You shouldn’t let the rise of technology in the age of social media gaslight you into getting your child a phone before they’re ready. Or before you’re ready. Phones can be expensive, and so can adding another user to your phone plan. 

At the same time, you want to know how your child is doing when they’re out of sight. 

Which is why you should let technology work in your favor. With smartwatches. 

There’s so many different smartwatches that can call/text that don’t need to connect to a phone to function. They have the ability to communicate via WiFi, or even over cellular data networks, making them a perfect choice for parents wary of smartphones for children.

How do these standalone smartwatches work, you ask? There are a couple of ways. 

One way is to sign up for service with a wireless carrier the same way you would a phone.  Another way is to simply take the SIM card out your phone and place it into the smartwatch, and voila! You've got a standalone smartwatch with the functions of your phone. Let's explore what's out there and you can see which types appeal to you and your teen.

There are smartwatches for every kind of teen. Here at Knoji, we’ve compiled a list of the best smartwatches. Think best smartwatch for an active teen, a pre-teen, smartwatches with the best wristband selection, best face, the list goes on. But we can assure you, you’re sure to find the right smartwatch that keeps your child safe. 

Now, let’s dive into the wonderful world of technology.

Best Smartwatches for Preteens and Younger Teens 

Verizon GizmoWatch 2, $99

The Verizon GizmoWatch 2 is great for a preteen or younger teen on-the-go. This smartwatch has both parents and children feeling secure with its robust features and easy-to-use parental controls. 

The GizmoWatch's battery is long-lasting, offering up to two days of usage time and eight days on stand-by without the need to recharge. Once set up, your teen can make and receive calls from up to 10 contacts programmed into the smartwatch. GPS is also set up to work within set boundaries, sending automatic text alerts when your teen/pre-teen steps outside of them. Parents can also check their teen's location via the GizmoHub app. 

The GizmoWatch display is a touch screen, on which your teen can swipe right to get the menu. Choices on the menu include the stopwatch, timer, texting, activity tracker, and others, but the smartwatch stores no games or social media - which keeps it useful and prevents unnecessary distraction.

You can pick one up on the Verizon website, or use their store locator for a physical location near you. You can find Verizon Wireless promo codes here.

Pros: 

• Easy to use touchscreen

• Waterproof

• Parents can track teen/preteen's location via the app on their phone/smartwatches function without the phone

• Monthly wireless fee is reasonable ($5 per month)

• GPS tracker built in where you can set boundaries 

Cons:

• On top of the $99 charge, there’s a $35 activation fee

• Original wristbands come in pink or blue, but cannot be exchanged with other bands due to the smartwatch antenna being stored in part of the wristband

TimeX FamilyConnect, $168

The time to get a smartwatch for you kids is now. And if you’re a T-Mobile user, the Timex FamilyConnect Watch may be the way to go. With two-way calling, real-time location sharing, voice and instant messaging features, this smartwatch is designed with kids in mind. Specially designed for smaller wrists, the teal and space blue smartwatch includes SOS alerts that connect your family on a private, secure network.

 The Timex FamilyConnect mobile app is compatible with iPhones with iOS 10 or newer and Android phones with Android 6 or newer. 

You can pick one up at T-Mobile or through Timex if you don’t use T-Mobile.

Pros

• Two-way calling on 4G LTE

• Step counting 

• Active tracking and real-time location sharing

• Activation fee is $20 and if you already have 2 registered plans with T-Mobile, you can add the smartwatch for free.

• Timex FamilyConnect uses embedded SIM technology meaning you'll never have to handle or even see your SIM card – it's part of the device.

Cons

• The watch can be used as an alarm, but only pings twice every minute

• Battery must be charged daily

Best Smartwatch for an Active Teen

Huawei Band 6, $99

Huawei Band 6 users can enjoy calls on the go with no phone to weigh them down, as well as heart rate monitoring, live GPS mapping, real-time support, workout data reports, offline music, and more. Which is why this smartwatch is great for your active teens. 

It’s got 96 workout modes, a heart rate monitor, sleep tracker and a two-week battery life. 

Parents download the Huawei app to control what’s usable.

This isn’t just a health tracking smartwatch. Huawei Band 6 is a more convenient way to interface with your phone. View incoming calls and messages, get weather updates, and even take pictures. All from the comfort of your own wrist. 

This smartwatch has a lean look and offers four different strap colors, each with their own individual aesthetic. 

Pros: 

• Has a GPS tracker

• Light, flexible wristband

• Wide range of activities on fitness tracker

Cons

• If you don’t have an Android, this watch may not be right for you. The app works best through GooglePlay

• If you use iOS, your fitness data may not sync. 

Apple Watch Series 7, $379

But if you do use iOS, and always have and always will, the Apple Watch may be the best smartwatch for your kiddo. Apple has created a Family Setup feature and optimizes features for kids (and older adults!). Family Setup makes it possible for the entire family to benefit from the important health and safety features of Apple Watch, like Emergency SOS, while Maps, Siri, Alarms, and the App Store provide greater independence without needing an iPhone. In addition, parents will have peace of mind knowing they can reach their child and identify their location, and that all personal data stays securely encrypted. With watchOS 7, the whole family can also take advantage of optimized features that enhance the overall Apple Watch experience.

You can connect the Apple Watch to a cellular network, but there’s a monthly fee that comes with that. Or when your iPhone is off or out of range, the Apple Watch can use WiFi networks to send and receive messages, make and receive phone calls, and use Siri to get help. Whether you’re using cellular data or WiFi, you’re able to listen to saved music and podcasts, monitor your heart rate and use apps like the alarm or stopwatch. 

Pros

• Has a great activities app that syncs to the parents’ iPhone. 

• Constantly checks your heart rate and reminds to you relax and breathe

• Vast selection of both face color and interchangeable wristbands

• Waterproof up to 50 meters

Cons

• GPS tracking drains the battery 

• Needs Apple Music subscription to stream music and podcasts

• Does not work with all carriers or mobile service providers

Fitbit Versa 3, $229

The Fitbit isn’t just for tracking your steps. Now it can be for tracking your kids. Who, most likely, will be tracking their steps. The Fitbit Versa offers numerous wellness features — 24/7 heart rate tracking, motivational challenges, food logging, and over 15 goal-based exercise modes. It also has thorough sleep tracking with sleep scores, sleep stages, and sleep mode features.The voice-to-text feature, available only on the Fitbit Versa 3, will make replying to texts much easier.

Pros

• This can be used both for Android users and iPhone users

• More than ten bands for this watch

Cons

• $10 monthly fee for Fitbit Premium

• Your child can’t stream Spotify (yes, you’ll need a Spotify subscription) directly, it’s up to the parent to allow what the child can or cannot listen to

• GPS piggybacks off your phone

Best Smartwatch for the Mature Teen

Samsung Galaxy Watch 4, $214

Just because you want a smartwatch, it doesn’t mean that your smartwatch has to look like a smartwatch. So if your teen wants a more mature looking face on their wrist, the Galaxy Watch is the right pick for your teen. This watch includes a GPS tracking device so you can keep track of your teen. The watch runs on 4G LTEm WiFi and bluetooth. The Watch 4 line is compatible with Google Maps, along with other Google software, to give you an idea of what the GPS will be useful for. GPS will come packaged along with a number of other features designed with user fitness in mind. These include ECG sensors, blood oxygen, and blood pressure sensors (though not in all regions), sleep tracking, and automatic workout detection. It’ll also have a barometer, accelerometer, and light sensor.Not only can you alert authorities to your location in case of an emergency, but if you enjoy running, cycling, or any kind of outdoors exercise, the GPS function on a Galaxy smartwatch helps you track your route duration and distance. Built-in GPS puts convenience right at your wrist.

Pros

• Most features work without a phone

• Large interchangeable band selection

• Kids Mode availability 

Cons

• Only available on AT&T and Verizon

• Larger face, could be too big for smaller wrists

Fossil Gen 6 Smartwatch, $299

Make and take calls, track your heart rate, and see your fitness stats on the Gen 6 Smartwatch. With bluetooth connectivity, GPS tracking and WiFi usage, and a sleek look, this watch may be the one for your trendy teen. It’s got a battery life of 24+ hours and can charge to 80% in 30 minutes. 

Pros 

• Works with both iOS and Android devices

• Water resistant

• Has the OK Google feature

Cons

• No parental control app, so make sure your teen is mature enough to handle this watch and its features 

Zeblaze Thor 6, $238

Where the Fossil smartwatch is ideal for teen girls, the Zeblaze smartwatch has a more masculine feel to it. This smartwatch has numerous features including a pedometer, phonebook, heart rate monitor, music player, alarm, message notifications, weather function, GPS tracking, camera, maps, a sound recorder, a calendar, a file manager, WiFi, and more. Just pop your SIM card out of your teen's (or your) phone and pop it into the Zeblaze THOR and they're good to go. This watch has an expensive feel to it with an innovative design.

Pros

• Magnetic charging dock 

• Battery life of over 60 hours

• Works in 4G network, as well as WiFi and bluetooth

Cons

• Wristbands are not replaceable

• Not waterproof