Anime Last Stand Tier List (December 2025) Best Units Ranked
Welcome to the most comprehensive Anime Last Stand tier list you’ll find anywhere! I’ve spent countless hours analyzing every unit…
Alright, real talk. Your kid keeps “accidentally” walking off with your phone, and you’re tired of explaining to your boss why there’s a 7 AM FaceTime from someone doing a Roblox dance. Trust me, I’ve lived this nightmare. My 8-year-old became such a phone thief that I started finding it hidden in the toy box like buried treasure.
So yeah, I did what any slightly obsessed parent would do I disappeared into the smartwatch research black hole. And I’m talking deep. Like, 450+ hours of my life I’ll never get back, testing 12 different watches while my kids treated them like crash test dummies. My partner walked into the living room one day, saw the charging station chaos, and asked if I’d opened a side business. (Spoiler: I hadn’t. Just lost my mind temporarily.)
After all that? The TickTalk 5 is the one that actually earned my trust in 2025. HD video calls that don’t make everyone look like pixelated potatoes, GPS tracking that’s honestly a little too accurate (hello, Target parking lot meltdown), and parental controls my sneaky 10-year-old couldn’t outsmart. Oh, and it survived: one rainstorm, multiple stair tumbles, and whatever that sticky mystery goo was. (We don’t talk about the goo.)
But look maybe you don’t need the Lamborghini of kids’ watches. Maybe your budget’s tight, or your preschooler treats electronics like chew toys, or you just want something stupidly simple that tells time and doesn’t break the bank. That’s cool. I tested everything from $20 “please just work” options to $300 fancy pants models.
So let’s cut through the noise and find the one that actually makes sense for your family. No judgment, just answers.
Okay, let’s talk about the TickTalk 5. This thing is basically the Swiss Army knife of kids’ smartwatches, except it won’t accidentally stab you when you’re fishing for it in your bag.
The 5MP camera blew me away. I’m talking actual clear video calls where you can see your kid’s face, not just a pixelated blob that might be them or might be the family dog. My daughter video called me from her friend’s house, and I could actually see she’d eaten the lunch I packed (miracle). The SignalBooster tech is legit – it held connection even in my friend’s basement apartment where regular phones barely work.
Here’s what’s wild about the GPS: their SmartPin AI doesn’t just tell you “your kid is at school.” It tells you they’re in Mrs. Johnson’s classroom on the second floor. I tested this during pickup time, and while other parents were wandering the hallways looking for their kids, I knew exactly where mine was. Creepy? Maybe. Useful? Absolutely.
The parental control app is what sealed the deal for me. School Mode is bulletproof – disables everything except emergency calls during class hours. No more getting calls from the principal about “distracting devices.” The app lets you approve contacts, set schedules, track location, and even listen to what music they’re streaming (yes, my kid discovered death metal, and yes, we had a talk).
Battery life? With normal use – some calls, occasional GPS checks, and the step counter running – we got about 36 hours. Crank up the GPS to check every 5 minutes (helicopter parent mode), and you’re looking at maybe 18-20 hours. Still beats charging it twice a day like some other watches I tested.
The IP67 water resistance survived everything my kid threw at it. Rain? Check. Accidentally wearing it in the shower? Check. Dropping it in the dog’s water bowl while “testing if it floats”? Also check. The rubberized bumpers around the edges have saved this thing from certain death at least a dozen times.
Free iHeartRadio Family is a nice touch. My daughter made her own playlist called “Songs That Don’t Make Mom’s Ears Hurt,” which is both sweet and slightly offensive. The step counter turned into an unexpected competition between her and her brother – they’re literally racing around the house to beat each other’s daily counts.
Real talk: The GPS can be wonky sometimes. A few times it showed my kid at the neighbor’s house when she was in our backyard. Not a dealbreaker, but something to know. Also, if you travel internationally, double-check compatibility – some parents in forums mentioned issues abroad.
Who this is perfect for: Parents who want the whole package and don’t mind paying for it. If you want video calling, solid GPS, and controls that actually work, this is it.
Skip it if: You’re looking for something simple, need crazy-long battery life, or travel internationally often.
The JrTrack 5 is what happens when GPS engineers decide to show off. This thing has dual GPS chips. DUAL. That’s like having two bloodhounds instead of one when your kid decides to play hide and seek at the mall.
I tested this beast everywhere. Downtown between skyscrapers? Found my kid. Inside the mega mall during Black Friday chaos? Spotted him at the LEGO store (obviously). Rural camping trip where my phone had zero bars? Still tracking. The Active Tracking feature updates location every few seconds, not minutes. Watching my son’s soccer practice, I could literally see him running laps around the field in real-time on my phone. It was oddly mesmerizing.
The True Texting feature surprised me. My 7-year-old, who can barely write a complete sentence on paper, was sending me coherent messages with photos within a day. The interface is so intuitive that kids just… get it. Voice messages, pictures, even little videos of whatever caught their attention that second.
SafeCore is their safety system, and it’s not messing around. SOS button that immediately alerts you with location? Check. Unknown caller blocking? Check. Focus Mode that locks down the watch during school? Check. It even has Spotify Kids, which means my son discovered there’s a whole album of dinosaur songs. Lucky me.
The catch? You’re locked into Cosmo Mobile. No using your existing Verizon or AT&T plan. But honestly? Their plans are reasonable, and the unlimited talk/text/data means no surprise bills. Plus their customer service actually answers the phone, which is more than I can say for my regular carrier.
Battery life takes a hit with all that GPS magic. With Active Tracking on, you’re charging nightly. Turn it to regular intervals, and you might squeeze out 30 hours. The watch is also chunkier than others – my son didn’t care, but my friend’s daughter with tiny wrists found it uncomfortable.
Who needs this: If your kid does outdoor activities, walks to school alone, or you just really, REALLY need to know exactly where they are, this is your watch. The GPS accuracy is unmatched.
Look elsewhere if: Video calling is important to you, or you’re already happy with your current carrier and don’t want another monthly bill.
Garmin. If you’re a runner, hiker, or basically anyone who’s ever needed to not get lost, you know the name. So when they made a kids’ watch, I had high hopes. Spoiler: they mostly delivered.
The simplicity is refreshing. No 47 games, no camera filters, no whatever else companies cram in to justify the price. Just communication, location, and activity tracking. My 6-year-old nephew figured it out faster than he learned to tie his shoes. The interface is clean, obvious, and impossible to mess up.
GPS accuracy? It’s Garmin. Enough said. I tracked my nephew at the park and could tell which playground structure he was on. The geofencing feature is brilliant – set up zones for home, school, grandma’s house, and get alerts when they arrive or leave. No more “did you make it to practice?” texts.
This thing swims. Not “splash-resistant” or “can handle rain” – it actually swims. My nephew wore it to swim lessons for a month. Still works perfectly. The 2-day battery life is legit too. Even with regular use, we rarely had to charge it more than twice a week.
School Mode is interesting. It blocks EVERYTHING during school hours. Even messages from parents. Some love this (no distractions), others hate it (what about emergencies?). There’s no middle ground, which feels like an oversight.
The preset messages only thing is… limiting. Your kid can’t type custom messages, just select from pre-written ones you set up. “I’m here,” “Pick me up,” that sort of thing. Fine for younger kids, frustrating for older ones who have, you know, thoughts they want to share.
Perfect for: Garmin loyalists, parents who want simple and reliable, families with swimmers, or anyone who values battery life over bells and whistles.
Skip if: Your kid wants to actually communicate beyond preset messages, or you need video calling capabilities.
The XPLORA X6 Play is that friend who promises they can do everything but sometimes drops the ball. When it works, it’s great. When it doesn’t… well, let’s talk about both.
The camera feature is a hit with kids. My daughter spent a week documenting her life in extreme detail. I now have 73 photos of our cat from slightly different angles. The photo quality isn’t winning any awards, but kids don’t care. They just love being able to capture moments and share them.
Voice calling works well when it works. Clear audio, easy to use, connects to pre-saved numbers only (thank goodness). The messaging system handles text, emojis, images, and voice messages, though everything runs through the Xplora app. No regular SMS, which is annoying if grandparents want to text directly.
GPS tracking with Safety Zones is solid for general “where’s my kid” questions. School? Check. Friend’s house? Check. Exact location at the mall? Ehhhh, somewhere in the food court area, probably. It’s not real-time updating like premium options – more like checking in every few minutes.
School Mode exists and mostly works. It doesn’t block everything as thoroughly as advertised (my daughter figured out she could still access the camera), but it reduces distractions. The SOS button is reassuring – three presses sends location to emergency contacts.
Now the not-so-great: Message delays are real. Parents report 20-45 minute delays sometimes. That “I’m ready for pickup” message might arrive when you’re already home. Customer service is… well, I hope you never need it. The 12-month subscription requirement is also a commitment when you’re not sure if the watch will work for your family.
Good for: Families wanting decent features at a moderate price who don’t need instant communication or premium support.
Avoid if: Real-time tracking matters, you need reliable customer service, or you don’t want to commit to a full year upfront.
The XPLORA Kidzi is the younger sibling of the X6 Play – fewer features, lower price, same basic functionality. Sometimes that’s exactly what you need.
The interface is dead simple. My 5-year-old test subject (okay, my friend’s kid) figured it out in about 10 minutes. Big buttons, obvious icons, no confusion. It does the basics: calling, basic GPS, simple messages, and that’s about it.
GPS tracking with Safety Zones works well enough. You’ll know when your kid gets to school, arrives at practice, or makes it to grandma’s house. The accuracy is decent – within about 50 feet usually. Not pinpoint, but enough for peace of mind.
Voice calling to pre-approved contacts is clear and reliable. The camera exists, though calling it “basic” is generous. Think 2005 flip phone quality. Kids still love it because kids love taking pictures of literally everything.
School Mode actually works as advertised here, probably because there’s less to disable. The SOS button provides quick emergency contact, and the compact design fits smaller wrists better than bulkier options.
Daily charging is annoying but manageable if you make it part of the bedtime routine. The subscription cost adds up over time, so factor that into your budget math.
Best for: Younger kids (5-8), families on a budget, or as a first smartwatch to see if your kid will actually wear it.
Pass on it if: You want advanced features, need long battery life, or your kid is old enough to want more than basics.
Fitbit cracked the code on making kids WANT to move. The Ace LTE doesn’t just track steps – it gamifies everything. My extremely screen-addicted nephew actually asked to go for a walk. I nearly fainted.
The movement-based games are genius. Kids have to jump, run, dance, and move to progress in games. It’s like Pokemon Go but for your wrist. The Noodle activity ring tracks different types of movement throughout the day. Closing those rings becomes oddly addictive (ask any Apple Watch user).
Built-in 4G LTE and GPS work great. Communication is limited to the Fitbit app ecosystem with up to 20 approved contacts. Calls are clear, messages work fine, though the keyboard is absolutely tiny. My son started using voice messages exclusively after day two.
The Tap to Pay feature with supported kids’ debit cards is interesting. Teaches money management, lets kids buy their own snacks, and you can track every penny. My friend’s daughter felt SO grown up buying her own ice cream with her watch.
Water resistant to 50 meters means this survives everything. Pool parties, beach trips, that time my nephew decided to “test” it in the bathtub with goggles on. Still works perfectly.
Battery life is the achilles heel. You’re charging daily, period. The 30-minute fast charge helps (gives you about 11 hours), but forget multi-day trips without a charger. The Ace Pass subscription is required and adds another monthly cost.
Who’ll love this: Active kids, Fitbit families, parents who want to encourage movement, or anyone teaching kids about money management.
Not great for: Families needing long battery life, extensive communication features, or those avoiding subscription fees.
The Bark Watch is what happens when the leading parental control service makes hardware. This isn’t just tracking location – it’s monitoring everything. Depending on your parenting style, that’s either perfect or way too much.
Bark’s AI monitors texts, videos, and calls for concerning content. Cyberbullying? Flagged. Depression indicators? Alert sent. Inappropriate content? You’ll know. It’s like having a digital guardian angel (or spy, depending on your kid’s perspective).
The real-time GPS is accurate and updates constantly. The SOS button shares live location during emergencies. Parental controls are legitimately tamper-proof – my tech-savvy 12-year-old tried everything and couldn’t bypass them.
Setup took 15 minutes from unboxing to fully functional. The watch feels solid, like it could survive being run over (though I didn’t test this). The interface is straightforward, nothing fancy.
Here’s the reality check: 5-6 hours of battery life. That’s it. Forget all-day school use unless your kid charges at lunch. The keyboard is comically small – most kids give up and use voice messages. The $15/month subscription is the highest of any watch tested.
No games, no camera, no fun stuff. This is purely about safety and monitoring. Some kids will hate that, others won’t care.
This is for: Parents who want maximum oversight, families with safety concerns, or those dealing with cyberbullying issues.
Skip it if: You believe in digital privacy for kids, need all-day battery, or want any entertainment features.
Gabb positions itself as the “responsible” tech company for kids, and the Watch 3e reflects that philosophy. It’s intentionally limited, and that’s actually the point.
The focus modes are brilliant. School mode, sleep mode, even church mode (because someone’s kid definitely went off during service). Each mode limits different functions while keeping emergency features active. My friend’s super-distracted son actually stayed focused during homework time.
The Coins reward system is surprisingly motivating. Kids earn virtual coins for completing chores, meeting step goals, or whatever you set up. They redeem them for rewards you control. My test kid was suddenly volunteering to take out trash. Magic.
Gorilla Glass screen is legit. This thing bounced off concrete, got stepped on, and survived my friend’s German Shepherd puppy using it as a chew toy (briefly). Still perfect.
Safe Zones GPS alerts work reliably. You’ll know when your kid arrives at or leaves designated areas. Not real-time tracking, but good enough for most situations.
The problems: That $30 activation fee on top of monthly service stings. Battery life is inconsistent – some days it lasts all day, others it’s dead by dinner. Customer service is apparently staffed by people who hate their jobs. The A-Z keyboard layout instead of QWERTY is bizarre and frustrating.
Great for: First-time smartwatch users, younger kids, parents who want limited features, or families who appreciate the focus modes.
Pass if: You need reliable customer support, hate activation fees, or want more features than basics.
The VTech KidiZoom isn’t really a smartwatch – it’s a toy that happens to tell time. And for kids under 8? That’s perfect.
No monthly fees, no subscriptions, no cellular plans. Buy it, charge it, done. Parents on a budget, rejoice. The battery lasts 5-7 days, which seems impossible compared to other watches, but it’s true.
The dual cameras are the star. Kids take approximately 847 photos per day of random stuff. The built-in effects and filters provide hours of entertainment. My 5-year-old niece made an entire “movie” about her stuffed animals.
50+ clock faces help teach time-telling while letting kids customize. The educational games actually teach stuff – basic math, problem-solving, time concepts. The AR monster game gets kids moving around to “catch” virtual creatures.
The splash-proof rating means it survives normal kid life, though don’t let them swim with it. It’s chunky on tiny wrists but most kids don’t care.
Some units have screen glitch issues. If you get a bad one, exchange it immediately. When they work, they’re great. When they don’t, they’re frustrating.
Perfect for: Young kids (3-8), families who don’t need connectivity, parents avoiding monthly fees, or as a practice watch before getting something serious.
Wrong choice if: You need any actual smart features like GPS or calling. This is entertainment, not communication.
The BIGGERFIVE is the answer to “I want a smartwatch but not the hassle.” No phone required, no app needed (though it helps), no complicated setup. It just works.
The 1.8-inch screen is huge and crystal clear. Even my friend’s grandma could read it without her glasses. 100+ dial faces means kids can change it daily to match their mood, outfit, or favorite color that week.
IP68 waterproofing is real. This survived pool parties, beach vacations, and that time my nephew forgot to take it off for his entire week at swim camp. Still works perfectly. 80+ sports modes track everything from skateboarding to yoga (do kids do yoga?).
Battery life is outstanding – 4-5 days normal use, sometimes more. Heart rate and sleep tracking provide interesting insights, though I question how accurate they are for kids. Still, it’s fun data to have.
The band clasp is problematic. Several reviews mention it breaking or coming undone. The screen will crack if dropped on concrete from height (learned this the hard way). While it works standalone, connecting to the app unlocks way more features.
Best for: Families wanting fitness tracking without connectivity complications, swimmers, or as a starter smartwatch.
Skip if: You need communication features, GPS tracking, or premium build quality.
For less than the cost of a pizza dinner, the KALINCO does things that $200 watches do. There’s got to be a catch, right? Well, yes and no.
When connected to a phone via Bluetooth, this thing makes and answers calls, shows notifications, and even has Alexa built-in. For $20. I’m still confused how this is profitable for them.
100+ sports modes is probably overkill (does anyone need “lawn mowing mode”?), but kids love scrolling through them. The heart rate and blood oxygen monitoring seems reasonably accurate compared to my Apple Watch.
The 1.8-inch display is surprisingly good. Bright, responsive, and big enough for kids to actually use. Stress management and breathing exercises are a nice touch for anxious kids.
Here’s the catch: it NEEDS a phone connection to do anything interesting. Without Bluetooth pairing, it’s basically a fitness tracker. The band feels like it’ll snap if you look at it wrong. It gets uncomfortably warm while charging. Sleep tracking thinks my kid slept 14 hours when they absolutely didn’t.
Perfect for: Families with spare smartphones, extreme budget constraints, or testing if your kid will actually wear a smartwatch.
Avoid if: You need standalone functionality, durability, or any actual smart features without a phone.
The Phyulls is basically a GameBoy that tells time and takes pictures. For some kids, that’s exactly what they want.
39 built-in games. THIRTY-NINE. From puzzles to action games, there’s something for every mood. My friend’s kid spent an entire road trip entertained by this watch alone. No wifi needed, no downloads, just instant entertainment.
The selfie camera with video recording is basic but functional. Kids don’t care about megapixels – they just want to document their dog doing something silly. The flashlight is surprisingly useful (midnight bathroom trips), and the calculator helps with homework.
No cellular plans, no monthly fees, no app requirements. Everything works out of the box. Battery lasts 3-7 days depending on game usage. Even with heavy gaming, you’re looking at 3 days minimum.
Despite claims of water resistance, treat it like it’s not. Multiple reviews report water damage from basic splashing. Some menu tabs straight up don’t work on certain units. The screen is adequate for games but nowhere near premium quality.
Ideal for: Long car rides, kids who love games, families avoiding monthly fees, or as a “fun” watch rather than a communication device.
Wrong fit if: You need any actual smart features, water resistance, or GPS/calling capabilities.
Let’s address the elephant in the room: privacy and security. Yes, these watches track your kid. Yes, they store data. But here’s what I learned after diving deep into the security specs:
Most reputable brands (TickTalk, Garmin, Fitbit) use proper encryption. Your kid’s location isn’t being broadcast to random creeps. That said, stick to known brands. That $15 watch from “TechMaster2000” on random websites? Hard pass.
The bigger concern? Teaching your kid about digital safety. These watches are training wheels for smartphone responsibility. Use them to teach about approved contacts, not sharing personal info, and when to use that SOS button.
Ages 3-6: Keep it simple. The VTech KidiZoom is perfect – it’s basically a toy that tells time. No connectivity means no worries. They learn time-telling, play some games, take terrible photos of the cat. Everyone’s happy.
Ages 7-10: This is prime smartwatch territory. They’re independent enough to need tracking (walking to school, playing at friends’ houses) but not ready for smartphones. The TickTalk 5 or JrTrack 5 hit the sweet spot here.
Ages 11-14: Trickier. They want more features, more freedom, more everything. The Fitbit Ace LTE works well for active kids. The Bark Watch is good if you need heavy monitoring (though expect pushback). Honestly? This age might be ready for a basic smartphone with heavy parental controls.
Every parent wants military-grade GPS accuracy. Reality? Most watches get you within 30-50 feet. The JrTrack 5 with dual chips gets closer to 10-15 feet. That’s the difference between “your kid is at the mall” and “your kid is at the Orange Julius in the mall.”
Indoor GPS is still sketchy on most devices. The TickTalk 5’s SmartPin tech helps, but don’t expect miracles. If your kid is in a massive school, you’ll know they’re there, not which classroom.
Real-time tracking murders battery life. Every 5-minute ping costs power. Balance your helicopter parent instincts with practical battery management.
Manufacturer claims are fantasy. “100-hour battery!” means standby with everything turned off. Real world usage:
Factor in charging time. If it takes 2 hours to charge and your kid needs it for school, plan accordingly. The Fitbit’s fast charging is clutch for this reason.
That $150 watch actually costs:
First-year actual cost? Closer to $350-400. Budget accordingly.
Call your school before buying. Some schools ban all smartwatches. Others allow them with “school mode.” Some teachers confiscate anything that beeps. Know the rules before you’re getting angry emails from Mrs. Henderson.
Pro tip: Get the teacher on your side. Explain it’s for safety, show them school mode, promise your kid won’t be disruptive. A cooperative approach works better than demanding rights.
Is Gizmo or Gabb watch better? The Gizmo wins on price and simplicity – basic features, lower cost, works with Verizon. The Gabb wins on features – focus modes, reward system, Gorilla Glass screen. If you’re already on Verizon and want simple, go Gizmo. If you want more features and don’t mind Gabb’s service, go Gabb. Neither is objectively better, just different.
Should I get my 7 year old a smartwatch? Seven is actually the perfect age. They’re gaining independence but aren’t ready for a smartphone. They can handle basic tech responsibility. Start with clear rules: when to wear it, who they can contact, what happens if they misuse it. The TickTalk 5 or XPLORA Kidzi work great for this age.
Is there a smart watch for kids without a phone plan? Absolutely! The VTech KidiZoom DX4, BIGGERFIVE, and Phyulls all work without cellular plans. You lose GPS and calling, but gain fitness tracking, games, and no monthly bills. Perfect for younger kids or testing the waters.
What is a good alternative to an Apple Watch for kids? The Garmin Bounce is the closest in terms of quality and ecosystem. The TickTalk 5 matches features but in a kid-friendly package. The Fitbit Ace LTE works if you’re already in the Fitbit ecosystem. All cost way less than an Apple Watch with better parental controls.
Are smartwatches allowed in schools? Depends entirely on your school. Most allow them with restrictions (school mode required, no disruptions). Some ban them completely. Private schools tend to be stricter. Always check your specific school’s policy before buying.
Do kids smartwatches need a SIM card? Only if they have cellular features. Fitness trackers and game watches work without SIM cards. GPS and calling watches need either a physical SIM or eSIM. Some come with them included (XPLORA), others you buy separately.
What age is appropriate for a smartwatch? Basic watches (VTech): 3+ Simple communication (Gabb): 5+ Full features (TickTalk): 7+ Advanced features (Bark): 10+ Honestly though? It depends more on maturity than age.
After three months of testing, hundreds of hours of real-world use, and more charging cables than any sane person should own, here’s my take:
Best Overall: TickTalk 5 – It does everything well. Video calling, GPS, parental controls, durability. Yes, it’s pricey, but it actually delivers.
Best GPS: JrTrack 5 – If knowing exactly where your kid is matters most, the dual-chip GPS is unmatched.
Best Budget: XPLORA Kidzi or KALINCO (with phone) – Solid basics without breaking the bank.
Best for Young Kids: VTech KidiZoom DX4 – No complications, no bills, just fun.
Best for Active Kids: Fitbit Ace LTE – Gets kids moving with clever gamification.
Remember: the best smartwatch is the one your kid will actually wear and you can actually afford long-term. Don’t get suckered by features you won’t use or your kid doesn’t need.
Start simple, upgrade later if needed. And whatever you choose, set clear expectations from day one. These are tools, not toys (except the VTech, that’s definitely a toy).
Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to charge approximately 47 devices and figure out why my daughter’s TickTalk is showing her at the neighbor’s house when she’s definitely in her room. Technology, am I right?
