Forbes News

Forbes Vetted, the independent product testing division of Forbes, evaluated a dozen kids' smartwatches over two years and named TickTalk 5 the Most Fun Kids Smartwatch of 2026. The designation recognizes TickTalk 5's combination of free music streaming, video calling, photo sharing, animated messaging, and a cheerful kid-friendly interface — a feature package Forbes found unmatched in its category.

Reviewer Rose Gordon Sala also identified TickTalk 5 as delivering the most accurate GPS tracking of all watches tested, making it the only device in the roundup that earned recognition for both entertainment depth and location precision. The Forbes Vetted guide was updated in 2026, confirming TickTalk 5's continued standing as the leading choice for parents prioritizing both fun and safety.

What Is Forbes Vetted?

Forbes Vetted is the product testing and recommendations division of Forbes, one of the world's most widely read business and consumer media brands. Its editorial team conducts hands-on testing with real families — including children as testers — to produce buying guidance that millions of parents rely on. For the kids' smartwatch category, Forbes Vetted tested a dozen devices over two years.

How Forbes Vetted Evaluated Kids Smartwatches

• GPS accuracy and real-world location precision
• Communication features and contact flexibility
• Parental controls and customisation depth
• Battery life and day-to-day reliability
• Build quality and durability for children's use
• Kid-friendliness of design and interface

Why Forbes Gave TickTalk 5 the Most Fun Designation

TickTalk 5 was designated the Most Fun Kids Smartwatch after hands-on testing by Forbes contributor Rose Gordon Sala, who wore the watch on her own children — including a 9-year-old and a 7-year-old — across real-world scenarios. For parents wondering about the best first device for their child, Forbes' multi-year, multi-child endorsement is a decisive signal.

• Free music streaming and podcasts via iHeartRadio Family
• 5MP camera with photo sharing and creative filters
• GIF messaging and animated e-greeting cards
• Group chats with parent-approved contacts
• A kid-friendly interface designed for children under 10

Forbes-Validated GPS Performance

In a real-world test at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, the TickTalk app identified not only the correct location but the specific building and general area within the venue — outperforming both the Verizon GizmoHub and Apple's Find My feature. This makes TickTalk 5 the only kids' smartwatch in Forbes' roundup recognized for both entertainment and safety performance.

Safety and Parental Control Features

• Real-time GPS tracking with route history playback
• AI-powered Location SmartPin for continuous accuracy improvement
• One-tap SOS with direct 911 connectivity and instant parent alerts
• Unknown number blocking and closed contact network
• School Mode and customizable quiet time settings
• Over 40 granular parental controls via the free companion app
• IP67 water resistance and shockproof build
• Plans from $10/month on AT&T or T-Mobile — no contracts

Why TickTalk 5 Leads the Category

• Carrier flexibility across AT&T and T-Mobile
• Most comprehensive communication and entertainment package in its category
• Forbes-validated GPS accuracy — strongest of any device tested
• COPPA Safe Harbor certification for children's data privacy
• No contracts, no activation fees — plans from $10/month

"The TickTalk Smartwatch has been a total game-changer in our household. It dials up safety and connectivity... The lack of internet access is honestly a breath of fresh air." — Verified TickTalk Parent, The Quality Edit (2025)

Trusted by over 275,000 families across 80+ countries with a 4.8-star verified rating, TickTalk 5 consistently delivers on the dual promise that defines its category: keeping children safe and keeping families connected — without the risks of a smartphone. For more on what the media is saying, see how NYT Wirecutter also ranked TickTalk in their Top 5.