You love your smart watch, and your children have expressed interest in using one. While you may not want to purchase a full-blown smartwatch for them, there are options on the market made especially for children. We’ll tell you about a few of our favorites in this article, and we’ll educate you on some of the features they offer and the benefits they provide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are these watches powered?
Most kids’ smart watches have rechargeable batteries that you can plug into a power source with a USB cable. Typically, this cable will come included with your watch purchase. Some watches have limitations on where they can and can’t be charged – for example, you may have to charge your watch on your computer and not with a USB power bank.
What can these watches do?
Most of them won’t have calling or texting features like you might expect from a typical smart watch. The most common features on these watches are cameras and games or puzzles. Children can learn as they play on their watches, or they can take pictures with friends (which can then become their watch background). They also have some of the common features that you would expect from any wristwatch, like a stopwatch and an alarm.
Buying Guide
Before we get into the individual items, here are a few things that you should keep in mind as you narrow down your choices:
- Durability: How will the watch stand up against frequent use and the occasional bump or drop? Also, is it waterproof?
- Camera: What kind of images does the camera take? What sort of quality will they be? Also, can you add filters into the images? Some watches will allow you to add funny or interesting filters to the pictures that you take.
- Colors: Your children may have a preference about the color of their watch. Most watches are available in several different colors, so it’s likely that you’ll have a choice to make here.
- MP3 Player: Some watches can hold music, and many have headphone jacks that allow you to listen to your music on the go. You’ll need a laptop or desktop computer with the files downloaded in order to add the music to your watch. You’ll do this when the watch is hooked up through the USB port.
- Buttons: How will your child navigate your watch? There is probably a touch screen, but most watches also have one or two buttons on the side that allow you to easily wake the screen up or return to the home page.
- Puzzles or Games: Most watches have several puzzles or games pre-installed. Some watches will have around 14 or 15, while others may have as many as 26. These games are meant to be both fun and educational.
- Screen: How large is the screen, and what can you do with it?
- Volume: Some watches have volume that can’t be adjusted. Other watches may be louder or softer than others. You won’t need sound for all of your watch functions, but it may be a feature that’s important for certain games or activities.
PTHTECHUS Kids Smart Watch
Easiest to Use
Doesn’t require a mobile app or a connection to a phone
This fun smart watch for kids is made from soft material that is comfortable to wear. It also features a large 1.54-inch HD screen that is easy to read. The watch includes 10 engaging games that will keep you little one busy for hours on end.
Pros:
- Allows you to download music from your PC to the watch
- Features a pedometer
Cons:
- Battery does not last very long
Yehtta Kids Smart Watch
Most Interactive
Includes a music player, recorder, cameras and games
This colorful watch comes with two cameras that allow your kid to take selfies and pictures, and record videos. The games included in this smart watch are designed to enhance hand-eye coordination and boost imagination.
Pros:
- Choose between 20 digital and analogue watch faces
- Battery lasts up to three days
Cons:
- Instructions may be tricky to follow
LOL SURPRISE Kids Smart Watch
Best Display
Designed with an easy-to-read touch-screen LCD
This kids’ watch combines normal watch functions with other fun features, including a camera, timer and voice recorder. It also comes with a range of fun games that will keep your little one entertained.
Pros:
- Includes a USB charging cord
- Operates independently, no need to connect to a device
Cons:
- Camera quality may not be the best
Accutime Kids Smart Watch
Safest
Has age-appropriate features designed with kids’ security in mind
This colorful kids’ smart watch features graphics from the popular Frozen movie. The watch includes many features such as a selfie camera, a photo album viewer, a video player and voice recorder and various playable games.
Pros:
- Designed with a side speaker
- Has a long-lasting battery
Cons:
- Wristband may get dirty easily and is tricky to clean
VTech Kidizoom Smartwatch
Best Camera
Includes two cameras producing high-quality images
This stylish, kid-friendly smart watch is splash-proof, so the odd spill will not damage the watch. The wristband is designed to fit little ones’ wrists perfectly and comfortably. It cleans easily, using a damp cloth.
Pros:
- Contains games with an AR experience
- Includes a variety of educational games
Cons:
- Not ideal for kids older than seven years
