Like FaceTime But Built For Kids

By June Ramli

If I had kids, or if I were growing up again, these are exactly the kind of gadget I would have loved.
The Uniden KVWT01 Kids Video Walkie Talkies come as a 2-pack, one yellow and one blue, and combine live video with old-school push-to-talk. It’s essentially a mini FaceTime between two handheld units, without needing a mobile phone, data plan, Wi-Fi or an app.

Easy to set up

There’s no setup to speak of. Switch both units on and they connect to each other automatically. That makes them easy for kids to use on their own, and easy for parents who don’t want to deal with pairing codes or downloads.

Screen and camera

Each unit has a 2-inch IPS display and a 960 x 720 camera. A mode button lets kids switch between four screen layouts: their own view, the other person’s view, or picture-in-picture with either view enlarged. The screen also shows signal strength, volume, battery level and which mode is on.

Fun extras

There are three voice effects, switched on by holding the mode button for two seconds, which add a bit of silliness to games and imaginative play. Volume is adjustable, so it works in a quiet house or a noisy park.

How it performed

I tested the walkie talkies over a short distance and they worked nicely. Seeing the other person while talking makes it far more fun than a standard walkie talkie, and the one-button push-to-talk is simple enough for younger children. Uniden says the range is up to 400 metres in open space, though I didn’t test that far, and walls and buildings will likely reduce it.

Built for small hands

At around 114 grams each, they’re light and easy for kids to hold, and the included lanyards help stop them being dropped or lost. Each unit has a 750mAh rechargeable battery and charges via USB-C, so no hunting for AA batteries.

Who it’s for

These suit families well. Parents can use them to call the kids down for dinner, check in while they’re playing in the backyard, or keep in touch on camping trips and holidays. For kids, it’s the thrill of “video calling” a sibling or friend without being handed a phone.

The verdict

At $69 for a pair, the Uniden KVWT01 is an affordable way to give kids a bit of independence while keeping parents in the loop. A fun gift idea, especially with Christmas coming up.

Rating: 4.5/5

Quick specs

• Price: $69 (2-pack)
• Display: 2-inch IPS
• Camera: 960 x 720
• Range: up to 400m open space (manufacturer claim)
• Battery: 750mAh rechargeable, USB-C charging
• Weight: approx. 114g per unit
• Extras: 4 screen modes, 3 voice effects, adjustable volume

In the box: 2 video walkie talkies (yellow and blue), 2 USB-C charging cables, 2 lanyards, owner’s manual.

Editor’s Note: Uniden supplied the KVWT01 Kids Video Walkie Talkies to DailyStraits for review. Uniden had no input into this review, and all opinions are my own.