The Best GPS Trackers and Smartwatches for Kids (2025 Edition)

Back in the 90s, “tracking your kid” meant yelling their name out the front door and hoping they came running from a few houses down.

Today, you can pinpoint them within ten seconds on your phone.

Every year, tech experts and parents test the latest GPS trackers and smartwatches for kids. For 2025, we reviewed their findings across SafeWise, Tom’s Guide, PCMag, and Family1st, compiled through Perplexity, and pulled together what actually matters for dads in the real world.

Best Overall GPS Tracker: AngelSense GPS

If safety is your top priority, AngelSense is still the front-runner in 2025.

Real-time 10-second updates, two-way talk, and an SOS button make it more like a personal bodyguard than a tracker. It’s built for kids who wander, especially helpful for families with children who have disabilities. Parents can set up routine-based alerts and securely share live tracking with caregivers or first responders.

Dad Take: If your kid walks home from school or rides the bus solo, this one gives peace of mind without constant check-ins.

Best Compact Tracker: Jiobit Smart Tag (Gen 3)

Small, accurate, and easy to hide on a backpack or belt loop.

Jiobit uses GPS, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth to give real-time updates, route history, and geofence alerts when your child leaves a set area.

Dad Take: Ideal for younger kids who can’t keep track of their shoes but still deserve a little freedom.

Best Smartwatch for Communication: TickTalk 5

TickTalk 5 is the all-in-one option for families who want both tracking and communication.

It supports HD voice and video calls, texting, and AI-assisted GPS accuracy. Parents can manage 40-plus settings for contact blocking, screen-time limits, and app use.

Battery Life: Up to 137 hours on standby.

Dad Take: For kids not ready for a smartphone, this is the sweet spot between independence and oversight.

Best Fitness-Focused Smartwatch: Garmin Bounce

Garmin Bounce mixes GPS tracking with kid-friendly fitness tools.

Through the Garmin Jr. app, parents can view live locations, assign chores, reward activity, and send messages.

Dad Take: Perfect for the active tween who wants to move more and stay in touch at the same time.

Best Budget Pick: LandAirSea 54

A compact, waterproof tracker that just works. The LandAirSea 54 records live location data, supports geofencing, and uses motion activation to stretch battery life up to 30 days.

Dad Take: Simple, affordable, and built tough enough to survive the bottom of a backpack.

Best for Kids with Disabilities: GPSTracker247 Teen

This one’s built for reliability and peace of mind.

The GPSTracker247 Teen model provides real-time updates, driving behavior logs, and geofence notifications.
Parents like the lightweight design and accessible caregiver app, especially for autism or ADHD-related wandering prevention.

Dad Take: A solid choice for families who need extra dependability and easy communication.

Other Notable Mentions

Apple Watch SE 3
Great for older kids who already use Apple devices and benefit from “Find My” tracking.

Gabb Watch 3e
A no-frills, durable smartwatch focused on simple calling and messaging.

Fitbit Ace LTE
Blends GPS with fitness tracking and gamified activity challenges that keep kids engaged.

Quick Comparison

Technology can’t replace trust, but it can make parenting a little less stressful.

The goal isn’t to hover. It’s to give your kids freedom with a safety net. Because being a dad in 2025 means finding that balance between “go play outside” and “just text me when you get there.”