Top 5 Best GPS Watches/Trackers for Kids of 2018 Reviewed

Why You Need GPS Watches for Kids

At times it can be difficult to keep an eye on your kids.

However, advances in technology have made the job a little easier.

Nowadays, a variety of safety wearables is available on the market, specially-designed for kids.

Some of these gadgets use radio waves, which are ideal for monitoring short distances.

But others are much more sophisticated and use GPS technology, and signal to pinpoint exactly a person’s location.

A GPS watch for kids is a good example of this technology.

If kids put on a GPS watch, it can help parents to stay connected with them throughout the day.

Although it may seem a little Big Brother-ish, it is a good use of technology for giving parents peace of mind.

A GPS watch can also be ideal for kids who are trying to fit into their new routines, such as walking around on their own without dad or mom or attending a new school.

In this article I will explain what you should look out for when you are shopping for a GPS watch and I will list my all time top 5 best GPS watches currently available for sale.

 

Top 5 Best GPS Watches Reviews

 

LG GizmoPal

The LG GizmoPal is a kid-friendly GPS watch that offers reliable and easy ways to track your kids, and provides a simple two-way calling feature that helps you stay in touch with your child.

You can provide your kids with a sense of freedom and independence while staying conscious of their whereabouts.

GizmoPal allows you to receive notifications of your kid’s location at pre-set times.

You can also name and tag frequently-visited places for easy recognition.

You can easily pair the GPS watch with your smartphone, and give two caregivers access through your mobile app.

Your kid can call two caregivers with this watch, as well as receive calls from up to 4 pre-registered numbers.

The watch’s durability makes use of sturdy and safe materials that will complement your kid’s active lifestyle.

The LG GizmoPal is rated IPX3 water resistant and is perfect for everyday use (like hand-washing).

You can easily set up a four-digit PIN on your companion app to safeguard GizmoPal’s information and restrict unauthorized third parties from viewing the kid’s location or altering any settings.

The GPS watch supports remote device management, and you can control several features with your smartphone.

It not only shows battery life, but it also prompts you with low battery alerts.

The LED will glow red when the battery drops to 20%.

Your kid can select contacts and set different volume levels.

When the auto-answer feature is enabled, the watch automatically responds after ten seconds, which ensures communication even in loud and noisy environments.

Your kid can hear the time (by long pressing the button) and also play funny sound effects (by pressing the button once).

Pros

• It has a 400 mAh battery.
• The watch has a long standby time of 6.2 days.
• The watch will announce the time every hour.
• It provides real-time tracking of your kid’s location.
• The auto-answer feature allows parents to monitor their kid’s environment audibly.
• You can remotely adjust the band volume through your companion app.

Cons

• Location service will depend on network connectivity.
• All app settings are not available to both caregivers.
• Users can register their numbers via the companion app.
• The watch permits only two contacts besides primary caregivers.
• The device is compatible with iOS 7 or higher, or Android 4.0 or higher.

Tencent QQ Watch

The Tencent QQ GPS watch allows you to keep track of your kid’s precise location in real time using GPS, Wi-Fi, and cellular triangulation.

It gives you peace of mind while your kid grows older and desires more freedom.

It is available in 3 colors and is very easy to operate.

The watch includes some awesome and useful features.

These include programmable safety as well as danger zones.

It has an emergency button that instantly transmits an alert to a smartphone.

The watch can also provide your kid with local weather conditions and forecasts.

You can call the GPS watch at any time and launch a “listening mode,” which allows you to listen to what is happening in the environment.

Of course, you and your child can also have a conversation through your cell phone and the watch.

You can send short voice messages and texts as well when you do not have the time to make a phone call.

The watch features a programmable alarm clock which reminds your kid to come back home.

The Tencent watch is not just ideal for parents, but it is fun for your child too!

It has a useful and functional 3MP camera and a “WE CHAT” mode that allows your child to make new friends.

The watch also has a pedometer which will keep track of your kid’s daily walks.

Moreover, it includes a sports calculator, which can display the distance traveled, calories burned, and the average speed.

It has a spectacular screen with a resolution of 240 x 240 pixels.

Pros

• It is water-resistant with a rating of IP65.
• The battery can last up to 8 days.
• It has a food-grade case made of silica which is non-toxic, and static- and allergy-free.
• It supports multiple languages and has a programmable display.
• The safe-zone setting is handy.
• The GPS system is exact and accurate to ten feet.

Cons

• The watch takes a long time to configure, which can be irritating.
• It does not work with Sprint and AT&T plans.
• At times, it does not sync contacts.
• Sometimes it tends to provide only local coverage, which puts off many users.
• Complete water immersion can render the watch inoperable.

TickTalk GPS Watch

The TickTalk 1.0S is a GPS watch and cell phone combined in one device.

It is an ideal locator for children aged 4 to 12 years.

The device can work independently without the need to connect to other devices like a smartphone.

Your kid can easily make or receive phone calls by clicking an icon on its interface.

The straps of the watch are comprised of silicone, which is durable and non-toxic.

Its size is perfect for kids’ wrists, and unlike other kids’ watches it is not made of hard plastic, nor has a thick design.

The GPS watch allows you to locate your child, call them, send them text or voice messages, and even listen to their surroundings.

In case something terrible happens to your kid, they can call you immediately for help.

Using TickTalk’s app, you can easily trace them and figure out what is happening to them.

The watch works with all Android phones and iPhones.

Its sim is compatible with Metro PCS, T-Mobile, Ultra Mobile, and GSM SIM card.

The watch allows for two-way communication with your phone.

Apart from mom, dad, and SOS numbers, you can add up to 10 contacts.

Once you set the numbers in your app, they will be synced automatically with the watch.

The watch has a firewall feature, enabling which means your kid can receive calls only from preset contacts.

It will block unknown callers which enhance your child’s security.

The TickTalk watch uses GPS, Wi-Fi, and LBS 3-way locators, providing accurate location details for outdoors and indoors.

The tracking device can report your kid’s current location to the app automatically, and will post updates after every 5 minutes; you can also locate your kid manually.

Pros

• High-resolution touch screen with big icons and swipe control.
• Easy to operate, and simple two-way communication.
• You can add up to 13 contacts; it has useful auto-sleep, firewall, and super-hearing features.
• It is compatible with all iPhones as well as Android phones.
• It is lightweight, weighing just 9.6 ounces.

Cons

• The watch is costly.
• You cannot submerge it in water.
• Its strap wears out soon, and sometimes even tears.
• It only works on 2G networks.

Markrom V19 Watch

The Markrom V19 GPS watch for children is an ideal tracking device for monitoring your kid.

The watch has a strap made of silicone, which is non-toxic and strong.

Unlike other GPS watches, this watch allows you to call your child without an app.

You can also send text and voice messages to the watch.

You can preset four contacts on the watch, and your kid can call you easily just by touching the screen.

The GPS watch has a beautiful appearance and a trendy sports style.

It has a 1.3 inch round IPS touch screen which is very easy to operate and has two different dial plates for girls and boys.

It features a 3.7V built-in battery, which you can charge with a USB cable.

The battery has a standby time of 2 days and can support 2 hours of consecutive calling.

The watch has a standard and silent mode.

The silent mode is appropriate during class and avoids disturbance.

It also has an alarm clock which can help your kid manage his activities.

And the watch functions as a music player and supports cards of up to 32GB.

The GPS device also features a pedometer and helps you to monitor your child’s sleep patterns.

Your kid can set different types of reminders to organize and prioritize their activities, and the watch has an elegant calendar feature.

Also, it has a file manager, calculator, camera, and a tape recorder.

Pros

• It is extremely light and weighs just 2.9 ounces.
• It is easy to operate and does not require an app.
• It is very cheap.
• It has a music player and supports external storage of up to 32 GB.
• It has features like a pedometer, calculator, and a file manager.
• The watch includes a camera and a tape recorder.

Cons

• You can add only four contacts.
• Battery time is sub-standard compared to other GPS watches.
• Sometimes has trouble syncing contacts.

Touch Kids Watch

This device is a kid-friendly GPS watch that can help you monitor your kids without restricting their freedom and independence.

The watch has a stunning 1.22 inches round display with a screen resolution of 240 x 240 pixels.

It has a built-in hi-fi mic and speakers.

It features a 400 mAh battery which has a standby time of 2 days.

The watch has an ABS silicone strap which will be comfortable on your kid’s wrist.

The material is also non-toxic and allergy free.

The GPS system in the watch is accurate up to 5 – 15 meters.

It supports a nano Sim.

The watch has an incredible talk time of up to 4 hours.

Apart from English, it can support various languages like Spanish, Russian, French, etc.

The device allows you to send both voice and text messages to your child.

It also includes a camera and an LED flash.

Moreover, the watch has an alarm clock, stopwatch, and even a couple of math games.

Pros

• It has a beautiful round display.
• Battery capacity is 400 mAh, which lasts a long time.
• It is very economical.
• It supports multiple languages.
• It is lightweight, weighing only 1.8 ounces.
• The GPS system is very accurate.

Cons

• The watch does not support Verizon and AT&T.
• It only supports 2G networks, which is a real downside.
• You can only pre-set four contacts.
• Its tracking app is only compatible with iOS 8.0 or higher, and Android 4.3 or above.

What are GPS Watches?

 

A GPS watch is an advanced device that has an integrated GPS receiver.

You can wear it as one unit strapped on your wrist, similar to a conventional watch.

The watch may have other capabilities and features depending on the desired purpose, and it may be a smart watch.

Although people often use GPS watches for fitness and sports, they can be used by parents to keep track of their kids.

Most GPS watches can connect to various external sensors using a wireless protocol called ANT+, or by USB to a computer for configuration and data transfer.

Common sensors in GPS watches include foot pads and heart rate monitors.

USB can easily recharge a GPS watch.

 

Benefits of GPS Watches

 

There are thousands of kids who are reported missing every year, which leaves their families in agony and shock.

Nowadays, the media is replete with depressing and harrowing stories of parents who are terrified due to the sudden disappearance of their children.

However, the latest technology called GPS tracking has equipped us with GPS watches, which you can use to keep track of your little ones’ whereabouts easily.

A kids’ GPS watch is an excellent option to protect your kid.

You can program a GPS watch easily so that it will send signals on a continuous basis to a satellite, and therefore keep the parents informed regarding the location of their kids.

Moreover, the latest models of GPS watches emit signals not only to the kid’s parents but also to GPS-monitoring departments.

A GPS watch works as a real-time digital device and features a data logger.

As a kid’s GPS watch is quite small and feels almost weightless, it is ideal for tracking small children who tend to wander around, especially while playing outdoors.

You can feel carefree after your kid ties the watch around his wrist as it will keep you up to date even when you are paying little attention to your child’s surroundings.

By using a GPS watch, you can easily define a precise perimeter for your little ones when they are outside.

In case they trespass this defined area, the watch’s tracking software will notify you promptly.

It is important to keep in mind that the idea is not to restrict your child’s freedom; it is to ensure you are fully aware of how far your child has gone.

You can easily lose sight of your child, especially in public places; it happens to the best of us.

We suggest that you try never to leave them alone or unattended, but in the worst case scenario, the GPS watch can help to locate them easily.

Also, GPS watches can also be very useful if circumstances indicate that a mishap could have happened.

In addition to real-time tracking, the watch can pinpoint the exact locations your little one may have visited, which will provide you with valuable leads right away that will help track your child.

GPS watches for kids may also benefit you with your older children.

Once again keep in mind that it is not about restricting independence or showing mistrust.

Teenagers often tend to get involved in various activities that their parents will not approve of.

It is fine if they know that tracking is on, but a GPS watch allows them to push the emergency buttons to notify their parents regarding any bad situation or mishap where they may get stuck.

The various benefits of using GPS watches for kids can be listed as follows:

• Ensure your kid’s safe passage from school to home, and vice-versa.
• Monitor your child’s whereabouts to ensure they are where they claim.
• Track the number of safety concerns like leaving set perimeters, speeding, or stopping unexpectedly.
• Keep track of your kid in the unfortunate case of abduction.
• Allow children greater freedom and independence while being watched.
• Monitor kids with special needs who tend to wander.
• Monitor kids who have various behavioral problems.
• Get the peace of mind.

It is vital that both kids and parents know how to use a  GPS watch effectively.

Nowadays, kids are well versed in technology and are appreciative of such gadgets too.

The watches are not difficult to operate; therefore, you can easily teach your little ones.

Your kids must know how to notify you with the GPS watch in emergency situations.

 

How GPS Watches for Kids Work

 

GPS technology uses satellites that orbit above the earth at a speed of about 7,000 mph.

Each satellite orbiting the earth has a precise path and transmits microwave signals twice a day to the GPS receiver in your watch.

The receiver takes the data and uses triangulation to figure out your kid’s precise location.

At any given time a receiver has to detect a minimum of 3 satellites for longitude and latitude, as well as four satellites for your altitude.

The GPS receiver in the watch uses trilateration through which your kid’s watch records the time at which the signal was transmitted from the satellite, and also the precise time at which the receiver receives it.

Then the receiver uses the difference in time to compute how far away the satellite is.

This measurement of time and distance lag is repeated for various satellites about your watch’s receiver to determine your precise position, as well as track it as you move.

 

How to Use GPS Watches for Kids?

 

Most people will tell you that the best way to get familiar with a GPS watch is to strap it on your child’s wrist and figure out its different features.

However, before you do that, it is always a great idea to completely charge the watch as soon as you take it out of its box.

While the device is charging, read the instruction manual, which you may have to download from the internet.

It will be ideal if your GPS watch immediately syncs with the satellites as soon as it powers up.

In case it does not, you will have to launch a workout mode on your GPS watch to find a link.

Then wait and be patient as finding and establishing a link with relevant GPS satellites will take some time.

We recommend that you step outdoors when doing this, which will expedite the linking process; this usually takes a couple of seconds to several minutes.

Once you set up the link, your GPS watch will give visual feedback, like a satellite icon alerting you that you are good to go.

 

What to Look for in GPS Watches for Kids

 

Parenting involves a range of challenges.

However, probably the toughest among them all entails ensuring the safety of your little ones, especially when they are out of sight.

Fortunately, GPS watches alleviate the challenges of parenthood to a certain extent.

Whether your kid is in the theme park, on a family outing, or on a school trip, the watch gives you at least one less worry to manage.

The GPS watch helps you track your kids without being intrusive, offering you peace of mind.

However, buying a GPS watch for kids is a perplexing decision for most parents, due to the plethora of different brands that have inundated the market.

Also, nowadays, most GPS watches come packed with plenty of features, and some of these features are too sophisticated for both parents and kids to wrap their heads around, leaving parents befuddled.

Therefore, we will try to make this choice easier for you by listing some important features you should look for in your child’s GPS watch.

• Water Resistance

Your kid’s GPS watch should be able to withstand certain elements, like water.

Most GPS watches, though not all, are splash-proof at least.

However, even many less expensive models offer great protection.

Some GPS watches under $100 can submerge under 150 feet of water.

Water resistance is an awesome feature, as kids love taking a plunge in the water, and enjoy pool parties.

A water-resistant GPS watch will help you keep track of your kid even when he is engaged in water sports.

• Altimeter

When reaching heights, an altimeter that features a built-in barometer will provide an accurate location.

It is a useful sensor that accurately measures elevation changes by measuring barometric pressure, and works in coordination with the elevation sensor in the GPS watch.

This feature is a must-have if your kid prefers off-road cycling or running, or if (s)he is a little adventurous and likes hiking.

A GPS watch with an altimeter will measure how high your child has climbed.

• Battery Life

GPS watches usually come with two battery life ratings: one for the standby mode, and the other for active GPS tracking.

Many GPS watches can easily last a couple of months as straight timepieces.

But keep in mind that satellite communication is a taxing task that significantly reduces the battery life of a GPS watch when this feature is on constantly.

Multipurpose watches tend to have even shorter battery lives, as power is needed to support various features, like heart rate monitoring, activity tracking, and smartphone alerts or notifications.

As you are purchasing a GPS watch mainly for tracking your kid’s location, you may give up these advanced or sophisticated features for a device that lasts longer, especially in light of the fact that your child may not recharge the watch on a regular basis, as most are not very responsible at such a young age.

You may even have to recharge it yourself sometimes.

• Bluetooth

You may find it hard to believe, but Bluetooth is not ubiquitous across GPS watches.

Most low-end watches do not feature wireless syncing, and you will have to connect the GPS watch to a computer to transfer your kid’s activity data.

Even in the higher price range, Bluetooth is not a standard feature.

Many expensive watches sync wirelessly to various accessories like chest straps and foot pods, but not the phone to sync data.

So, you will have to determine if this feature is important to you.

 

What to Avoid and Precautions

 

When buying a GPS watch, pay attention to GPS limitations.

If your watch is SIM-enabled with an active subscription, you can track your kid anywhere.

However, not all GPS watches connect to cellular networks, so their range will be insufficient.

To be honest, no models are truly tamper-proof.

Most GPS watches have a silicone band, but you can remove it easily.

A few models do have tamper alerts that alert you if your kid or somebody else attempts to remove it.

However, there is nothing that can stop them from removing it.

The water-resistant label seldom means the watch is waterproof.

In a majority of cases, submerging water-resistant watches is not recommended, nor is it safe to take a bath, go swimming, or hop in your shower while wearing the watch.