The Best Kids' Fitness Trackers of 2024

While most watches are geared toward adults, there is a select market of fitness trackers designed specifically to help kids get active in a fun and exciting way. Over the past few years, we’ve had kids ranging from ages 3 to 13 test activity trackers in a variety of settings to determine the best kids’ fitness trackers.

Some went for walks, bike rides, or Nordic ski tours, while others just jumped on the trampoline and ran around the yard. Some played interactive games, and others simply jogged around the house while their watch did its thing. We chatted with the kids and their parents to learn what they liked and disliked about each watch.

When deciding what makes or breaks a kid’s fitness tracker, we focused on things like ease of use, comfort, and battery life, and our pint-sized testers gave us thorough reports on each item in this list. Here are our favorites.

Editor’s Note: For our November 27, 2024, update, we added a Price & Value section to show what buyers get with different price points.

The Best Kids’ Fitness Trackers of 2024

Best Overall Kids’ Fitness Tracker: Fitbit Ace 3
Best Budget Kids’ Fitness Tracker: Biggerfive’s Fitness Tracker
Best Kids’ Fitness Tracker for Young Kids: Garmin vívofit jr. 3
Best Kids’ Fitness Tracker for Games: Kurio’s Glow Smartwatch
Best Kids’ Fitness Tracker Smartwatch: MgaoLo Fitness Smartwatch

Specs

Battery: Up to 8 days
Weight: 19.3 g
Band size: 116-168 mm
Water rating: WR50
Screen: Black and white

Pros

Kids' and parents' view on app
Customizable band colors
Bedtime reminders and alarms

Cons

Requires phone for pairing

Featuring many of the same features you know and love in a traditional Fitbit, the Fitbit Ace 3 ($80) is a kids’ spinoff of their classic fitness tracker. In addition to a step counter, the watch is swimproof, tracks sleep, and has bedtime reminders and alarms.

Available in two fun color options, the kids’ Fitbit has the option to purchase additional bands so children can customize the watch to their specific tastes.

Like many smartwatches, the Ace 3 comes with an app to track your stats. The app has the option for a parent view and a kid view.

Through the parent view app, parents are able to create family and child accounts through which they can monitor their kids’ activity and view their connections. If parents choose, they can set up a kid view app where kids can track their stats, badges, and clock faces.

In an effort to help kids stay motivated and active, the fitness tracker includes reminders to move and fun incentives like virtual badges, animated clock faces, and personalized avatars.

While our testers enjoyed hitting their goals and keeping track of the stats on their wrist, they noted an account could only be created for one child per watch. In the case of our sibling testers, they were sharing a watch and wished they could have separate accounts.

Additionally, the app was a fun way to keep track of activities, but in order for a kid to monitor all of their activities on their own, they would need to own a cellphone.

While Fitbit’s line of watches all offer different and fun features with a long battery life and a kid-friendly aesthetic, we found the Ace 3 was the best Fitbit watch for kids.

Specs

Battery: Up to 7 days
Weight: 17 g
Band size: 90-130 mm
Water rating: IP67
Screen: Black and white

Pros

Simple to use
Impressive water resistance
Budget price

Cons

Doesn’t come with a USB charging block

The perfect Fitbit alternative, Biggerfive’s Fitness Tracker ($30) is designed to help kids stay healthy and active. Designed for ages 5+, the waterproof watch is easy to use, has a built-in step tracker, monitors sleep, tracks distance covered, and counts calories burned.

Additionally, the watch includes message and call reminders and an alarm clock through which parents can set up hydration reminders, sedentary reminders, and wake-up/bedtime alerts.

A huge pro of the tracker is that it’s sweatproof, rainproof, splash, and waterproof for bathing, so you don’t have to worry about your kid damaging their watch. The tracker comes in three color options, has a comfortable band, and offers an impressive battery life.

The VeryFitPro app is simple and easy to use, however, you must be in close range to sync the watch to your phone.

The built-in USB makes charging with any USB port a breeze, but it would be nice to include a block for plugging into the wall as well, just in case your child doesn’t have a USB port of their own.

All in all, Biggerfive’s Fitness Tracker has everything you could want in a smartwatch at a fraction of the price when compared to other brands.

Specs

Battery: Up to 1 year
Weight: 25 g
Band size: 130-175 mm
Water rating: WR50
Screen: Color

Pros

Doesn’t need to be charged
Highly customizable
Easy for kids to use themselves

Cons

Added screen time for app features
Higher price compared to other trackers

Garmin has been in the business of making top-of-the-line fitness and exercise watches for years, and their kids’ Garmin is no exception. While the vívofit jr. 3 ($90) has the features you’d expect in a solid fitness tracker, it also offers a number of interactive experiences to make it kid-friendly.

Available in a number of different fun color options, the watch offers a Marvel, Disney Princess, or classic Garmin band design. Kids then have the option to choose from multiple watch face options to make the watch uniquely their own, which was something they really enjoyed.

Like any good fitness tracker, the waterproof vívofit jr. 3 tracks steps and distance traveled and monitors sleep. Clock features include time/date, automatic daylight saving time, an alarm clock, timer, and stopwatch.

Specific kid activity tracking features include 60-minute activity goals, chores, rewards (coins), task timers, reminder alerts, a challenges app, and an in-case-of-emergency feature.

The app was easy for parents to use, and after the initial setup, our kid testers had no problem working on the watch on their own. Our testers enjoyed the celebration of accomplishing goals, and the variety of games and activities was ideal for a range of ages.

The only downside of using the app for interactive games and features is its additional screen time, which is something many parents try to avoid during playtime. Our testers were on the smaller side and noted that the vívofit jr. 3 ran a little big, despite being in the recommended age range.

Specs

Battery: 1 lithium polymer battery (included)
Weight: 90 g
Band size: 130-250 mm
Water rating: No
Screen: Color

Pros

Lots of fun games to choose from
Color screen

Cons

App is not compatible with iPhones
Not water-resistant

Designed specifically with kids in mind, Kurio’s Glow Smartwatch ($19-34) is the perfect activity tracker watch for kids who like to stay busy. More than just a fitness watch, Kurio’s Glow Smartwatch is a Bluetooth-compatible watch that includes an activity tracker, music player, alarm/stopwatch, calculator, and over 20 apps and games.

While the watch is Bluetooth-compatible and is designed to allow texting and messaging between phones and watches, it proved to be difficult with an iPhone.

It was able to connect to Bluetooth and function as a speaker, but texting/calling didn’t work between the devices. Although texting and calling weren’t super necessary for a kids’ watch, it was advertised as a function of the watch.

Available in six color options and with fun glow features, the smartwatch has a very kid-friendly aesthetic. The motion sensor games, glow light games, and dance party options were all easy to use and fun. And the option to play single- or two-player games was a hit.

The tracker felt like a combination between a video game and a fitness device, which our testers appreciated. The watch was definitely heavier than the other kids’ models we tried, and the screen broke easily. But at such a low price, it wasn’t a total shocker.

Specs

Battery: Up to 7 days
Weight: 30 g
Band size: 114-175 mm
Water rating: 5M
Screen: Color

Pros

Customizable watch screen
Can be used without phone
Find watch from an app

Cons

Need phone to access a lot of the features

The Mgaolo Fitness Tracker ($43) combines a smartwatch and a fitness tracker. Upon seeing the photo on the box, our young tester (8 years old) was ecstatic. She loved the look of it, as it looked a lot like her parent’s GPS watches.

As she explored the features, she kept finding more and more fun attributes she enjoyed. It tracks 19 different sports (sans GPS) and monitors sleep. It is a stopwatch and can be used as a timer. More “importantly” if the phone it is paired to has the camera open, you can shake the watch to take a photo. That caught the parent’s eye, and they wished their watches did the same!

Again, with the paired phone, the watch also can control music and get phone notifications. The app has a “Find Watch” button if the watch is misplaced. And reversely, a “Looking for Smartphone” button from the watch for the phone. For older female youth, a “Women’s Health” function is available but only when “female” is selected when setting up the watch.

Parents appreciated that the watch can be started and used without a phone. The parents did finally turn off the Bluetooth connection from their phone to the watch as they were getting weary of the random music their daughter would start playing using the watch. However, it would be a fun feature for kids with their own phone/tablet.

The screen is bright and can be adjusted within the watch. The touchscreen was responsive and easy to navigate. Our tester’s only con was that the watch band needed to be more soft like other trackers. Although, it didn’t stop her from wearing it non-stop.

Because the Mgaolo Fitness Tracker can be used with or without a phone, it is an excellent option for a wide age range of kids.

Other Great Fitness Trackers

We tested a lot of fitness trackers, but not all of them fit into any specific category. Here are a few other ones that we tested and enjoyed.

Specs

Battery: 15 days or 25 days in powersave mode
Weight: 25 g
Band size: 162-235 mm
Water rating: 5ATM
Screen: Color

Pros

Long battery life
Clear display
Price

Cons

Can make purchases from Amazon if connected to app
Large wristband

The Amazfit Activity Tracker ($40) has many features, and some are best suited for adults. While it can track 11 activities, it also monitors your stress and measures blood oxygen saturation. Two things that younger children probably don’t necessarily need. But one of the most unique features is that it connects to Alexa from Amazon (through a paired phone/tablet).

Kiddos can ask questions, and the answer will appear on the screen to read or over voice from the paired phone. Parents beware: Kids can automatically buy items from the connected Amazon account without approval, which could be a tempting feature for kids. The Amazon connection is optional, however, and can be turned off through the app.

Our tester liked the bright screen, the ability to change the background, and ease of use. When used with most apps turned off, it is a great kid tracker that still tracks heart rate (that can be turned off), and has movement reminders and alarms that can be set from the app.

But most of the features require connections through the phone (Amazon, weather, notifications). The wristband was also too big, even on the smallest setting. I recommend this fitness tracker for older kids and adults looking for a Fitbit alternative.

Specs

Battery: 7 days
Weight: 18 g
Band size: 116-165 mm
Water rating: IP68
Screen: Color

Pros

Affordable
Add multiple trackers to the app (Family Account)
Quick charge

Cons

Less accurate on steps

The Eurans Kids Fitness Tracker ($30) is cute and definitely made for kids. It uses cartoon fonts and icons. No phone is required to start it up, but the app does show all the data in one place and has a Family Account, where you can see multiple tracker’s data.

It tracks steps, heart rate, running, walking, cycling, and has a stopwatch. The kids can set step goals and earn virtual badges when they reach them, a fun and positive way to encourage kiddos to keep moving! It is also waterproof, which is fun for pools or sprinklers. They also can customize the watch face from the app with a photo from the phone or pick a premade display. Our tester loved seeing a photo she took on the tracker screen.

The wristband is soft and is made to fit a variety of child-sized wrists. Our tester liked the different band colors. There are no games on the tracker which is nice depending on what you are looking for. Our tester never asked to see the app as the data was easy to find on the watch.

Our tester’s parents noticed that the pedometer tended to be about 150 steps over or under the average step count when they tested multiple trackers simultaneously.

This is a great basic tracker for younger kids or families wanting to have all the trackers on one app.

Kids’ Fitness Tracker Comparison Chart

Kids’ Fitness Tracker	Battery	Weight	Band Size	Water Rating	Screen
Fitbit Ace 3	Up to 8 days	19.3 g	116-168 mm	WR50	Black and white
Biggerfive Fitness Tracker	Up to 7 days	17 g	130-190 mm	IP67	Black and white
Garmin vívofit jr. 3	Up to 1 year	25 g	130-175 mm	WR50	Color
Kurio Glow Smartwatch	Up to 10 days	90 g	130-250 mm	No	Color
MgaoLo Fitness Smartwatch	Up to 7 days	30 g	114-175 mm	5M	Color
Amazfit Activity Tracker	15-25 days	25 g	162-235 mm	5ATM	Color
Eurans Kids Fitness Tracker	Up to 7 days	18 g	116-165 mm	IP68	Color

We tested kids’ fitness trackers in a variety of different environments on loads of fun adventures and outings; (photo/Conni Mahoney)

How We Tested Kids’ Fitness Trackers

Our Expert Testers

We know there are a lot of reviews and opinions out there, so why take our word on these watches? Unlike some sources, we personally put these watches to the test. And to make sure we were getting the true experience, we had our own kids and friends’ and family’s children test out the watches.

The watches we tested offered a variety of different specs and features and were tested for weeks by our testers ages 3, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 13. Alongside the assistance of their parents, our testers used the watches on their own and synched them with the apps to get the full experience.

Our Testing Process

The kiddos did a multitude of both indoor and outdoor activities. They utilized many of the different activity modes and learned how to use the watch with the app. We spoke with the kids and the parents to get their thoughts. And if you know anything about kids, you know they’re honest.

The watches were put to the test walking, swimming, playing in the house and the backyard, jumping on the trampoline, and a variety of other activities to allow them to showcase their full capabilities.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Perfect Kids’ Fitness Tracker

Fitness trackers can be valuable tools to help you track the activities your kids engage in; (photo/Conni Mahoney)

Activities Tracked

When picking out an activity tracker watch for your kiddos, you’ll want to consider how they’ll be using it and if it’s well suited for their age. While adults may be more focused on counting calories and workout times and splits, kids’ fitness trackers are all about encouraging your kids to be active in a fun way.

If your kids are young or not as motivated to exercise, you’ll want to look for a watch that offers fun games and/or sedentary reminders. Many watches offer fun, interactive games that get kids up and moving, so it’s a great way to keep them active.

But if your kids are focused on tracking their exercise statistics, you’ll want a watch that monitors steps, distance, sleep, calories, and other key stats. A quick search on the companies’ websites will tell you what features are included, so you can make sure you’re getting exactly what you’re looking for.

Ease of Use

Kids require the watch interface to be instinctive and simple, while still functional; (photo/Conni Mahoney)

If it’s not easy to use, it’s not going to work for your kids. The best fitness trackers for kids are the ones that require minimal setup and offer a straightforward design so kids can use them with little to no assistance. One of the easiest trackers we tested was the Eurans Kids’ Fitness Tracker as it was ready to go after a quick charge, no app needed.

Additionally, a solid battery life will contribute to a user-friendly experience. If it requires charging daily, there’s a good chance it’s going to end up dead and abandoned in a drawer.

Comfort and Fit

Make sure your kids are comfortable with the fit of their watches before they run around all day with them; (photo/Conni Mahoney)

If the goal is to wear the watch 24/7, you’ll definitely want something that’s lightweight and comfortable. Where adult watches may be oversized for a younger audience, kids’ fitness trackers are specifically designed for smaller wrists. Bonus points if the watch is adjustable to grow with your child.

Most of the watches we tested featured slim-fitting silicone bands, which did not irritate any of our testers over the course of their days of play. However, the Mgaolo Fitness Tracker has a silicone watch band. Something to note, though: if your child is on the younger end of the suggested age range, you may want to look into exact watch measurements before purchasing.

In the case of Garmin’s vívofit jr. 3, we found the watch was a little big on our 5-year-old tester despite being in the recommended age range — the upside is she will grow into it!

App Compatibility & Extra Features

Many fitness trackers link up with an app on your phone, boosting their useability; (photo/Conni Mahoney)

Many fitness trackers and watches come compatible with an app, which is often the most intimidating part. In order for the app to add to the experience, it needs to be simple to set up, use, and pair with the watch.

Of the watches we tested, all but the Kurio Glow came with traditional fitness apps. The traditional apps were all easy to download and use, and with the exception of the Biggerfive watch, synced easily between the phone and watch.

The Kurio Glow watch differed in that it offered a variety of apps and games geared toward a bit of a younger audience. Overall, the apps proved to be a fun way to join interactive activities, monitor stats, and keep track of targets and goals.

Extra features we appreciated in the kids’ watches were fun, bright, and even interchangeable bands for changing moods and different personalities. The Amazfit Activity Tracker had features that were a better fit for adults or very responsible teens, as they can purchase items from Amazon from the watch.

Games, challenges, and goal celebrations are great features for motivating little feet to stay active. And we liked the ability to customize watch faces to personalize the fitness trackers.

Durability

Kids can be rambunctious, and their watches need to withstand the torture they may put them through; (photo/Conni Mahoney)

When you buy something, you want it to last. It’s no secret that kids aren’t typically gentle with their things. So when purchasing a kids’ fitness tracker, you’ll want to be sure it’s built to last.

A feature that is going to help extend the life of your watch is if it’s waterproof or at least water-resistant. Of the watches we tested, all but the Kurio Glow watch were at least somewhat waterproof, which was crucial to keeping them alive.

Additionally, all of the watches held up extremely well during our testing period, but we have heard a number of stories about the Kurio Glow breaking easily.

Price & Value

Price is always a consideration when it comes to gear, as you don’t want to shell out your hard-earned cash unless it’s something you really want or need. Through our research and fitness watch reviews, we found a wide range of watches available at varying price points.

Budget

When it comes to purchasing a watch for your kid, you probably don’t want to spend as much as you might on an adult. Kids have a tendency to lose things easily, so you don’t want to drop a wad of cash on something that could easily wind up in their school’s lost and found.

The cheapest watch we reviewed was Kurio’s Glow Smartwatch, costing only $19. The watch offered plenty of fun features, but we noticed that it had a tendency to break easily.

Mid-Tier

Most of the fitness trackers that we tested were in the $30-50 range. Biggerfive’s Fitness Tracker ($30) offers plenty of tools for fitness tracking, including built-in step, distance, calorie, and sleep trackers. The watch also includes an alarm clock that allows parents to remind kids to drink water and get up off the couch to go play outside. It’s also sweatproof, rainproof, splash, and waterproof — your kid can even hop in the bathtub without taking it off.

Premium

Our priciest watch was the Garmin vívofit jr. 3, ringing in at $90. While the watch comes at a steeper price point, we were impressed with its durability — your kid will have a hard time breaking this one. Plus, with a more robust feature set including 60-minute activity goals, chores, rewards (coins), task timers, and an in-case-of-emergency feature, it’s a fitness tracker that will take years for your kid to outgrow.

A reliable fitness tracker can bring peace of mind about your kiddos’ health; (photo/Conni Mahoney)

Frequently Asked Questions

There isn’t necessarily a right or a wrong age for a kid to start wearing an activity tracker. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 80% of kids between the ages of 11 and 17 don’t get enough regular exercise. The WHO recommends that children and adolescents between the ages of 5 and 17 do an average of 60 minutes per day of moderate to vigorous exercise.

So, the appropriate age for a fitness tracker really varies from case to case. If your kid is more on the inactive side and could benefit from a little extra motivation, perhaps getting them a fitness tracker could help.

Or, if your kid is a fitness fanatic and likes to keep track of his or her activities, there could be a case for getting them a watch as well. Most fitness trackers and watches specify the recommended age ranges on their websites. And if your teen is expressing interest, they’re likely ready to step up to a fitness tracker for adults.

It’s hard to pinpoint the most important feature in a kids’ fitness tracker because it really comes down to what’s important to you. We think the capability to track a variety of activities, ease of use, a comfortable fit, compatibility with a simple-to-use app, durability, and price are all important features to note.

Additionally, kids really enjoy the option to customize their watch, be it the watch face of their choice, a personalized avatar, or interchangeable watch bands.

Although Fitbit has a lot of solid options to choose from, the Fitbit Ace 3 is going to be the best bet for your child. Offering features such as step counts and sleep monitoring, the Ace 3 also includes animated clock faces, customizable accessories, and a parent and kid view on the app.

And the battery lasts up to 8 days. If you’re looking for a slightly cheaper version, check out the Fitbit Ace 2.

Garmin’s vívofit jr. 3 is specifically designed for kids ages 4-7, although older kids would enjoy it as well.

Fitness trackers make great gifts for kids. Just check in with the parents first, as they might have tech boundaries or preferences on which tracker they would like for their kid. If you need more kid gift ideas, check out this list.