If your kid isn't ready for a phone, a smartwatch might be a better fit

The percentage of kids who have a smartphone grows by the year: As of Oct. 2019 , over half of kids have their own phones by age 11 (compared to ages 13 and 14 over the past few years). Kids seem to start begging for their own phone as soon as they can talk (or at least it probably feels that way to parents who are always handing their phone over to keep a kid busy). In some ways, your child having a phone on them at all times can alleviate some serious worries about location and communication, and educational TV shows on a tablet are a handy distraction when parents need some peace and quiet. Read more...
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IMAGE: Verizon





OUR PICK

Verizon GizmoWatch 2


Verizon's Apple Watch-like design offers the full smartwatch experience with GPS, fitness tracking, and task scheduling.

GPS tracking: Yes


Battery life: Up to 4 days


Sleep tracking: No


Water resistance: Waterproof up to 3.2 feet


Communication features: Calling and texting for designated contacts


$99.99 from Verizon





IMAGE: Best Buy





BEST FOR HEALTHY HABITS

Garmin Vívofit Jr. 2


Kids will *want* to assume some responsibility with this coin-based, Disney-themed reward system.

GPS: No


Battery life: Non-rechargeable, but up to one year


Sleep tracking: Yes


Water resistance: Waterproof up to 164 feet


Communication features: None


$69.99 from Best Buy





IMAGE: Amazon





BEST GAMES

VTech Kidizoom DX2


The kid-proof watch to choose if your goal is fun and learning rather than daily routines and keeping in touch.

GPS: No


Battery life: Up to two weeks


Sleep tracking: No


Water resistance: Splash-proof, but shouldn't be submerged


Communication features: None


$59.99 from Amazon





IMAGE: Fitbit





BEST FOR KIDS WHO PLAY SPORTS

Fitbit Ace 3


More independent than most kid watches but more fun than an adult Fitbit, the Ace 3 is a cool companion for kids who have a smartphone.

GPS: No


Battery life: Up to eight days


Sleep tracking: Yes


Water resistance: Waterproof up to 164 feet


Communication features: Call and text notifications


$79.95 from Fitbit





IMAGE: Macy's





BUDGET PICK

iTouch PlayZoom


This cute watch hits a lot of marks that you wouldn't expect from a $30 device, but the best part is the band selection.

GPS: No


Battery life: Less than one day


Sleep tracking: No


Water resistance: Splash-proof, but shouldn't be submerged


Communication features: None


$29.99 from Macy's