Fitbit Ace LTE: The Kid-Friendly Smartwatch Parents Have Been Waiting For

When Fitbit first announced the Ace LTE, I couldn’t help but think: Is this just another smartwatch, or is it finally the bridge between tech-savvy kids and peace-of-mind parents?
Turns out, it’s a bit of both - and more.

In this post, we’ll dive into what makes the Fitbit Ace LTE different, how it stacks up against other kids’ wearables, and why it could become a staple for modern parenting.

Why Fitbit Made the Ace LTE

The market for kids’ wearables is growing fast. According to Statista, the global kids’ smartwatch market is projected to hit $2.8 billion by 2030. Parents want GPS tracking, safety features, and health monitoring in a single, kid-proof device.

Fitbit designed the Ace LTE to fill that gap. It’s not just a smaller version of an adult smartwatch - it’s built from the ground up for kids ages 7 and up.

The Design: Fun, Durable, and Kid-Proof

First impressions matter. The Ace LTE features:

• Impact-resistant case and Gorilla Glass 3 display.
• Water resistance up to 50 meters — so yes, they can swim with it.
• Swappable, colorful bands that kids can personalize.

It’s chunkier than a Fitbit for adults, but that’s deliberate. Kids drop, bump, and scratch things. Fitbit seems to have taken that personally.

LTE Connectivity: What It Means for Parents

Here’s the headline feature — built-in LTE.
With a Fitbit Ace LTE subscription plan (via Google Fi Wireless or Verizon in the US), kids can:

• Call and message only approved contacts.
• Share real-time GPS location with parents.
• Get reminders and alerts without a phone nearby.

Parents manage it all through the Fitbit Ace app, which lets you approve contacts, check location history, and monitor activity.

Gamifying Fitness for Kids

Getting kids to stay active isn’t easy. The Ace LTE turns it into a game with Fitbit Arcade - mini-games they can play, but only after earning “activity tickets” from real-world movement.

For example, 30 minutes of outdoor play might unlock a game for a short period.
It’s a clever psychological nudge: fitness first, screen time later.

Health Features That Matter for Growing Kids

The Ace LTE tracks:

• Steps, distance, and active minutes.
• Sleep patterns - helping parents spot late nights or restless sleep.
• Heart rate monitoring for basic wellness tracking.

While it doesn’t have the advanced metrics of a Fitbit Sense or Pixel Watch, it gives enough data for parents to keep tabs on overall health.

Privacy and Safety Considerations

Whenever kids and tech mix, privacy is a big deal. Fitbit says all Ace LTE data is COPPA-compliant and stored securely (source).

Key safeguards include:

• No third-party app installations.
• Contacts controlled by parents.
• Location sharing only to approved accounts.

Still, parents should review the privacy settings before handing it over.

How It Compares to Other Kids’ Wearables

The Ace LTE wins for gamified fitness and younger age suitability. The Apple Watch SE still leads in app variety, but that’s also a double-edged sword for parents who want fewer distractions.

Battery Life: The Only Weak Spot

The Fitbit Ace LTE lasts about 16 hours per charge.
This means daily charging is a must, especially if you’re using LTE, GPS, and gaming features.
Fitbit includes a magnetic fast charger, topping up in under an hour.

Price and Availability

• Price: $229.95
• LTE Plan: Around $10/month (Google Fi Wireless or Verizon)
• Available: Direct from Fitbit and major retailers.

It’s not the cheapest kids’ smartwatch, but you’re paying for a blend of Fitbit’s health-tracking heritage and new communication features.

Final Thoughts: Worth It?

If you’re a parent looking for a safe first smartwatch for your child, the Fitbit Ace LTE is a strong contender. It’s built tough, gamifies activity, and keeps communication lines open without flooding kids with unnecessary apps.

The only real trade-off is battery life - but for many, the safety and engagement features outweigh that inconvenience.

For modern parents, the Fitbit Ace LTE isn’t just another gadget. It’s a peace-of-mind device that lets you give your kid more independence while still keeping them within reach.