Which smartwatch is best for your child?

Smartwatches are a great choice for young children who aren't ready for a full-fledged smartphone. They provide a number of benefits for both parents and children.

Best Apple Watch for kids

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Overall, the best smartwatch for kids is the Apple Watch SE (2nd generation). It strikes the perfect balance between cost and essential features, making it a top choice for kids.

The second generation Apple Watch SE comes in both 40mm and 44mm sizes. The smaller 40mm watch is perfect for smaller wrists, while the 44mm option has a larger screen and takes up more space on the wrist.

You can choose from a variety of colors and aluminum case straps. In addition to Apple's official strap options, you can find many cheaper options on Amazon and other third-party retailers.

Because it's cheap, there are a few downsides compared to other Apple Watch models. Apple Watch SE lacks ECG functionality and does not have an Always-on Display. But those aren't at the top of the kids' feature list. However, it can still monitor heart rate and record important fitness metrics.

You can choose between two variants of the Apple Watch SE. The GPS-only Apple Watch SE requires a paired iPhone for texting and calling. The Apple Watch SE GPS + Cellular is a much better choice for kids.

With the Cellular model, you can use the Family Setup feature to let your child use the Apple Watch without an iPhone. Kids can call, send messages, and share their location with you using Wi-Fi or cellular networks.

After purchase, set up the watch with iPhone and then choose settings for your child. Along the way, you can turn on Schooltime to limit some watchOS features during school hours.

The best Wear OS watches for kids

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If you are an Android user looking to buy a Wear OS smartwatch for your child, the Google Pixel Watch 2 is the best choice. The Pixel Watch 2 has a lot of pluses, most notably Fitbit integration, which can help analyze fitness metrics better.

Unlike the Apple Watch, the Pixel Watch 2 only comes in a single size of 41mm. It's compact, simple and will fit on most kids' wrists. You can choose from several case and strap color options.

You can also choose between Wi-Fi and LTE variants. The Cellular version is the best choice if you want to give your child a true smartwatch.

Setting up the Pixel Watch 2 as a standalone device takes more effort than the Apple Watch SE. There are no dedicated options that let kids use the smartwatch to receive calls, text messages, and share location without a paired Android device.

Another workaround is to buy an inexpensive Android device and pair it with the watch. Pixel Watch 2 will work with most phones running Android 9.0 or higher.

Best Fitbit watches for kids

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Another great option, compatible with both Android and iOS, is the Fitbit Ace LTE. This smartwatch is designed specifically for children 7 years and older. This wearable combines a Fitbit and a smartwatch into a kid-friendly combination.

There are two strap/case color options to choose from. And since it's designed for kids, it comes with a protective case.

Parents can use the Fitbit Ace companion app to communicate with their children and see their location at all times. You can also approve up to 20 other people your child can contact via calls, text messages, and voice messages.

To make the device fun for kids, the Fitbit Ace has an animated eejie that becomes more fun as your child moves and achieves their fitness goals. It also offers a number of other movement-based games to keep your kids engaged.

To use the watch, you pay a $9.99 monthly fee for the Fitbit Ace Pass, which offers unlimited calling, texting, and location sharing along with all available games. It is not tied to a specific service provider.

Smart watches are a big step forward for both parents and children. Any of these wearables can give kids a great experience of mobile technology without some of the hassles and negative aspects of using a smartphone.

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