As a society, we have slowly come to understand that kids’ wellbeing and fitness is a prominent factor in their growth and success. If kids are unhappy and unfit, is it likely that they will go on to live a fruitful life? Improving fitness is a great way to safeguard their happiness and introduce routine and exercise early on.
Fitbit is one of the most, if not the most prominent purveyor of fitness wearables on the market right now. Their array of different smartwatches and bands provide users with fantastic fitness capabilities.
But what is the best Fitbit for kids? What version of their activity tracker best suits a kid’s needs and requirements? There are only 2 Fitbit explicitly designed for kids, but there are other Fitbits that can provide support and fitness capabilities.
6 Best Fitbit For Kids in 2019
The Rundown
Our top pick – Fitbit Ace 2, an updated and improved version of the original kids’ Fitbit, a great activity tracker for kids
Best for design – Fitbit Ace, Fitbit’s original, streamlined kids fitness tracker
Best for fitness tracking – Fitbit Inspire HR, a simplistic Fitbit with a robust heart rate monitor
Best non-smartwatch tracker – Fitbit Zip, a compact and easy design that can fit in a kids belt or pocket
Best all-round Fitbit – Fitbit Charge 3, an advanced Fitbit with lifestyle features for older kids
Best for size – Fitbit Flex 2: a slender, swim-proof band with tracking capabilities
How We Choose
When performing a review of what’s available for kids, we firstly extracted any competitor that was not made by Fitbit. So you will not find any Garmin kids watch in the countdown. Secondly, we made sure that a range of different choices was available, from simple to advanced.
We ensured that the watches chosen had an interface that was usable for people of a young age. We also thought to include ones that were under a certain threshold of price, as a combination of inexpensiveness and simplicity is perfect when looking for a kid’s fitness watch.
Note: the age range for all Fitbits accept the Ace and Ace 2 is 13+ simply because this is the recommended age to set up an independent Fitbit account. However, many parents flout this rule. We suggest that the exact age for your child to start using a Fitbit be reviewed on an individual basis.
Fitbit Ace 2
Compatibility: iOS and Android | Display: OLED Tap | Onboard storage: 7 days of activity data | Battery: up to 5 days | Charging method: Magnetic charging cable | IP rating: Water resistant to 50m | Connectivity: Bluetooth
From $69.95 on Amazon.com
Fitbit Ace 2 is the best Fitbit kids can get explicitly engineered for them. Therefore, it is safe to say it is one of the best kids fitness trackers available. Its bold silicone strap makes it easily wearable, and quite similar to the Garmin vivofit jr 2. The colors provided are imaginative and stylish, as well.
The Fitbit Ace 2 features an accurate step counter that tracks their activity all-day, providing an excellent overview of their movements. It also features fun on-screen celebrations and challenges, as well as a reminder to move around and stay active.
The gauges by which your kid’s exercising is analyzed are fun and straightforward, allowing you to share and review them with your child.
Why we love it: this Fitbit is an activity watch for kids, providing a fun and fruitful means of staying fit.
Recommended age: this Fitbit is aimed at 6+
PROS
- Includes a fun, kid-centric design
- Water-resistant up to 50m
- Set fitness goals for your child
- All-day tracking as well as sleep tracking
CONS
- Band snaps easily
- No neutral color choice available
- Does not include themed options (Star Wars, Frozen, etc.)
Fitbit Ace
Compatibility: Android/iOS | Display: Monochrome OLED touch | Band sizes: 116 – 168mm | Battery Life: 5 days | Charging method: Magnetic Cradle | IP rating: Splashproof | Connectivity: Bluetooth LE | Colors: Electric Blue, Power Purple
From $69.95 on Amazon.com
The main difference between the two Fitbit watches for kids is the screen size. The Ace has a small Monochrome OLED touchscreen. This restricts the amount that can be seen and also is less vibrant than its updated counterpart.
But we believe this design presents a more slender compact design. Kids can be very active, so the chunkier design of the second Ace could be prone to damage. The Ace is also designed for slightly older kids, providing a more mature interface with less focus on rewarding.
Apart from that, the Ace inhabits the same range of fitness aspects in a somewhat smaller package.
Why we love it: this Fitbit is a paired down adult fitness tracker with wearability for kids.
Recommended age: this Fitbit is aimed at 8+
PROS
- Slim design for maximized durability
- Water-resistant up to 50m
- Set fitness goals for your child
- The band is durable and doesn’t snap easily
CONS
- Only splashproof
- Not suitable for younger kids
- Less choice in colors
Fitbit Inspire HR
Compatibility: Android/iOS | Display: Monochrome OLED | Band sizes: 140 – 180mm | Battery Life: 5 days | Charging method: Magnetic Cradle | IP rating: Water-resistant to 50m | Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.0 | Colors: Black, Lilac, White
From $98.02 on Amazon.com
The Fitbit Inspire HR represents some of the Fitbit’s most advanced fitness capabilities. The fitness band automatically recognizes workouts such as swimming, biking, and running and will cater to its data collection to them.
The Inspire HR records resting and active heart rate 24/7. The consistent tracking and recording allow you to assess your cardio exercises accurately. It also gives you tips on how to improve your workout regime, and tracks sleep as well.
Why we love it: this Fitbit provides an adult audience with all the fitness tracking they’d need, but could easily be worn by kids.
Recommended age: this Fitbit is aimed at 13+
PROS
- Beautiful, smooth design
- Active and resting heart rate monitor
- Multiple sports modes
- Informative fitness tips
CONS
- The interface may prove difficult for children
- Band size doesn’t cater for smaller wrists
- Fitness aspects may prove to detailed for children
Fitbit Zip
Compatibility: Android/iOS | Display: Pixel LCD | Band sizes: N/A | Battery Life: 6 months | Charging method: Replaceable coin battery | IP rating: Splashproof | Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.0 | Colors: Lime, Blue, Charcoal
From $169.99 on Amazon.com
Fitbit Zip is the best fitness tracker that doesn’t come in a smartwatch format. It is a teardrop-shaped activity tracker that can be clasped to a belt or pocket. It records the essential analytics: steps taken, calories burned, and distance traveled. In this sense, it is a perfect pedometer, which is very kid-friendly.
The size of the Zip is small and manageable; you will probably forget you are even wearing it from time to time. The LCD is a touchscreen, and you navigate your way through the analysis collected by merely tapping the screen.
This device is excellent for those not sure about buying into the kid’s smartwatch market.
Why we love it: this pedometer is a simple and cost-effective way of introducing kids to fitness tracking.
Recommended age: this Fitbit is aimed at 8+
PROS
- Simplistic, pedometer style design
- Much more affordable than a smartwatch
- The interface is easy to use
- Introduces kids to fitness activity tracking easily
CONS
- Does not track sleep
- Single-use batteries only
- Not as advanced a device as a Fitbit watch or band
Fitbit Charge 3
Compatibility: Android/iOS | Display: Grayscale OLED touch | Band sizes: 140 – 220mm | Battery Life: 7 days | Charging method: Charging Cradle | IP rating: Water-resistant to 50m | Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.2 | Colors: Black, Berry, Grey, Lavender, Frost-White
From $149.95 on Amazon.com
Similarly to the Inspire HR, Fitbit Charge 3 is built to track a multitude of exercises. Its an update of the Fitbit Charge 2, and tracks steps, both resting and active heart rate, and provides you with tips on how to improve. It also tracks your sleep activity, allowing you to set reminders to better your sleeping routine.
The main difference between the two is that the Charge 3 has a slightly larger screen. Both have a Grayscale OLED touchscreen allowing you to use the interface directly.
Why we love it: one of Fitbit’s finest fitness bands with a great deal of tracking features that your child could benefit from.
Recommended age: this Fitbit is aimed at 13+
Read our full Fitbit Charge 3 review.
PROS
- More precise fitness tracking with altimeter and SpO2 sensor
- Stronger battery life
- Fitness tips and reminders built-in
- All-day tracking
CONS
- On the more expensive side
- Some tracking may be too advanced for kids
- Troubles with syncing sometimes occur
Fitbit Flex 2
Compatibility: Android/iOS | Display: LED lights | Band sizes: 139 – 200mm | Battery Life: 3 days | Charging method: Charging Cradle | IP rating: Water-resistant to 50m | Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.0 | Colors: Magenta, Navy, Lavender
From $143.99 on Amazon.com
Fitbit Flex 2 represents the most advanced fitness tracker without a screen. It consists of a thin band with LED lights. It comes in a wide range of colors and is hardly noticeable on the wrist. The tracker within it can be removed and placed into other Fitbit Flex accessories.
The device is swim-proof and also notifies the user of calls or texts via a gentle vibration. The Fitbit Flex 2 also tracks sleep, giving you a fantastic overview of your health and wellbeing.
Why we love it: a slim and simplified fitness tracker without the complexity of a usable touchscreen interface
Recommended age: this Fitbit is aimed at 13+
PROS
- Sleek and simple design
- The option of additional accessories
- Accurate readings on several fitness areas
- Waterproof
CONS
- Battery life isn’t the best
- Expensive for a band without a display
- Slow to recuperate charge
Kids Fitbit Buying Guide
What to look for in a fitness tracker for kids?
Design & Material
The design followed and material used is essential when choosing Fitbits for kids. Adventuring and fitness should be encouraged, so you want a watch that can stand just about anything. Fitbit’s fitness bands and kid’s watches are often made of flexible silicone to help withstand a range of different conditions and situations.
When thinking about design, something paired down and simplistic is best. Too many different controls can end up confusing a young child. A touchscreen interface is always fun, and a few buttons on the surface of the watch can often result in ease-of-use.
Comfort to Wear
The worst thing, especially for kids, is wearing trackers that are uncomfortable on the wrist. This can agitate the user. If a child is frustrated when taking steps to improve their health, their enthusiasm won’t last very long.
You want to make sure that you are not purchasing a watch with a leather or latex strap. Leather can cause problems when wet, and latex is a material prone to allergic reactions.
Fitbit’s trackers consist of soft silicone material, so all of the ones on this list can be trusted to be comfortable.
Ease of Use
A state-of-the-art adult smart wristband may sound like the best choice. However, when it comes to catering to younger minds, simplicity is the key. You will find that all of the watches in the above list have relatively easy interfaces. Fitbit does a great job of locking out any sophisticated options by using their parent’s view modes.
Ease of use also means that there shouldn’t be any rogue buttons that could cause trouble when using it in daily life. Strangely placed buttons or poor calibration may result in things being accidentally pressed.
Smartphone Connectivity
Smartphone connectivity comes in two forms. Firstly, the potential of parents connecting their phones to their kid’s watch. Parent/kid connectivity can allow for tracking of your kid’s location, and also to analyze and reward fitness results.
The other form is whether the smartwatch can connect to the child’s smartphone. Smartphone connectivity can enable them to view their own statistics and also receive notifications from their iPhone, Android, or Windows device.
If you are looking for a watch for a particularly young child, then tracking them may be an aspect you’d like to explore. If the watch is for your child to have 12 or above, connecting with their smartphone may be an advantage for them.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old should you be to use a Fitbit?
The Fitbit Ace 2 for children of 6 and over, yet the Ace is for children eight or above. This is because Fitbit added fun characters and rewards within the Ace 2 more suited for a younger audience. The Ace’s design is sleeker and designed for an older kid to enjoy.
Outside of these, when looking at devices like the Fitbit Alta, Fitbit Versa, or Fitbit Versa 2, the recommended minimum age is anywhere as low as 13 years old. This is due to that being the youngest age Fitbit suggested you set up an independent account for a child.
Can I use Fitbit to track my child?
The Fitbit Inspire HR and Fitbit Charge 3 both come with GPS tracking integrated into their design. So, in theory, this could be used to track your child. But past that, Fitbit’s focus pulls more to the tracking of fitness and activity. So they do not offer any aspects to their watches that act as a location tracker.
To track your child’s fitness, all you have to do is set up a family account and make yourself their entrusted guardian/parent. A family account will enable you to read and analyze their results carefully and reward or help them when required.
How do I set up a Fitbit account for my kids?
To set up your kid’s Fitbit account, you will need to set up a family account. First, install the Fitbit app on their device. Then sign in to your account and go to your profile. Add the name of your kid in the list of accounts listed in your family.
On this account information screen, there will be an option to switch to kid’s view, click that and then enter your password.
Alternatively, you can set up your kids account using their email provided they are over 13, or that you are happy with them having their own account.
The fact that Fitbit doesn’t let your child have their own account until they are 13 is problematic, and Fitbit seems to be looking at ways of loosening or reinventing their approach to this.
Final Thoughts
The fitness tracker company Fitbit has designed two devices that are engineered specifically for kids. These are the Ace and the Ace 2. After review, it can be concluded that both provide fantastic tracking capabilities as well as being kid-friendly. They have the general basis of a great fitness tracker, as well as having features along for parents input and improvisation.
Outside of these two, there is a selection of devices that can be used by children. Many of Fitbit’s watches have simple interfaces that can be navigated by younger people. The Fitbit Zip provides the option of fitness tracking without a smartwatch. The Fitbit Flex 2 provides activity tracking without a complex interface. The choices Fitbit provides are many, and each has its own specific advantage.
