Whether you want to keep general tabs on your kids or you want to know exactly where they are and what they’re doing at all times, keeping track of your kids has never been easier with today’s smart GPS devices.
There are numerous options out there to choose from for this purpose, but in actuality you will do more than fine only considering the following five. And if you know what you want to achieve, selecting from these will be very simple.
Here’s a summary, and then we’ll look at all of them in more detail.
Our Recommendations
Best for Most Parents
- TickTalk5 Smart Watch: This device allows for parents to be aware of a child’s whereabouts and communicate with them while also being fun for the kid in question. It’s best for 5-year-olds+ who will wear a watch and and are excited to manage their own device.
Best for Concerned Parents
- AngelSense: Best for parents more reason to be concerned (younger kids, special needs, riskier neighborhood), this tool is extremely safety-focused and feature-packed. It’s the clear best choice for folks who need the most thorough and robust tracking and child-management tool.
Best Basic Options
- Apple AirTags: Best for parents who need a more basic, affordable tracking solution within the Apple ecosystem.
- Galaxy SmartTag2: Another simple, affordable tracking solution, but for Android.
- Tile Mate: Finally, the best choice for those who want a simple tracking tool that works across platforms.
Best for Most Parents (and for Kids Who Want Their Own Device) – TickTalk5 Kids Smart Watch
The TickTalk 5 Smart Watch isn’t just a tracking device—it’s a smartwatch that your child will actually want to wear! With its vibrant display, fun interface, and highly interactive features, this is more than a safety tool—it’s like a mini smartphone designed just for them.
In addition to giving parents access to their child’s activity, this device allows kids to send their own voice messages, emojis, and even video calls to approved contacts. The TickTalk5 makes staying safely connected with family and friends fun and engaging.
It does NOT have internet access or social media, making it a worry-free option for parents. Your kids will enjoy the autonomy and grown-up feeling of having their very own smartwatch while you are protecting them at a distance with this watch.
Accessories for TickTalk5
- Screen Protectors (4.8 ⭐️ / 400+ sold in past month)
- Charging Dock (4.7 ⭐️ / 500+ sold in past month)
Best for Especially Concerned Parents – AngelSense GPS Tracker
If you need the most reliable tracker with the extremely specific and robust safety features, AngelSense is for you.
AngelSense is specifically designed with children’s safety in mind, particularly for those who may need more attention. It provides real-time GPS tracking, a voice monitor feature to listen in on the environment, and two-way communication. It also includes geofencing and safe zone alerts, providing comprehensive peace of mind for both parent and child.
This is the clear best choice for children who aren’t yet ready for autonomy and for parents who need continuous, detailed tracking and extra safety features.
Accessories for AngelSense
Best for Parents with iPhones Who Want Simple Tracking — Apple AirTags
If you’re an iPhone user and need an inexpensive way to track your child’s belongings or personal location without advanced GPS features, AirTags will be perfect for you.
Apple’s AirTag is a great option for parents looking for something discreet and easy to use without an overabundance of features. It’s perfect for tracking a child’s belongings like backpacks or jackets, but can also be used to track the child themselves by attaching it to their shoes or clothing.
While it doesn’t offer real-time GPS tracking, it simulates it pretty closely. It’s a solid, affordable option for parents who don’t need constant tracking but still want to know generally where their kids or their things are.
Accessories for AirTags
- Most popular AirTag keychain holder (4.6 ⭐️ / 8,000+ sold in past month)
- Holder that hides AirTag in a wallet (4.6 ⭐️ / 3,000+ sold in past month)
- Waterproof AirTag Bracelet for Kids (4.4 ⭐️ / 1,000+ sold in past month)
Best for Parents with Android Phones Who Want Simple Tracking — Galaxy SmartTag2
If you’re an Android user and want a simple, affordable way to track your child and their belongings, the SmartTag2 is for you. It integrates ideally with other Samsung products, but will work smoothly with any other Android device, too.
Like AirTag and Tile, the SmartTag2 is geared toward tracking things, but can be adapted to help manage personal safety as well by attaching to a child’s backpack, jacket, or shoes. With features like offline tracking and integration into Samsung’s SmartThings Find network, it offers solid utility for parents who don’t need a high-end GPS solution but still want to know where their child is.
(We recommend the SmartTag 4-pack, but a 2-pack is available.)
Accessories for SmartTag2
- Protective Silicone Case for SmartTag2 (4.6 ⭐️ / 200+ sold in past month)
- Holder to hide SmartTag2 in a wallet (4.5 ⭐️)
Best for Parents Who Need Basic Cross-Platform Tracking – Tile Mate Bluetooth Tracker
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly tracking solution that can track both belongings and children using either iPhone or Android (perhaps you and your partner or co-parent use different phone brands) then Tile is a great solution.
It’s similar to the AirTag, but it works on both iPhone and Android, making it a versatile solution for any family. It’s better for tracking objects like bags or items that a child carries rather than continuous location tracking, but it offers enough functionality to help find your child in a pinch.
Parents who don’t want to be tied to one device ecosystem but still need a simple tracker for their child will definitely benefit from using Tile.
(We recommend getting the Tile 4-pack, but 2-packs are also available.)
Accessories for Tile
Which Should You Buy?
If you’ve come to the end and you’re still wondering, let’s break it down and make it as simple as possible.
Most families will benefit the most from TickTalk5 Kids Smart Watch. It offers all the features most parents need as well as many features kids want, making it a very happy choice for all involved.
If you have children with special needs, live in a riskier area, or have some other reason to have heightened concern, you may benefit from the more rigorous tracking and protective features provided by AngelSense.
Finally, if you feel fairly confident in your child’s safety and just want to keep general tabs on their location (or maybe the location of the stuff they lose all the time), then you want AirTags, SmartTags, or Tiles, depending on what type of phone you use.