Verizon GizmoWatch vs. Gabb Watch 3

We compared the three GizmoWatches and the Gabb Watch across 40+ specs and like the Gizmo Watch 3 best.
Best for older kids
  • pro
    Camera
  • pro
    Live GPS tracking
  • pro
    Basic games
Best for younger kids
  • con
    No camera
  • pro
    Live GPS tracking
  • pro
    Virtual pet game

SafeWise experts have years of firsthand experience testing the products we recommend. Learn how we test and review

The Verizon Gizmo Watch 3 beats the Gabb Watch 3 overall thanks to its camera, faster SOS button, location history, and audio drop-in feature. But the Gabb Watch is more affordable and has a super cute game that makes it fun for young kids to get moving and accomplish to-do lists.

These are both great kids smartwatches with a mile-long list of similarities. The best choice for you depends partially on your budget and parenting style, but we think the Verizon Gizmo Watch 3 is better suited for older kids and the Gabb Watch 3 fits the needs of younger kids best.

The Gabb Watch 3 was named the Best Overall kids smartwatch in our first-ever Kids Safety Awards


Verizon Gizmo Watch 3 vs. Gabb Watch 3


Compare Gizmo Watches vs. Gabb Watch 3

The Gizmo Watch 3 combines the best features of the Gizmo Watch 2 and the Disney Edition, so we're only comparing the Gizmo Watch 3 to the Gabb Watch 3 throughout this review. That said, here's a quick rundown of major features in all the Gizmo Watches. Be sure to read our full Gizmo Watch review to learn more.

Product
Best for
Price
Camera
SOS button
Audio drop-in
Location history
Learn more
Best for younger kids
Icon No  LightNo
Icon Yes  LightYes
Icon No  LightNo
Icon Yes  LightYes
Best for older kids
Icon Yes  LightYes
Icon Yes  LightYes
Icon Yes  LightYes
Icon Yes  LightYes
Best for Disney fans
Icon Yes  LightYes
Icon Yes  LightYes
Icon Yes  LightYes
Icon Yes  LightYes
Best for budgets
Icon No  LightNo
Icon Yes  LightYes
Icon Yes  LightYes
Icon Yes  LightYes

Info current as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
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Verizon Gizmo Watch 3: Best for older kids

If video calling capabilities are high on your list of must-have features for a kids smartwatch, the Verizon Gizmo Watch 3 automatically wins over the Gabb Watch 3.

Gizmo Watch 3 pros and cons

pro
Pros
pro Camera
pro 5-second SOS button
pro Drop-in audio
pro Remote shutdown
pro Calculator
con
Cons
con Can’t be submerged
con No gamified activity

Only the Gizmo Watch 3 has a camera

Because the Gizmo Watch 3 has a camera, it also supports video calling and photo texting. The camera-free Gabb Watch 3 doesn't do any of that.

You and your child get the benefit of seeing each other’s faces when you’re apart, and you also have the opportunity to start coaching your kid about the do’s and don’ts of taking and sharing photos.

Video calling can be a hassle to set up since family and friends have to scan the watch’s QR code to be approved for video calls. This feature protects your child from strange video calls, but it makes it impossible to video chat with long-distance loved ones until you have a chance to get together in person.

Gabb Watch 3: Best for younger kids

If you don’t have a Verizon account and don’t want one, the Gabb Watch 3 is a good option. Its price increased after its initial launch, but it’s still one of the most affordable kids smartwatches worth your consideration at around $150.

It’s also the best GPS- and call-enabled smartwatch for younger kids—say around age 6 and up—thanks to the fun virtual pet game with three new Gabb Go Pets.

Gabb Watch 3 pros and cons

pro
Pros
pro 5-second SOS button
pro Gamified activity
pro Gamified to-do lists
con
Cons
con No camera
con Can’t be submerged
con No remote shutdown

The Gabb Watch motivates kids with virtual coins and pets

The Gabb Watch 3 has been upgraded with IP68 water resistance and an ultra-strong Gorilla Glass 3 screen to withstand whatever kids put it through. It also features virtual pets that kids can feed, pet, and train with digital coins. They earn coins by logging steps on the watch’s pedometer and by completing tasks on their to-do lists.

Parents set up tasks on the phone app, so you can completely customize how hard your youngster has to work for those coins. It’s a nice way to incentivize them to brush their teeth, make their bed, and put their homework in their backpack.

Comparatively, the Verizon Gizmo Watch Disney Edition doesn’t have much in the way of fun other than some cool backgrounds, and the Gizmo Watch 2 only boasts one game (it’s designed to get kids jumping like a kangaroo). So, the Gabb Watch 3 is the better option for entertaining your kid.

The Gabb Watch doesn’t allow audio drop-ins and has a limited location history

Both Gizmo Watches let parents hear what’s going on around their child through a drop-in audio feature. Although we don’t consider it a critical feature for our rankings, it comes in handy if the child is unable to answer a call or if parents just want to make sure everything’s going well at a playdate.

The Gabb Watch for kids doesn’t have this “stealthy check-in” feature. You’ll see your child’s real-time GPS location when checking in, and you’ll find a limited view of where they were in the past by looking at the notifications tab in the app.

Learn more in our full Gabb Watch 3 review or on our Gabb Watch FAQ page

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Gizmo Watch 3 vs. Gabb Watch 3 similarities

The Gizmo Watch 3 and Gabb Watch 3 offer several similar features including the ability to:

  • Block unknown callers
  • Send voice messages
  • Send emojis
  • Use templated text responses
  • Track location in real-time
  • Set up geofencing
  • Work in the US
  • Use to-do lists, alarms, and school mode
  • Connect to a cell phone plan (Verizon or Gabb Wireless)

Neither of the two watches:

  • Stream music
  • Call 911
  • Monitor health (other than counting steps)

Gizmo Watch 3 vs. Gabb Watch 3 differences

You'll get just two perks by choosing the Gabb Watch 3 vs. the Gizmo Watch 3:

  • More contacts with Gabb: The Gabb Watch 3 offers 100 contact slots compared to 20 on the Gizmo Watch 3.
  • Flashlight on the Gabb Watch: The Gizmo Watch doesn't have one.

On the other hand, the Gizmo Watch 3 offers quite the list of features missing from the Gabb Watch 3:

  • Video calling with Gizmo Watch: The Gabb Watch can't make video calls because it doesn't have a camera.
  • Location history Gizmo Watch: The Gabb Watch doesn't let you see where your kid has been — only where they are now.
  • Calculator and weather app on the Gizmo Watch: Neither of these apps is available on the Gabb Watch.
  • Drop-in audio on the Gizmo Watch: This popular feature isn't available on the Gabb Watch.
  • Remote shut-down with the Gizmo Watch: You'll have to get your hands on the Gabb Watch before you can shut it down — which makes it a little harder to enforce screen time rules.
  • Bluetooth compatibility on the Gizmo Watch: That means it pairs with Bluetooth headphones so you can get some peace. Remote volume control is your only option with the Gabb Watch.

Winner: Verizon Gizmo Watch 3

We gotta hand it to the Verizon Gizmo Watch 3 thanks to video calling, photo texting, drop-in listening, and five-second SOS calling. But the Gabb Watch 3 is fun for younger kids and costs about the same.

How we decided: Gabb Watch vs. GizmoWatch

Image: Suzi Brzezinski, SafeWise

We based our analysis of the Gabb Watch and GizmoWatches on hands-on product testing and a comparison of over 40 features, including GPS tracking, screen time management, safety features, ease of setup, and communication options. Learn more about SafeWise’s methodology.

Cathy Habas
Written by
Cathy Habas
With over eight years of experience as a content writer, Cathy has a knack for untangling complex information. Her natural curiosity and ability to empathize help Cathy offer insightful, friendly advice. She believes in empowering readers who may not feel confident about a purchase, project, or topic. Cathy earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Indiana University Southeast and began her professional writing career immediately after graduation. She is a certified Safe Sleep Ambassador and has contributed to sites like Safety.com, Reviews.com, Hunker, and Thumbtack. Cathy’s pride and joy is her Appaloosa “Chacos.” She also likes to crochet while watching stand-up comedy specials on Netflix.

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