First look at Google’s new kids smartwatch: Fitbit Ace LTE

By Naila Syifa
Updated June 2024

Google-acquired Fitbit has unveiled its first kids smartwatch, the Fitbit Ace LTE. At US$229.95, it is as expensive as the company's adult smartwatch models, but it offers features tailored for children and can be a great alternative to smartphone purchases in terms of cost, safety, and digital wellness.

On our list

Key Features

#1 Chat, Call, Locate

#2 Activity Tracking

#3 Movement Games

#4 Tap to Pay

#5 School Time

#6 All-day Battery

#7 Kids-Safe Durability

Fitbit Ace LTE vs Smartphone

Fitbit Ace LTE

Smartwatch for Kids’ Fun and Parents’ Peace of Mind

✓ Chat, Call, Locate
✓ Move Goal & Tracking
✓ Active Games in Fitbit Arcade
✓ Parental Control via Fitbit Ace app

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Key Features

#1 Chat, Call, Locate

Fitbit Ace LTE

Fitbit Ace LTE supports LTE connectivity, allowing it to make and receive calls, texts, and voice messages. Kids can use the onscreen keyboard to type, choose an emoji, or select from pre-loaded responses for quick messaging.

Meanwhile, the watch's built-in speaker and microphone allow kids to call and send voice messages to approved contacts.

The watch supports up to 20 contacts, which parents can manage through the Fitbit Ace app. Emergency contacts can also be configured, enabling the child to quickly call for help in case of an emergency. Take note that parents and contacts require the Fitbit Ace app to communicate with the child's watch.

LTE connectivity also allows for location services. Fitbit Ace LTE relies on Google location tracking to provide information about the child's location to parents through the Fitbit Ace app. While both parents and contacts can call and message the child's watch, only parents can locate the child through the app.

Take note that all of these features require an Ace Pass data plan, a 4G LTE cellular connection costing $9.99 per month. The Ace Pass data plan is mandatory to use Fitbit Ace LTE.

#2 Activity Tracking

Fitbit Ace App

Fitbit Ace LTE takes an extensive approach to capturing kids' activeness, taking into account not only their steps but also jumps, spins, and other physical movements as an overall Move metric, which parents can track through the Fitbit Ace app.

A Move Goal can also be set to encourage kids to stay active throughout the day. Progress towards a Move Goal is displayed on the watch face in points (pts) and in animated completion progress known as Noodle, which will display customizable, fun animation once the goal is achieved.

Meanwhile, parents can monitor their child's movement through the Fitbit Ace app, including the child's weekly Move Goal progress, daily step count, Active Minutes, and Light Minutes. Active Minutes measure vigorous exercise like running, dancing, or swimming, while Light Minutes measure less intensive activities like walking or casual play.

#3 Movement Games

Games & eejie in the Fitbit Ace LTE

A paid Ace Pass data plan unlocks a range of movement-based games in Fitbit Arcade, which encourage kids to get up and move around to play. By engaging in physical games and completing their Move Goals, Kids can complete Daily Quests, thus earning Tickets they can redeem for purchasing outfits or items to decorate their eejie's rooms.

eejie is like a virtual avatar that kids can customize and interact with on the Fitbit Ace LTE watch. In Bit Valley, your kid's eejie can meet up with other eejies for fun.

#4 Tap to Pay

Fitbit Ace LTE

Fitbit Ace LTE supports NFC, so kids can use the watch to make contactless payments for purchases. The feature is coming soon through an update, but it will enable parents to add money to a supported kids' debit card from Greenlight or GoHenry.

#5 School Time

Fitbit Ace LTE

To ensure the watch doesn't disrupt classroom learning, Fitbit Ace LTE has a School Time mode that can be scheduled by parents through the Fitbit Ace app. When enabled, this mode will limit kids' gameplay while still allowing them to contact their parents if needed.

#6 All-day Battery

Fitbit Ace LTE

With a 328 mAh lithium-ion battery, Fitbit Ace LTE can last for around 16 hours, providing an all-day battery life for kids' daily activities and connectivity needs.

Fitbit Ace LTE also supports fast charging, reaching up to 60% for 11 hours of battery life in just 30 minutes of charging. A full charge takes about 70 minutes, which is quick enough to top up the battery before a long day of use.

#7 Kids-Safe Durability

Fitbit Ace LTE

Fitbit Ace LTE features an OLED screen made of Corning Gorilla Glass 3 with a protective bumper case, so the watch is bump and scratch-resistant to withstand the rough play and activities of kids.

Fitbit Ace LTE also has a water rating of 5 ATM, meaning it is water-resistant up to 50 meters, making it suitable for swimming and showering.

Fitbit Ace LTE vs Smartphone

Fitbit Ace LTE

Compared to kids smartwatches like the Fitbit Ace LTE, smartphones provide a more comprehensive set of capabilities for kids, including access to a wider range of apps, the ability to browse the internet, and the opportunity for more open-ended exploration and learning. However, smartphones also come with increased risks, such as exposure to inappropriate content, potential for distraction, and concerns over screen time and digital wellness.

The Fitbit Ace LTE, with its focused feature and parental controls, can serve as a safer and more cost-effective option for parents seeking to provide their children with a connected device without the full capabilities of a smartphone. Fitbit Ace LTE has only the most important features that parents want for their children's safety and well-being, including calling, messaging, location tracking, and activity tracking.

The games offered in the Fitbit Ace LTE are also designed to encourage physical activity and movement, promoting a healthier lifestyle for kids. This is different from smartphone games which can often be more sedentary and addictive. Therefore, the Fitbit Ace LTE is a very compelling alternative to a smartphone for kids.