Is the Apple Watch a Good First Watch for Kids? Safer Alternatives Explained

The Apple Watch and Samsung Galaxy Watch are not the best first watches for a child. Safer, kid-focused options give parents more control and better peace of mind.

Why the Apple Watch or Samsung Galaxy Watch May Not Be Right for Kids

Apple Watch SE 3 and Samsung Galaxy Watch8 LTE are advanced devices, but they are designed for adults. Both need the parent’s phone to set up and manage the watch. The Apple Watch requires an iPhone 11 or later, while the Samsung Galaxy Watch8 needs a compatible Samsung phone. These watches come with open app stores and internet access. That means there is no way to fully lock down the device, and the child could add apps or contact people you do not approve.

Neither the Apple Watch nor the Galaxy Watch has a camera. Without video calling, kids cannot check in with you face to face. There is also no easy way to limit contacts to a safe list. With the Apple Watch, you set up Family Sharing, then add a carrier watch line through your cell provider. This is more complicated and expensive than most kid-focused smartwatches. The total first-year cost for an Apple Watch SE 3 with cellular is about $389 to $479 as of October 2026, and the Samsung Galaxy Watch8 LTE is even higher.

What Makes a Good First Watch for Kids

When a child is ready for their first smartwatch, most families look for these features:

• Calls and texts with parent-approved contacts
• Accurate location tracking (usually GPS)
• A camera for safe video calls
• No app store or open internet (for younger kids)
• SOS or emergency help button
• Easy management for parents

Kid-specific smartwatches are built around safety. The watch and its service come as a bundle, and setup is simple. Parents can approve every contact, see where their child is, and reach them easily. Most do not allow downloading new apps, and some do not have an open internet browser at all.

Top Alternatives to Apple Watch for Kids

Several companies offer smartwatches designed just for kids, each with its own strengths. Here is a quick look at some leading names:

• MeWatch L12 Prime: A compact kids smartwatch with accurate GPS, safe calling and texting, a selfie camera, and video calls through the parent app. No open internet, no app store. The parent approves every contact. MeWatch L12 Prime is a strong pick for families who want location tracking and video calls in a device designed for children. It includes a SIM with a MeWatch plan, powered by SpeedTalk, for easy setup and nationwide coverage.

• Verizon Gizmo Watch 4: Up to 40 contacts, safe calling and texting, video calls, and an AI assistant. Runs on Verizon only, requires the Verizon Family app. Video calls are limited in length on some models. There is no app store or open internet.

• TickTalk 6: Video calls, real text messages, GPS, and voice calling. Locked to its own TickTalk Wireless plan, billed every 30 days. No open app store or internet.

• Gabb Watch 3e: Safe calling and texting, no internet, updates location about every 15 minutes. No video calls or camera.

• Cosmo JrTrack 5 SE: Safe calls and texts, GPS, no video calling. Comes with a 3-year warranty if you keep the membership active.

Each of these is designed for younger children, with strong controls for parents. None requires a parent’s iPhone or Samsung phone, and most cost less up front and in monthly service than the Apple or Samsung options.

What About Older Kids or Tweens?

If your child is older and ready for a little more independence, but you still want safety features, the MeWatch K12 Ultra is worth considering. It runs Android, so you can approve sports and activity apps from the parent app. It has GPS, Wi-Fi, and video calling. Parents can choose to add or remove approved apps. WhatsApp is not built in, but you can add it and turn it off any time. The K12 Ultra is not a closed device, so it fits older kids who need more flexibility, but it still gives parents control over what the watch can do.

How to Choose the Right Watch for Your Child

Think about your child’s age, maturity, and your family’s safety priorities. If your main concerns are location tracking, safe calling, and limiting access to only approved contacts, a kid-focused smartwatch like the MeWatch L12 Prime, Gizmo Watch, or TickTalk 6 is usually the best fit. If your child is ready for activity apps and a little more independence, a watch like the MeWatch K12 Ultra can grow with them.

The Apple Watch and Samsung Galaxy Watch work well for teens who already have a phone and the maturity to handle an open device. For most elementary-age kids, though, a dedicated kids’ smartwatch is safer and easier to manage.

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FAQ: Apple Watch for Kids

Q: Can I use an Apple Watch as my child's first smartwatch? A: You can, but it is not ideal for younger children. It requires your iPhone to set up, has an open app store, and does not let you fully lock down contacts or apps. Most parents prefer a kids' smartwatch with tighter controls.

Q: What is the best Apple Watch alternative for kids? A: If you want GPS, calling, safe contacts, and video calls, MeWatch L12 Prime is a strong choice. Gizmo Watch 4 and TickTalk 6 are also popular among families who want safety features.

Q: How is a kids’ smartwatch different from an Apple Watch? A: Kids’ smartwatches are built for safety. You get contact approval, accurate GPS, and no open app store. Apple Watch is an adult device with open internet and less parental control.

Q: Can Apple Watch make video calls? A: No. Apple Watch SE 3 does not have a camera and cannot make video calls. Some kids’ smartwatches, like L12 Prime and Gizmo Watch 4, offer video calls.

Q: Is the MeWatch L12 Prime waterproof? A: No. The L12 Prime must be kept away from water, including pools, the sea, and showers. Water damage is not covered.