In the world of ever-evolving tech, smartwatches have emerged as one of the most popular accessories for everyone, including teenagers. They’re more than just trendy wrist gadgets, they offer practical benefits. These include fitness tracking, instant messaging, time management tools, and even safety features like GPS location tracking.
If you’re a parent or guardian wondering how to choose a smartwatch for your teen, you’re not alone. With countless models flooding the market, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Some are loaded with features but carry a hefty price tag. Others are more affordable but may skimp on essential tools. How do you strike the right balance?
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to choose a smartwatch for your teen, from must-have features to setup tips, and even a few smart picks to consider based on your child’s age and lifestyle.
Why a smartwatch could be a great gift for your teen
If you’re on the fence about if a smartwatch is a worthwhile investment for your teen, here’s why it could be one of the most thoughtful and useful gifts you give them.
Encourages fitness and activity
Teens spend a lot of time on screens, often sitting down. Smartwatches make fitness fun by tracking movement throughout the day. Step counters, heart rate monitors, and “activity rings” gamify exercise. This encourages teens to stay active without feeling like it’s a chore.
Popular and affordable models like the Apple Watch SE or Fitbit Ace 3 (the latter a fitness tracker design and suitable for younger kids) offer fitness goals and reminders, nudging wearers to stand up, move around, or take deep breaths during stressful moments. For sports-loving teens, devices like the Apple Watch SE even even track some sports, from running to swimming.
Helps with time management and school life
Between classes, extracurriculars, social life, and homework, teens juggle a lot. Smartwatches help with organization by offering calendars, alarms, and reminders. The teens can discreetly check schedules between classes without pulling out their phone. This makes it especially handy for school environments with phone restrictions.
Some smartwatches also allow parents to schedule “Do Not Disturb” times, helping teens stay focused during school or study time. Older teens can also turn on “Do Not Disturb” as needed, like when they’re in a class or during a study session.
Safety features like GPS tracking
One of the most comforting features for parents is GPS tracking. Many smartwatches for kids and teens have built-in location services that let you see where your child is in real-time. Models like the TickTalk 4 and Garmin Bounce are designed specifically with safety in mind, offering “Find My Kid” features, emergency contact buttons, and geofencing alerts (you’ll be notified if your teen leaves a designated area).
These watches serve as a digital safety net, giving teens freedom and parents peace of mind.
Key features to consider when choosing a teen’s smartwatch
Not all smartwatches are created equal. To find the best smartwatch for teenagers, you’ll want to consider a combination of features, tech compatibility, and practical functionality. Here’s a closer look at what really matters.
Battery life — At least 1–2 days for active users
There’s nothing worse than a smartwatch dying halfway through the day. Teens are heavy users. They’ll be texting, tracking steps, checking notifications, and maybe even streaming music. You’ll want a model with a minimum of 24–48 hours of battery life, though some GPS-focused kid models can last up to seven days.
Tip: Basic smartwatches like the Fitbit Ace 3 can last nearly a week on one charge, while feature-rich devices like the Apple Watch may need daily charging.
Durability — Rugged or water-resistant models
Teenagers aren’t always gentle with their devices. That’s why a smartwatch needs to hold up to daily bumps, spills, and adventures. Look for models with rugged build quality, scratch-resistant screens, and at least IP67 water resistance (splash and rain proof). You might also want to invest in a protective casing for the screen if available.
If your teen plays sports or spends time outdoors, durability is even more critical. Bonus: some models even track laps in the pool or have special sports modes.
Communication — Call, text, or app notifications
Most smartwatches let teens stay connected without constantly checking their phone. Basic models mirror notifications from a connected phone, while more advanced models include features like voice calling, text messaging, app alerts, and quick replies or voice-to-text. If your teen doesn’t have a phone yet, opt for a smartwatch with built-in LTE. These models let them make calls and send texts independently, though they will require a separate data plan.
GPS and safety tracking — Find My Kid features
GPS is a standout feature when picking a smartwatch for kids and teens. It’s not just about maps, it’s about safety. Look for watches that include live location sharing, geofencing (with alerts if your teen leaves a set area), SOS/emergency buttons, and location history tracking. For younger teens or tweens, this feature is especially valuable. Models like the Xplora XGO3 and TickTalk 4 offer robust location tools designed specifically with kids in mind.
Fitness tracking — Steps, heart rate, activity rings
Smartwatches that offer fitness tracking can motivate teens to develop better health habits. Popular features include step counters and daily movement goals, heart rate monitoring, calorie burn estimates, sleep tracking, and exercise modes (running, biking, swimming, etc.) Tracking fitness can also tie into school sports or gym classes, helping teens meet specific activity goals or simply stay mindful of their wellness.
Compatibility — With iOS or Android
This one’s crucial: not all smartwatches work with all phones. Apple Watch only works with iPhones. Google Pixel watches work best with Android and ideally Google Pixel phones. Samsung Galaxy smartwatches only work with Android and best with Samsung Galaxy phones. Many Garmin, Amazfit, and Fitbit devices work with both Android and iOS. Some kid-focused smartwatches don’t require a phone at all, but will require a seperate cellular plan for connectivity for messaging and GPS tracking. Before you buy, check that the watch is compatible with your teen’s current (or future) smartphone to avoid frustration and limited features.
Parental controls — Especially for younger teens
If your teen is on the younger side, parental controls are a must. These settings allow you to manage contact lists (who your teen can call or text), app usage and access, screen time limits, and location settings and alerts. Many teen smartwatches with GPS also offer companion apps for parents, giving you real-time insights into how the watch is being used.
Tips for setting up your teen’s smartwatch
Getting the smartwatch is the first step. Setting it up thoughtfully ensures it works for your teen, and aligns with your family’s expectations. Here are some key setup tips:
Set usage limits
Talk with your teen about how they’ll use their smartwatch. If they’ll be wearing it during school hours, consider enabling “Do Not Disturb” mode. Many smartwatches allow you to schedule quiet times or set screen time limits directly from the parent app.
Customize safety settings
Set up GPS tracking, enable emergency contact access, and create geofencing alerts. Explain how to use SOS buttons or quick-call options in an emergency. Most watches allow you to customize these settings for added security.
Help them personalize it
Let your teen express themselves through custom watch faces, goal tracking, and fitness badges. The more they feel the watch reflects their personality and interests, the more likely they are to wear and use it consistently. Also, show them how to check notifications, set reminders, and explore apps relevant to their hobbies, like running, gaming, music, or mindfulness.
Smartwatches that grow with your teen
Choosing a smartwatch for your teen isn’t just about tech specs. It’s about finding a device that complements their lifestyle while providing reassurance to you as a parent. Let’s recap the essentials:
- Safety: GPS, location sharing, and SOS features give you peace of mind.
- Communication: Call and text features help your teen stay connected, especially if they don’t yet have a smartphone.
- Fitness: Health tracking promotes activity and builds good habits.
- Battery and durability: Choose a model that’s tough and lasts through a teen’s busy day.
- Parental controls: That’s especially important for tweens or first-time smartwatch users.
If you’re still wondering how to choose a smartwatch for your teen, start by thinking about what your teen truly needs. Is it fitness motivation, communication tools, or enhanced safety features? Once you’ve run through that checklist, it’s easier to narrow down the right model.
To help with your search, you can explore a wide range of smartwatches at Best Buy Canada, including the latest models from trusted brands like Apple, Samsung, Fitbit, and Garmin. If you’re specifically looking for models designed with younger users in mind, check out our collection of smartwatches for kids and teens. These often include built-in GPS, parental controls, and simple interfaces perfect for first-time users.
With the right smartwatch, you’re not just giving your teen a new piece of tech, you’re giving them a tool that supports independence, encourages healthy habits, and keeps them safely connected in today’s fast-paced world.
This article was drafted using AI technology and then reviewed, fact-checked, and revised by a member of our editorial team.
