With the current state of the world, I feel the need to keep close tabs on my kids’ whereabouts. However, I certainly do not want to give my younger child a cell phone. I have heard mixed (mostly negative) reviews about watch phones for kids.
When I heard about the Gabb Wireless Watch, I admit I was intrigued. It claims to allow kids to communicate with parents in a secure way and doesn’t have the addicting nature and dangers of a smartphone. That is something many parents support.
I have been pleasantly surprised at our experience with this watch. The low price for the watch itself as well as the affordable monthly payment have been well worth it. I can see where my child is, and he can easily communicate with me. This watch is definitely an excellent choice for younger kids and tweens. We recommend it for kids 6-11 years old.
Updated January 19th, 2021.
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Gabb Watch Features
Contact whitelist
The Gabb Watch has a contact whitelist, which means the device can only send and receive from phone numbers that are pre-approved by a parent. To create the list, parents simple go to the MyGabb app and add contacts to the list.
I love that there is a whitelist with this device. It means I know who can contact my child and keeps spam calls and texts from coming in.
Unlike similar watches, the Gabb Watch does not require contacts to download an app in order to communicate with the watch. As long as the contact is added to the whitelist, that contact can send or receive texts or calls to or from the watch.
GPS
The GPS on this wearable phone for kids has a few different options. You can hit the “locate” button on the parent app to see the current location. Or you can choose the “Active Tracking Mode”. This mode updates the device’s location every 30 seconds for 10 minutes. However, this does drain the battery more quickly.
We have found the GPS to be quite accurate with this device. Gabb recently updated the software for the GPS. You can trust that the location function on this watch will give you correct information on where your child is.
Text messaging and calling
One of my favorite things about the Gabb Watch is that text messages and phone calls show up on my phone as regular texts and calls. Other watches send their messages and calls through their app, which makes it harder to notice when your child is trying to contact you.
With Gabb, your phone rings and/or vibrates as normal so you know you are being contacted. For me, that is huge. I want to be able to respond to my child right away instead of having to remember to constantly check an app.
Safe zones
In addition to the regular GPS, the Gabb Watch allows parents to set up safe zones. These can be areas like home, school, day care, etc. Parents set up the radius they want around each safe zone, and then the app will alert parents when the child enters or exists a safe zone. This is a great way to help keep kids safe and gives parents peace of mind.
Battery alerts
The app sends an alert to the parent when the watch battery is running low. Parents can also check to see the current battery level on the app at any time.
Preset texts, customize presets, voice to text
The watch comes with 12 preset texts including “I’m here”, “I am on my way home”, “I will call you soon”, and others. A parent can also use the MyGabb app to customize additional text presets. There is a 25 character limit for these customized text messages.
Lock Mode
Worried about the watch being used during school or at other inappropriate times? Parents can set the lock mode to keep calls and texts from being made. Lock mode can be set to specific times for each day. Although the watch is locked, kids can still contact parents through the SOS if needed. If a parent needs to contact the watch while it’s in the locked mode, they simply get on the app and switch it out of locked mode.
Silent Mode
In addition to Lock Mode, you can choose Silent Mode, which is basically just turning of the ringer. The call or text will still go through and the child will see on the screen that a call or text is coming in. There is also an option to have vibration. Calls can be answered even on silent mode.
Check in
A child can check in with a parent through the watch. They simply swipe down on the watch and click on the location icon. The parent then gets notification with GPS coordinates showing where the child is.
SOS
The child can make an SOS call to a parent and/or others (predetermined by parents). To make the call, simply hold down on the top button for 10 seconds. The app alerts parents of an SOS and the phone rings the call through. SOS will only call those specified. It cannot dial 911.
Step counter
Kids like the step counter with this device. Parents can go onto the app and set a specific daily step goal for the child. When the step goal is reached, the child is rewarded with coins to use in the Gabb Go game.
Watch locator
Has your child misplaced his watch? Open the MyGabb app and hit the “play sound” button. It will ping the watch so you can find it. Note: If you’re trying to locate the watch, make sure “Silent mode” is turned off.
Watch orientation
Choose whether to have the watch orientation on the left wrist or right wrist. This keeps your step count accurate.
Ring tones/Message tones
The watch comes with 6 different ring tones and 7 different text message tones.
Alarm, Timer, and Stopwatch
Kids love the alarm, timer, and stopwatch Gabb has included on this device.
Volume and brightness control
Both the volume and the brightness can be controlled on the watch itself. To change them, swipe down from the top of the watch screen. Then slide along the bar until the desired effect is achieved.
Gabb Go Game
Gabb Go is a fun, short game kids can play on their watch for a few minutes a day. They start with a cat or a dog and used earned coins to feed it, teach it tricks, pet it, etc. Other pets are available to purchase with coins. To earn coins, kids complete tasks customized by their parents through the MyGabb app. For example, a task might be for a child to make his bed. The parent enters the task and how many coins the child can earn by doing that particular task (from one to three coins per task). A child can be assigned up to 3 tasks at once. Once a task is approved, another task can be assigned.
After the child has completed the task, he clicks the button indicating he has finished the task. The parent then receives a notification that the task has been completed. Then the parent can either approve or disapprove the completion of the task. Once the task is approved, the coins are awarded through the watch. If a task is disapproved, it can be redone and then approved.
This is a simple game with rewards, but kids seem to be motivated by it.
MyGabb Parent App
The MyGabb app is easy to use. As you read above, this app is used to monitor and control functions of the watch. It is very user-friendly and simple. From GPS tracking to managing the contact list and getting software updates, this app has everything parents need to make using the Gabb watch a good experience for both the child and the parents.
Pros:
- Whitelist function
- Safe zone notifications
- Good phone clarity
- Sweat resistant
- Water resistant
Cons:
- Somewhat large
- Limited options for older kids
- Can’t add to an existing phone plan (Gabb Wireless network only)
General Phone Watch Specifications
Safety
This watch phone is very safe. It can contact only numbers that have been approved by parents. GPS helps parents track their child’s location. There is no internet with this device. Unlike with some other devices, there are no loopholes kids could find to get into trouble with this watch.
Usability
This watch and the parent app that goes with it are both easy to use. A touchscreen makes the watch simple to navigate. Even young kids have an easy time using this watch. The watch touchscreen is used by swiping and tapping.
Battery Life
It takes 2 hours to charge the watch battery when it is completely dead. The battery can last as long as a few days, depending on how much it is being used.
Cost
The watch itself costs $69.99. The service plans (available only on the Gabb Wireless network) cost between $9.99 and $12.99 per month. You can choose from a 1-year plan, a 2-year plan, or a month-to-month plan.
Coverage
The Gabb watch can be used only on the Gabb network. This network is available throughout the U.S. and has excellent coverage even in rural areas (believe me, it can be a real struggle to get good service when you live in the middle of nowhere).
Sound quality
The sound quality through the watch is good. It’s significantly better than a walkie talkie and not quite as clear as a phone–it’s similar to speaker phone quality. On the parent’s end, the sound quality is good.
Watch quality
The quality of this watch is good. It comes with a durable silicone band. If your child is anything like mine, you will likely want to purchase a screen protector for the watch face. Gabb has those available on their website for purchase as well.
Conclusion
Overall, the Gabb Watch is a great choice for kids between about 6 and 11. It provides a safe, easy way for kids and parents to communicate. The quality is excellent, and the many exciting features make this a watch kids love using.
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FAQs
Does the Gabb watch have internet?
The Gabb watch does not have internet. It is safer alternative to a phone or smartwatch.
Are there apps on the Gabb watch?
No apps can be used on the watch itself. Parents can change settings and check GPS on the MyGabb parent app.
What ages is the Gabb watch good for?
The Gabb watch is a great choice for kids around 6 to 12 years old. For older kids, the Gabb phone is a good choice.
What network does the Gabb watch use?
Gabb Wireless has its own network which all Gabb devices run on. You have to use the GabbWireless Network with the Gabb watch. The network is very reliable and has go
