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.
Apple AirTag 4 Pack
Off on a thrilling getaway but burdened by the fear of losing your essentials? Secure your peace of mind with the {{Apple AirTag}}. From wallets to backpacks, it functions as a key locator, feasibly shareable with your allies. It connects effortlessly to your device, spoke by Siri, or summons an audible signal for accessible tracking. Notably, it employs Ultra Wideband technology for precision findings, ensuring your misplaced objects fancy their return, even in the lost mode. Resilient with a replaceable battery life lasting a year plus water and dust resistance, the AirTag positions itself as a reliable travel partner.
AngelSense Personal GPS Tracker for Kids
Check out this advanced GPS tracking device, perfect for ensuring your child's safety and peace of mind. Yours to try with a full month's free service. With a monthly subscription, this device offers real-time tracking, speakerphone capabilities, customizable alerts, ride monitoring, and even emergency search tools. Made for discretion, the ultra-small unit comes with a protective sleeve and non-removable fasteners. Track steps, set geofences, and stay connected with assistive technology that learns your child's routine. Stay at ease with {{this GPS tracking device}}.
TickTalk5 Cellular Kids Smart Watch
The {{Kids Cellular Smartwatch}} offers a fantastic mix of utility and safety. It boasts stand-alone 4G/LTE capabilities allowing voice and video calls, group chats, talk-to-text, and more. The smartwatch excels in location tracking, backed by Google Maps, offering real-time tracking and SOS/911 call features. With an incredibly durable design, it stands up to rough play and features a long-lasting battery, 5MP camera, and secured messaging. Promoting wellness and focus, it includes customizable activity tracking, study reminders, and free music streaming. Quick activation and secure 4G connectivity complete the package.
Tile Mate Essentials 4-Pack Bluetooth Tracker
Track your precious assets with {{Variety of Trackers}}, a selection of smart devices that offers a seamless way to watch over keys, wallets, remotes and more. Easy to sync with your phone via the compatible app, or even through your smart home device. Away from Bluetooth range? View your asset's most recent location on the app. The unique feature—double press on tracker makes your phone ring even on silent mode. These trackers are water-resistant, impressively built for longevity, and offer an impressive 250 ft/76m Bluetooth range.
Tile Mate Bluetooth Tracker
Meet the {{Versatile Tracker}} that makes keeping tabs on your child's essentials a breeze. This device attaches to items like keys, bags or purses and syncs with a free app to keep track of them. Whether near or far, you can locate the tracker with Bluetooth, map view, or by ringing your phone. Plus, it's water-resistant, Android and iOS compatible, and features a secure, anonymous network. Upgraded plans offer smart alerts and item reimbursement if unable to locate your tracker.
SAMSUNG Galaxy SmartTag2 Bluetooth Tracker
Offering impressive efficiency, {{the redesigned Galaxy SmartTag2}} is a top-tier choice for parents tracking their kids. This tracking device is conveniently compact, IP67-rated for water and dust resistance, and carries a power life up to 40% longer on Power Saving Mode. It also complements IoT-enabled devices, making it a standout in tech integration. Enjoy easy setup via SmartThings Find and extra security with trendy Silicone or Rugged Case options. Ideal for Galaxy smartphone and tablet users.
Samsung SmartTag2 Bluetooth + UWB
Give a nod to peace of mind with the {{Kid-Tracker Deluxe}}, an indispensable parental tool. Boasting a 50% boost in battery life, your worries about losing contact can take a backseat. Its IP675 rating ensures resistance against water and dust, while the cutting-edge Bluetooth Low Energy and UWB capabilities offer impressive range and precision. An AR-friendly device that's cost-effective, it's a smart investment in child safety.