Fitbit's latest tracker for kids is here, but is it worth the upgrade?

Fitbit has announced the third iteration of its fitness tracker for kids. The Fitbit Ace 3 features much of its predecessor’s smarts but packs a few software and aesthetic tweaks for good measure.

While its design doesn’t deviate too much from the Fitbit Ace 2, it does feature two new colorway options: Black/Sport Red and Cosmic Blue/ASTRO Green. The removable tracker in a silicone frame design is seemingly retained too, suggesting that kids or parents can later change their bands if they wish.

The monochrome display also returns but with a host of new static and animated clock faces. These additions include a spaceship face that “shoots off into space as kids progress towards their activity goals.”

As for tracking features, the Ace series ditches the more premium sensors found on adult Fitbits. The Ace 3 does bring do not disturb and sleep modes though, ensuring that kids won’t be bothered at night. And like its predecessor, the band also tracks kids’ sleep quality and duration. All-day activity tracking for steps, active minutes, and move reminders return.

Kids will need to be part of a Fitbit Family account to use the app’s features, but they’ll have access to their own personal challenges.

Finally, the Fitbit Ace 3 features water resistance up to 50 meters and eight-day battery life — a three-day increase over its predecessor.

Fitbit Ace 3: Price and availability

The Fitbit Ace 3 is available to preorder now on the Fitbit Store for $79.99 — a $10 higher launch price than its older sibling. Arguably, if your child’s Fitbit Ace 2 is still hanging on, there’s no real reason to upgrade to the Ace 3. Nevertheless, the device ships on March 15, 2021.