resistance, family challenges. Activity tracking, sleep monitoring	Comfortable fit, intuitive	Needs frequent charging
TickTalk 4/5	4G/LTE, GPS, video calling. Two-way audio, geofencing alerts	Comprehensive safety	Expensive
Xplora X6 Play	School mode, reward system (Xplora Coins). GPS, call and message, step tracker	Encourages activity	Limited battery life
Joy Octopus V2	Scheduler, habit tracking	Easy to use	Basic features
Kurio Watch 2.0	Bluetooth connectivity, activity challenges. Games, messaging, camera	Affordable, fun games	Lower quality display
Garmin Bounce	The Garmin Bounce is a durable smartwatch for children aged 6 to 12, featuring two-way calling, GPS tracking, geofencing, LTE messaging, and strong parental controls	Two-way calling, LTE messaging, and strong parental controls	No video calling, no heart rate tracking, inconsistent battery life. Requires a monthly LTE subscription and uses a proprietary charging cable.
Prograce Kids Smartwatch	Camera, music player, games	Multifunctional, affordable	Less durable
LeapFrog LeapBand	Fitness tracker, virtual pet	Promotes activity, fun	Basic design

Additional Features Explained

These additional features highlight unique aspects of each device that could be important for parents and children:

1. Garmin Bounce: The Garmin Bounce takes parental control to the next level with features like real-time GPS tracking, LTE messaging, and geofencing. Parents can stay connected through the Garmin Jr. app, which allows them to monitor location, set boundaries, and communicate with their child.

1. VTech KidiZoom DX4: Parental controls and motion sensors for active play enhance safety and encourage physical activity.
2. Fitbit Google Ace LTE: The best fitness-focused smartwatch for kids. It gamifies physical activity, encouraging movement in exchange for playtime on the device
3. TickTalk 4: Two-way audio and geofencing alerts improve communication and safety features.
4. Xplora X5 Play: School mode helps minimize distractions during class time, and the reward system encourages activity.
5. Joy Octopus V2: Visual timer and customizable reminders aid in time management and routine building.
6. Kurio Watch 2.0: Bluetooth connectivity expands functionality, and activity challenges promote physical activity.
7. Garmin vívofit jr. 3: Features two-way calling and silent listening for enhanced communication and safety.
8. Prograce Kids Smartwatch: Alarm clock and calculator add practical tools for daily use.
9. LeapFrog LeapBand: Audio challenges and customizable character features make fitness more engaging for young children.

Conclusion

Wearable tech for kids in 2024 offers a blend of fun, safety, and educational benefits. Whether you’re looking for a fitness tracker to keep your child active or a smartwatch with safety features, there’s a perfect device out there for every need. Make an informed choice and ensure your child’s wearable tech enriches their daily life. Remember that the best choice will depend on the specific needs and preferences of the child and their family. Below are some overall recommendations based on research.

Recommendations for the Best Wearables for Kids

• Best Overall: Garmin Bounce
  Durable, secure, with a long battery life and family-friendly features. It offers extensive parental controls, LTE connectivity, geofencing, and a variety of activities and games that encourage outdoor play

• Best for Safety & Communication: TickTalk 5
  Offers comprehensive safety features like GPS tracking, video calls, and geofencing, making it great for staying connected. It features great cameras, parental controls, and additional features like iHeartRadio Family
• Best for Fitness: Fitbit Google Ace LTE
  The Fitbit Ace LTE has surpassed the Ace 3 as the best fitness-focused smartwatch for kids. It gamifies physical activity, encouraging movement in exchange for playtime on the device
• Best Budget Option: Kurio Watch 2.0
  Affordable with games, a camera, messaging, and parental controls. Good value for the price.
• Best for Young Kids: VTech KidiZoom Smartwatch DX4
  Combines fun and learning with a camera, voice recorder, and educational games, perfect for younger children.

Key Factors to Consider:

• Age-appropriate features
• Durability and battery life
• Parental controls and safety options
• Educational value and entertainment
• Price point

Stay tuned to WearableWhiz for more reviews and updates on the latest in wearable technology. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and YouTube for exclusive content and tips!

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Sources:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/article/best-smartwatches-for-kids

https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/kids-smartwatch-market