When Fitbit invited me to a demo of the Ace LTE, its new tracker for kids, I didn’t expect much. The previous Ace trackers were pared-down Fitbit bands that didn’t do much and lacked GPS. Other smartwatches for kids tend to be boxy, glorified GPS trackers, designed to appeal more to parents than kids. But the Ace LTE? This is a kids smartwatch that feels like it might actually be fun to wear. I kind of wish there were something like it for adults.
The $229.95 Ace LTE has a squarish case that’s reminiscent of the Fitbit Versa. The main difference is that the materials are more appropriate for kids. (Think plastic and Corning Gorilla Glass instead of sapphire crystal and titanium.) There’s also an optional bumper for extra durability. However, if you flip it upside down, the sensor array looks nearly identical to the Pixel Watch 2. A neat perk is that if you have a Pixel Watch 2, this uses the same charger.
The Ace LTE’s whole schtick is exercise should be a form of play. In fact, it’s more like a game console strapped to your wrist than a traditional smartwatch. Instead of apps, the watch comes with a bunch of preloaded video games. The concept is instead of interval training, where you sprinkle bits of high-intensity suffering into a workout, the Ace LTE employs interval gaming. Once they’ve played a certain amount, kids are prompted to add to their step count to earn more playing time.
There’s also an Eejie, a Tamagotchi-like buddy who lives in the Ace LTE. This, too, is a bit like Animal Crossing in that you can buy an Eejie in-game items, rooms, clothes, and other accessories. But instead of microtransactions using real-life money, you have to buy those items using arcade tickets. Those, in turn, can only be won by making progress on daily goals or by playing games.
Each Ace LTE band is also a collectible. Once popped on, a band unlocks new outfits for the Eejie, exclusive collectibles, and a themed noodle — the animated ring that represents your daily progress. Additional bands cost $35 and have their own themes. The idea is that kids can trade bands to get items, much in the way us ancient nerds traded POG slammers and Pokémon cards.
I got to try two games: Smokey Lake and Pollo 13. The former is a fishing game that reminded me of how you collect fish in Animal Crossing or Stardew Valley. It involves viewing your virtual environment, casting your arm out to catch a fish, and pulling it back to reel it in. Pollo 13 was a Mario Kart-esque game where you play as a chicken racing in a bathtub, collecting eggs to get powers. You race by tilting your arm, and the aim is to best your archnemesis, Kim. (I don’t know what Kim did, but she ate my dust.) After playing a bit of both, I was prompted to take around 500 steps so I could play more.
But the gaming is only one aspect of the Ace LTE. The other is to help kids stay connected to their parents. While previous Fitbit Ace devices didn’t have GPS tracking, this one comes with LTE built in. That enables calling, messaging, and location sharing. The bad news is getting those features requires a $9.99 monthly or $120 annual subscription to the Ace Pass data plan. The good news is you don’t have to go through a carrier, nor does a kid need their own phone.
Everything is controlled through the Fitbit Ace companion app, which works on both iOS and Android. The app is where parents can set trusted contacts, send and receive messages, view their child’s real-time location, and monitor how their child is doing with regard to their activity goals. There’s also a school time mode, which disables gaming during school hours. Later this year, Fitbit says that it will also add Tap to Pay.
Kids smartwatches always raise an extra question of privacy. Fitbit told me at the demo that only parents can access location data, which is deleted after 24 hours. Activity data is deleted after 35 days and will not be used for Google ads. The Ace LTE also will not include third-party apps or ads. Of course, this is what Google, which owns Fitbit, says upfront. If you’re worried about the fine print, concerned parents should also look at the Fitbit Ace privacy policy.
We’ll have to test the Ace LTE to see how well it works — both as a means of encouraging kids to move more and as a tool for parents. That said, this is a significant update to the Ace lineup and one of the more fun approaches to a smartwatch for kids that we’ve seen in a while.
The Fitbit Ace LTE is available starting on June 5th for $229.95, with an Ace Pass priced at $9.99 monthly or $119.99 annually. Annual subscribers get an extra collectible band, and those who buy it by August 31st will get 50 percent off the subscription cost.
FAQs
Meet Fitbit Ace LTE, the first-of-its-kind smartwatch that makes movement fun for kids. 1. And gives peace of mind to parents. Requires Ace Pass data plan $9.99/mo.
Does kids Fitbit have GPS tracker? ›
Does Fitbit have a GPS tracker for kids? No, Fitbit makes GPS-enabled activity trackers for kids, but not location trackers with real-time location tracking.
What age is Fitbit Ace 3 for? ›
This activity tracker for kids 6+ makes fitness fun for the whole family with motivating challenges and long-lasting battery. Designed with kids in mind, Fitbit Ace 3 was built for up, down, all-around action with a comfortable silicone band and secure adjustable clasp.
What is the best Fitbit watch for kids? ›
Best fitness tracker for kids: Fitbit Ace 3
It offers all-day activity and sleep tracking in a durable, waterproof design built to withstand daily play. With up to eight days of battery life, animated clock faces, and family account management, the Ace 3 works to make health fun for even the youngest user.
Is Fitbit Ace safe for kids? ›
Kids Fitbits: The Ace Series Can Be a Safer Option for Younger Users. So ultimately the question comes back to "Are Fitbits safe for kids?" Of all the kids Fitbit models, the safest option for children is the Fitbit Ace series, which is designed specifically for young kids.
Does Fitbit Ace have games? ›
As part of your Ace Pass data plan you'll have access to the latest games in the Fitbit Arcade on your Fitbit Ace LTE. The Fitbit Arcade is designed with interactive games that help motivate movement and physical activity through play.
Can a 12 year old use a Fitbit? ›
Due to laws across the world, children are prohibited from having an online account and using these devices. The Ace series was made especially to allow children six and up to use these services. Fitbit is abiding by those laws, so your son can't use the Versa unless you lie about his age.
Is Fitbit watch good for kids? ›
The Fitbit Arcade is full of movement-based games designed to reward kids for daily physical activity. The more they move, the farther they get through the game. You have control over when they play on their Ace LTE. Set downtimes during the day, while still letting them get in touch with you if they need to.
Can a child use a Fitbit without a phone? ›
Your kid doesn't need a smartphone.
Parents can set up Fitbit Ace for their kids using their phone or tablet (see “How the Fitbit Family Account Works” below). Ace automatically syncs to Android, iOS devices, and Windows 10 devices.
Can Fitbit Ace 3 get wet? ›
It takes about two hours to fully recharge, according to Fitbit. The Ace 3 is water-resistant to 50 meters, so it's safe for swimming—just make sure to dry it off afterward. It offers a Water Lock mode that deactivates the buttons so they don't accidentally get pressed when your child is splashing about.
The swim proof activity tracker for kids 6+, Fitbit ace 2 makes family time more fun. It is full of motivating challenges, up to 5 days of battery, sleep tracking and inspiring ways to connect with parents, siblings and friends.
Is Fitbit Ace worth it? ›
The Ace tracks basic metrics, including steps, active minutes, and hours of sleep, and sports a sleek design kids will actually want to wear, all of which helps make it worth the $99.95 price.
Can kids wear Fitbit to school? ›
Please remember that the children are not allowed to wear SMART watches in school. A fitbit or similar gadget that counts steps only is fine, but any smart watches/device that is able to send/receive calls or messages or take photographs is treated the same as mobile phones and are not allowed to be used on site.
What is the age limit for Fitbit? ›
2. USE OF THE FITBIT SERVICE. Persons under the age of 13, or any higher minimum age in the jurisdiction where that person resides, are not permitted to access or use the Fitbit Service unless their parent has consented in accordance with applicable law.
Does Fitbit kids track heart rate? ›
It does all the things you'd expect a Fitbit to do. Despite being made for a young child, the Fitbit Ace 3 packs a ton of technology inside. All of the staple Fitbit health features are there, save for heart rate tracking. Weirdly enough, there's a heart rate sensor built into the Ace 3, but it's not enabled.
Which Fitbit Ace is best? ›
The best Fitbits for kids and teenagers in 2022 are:
Best overall – Fitbit ace 3: £69, Currys.co.uk. Best for price – Fitbit ace 2: £69.99, Fitbit.com. Best for mindfulness – Fitbit inspire 2: £89.99, Smythstoys.com.
How do I use Ace Fitbit? ›
If not, download the Fitbit app tap Sign in with Google follow the on-screen instructions to create a profile. From the You tab in the Fitbit app tap the Family tile Add child. When prompted, enter your Fitbit password and your child's information. Switch to your child's profile to set up the Ace device.
How do I know what Fitbit Ace I have? ›
Another way to do this is to go into your Fitbit account and go to the “Account Overview” section within your Fitbit app, at the top of this page, you'll see an image of your Fitbit device and its name and Model number should be displayed underneath.
What year did the Fitbit Ace come out? ›
Launched in March 2018, the Fitbit Ace is a version of the Alta for children aged 8 and above. In March 2019, the Fitbit Ace 2 for kids aged 6 to 12 was announced. In March 2021, the Fitbit Ace 3 was released, adding a curvier appearance, also for ages 6 through 12.
