Garmin’s New Kids’ Smartwatch Costs More Than the Apple Watch SE

For years, the children’s smartwatch market has been caught in a tug-of-war between affordability and functionality. Parents want peace of mind — the ability to track location, stay in touch, and set digital boundaries — without paying flagship-level prices. With its latest release, Garmin is betting that families will spend more for premium features, even if it means paying more than they would for an Apple Watch.

A Price That Raises Eyebrows

Garmin’s newly announced Bounce 2 retails for $300. That figure is not only double the price of the original Bounce, but also $50 more than Apple’s entry-level Apple Watch SE. For a device aimed squarely at children, it’s an ambitious — and some would say steep — move.

The original Bounce was marketed as an affordable entry into wearables for kids. This time around, Garmin is positioning its product as a more feature-packed device, but the price point may cause some parents to hesitate.

Features at a Cost

The Bounce 2 offers music playback, though it’s locked behind an Amazon Music subscription. Communication features — arguably the heart of the product — also require additional spending. Families must sign up for one of Garmin’s in-house connectivity plans, which cost $10 monthly or $100 per year.

This creates an ongoing expense on top of the already high upfront cost, something parents will likely weigh carefully when comparing alternatives in the market.

Improved Communication Tools

Garmin has clearly focused on making communication more seamless this time around. Parents can send voice messages to the watch, which are automatically transcribed so kids can either read or listen to them. Importantly, the Bounce 2 now supports phone calls, a feature missing from the first generation.

The device also includes GPS tracking to give parents real-time location data, alongside a battery that lasts up to two full days before needing a recharge.

A New Look

Along with the upgraded features, the Bounce 2 sports a fresh design. The watch now comes with a rounded 1.2-inch AMOLED display, giving it a more polished look compared to the original’s square, Apple Watch–like face. Available in three colors, the watch is designed to appeal to both kids and parents who want something stylish yet functional.

The Bigger Question

Despite the refinements, the Bounce 2’s biggest talking point remains its price. At $300 — with required subscription fees on top — parents may wonder whether the investment is justified, especially when Apple’s well-regarded SE is cheaper and offers a broader ecosystem of apps.

Garmin is leaning on its reputation for durability and fitness-focused hardware, betting that families will value reliability and child-specific features over brand prestige. But in a crowded marketplace, where affordability often dictates choices, the Bounce 2 faces an uphill climb.