TickTalk 6 and Xplora X6Play are both safe-by-design kids smartwatches with approved contacts, GPS, SOS, School Mode and no open internet or social media. The biggest differences are communication depth, direct 911 access, eSIM and travel support, device continuity and how each ecosystem handles activity and rewards. Compare the current U.S. models below.
Xplora X6Play and TickTalk 6 share an important philosophy: no open internet, no social media and parent-approved communication. Xplora keeps the watch experience relatively simple and pairs it with the GoPlay activity-rewards platform. TickTalk 6 goes further on native family communication with FaceTalk™, real SMS, Talk-to-Text, Group Chat, TickTalkie™ and T-Cloud™. For families choosing a first connected device, the question is less about which watch is “safe” and more about how much communication depth and device continuity they want.
Both watches are purpose-built for children and avoid open internet and social media. The bigger differences are communication depth, emergency calling, device migration, eSIM/travel support and how each product approaches activity and rewards.
TickTalk 6 is built around direct family communication with FaceTalk™, real SMS, Talk-to-Text, Group Chat and TickTalkie™ LTE/Wi-Fi push-to-talk. Xplora X6Play supports calls, messages, voice notes, emojis, photos and preset replies with approved contacts. Xplora's current U.S. retail materials do not list a full text keyboard, Talk-to-Text or a comparable family Group Chat feature. SafeWise's May 2026 hands-on review also described X6Play as lacking a full text keyboard and voice-to-text.
TickTalk 6 includes FaceTalk™ video calling. Some Xplora U.S. carrier-partnership announcements from 2024 described X6Play video calling, but the current U.S. retail page does not list video calling, and SafeWise's May 2026 hands-on test reports X6Play does not support video calling.
Xplora X6Play offers GPS, Wi-Fi and mobile-network positioning, Safe Zones and location history. TickTalk 6 combines real-time location tools with AI SmartPin™ and Location History. SafeWise's May 2026 test reported laggy updates and weaker location accuracy for X6Play than the other watches it tested; that is one independent test and actual results vary.
Xplora's SOS is designed to alert approved guardians. SafeWise's 2026 review states X6Play does not provide a way to dial 911. TickTalk 6 supports SOS plus parent-managed 911 access.
X6Play has no open internet or social media, and Xplora says its watches do not include addictive on-watch games. GoPlay rewards physical activity. TickTalk 6 similarly avoids games, social media and open internet.
TickTalk 6 uses a built-in eSIM with nine LTE bands and SignalBooster 2.0™. Xplora's current U.S. X6Play uses a nano SIM and Xplora Connect; Xplora support states the X6Play eSIM model is not currently sold in the United States.
TickTalk 6 offers optional data-only Global Travel Plans covering 160+ countries and regions for eligible customers. Traditional carrier voice and SMS are not included. Xplora's current U.S. pages do not advertise a directly comparable global travel plan.
TickTalk 6 is rated for up to 135 hours of standby. Xplora's current U.S. page describes up to two days of everyday use and also lists up to 72 hours standby; SafeWise measured about 71 hours with minimal use in its 2026 test.
TickTalk 6 uses a 1.6-inch AMOLED 320×360 display and a 5MP camera for photos, video and FaceTalk™. Xplora X6Play uses a 1.52-inch TFT 360×400 display with a 5MP camera. Both are IP68 rated. TickTalk 6 includes ScreenSafe™ design and a protective case.
Both devices currently list a $169.99 U.S. device price. TickTalk Wireless starts at $9.99 per 30 days with $0 activation and no contract. Xplora Connect is $12 per month or $120 per year, with no activation or cancellation fee.
TickTalk 6 adds T-Cloud™ backup, restore and direct device transfer plus TickTalkie™ LTE/Wi-Fi push-to-talk. Xplora's current U.S. materials do not list directly comparable full-device backup/migration or LTE/Wi-Fi push-to-talk.
Comparison last checked September 3, 2026. Competitor features, pricing and service terms can change.
Xplora's current U.S. retail page does not list video calling, and SafeWise's May 2026 hands-on review reports no video calling on X6Play. TickTalk 6 includes FaceTalk™.
Current U.S. materials do not list Talk-to-Text or a full keyboard. TickTalk 6 supports Talk-to-Text and real SMS.
Current U.S. X6Play materials do not list a directly comparable family Group Chat feature. TickTalk 6 includes Group Chat.
Both offer location tools; TickTalk 6 adds AI SmartPin™ and Location History. SafeWise's 2026 test reported laggy X6Play location updates.
SafeWise's 2026 review says no. TickTalk 6 supports parent-managed 911 access.
Xplora says no open internet, social media or addictive on-watch games. TickTalk 6 also has no games, social media or open internet.
No. Current U.S. X6Play uses nano SIM. TickTalk 6 uses built-in eSIM.
Current specs list up to 72 hours standby. TickTalk 6 is rated for up to 135 hours standby.
Xplora Connect is $12/month or $120/year. TickTalk Wireless starts at $9.99 per 30 days.
Overall rating: 4.6 / 5 from 7314 reviews.
A great tool for parents that dont want a phone for their child.
TickTalk 5 Kids GPS Smartwatch with Calling & SOS
Store owner replied: We’re so glad TickTalk gives your family a way to stay connected without having to jump straight to a smartphone. Thank you for choosing TickTalk!
We’ve had this watch for a few years. Overall, it’s been very reliable and the tracking is better than our AirTags. The audio is very clear and the video call option is awesome. My kid broke the wristband a few times even though he’s careful, but other than that we’ve loved it.
TickTalk 5 Kids GPS Smartwatch with Calling & SOS
Store owner replied: Thank you so much for the review and for being part of the TickTalk family! We’re so happy to hear that your watch has been reliable and that you’ve had a great experience with the location tracking, clear audio, and video calling. We also appreciate your feedback about the wristband and will be sure to share it with our team.
We’ve had this watch for a few years. It’s been very reliable and has even better tracking than our AirTags. The audio is clear and we’ve never had a dropped call. The video call option is also awesome. My kid broke the wristband a few times but other than that, we’ve loved it.
TickTalk 5 Kids GPS Smartwatch with Calling & SOS
Store owner replied: Thank you for being part of the TickTalk family for the past few years! We’re thrilled to hear that your watch has been reliable and that you’ve had such a great experience with the location tracking, clear calls, and video calling. It means so much to know we have helped your family stay connected over the years.
Love being able to see where my children are and knowing they can call or message me if they need to. The remote call feature is great for when they don't answer so you can hear what is going on. Gives them independence and me peace of mind.
TickTalk 5 Kids GPS Smartwatch with Calling & SOS
Store owner replied: We love hearing that TickTalk gives your children a little more independence while giving you peace of mind knowing you can stay connected when it matters most. That balance is exactly what we hope to provide for families. Thank you for trusting TickTalk.
My family got our first ticktalk 2 years ago. Shortly after we purchased a second one. Both watches have lasted through 4 kids so far. We pay for the extended warranty and anytime there was damage to the watch, it was replaced fairly quickly. Our family loves the ability to give our younger kids a way to communicate with friends and family while not having access to the internet. The only downside to the watches for us is there is no keyboard to text with. Two of my children do not enunciate well enough to always be understood for voice to text but as they got older, it was easier. I’d be mindful of that and definitely pay the few dollars more a month for the extended warranty. It’s worth it.
TickTalk 5 Kids GPS Smartwatch with Calling & SOS
Store owner replied: Thank you so much for being part of the TickTalk family for the past two years! We love hearing that your watches have made it through four kids and have helped give them a safe way to stay connected with friends and family. We also truly appreciate your thoughtful feedback about texting and voice-to-text—it’s helpful feedback for our team as we continue looking for ways to improve the TickTalk experience. Thank you for trusting TickTalk to help keep your family connected!
i absolutely LOVE my boys ticktalk 5 smartwatches! I love them having a device that isn't yet an actual cell phone! They love being able to contact family & their friends. It even makes play time easier with me being able to call or text! 10/10 recommend
TickTalk 5 Kids GPS Smartwatch with Calling & SOS
Store owner replied: The energy in this review is everything — thank you! So glad the boys are loving staying connected with family and friends, and that playtime just got a whole lot easier for you too. 10/10 means the world to us!
This watch has been an incredible peace of mind provider as my son has gotten more autonomous and we need to be able to contact him at friends' houses. The locator is pretty accurate as long as you manually refresh it and don't wait for the auto refresh to update the location. Activating the SIM card was easy and within a half hour he was up and exploring our greater neighborhood on his own adventure. The battery has been sufficient for our needs though he never uses the face talk function which drains the battery quickly apparently. It's comfortable enough for him to have on all day at school and because there's nothing on it that would tempt him to play with it, he can keep it on in his classroom with no issues. We love it!
TickTalk 5 Kids GPS Smartwatch with Calling & SOS
Store owner replied: Up and on his own adventure within half an hour — we love that! So glad the TickTalk 5 has been keeping up with his growing independence. And you're spot on — no games or social media means nothing tempting him to sneak a look in class. That's exactly the design philosophy we stand behind. Thank you for such a thoughtful and detailed review!
The TickTalk watch has given us peace of mind as parents and our son the ability to have more age appropriate freedom. We can let him explore the neighborhood more with the ability to track his every move. He can safely make calls to the trusted contacts we’ve approved and it also gives him the ability to call us if he finds himself in an uncomfortable situation.
My mind is at ease when my daughter is wearing her TickTalk Watch! I am able to see when she arrives at school and is on her way home. We take it on vacation in the rare instance she gets lost. I love that there is no chance that anyone can call or text her except for the people I allow on her watch. Even though you can't ever put a price on your love one's safety, TickTalk's monthly service can't be beat!
TickTalk 5 Kids GPS Smartwatch with Calling & SOS
Store owner replied: This review warmed our hearts! From the school run to vacation adventures — so glad the TickTalk 5 has been there for all of it. And you said it perfectly: you can't put a price on a loved one's safety. Thank you so much for the kind words!
★★★★★ 5/5 We got the TickTalk 5 for our 4th-grade daughter, and overall it has been a great choice. It gives us peace of mind and lets us stay connected without giving her a smartphone. Easy to use, reliable, and has the features we need. The GPS accuracy could definitely be better, and hopefully TickTalk improves this with future updates. Overall, very happy with the purchase so far!
TickTalk 5 Kids GPS Smartwatch with Calling & SOS
Store owner replied: So glad it's been a great fit for your 4th grader! We hear you on the GPS accuracy and appreciate you flagging it — we're always working to improve the experience. Thank you so much for the kind words and for the recommendation!
It’s a nice way to communicate with kids
TickTalk 5 Kids GPS Smartwatch with Calling & SOS
Store owner replied: Thank you! That's exactly what we're here for!
This is an overall great watch for my 11yo son. He's had it for a couple of months now and it shows it's well built. We like the looks, battery life, GPS tracking and feedback input, kid-friendly features, remote answering, line clarity, practical and convenient setting options available. Only thing we hope to see in updates is adding regular typing as an option to send messages, instead of just voice to type. It can get hard for my son to send correct messages when his watch won't recognize his uttered words correctly. Other than that, it's a watch i'd highly recommend. -KV
TickTalk 5 Kids GPS Smartwatch with Calling & SOS
Store owner replied: So glad the watch has been such a great fit for your son! We appreciate the feedback on typing — while a full keyboard isn't currently available, kids can also respond using preset replies and voice messages as alternatives to talk-to-text, which might help when talk-to-text isn't cooperating! We'll pass the feedback along to our team. Thank you so much for the recommendation!
This is an overall great watch for my 11yo son. He's had it for a couple of months now and it shows it's well built. We like the looks, battery life, GPS tracking and feedback input, kid-friendly features, remote answering, line clarity, practical and convenient setting options available. Only thing we hope to see in updates is adding regular typing as an option to send messages, instead of just voice to type. It can get hard for my son to send correct messages when his watch won't recognize his uttered words correctly. Other than that, it's a watch i'd highly recommend.
TickTalk 5 Kids GPS Smartwatch with Calling & SOS
Store owner replied: So glad the watch has been such a great fit for your son! We appreciate the feedback on typing — while a full keyboard isn't currently available, kids can also respond using preset replies and voice messages as alternatives to talk-to-text, which might help when talk-to-text isn't cooperating! We'll pass the feedback along to our team. Thank you so much for the recommendation!
This watch is awesome! My son loves it and the new level of freedom it provides. It gives me peace of mind knowing where he is while allowing him to spread his wings. We had a few hiccups when we first started with the watch placing him across the country, but those glitches were resolved in the first few days. I see this growing with him as well. Would recommend.
TickTalk 5 Kids GPS Smartwatch with Calling & SOS
Store owner replied: Spreading his wings with you right there in his corner — that's exactly the balance we set out to create! We're sorry about the early GPS hiccups but so glad they sorted themselves out quickly. Thank you so much for sticking with us and for the recommendation!
This has been super helpful for my kiddo and I. She loves it and it is super easy to use.
TickTalk 5 Kids GPS Smartwatch with Calling & SOS
Store owner replied: So glad it's been a hit for both of you! Easy to use and helpful — that's exactly what we aim for. Thanks for sharing.
Great experience with the watch. Good sound and video quality. Me and my kid happy with it
TickTalk 5 Kids GPS Smartwatch with Calling & SOS
Store owner replied: Happy kid, happy parent — that's what we love to hear! So glad the sound and video quality have been great. Thank you for sharing!
My 5-year-old started kindergarten this year, and the TickTalk 5 has given me a level of security and peace of mind that I honestly cannot imagine being without now. It gives her a safe way to stay connected with me without giving her a smartphone, which is exactly what I wanted at this age. I especially appreciate being able to communicate with her and know where she is when we are apart. Whether she is at school, with her after-school caregiver, or out for an activity, having that connection makes a major difference for me as a parent. The watch is also kid-friendly enough that my daughter can actually use it independently. For families with young children who want communication and added security without jumping straight to a phone, the TickTalk 5 is an excellent option. It has quickly become one of those parenting purchases that I would make again without hesitation.
TickTalk 5 Kids GPS Smartwatch with Calling & SOS
Store owner replied: Starting kindergarten is such a big milestone — for kids and parents! We're so glad the TickTalk 5 has been there every step of the way, from school to after-care and everything in between. Thank you for such a thoughtful review and for trusting us with such an important season of your family's life. 💙
The watch has been great. Easy to use for the kiddo and great interface for parents/caregivers. It would be nice if the straps lasted longer and the charging cord could be available for purchase without having to purchase another power base. I would definitely recommend to other parents as an option for them to communicate with their children.
TickTalk 5 Kids GPS Smartwatch with Calling & SOS
Store owner replied: So glad it's been a great experience for the whole family! 😊 We hear you on the strap and charging cord — power bases are available for purchase on our website, and for cables, please don't hesitate to reach out to our customer service team at support@myticktalk.com and we'll be happy to help! Thank you so much for the recommendation.
Love being able to keep up with and communicate with my 9 year old and give him a bit more freedom with peace of mind. Easy to use and setup and works well as a great smartphone alternative for younger kids.
TickTalk 5 Kids GPS Smartwatch with Calling & SOS
Store owner replied: Freedom for him, peace of mind for you — that's the sweet spot we always aim for! So glad it's been easy to set up and a great fit as a smartphone alternative. Thank you so much for sharing!
Best watch ever for a kid who is never home always playing outside. Kid friendly, safe, easy to track and many more.
TickTalk 5 Kids GPS Smartwatch with Calling & SOS
Store owner replied: Always outside playing — sounds like our kind of kid! So glad the TickTalk 5 is keeping you connected and at ease. Thank you so much for the kind words!
My kid loves it. As a parent we feel more confident when my kid is wearing tick talk watch. It has school mode and other options. Overall it's a best investment we have made recently for my kid.
TickTalk 5 Kids GPS Smartwatch with Calling & SOS
Store owner replied: Best investment — we'll take it! So glad it's giving you that confidence as a parent and that your kid loves wearing it. Thank you so much for sharing!
We are extremely happy we decided to go through Ticktalk for our 7 year old. This watch has held up through bike accidents and boys just being boys. Throughout the summer we watched other children damage and destroy their watches when it came to the same activities as our son and he has had no issues. Being able to keep track of his location and give him some independence is all thanks to Ticktalk Watch 5! We can't wait for the new one to come out and give him the ability to have a stretch band and will be purchasing it when the time comes.
TickTalk 5 Kids GPS Smartwatch with Calling & SOS
Store owner replied: Bike accidents and boys just being boys — sounds like it's been put through its paces and passed with flying colors! So glad the TickTalk 5 has held up through it all. And we can't wait for you to get your hands on the TickTalk 6 — the new washable comfort band is going to be a game changer! Stay tuned. 💙
We absolutely love the TickTalk watch for our 6-year-old! We originally got it so she could stay connected with her grandparents, and it has been such a fun and reassuring way for them to keep in touch. She loves being able to call and message her grandparents on her own, and they love getting little calls, voice messages, and updates from her throughout the day. It gives her a sense of independence while still allowing us to control who she can communicate with.
TickTalk 5 Kids GPS Smartwatch with Calling & SOS
Store owner replied: The grandparents getting little calls and voice messages throughout the day — that is just the sweetest thing! So glad the TickTalk has been such a special way for her to stay connected with them on her own. Thank you so much for sharing this 😊
My daughter absolutely loves her new watch! It’s fun, easy to use, and keeps her entertained with its cool features. We’re really happy with the purchase!
TickTalk 5 Kids GPS Smartwatch with Calling & SOS
Store owner replied: Thank you for your feedback. We love that you guys have been enjoying the watch.
My daughter absolutely loves her new watch! It’s fun, easy to use, and keeps her entertained with its cool features. We’re really happy with the purchase!
TickTalk 5 Kids GPS Smartwatch with Calling & SOS
Store owner replied: Thank you for your feedback. We love that you guys have been enjoying the watch.
Love how it’s easy to use for my daughter to understand love it
TickTalk 5 Kids GPS Smartwatch with Calling & SOS
Store owner replied: We love that you and your family have been enjoying the your watch!
good watch
TickTalk 5 Kids GPS Smartwatch with Calling & SOS
Store owner replied: Glad you like the watch.
The ticktalk5 is an impressive timepiece that combines a stylish design with solid performance. It’s comfortable, well-built, and easy to use. Its clean dial and high-quality finish give it a premium appearance, making it suitable for everyday wear
I’ve been really happy with the TickTalk watch for my son. The FaceTime feature is great, and I love having the parental controls. It makes it easy for us to stay in touch without him needing a phone. My only complaint is the location tracking. Sometimes it isn’t as accurate as I’d like, and it seems to connect to the nearest cell tower, which can show him a few roads away from where he actually is. I wish that part was more reliable. Other than that, it’s been great for communication with my son, and I’m happy with it overall!
TickTalk 5 Kids GPS Smartwatch with Calling & SOS
Store owner replied: So glad the video calling and parental controls have been such a great fit for your family! We hear you on the location tracking — GPS accuracy can vary depending on signal and surroundings, and we're sorry it hasn't been as reliable as you'd like. Please feel free to reach out to support@myticktalk.com and our team will be happy to help troubleshoot!
I’m really happy with the TikTalk watch! It’s easy to set up, simple to use, and has been very convenient for keeping in touch with my child. The watch feels well-made, the screen is clear, and my child loves wearing it. It gives me a little extra peace of mind when we’re apart. So far, we’ve had a great experience with it!
TickTalk 5 Kids GPS Smartwatch with Calling & SOS
Store owner replied: So happy to hear it's been a great experience all around — and that photo is absolutely adorable! Easy setup, a clear screen, and a kid who clearly loves wearing it — that's everything we could ask for. Thank you so much for sharing!
We love the peace of mind that it gives us. Our son loves that he can reach us anytime. He’s also over the moon about the streaming music. I was expecting maybe one small kids music channel, but instead he has lots of amazing channels to choose from!
TickTalk 5 Kids GPS Smartwatch with Calling & SOS
Store owner replied: Over the moon about the music — we love that! 😊 We definitely wanted to go beyond just one basic kids channel, so it's amazing to hear he's discovering so many he loves. Peace of mind for you and happy listening for him — sounds like a win all around! Thank you so much for sharing!
My daughter loves her watch. Great way to keep in touch with her. I love the features and they are appropriate for my 10 year old. Great experience overall.
TickTalk 5 Kids GPS Smartwatch with Calling & SOS
Store owner replied: So glad she loves it! Age-appropriate features that keep you connected — that's exactly what we aim for. Thank you so much for the kind words!
Love the video chat function and real-time location. Offers peace of mind to parents. The SOS button is a welcomed added feature as well.
TickTalk 5 Kids GPS Smartwatch with Calling & SOS
Store owner replied: Peace of mind on all fronts — video chat, real-time location and SOS — that's exactly what we set out to deliver! Thank you so much for sharing!
Good watch for my kid!
TickTalk 5 Kids GPS Smartwatch with Calling & SOS
Store owner replied: Thank you so much! We're so glad your kid is loving it!
This watch has been a great way to keep in touch with my seven-year-old, who is not quite ready for a phone yet. I love that we are able to talk and text and I can check her location with ease.
TickTalk 5 Kids GPS Smartwatch with Calling & SOS
Store owner replied: The perfect middle ground before a phone — that's exactly what we had in mind! So glad the calls, texts, and location tracking have all been easy and seamless for you. Thank you for sharing!
I bought 2 of these for my 9 year old twins. So far they have been great. Calls are reliable and it's great peace of mind knowing if they aren't with me for some reason I can get in touch with them.
TickTalk 5 Kids GPS Smartwatch with Calling & SOS
Store owner replied: Twins with matching TickTalks — double the peace of mind! So glad the calls have been reliable and that you can always reach them when you need to. Thank you for sharing!
We've had this watch for a couple weeks now. We love it! Ease of mind when my kid is riding his bike in the neighborhood, going to a friend's house up the street or even walking to the bus stop. Tracking is pretty spot on, every once in a while it'll ping in a weird spot, but just refresh location and it fixes it to the correct spot. My kid has a little more freedom WITHOUT a cell phone, but all the features I need of a phone!
TickTalk 5 Kids GPS Smartwatch with Calling & SOS
Store owner replied: Bike rides, friend's houses, bus stops — sounds like he's making the most of that freedom! So glad the tracking has been reliable and that the refresh trick is doing the job when needed. Thank you so much for sharing!
I upgraded to the TickTalk 5 about two years ago, and I absolutely love it! It’s so easy to use, and it gives you such peace of mind knowing your child has a way to stay connected and safe. I definitely recommend it to other parents!
TickTalk 5 Kids GPS Smartwatch with Calling & SOS
Store owner replied: Two years since upgrading and still loving it — that means so much to us! So glad the TickTalk 5 has been easy to use and given you that peace of mind. Thank you for the recommendation!
One of the best purchases for our second grader. We’re able to track him in real time when he gets on the school bus, listen in remotely when he doesn’t answer or just to get an idea on how his day is going and send him a quick voice note to let him know we love him!
TickTalk 5 Kids GPS Smartwatch with Calling & SOS
Store owner replied: Tracking him on the school bus and sending voice notes to let him know you love him — this genuinely warmed our hearts! That's exactly the kind of connection we set out to create. Thank you so much for sharing this!
My son has had this watch now for two years and I can’t imagine not having one! It’s been a lifesaver for him walking to school and being with his friends. Anytime he isn’t with us, he has his watch. It gives us peace of mind that we know where he is. The GPS is super accurate. The sound quality is really good. The features are very easy for him to use. We love it so much that his friend’s parents have asked me where we got it from and plan on buying one for their kids. It’s been so helpful and we are grateful for the Tick Talk watch!
TickTalk 5 Kids GPS Smartwatch with Calling & SOS
Store owner replied: Two years and his friends' parents are already asking where to get one — that's the best kind of recommendation! So glad the TickTalk 5 has been such a reliable companion for him walking to school and beyond. Thank you so much for the kind words and for spreading the love!
