Best Kids Smartwatches with Two-Way Calling
Five kids' smartwatches compared on calling, GPS, school controls and durability, drawn from manufacturer specs and independent expert recommendations.
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Which one should you buy?
Our picks by what matters to you · details below ↓
Best for: Active kids needing calling, GPS and school-friendly controls
Check price on Amazon- Best BudgetGabb Watch 3eBest for: Parents wanting a simple, distraction-free watch with strong controlsCheck price
- Also GreatBark WatchBest for: Parents who want content monitoring and rugged durabilityCheck price
- Best ValueXplora XGO3Best for: Budget-minded parents wanting core safety features for younger kidsCheck price
- Premium PickXplora X6 PlayBest for: Kids who want a camera plus safe communicationCheck price
The best smartwatches for kids let parents offer calling, location sharing and school-friendly controls without handing over a full smartphone. We narrowed the field to five picks, each suited to a different kind of family. This guide is based on manufacturer specs and independent expert recommendations, not hands-on testing.
All five picks limit communication to approved contacts and include GPS-based location features. They differ in how much else they add: games, a camera, content monitoring, or nothing at all.
Best Smartwatches for Kids at a Glance
| Pick | Label | Best for | Price tier | Standout feature | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fitbit Ace LTE | Best Overall | Active kids needing calling, GPS and school-friendly controls | Premium | Fitbit Arcade games plus School Time mode | Check price |
| Gabb Watch 3e | Best Budget | Parents wanting a simple, distraction-free watch | Mid-range | No internet, social media or third-party apps | Check price |
| Bark Watch | Also Great | Parents who want content monitoring and rugged durability | Mid-range | AI monitoring plus an SOS button that dials 911 | Check price |
| Xplora XGO3 | Best Value | Budget-minded parents of younger kids | Budget | School Mode that leaves only SOS active | Check price |
| Xplora X6 Play | Premium Pick | Kids who want a camera plus safe communication | Premium | 5MP camera and larger touchscreen | Check price |
Fitbit Ace LTE: Best Overall for Calling and Active Play
Best for: Active kids needing calling, GPS and school-friendly controls
The Fitbit Ace LTE combines calling, GPS and gamified activity tracking with a durable build and a school-friendly mode. It suits families wanting a full-featured, active-focused kids watch.
Read our full Fitbit Ace LTE review →- Battery life
- 16+ hours
- Water resistance
- 50 m (5 ATM)
- Display
- Color OLED, 333 ppi, Corning Gorilla Glass 3
- Processor
- Qualcomm Snapdragon W5
- GPS
- Built-in GPS/GNSS with Google Location Accuracy
- Durability
- Corning Gorilla Glass 3, water resistant to 50m, protective bumper included
Reasons to buy
- 4G LTE calling and messaging with up to 20 approved contacts
- Built-in GPS with real-time location visibility for parents
- Fitbit Arcade games make activity feel like play
- School Time mode limits distractions during class
- 50m water resistance and Gorilla Glass 3 display
Reasons to avoid
- Fitbit Ace Pass subscription required for cellular features
- Premium price tier
- Battery life is 16+ hours, so daily charging is needed
- Android Central
- 9.0
- Engadget
- 8.5
- SafeWise
- 8.4
- Smartwatches for Kids
- 7.6
- PureWow
- 8.8
The Fitbit Ace LTE is our top pick because it combines 4G LTE calling and messaging, built-in GPS and gamified activity tracking in one durable watch. It suits active kids whose parents want calling, location visibility and school-friendly controls. It is recommended in 7 expert guides.
Keep reading about Fitbit Ace LTE
Calling and messaging work with up to 20 approved contacts, and parents get real-time location visibility. School Time mode minimizes distractions during class while keeping communication available. Fitbit Arcade games are designed to make movement feel like play. Health tracking goes beyond steps, with an optical heart rate sensor, sleep tracking, stress tracking, blood oxygen and skin temperature.
The build is solid: a Gorilla Glass 3 display, 50m water resistance and a protective bumper in the box. Charging is quick, at 30 minutes to 60% and 70 minutes to 100% over USB-C. Reviewers' scores include 4.2 out of 5 from SafeWise and 4.4 out of 5 from PureWow.
The trade-off
Cellular features require a Fitbit Ace Pass subscription, and the watch sits in the premium price tier. Battery life is 16+ hours, so plan on charging it daily. It works with Android 11.0 or newer and iOS 16 or newer.
Gabb Watch 3e: Best Budget for Locked-Down Simplicity
Best for: Parents wanting a simple, distraction-free watch with strong controls
The Gabb Watch 3e offers a distraction-free, locked-down experience with solid parental controls and LTE calling. It's a practical pick for parents who want simplicity and safety over extra features.
Read our full Gabb Watch 3e review →- Battery life
- 14-18 hours (typical use)
- Water resistance
- IP68
- Display
- 1.41 inch OLED touchscreen
- Processor
- Qualcomm SDW4100 chipset
- GPS
- Yes, updates every 15 minutes
- Durability
- Gorilla Glass 3 display, 46 x 40 x 14.5 mm case, 20mm quick-release strap
Reasons to buy
- Parent-approved contacts only, up to 100 contacts
- No internet, social media or third-party apps
- GPS with safe zones and geofencing
- Wireless charging and IP68 water resistance
- Focus Times and volume control via MyGabb app
Reasons to avoid
- GPS location updates only every 15 minutes
- Step counter is the only health tracking
- Charging takes 2 to 2.5 hours
- SafeWise
- 9.0
- Android Police
- 7.0
- SmartWatches for Kids
- 7.0
The Gabb Watch 3e earns its Best Budget label by being a stripped-back, distraction-free watch with strong parental controls and LTE calling. It is for parents who want simplicity and safety over extra features. It is recommended in 8 expert guides. Within this group it sits in the mid-range price tier, so if the lowest price matters most, see the Xplora XGO3 below.
Keep reading about Gabb Watch 3e
There is no internet, social media or third-party apps, and calling and texting work only with parent-approved contacts, up to 100 of them. Parents manage contacts, volume and Focus Times scheduling through the MyGabb app. GPS includes safe zones and geofencing, and the watch charges wirelessly.
The 1.41 inch OLED touchscreen has a Gorilla Glass 3 display and IP68 water resistance, and it runs Gabb OS 2. Expert scores include 4.5 out of 5 from SafeWise and 7 out of 10 from Android Police.
The trade-off
GPS location updates only every 15 minutes, so it is not a live tracker. The step counter is the only health tracking, and charging takes 2 to 2.5 hours. Battery life is listed at 14-18 hours with typical use.
Bark Watch: Also Great for Content Monitoring
Best for: Parents who want content monitoring and rugged durability
The Bark Watch pairs rugged construction with active content monitoring and an SOS button that dials 911. It's a strong choice for parents prioritizing oversight of messages and media.
- Battery life
- 325 mAh (approximately full day with typical use)
- Water resistance
- 5ATM + IP68, up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes
- Display
- 1.34 inches (438×438), Sapphire Crystal Glass, up to 3,000 nits
- Processor
- Exynos W1000 (3 nm, 5-core)
- GPS
- L1+L5 Dual-Frequency with A-GPS
- Durability
- Armor Aluminum casing, MIL-STD-810H rated
Reasons to buy
- AI monitoring of texts, photos and videos
- Emergency SOS button dials 911
- Dual-frequency GPS with customizable geofencing
- MIL-STD-810H rated aluminum casing with sapphire crystal glass
- No apps, games or web browser
Reasons to avoid
- Battery is roughly a full day with typical use
- Locked-down interface offers no games or apps
- Fitness tracking is limited to steps, heart rate and goals
- SafeWise
- 9.4
- Smartwatches for Kids
- 7.6
- Fawnio
- 8.0
- Kids Device Guide
- 4.6
The Bark Watch is the pick for parents who want oversight of what their child sends and receives. It pairs AI monitoring of texts, photos and videos with an emergency SOS button that dials 911 and a rugged build. It is recommended in 8 expert guides.
Keep reading about Bark Watch
Beyond monitoring, it offers 24/7 GPS location tracking with real-time updates, dual-frequency GPS and customizable geofencing. Calling and texting over 4G LTE with Bark Wireless are limited to approved contacts. The interface is locked down, with no apps, games or web browser.
Durability is a highlight. The Armor Aluminum casing is MIL-STD-810H rated, the display uses sapphire crystal glass at up to 3,000 nits, and the swim-proof design carries 5ATM + IP68 water resistance. Health features include step count, heart rate monitoring and activity goals via Samsung Health. SafeWise gives it 4.7 out of 5.
The trade-off
Battery life is roughly a full day with typical use, so expect to charge it nightly. The locked-down interface means no games or apps, and fitness tracking is limited to steps, heart rate and goals. Kids who want something to play with will find little here.
Xplora XGO3: Best Value for Core Safety Basics
Best for: Budget-minded parents wanting core safety features for younger kids
The Xplora XGO3 covers the essentials of GPS tracking, approved-contact communication, SOS and school mode at a budget price. It fits families who want core safety features without paying for extras.
- Battery life
- 1-2 days active use, up to 72 hours standby
- Water resistance
- IP68
- Display
- 1.3" TFT (240 x 240 px)
- Processor
- Unisoc W307 1.2GHz Quad-core ARM Cortex A7
- GPS
- GPS + WiFi + LBS
- Durability
- IP68 water resistance, scratch resistant
Reasons to buy
- Budget-friendly entry into 4G kids smartwatches
- School Mode disables everything except SOS during class
- SOS button and approved-contact calling and messaging
- GPS, Wi-Fi and LBS multi-source location tracking
- Xplora Coins rewards encourage step activity
Reasons to avoid
- Basic 1.3-inch TFT display with modest resolution
- Only 128MB of memory and storage
- Charging takes 2.5 to 3 hours
- SafeWise
- 8.0
- The Gear Loop
- 7.0
The Xplora XGO3 covers the essentials of GPS tracking, approved-contact calling and messaging, SOS and a school mode at a budget price. It fits families with younger kids who want core safety features without paying for extras. It is recommended in 5 expert guides.
Keep reading about Xplora XGO3
Location uses multiple sources: GPS, Wi-Fi and LBS. The SOS button gives quick contact with parents, and School Mode disables all functions except SOS during class hours. A step counter and Xplora Coins rewards encourage activity, and IP68 water resistance covers wet conditions. Battery life is 1-2 days of active use, with up to 72 hours standby. SafeWise rates it 4 out of 5, and The Gear Loop gives it 7 out of 10.
The trade-off
The display is a basic 1.3-inch TFT with modest resolution, and memory and storage are only 128MB. Charging takes 2.5 to 3 hours. It has a 2MP camera, so it is not the choice for kids who want photos.
Xplora X6 Play: Premium Pick for Camera and Calling
Best for: Kids who want a camera plus safe communication
The Xplora X6 Play adds a better camera and a larger display to Xplora's approved-contact, GPS and SOS foundation. It suits kids who enjoy snapping photos alongside safe communication.
- Battery life
- 1-2 days (up to 72 hours standby)
- Water resistance
- IP68
- Display
- 1.52" TFT touchscreen, 360 × 400 pixels
- Processor
- Qualcomm 2500 (1.2 GHz Quad-core ARM Cortex A7)
- GPS
- GPS + A-GPS + Wi-Fi + LBS
- Durability
- IP68 waterproof
Reasons to buy
- 5MP camera for photos and videos
- Larger 1.52-inch touchscreen with 8GB storage
- Multiple positioning systems including GPS, A-GPS, Wi-Fi and LBS
- SOS button sends instant location
- School mode keeps time and SOS active
Reasons to avoid
- Premium price tier
- Battery lasts only 1-2 days
- Uses older Bluetooth 4.1
- smartwatchesforkids.com
- 7.6
- SafeWise
- 7.0
- Irish News
- 8.0
The Xplora X6 Play adds a 5MP camera and a larger display to Xplora's approved-contact, GPS and SOS foundation. It suits kids who enjoy snapping photos alongside safe communication. It is recommended in 7 expert guides.
Keep reading about Xplora X6 Play
The 1.52-inch touchscreen comes with 8GB of storage. Location draws on GPS, A-GPS, Wi-Fi and LBS, and the SOS button sends an instant location. School mode disables calls and messages while keeping time and SOS active. Voice calls and text or voice messaging work with parent-approved contacts only, and IP68 water resistance protects against splashes. Irish News gives it 4 out of 5, and SafeWise gives it 3.5 out of 5.
The trade-off
It sits in the premium price tier, battery lasts only 1-2 days, and it uses older Bluetooth 4.1. Charging takes 2.5 to 3 hours.
Compare our picks side by side
The specs most of our picks share, from each maker’s spec page (— = not published). Expert score = the average of published expert reviews, which rate each product for its price. Scroll sideways on small screens.
| Spec | Fitbit Ace LTE | Gabb Watch 3e | Bark Watch | Xplora XGO3 | Xplora X6 Play |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Best Overall | Best Budget | Also Great | Best Value | Premium Pick |
| Expert score | 8.5 | 7.7 | 7.4 | 7.5 | 7.5 |
| Price vs. these picks | Higher | Middle | Middle | Lower | Higher |
| Battery life | 16+ hours | 14-18 hours (typical use) | 325 mAh (approximately full day with typical use) | 1-2 days active use, up to 72 hours standby | 1-2 days (up to 72 hours standby) |
| Water resistance | 50 m (5 ATM) | IP68 | 5ATM + IP68, up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes | IP68 | IP68 |
| Display | Color OLED, 333 ppi, Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | 1.41 inch OLED touchscreen | 1.34 inches (438×438), Sapphire Crystal Glass, up to 3,000 nits | 1.3" TFT (240 x 240 px) | 1.52" TFT touchscreen, 360 × 400 pixels |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 | Qualcomm SDW4100 chipset | Exynos W1000 (3 nm, 5-core) | Unisoc W307 1.2GHz Quad-core ARM Cortex A7 | Qualcomm 2500 (1.2 GHz Quad-core ARM Cortex A7) |
| GPS | Built-in GPS/GNSS with Google Location Accuracy | Yes, updates every 15 minutes | L1+L5 Dual-Frequency with A-GPS | GPS + WiFi + LBS | GPS + A-GPS + Wi-Fi + LBS |
| Durability | Corning Gorilla Glass 3, water resistant to 50m, protective bumper included | Gorilla Glass 3 display, 46 x 40 x 14.5 mm case, 20mm quick-release strap | Armor Aluminum casing, MIL-STD-810H rated | IP68 water resistance, scratch resistant | IP68 waterproof |
| Connectivity | 4G LTE, 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, GPS/GNSS | Bluetooth, GPS, LTE, WiFi | Bluetooth + LTE | 4G, 3G & 2G, GPS + WiFi + LBS, Nano SIM Card | 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth 4.1 |
| Charging time | 30 minutes to 60%, 70 minutes to 100% | 2 to 2.5 hours | — | 2.5 to 3 hours | 2.5 to 3 hours |
| Where to buy | Check price | Check price | Check price | Check price | Check price |
How to Choose a Kids Smartwatch
Decide how much connectivity you need
Every pick here has cellular connectivity, but plans and subscriptions vary. The Fitbit Ace LTE needs a Fitbit Ace Pass subscription for cellular features, so check the ongoing plan requirements for any model before you commit.
Match the controls to your child
For a distraction-free experience, the Gabb Watch 3e has no internet, social media or third-party apps and the Bark Watch has no apps, games or web browser, with the Bark adding AI content monitoring. For younger kids who need the basics, the Xplora XGO3 is the simplest. If you want movement to feel like play, the Fitbit Ace LTE's games are the draw.
Check location and school features
All five offer location features, but they work differently. The Gabb updates GPS every 15 minutes, while the Bark advertises 24/7 real-time updates. For class time, the Fitbit has School Time mode, the Gabb has Focus Times, and both Xplora models have a school mode that leaves SOS active.
Think about durability and battery
Kids are hard on devices. The Bark Watch is MIL-STD-810H rated, and the Fitbit has Gorilla Glass 3, 50m water resistance and a bumper. Battery is mostly a one-day affair, with the Xplora models listed at 1-2 days.
How We Picked
We narrowed the field using manufacturer specs and the recommendations of independent experts. We weighed communication controls, location features, school modes, durability, battery life and how often each watch appears in expert buying guides. We have not hands-on tested these watches. Specs come from manufacturer pages, and any scores we cite are those published by the named reviewers. Check live prices through the buttons on each product card, as they change often.
Bottom Line
For most families, the Fitbit Ace LTE is the best all-rounder, with calling, GPS, games and a school mode, though it needs a subscription for cellular features. The Gabb Watch 3e suits parents who want a locked-down watch, the Bark Watch is for those who want content monitoring and rugged build, and the Xplora XGO3 covers the basics for younger kids. If your child wants a camera, the Xplora X6 Play is the one to look at.
Ready to buy?
Best OverallFitbit Ace LTECheck price- Best BudgetGabb Watch 3eCheck price
- Also GreatBark WatchCheck price
- Best ValueXplora XGO3Check price
- Premium PickXplora X6 PlayCheck price
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- Best Compact Smartwatches 2026: Battery Life & Design
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- myFirst Fone R2 Review (2026): Safe Calls for Young Kids
- Best Smartwatch for Seniors 2026: Fall Detection & Safety
- Audar E2 Senior Smartwatch Review (2026): Phone-Free Care
Frequently asked questions
Which kids smartwatch has the longest battery life?
The Xplora XGO3: 1-2 days of active use, with up to 72 hours standby. The Xplora X6 Play lists the same 1-2 days. The Fitbit Ace LTE is listed at 16+ hours, so it needs daily charging.
Which kids smartwatch has an SOS button?
The Bark Watch, Xplora XGO3 and Xplora X6 Play all have SOS buttons. The Bark's dials 911, the XGO3's gives quick contact with parents, and the X6 Play's sends an instant location.
Do kids smartwatches need a subscription?
The Fitbit Ace LTE: it requires a Fitbit Ace Pass subscription for cellular features. Since all five picks use cellular connectivity, check each model's plan requirements before buying.
Which kids smartwatch is best for swimming?
The Fitbit Ace LTE: 50m water resistance. The Bark Watch also has a swim-proof design with 5ATM + IP68 water resistance, so both suit kids who spend time in the water.
Which kids smartwatch has a camera?
The Xplora X6 Play: a 5MP camera for photos and videos. The Xplora XGO3 has a 2MP camera, and the other picks do not list a camera.
Sources
Specs are taken from the manufacturers' official pages; expert recommendations from the publications below.
- Fitbit Ace LTE: store.google.com, support.google.com, tomsguide.com
- Gabb Watch 3e: gabb.com, us.smartprix.com, smartwatchspecifications.com, walmart.com
- Bark Watch: bark.us, tomsguide.com, safewise.com, fawnio.com
- Xplora XGO3: shop.myxplora.com, xplora.ie, xplora.co.uk
- Xplora X6 Play: shop.myxplora.com, xplora.co.uk, manual.nz, manua.ls
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