Key Takeaways
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Family1st Teen GPS Tracker is the best overall option, delivering precise real-time tracking, instant geofence alerts, and a discreet design ideal for everyday use.
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GPSTracker247 offers reliable signal strength and extended battery life, ensuring consistent location accuracy for active teens.
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Jiobit Gen 3 and Tracki combine lightweight portability with fast setup and dependable geofence alerts for younger children.
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AngelSense and Invoxia provide advanced safety tracking, with AngelSense tailored for special needs monitoring and Invoxia designed for teen driver tracking.
Our Top Picks For Kids GPS Trackers
Family1st |
GPSTracker247 |
Jiobit Gen 3 |
Tracki |
Geozilla |
AngelSense |
Invoxia |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ratings | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Best For | Best Overall | Portable Tracker | Wearable Device | Small Tracker | Real-Time Tracking | Special Needs Children | Teen Drivers |
| Cost | $29.95 | $29.95 | $129.95 | $17.00 | $20 | $59.00 | $99 |
| Subscription | $21.95/mo or $15.95 (annual) | $21.95/month | $16.99/mo or $8.33/mo billed yearly | $9.95–$19.95/month | $9.99–$14.99 retail / $3.99 premium | $49.99/mo (1-year contract) | No Subscription |
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How We Tested GPS Trackers For Kids?
Each tracker was used during real-world routines such as school drop-offs, evening walks, and weekend outings with family.
The goal was not just to check technical specs but to observe how each device functioned in everyday situations. We paid attention to how easily parents could interact with the app and whether the tracking remained accurate while the child was in motion.
To keep the process consistent, we used the same smartphone model, tested during similar time frames, and repeated key locations. This allowed us to clearly identify which trackers delivered dependable performance and which ones fell short under real use.
What Are The Best GPS Trackers For Your Child In 2025?
Family1st Teen GPS Tracker - Best Overall
4/5
Family1st’s Teen GPS Tracker is designed with everyday parenting in mind. It offers real-time location updates that load fast, which is helpful when your child is on the move between school, sports, or friends' houses.
The geofencing feature adds an extra layer of control without needing to constantly check the app. Once a zone is set, alerts come through immediately if the child leaves that area, making it useful for after-school routines or late returns.
Its small shape fits easily into a side pocket or backpack sleeve, and most teens will not even notice it's there. For parents who want quiet visibility without being intrusive, this tracker hits the balance just right.
Pros And Cons
Pros
- Affordable device and subscription
- No contract required
- Real-time tracking with 4G connectivity
Cons
- Lacks built-in mounting magnet
Tech Specification:
| Size | 3.60 ounces |
|---|---|
| Battery Life | Upto 14+ days, 2400 mAh Li-Polymer, internal and rechargeable |
| Attachments | Includes a separate magnetic case for attaching to metal surfaces |
| Connectivity | 4G connectivity, indoor Wi-Fi support, Alexa integration |
| Price | $29.95 |
Teen GPS Tracker from GPSTracker247 - Best Portable Tracker For Kids
We tested the GPSTracker247 Teen GPS Tracker across daily routines like school pickups, after-school hangouts, and weekend drives. The real-time tracking stayed accurate in both urban and suburban areas without signal drops or app lag.
The compact build made it easy to carry in a backpack or glove compartment, and the 20-day battery lasted through two weeks of regular use without charging. We especially liked the geofencing feature, which sent instant alerts when the teen entered or left key locations.
One downside we noticed was that the device took a bit longer to sync location updates when used indoors or around large buildings. While it did not affect overall performance, the lag may be noticeable in crowded malls or parking structures.
Pros And Cons
Pros
- Geo-fencing with instant alerts
- Extended battery life—up to 2 weeks
- Free shipping within the US
Cons
- No emergency SOS button
Tech Specification:
| Size | 3.60 ounces |
|---|---|
| Battery Life | 14+ days, 2400 mAh Li-Polymer, internal and rechargeable |
| Attachments | Includes a separate magnetic case for attaching to metal surfaces |
| Connectivity | 4G connectivity, indoor Wi-Fi support, Alexa integration |
| Price | $29.95 for the device |
| Subscription | $21.95/month, no long-term contract required |
Jiobit Gen 3 - Best Wearable GPS Tracking Device For Kids
4/5
Jiobit Next is a small, lightweight GPS tracker for kids, perfect for keeping track of your child's location. Thanks to its built-in loop, it easily attaches to a backpack, belt, keychain, or necklace.
The device is durable and works well even in areas with poor cell signal due to its improved antenna. Jiobit Next can remember your child's usual routes and will alert you if something changes.
Additionally, if your child is with different caregivers, you can see who they are with and where they are through the Jiobit app.
Pros And Cons
Pros
- Extremely lightweight and compact
- Real-time location tracking
- SOS Alert feature for emergencies
- Geofencing and smart tracking
- Ability to create care teams
Cons
- Higher upfront cost
- No call/text support
- Limited to AT&T and T-Mobile networks
- Subscription required
Tech Specification:
| Size | 0.63 oz, smaller than a cookie |
|---|---|
| Battery Life | Up to 7 days, depending on usage |
| Attachments | Strap clip, integrated loop, secure loop, hemlock |
| Connectivity | Compatible with AT&T and T-Mobile, enhanced antenna |
| Price | $129.99 for the device |
| Subscription | $8.99/month (2-year contract), $12.99/month (6-month contract), $14.99/month (no contract) |
Tracki - Best Small GPS Tracker For Your Child
4.2/5
Tracki Mini is impressively small and easy to carry, which makes it ideal for younger children who might resist wearing anything bulky. It can be clipped to a belt, dropped in a backpack, or even placed discreetly in a jacket pocket without any complaints.
Real-time tracking worked smoothly during day-to-day use, and the geofence alerts came through within seconds of a zone being crossed. The companion app is simple enough for busy parents to manage without a learning curve, even on the go.
That said, the battery tends to drain faster if the tracker is left in high-frequency mode, often lasting just a couple of days before needing a charge. For parents tracking kids actively throughout the day, this could mean charging more often than expected.
Pros And Cons
Pros
- Compact and lightweight design
- Real-time location tracking
- Global coverage in 190 countries
- SOS button for emergencies
- Affordable device cost
Cons
- No two-way calling or texting features
- Short battery life (2-3 days) without an add-on
- Requires a monthly subscription
- Additional fee for lifetime warranty
- Limited to 3G LTE connectivity
Tech Specification:
| Device Cost | $18.88 |
|---|---|
| Monthly Subscription | $19.95 per month, or $9.95/month with an annual plan |
| Weight | 1.26 ounces |
| Battery Life | 2-3 days (extendable with add-on battery) |
| Connectivity | 3G LTE and Wi-Fi for indoor tracking |
| Warranty | Lifetime warranty available for an extra fee |
Geozilla - Best Real-Time Location Tracker For Teens
3.1/5
Geozilla’s tracker is small enough to clip on a backpack or slide into a pocket, which makes it a practical option for teens who are always on the move. The setup process is simple, and the app pairs quickly to begin showing real-time location with minimal delay.
Geofencing worked well once zones were defined, and we liked being able to receive custom alerts tied to school arrivals or late-night departures. It also includes an SOS button that can notify parents immediately, although its usefulness depends on how teens choose to use it.
The battery lasted around three to four days in regular use, which may be limiting for families looking for a more hands-off solution. It's a helpful tracker for short daily routines, but less ideal if you want to set it and forget it for longer stretches.
Pros And Cons
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Affordable pricing
- Global coverage with GPS and GSM networks
- SOS button for emergencies
- User-friendly app with geo-zone alerts
Cons
- No call/text support
- Limited battery life (2-3 days with updates)
- No built-in screen for real-time updates
- Subscription required
Tech Specification:
| Device Cost | $59.99 |
|---|---|
| Monthly Subscription | $19.99 |
| Battery Life | 2-3 days with active updates, up to 6 days in sleep mode |
| Weight | 1.05 oz |
| Call/Text Support | No |
| App Support | iOS and Android |
| Warranty | 30-day money-back guarantee |
AngelSense Kids GPS Tracker - Best For Special Needs Childrens
4/5
AngelSense was clearly designed with special needs families in mind. It combines accurate, real-time tracking with features like auto-answer calling and intelligent alerts that go beyond basic geofencing.
We found the Safe Ride Monitoring especially helpful, giving live updates on location, speed, and route changes during school commutes. The app’s ability to learn daily routines and flag anything unusual adds real value for parents who need to stay ahead of potential safety issues.
The device is lightweight and comes with a non-removable sleeve, which is ideal for kids who are sensitive to wearable tech or prone to removing it. While the monthly subscription is higher than most, the added assistive tools and responsive support system make it feel like a true safety service rather than just a tracker.
Pros And Cons
Pros
- Free device with subscription
- Sensory-friendly design
- Two-way voice with auto-answer speakerphone
- Live location sharing and proactive alerts
- Nationwide 4G LTE coverage
- Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- High monthly subscription cost
- Limited battery life (24 hours)
- Device weight might be slightly heavier
Tech Specification:
| Device Cost | $58.41 |
|---|---|
| Monthly Subscription | $49.99 |
| Battery Life | 24 hours of active use |
| Weight | 1.4 oz |
| Call/Text Support | Yes |
| App Support | iOS and Android |
| Connectivity | Nationwide 4G LTE coverage |
| Warranty | 30-day money-back guarantee |
Invoxia GPS Tracker Pro - Best For Teen Drivers
3.9/5
Pros And Cons
Pros
- Free one-year subscription
- Real-time alerts and location updates
- Compact and lightweight
- Multiple geofences and anti-theft alerts
- Extensive global coverage
- Customizable alerts for emergencies
Cons
- Relatively high initial cost ($129.00)
- Monthly subscription required after the first year
- Limited call/text support
Tech Specification:
| Device Cost | $99 |
|---|---|
| Monthly Subscription | $7.99 |
| Battery Life | 2-3 days of active use with frequent updates; up to 5 months in sleep mode |
| Weight | 1.26 oz |
| Call/Text Support | No |
| App Support | iOS/Android |
| Connectivity | GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 4G LTE-M |
| Warranty | 2-year warranty |
Things to Consider Before Choosing the Best GPS Tracker for Your Child
When selecting a GPS tracker for your child, there are several factors you must consider. Searching for 'Child GPS Tracker' will present you with countless options, but not all may meet your specific needs. Here’s what you should focus on when choosing a GPS tracker for your child:
Comfort
With kids, comfort and fun are key. Look for a small GPS tracking device that can fit into a child’s pocket or backpack. Trackers with loops for belts or necklaces are also a good option. Smartwatches in vibrant colors are another popular choice among kids.
Durability
Kids can be rough with their belongings, so choose a sturdy GPS tracker that can withstand some wear and tear. This will ensure the device remains functional even if it’s treated like a toy.
Battery Life
The battery life of a tracker depends on the frequency of location updates. If you only need one location update per day, the battery will last longer. For more frequent updates, like every 5 minutes, the battery may last 2-3 days. It’s best to choose a device that offers frequent updates but only needs to be charged once a week.
Two-Way Communication
Two-way communication, via call or text, is an essential feature for a child’s GPS tracker. This allows you to contact your child directly when you receive an alert. Additionally, your child can use this feature to reach other trusted contacts in the device's contact list.
Pricing
Child GPS trackers are designed to be compact and small, which can make them more expensive. Most GPS tracking solutions require a monthly or annual subscription. Some vendors offer pay-as-you-go options without service contracts, while others may require a 24-month subscription. You can find affordable devices and services that meet your tracking needs and preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a child GPS tracker?
A child GPS tracker is a device that uses global positioning technology to track the location of a child in real-time. These devices can be attached to a child's clothing, backpack, or worn as a watch.
Why do parents need child GPS trackers?
Child GPS trackers can give parents peace of mind by allowing them to monitor their child's location and ensure their safety. They are especially useful for children who are too young to have a cellphone or who have special needs.
What features should I look for in a child GPS tracker?
Look for a GPS tracker with accurate location tracking, long battery life, geofencing capabilities, and real-time alerts. Some trackers may also have additional features such as voice calling, SOS buttons, and step tracking.
Are child GPS trackers easy to use?
Yes, most child GPS trackers are designed to be user-friendly and easy to set up. They typically come with a companion app that can be downloaded to a smartphone, allowing parents to track their child's location and set up geofencing alerts.
Can child GPS trackers be used internationally?
It depends on the device and the cellular carrier. Some GPS trackers are designed to work only in certain countries, while others may have international coverage. Check with the manufacturer to see if the device will work in the country you plan to travel to.
Final Verdict
Choosing a GPS tracker comes down to what kind of peace of mind you’re looking for. Some parents need constant location updates with zero complications, while others want more detailed insights like travel history or driving behavior.
For kids who tend to wander, or for teens with new independence, having something lightweight and accurate can make a huge difference in your daily routine. Devices that work quietly in the background without disrupting the child’s day tend to be the most effective.
Every product in this list solves a different kind of problem, whether it’s safety during a school commute or staying connected during a long weekend trip. What matters is finding a device that fits your child’s lifestyle and gives you confidence without overcomplicating things.