Google Fitbit Ace LTE Smartwatch for Kids: An Honest Parent Review
If you're a parent of an 8-year-old (or close to that age), you might be in the same boat I was a few months ago…wanting a way to stay connected with my child as she gains more independence but not quite ready to introduce a full-fledged cell phone into the mix. That’s when I came across the Google Fitbit Ace LTE smartwatch for kids.
I spent quite a bit of time researching smartwatches and debating whether to go through a traditional cell phone carrier or find an alternative. When I discovered the Fitbit Ace LTE, I noticed that there wasn’t a ton of information available. But after reading the few reviews I could find, I took the leap and purchased it for my daughter as a Christmas gift. Now, after using it for a couple of months, I’m sharing my honest, unpaid review to help other parents in the same situation.
Why We Chose the Fitbit Ace LTE
We wanted something that would:
✔️ Allow communication between a limited number of trusted contacts
✔️ Provide location tracking for peace of mind
✔️ Have fun features without excessive distractions
✔️ Not be too big or bulky for her tiny wrist
✔️ Not introduce a full-fledged phone number to our 8-year-old
This watch checked all those boxes!
Price & Data Plan
We purchased the watch through Amazon when it was on sale for around $200 upfront and do have to pay for a data plan through Google to enable calling, messaging, and location tracking. The price was comparable to (if not less than) some of the options through cell carriers at about $119/year, but the added features and security settings made this a better fit for our needs.
Calling & Messaging: No Regular Phone Number
One thing that stood out about this watch is that all calls and texts happen through the Fitbit Ace app rather than through a standard phone number. Some reviewers didn’t like this, but for an 8-year-old, I personally think it’s great! It means she can only call and text the handful of contacts we approved, and those messages don’t mix in with my regular phone texts. This makes it feel much safer than just giving her a number that anyone could theoretically reach.
School Mode = Fewer Distractions
A huge win for us was the School Mode feature. I was able to set up specific days and times when the watch is in school mode, which means:
The watch is on silent
Incoming calls are restricted
Games and other features are disabled
This ensures she isn’t distracted during the school day, but I can still message her if needed. The only small issue we’ve noticed is that while my husband and I can see when she’s in School Mode, my mom (who is also an approved contact) doesn’t see that notification in her app. Not a deal-breaker, but something to be aware of!
GPS Tracking & Safety Features
Though we haven’t had to use it much yet, I love that the watch includes real-time GPS tracking. As she gets older and starts going on more outings with friends or after-school activities, I know this feature will bring peace of mind.
Durability & Battery Life
We’ve been impressed with how well this watch holds up. It features Corning Gorilla Glass 3 and a protective bumper case, making it resistant to scratches and bumps. Plus, it’s water-resistant up to 50 meters, which is a huge plus when dealing with an active kid!
Battery life has been great. She wears it all day, and we’ve built a habit of charging it each night. Depending on usage, I think it could last 1-2 days per charge before needing to be plugged in.
Fun Features: Activity Tracking & Games
Because this is a Google watch, it includes activity-based games through Fitbit, which encourage movement. My daughter loves the Fitbit Arcade challenges and enjoys tracking her steps and movement throughout the day. There are a few other fun, simple games on the watch as well, but nothing too distracting.
Another feature I appreciate is the band-swapping option! We bought her a couple of different bands that she can switch out (I’ll link my favorite ones below).
Finding a Lost Watch? No Problem!
We had one incident (so far...) where my daughter misplaced the watch somewhere in the house. Luckily, I was able to use the ping feature in the app, which made the watch emit a loud sound so we could find it quickly. This feature is a lifesaver! Now, if she had lost it outside of our home, it would've been a bit more challenging BUT I do think the location tracker and ability to initiate a sound/ping it, would still be very helpful features!
Final Thoughts: Would I Recommend It?
For parents looking for a safe, reliable, and fun smartwatch option for their kids, I think the Google Fitbit Ace LTE is an excellent choice. It provides just the right amount of independence while still keeping safety and parental controls in check. The no phone number requirement, School Mode, GPS tracking, and activity-based games make it a standout option.
The only minor downsides I’ve noticed are the School Mode visibility for additional contacts and the fact that some people might prefer a traditional phone number for calls/texts. But for our family, the benefits far outweigh those small drawbacks.
If you’re considering this smartwatch for your child, I highly recommend it! I’ll also link some of our favorite bands and accessories below. Feel free to drop any questions in the comments—I’d love to help other parents navigate this decision!
➡️ Get the Google Fitbit Ace LTE here
➡️ Favorite watch bands: https://amzn.to/4gOMvxs and https://amzn.to/4hFYAGt
(It does come with a "bumper" style protector but we opted for these instead as they seem a bit less "bulky".)
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