Top 5 Smartwatches for Kids in Canada
Parents shopping for a kids’ smartwatch want the same three things: safety, reliability, and ease of use. In Canada, that also means devices that cope with cold weather, connect reliably on Canadian mobile networks (or support eSIM profiles local carriers accept), and offer durable battery life for active kids. For this review I focused on full-featured, cellular-capable smartwatches and premium kid-first devices that balance parental controls, GPS tracking, two-way communication, and a child-friendly interface — and that sit roughly in the CAD $300–$350 price band.
Each product below is examined for build quality, safety features (SOS, geofencing), connectivity and subscription requirements, battery life, app/parental controls, display and usability for kids, and overall value for Canadian families.
1) Garmin Bounce 2 — Approx. CAD $300
Key specifications (typical)
- Display: Colour touchscreen (round AMOLED on recent model)
- Connectivity: LTE/4G for two-way calls and messaging (carrier plan/subscription required)
- Location: Real-time GPS + Wi-Fi and cell-tower fallback, geofencing support
- Sensors & features: Activity tracking, step goals, swim/water resistance, basic fitness modes, SOS / emergency contact button
- Battery: 1–2 days depending on use and LTE activity (improved battery optimizations on latest models)
- App: Garmin Jr. / parent app for live location, safe contacts, schedules and rewards
Review (≈300 words)
Garmin’s Bounce 2 aims to be the premium “kid-first” alternative to handing a child a smartphone. It combines Garmin’s durable build quality with a clear emphasis on safety and activity. The watch’s GPS tracking is precise and benefits from Garmin’s mapping experience: geofencing works reliably, and parents can see location trails in the app. The two-way calling and messaging options are straightforward — parents set approved contacts and control who can communicate with the watch.
For Canadian users, Bounce 2’s water resistance and robust enclosure are welcome: it survives puddles, swims and the bangs that come from active kids at recess. Battery life is typically solid for a cellular device of this size — expect one to two days in normal use (heavy GPS and voice use will shorten this). The display is bright enough to remain legible during outdoor play, and the UI is simple for young children to understand.
Functionally, the watch balances fun and safety: basic fitness features and kid-friendly challenges encourage movement, while location and SOS capabilities offer parents peace of mind. One downside is the ongoing cellular service cost — to maintain two-way communication and live location you’ll need a data plan or subscription, and that adds to the long-term cost of ownership. Also, while Garmin’s apps are mature, some parents report occasional sync delays if the watch is in an area with spotty cellular coverage.
Pros
- Strong GPS accuracy and geofencing.
- Rugged, water-resistant build suited for active kids.
- Intuitive parental controls and Garmin Jr. app ecosystem.
- Good balance of safety and activity features.
Cons
- Requires a cellular plan for full functionality — monthly cost adds up.
- Battery life is decent but can be taxed by heavy GPS or voice calling.
- Premium price compared with very basic kids’ trackers.
Verdict
Bounce 2 is the best pick if you want a robust, Garmin-built kids’ watch that prioritizes reliable location tracking and durability while still offering fun activity features. It’s an especially strong choice for outdoorsy families or those who already trust Garmin’s ecosystem.
2) TickTalk 5 — Approx. CAD $299–$329
Key specifications (typical)
- Display: Colour touchscreen (kid-sized, bright for outdoor use)
- Connectivity: 4G LTE (multi-band) for video calling, voice, and messaging — carrier plan required
- Location: GPS + Wi-Fi + LBS fallback, geo-fence and safe zones, historical location playback
- Sensors & features: Camera for video messages and selfies, SOS button, step tracking, Do Not Disturb/school mode
- Battery: Around 24–48 hours depending on usage and video call frequency
- App: Parental app for contacts, geofencing, message control and activity history
Review (≈270 words)
TickTalk has carved out a reputation for balancing communication features with parental controls, and the TickTalk 5 is a clear example. It supports two-way video calling and voice calls (with pre-approved contacts), which many parents value for “face-to-face” contact when a child is away from home. The onboard camera, while simple, makes video messages and quick selfies easy for kids to use. GPS tracking is accurate, and the combination of Wi-Fi fallback and cell tower triangulation helps keep location reporting stable in urban and suburban Canadian environments.
The parental app is powerful: you can limit who the child can call, set school-mode restrictions, create geofences, and review location history. This granular control makes the TickTalk 5 appropriate for younger children who don’t need a full smartphone but do need reliable communication and monitoring. Battery life depends heavily on video usage — regular video calls will pull the battery down quicker — so families who plan heavy video use should expect daily charging.
TickTalk devices typically require an active SIM plan. That adds recurring cost but delivers real-time reliability for parents who want live contact. The watch’s hardware is kid-friendly: water resistance, comfortable straps and a durable case, but like all small electronics it benefits from a protective mindset (cases, cautious handling). Some parents report the occasional app pairing issue on first setup, but overall the ecosystem is mature and well supported.
Pros
- Video calling capability (valuable for face-to-face contact).
- Comprehensive parental controls and geofencing.
- Solid GPS with multiple fallbacks.
- Kid-friendly UI and durable build.
Cons
- Video calls significantly reduce battery life.
- Requires monthly cellular service.
- Initial setup and pairing may be fiddly for non-technical parents.
Verdict
TickTalk 5 is excellent for parents who want direct visual contact (video calling) and full parental controls — a very family-focused device that trades slightly lower battery for richer communication features.
3) Xplora X5 Play (or Xplora X5 Play+ variant) — Approx. CAD $319
Key specifications (typical)
- Display: Colour touchscreen suitable for younger wrists
- Connectivity: 4G / eSIM variants depending on region; phone calls and SMS to preapproved numbers
- Location: GPS + Wi-Fi + LBS, live tracking and safe zones
- Sensors & features: Step counter, gamified activity rewards, SOS/panic button, camera on some SKUs
- Battery: Typically 24–48 hours depending on activity and network use
- App: Parental app with school mode, safe contact management and activity tracking
Review (≈260 words)
Xplora’s X5 Play series emphasizes safety plus activity incentives: the device combines location tracking and SOS features with a “goplay” rewards ecosystem that encourages movement. For Canadian parents who want kids to be more active, the gamification element is a useful nudge — steps translate into digital rewards kids can spend in a controlled ecosystem. From a safety standpoint, the Xplora provides reliable GPS tracking, geofences, and an SOS button that calls designated contacts.
Network-wise, Xplora has broadened support for eSIM and multiple carriers in many countries; in Canada you should check compatibility with local carriers before purchase. The hardware is built for children: comfortable bands, water resistance for playtime, and a UI that keeps distractions minimal during school hours. School-mode remains a useful feature, converting the watch to a timepiece during lessons.
Battery life and coverage are typical for cellular kids’ watches — a day or two with moderate usage — and parents should plan on nightly charging for heavy users. The parent app is straightforward, allowing contact lists, tracking, and activity logs. One practical advantage of Xplora is its strong retail presence in several markets and a focus on a balance of safety and activity — a good middle-ground product for families who want tracking without too many bells and whistles.
Pros
- Encourages activity with gamified rewards.
- Robust location tracking and SOS functionality.
- School mode reduces distractions.
- Solid build for kids and daily wear.
Cons
- Carrier/eSIM compatibility should be verified in Canada prior to purchase.
- Battery life is average with constant location updates.
- Fewer advanced communication features (no full video calling on many models).
Verdict
Xplora X5 Play is a balanced pick for parents seeking both safety and motivation for activity — good for school-age kids who benefit from step-based rewards and simple parental controls.
4) Verizon Gizmo (third-generation variant, unlocked or carrier-supported) — Approx. CAD $329
Key specifications (typical)
- Display: Bright touchscreen with kid-friendly UI
- Connectivity: Carrier cellular plan required (Gizmo’s family service ecosystem in the U.S.; unlocked variants or local carrier-compatible models available in some markets)
- Location: GPS + cellular fallback and location history in parent app
- Sensors & features: Two-way calling and text to approved contacts, SOS button, GPS tracking, customizable “quiet / school” modes
- Battery: Usually around 24–36 hours depending on use and cellular signals
- App: Parent-managed contact lists and location alerts
Review (≈260 words)
The Gizmo family of devices focuses on a no-frills, reliable communication experience for kids. While widely available with Verizon in the U.S., Canadian buyers can purchase unlocked Gizmo-compatible watches or buy through carriers that support the device; confirm local network compatibility before committing. Gizmo watches prioritize simple calling and messaging to approved numbers, accurate location reporting, and durable hardware built for kids’ wear and tear.
Parents like Gizmo for its straightforward policy: tight contact control, simple setup, and a well-scoped feature set that avoids social media or broad internet access. The watch is comfortable for younger wrists and has enough ruggedization to survive playground use. Battery life is typical for the category — nightly charging is convenient for busy family routines.
As with most cellular kids’ watches, there’s a recurring carrier cost for the number/data, which can be structured as a small monthly fee. Gizmo’s advantage is simplicity — no video calls, no app stores, just voice, messaging and tracking — making it a good choice for parents who want minimal distractions and solid communication.
Pros
- Simple, reliable calling and messaging with tight parental control.
- Durable hardware suitable for active children.
- Familiar user experience for parents who want basic connectivity only.
Cons
- Best experience usually tied to a specific carrier ecosystem — check Canadian carrier compatibility.
- Lacks advanced features like video calling or gamified fitness.
- Ongoing monthly service cost.
Verdict
Gizmo is a strong choice if your priority is a simple, secure communication device with excellent parental control and rugged design — especially when you can pair the watch with an appropriate Canadian carrier plan.
5) OJOY / Similar premium 4G kids’ watch
Key specifications (typical)
- Display: Touchscreen sized for children, bright and responsive
- Connectivity: 4G LTE support (carrier/SIM required)
- Location: GPS + Wi-Fi + LBS with live tracking and geofencing
- Sensors & features: Camera, SOS, voice and video calling on some models, activity tracking, waterproofing to a practical rating
- Battery: 24–48 hours depending on features and call usage
- App: Parent app with contact management, tracking, and alerts
Review (≈260 words)
A number of premium kids’ smartwatches (represented here by the OJOY family and similar OEMs) pack a broad feature set into an accessible price point. These devices typically include a camera for quick photo/video messages, GPS tracking with geofencing, two-way calling, and a durable design that resists everyday rough use. For Canadian families, look for models sold with Canadian network compatibility or unlocked versions that accept local SIMs and eSIMs.
Performance-wise these watches offer strong feature parity with better-known brands: live location, SOS alerts, and good parental control apps. Some models add extras like basic games, step tracking and school modes. The tradeoffs are similar across the category: batteries that need nightly charging with active use, and the requirement for an ongoing SIM/data plan. Build quality varies by vendor — premium-branded OEMs focused on kids’ wear and water resistance tend to be more robust and better supported.
A pragmatic family approach is to choose a model with local warranty and proven carrier compatibility. The user experience of the parent app matters as much as the watch hardware: good apps make contact management, geofence setup and location history effortless.
Pros
- Comprehensive feature set for communication and safety.
- Often better value than single-brand premium alternatives.
- Durable, child-friendly designs with cameras and SOS.
Cons
- Quality and long-term software support vary by vendor.
- Requires an ongoing cellular plan for full features.
- Battery life is squeezed by GPS and video use.
Verdict
If you want a full-feature kids’ watch with location, calling, camera and a generally competitive price, premium OEM watches like OJOY-style devices offer good value — just confirm local carrier compatibility and warranty before purchasing.
Buying checklist for Canadian families
- Confirm carrier compatibility: Many kid watches need a SIM or eSIM. Verify the supported LTE bands and whether local Canadian carriers or MVNOs support that model.
- Plan for subscription costs: Expect a monthly fee for voice/data — factor that into the total cost of ownership.
- Prioritize safety features: SOS button, geo-fencing, live location, approved contacts and robust parental app controls should be non-negotiable.
- Check battery life expectations: If your child will do long field trips or camps, look for models with longer standby life or packable charging options.
- Durability & water resistance: Kids are rough on devices — pick a watch with splash-proof or swim-rated protection if needed.
- Privacy & data handling: Read the watch maker’s privacy policy — ensure location and communication data are stored and transmitted securely.
- Local warranty & support: Buying from a Canadian retailer or a brand with a Canadian warranty makes repairs and returns easier.
Final thoughts
A kid-focused smartwatch at the CAD $300–$350 price point buys you a well-rounded mix of safety, communication and activity features. Garmin Bounce 2 and TickTalk 5 stand out for robust tracking and communication (video calls on TickTalk are a differentiator), while Xplora blends safety with gamified activity. Gizmo appeals to parents wanting minimal distractions and reliable calling, and premium OEM models (OJOY-style) give strong feature sets for the price.
Choose the watch that best matches your priorities — if location accuracy is paramount, pick a proven GPS-first device; if face-to-face contact matters, choose a model with video calling; if simplicity and battery life are key, favor more basic calling-and-GPS models. Above all, confirm network compatibility and budget for the ongoing monthly cost: the watch is one part of the system — the subscription keeps it useful.