The best smartwatches in modern times are more than an extension of a smartphone; they’re a standalone wearable technology.
The best smartwatches do more than show notifications on your wrist. They’re everything in one: a fitness tracker for getting healthier, a digital wallet and in some cases, even a phone on your wrist.
Above all, smartwatch can also save your life with elevated heart rate alerts and automatically connect you to emergency services if you fall. Electrocardiogram (ECG) and blood oxygen (SpO2) readings are perks of certain premium models, too. The former detects signs of atrial fibrillation, while the latter is a good indicator of respiratory health. Let’s check out the best products out there:
Best smartwatches for kids
1. Verizon Gizmowatch 2
Best for GPS tracking
If you’re looking for a smartwatch that offers a myriad of features to satisfy both parents and kids, the GizmoWatch 2 is an excellent place to start. In addition, This kids’ watch is like a basic smartphone for little wrists, geared toward ages 4 to 12. Moreover, Equipped with GPS location and two-way communication via voice and messaging powered by Verizon’s network, caretakers will enjoy the reassurance of keeping close tabs on children. Parents can set up GPS boundaries, geo-fencing, and automatic notifications for when kids travel outside of approved locations.
Pros
- GPS tracking with customizable alerts
- Two-way voice and messaging
- Easy access to 10 trusted contacts
- Durable, waterproof design
Cons
- Two-year Verizon contract required (data fees apply)
- Limited games
As a matter of fact, This smartwatch is convenient for little hands to manage, with a large touchscreen that provides notifications for 10 trusted contacts alongside game features and a step tracker to encourage activity. A wide, durable strap and water-resistant features make the GizmoWatch suitable even for young children who engage in more than a little rough-and-tumble play. However,The downside to the GizmoWatch’s powerhouse of features is that it does lock you into using Verizon and requires a two-year contract.
2. VTech Kidizoom
Best for games
VTech understands that kids just wanna have fun, so its smartwatch aims to provide exactly that. While you won’t find GPS tracking or two-way communication functions, this affordable smartwatch is essentially a mini gaming device, packed with educational activities and interaction to keep little ones busy. From telling time to motion sensors for active games and AR (augmented reality) capabilities, parents will appreciate the built-in learning boost. Dual cameras let kids take video or craft the perfect selfie, which is sure to be a hit with the elementary school crowd.
Pros
- Games galore
- Affordable price
- Easy-to-use design
- Two cameras for pics and video
Cons
- No GPS tracking
- No two-way communication or messaging
- Not waterproof
However, your goal is to keep track of your little wanderer or have a quick chat about who to
expect at pickup after school, this smartwatch isn’t designed to meet those needs. Also, be warned that while it’s splash-proof, VTech admits that submerging your Kidizoom won’t end well because it stops short of being waterproof.
3. Fitbit Ace
Best for fitness tracking
Smartwatches perform all sorts of functions, but some are designed to do one thing particularly well. It makes sense that Fitbit has cornered the market on kids’ fitness trackers, modeled on the same wildly popular wearable devices for grown-ups. The Fitbit Ace does all the same things we’ve come to expect in fitness tracking, from counting steps to monitoring sleep patterns. It also tailors messages and uses competition to encourage kids, in addition to syncing up to family Fitbit accounts and other iOS and Android devices. Showerproof and sturdy, this is one of the more durable wearable devices for kids you’ll encounter.
Pros
- Excellent fitness tracking
- Sleep monitoring
- Ability to sync to smartphones and family Fitbit accounts
- Waterproof, durable design
Cons
- No GPS tracking
- tNo two-way communication
- No interactive games.
As a matter of fact, the VTech Kidizoom which focuses on gaming, the Fitbit Ace isn’t GPS capable and doesn’t offer any sort of two-way communication or messaging. While it’s a fabulous fitness tracker for kids who need to get up and get moving, it’s doesn’t go a step beyond to offer any additional parental control.
In a modern world, it’s important to make sure your kid is keeping active, staying safe and having some fun. If you need a simple way to achieve this, then buying a smartwatch will do the trick. To help you in your purchasing decision, we have rounded up the very best smartwatches all kids are going to love.
Best smartwatches
4. Apple Watch Series 6
The best smartwatch overall
Sizes: 40mm, 44mm | Battery Life (Rated): 18 hours | GPS: Yes | Swim-Proof: Yes | Heart Rate Monitor: Yes | LTE: Optional | Mobile Payments: Apple Pay | Compatibility: iOS
Pros
- Blood oxygen (SpO2) app
- New colorful casings
- Brighter always-on display
- Faster charging
Cons
- Just 18-hour battery life
The Apple Watch Series 6 is the best Apple Watch yet. It builds on everything we appreciated about the Series 5, from the always-on display to the collection of health features, with an even brighter screen and added blood oxygen (SpO2) reader. Plus the Apple Watch comes in color for the first time — the exclusive blue and Product Red finishes are absolutely
the Apple Watch improve its 18-hour battery life, the Series 6 does benefit from faster charging. You can completely juice it up in just 90 minutes, which comes in handy for wearing, instead of charging, it overnight. Yes, the Apple Watch 6 has sleep tracking, too, thanks to watchOS 7. The latest software also adds new watch faces, mobility metrics and an automatic hand-washing timer, as well as Apple Fitness Plus support
5. Samsung Galaxy Watch 3
The best smartwatch for Android users
Sizes: 41mm, 45mm | Battery Life (Rated): Up to 2 days | GPS: Yes | Swim-Proof: Yes | Heart Rate Monitor: Yes | LTE: Optional | Mobile Payments: Samsung Pay | Compatibility: iOS, Android
Pros
- Slimmer design than the original
- Physical rotating bezel is back
- FDA-approved ECG readings
Cons
- Shorter battery life than original
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 is one of the most stylish smartwatches around, and one of the most functional, too. It’s available in two sizes 41 and 45 mm — as well as in LTE variants, so you can leave your smartphone at home. The Galaxy Watch 3’s rotating bezel makes navigating the watch’s interface easy, while access to thousands of watch faces lets you customize the display to your liking.
Although the Galaxy Watch 3 has a shorter, 2-day battery life compared to the original Samsung Galaxy Watch, it introduces more music storage, FDA-approved ECG tracking and trip detection. Of course, you’ll get Samsung Pay for contactless payments, and some good fitness features too. Like the first Galaxy Watch, the Galaxy Watch 3’s biggest setback is that Samsung’s app store is limited compared to Apple’s, but Tizen is catching up.
6. Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2
A sleek fitness smartwatch for Android users
Sizes: 40mm, 44mm | Battery Life (Rated): 24-60 hours | GPS: Yes | Swim-Proof: Yes | Heart Rate Monitor: Yes | LTE: Yes | Mobile Payments: Samsung Pay | Compatibility: Android, iOS (works best with Galaxy phones)
Pros
- Offline Spotify storage
- Gorgeous design
- Works with iOS and Android
Cons
- Sleep-tracking needs some work
As good as the Apple Watch is, the Galaxy Watch Active 2 can give Apple’s smartwatch a run for its money. Samsung’s watch works with both Android (and to a lesser extent) iOS smartphones, and features GPS, a heart rate monitor and LTE (for a premium). It also can automatically track your activity and sleep. (It’s much better at the former task than the latter
The Galaxy Watch Active 2’s circular design is visually appealing, whether you get the 40mm or 44mm model. Based on Samsung’s Tizen operating system, this Galaxy Watch boasts other useful features as Samsung Pay, onboard music via Spotify and heart health features. That includes a forthcoming ECG feature that recently earned FDA approval. But the biggest reason why the Galaxy Watch Active 2 is one of the best smartwatches for Android users is its excellent battery life.
7. Apple Watch SE
Best mid-range Apple Watch
Sizes: 40mm, 44mm | Battery Life (Rated): 18 hours | GPS: Yes | Swim-Proof: Yes | Heart Rate Monitor: Yes | LTE: Optional | Mobile Payments: Apple Pay | Compatibility: iOS
Pros
- Classic design
- Huge app library
- Large screen
Cons
- No always-on display
- No ECG
The Apple Watch SE is a hybrid of the Apple Watch Series 5 (which has since been discontinued) and the Apple Watch Series 3. The $279 smartwatch doesn’t have all the Series 6’s features, but still stands out for its speedy chip and safety features. It also offers an LTE option, making it a good choice for those interested in trying out Family Setup.
When choosing between the Watch Series 6 and the Apple Watch SE, your ultimate decision will be if you want to spend an extra $120 for a brighter display with an always-on option, an ECG monitor, and an SpO2. If those tools aren’t deal-breakers for you, the SE is a highly capable option for iPhone users.
8. Fitbit Versa 3
The best smartwatch for sleep tracking
Sizes: One size | Battery Life (Rated): 6 days | GPS: Yes | Sleep Tracking: Yes | Swim-Proof: Yes | Heart Rate Monitor: Yes
Pros
- Good battery life
- Custom training programs (with subscription)
- Great sleep analysis
Cons
- Can only use one voice assistant at once
The best smartwatch in a midrange price for sleep tracking is the Fitbit Versa 3, the next-generation of the Fitbit Versa 2. The Versa 3’s standout upgrade is on-board GPS. Now, even when you leave your phone at home, the Versa can (finally) track your location during outdoor exercise. A curvier, larger display is welcome, too
Plus the Versa 3 has gained a great motivational workout feature, Active Zone Minutes. Introduced with the Charge 4, Active Zone Minutes monitors the time you spend in the fat burn, cardio or peak heart-rate zones while exercising. Your goal is to earn the AHA’s and WHO’s recommended 150 Active Zone Minutes each week.
9. Apple Watch 3
The most affordable smartwatch for iPhone users
Sizes: 38mm, 42mm | Battery Life (Rated): 18-24 hours | GPS: Yes | Swim-Proof: Yes | Heart Rate Monitor: Yes | LTE: Optional | Mobile Payments: Apple Pay | Compatibility: iOS
Pros
- Improved fitness-tracking
- Faster Siri
- Apple Music streaming (with LTE model)
Cons
- No always-on display
- No fall detection
Starting at $199, the Apple Watch Series 3 is a more affordable smartwatch option than the Series 6 and SE for iPhone users. The size options are smaller and the bezels are thicker, and you won’t get ECG or SpO2 readings, but it’s still a good choice for the price.
When you compare the Apple Watch 6 vs, Apple Watch 3 or Apple Watch SE vs. Apple Watch 3, you’ll find you don’t sacrifice too much for the older version’s lower price. You still get a heart rate monitor, GPS, 8GB of storage with offline support for Apple Music playlists. This watch is also water-proof if you like to track your swims, and many of the best software features found in the Apple Watch Series 6 are also found in the Series 3. Check out our Apple Watch Series 3 vs. Fitbit Charge 4 face-off to see the benefits you’ll get with Apple’s smartwatch over a traditional fitness tracker, too.
10. Apple Watch Series 5 GPS
Best smartwatch
Specs
- OS: WatchOS 6
- Compatibility: iOS
- Display: 1.78” OLED
- Processor: Apple S5
- Band Sizes: Different based on watch size
- Onboard Storage: 32GB
- Battery Duration: 24 hours to 36 hours
- Charging Method: Wireless
- IP Rating: 50m
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, LTE, NFC
Pros
- Display is always on
- Very large on-board storage
- WatchOS 6 has great features
Cons
- Short battery life
- No sleep tracking
- Pricey
The one major upgrade this watch offers over its earlier version is an Always-On display. There are of course other upgrades to the software and hardware, but from a user perspective, this is the one you’ll notice most. This helps the watch feel more like a real watch and less like a novelty athletic tracker.
If you’ve worn a smartwatch before, then you’ve probably stopped noticing the time it takes your watch to wake up after you’ve flicked your wrist. But as soon as you wear a watch with an Always-On display, you’ll realize you’ve been missing something. Of course, the new Watch 5 has a bunch of new display drivers that make things more efficient, and a better light sensor than its predecessor, but it’s really nothing that couldn’t have been done to the Watch 4.
The bottom line
As world-leading tech companies such as Apple, Google, and Samsung have worked to meet the needs of niche markets such as fitness tracking, they’ve entered into an arms race. Each generation of smartwatch has had to outperform not only its own earlier iterations, but also the latest versions of its rivals.
You can choose the product according to your need like Apple’s latest smartwatch is, no doubt, the best smartwatch for iPhone users. However, it won’t work with an Android phone.