Are you looking for an effective way to track your kids? Are you looking for features like real-time tracking, geofences, and parental control?
If yes, then you should explore the range of portable GPS trackers. They can help you know your kid’s location in real-time. You can set custom geofences and receive alerts when they leave or enter such spaces.
Some devices are also equipped with SOS buttons, which can send alerts in case of emergencies.
If you search for GPS trackers for kids, hundreds of results will pop up on your screen. You can obviously get confused seeing these, not knowing where to begin.
So, we have put together a list of the best GPS trackers for kids to help with your purchase decision.
Jiobit Smart Tag Location Monitor
Our Top Recommendation For GPS Tracker For Kids!
- The Jiobit GPS tracker offers you peace of mind with its real-time tracking capability.
- The tracker can help keep your kids safe.
- Features like live and SOS mode, trusted places, care teams, and detailed timelines.
4 Best GPS Tracker For Kids to Help Keep Them Safe
Knowing where your kids are at all times can provide you with peace of mind. We have considered various factors like brand, device, features, battery, usability, cost, monthly fees, and parent reviews in our tracker selection process.
Here are our top four recommendations.
- Jiobit Smart Tag Location Monitor – Best Overall GPS Tracker for Kids
- Apple AirTag – Best Apple Compatible GPS Tracker for Kids
- TickTalk 4 Smartwatch – Best Feature-Rich GPS Tracker for Kids
- Invoxia Cellular GPS Tracker – Best Discreet Tracking GPS Tracker for Kids
1. Jiobit Smart Tag Location Monitor – Best Overall GPS Tracker For Kids
The portable tracker by Jiobit is one of the feature-rich devices that is recommended by parents. It is as small as a cookie and lightweight.
It can effectively switch between GPS, cellular, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth networks to provide you with accurate location information.
Here is how the Jiobit Smart Tag tracker performs.
Design
The Jiobit tracker is specifically designed to track kids, adults, and small pets. The device is small and easy to carry and can be worn by kids whenever they want to go out.
The device has a modular design and a slip-resistant surface. It is also durable and water-resistant.
The device has an integrated attachment loop. You can shop for other attachments like a secure loop, strap clip, and hemlock clip.
According to Jiobit, the battery can last 7 to 20 days. But if you use the device for multiple hours during the day, the battery may last only for 2 to 3 days before recharging.
Usability
You can set up the tracker using the Jiobit app. Download the app and create your profile. You can pair the tracker with the app using Bluetooth. Ensure the device is charged before the pairing process.
The Jiobit app design is pretty intuitive. Once aired, you can set customized boundaries, alerts, and separation alarms.
Jiobit also offers extensive device and usability material under their Help Center section.
Features
Real-time tracking is one of the strongest offerings of the tracker. Live mode lets you know your kid’s location on-demand from anywhere. You can add trusted places and get notified when they reach or leave these places.
It has a distinguishing feature known as the separation alarm. This will alert you when the tracker goes out of your phone’s range. You get to customize the range. This feature can help you track kids on playgrounds, amusement parks, and other crowded areas.
| Product Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 1.96 x 1.45 x 0.47 inches |
| Weight | 0.63 ounces |
| Type | Offers 5G compatible cellular data |
| Battery | Rechargeable, lithium polymer |
| Coverage | US |
| Price | $129.99 |
| Subscription | From $8.33 to $16.99 monthly |
| Warranty | 1-year limited warranty |
Pros
- The device is small-sized and weighs only about 0.6 ounces.
- The tracker offers accurate location information with its progressive beaconing technology.
- The tracker offers unlimited cellular data.
- Different attachment options are included with the device.
Cons
- It only offers coverage in the US.
- With extensive use, the tracker must be charged every couple of days.
2. Apple AirTag – Best Apple Compatible GPS Tracker For Kids
An Apple AirTag is primarily designed to track things like your luggage. If you already use iPhones and iPads, an AirTag can be a good secondary tracking device for your kids.
For example, if you are in crowded places like an amusement park, concert, or fair, you can ensure your kids are close by.
Here is how the Apple AirTag tracker performs.
Design
The circular-shaped device is the smallest tracker on the list. It weighs only about 0.4 ounces. So it can be easily and discreetly placed on your kid. You can purchase several accessories to attach the tracker to your kids’ backpacks, clothes, or belts.
The tracker is power generated by a coin cell or button cell battery which can last for about a year. But frequent use can drain the battery quicker. Your iPhone will notify you of the exact time for a battery replacement in the device.
The device is water-resistant and can handle minor spills and splashes.
Usability
You can activate the AirTag by holding it near your iPhone or iPad and then tapping Connect. You can choose a custom name for the device. You can register the tracker with your Apple ID.
The tracker works based on Bluetooth technology. It does not use cellular data, nor does it connect to Wi-Fi. The tracker sends a Bluetooth signal which will be detected by nearby devices and then will upload the real-time location to iCloud. You can then access the tracker location using the Find My app.
Features
You can ping the tracker using the Find My app. The device will play an audible sound on its built-in speaker.
It comes with a precision finding feature that points you to the AirTag if it is near your iPhone. It has a range of around 16 meters.
Compared to other GS trackers for kids, the AirTag has limited functionality and thus should be used as a secondary security measure.
| Product Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | Diameter - 1.26 inches, Height - 0.31 inches |
| Weight | 0.39 ounces |
| Type | Bluetooth |
| Battery | User-replaceable CR2032 coin cell battery |
| Coverage | Global |
| Price | Starts from $29.00 |
| Subscription | No monthly fees |
| Warranty | 1-year Apple warranty |
Pros
- It has a good battery life.
- It is one of the budget-friendly trackers available.
- There is no monthly subscription involved.
- It offers global coverage.
Cons
- It only works with Apple products.
- It does not offer basic alerts like geofencing.
3. TickTalk 4 Smartwatch – Best Feature-Rich GPS Tracker For Kids
If you are looking for a tracker that offers more than location updates, consider the smartwatch by TickTalk.
It is the most expensive tracker on the list, but its features provide value for money. With safety being a priority, it offers SOS alerts, 911 response, and 20+ parental controls.
You can voice or video call your kids or communicate using the safe in-app messaging feature.
Here is how the TickTalk 4 smartwatch performs.
Design
The TickTalk smartwatch has a 64-bit quad-core processor. It includes a nano SIM card for US customers.
The smartwatch has an outer rubber shell that protects it from shattering. The watch is also water-resistant, drop and shockproof. It comes with a pre-installed screen protector.
So it will be protected in the case of minor spills, splashes, and drops. But be careful not to submerge the watch completely in water.
The watch has 2 x 5MP photo and video cameras. It supports 2-way HD video and voice calling.
It has a 1000 mAh rechargeable lithium-ion battery that can last for up to 100 hours, depending on use.
Usability
You must first charge the TickTalk smartwatch. You next must set up your cellular plan. US customers will receive an AT&T or T-Mobile SIM card. International customers must buy a compatible local SIM card.
You can activate the card on the ticktalkwireless.com website. You can sign up using your email address. You will have to select a cellular plan which will require you to scan the IMEI code of the smartwatch.
Select a plan, enter your home address and payment information, and check out your purchase. Insert the activated SIM card into the smartwatch.
You can download the TickTalk parental control app to pair and set up the smartphone.
Features
The smartwatch is a COPPA safe harbor-certified product. It is capable of GPS location tracking.
You can communicate with your kids using the safe in-app messaging tool or through voice and video calls. You have control over who can make calls to the smartwatch. You can approve up to 53 contacts. So only trusted numbers can contact your kids.
You can monitor your kid’s activity throughout the day. US customers get free audio streaming by iHeartRADIO Family. This includes kid-friendly music, stories, and podcasts.
| Product Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 1.75 x 1.63 x 0.62 inches |
| Weight | 2.39 ounces |
| Type | 4G-LTE |
| Battery | Rechargeable, lithium-ion - 1000 mAh |
| Coverage | Worldwide (SIM included only for US customers) |
| Price | Starts from $189.99 |
| Subscription | Starts from $9.99 monthly |
| Warranty | Lifetime warranty on parts and labor |
Pros
- It offers real-time location details.
- It supports 2-way voice and video calls.
- Only parent-approved numbers can contact the smartwatch.
- It offers end-to-end encrypted in-app messaging.
Cons
- SIM is included only for US customers.
- The extended warranty is only available for US customers.
4. Invoxia Cellular GPS Tracker – Best Discreet Tracking GPS Tracker For Kids
If you are looking for a discrete tracker with global coverage, consider the one from Invoxia. The device has a sleek design. It comes with a 300 mAh lithium-ion battery.
You can choose to get updates every 2, 5, 10, or 30 minutes.
Here is how the Invoxia cellular GPS tracker performs.
Design
The device has dimensions of 4.1 x 1.06 x 0.37 inches and weighs about 1 ounce. It comes with a leather strap attached to it.
The device supports GPS for outdoor positioning, Wi-Fi for indoor positioning, and Bluetooth for proximity positioning.
The materials used in the device construction are ABS plastic, black anodized aluminum, and natural leather. The device is not waterproof, so you have to be careful about its placement.
The battery takes about two hours to get a full charge, which is good compared to other trackers’ 4 to 6 hours of charging time.
Usability
You first must charge the device using the USB cable that comes with the package. Download the Invoxia GPS app to activate and set up the tracker.
Create an account and pair the tracker with your phone. You will have to grant access to features like Bluetooth, Face ID, push notifications, and camera depending on the OS of the smartphone.
From here on, you can customize and set up alerts. Not much documentation is available, so you may take an hour or two to figure out the features.
Features
You can configure how often you want to receive location updates. The frequency can range from 2 to 30 minutes.
You can use the real-time boost feature if you want more frequent updates. It will provide you updates every 30 seconds for half an hour. The feature can drain the battery, so use it sparingly.
You can create virtual fences and receive entry and exit alerts. With location history, you can monitor where your kids have been with over six months of historical data.
| Product Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 4.1 x 1.06 x 0.37 inches |
| Weight | 1.05 ounces |
| Type | 4G LTE-M |
| Battery | Rechargeable, lithium-ion - 300 mAh |
| Coverage | Global |
| Price | Starts from $129.00 |
| Subscription | 1-year subscription includedRenewal costs $39.95 yearly |
| Warranty | 2 years in the EU, 1 year for other countries |
Pros
- The real-time boost feature offers updates every 30 seconds.
- Purchase includes a year of subscription.
- The tracker can detect movement and send out alerts.
Cons
- Live tracking can cause battery drain issues.
- The instruction manual needs to be more descriptive.
How We Picked And Tested the Products?
Our search for the best GPS trackers for kids started with online research. We looked at various brands and their products and features. We went through detailed parent experiences before shortlisting trackers for testing.
The portable trackers were tested individually by placing them in pockets and backpacks. Devices, wherein attachment options were available, were tested for their sturdiness and durability.
Key-Decision Making Factors
Here are some key factors that were considered in the selection of GPS trackers for kids.
Tracker Size
As the devices are meant to be placed on children, the size and weight of the trackers were considered. Most devices are small in size and lightweight, so the kids will not be burdened carrying the extra weight around.
Data Protection
The GPS trackers on this list offer data protection and privacy. They include security features like end-to-end encryption, COPPA certification, secured transfer, and storage of data.
Battery
The devices on the list have decent battery life. You do not have to worry about constantly charging the tracker.
Cost
We have listed trackers that are under the $200 mark. The most expensive tracker on the list is the TickTalk smartwatch, but it provides value for money with its extensive features.
FAQ’s
GPS trackers are typically safe to use for kids. The same technology powers them as our phones and tablets. Ensure you adhere to the age range published by manufacturers. For example, the TickTalk 4 is meant for kids ages 5 to 12 years.
In the case of young children, attach the GPS tracker to their clothes or backpacks. Older children can carry GPS trackers in their pockets or have them around the wrist or neck.
It depends on the GPS tracker brand. Most trackers include a SIM card and a data plan. But if it is not included, you will have to buy a compatible local SIM card with call, text, and data functionality.
Most GPS trackers come with a monthly subscription. A few no-monthly fee trackers are available, for example, Apple AirTag. But its features fall short when compared to specialized GPS trackers for kids.
Conclusion
You can use GPS trackers to track your kids at all times. It can give you absolute peace of mind to know your kids are safe.
Jiobit Smart Tag is our top recommendation as it has a compact design and is equipped with features like real-time monitoring, SOS, and alert buttons. TickTalk is a feature-rich smartwatch that lets you talk to your kids via text, voice, and video calls.
The Invoxia trackers can be discreetly placed inside your kid’s backpacks. And AirTags can be used as a secondary safety measure in crowded places.
We hope our list of the best GPS tracker for kids helps you find the right tracker for your requirement.
Carson Harris is a highly qualified author and expert in GPS tracking technology. With a background in electrical engineering and machine learning, he has established himself as a trusted source of information. Carson’s work experience at Garmin and Panasonic has further enhanced his expertise. He possesses creative skills in website design and AI applications. Known for his clear and concise communication, Carson’s articles on Trax Family’s website provide valuable insights on GPS trackers.