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Fitbit Ace LTE vs Xplora X6Play: Which Kids Watch Wins?

The Fitbit Ace LTE and the Xplora X6Play are two of the most "fun" kids watches around — both are designed to be worn every day, and both add features beyond basic safety. But they lean different ways: the Fitbit is a fitness-first watch, and the Xplora is a communication-and-camera all-rounder.

Here is the bottom line up front. For most families, the Xplora X6Play is the more versatile pick — it makes video calls, has a camera, lasts longer, has the best school mode, and works on any phone. The Fitbit Ace LTE is the better choice if fitness motivation and swim-proofing are your top priorities and you are on Android — because the Fitbit is Android-only, which rules it out for iPhone households.

Fitbit Ace LTE vs Xplora X6Play at a Glance

The Deciding Factor: Phone Compatibility

Check this first: the Fitbit Ace LTE requires an Android phone — there is no iOS app, so iPhone-only households cannot use it. The Xplora X6Play works on both iOS and Android. For a lot of families, that decides it immediately.

Winner: Xplora X6Play.

Communication & Camera

The Xplora X6Play makes full 4G voice and video calls and has a 5MP camera for photos kids love to share. The Fitbit Ace LTE has no camera — so no video calls or photos — and limits messaging to preset replies (it can make voice calls). If you want your child to show you their face or snap a photo, only the Xplora can.

Winner: Xplora X6Play, decisively.

Fitness & Motivation

This is where the Fitbit shines. Fitbit Arcade turns movement into unlockable games, and a continuous heart rate sensor lets kids see their effort — the best fitness-motivation tools in the category. The Xplora's GoPlay rewards steps with coins (donatable to UNICEF), which is good but less game-forward.

Winner: Fitbit Ace LTE. If getting your kid moving is the #1 goal, Fitbit Arcade leads.

Battery & Water Resistance

The Xplora lasts about 1-1.5 days versus the Fitbit's 16 hours (the weakest in its class). But the Fitbit wins water with a genuine 5 ATM swim-proof rating, versus the Xplora's IP68 (splash-proof, not for the pool).

Winner: Split — Xplora on battery, Fitbit on swim-proofing.

School Mode & Display

The Xplora X6Play has the best school mode in the category — a thorough per-day lockdown teachers approve of. Both have lovely screens (the Fitbit's OLED is gorgeous; the Xplora's 1.52-inch TFT is large and sharp). One caveat: the Xplora has a camera, which some strict schools ban despite the lockdown.

Winner: Xplora X6Play on school mode; display is a tie.

Who Should Buy Which

Buy the Xplora X6Play if you want the more complete watch — video calling, a camera, longer battery, the best school mode — and a watch that works on any phone. It is the better all-rounder for most families. See the full Xplora X6Play review.

Buy the Fitbit Ace LTE if you are on Android, fitness motivation is your top priority, and your kid swims — accepting no camera and daily charging. See the full Fitbit Ace LTE review.

The Bottom Line

Both are fun, everyday watches, but the Xplora X6Play is the more versatile choice for most families: video calling, a camera, a longer battery, the best school mode, and support for any phone. The Fitbit Ace LTE is the pick for Android families who prioritize getting an active kid moving and want genuine swim-proofing.

Our recommendation: view the Xplora X6Play on Amazon for the all-around pick, or check the Fitbit Ace LTE on Amazon for fitness-first on Android.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the Fitbit Ace LTE with an iPhone?

No. The Fitbit Ace LTE is Android-only — there is no iOS app — so iPhone-only households cannot set it up. The Xplora X6Play works on both iOS and Android.

Which has video calling and a camera?

Only the Xplora X6Play. It has a 5MP camera and supports video calling. The Fitbit Ace LTE has no camera at all, so no video calls or photos — though it can make voice calls.

Which is better for fitness?

The Fitbit Ace LTE. Its Fitbit Arcade turns movement into games and its heart rate sensor shows kids their effort in real time — the best fitness-motivation tools in the category. The Xplora's GoPlay is good but less game-forward.

Which is swim-proof?

The Fitbit Ace LTE (5 ATM) is genuinely swim-proof. The Xplora X6Play is IP68 — fine for splashes and rain, but not for swimming.

Which has better battery life?

The Xplora X6Play, at about 1 to 1.5 days versus the Fitbit's 16 hours (the weakest in its class). Both realistically need nightly charging.

Still deciding? Read our full reviews of the Xplora X6Play and the Fitbit Ace LTE, or see our best kids smartwatches for 2026 roundup.