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Kids Smartwatch Monthly Plans Compared (2026): Hidden Costs Every Parent Should Know

Here's a scenario I see play out constantly. A parent finds a great-looking kids smartwatch on Amazon for $99. Solid reviews, decent features, GPS tracking, calling -- everything they need. They hit buy. The watch arrives, the kid is thrilled, and then reality sets in: the watch doesn't actually do anything until you sign up for a monthly plan. That's another $10 to $15 per month. Every month. For as long as the watch is in use.

That $99 watch? Over two years, it actually costs $339 to $459.

And the $180 watch with a premium plan? You're looking at $540 or more over two years.

I'm not saying monthly plans are a scam. They're not. Cellular connectivity is what makes GPS tracking and calling work, and that requires real infrastructure that costs real money. But I am saying that too many parents make their purchase decision based on the sticker price of the device alone, and that's a mistake.

I've been testing kids smartwatches for over three years, and I've paid for every single one of these plans out of my own pocket. This guide is the honest cost breakdown I wish I'd had before I started. We're going to cover every major watch on the market, what their plans actually cost, what's included, and -- most importantly -- the true total cost of ownership over one and two years.

If you're still early in your research, our kids smartwatch buying guide covers features, GPS accuracy, and durability. This article is specifically about the money side of the equation.

Let's do the math.

How Kids Smartwatch Plans Work

Before we dive into the numbers, a quick explainer for parents who are new to this space.

Most kids smartwatches that offer GPS tracking and calling are cellular devices. They have a SIM card inside them, just like a smartphone. That SIM card connects to a cellular network (4G LTE in most cases), which is what allows the watch to:

• Report your child's GPS location to the parent app
• Make and receive phone calls
• Send and receive text messages
• Trigger SOS alerts that reach your phone

Without an active cellular plan, these watches are essentially expensive digital clocks. They'll tell time. Maybe run a game or two. But the core features parents buy them for -- location tracking and communication -- simply won't work.

There are two models for how plans work:

1. Proprietary plans: The watch manufacturer runs their own cellular service. You pay them directly. Examples: Xplora, Cosmo, Gabb, Jiobit. The advantage is simplicity -- one company handles everything. The disadvantage is you're locked in with no carrier choice.

2. Bring-your-own-carrier (BYOC): The watch takes a standard SIM card and you choose your carrier. Examples: TickTalk 4, Garmin Bounce. The advantage is flexibility and potentially cheaper pricing if you add a line to an existing family plan. The disadvantage is more setup friction.

Some watches, like the SyncUP Kids Watch, are tied to a specific carrier (T-Mobile in that case) but aren't technically a proprietary plan -- you're just adding a wearable line to your T-Mobile account.

One more important note: activation fees. Several of these watches charge a one-time activation fee on top of the monthly plan. I'll flag every one of them below.

The Big Comparison: Every Major Kids Smartwatch Plan

This is the table you came here for. I've organized every major kids smartwatch with cellular connectivity, broken down by device cost, monthly plan pricing, plan provider, what's included in the plan, and total cost projections.

All device prices reflect typical retail pricing as of February 2026. Monthly plan costs are based on standard published rates -- promotional pricing may be available but isn't guaranteed.

*SyncUP Kids Watch pricing varies; sometimes offered free or discounted with new T-Mobile line activation.

A Closer Look at Each Plan

Xplora X6Play ($9.99/mo through Xplora Mobile)

Xplora runs their own MVNO (mobile virtual network operator) on T-Mobile's network. The signup process is straightforward -- you order the plan through Xplora's website, they ship you a pre-activated SIM, and you pop it in. No carrier store visits. The plan is month-to-month with no contract, which I appreciate. If your kid loses interest or the watch breaks, you can cancel immediately. Coverage is solid in urban and suburban areas since it rides on T-Mobile's infrastructure. I've covered the X6Play extensively in our Garmin Bounce vs. Xplora X6Play comparison.

Garmin Bounce ($10.00/mo through your carrier)

The Bounce is a bring-your-own-carrier watch that works on T-Mobile and AT&T. If you're already on one of those carriers, you can add the Bounce as a wearable line to your existing plan, which is often the cheapest route. T-Mobile's wearable add-on is typically $10/month. AT&T's is similar. The catch: Verizon is not supported. If you're a Verizon family, the Bounce is off the table. Activation fees vary by carrier but expect $0-$35.

TickTalk 4 ($9.95-$14.95/mo through your carrier)

Similar to the Bounce, the TickTalk 4 takes a nano-SIM and works on T-Mobile and AT&T. TickTalk also officially supports Red Pocket Mobile, a budget MVNO, where plans start around $10/month. The range in monthly cost depends on which carrier and plan tier you choose. For a deeper look at whether the TickTalk 4 is worth the premium device price, read our full TickTalk 4 review.

Cosmo JrTrack 2 ($9.99/mo through Cosmo Mobile)

Cosmo operates their own plan similar to Xplora. The SIM comes with the watch, and you activate it through the Cosmo app. Simple and low-friction. The plan runs on T-Mobile's network. Month-to-month, no contract. At $99.99 for the device, the JrTrack 2 is one of the more affordable total-cost options if you're price-sensitive on the hardware side.

Gabb Watch 3 ($9.99/mo through Gabb Wireless)

Gabb has built their entire brand around providing safe, limited-functionality devices for kids. Their watch plan is proprietary and runs on Verizon's network -- making the Gabb Watch 3 one of the few options for Verizon families. No activation fee. The plan is simple: GPS, calls, texts, and an SOS button. No internet browsing, no social media, no app downloads. That's the whole point.

Apple Watch SE ($10.00/mo carrier add-on)

This is the premium option and it plays by different rules. The Apple Watch SE with cellular requires an iPhone for initial setup (Family Setup mode lets a kid use it without their own iPhone, but a parent's iPhone is required). The monthly cost is a carrier add-on -- typically $10/month on AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon. But the device itself starts at $249, making it the most expensive hardware on this list by a significant margin. It's genuinely the best-built device here, but the total cost reflects that. See our smartwatch vs. phone comparison for when the Apple Watch makes sense versus just giving your kid a phone.

Jiobit ($8.99-$14.99/mo through Jiobit/Life360)

The Jiobit is a GPS tracker, not a smartwatch. I'm including it because many parents cross-shop it with smartwatches. It clips to a belt loop, backpack, or shoe and provides location tracking only -- no calls, no texts, no screen. Jiobit (now owned by Life360) offers two plan tiers: a basic plan around $8.99/month and a premium plan at $14.99/month with more frequent location updates and additional tracking features. There's no activation fee, but the subscription is non-negotiable -- the device is a paperweight without it.

SyncUP Kids Watch ($10.00/mo through T-Mobile)

T-Mobile's own kids watch offering. The hardware is basic but functional, and the real appeal is the low device cost -- it's frequently discounted to $0-$50 with a new line activation. The monthly plan is $10 through T-Mobile. The obvious limitation: you must be a T-Mobile customer. No other carrier option exists.

The True Cost Calculator: 1-Year and 2-Year Totals

This is where the sticker price stops mattering and real costs take over. I've sorted this table from cheapest to most expensive based on the two-year total, using the lowest available monthly plan cost for each device.

A few things jump out from this table:

The SyncUP Kids Watch is the cheapest total-cost option -- if you're already on T-Mobile and can get the device at its retail price (or lower with a promo). Over two years, it's roughly $180 less than the Apple Watch SE.

The Cosmo JrTrack 2 and Gabb Watch 3 are neck-and-neck at under $340 over two years. Both are excellent budget options. For more affordable picks, see our best budget smartwatches under $100 roundup.

The Jiobit on the premium plan costs nearly as much as an Apple Watch SE over two years -- and it doesn't even make calls. The basic plan is more reasonable, but you're still paying $346 over two years for a tracker with no screen and no communication features.

The Apple Watch SE has the highest two-year total, but it's also by far the most capable device. If your kid is 10 or older and you're deep in the Apple ecosystem, the per-dollar value is arguably better than it looks.

Watches That DON'T Need Monthly Plans

Not every kids watch requires a cellular plan. If you don't need real-time GPS tracking or calling -- or if your kid is younger and you're mostly looking for activity tracking and fun features -- these watches work straight out of the box with zero ongoing costs.

Garmin Vivofit Jr. 3

Price: $79.99 Monthly cost: $0

The Vivofit Jr. 3 is a fitness tracker built for kids ages 4-10. It tracks steps, active minutes, and sleep. It syncs with a parent app via Bluetooth (not cellular), where you can set chore reminders, assign tasks, and reward kids for hitting activity goals. The battery lasts up to a year -- not a typo, an actual year -- because it uses a replaceable coin cell battery instead of a rechargeable lithium-ion.

What you give up: No GPS tracking. No calling. No texting. No SOS button. The location features simply don't exist because there's no cellular radio. If you're interested in fitness-focused devices, we have a full guide to the best fitness trackers for tweens.

iTouch PlayZoom

Price: $39.99-$49.99 Monthly cost: $0

The PlayZoom is essentially a toy watch with a camera and games. It tells time, takes low-resolution photos, and has a few built-in games. There's no connectivity of any kind -- no Bluetooth, no WiFi, no cellular. It's completely self-contained.

What you give up: Everything that makes a smartwatch "smart." No tracking, no communication, no parent app. But for a 4 or 5-year-old who just wants to feel like they have a cool watch like the big kids, it does the job at a price that won't sting when it inevitably gets dunked in the bathtub. Check out our list of the best smartwatches for 5-year-olds for more options in this category.

The Bottom Line on No-Plan Watches

The trade-off is simple and absolute: no monthly plan means no GPS tracking and no calling. These features require a cellular connection, and a cellular connection requires a plan. There is no workaround, no one-time fee option, no WiFi-only GPS tracking that works reliably in real-world conditions.

If your primary reason for buying a kids watch is knowing where your child is and being able to reach them, you need a cellular watch with a monthly plan. If you're buying it for fitness motivation, time-telling, or as a first wearable before upgrading later, a plan-free watch saves you a significant amount of money.

Carrier Compatibility Guide

One of the most frustrating parts of shopping for a kids smartwatch is figuring out whether it will actually work with your carrier. Not all watches work on all networks, and the wrong choice means a dead watch or a forced carrier switch.

Key Takeaways

If you're on T-Mobile: You have the most options. Nearly every watch on this list works on T-Mobile's network either directly or through an MVNO.

If you're on AT&T: Your options narrow to the Garmin Bounce, TickTalk 4, Apple Watch SE, and Jiobit. Still solid choices, but you lose access to some of the budget-friendly proprietary-plan watches.

If you're on Verizon: This is where it gets thin. The Gabb Watch 3 is your dedicated option (it runs on Verizon's network through Gabb Wireless). The Apple Watch SE and Jiobit also support Verizon. Everything else is off-limits.

Important note: Even if a watch technically works on a carrier's network, not all carriers offer identical plan structures for wearables. Always check your specific carrier's wearable plan pricing and terms before purchasing.

6 Ways to Save Money on Kids Smartwatch Plans

The monthly cost is mostly fixed, but there are legitimate strategies to reduce your total spend.

1. Add a Wearable Line to Your Existing Family Plan

If you're using a BYOC watch (Garmin Bounce, TickTalk 4, or Apple Watch SE), adding a wearable line to your existing family plan is almost always cheaper than getting a standalone plan. Most carriers charge $5-$10/month for a wearable add-on line, and there's no separate bill to manage.

2. Look for Annual Billing Discounts

Some proprietary plan providers offer a discount for paying annually instead of monthly. Gabb, for example, has occasionally offered a reduced rate when you prepay for 12 months. The savings are typically 10-15%, which translates to roughly one free month per year. Always check the plan provider's website for current annual pricing before committing to monthly.

3. Watch for Bundle and Promotional Pricing

Manufacturers frequently run promotions, especially around back-to-school season (July-August) and the holidays (November-December). These can include:

• Discounted or free devices with plan activation
• First month free on a new plan
• Reduced monthly rates for the first 6 or 12 months

T-Mobile's SyncUP Kids Watch is particularly aggressive with promotions -- I've seen the device offered for free with a new wearable line activation.

4. Consider the Total Cost, Not Just the Device Price

This is more of a mindset shift than a hack, but it matters. A $100 watch with a $15/month plan costs more over two years ($460) than a $180 watch with a $10/month plan ($420). Always run the two-year math before you buy.

5. Buy the Device During Sales, Activate Later

The device purchase and the plan activation are usually separate transactions. There's nothing stopping you from buying the watch on Prime Day or Black Friday at a deep discount and activating the plan weeks or months later when you're ready. The watch won't work without a plan, but the hardware deal doesn't expire.

6. Cancel the Plan When the Watch Isn't in Use

If your kid only wears the watch during the school year, most month-to-month plans can be canceled in the summer and reactivated in the fall. That's three months of savings per year. Just confirm with your provider that there's no reactivation fee -- most proprietary plans don't charge one, but carrier plans vary.

When the Monthly Cost Is Worth It (And When It's Not)

After three years of testing these devices and paying for the plans, I have a pretty clear sense of which situations justify the ongoing cost and which don't.

The Monthly Cost IS Worth It When:

• Your child walks or bikes to school. Real-time GPS tracking and the ability to call you are genuinely valuable safety features for kids traveling independently. This is the core use case that justifies every dollar.
• Your child is in activities without you present. Sports practices, playdates, after-school programs -- any situation where your kid is supervised by someone else and you want a direct line of communication.
• You're not ready to give your kid a phone. A cellular smartwatch is the middle ground between no communication device and a full smartphone. For the smartwatch vs. phone decision, the watch is almost always the better choice for kids under 10.
• You have genuine safety concerns. SOS buttons, geofence alerts, and location history provide real peace of mind for parents in situations where a child's safety is a priority.

The Monthly Cost Is NOT Worth It When:

• Your child is always with a supervised adult. If your kid goes from home to school (where they can't wear the watch) to your car to home, a cellular watch isn't adding much value. A no-plan fitness tracker or a basic digital watch is a better fit.
• Your child is under 5. Very young kids rarely benefit from calling features, and GPS tracking for children who are always within arm's reach of a caregiver is overkill. A GPS tracker like the Jiobit clipped to their backpack makes more sense than a full watch, and even that may be unnecessary.
• You're only buying it because your kid wants one. If the motivation is "cool factor" and not safety or communication, a no-plan watch will deliver 90% of the excitement at a fraction of the long-term cost.
• Budget is genuinely tight. I'm not going to pretend $120/year in plan costs is trivial. If that money is better spent elsewhere, a phone with WiFi calling at home is an alternative worth exploring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my existing phone plan's SIM card in a kids smartwatch?

Generally no. Most kids smartwatches require a nano-SIM with its own dedicated line. You can't pull the SIM from your phone and put it in the watch. However, for BYOC watches like the Garmin Bounce or TickTalk 4, you can add a new wearable line to your existing carrier account, which is simple to do through your carrier's website or store.

What happens if I don't activate a plan on a cellular kids smartwatch?

The watch will function as a basic digital watch -- it'll tell time and possibly run offline games or a step counter. But all GPS tracking, calling, texting, and SOS features will be completely nonfunctional. The parent companion app will either not pair at all or show limited/no data.

Can I switch carriers after I've bought a watch?

It depends on the watch. For BYOC watches (TickTalk 4, Garmin Bounce, Apple Watch SE), yes -- you can switch to any compatible carrier by swapping the SIM card. For proprietary-plan watches (Xplora, Cosmo, Gabb), no -- you're locked into that manufacturer's network. This is an important factor to consider before buying.

Are there any kids smartwatch plans with no contract?

Yes, most of them. Xplora, Cosmo, Gabb, and Jiobit all offer month-to-month plans with no long-term contract. You can cancel anytime. Carrier-based plans (for watches like the Garmin Bounce or TickTalk 4) may or may not have a contract depending on your carrier agreement, but wearable add-on lines typically don't require a separate commitment beyond your existing plan.

Is there a one-time plan option instead of monthly?

No. There is no major kids smartwatch manufacturer that offers a "buy once, connect forever" plan. Cellular connectivity has ongoing infrastructure costs, and those costs are passed on as monthly or annual subscriptions. The Jiobit used to offer a lifetime plan option but has since discontinued it in favor of monthly/annual subscriptions.

Do kids smartwatch plans include data, or just calls and texts?

Most kids smartwatch plans include a small amount of data, which is used for GPS location reporting, app syncing, and (in the case of watches like the TickTalk 4) video calling. The data allotment is typically much smaller than a phone plan -- often 500MB to 1GB per month -- but that's more than enough for a smartwatch. You don't need to worry about your kid streaming videos or burning through data on a dedicated kids watch.

Will a kids smartwatch plan affect my existing phone bill?

If you're adding a wearable line to your existing carrier account (for BYOC watches), yes -- you'll see the additional $10/month charge on your regular carrier bill. If you're using a proprietary plan (Xplora, Cosmo, Gabb), it's a completely separate bill from a separate company. There's no impact on your existing phone plan.

What's the cheapest way to get a kids smartwatch with GPS and calling?

Based on current pricing, the cheapest path is the T-Mobile SyncUP Kids Watch at $69.99 (often discounted) plus $10/month. Over two years, that's roughly $310. The next cheapest options are the Cosmo JrTrack 2 or Gabb Watch 3, both around $340 over two years. If you want the most features for the money, the Gabb Watch 3 on Verizon's network is hard to beat -- reliable coverage, a safe and kid-appropriate experience, and a total cost that stays under $350 over two years.

The Bottom Line

The watch is the tip of the iceberg. The real cost of a kids GPS smartwatch is the 12 to 24 months of cellular plan payments that come after the initial purchase. The difference between the cheapest and most expensive options on this list is roughly $180 over two years -- that's real money.

My advice: decide what features you actually need first, then run the two-year cost calculation for every watch that meets those requirements. The cheapest device isn't always the cheapest total cost, and the most expensive device isn't always the worst value.

For most families, a watch in the $100-$150 range with a $10/month plan hits the sweet spot -- reliable GPS, calling, and texting for around $340-$390 over two years. That's roughly $15-$16 per month when you amortize the hardware cost, which is less than most families spend on a single streaming subscription.

For the money, that kind of peace of mind is a pretty good deal.

If you want to see our top picks across every category, head over to our best GPS smartwatches for kids roundup, which is updated regularly with current pricing and plan information.