Have you ever turned around in a crowded place to find your child not where you expected? That heart-stopping moment is something no parent wants to experience. By reading this guide, you’ll discover how a GPS tracker can offer peace of mind, ensuring your child’s safety with the latest technology. We’ve spoken with security experts, looked at online reviews, and conducted our own hands-on testing to find the 8 best GPS trackers for kids in 2024.
This is a collaborative post
Emphasising accuracy, user-friendliness, and vital safety features, these are the GPS tracking solutions parents like yourself need to know! Now, lets go over the solutions that will fit your family’s lifestyle, giving you confidence in your child’s security wherever they explore.
Our Expertise: Why Parents Can Trust Our Recommendations
All of the GPS tracking devices mentioned in this article were recommended from real customers, family blogs, and security experts. Together, we rigorously test every product, offering unbiased reviews to guide your decisions. The review process relies on:
- First-hand testing, thoroughly examining each GPS tracker.
- In-depth research, comparing various models for optimal recommendations.
- An experienced team of testers and tech enthusiasts, comprehending the nuances of GPS technology and related issues.
Most importantly, we did not receive any compensation from the companies that make these products. Why? Because we want to maintain transparency and honesty. However, please note that some of the information in this article was sourced from real customer experiences, and help from the security experts at GPS Tracker Shop.
GPS Tracking Children – In-Depth Reviews Of The Top 8 Products in 2024
Selecting the best GPS trackers for kids involves a meticulous process. It demands thorough research and practical evaluation. To pinpoint the most suitable devices, a deep understanding of their key features is crucial. Our comprehensive assessment factored in aspects like ease of installation, interface design, durability, and tracking accuracy. Now, let’s get to the list of our picks for the best GPS trackers for kids starting with SpaceHawk GPS.
SpaceHawk GPS – Best Teen Driving Monitor
The SpaceHawk GPS Tracker is designed to serve as an effective teen driving monitor, focusing on enhancing safety for young drivers. Featuring geofencing capabilities, a waterproof design, and a durable build, the SpaceHawk GPS Tracker provides parents with peace of mind by delivering real-time location updates and driving behaviour data. The device’s rechargeable Li-On 1500 mAh battery supports 10 to 60 days of use, depending on the tracking settings, ensuring consistent monitoring over extended periods.
The tracker is particularly beneficial for tracking teen drivers, offering features that allow parents to set boundaries, monitor speed, and review driving routes. This focus on teen driving safety is supported by the device’s ease of use, strong magnetic attachment for secure placement, and energy-saving modes that extend battery life without compromising tracking accuracy. In fact, it is an invaluable tool for parents seeking to ensure their teenagers’ safety on the road. Its blend of discreet design, reliable tracking technology, and focus on teen driving habits makes it an optimal choice for monitoring and improving the driving behaviours of young drivers.
And what do the experts have to say about this product? According to GPS Tracking Review, SpaceHawk was the #1 GPS safety product designed for teen safety. While parents on Reddit said it was the best way to secretly track a car!
Key Features and Specs:
• Compact and lightweight design
• Free tech Support For Life
• Global Coverage
• 3-Second Update Rates
• #1 Rated GPS Companion App
Rating:
• Design: 5/5
• Ease of Use: 4.9/5
• Battery Life: 4/5
• Tracking Accuracy: 4.9/5
• Price: $29.95
Visit Website: https://spacehawkgps.com/
Jiobit Smart Tag – Best For Kids With Autism
The Jiobit Smart Tag is a GPS tracker designed with children in mind, featuring a blend of advanced technology in a compact form. It is a lightweight device, weighing only 18 grams and measuring 1.96 x 1.45 x 0.47 inches, making it easy for kids to carry without discomfort. The tracker is equipped with Cellular, GPS, WiFi, and BLE tracking technology, providing you with precise updates on your child’s location and boasting a battery life that ranges between 7 to 20 days.
When you set up the Jiobit Smart Tag, you will find the process straightforward, and its design allows for easy monitoring of your child’s whereabouts. Despite its small size, it is durable, with an IPX8 rating, ensuring it is both water and shock-resistant, which addresses concerns you might have about your child’s adventurous activities. It is important to note, though, that accessing all the device’s features requires a subscription, which may mean it’s a more expensive option than other trackers on the market.
In terms of its performance, the Jiobit Smart Tag stands out for its accurate location tracking and long battery life, making it an excellent choice for parents who prioritise reliability and simplicity in a GPS tracking solution. Its tested features include accuracy within 10 feet, easy setup, functionality with Android apps, water and shock resistance, and the capability for real-time tracking.
Key Features and Specs:
• Compact and lightweight design
• Extended battery life (7–20 days)
• Precise location tracking
• Water and shock resistance (IPX8)
• Cellular, GPS, WiFi and BLE tracking technology
Rating:
• Design: 4.5/5
• Ease of Use: 4.5/5
• Battery Life: 4/5
• Tracking Accuracy: 4.5/5
• Price: $129.99
Apple AirTag: Best Bluetooth Kid GPS Tracker
The Apple AirTag is a GPS tracking device tailored for iOS users, offering a reliable way to keep tabs on your child’s location. Priced at $29.00 and without any subscription fees, it leverages Bluetooth technology and Apple’s expansive Find My Network to provide seamless location tracking.
You will find that setting up the AirTag is uncomplicated, and its unobtrusive design makes it simple to attach to your child’s belongings. It boasts a long battery life of 1 year and is remarkably lightweight at just 0.39 ounces, making it a hassle-free choice for parents.
However, it’s worth mentioning that the AirTag’s tracking range may not be as extensive as other GPS devices. In our evaluation, placing the AirTag discreetly in a child’s shoe resulted in accurate tracking via the Find My app on iPhone, with the advantage of high-precision accuracy, enhancing the tracking experience.
Key Features and Specs:
• No subscription required
• Bluetooth and Apple’s Find My Network technology
• 1-year replaceable battery life
• Lightweight design (0.39 ounces)
• Easy setup and pairing with iPhone
Rating:
• Design: 5/5
• Ease of Use: 5/5
• Battery Life: 4.5/5
• Tracking Accuracy: 3/5
• Price: $27.99
Tracki GPS Tracker: Best GPS Kid Tracker With Global Coverage
The Tracki GPS Tracker is a budget-friendly and effective option for parents who want to keep a close eye on their children’s whereabouts. The mini GPS tracker is priced at $16.88, with subscription plans that range from $9.95 to $19.95 per month, and utilises a combination of GPS, cellular, and WiFi technologies to ensure seamless real-time location tracking.
You’ll appreciate that the setup of the Tracki GPS Tracker is straightforward, making it easy to attach to your child’s clothing or backpack. The device is supported by a mobile app that is compatible with both Android and iPhone devices, offering easy setup and access to features like high-precision accuracy and real-time tracking.
From personal experience, the Tracki GPS Tracker offers exceptional accuracy and seamless tracking across the globe. The GPS device boasts a long battery life of 30 to 75 days and comes with the added reassurance of a lifetime warranty, positioning it as an excellent choice for parents in search of an affordable, concealed tracking solution.
Key Features and Specs:
• GPS + Cellular + WiFi tracking technology
• Battery life of 30-75 days
• Compact design: 1.74 x 1.5 x 0.6 inches, 1.23 ounces
• Android & iPhone mobile app compatibility
• Lifetime warranty
Rating:
• Design: 4.5/5
• Ease of Use: 4/5
• Battery Life: 4/5
• Tracking Accuracy: 4.75/5
• Price: $12.88
Invoxia Real-Time: Best GPS Tracker No Monthly Fees
The Invoxia Real-Time GPS Tracker, available for $159.00, stands out for its comprehensive features like anti-theft protection, real-time tracking, location history, and geofencing capabilities. The no monthly fee GPS trackers has dimensions of 4.1 x 1.1 x 0.4 inches and a weight of 1.05 ounces make it a subtle yet effective option for keeping track of important items.
The personal GPS tracker’s most notable attribute is the instant alert system combined with geofencing functionality, offering a formidable defense against theft. The device includes a 2-year subscription, with subsequent plans available at an affordable $3.33 per month. Boasting an impressive battery life of up to 4 months, alongside motion and tilt detection, and high-precision updates every 30 seconds, the tracker is highly efficient.
The Invoxia Real-Time GPS Tracker differentiates itself from competitors with its long battery duration and expansive coverage through 4G LTE-M networks, ensuring you receive timely and precise location data for your valuables.
Key Features and Specs:
• 2-year subscription included
• Advanced anti-theft protection features
• Up to 4 months of battery life
• 4G, GPS and Bluetooth tracking technology
• Motion and tilt detection capabilities
• Geofencing functionality
• Dimensions: 4.1 x 1.1 x 0.4 inches; Weight: 1.05 ounces
Rating:
• Design: 4/5
• Ease of Use: 4/5
• Battery Life: 4.5/5
• Tracking Accuracy: 5/5
• Price: $203.58
TickTalk 4: Best Wearable GPS Tracker for Kids
The TickTalk 4, priced at $199.99, is a GPS tracking watch designed for children aged 5–12, providing a versatile solution that combines GPS tracking with phone functionality. With dimensions of 3.4 x 3.4 x 4.2 inches and weighing 7 ounces, it caters to the needs of parents seeking a wearable device with safety features for their kids.
Functioning as both a GPS tracker and a smartwatch, the TickTalk 4 allows kids to make voice and video calls, send messages, and even capture photos and videos with its two 5MP cameras. While the device offers a positive user experience with features like secure messaging, talk-to-text capabilities, voice recording, emojis, GIFs, and parental controls, its limited 62-hour battery life may pose a drawback for some users.
Parents will appreciate the ease of setup, activation, and the added benefit of GPS tracking, route history, and activity tracking features. However, those looking for geofencing capabilities may find this watch lacking in setting digital boundaries for their children.
Key Features and Specs:
• Cellular, WiFi and GPS tracking technology
• Two 5MP cameras for photos and videos
• Two-way talk and video calling capabilities
• Secure messaging, talk-to-text, voice recording, emojis, and GIFs
• Parental controls and emergency call functions
• Limited 62-hour battery life
• Dimensions: 3.4 x 3.4 x 4.2 inches; Weight: 7 ounces
Rating:
• Design: 4.5/5
• Ease of Use: 4.5/5
• Battery Life: 4/5
• Tracking Accuracy: 4.5/5
• Price: $199.99
Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen): Best Budget Smartwatch for Tracking Your Children
The Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen), priced at $269.00, is a cost-effective smartwatch that also functions as a reliable GPS tracker for children. Measuring 11.65 x 2.99 x 1.35 inches and weighing 11.3 ounces, it leverages cellular, WiFi, and GPS technologies to provide essential tracking capabilities for real-time location monitoring.
Targeted at those looking for an affordable yet feature-packed alternative to the standard Apple Watch, the Apple Watch SE distinguishes itself with an upgraded processor and additional safety features, including car-crash detection. Despite its lack of an always-on display, it remains a compelling choice for users interested in receiving notifications, tracking workouts, and using Apple Pay.
For parents who value real-time location tracking and safety features like car-crash detection, the Apple Watch SE is an attractive option that fits within a budget. Although it misses an always-on display, it serves as an effective tool for maintaining connectivity with children and enhancing their safety.
Key Features and Specs:
• Cellular, WiFi and GPS tracking technology
• 18-hour battery life
• Lightweight design (11.3 ounces)
• “Family Setup” feature
• 32GB storage
• Diverse safety features (emergency SOS, fall detection, crash detection)
• Water-resistant design
• Dimensions: 11.65 x 2.99 x 1.35 inches
• Model Number: MNT73LL/A
Rating:
• Design: 4/5
• Ease of Use: 4.5/5
• Battery Life: 4/5
• Tracking Accuracy: 4.5/5
• Price: $199.99
CUBE: Best Mini GPS Tracker With Bluetooth
The CUBE GPS Tracker, available for $64.50, is a multifunctional device designed to track a variety of items, including cars, bikes, and pets, in real-time. Its dimensions are 4.57 x 4.49 x 1.02 inches, and it weighs 2.22 ounces, using a mix of GPS, Bluetooth, cellular, and Wi-Fi technologies for tracking.
Setting up the CUBE GPS Tracker is straightforward, and its performance is noteworthy. The bluetooth tracker can be easily attached to any item, offering precise location data via a companion app on your smartphone. Equipped with geofencing capabilities and a waterproof casing, the tracker is both convenient and versatile, with a battery life ranging from 10 to 60 days.
For parents who are focused on ensuring their child’s safety, the CUBE GPS Tracker is an excellent choice, thanks to its efficient boundary alerts, lifetime warranty, and quality assurance. The real time GPS has a user-friendly design and flexible tracking technology making it a reliable GPS tracking device for child safety.
Key Features and Specs:
• GPS, Bluetooth, Cellular, Wi-Fi tracking technology
• 10 to 60 days of battery life
• Waterproof casing
• Versatile tracking capabilities
• Lifetime warranty
• Dimensions: 4.57 x 4.49 x 1.02 inches
• Model Number: 9Y-W01D-93QE
Rating:
• Design: 4.5/5
• Ease of Use: 4.5/5
• Battery Life: 4/5
• Tracking Accuracy: 4.5/5
• Price: $24.95
GPS Tracker Hidden in Kids’ Shoes – Personal Safety Tips
Explore an alternative: discreetly place an Apple AirTag in your child’s shoes. The Airtag is compact, lightweight, and inconspicuous. Attach velcro to the Airtag, securing it under the shoe’s strap. For laced shoes, adjust accordingly. This velcro option is our recommendation.
Activate Lost Mode on your Airtag to receive notifications when located. Alternatively, use the Find My feature to locate your child’s belongings effortlessly, ensuring safety.
Position the Airtag discreetly in the shoe’s tongue for a seamless feel. Employ Airtags on both shoes for equilibrium and reliability. As Airtags rely solely on Bluetooth signals and lack true GPS tracking capabilities, they serve well as supplementary trackers.
Other GPS Trackers For Kids That We Considered
1. Angelsense Kids GPS Tracker
2. GeoZilla GPS Tracker for Kids
3. Samsung SmartThings Tracker.
Key Factors To Consider When Buying A GPS Tracker for Your Child
Look for a GPS tracker with a standout feature set that includes real-time tracking, geofencing, two-way calling or texting, and a durable design. Battery life is also key; choose a device whose battery lasts several days on a single charge. Consider trackers with parental control apps for additional oversight.
When choosing a GPS tracker, focus on its technology. Trackers typically use Bluetooth, GPS, and cellular signals for accurate location updates.
Consider the size and durability when choosing a GPS tracker for your child. Opt for a compact design for easy carrying. Additionally, ensure it withstands wear and tear and includes useful features like geofencing and calling abilities.
Be mindful of potential safety concerns when considering a Child/GPS Tracker. Advanced designs include data security and unauthorised access prevention. Also, prioritise parental controls for limited access to adults or approved contacts.
Autism
According to a ScienceDaily study, incorporating tracking devices can reduce wandering in children with autism spectrum disorder by nearly 23%.
Final Thoughts On GPS Trackers For Kids
GPS trackers for kids have evolved, providing security for you and independence for kids. These devices offer real-time location updates and geofencing alerts. And this is very important when you consider the CDC states that Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for U.S. teens. About 2,800 teens 13–19 years of age lost their lives in car crashes in 2020. That’s about eight teens a day.
Selecting the right GPS tracker for your kid is crucial for their well-being. Consider technology, battery life, size, durability, and features. The device greatly impacts your child’s safety.
Prioritise the safety of your loved ones. A reliable GPS tracker is crucial for achieving this goal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can GPS trackers help keep my child safe?
Yes, GPS trackers play a crucial role in enhancing child safety. They offer real-time location updates, allowing you to monitor your child’s whereabouts. With features like geofencing and SOS buttons, these devices provide peace of mind. They are especially useful in crowded places or for children who tend to wander.
Is there a monthly cost associated with using GPS trackers for kids?
Yes, some GPS trackers require a monthly subscription for cellular service to track your child beyond Bluetooth range. The cost varies, so it’s important to check the price before purchasing. Devices like the Tracki Mini GPS Tracker offer plans with different pricing, while others may have a one-time purchase price but limited tracking capabilities.
Can I use a fitness tracker as a GPS locator for my child?
While fitness trackers monitor activity and health metrics, not all have GPS tracking capabilities. For precise location tracking, opt for a device designed specifically as a GPS tracker or a smartwatch with GPS features. Some devices, like the Garmin Bounce, combine fitness and GPS tracking, making them ideal for active kids.
How do GPS trackers for kids enhance parental controls?
GPS trackers for kids often come with companion apps that offer parental controls. These apps allow you to set safe zones, monitor calls and texts, and even limit screen time. Devices like the Gizmo Watch and Apple Watch with Family Setup provide extensive controls, including whom your child can call or text, enhancing their safety and your peace of mind.
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