Best Kids Smartwatches Without Internet Access (2026): GPS & Calling, No Browser
Want GPS tracking and calling for your child but NO internet, social media, or YouTube? These 5 kids smartwatches keep it safe and simple.
Best Kids Smartwatches Without Internet Access (2026): GPS & Calling, No Browser
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The One Thing Every Parent Asks Me
I hear the same question from parents every single week: "I just want to be able to call my kid and see where they are. But I do NOT want to hand them the internet."
I get it. I really do. As a dad who has spent hundreds of hours testing kids' smartwatches, I understand the tension you are living with. You want your 7-year-old to be reachable when she walks home from the bus stop. You want to know your 10-year-old made it to soccer practice. You want an SOS button for emergencies.
But you also know what the internet looks like. You have read the studies. You have seen what happens when kids get unrestricted access to YouTube, social media, and web browsers on a tiny screen strapped to their wrist. And you have drawn a line: GPS and calling, yes. Internet access, absolutely not.
The good news? You do not have to compromise. There are several excellent kids' smartwatches in 2026 that give you real-time GPS tracking, two-way calling, texting, and SOS alerts — all without a web browser, app store, social media, or any internet access whatsoever.
I have tested five of the best options and broken them down below so you can find the right fit for your family.
Why "No Internet" Matters on a Kids' Smartwatch
Before we get to the picks, let me lay out why this matters with some hard data — because this is not just helicopter parenting. It is an informed decision backed by research.
Cyberbullying Moves Fast on Connected Devices
According to the CDC, roughly 1 in 5 high school students report being bullied online. But bullying is trending younger. When kids have internet-connected devices with messaging apps and social features, they are exposed to peer cruelty earlier. A watch without internet eliminates this vector entirely — only parent-approved contacts can reach your child.
Inappropriate Content Is One Tap Away
A web browser on a kids' device is a door that is incredibly hard to lock. Even the best parental controls cannot filter everything in real time. Kids are resourceful. A watch with zero browser access does not rely on filters — it simply removes the door altogether.
Screen Addiction Starts Earlier Than You Think
The American Academy of Pediatrics has raised alarms about screen time for years. What we now know is that the addictive loop — scrolling, watching, refreshing — hooks kids faster when they have constant, wrist-level access. A no-internet watch is a communication tool, not an entertainment device. There is a massive difference.
Schools Are Cracking Down
Many schools are banning smartphones outright. A kids' smartwatch that only does calls, texts, and GPS is far less likely to be confiscated or cause classroom disruption. Most of the watches below include a "School Mode" or "Focus Mode" that locks the watch down during class hours — a feature teachers actually appreciate.
If you want a deeper dive into the safety angle, check out our guide on kids' smartwatch safety features explained.
What "No Internet" Actually Means on a Kids' Watch
This is important because it confuses a lot of parents. Let me clarify.
These watches still use cellular data. They have SIM cards. They connect to 4G LTE networks. That is how they send GPS coordinates to your phone, how your kid can call you, and how text messages get delivered.
But here is the key distinction: cellular connectivity is not the same as internet access.
Think of it like a walkie-talkie that also tracks location. The data connection is locked down at the operating system level. There is:
- No web browser — your kid cannot Google anything or visit websites
- No app store — they cannot download TikTok, YouTube, games, or anything else
- No social media — no Instagram, Snapchat, or messaging apps beyond the built-in one
- No email — no inbox, no spam, no phishing links
- No open messaging — only contacts you approve can communicate with your child
The watch uses its data connection exclusively for the functions you want: calling, texting approved contacts, sending GPS location, and receiving SOS alerts. That is it. The operating system is purpose-built and locked down.
This is fundamentally different from, say, putting an Apple Watch on your kid's wrist with parental controls enabled. More on that distinction later.
Quick Comparison: 5 Best No-Internet Kids' Smartwatches (2026)
| Feature | Gabb Watch 3 | Garmin Bounce | Cosmo JrTrack 2 | Xplora X6Play | Jiobit Smart Tag |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$150 | ~$150 | ~$100 | ~$150 | ~$130 |
| Monthly Plan | $12.99-$17.99/mo | ~$10/mo | $15.99+/mo | $9.99-$13.99/mo | $8.33-$16.99/mo |
| Internet/Browser | None | None | None | None | N/A (no screen) |
| Calling | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Texting | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| GPS Tracking | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| SOS Button | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Camera | No | No | Yes | Yes (5MP) | No |
| Fitness Tracking | Basic | Excellent | Basic | Step counter | No |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | Swim-proof | IP67 | IP68 | IPX8 |
| Screen | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Best For | Overall pick | Active/sporty kids | Budget families | Kids who want a camera | Youngest kids/toddlers |
Now let me walk you through each one in detail.
1. Gabb Watch 3 — Best No-Internet Watch Overall
Price: ~$149.99 | Monthly: $12.99-$17.99/mo | Ages: 6-12
If I had to recommend one single no-internet kids' smartwatch to most families, it would be the Gabb Watch 3. Gabb has built their entire brand around the idea that kids deserve safe technology, and it shows in every design decision.
What Makes It Stand Out
The Gabb Watch 3 runs on Gabb's proprietary operating system — not Android, not Wear OS, not anything that could potentially be jailbroken into accessing a browser. This is a purpose-built, locked-down system that physically cannot access the internet, social media, or third-party apps. There is no workaround. There is no hidden settings menu. It simply does not exist on this device.
What it does do: unlimited calling and texting to up to 100 parent-approved contacts (a major upgrade from the previous 25-contact limit), real-time GPS tracking with location refreshes every 15 minutes (or on-demand), customizable Safe Zones that alert you when your child enters or leaves a designated area, and an SOS button for emergencies.
Daily Use and Design
The watch charges wirelessly (a first for kids' smartwatches, and genuinely convenient), features Gorilla Glass 3 for durability, and carries an IP68 water resistance rating. Your kid can wear it in the rain, at the splash pad, and during hand-washing without worry.
Gabb also includes a few kid-friendly extras that do not involve internet: a calculator, a memory game, and "Gabb Go" — a virtual pet feature that motivates kids to stay active. These are small touches, but they make the watch feel like something a kid actually wants to wear rather than a GPS ankle monitor.
Parental Controls
Parents can remotely enable Focus Mode through the Gabb app, which mutes the watch and locks all apps, calls, and messages during school hours or bedtime. Even in Focus Mode, the SOS button still works, which is exactly the right design choice.
Pros
- Truly zero internet access at the OS level
- Wireless charging is a game-changer for kids
- Up to 100 approved contacts
- GPS Safe Zones with entry/exit alerts
- Gorilla Glass 3 durability
- Clean, intuitive interface
Cons
- No camera
- GPS updates every 15 minutes by default (must manually refresh for real-time)
- Requires Gabb Wireless plan (cannot use your own carrier)
- $30 one-time activation fee on top of the device price
The Verdict
For parents whose top priority is "no internet, period," the Gabb Watch 3 is the gold standard. It does exactly what you want and nothing you do not. If you want to compare it against other top GPS options, see our best GPS smartwatches for kids roundup.
2. Garmin Bounce — Best No-Internet Watch for Active Kids
Price: ~$149.99 | Monthly: ~$10/mo | Ages: 6-12
Garmin is a name you trust for GPS — they have been the gold standard in navigation and fitness tracking for decades. The Bounce brings that expertise to a kids' smartwatch, and it is particularly great for active, outdoorsy families.
What Makes It Stand Out
The Garmin Bounce has no web browser, no app store, and no social media. Like the Gabb, it uses LTE connectivity exclusively for calling, messaging, and location tracking. But where it pulls ahead is fitness tracking. This is a Garmin, after all.
The Bounce tracks steps, active minutes, and activities like running, walking, biking, and swimming. Yes, swimming — this watch is fully swim-proof, not just splash-resistant. If your kid is on a swim team or spends summers at the lake, this matters.
Garmin recently announced the Bounce 2 with improvements including a built-in speaker and microphone for direct calls from the watch, two-way text messaging with a full keyboard, and even Amazon Music support. The assistance feature is particularly well-designed: when activated, it calls family contacts and sends a LiveTrack location-sharing link so you can follow your child's real-time location during an emergency.
Daily Use and Design
The Bounce offers vibrant, customizable watch faces and themes that kids actually enjoy personalizing. Battery life runs up to 2 days, which is competitive for an LTE-connected kids' watch. It also includes chores and rewards features, weather updates, and a stopwatch — practical tools that encourage responsibility without any internet risk.
Parental Controls
Through the Garmin Jr. app, parents manage contacts, set safe zones, and track location. The app interface is clean and well-designed — which you would expect from Garmin.
Pros
- Best-in-class fitness tracking for a kids' watch
- Fully swim-proof (not just water-resistant)
- Garmin-quality GPS accuracy
- LiveTrack emergency location sharing
- Chores and rewards feature builds responsibility
- No browser, no apps, no social media
Cons
- No camera
- Battery life (2 days) requires regular charging
- Premium price point
- Some parents report the watch is slightly large on smaller wrists
The Verdict
If your kid is active — sports, swimming, biking, running — the Garmin Bounce is the best no-internet watch you can buy. The fitness features give it genuine value beyond "just" safety, and kids who like tracking their activity will actually want to wear it daily. For a head-to-head breakdown, check out our Garmin Bounce vs. Xplora X6Play comparison.
3. Cosmo JrTrack 2 — Best Budget No-Internet Option
Price: ~$100 | Monthly: $15.99+/mo | Ages: 5-12
Not every family wants to spend $150 on a device their kid might drop in a puddle. The Cosmo JrTrack 2 comes in around $100 and delivers the core features that matter most — calling, GPS, and no internet — at a price that does not sting as much when your first-grader inevitably tests its limits.
What Makes It Stand Out
The JrTrack 2 runs on Cosmo's Family-Safe network, which is firewalled against internet browsing, social media, and adult content at the network level. This is a meaningful distinction — it is not just the device that is locked down, but the entire network it connects to.
The watch includes 4G calling, text and voice messaging, precision GPS tracking, and geofencing with Safe Zones. It comes with a pre-installed universal SIM card, which simplifies setup. There is also a front-facing camera for selfies and photo sharing (within the approved contact list only), and a Class Mode that blocks distractions during school hours.
Daily Use and Design
The JrTrack 2 has a touchscreen interface, pedometer, and a design that younger kids find appealing. The setup process is straightforward — pop it out of the box, download the Cosmo app, activate the pre-installed SIM, and you are up and running.
It is worth noting that Cosmo has released the JrTrack 5 as their latest model, but the JrTrack 2 remains available at a lower price point and still delivers on the core promise of no-internet communication and tracking.
Parental Controls
The Cosmo app gives parents control over the contact list, safe zones, and Class Mode scheduling. Only parent-approved contacts can call or text the watch, and the network-level firewall adds an extra layer of protection.
Pros
- Most affordable watch on this list (~$100)
- Network-level firewall (not just device-level)
- Pre-installed SIM simplifies setup
- Front-facing camera for sharing photos with family
- Class Mode for school hours
- 4G connectivity
Cons
- Monthly plan ($15.99+) is higher than some competitors
- Build quality is not as premium as Gabb or Garmin
- GPS accuracy can occasionally lag in dense urban areas
- Camera is basic quality
The Verdict
The Cosmo JrTrack 2 is the best option if you want the core no-internet features without the premium price tag on the device itself. Just factor in the monthly plan cost when budgeting. For more budget-friendly options, take a look at our best budget smartwatches under $100 guide.
4. Xplora X6Play — Best No-Internet Watch with a Camera
Price: ~$149.99 | Monthly: $9.99-$13.99/mo | Ages: 5-12
Some kids really want a camera on their watch. I understand the hesitation — a camera feels like a step toward "too much technology." But the Xplora X6Play handles this thoughtfully. It includes a solid 5MP camera while maintaining a strict no-internet, no-browser, no-social-media policy.
What Makes It Stand Out
The X6Play has no access to the internet, social media, or unapproved contacts. Xplora states this explicitly and builds it into the device architecture. But unlike the Gabb or Garmin, it gives kids a genuinely good 5MP camera with room for up to 10,000 photos on 8GB of onboard storage. Kids can take pictures and share them with approved family contacts through the watch — and that is it. No uploading to Instagram. No sending to strangers. Just family photo sharing.
The watch also features a 1.52-inch screen (larger than most kids' watches), a faster processor than its predecessor, improved battery life (up to 72 hours), and water resistance up to 5 feet.
Daily Use and Design
The X6Play is one of the better-looking kids' smartwatches on the market. It does not scream "baby toy," which matters once your kid hits 8 or 9 and starts caring about what is on their wrist. The larger screen makes texting and navigating menus easier, and the improved speaker means calls sound clearer.
Xplora also includes a step counter and a rewards system called Xplora Goplay that encourages physical activity by converting steps into in-app coins. It is a clever motivation system that keeps kids moving without requiring internet access.
Parental Controls
The Xplora Parental App is comprehensive. Parents manage contacts, GPS tracking, safe zones, alarms, and School Mode. You can also view your child's location history, which is useful for establishing patterns and making sure routines are consistent.
Pros
- 5MP camera with 8GB storage (10,000 photos)
- No internet, no browser, no social media
- Up to 72-hour battery life
- Large, clear 1.52-inch screen
- Lowest monthly plan on this list ($9.99/mo)
- Water resistant (IP68)
- Step counter with rewards system
Cons
- Camera may concern some parents (even without internet sharing)
- Requires a 12-month minimum subscription commitment
- Slightly bulky for very small wrists (ages 4-5)
- SIM card setup can be confusing for less tech-savvy parents
The Verdict
If your child really wants a camera — and let us be honest, many of them do — the Xplora X6Play is the safest way to give them one. No internet, no social media, no strangers. Just a kid taking pictures of their dog and sending them to grandma. For a full breakdown, read our Xplora X6Play review.
5. Jiobit Smart Tag — Best No-Screen GPS Tracker
Price: ~$130-$150 | Monthly: $8.33-$16.99/mo | Ages: Toddler-8
The Jiobit is fundamentally different from everything else on this list — and that is exactly why it belongs here. It is not a smartwatch. It is a tiny GPS tracker that clips to your child's clothing, backpack, or belt loop. No screen. No calls. No texts. No internet. No anything except location tracking.
For some families, this is exactly right.
What Makes It Stand Out
The Jiobit Gen 3 is remarkably small — about 2 inches by 1.5 inches and weighing just 0.6 ounces. Your child might forget it is even there, which is actually ideal. It uses a combination of GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular to triangulate your child's location with impressive accuracy.
The standout feature is Live View mode, which streams location updates every 8-10 seconds. That is some of the most responsive real-time tracking available in any consumer GPS device. Battery life is exceptional — up to 30 days on a single charge, which demolishes every smartwatch on this list.
An interesting feature: if your child has multiple caregivers who use the Jiobit app, the tracker uses Bluetooth to identify which caregiver is physically near your child. So you do not just see where your kid is — you can see who they are with.
Who This Is Best For
The Jiobit is ideal for younger children (toddlers through about age 6-7) who are too young for a smartwatch but whose parents want location tracking. It is also great for kids with special needs, children in shared custody situations, or any family where the priority is pure location awareness without any device interaction from the child.
It is also the best option for parents who want absolutely zero screen time added to their child's day. The Jiobit has no screen, no speaker, no microphone, and no way for a child to interact with it. It just quietly tracks.
Pros
- Zero screen time — no screen at all
- Incredibly small and lightweight (0.6 oz)
- Up to 30-day battery life
- Live View with 8-10 second updates
- Caregiver identification via Bluetooth
- IPX8 waterproof
- No internet, no calling, no distractions
Cons
- No calling or texting capability
- No SOS button
- Child cannot communicate through the device
- Monthly subscription required
- Not a "watch" — clips to clothing or bags
- Less useful for older kids who need two-way communication
The Verdict
The Jiobit is not for everyone, but for the specific use case of "I need to know where my young child is, and I want zero technology in their hands," it is unmatched. As your child grows older and needs two-way communication, you can graduate to one of the smartwatches above.
What About the Apple Watch?
I get this question constantly, so let me be straightforward: the Apple Watch is not a true no-internet watch, even with parental controls.
Yes, Apple has made impressive strides with Family Setup, Schooltime mode, Screen Time controls, and Communication Limits. You can restrict apps, set downtime schedules, limit who your child can contact, and control content. Schooltime mode locks the watch down during school hours, showing only the time and a yellow indicator.
But here is the reality: the Apple Watch runs watchOS, a full operating system with a web browser (Safari), an App Store, and the ability to access internet content. Parental controls are restriction layers placed on top of a fully capable internet device. They are good. They are not bulletproof.
Kids figure things out. Settings can be changed. Workarounds get shared on the playground. And when a parental control fails on an Apple Watch, your child suddenly has full internet access on their wrist.
Compare that to the Gabb Watch 3 or Garmin Bounce, where the internet simply does not exist on the device. There is nothing to bypass because there is nothing there. You cannot hack a feature that was never built.
If you are already in the Apple ecosystem and your child is 12+, the Apple Watch with strict parental controls can work — but it requires ongoing vigilance. For kids under 12, or for parents who want true peace of mind, a purpose-built no-internet watch is the safer choice. For a deeper comparison, see our piece on smartwatch vs. phone for kids.
No-Internet Watch vs. Phone with Parental Controls
Some parents consider giving their child a phone with heavy parental controls instead of a watch. Here is why I think a no-internet watch is the better first step for most families:
Simplicity wins. A watch does three things: calls, texts, and tracks location. A phone does three thousand things, and you are relying on parental control software to block 2,997 of them. The attack surface is fundamentally different.
Fewer social dynamics. When kids have phones, there is pressure to join group chats, social media platforms, and messaging apps. A watch eliminates that pressure entirely. Your kid can honestly tell their friends, "I do not have that — I have a watch."
Less loss/theft risk. Watches stay on the wrist. Phones get left on buses, dropped in toilets, and stolen from backpacks. A $150 watch is a lot easier to stomach than a $400+ phone.
Better for school. Most schools that ban phones are fine with basic kids' smartwatches, especially those with a School Mode feature. Your kid stays reachable without the classroom disruption of a phone.
Gradual technology introduction. A no-internet watch is a natural first step in your child's tech journey. They learn responsibility — charging it, keeping track of it, using it to check in — without the risks of full internet access. When they are ready (and you will know when), you can graduate them to a phone.
Our kids' smartwatch buying guide has more on making this decision for your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my child access the internet on any of these watches?
No. The Gabb Watch 3, Garmin Bounce, Cosmo JrTrack 2, and Xplora X6Play all block internet access at the system level. There is no browser, no app store, and no way to download apps. The Jiobit does not even have a screen. These are not phones with restrictions — they are fundamentally different devices that were never designed to access the internet.
Do these watches still need a data plan if there is no internet?
Yes. The watches use cellular data for GPS tracking, calling, and texting. Think of it as a dedicated, locked-down data connection. The data goes exclusively to location services and communication — not to web browsing. Monthly plans typically range from $8-$18 depending on the watch and plan term.
Can my kid text strangers or receive messages from unknown numbers?
No. Every watch on this list restricts communication to parent-approved contacts only. You set up the contact list through the parent app, and only those numbers can call or text the watch. Random numbers cannot reach your child.
What happens if my child tries to access a website or download an app?
They cannot. There is no browser icon to tap, no address bar to type into, and no app store to browse. It is not that these features are hidden or locked — they genuinely do not exist on the device. This is different from parental controls that block access to existing features.
Are these watches safe from hackers?
No connected device is 100% immune to security threats, but purpose-built kids' watches have a much smaller attack surface than smartphones or full-featured smartwatches. They run proprietary operating systems with limited functionality, which means fewer entry points for bad actors. The Gabb Watch, for example, runs its own secure OS, and the Jiobit uses end-to-end encryption for location data. For a deeper look, read our guide on kids' smartwatch safety features explained.
Can my child still play games on these watches?
Most include very limited, pre-installed games (like the memory game on the Gabb Watch 3) or activity-based features (like the virtual pet systems). These are simple, offline diversions — not internet-connected gaming. They cannot download new games or access online gaming platforms.
Will a no-internet watch work at school?
Yes, and this is actually one of their biggest advantages. Most include a School Mode or Focus Mode that silences the watch and locks features during school hours. Teachers generally have no issue with basic smartwatches that are clearly not phones. The SOS button typically still works during School Mode, which gives both parents and schools peace of mind.
What age is best for a no-internet kids' smartwatch?
It depends on the device. The Jiobit works for toddlers and up since it is a passive tracker. The Cosmo JrTrack 2 and Xplora X6Play work well starting at age 5. The Gabb Watch 3 and Garmin Bounce are best for ages 6-12. In general, if your child is old enough to walk to a friend's house, ride a bike around the neighborhood, or stay after school for activities, they are old enough for a no-internet smartwatch. Check out our recommendations for the best smartwatches for 5-year-olds and the best smartwatches for 8-year-olds for age-specific guidance.
The Bottom Line
You are not being overprotective. You are being smart. Wanting GPS tracking and calling without handing your child the internet is one of the most reasonable, well-informed decisions you can make as a parent in 2026.
The technology exists to give your kid exactly what they need — a way to reach you, a way for you to find them, and an SOS button for emergencies — without the baggage of web browsers, social media, and app stores.
Here is my quick-pick summary:
- Best overall no-internet watch: Gabb Watch 3 — the most locked-down, well-rounded option
- Best for active/sporty kids: Garmin Bounce — unbeatable fitness tracking with no internet
- Best budget option: Cosmo JrTrack 2 — core features at a lower device price
- Best with a camera: Xplora X6Play — gives kids a camera without giving them the internet
- Best for young kids/no screen: Jiobit Smart Tag — pure GPS tracking, zero screen time
Whatever you choose, you are giving your child connectivity and safety without compromise. And that is a win for everyone.
For more help navigating monthly costs, check out our kids' smartwatch monthly plans compared breakdown. And if setup feels intimidating, our step-by-step setup guide walks you through the entire process.
Last updated: February 28, 2026