Earlier this summer, Google introduced the Fitbit Ace LTE, a new product specifically designed for kids ages 7 to 12. While there are plenty of wearable fitness trackers on the market — including smart watches for women, smart watches for men and smart rings — options tailored for children and tweens are understandably more limited.
That's what makes the Fitbit Ace LTE stand out. This gamified fitness tracker doubles up as a location tracker and a communication device. For parents hoping to keep their kids away from smartphones for as long as possible, it's an excellent alternative that can buy you some time.
To help you determine whether the Fitbit Ace LTE is a worthwhile investment for your child, the team of engineers and tech experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute tested the device over the past several weeks. Below, you'll find everything you need to know about our experience, along with feedback from our younger testers.
Pros
- Lightweight, stylish design
- Creative interface with games and fitness
- Can swap out bands to unlock new features
- Data not stored permanently
- Features parental restrictions
- Built-in GPS
Cons
- Monthly plan required for calling and messaging
- Can only communicate with the watch via the phone-installed app
- Battery life could be longer
| Weight (without band) | 28.03g |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 41.04 x 44.9 mm |
| Battery life | Up to 16 hours |
| Water resistant | Up to 50 meters |
| Subscription required | Yes |
| Compatability | Android 11 or newer; iOS 15 or newer |
| Band materials | Polyester yarn |
What is the Fitbit Ace LTE?
The Fitbit Ace may resemble other smart watches for kids, but its interface is entirely unique. Unlike adult models, you won't find activity tracking or health metrics here. According to Google, the Fitbit Ace "transforms exercise into play and safely helps kids lead more active, independent lives."
In other words, it's a device designed to keep kids active and entertained while giving parents a way to monitor them without resorting to a smartphone too soon.
How does it compare to other smart watches for kids?
The Google Fitbit Ace LTE integrates LTE connectivity directly into the fitness tracker, enabling it to function independently from a smartphone. This feature is particularly valuable for children and active users who may not always carry a phone — or may not own one yet.
Noelle, the 10-year-old niece of GH Institute Reviews Analyst Amanda Constantine,
has been testing the Google Fitbit Ace since its launch. "I personally downloaded the Fitbit Ace app to message her, and it's been so fun to send her texts and voice memos on her own device," shares Constantine.
The Fitbit Ace LTE is a significant upgrade from previous models, like the Fitbit Ace 3. While both devices track activity levels, this latest version includes cellular connectivity and GPS location tracking. However, it does require a monthly subscription (more on pricing details later) and does not offer sleep tracking.
The Fitbit Ace LTE also features a new square touchscreen, similar to other popular Fitbit models like the Fitbit Versa 4, distinguishing it from the slimmer, rectangular design of the Fitbit Ace 3. During testing, our experts found the bright OLED display to be ideal — not too small to strain visibility and not too large to feel bulky.
While there are fewer smart watches available for kids compared to the variety of options for adults, the Apple Watch SE is another popular choice for parents. At under $200, it offers an affordable price, built-in GPS and Family Setup, allowing kids to access features like making calls, sending messages and sharing their location without needing their own iPhone. Parents can still set restrictions, such as Schooltime, but what the Apple Watch SE lacks is the Fitbit Ace LTE's unique gamified experience designed to motivate kids to stay active throughout the day.
Games galore and Eejie interaction
The Fitbit Ace is packed with a variety of engaging proprietary games, but there's a catch: the only way to unlock "game time" is by moving a certain amount throughout the day. This progress is tracked on the watch's home screen via the "Noodle," an activity ring that closes once you've met your daily movement goal. The games are interval-based and typically last around five minutes or less.
Our kid testers found the Ace's games entertaining. "My niece is a fan of most of the games available on the watch and likes that there's activity involved in them," shares Constantine. "She enjoys wearing the watch to her cross-country running practices because it boosts her step count, which helps with her games."
As for data and metrics, you and your child won't be able to see specific details like how many miles they've run or their pace, but you can track how long they were active, whether they were jumping on a trampoline or playing hide and seek.
In addition to games, each Fitbit Ace comes with an "eejie" — a cute, customizable creature that "lives" within the watch, reminiscent of a Tamagotchi.
The eejie thrives on activity, so the more kids move and reach their goals, the healthier it becomes. Kids can customize their eejie's wardrobe by unlocking new outfits and even build out its home in Bit Valley. "Noelle loves both of the straps she received with the watch and is excited that they unlock different accessories for her eejie character," says Constantine.
Design and other specs
The Fitbit Ace LTE is available in two styles: Spicy, a vibrant green, gray and purple combination, and Mild, a more minimalist black and grey option. While the screen options are somewhat limited, you can choose from several watch bands. Each band not only features a unique design but also unlocks new features, such as eejie accessories or a new Noodle.
In terms of sizing, it’s a one-size-fits-most design, suitable for wrists measuring 4.8 to 7.8 inches in circumference. The watch is extremely lightweight, weighing less than 0.1 lbs. Another plus, especially for kids, is that it's fairly durable. The screen is made with Gorilla Glass 3 and comes with a removable protective bumper case, making it resistant to dust, scratches and accidental drops. Plus, kids can take the Fitbit Ace LTE to the pool or ocean, as it claims to be water-resistant up to 50 meters.
Best of all, iPhone users can rest easy knowing that the Fitbit Ace LTE is compatible with both Android and iOS devices. (Note that the only way to communicate with the Fitbit Ace watch is through the app, which is available to download on ioS and Android.)
What parents need to know
Parental controls on the Fitbit Ace LTE allow parents to manage their children's usage. While the watch lets kids send messages and make calls, they can only contact pre-approved individuals added by their parents, with a limit of up to 20 contacts. Additionally, parents can track their child's location and activity data in real-time. This data is securely managed — location information via Google Maps is deleted after 24 hours, and activity data after 35 days.
While some parents have expressed disappointment with the fact that children can only communicate with parents or others with smartphones who have downloaded the app (not other kids with smart watches), others think the limited connection of the Fitbit Ace LTE is a plus.
"We appreciate the tracking capabilities for safety and the fact that she can only call or text us, unlike other smart watches not designed specifically for kids," says Lexie Sachs, the Good Housekeeping Institute's executive director of strategy and operations, whose daughter recently tested the Ace.
Additionally, the Fitbit Ace is free from ads and third-party apps, providing a safer environment for children. In fact, it's one of the most secure smart watches for kids to date. "We don't have to worry about her accessing social media or messaging strangers thanks to the limited access and the fact that it's not a phone," adds Constantine.
Another cool feature is the "school time" setting, which parents can activate to ensure there are no digital distractions during school hours. Google also notes that features like "tap to pay" will be introduced in the future, giving kids access to some money if needed.
How much does the Fitbit Ace cost?
The Fitbit Ace retails for $229.95, with an additional Ace Pass data plan available for $9.99 per month or $119 for the year.
While it's not the cheapest smart watch for kids (and is pricier than the Apple Watch SE), we think it’s a worthwhile investment if your goal is to keep kids entertained. Although the monthly plan is required, we appreciate that you don’t need to add another line to your existing phone plan. Keep in mind that Fitbit Arcade bands, which unlock a new Noodle, an outfit for the eejie and other perks, sell for $34.99 each.
Bottom line: Is the Fitbit Ace LTE worth it?
Our kid testers loved using the Fitbit Ace LTE. "Noelle says she really likes her Fitbit and wears it every day, even to school," shares Constantine. The kids not only gave positive feedback, describing the games as fun and engaging, but they also enjoyed being able to send messages and voice memos to aunts, uncles and parents. They especially loved watching their Noodle (or activity ring) move closer to their daily Move Goal.
While we wish the smart watch were a bit less expensive and had a longer battery life, parents said they appreciate that it offers many benefits of a smartphone without the need to invest in one for their kids just yet. Parents also found the Fitbit Ace LTE easy to set up, and the location tracking provided peace of mind.
"It's a huge relief from a parental/guardian perspective," says Constantine, who notes that her niece wears the watch during cross-country practices and races in the woods. "Even though parents and adults line the course, it's nice to know that there's a location tracker available just in case something were to go wrong." She also mentioned that, since they live 12 hours apart, the Google Fitbit Ace LTE has provided "an easy way to keep in touch with my niece without having to bug her mom or dad."
As kids head back to school this fall, we'll continue testing and gathering feedback on the Google Fitbit Ace LTE and how it performs day-to-day.
Why trust us?
GH Institute writer and analyst Olivia Lipski covers everything from tech to fitness, home, travel and more. With extensive hands-on experience with at least a dozen smart watches, including the Apple Watch Ultra and Garmin watches, as well as other wearables like smart rings, she is well-versed in the latest tech. To gather real-world feedback on the Google Fitbit Ace LTE, she recruited several testers ages 7 to 12 to share their experiences using the watch.
Olivia (she/her) is a senior reviews writer and analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she tests and writes about tech, home, travel, fitness, parenting and health products. Since joining GH in 2021, she has continued to leverage her extensive product reviews experience by staying on top of the industry’s latest innovations and helping readers make better buying decisions. Olivia is a graduate of the George Washington University, with a bachelor’s degree in journalism, political science and French, and she holds a master’s degree in communications from Sciences Po Paris.
