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Tom's Guide's best GPS tracker for Android families, with a rugged design and games that unlock only after kids move. Wirecutter put it in 'the competition' because every contact needs the app and a Google account, calls dropped, and the watch overheated. Battery is rated at just 16 hours, and the Google Store listed it as out of stock.
Subscription: Required: Ace Pass, $9.99/mo or $119/yr, covering calling, messaging, location and games (Google Store)
Top complaints
- Every contact needs the app and a Google account
Wirecutter found this limiting and inconvenient. A low-star Walmart reviewer says calls and texts from the parent app didn't work when they were outside and off Wi-Fi.
- Short battery
Tom's Guide says it's rated for 16 hours and will likely last less in practice, even shorter than the Apple Watch SE 3. Low-star Walmart reviews also complain about battery life.
- Glitches, dropped calls and overheating
Wirecutter's calls were occasionally cut off, and the watch overheated after less than 10 minutes indoors. Walmart reviewers report it stopped working properly, didn't respond to app changes, and had a clock that couldn't be changed, which broke School Time. Others complain about very small text and the required $10 monthly subscription.
What owners love
- Made for kids
Tom's Guide praises the fun, kid-friendly interface and rugged design. Google says 60 minutes of activity unlocks gaming time and there are no in-app purchases.
- Calls, texts and location in one plan
Tom's Guide says you can call and text your kid, see where they are and use School Time to block apps and notifications, with no separate cell plan needed.
- Works with Android and iPhone
Unlike the Apple Watch, it works with both platforms, which Tom's Guide says makes it more versatile.
- Grandparents or sitters need to text your child easily
- You need more than a day of battery
- You want to buy one today (out of stock at Google Store)
- Android families who want a Google-made watch
- Encouraging kids to be active
- Families already using Google accounts
Scores (tap for why)
What experts say
- Tom's Guide: Best GPS tracker for kids for Android (updated 2026-06-26): fun interface, good communication features and rugged design. The con is even shorter battery life than the SE 3.
- Wirecutter (NYT): In 'the competition' (updated 2026-08-11): contacts need the app and a Google account, calls were occasionally cut off, and it overheated once.