Pick a Good Smart Watch With and Without a SIM Card

Smartwatches can come with or without SIM support. With a SIM-supported smartwatch, you can connect the device to your current smartphone network and enjoy 2G/3G/4G coverage. Of course, this also means you can send calls and text messages on apps like SMS, WhatsApp, Messenger, etc.

However, this doesn't mean you can't send voice calls and messages on non-SIM smartwatches. These watches often come with smartphone apps, where you can connect and share information in real time.

But whichever you choose, selecting a smartwatch from the myriad options can be challenging. Don't worry because this listicle will help you find the best smartwatch with and without a SIM card. Let's dive in!

Part 1. 5 Best Smartwatches with SIM Card

As said before, a SIM-supported smartwatch allows you to connect it to a cellular network or Wi-Fi before tracking live GPS locations, making calls, sending/receiving messages, and more. They are more like your smartphone but on a smaller screen. So, let's discuss the best SIM-supported smartwatches in 2023:

1. Vodafone Neo

Appearance: 4.7/5

Vodafone Neo is a circular smartwatch that comes in either Mint or Ocean Blue colors, perfect for a 7 to 9-year-old kid. We also find the silicon strap to be comfortable, durable, and doesn't feel cheap. Also, the watch feels light, weighing just 40.6g.

Kid-friendly: 4.6/5

First, the Power button is strategically placed at the bottom, and another button on the top-right side to activate the camera. Your kid can take advantage of the 5MP camera to capture outdoor selfies. Furthermore, the watch can also go 10 meters deep for 30 minutes.

SIM card plan: 4.7/5

This watch comes with an inbuilt Vodafone smart SIM that works in any country that supports this cellular network. In the UK, for example, you can pay £7 or £12 per month, depending on what you want.

Parental controls: 4.7/5

The Smart App automatically syncs all data captured by the smartphone. After pairing the watch, parents and caregivers can see where their kids are, monitor their step counts, add calendar events, and more. You can also set screen time and ambitious targets, like 8,000 steps per day.

Hands-on experience: 4.5/5

This watch looks and feels comfortable for a child, thanks to the Disney sidekicks like Star Wars and Marvel. The Vodafone Smart App allows you to add 150 trusted contacts for sharing messages and calls. In addition, this watch offers fairly accurate location tracking, thanks to the inbuilt GPS. However, the monthly subscription is a bit expensive.

2. Samsung Gear S3 Frontier

Appearance: 4.5/5

The smooth stainless-steel build makes this watch stunning. On the right side, you'll find two buttons for navigating the app menus, and it uses Gorilla Glass protection to take as much abuse as possible. Overall, the appearance is nothing short of attractive.

Kid-friendly: 4.5/5

As said before, Gear S3 Frontier is designed to take a lot of beating, meaning your child can take it anywhere they want. You can also configure emergency SOS contacts so your child can send a distress call or SMS by triple-pressing the home button.

SIM card plan: 4.7/5

The inbuilt 4G LTE e-SIM on Gear S3 Frontier unleashes this watch's true potential. Once connected to your smartphone's carrier network, you can leave the phone at home and make calls, read messages, send emails, and more. If you're an AT&T user, exploit the NumberSync feature to use your smartphone's number on S3.

Parental controls: 3.5/5

This watch is pretty limited in terms of parental controls. You can set the Bedtime Mode to mute all notifications and alarms on your watch during bedtime. That's just about it!

Hands-on experience: 4.5/5

The 1.8 x 1.9-inch face with AMOLED and Always On Display is perfect for all conditions. The watch features a rotating bezel that makes it a cakewalk to navigate apps and notifications. Your child can also make payments using the Samsung Pay app. However, the 380 mAh battery is a letdown.

3. Cosmo JrTrack 2 Kid's Smartwatch

Appearance: 4.5/5

Cosmo JrTrack 2 is a lightweight watch measuring 2.16 x 1.69 inches. It features square corners like Apple Watch 7, making it easy for your kid to grip and use. The silicon straps are also smooth and durable.

Kid-friendly: 4.7/5

Straight out of the box, you'll realize that this watch is for kids. The Mission Control app allows you to monitor your child's whereabouts, send/receive messages, and add trusted contacts. Also, the $69.99 price tag doesn't make it a risky investment for your child.

SIM card plan: 4.5/5

This smartwatch features a pre-installed SIM card with flexible Cosmo Connect plans. For example, you can purchase the $14.99/month plan and get unlimited calls and SMS on the 4G network. Remember, this watch only supports T-Mobile.

Parental controls: 4.0/5

You don't expect to find state-of-the-art parental control features on this phone, do you? The watch is firewalled against adult content browsing and social media. That's all we could find!

Hands-on experience: 4.5/5

Let me repeat that this watch is perfect for kids. Therefore, if you're an adult, you might want to go for something studier. We realized that the GPS locations automatically refresh every 10-15 minutes, which is good enough. However, note that the battery will only last you for a day.

4. Padgene Bluetooth Smartwatch

Appearance: 4.0/5

Padgene is a sleek and modern smartwatch made using stainless steel and Nano TPU85 material straps. But although the watch looks good, the material used feels cheap. But the $20 price tag justifies that.

Kid-friendly: 4.5/5

This watch should be the go-to option for parents because it packs a lot of features at a pocket-friendly price. For example, your child can take a selfie using the 0.3MP camera. Overall, there's nothing to complain about.

SIM card plan: 4.5/5

This watch allows you to choose whatever carrier network you want to use. It features a physical SIM slot where you can install a 2G/2.5G SIM card. This way, you can make calls and send/reply to messages.

Parental controls: 3.0/5

Padgene Bluetooth Smartwatch is more of an independent smartphone. That's because it doesn't feature any noticeable parental control features. However, your child can exploit features like anti-lost, pedometer, and sleep monitoring.

Hands-on experience: 4.5/5

After installing the SIM card, this watch can make two-way calls and messages. Also, installing the app will automatically connect the watch to your phone, allowing you to read messages on Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter, and other apps. The only complaint is the watch band, which feels hard and rough. Rubber would be better!

5. TickTalk 4

Appearance: 4.4/5

This black-colored device is the typical kid's smartwatch. TT4 is sturdily built, and the touchscreen is super responsive. It features an emergency SOS button on the side and a 2 x 5MP camera for taking photos.

Kid-friendly: 4.7/5

This is one of the most kid-friendly smartwatches you can find. The material used on this watch is durable and comfortable, although the watch might feel bulky for 5-year-olds. This watch is excellent for training your child to take care of a watch before buying them a premium watch like Apple Watch SE.

SIM card plan: 4.6/5

This phone comes with a SIM card with zero activation fees. The SIM card is compatible with global GSM carriers, allowing you to talk, text, and browse the internet. Remember, the TT4 SIM is compatible with T-Mobile and AT&T networks in the US.

Parental controls: 4.7/5

TickTalk 4 comes with numerous parental control features to exploit. For example, you can remotely block texts and SMS from unapproved contacts. In addition, parents can block unapproved calls, view call logs, and set screen time directly on the app.

Hands-on experience: 4.5/5

After adding a network, your child can send calls and messages with a mere button push. The GPS location tracking is also accurate enough on the app. Interestingly, this watch offers free, unlimited music streaming service from iHeartRadio. However, this service is only available to US users.

Part 2. 5 Best Smartwatches Without a SIM Card

Sometimes smartwatches without SIM cards are the best as you don't need to pay for a GSM/LTE connection. These watches can do everything a SIM-enabled smartwatch can except send calls and SMSs. So, let's discuss the best digital watches without SIM cards for kids and adults.

1. VTech Kidizoom Smartwatch DX3

Appearance: 4.5/5

VTech Kidizoom is a fantastic, kid-designed smartwatch for kids obsessed with selfies and photos. It houses dual cameras on the face, and the rounded corners make it easier to use. You can play around with the 50+ watch faces to find what impresses you the most.

Kid-friendly: 4.0/5

As said before, this watch is tailor-made for kids who like taking selfies and videos. Your child can also download games, clockfaces, and camera effects, making this watch fun and engaging to use.

Parental controls: 4.5/5

Because your child can install addictive and distractive games, this watch has multiple parental control measures, including setting screen time limits and chore reminders. It also has a School Mode, which locks all activities except the clock.

Hands-on experience: 4.3/5

We have to say that this watch is quite the complete package for parents on a budget. It comes with games, a calendar, a timer, a routing organizer, and parental controls. Remember, installing additional apps and content is free. But because of the numerous features, including games, the battery may not last a full day with heavy use.

2. Germin Vivofit Jr. 3

Appearance: 4.0/5

Germin Vivofit Jr. 3 looks more like an actual watch than a fitness tracker like its predecessors. It features a square design with rounded corners and a responsive touchscreen. You can also use the navigation button on the side.

Kid-friendly: 4.7/5

Is your child a fan of Marvel comics? Get them this watch for less than $100. It boasts lots of Marvel/Disney features to keep your child engaged at all times. However, the lack of GPS tracking can put off many concerned parents.

Parental controls: 4.5/5

The Germin Connect app lets parents view their children's activities and sleep patterns. You can also set activity goals and monitor your child's progress. Meanwhile, you can assign tasks/chores and set rewards on the app. For example, you can promise ice creams or more screen time.

Hands-on experience: 4.5/5

This watch does everything reasonably well, and the color screen is a huge bonus. We could find many activity features that could come in handy if your child is an activity freak. For instance, the Toe-to-Toe step challenges let your child compete in step competitions with other Vivofit Jr. 3 and Jr.2 wearers. But we hope future updates will come with GPS tracking capabilities.

3. Cubitt Jr Smart Watch

Appearance: 4.5/5

Cubitt Jr is a modern-styled smartwatch that will make your child forget about Apple Watch. This watch looks cute and comes with color varieties to choose from. The silicone band also feels comfortable and long-lasting.

Kid-friendly: 4.5/5

Besides being cute, this watch is effortless to navigate, making it perfect for kids as young as 6 or 7. It also features special functions for kids, like games and daily alarm reminders. Your kid will love it!

Parental controls: 4.5/5

This watch comes with sleep and heart rate monitors to help parents keep tabs on their children's health on the intuitive graph. Cubitt Jr also allows you to lock the device screen with a password and receive call and text notifications.

Hands-on experience: 4.6/5

If your kid doesn't love this watch, then nothing will impress them. It comes with eight fun games to challenge their intelligence and ten daily alarms to practice good habits at home or school. This watch also tracks steps, distance, calories, sleep, and active duration. But despite all the good things about Cubitt Jr, the weak alarm vibration is a letdown.

4. Fitbit Ace 2

Appearance: 4.4/5

Fitbit Ace 2 is another top smartwatch designed specifically for active kids. It boasts a waterproof design, a removable strap, and multiple kid-friendly colors. The straps use soft rubber, as the monochrome OLED screen adds sleekness and style.

Kid-friendly: 4.5/5

For starters, this smartwatch is waterproof up to 50 meters, meaning your child can take it to the swimming pool or the beach. Also, the band acts as a protective shield against knocks and scratches. The 19 faces are also fun and animated.

Parental controls: 4.5/5

Parents can set up the app's Parent View and Kid View profiles to start monitoring live locations. You can monitor your child's active minutes, steps, and sleep quality/schedule on the Kid View profile. There's also an option to share emojis with your child.

Hands-on experience: 4.4/5

The 0.72-inch OLED screen looks crisp-clear, although the clarity reduces in sunlight. Other than that, the screen feels smooth and responsive. Also, navigating the interface is pretty simple for a 7-year-old. For example, swipe the phone to see the active minutes, steps, and other metrics. The 5-day battery life is also impressive.

5. Apple Watch Series 7

Appearance: 4.7/5

Apple Watch Series 7 is sleek, modern, and perfect for both genders, including children and older persons. We particularly love the carved edges, which make it easier to grip and use this smartwatch. This watch also boasts dozens of bands with different builds and colors.

Kid-friendly: 4.5/7

Who would buy their kids this $400 smartphone? In other words, this pricy watch isn't for the faint-hearted. But if your teenage child can take good care of it, it's worth every penny. It supports the Family Group set-up, meaning you can connect it to younger family members without a phone.

Parental controls: 4.7/5

You can remotely limit the time your child spends with this watch. Launch the Apple Watch app, tap My Watch > Family Watches > choose the watch > Done. Now configure settings for school time, screen time, noise, and more.

Hands-on experience: 4.8/5

Compared to its predecessor S6, Apple Watch Series 7 has a 20% larger display panel and is 70% brighter. The watch is quick to juice up, taking around 45 minutes to charge up to 80%. You'll also be impressed with the 32GB storage, which is enough to save your favorite tunes, emails, podcasts,

Final Thoughts

These are the best smartwatches with and without SIM support. With a SIM-supported watch, you can make calls and send messages, making these watches capable replacements for addictive smartphones. But don't dismiss watches without SIM because these watches can still receive notifications and send messages on the app.

Meanwhile, even premium smartwatches don't offer the best parental control. So, we recommend using a third-party app like FamiSafe to enjoy the ultimate parental control over your child's digital lifestyle. FamiSafe is compatible with Android, iPhone, iPad, Fire tablet, Windows, and Mac. It can set screen time, block addictive apps/websites, track real-time locations, and more.