Best GPS Tracker for Kids: What Parents Should Look For

These days, more than 50% of U.S. families use GPS tracking devices for their kids. (1) It makes sense: knowing where your kids are when they aren’t with you offers enormous peace of mind. But when it comes to selecting the best GPS tracker for kids, it’s easy for parents to feel overwhelmed.

After all, there are so many different types and products out there. How can parents pick the best device for their family? The truth is, all families are different, with different needs and preferences when it comes to using a GPS tracker.

There is no one “best” tracking device for all families. The best choice for your family depends on several different factors, including:

• Your child’s age
• The location where you’ll be using the device
• Whether or not your child needs calling and messaging options
• How frequently you want updates about your child’s location
• Whether you’d like the device to work without the use of a nearby phone
• What type of battery and charge capabilities suit your needs
• The level of privacy and data protection your family prefers
• What your family can afford in terms of upfront or ongoing costs

We understand how important this decision is. You want a tracking device that’s reliable, affordable, and, most importantly, keeps your child safe.

Here, we’ll break down everything you need to know about picking the right GPS tracker for your child.

Types of GPS Trackers for Kids

As you begin your search for the best GPS tracker for your child, it can be helpful to get a quick overview of the different types and what they are best for.

Importantly, whatever type of GPS tracker you use, you should ensure that your child keeps the device on their person, rather than in a backpack or other bag. Otherwise, the device may be left behind, and your child will not be tracked.

How GPS Location Tracking Works

Simply put, GPS tracking works by connecting your device to satellite signals in the sky which can track your location and estimate your device’s position on earth. (2) Many of the child-tracking devices available today use cellular networks and available Wi-Fi information along with GPS tracking.

Once location is determined, it’s transmitted to a companion or parent app, so that you can see in real time where your child is located. Most of the time, cellular trackers can report your child’s location without your child’s device having to remain near your phone, which means that your child can be tracked from virtually anywhere.

It should be noted that GPS and cellular performance varies considerably, by factors like environment and coverage. Likewise, different devices will refresh your child’s location at different speeds and intervals.

GPS vs. Bluetooth Tracking

You may be aware that some child tracking devices use GPS tracking while others use Bluetooth tracking. Bluetooth tags have their place, but they aren’t as reliable or comprehensive as GPS tracking devices. (3)

There are many trackers advertised to parents, but it’s essential that parents not assume that every child tracker out there provides continuous or real-time monitoring.

Here’s what to know about the difference between GPS and Bluetooth tracking.

Location Reporting

GPS trackers can report a child’s location across a much greater distance than a Bluetooth tracker. On the other hand, Bluetooth tags typically communicate over short ranges and usually use larger crowdsourced device networks to report an item’s approximate location.

Reliance on Other Nearby Devices

A Bluetooth tag depends on nearby compatible devices to work, while GPS trackers operate on their own.

Type of Device

Bluetooth tags may work well for belongings like backpacks and luggage, but aren’t equivalent to a child-focused GPS watch or cellular tracker, which remain on the child’s person and can’t as easily get lost.

How to Choose a Kids GPS Tracker

When it comes to selecting the best and most appropriate GPS tracker for your child, it can be helpful to consider different safety and convenience factors that GPS trackers typically have, and which factors matter most for you.

Here’s what to consider when choosing the best GPS tracker for your child.

Location Accuracy and Update Frequency

If you are using a GPS tracker, you want it to show the location of your child as accurately as possible. At the same time, you want a device that updates the location frequently so you can see where your child is when they are traveling or in motion.

When looking into different GPS devices, you should take note of:

• How frequently the device’s location normally refreshes
• Whether faster or active tracking is available
• If faster tracking must be manually activated
• Whether the app displays a timestamp for the last successful update
• Which type of location sources the device uses
• How indoor use affects connectivity or performance
• Whether location history is available

Keep in mind that “real-time” may be used differently across various brands. When comparing brand information, you should look for an actual refresh interval rather than relying on the phrase alone.

Geofencing and Location Alerts

One super helpful feature that some GPS trackers have is the ability to create virtual “fences” around specific locations, known as geofencing. (4) Common zones that parents choose to “fence off” may include a child’s home, their school, a caregiver’s house, or an activity center.

Once you’ve set these parameters, you will get alerts on your device if your child leaves an established area or enters an area you don’t want them to be in. Factors like zone size, alert timing, and tech reliability can vary by device as well as from one location to another.

Cosmo’s version of geofencing is called SafeZones. You can set up your child’s safety zone easily in the Cosmo app, and you will immediately receive notifications if your child enters a new zone or exits your preferred zone. You can set multiple SafeZones on your Cosmo app.

Cellular Coverage and Connectivity

GPS trackers usually require you to use cellular data along with GPS tracking. But not all plans are identical and some may be less reliable than others. You should always check cellular coverage before purchasing a particular GPS tracker’s cellular plan.

Here’s what to consider:

• Whether the device requires a cellular subscription
• Which network or network partners support this coverage
• Whether coverage is available in your family’s location
• Whether the cellular plan will work while you’re traveling
• Whether the cellular plan can be added to an existing phone plan
• What happens when the device loses cellular service
• Whether the app works across parent phone carriers

Battery Life and Low-Battery Alerts

GPS trackers rely on batteries that need to be charged. It’s important to choose a tracker with a reliable battery charging system, so that you’ll be able to track your child for a longer duration.

As you shop for a GPS tracker, keep in mind that published battery estimates are usually based on typical-use conditions. Consider, too, that using many of the device features at the same time can overload the device, increasing battery drainage.

You’ll want to pick a tracker that will alert parents when charging is needed, as you can’t always rely on your child for this information.

Calling and Messaging

Besides tracking, you may want to use your device to communicate with your child, such as through calling, texting, or messaging. This is another crucial way that parents can keep in touch with their children and ensure their safety.

As such, when picking a GPS device, parents should evaluate:

• Whether the device supports two-way calling
• Whether the device allows text, voice, photo or video messaging
• Whether the child will be given a dedicated phone number
• Whether outside contacts require parent approval
• Whether unknown callers can be blocked
• Whether multiple guardians can communicate with the child
• Whether communication remains available during school settings

Be mindful, too, that messaging capabilities vary. In addition, photo or video messaging is not the same as live video calling.

SOS and Emergency Features

One vital feature for a safety-conscious parent is the ability for a child to get in touch with you if there’s an emergency. This is where the SOS emergency button feature can be invaluable.

Crucially, parents should remember that GPS trackers complement, but do not replace, age-appropriate safety planning, adult supervision, or the use of emergency services.

SOS and emergency features vary from one device to another. As you shop for a GPS tracker, you may want to consider:

• Whether the device has a physical or on-screen SOS button
• Which contacts will receive an alert
• Whether the alert includes your child’s location
• Whether the child can call 911
• Whether 911 calling can be enabled or disabled by a parent
• What happens if no designated contact answers

Parent App and Guardian Controls

There are two components to GPS trackers: the tracker your child wears and the parent app that is used with the device. Your experience using the parent app is just as important as the GPS tracker itself.

As you consider which GPS tracker to purchase, you should consider whether the parent app can:

• View the device’s location
• Activate faster tracking
• Review location history
• Create and manage zones (geofencing)
• Approve or remove contacts
• Control app access
• Set school or focus schedules
• Review battery status and receive low battery alerts
• Receive emergency and location notifications
• Add another authorized guardian
• Control device settings remotely

School and Focus Controls

Many GPS trackers allow you to be connected to your child at all times, including through texts, calls, or messaging. But there are times, such as when they are in school or doing school work, when it’s not appropriate for your child to be communicating with you this way.

That’s why you want to purchase a device that allows for silencing and restricting during certain times of day. So, you want to ask yourself:

• Does the device allow schedules to be customized day to day?
• Which communication or emergency functions remain available even when texting is turned off?
• Can the child override these settings?
• Does the school permit smartwatches?

Cosmo’s approach to dealing with this issue is School-Fi mode, which allows parents to set times that their child won’t be able to use the device, such as when school is in session. At the same time, your child will be able to get in touch with you if there’s an emergency.

Durability, Comfort and Water Resistance

Comfort and durability are essential features when it comes to a product you expect a child to use for a long period of time.

You want to make sure the GPS tracker you purchase has:

• Options like wrist fit and different available band sizes
• A weight and comfort that works for your child
• Water and dust resistance features
• Screen and case durability
• Simple options for replacing bands
• Warranty and replacement options
• Comfort and appeal that makes a child more likely to wear it consistently

Privacy and Data Security

These days, privacy and safety are more important than ever. (5) You don’t want anyone to be able to hack into your child’s device and find out their location, personal information, or any other sensitive data.

To that end, you want to select a GPS tracker that has:

• A clearly stated and accessible privacy policy
• An explanation of what location and personal data are collected by the device and app
• Reliable encryption during data transmission and storage
• Controls that limit location access to authorized guardians
• A process for deleting the child’s data
• Account security options
• Clear retention and sharing practices
• COPPA-related disclosures, where applicable
• A responsible and user-friendly process for reporting security vulnerabilities

Are GPS Trackers Safe for Kids?

You know that tracking your child’s whereabouts is a great way to ensure that they stay safe, but you may feel unsure if a GPS tracker itself is safe for your child. The good news is that GPS trackers can be safe. The key is to pick a reputable tracker that’s properly configured.

What does that mean exactly? A safe GPS tracker will have features like:

• Data security and encryption
• Restrictions on who can access the child’s location
• Secure accounts and approved-contact lists
• Comfort for the child and age-appropriate restrictions on web browsing and apps

Parents should take some time to understand how accurately a device measures location, what connectivity limitations the device may have, and what the battery life of the device is like.

Finally, parents should never use a GPS tracker as a substitute for supervision. Instead, it’s best to think of it as a supplement to careful supervision.

Talk to Your Child About Location Sharing

Another important way to ensure that your child stays safe while using a GPS tracker is to have an open and ongoing discussion with your child about location sharing.

Here are some topics that you should cover with your child:

• What the device is tracking
• Who can view your child’s location
• In what circumstances you’ll be checking your child’s location
• The purpose of tracking your child, emphasizing that tracking them is not a punishment
• Respecting school rules and other families’ privacy while using the tracker

You’ll also want to give your child some instructions on using their device, including messaging features. Teaching your child how to use the tracker’s SOS features is essential as well.

When Can a Child GPS Tracker Be Helpful?

GPS trackers are useful in many different situations, and they can allow kids of all ages to remain safe, even as they explore the world.

Here are some situations where a parent might want to track their child:

• When walking or biking to school
• While a child is taking the bus
• During after-school activities
• During sports practices and changing pickup times
• During sleepovers
• When the child is visiting a theme park or other crowded event
• During family travel
• To help foster neighborhood independence
• During shared-custody transitions
• While the child attends camps or field trips, where devices are permitted
• To help keep track of children who may wander or become disoriented

Is a GPS Watch Better Than a Phone or Bluetooth Tag?

Bluetooth tags have their place, but they are intended to track items like bags and suitcases. Their main purpose is not to keep track of a child. Smartphones can also be helpful, especially for an older child who can use its features more responsibly.

Unlike Bluetooth tags, GPS watches remain on your child’s person, rather than inside their backpack, where it’s more likely to get lost. And while GPS watches may have some of the features of a smartphone, they typically don’t allow for unrestricted access to apps or social media.

A GPS watch may be a better fit than a Bluetooth tag when:

• Your child needs both calling and location features
• You want approved-contact controls
• Your child is not ready for unrestricted internet or social media
• You want options for silencing the device when your child is at school

A Bluetooth tag may be helpful in situations where:

• The primary goal is locating a backpack or other belonging
• Live independent tracking of your child is not required
• Communication and emergency features are not needed

A smartphone may be more appropriate when:

• Your child is older and needs navigation assistance, along with academic tools or a broader app ecosystem
• Your child has demonstrated the maturity to handle greater access
• You are prepared to configure the phone and maintain stronger parental controls

JrTrack 5 SE as a GPS Watch for Kids

If you’re looking for a GPS tracker that’s reliable and user-friendly, consider the JrTrack 5 SE, a GPS watch and location tracker designed with kids and parents in mind. JrTrack 5 SE is best suited for families who want a wearable GPS tracker that combines location features, parent-managed communication, and limited digital access.

Important features of the JrTrack 5 SE include:

• HaloGPS location tracking
• Active Tracking with faster location updates
• Location history
• SafeZone arrival and departure alerts
• Low-battery notifications
• Calling and messaging with approved contacts
• Unknown and unapproved contacts blocked
• SOS Mode (emergency mode)
• Parent-controlled optional 911 calling
• School-Fi routines and do not disturb features
• No open web browser or social media
• Parent-approved apps and daily app limits
• Cosmo app controls
• FlexSIM cellular connectivity
• IP68 water resistance, with Cosmo’s applicable use limitations

The intended age range for the JrTrack 5 SE is school-aged kids, aged 6 to 12.

The JrTrack 5 SE can help foster independence for kids, while making sure that parents are able to keep a watchful eye on their young explorers. The JrTrack 5 SE is a strong fit for families wanting to be able to track their kids and communicate with them, but who aren’t ready to give their younger child unrestricted smartphone access.

Costs to Consider Before Buying

While safety, accessibility, and reliability are features to focus on when deciding on which GPS tracker to purchase, many parents also need to consider their family’s budgets. Trackers may have upfront costs, ongoing costs, or both. These costs can vary significantly from one product to another.

As you consider your purchase, remember that the total cost of your GPS tracker may include:

• The cost of the device itself
• Activation fees
• Monthly cellular memberships
• Multi-year plan commitments
• Accessories or replacement bands
• Screen protection
• Replacement costs
• Warranty coverage
• Cancellation conditions

The JrTrack 5 SE has a one-time device cost plus a monthly membership, with pricing that depends on the plan you choose. You can find current device and membership pricing on the JrTrack 5 SE page.

Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Tracker

There’s a lot to keep in mind when considering different GPS trackers. That’s why we’ve consolidated the important questions to consider, all in one place.

Here’s a handy checklist to keep with you as you pick the right GPS tracker for your family:

• Does it use GPS, cellular connectivity, Bluetooth or a combination?
• How frequently does its location update?
• Can I activate faster tracking when needed?
• Does it provide location history?
• Can I create arrival and departure alerts?
• What happens when cellular service is unavailable?
• Will I receive a low-battery notification?
• Can my child call or message me?
• Can strangers contact the device?
• Who can access the location?
• How is location data protected?
• Does it include an SOS button?
• Can it contact 911?
• Can I restrict it during school?
• Is it comfortable and durable enough for daily use?
• Is it permitted by my child’s school?
• What is the total first-year cost?
• Does the device require a specific cellular plan?
• What warranty and return policy are included?

Finding the Right Tracker for Your Family

GPS trackers can be indispensable and give both you and your child confidence as your child expands their wings and becomes more independent. With so many GPS trackers on the market, it can be hard to figure out which one is best for your family.

The right GPS device depends on the child’s needs and the level of functionality the family wants.

Here are the main points to consider as you choose the best GPS tracker for kids:

• GPS watches, standalone trackers, Bluetooth tags, and smartphones serve different purposes. Understanding your family’s needs can help determine which type of device is best for you.
• Location accuracy is crucial, and depends on the device itself, signals, and environment.
• When making your final purchase, you should evaluate more than the advertised feature list. Consider factors like privacy, app controls, battery life, cellular coverage, and total cost.
• Many children need communication options, but that doesn’t mean they necessarily need unrestricted smartphone access.
• Tracking should be discussed openly and used as one part of a broader family safety plan. Tracking should never take the place of parental supervision.

The JrTrack 5 SE is a smartwatch that provides accurate and reliable GPS tracking, emergency alerts, and communication abilities, like texting, two-way calling, and messaging. It’s best for families who want to be able to track and connect, but aren’t ready for their kids to have unrestricted access to smartphone features yet.

Explore more features of the JrTrack 5 SE, or see the JrTrack Pro, Cosmo’s most advanced kids smartwatch.

References

1. Davis, I. S., et al., Digital Location Tracking of Children and Adolescents: A Theoretical Framework and Review
   https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11843666/
2. NASA, How Does GPS Work?
   https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/gps/en/
3. Ellen Lee, The Best Ways to Track Your Kid (And Why You Might Not Want To), Wirecutter
   https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/blog/best-ways-to-track-your-kid/
4. Shevchenko, Y., et al., Geofencing in location-based behavioral research: Methodology, challenges, and implementation
   https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11362315/
5. Jandl, C., et al., Reasons and Strategies for Privacy Features in Tracking and Tracing Systems: A Systematic Literature Review
   https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8271682/