The Gabb Phone excels at exactly what it promises: providing kids with a communication device while eliminating digital risks and distractions. For younger children getting their first phone, it’s an excellent choice that gives parents peace of mind.
The simplicity is both its greatest strength and its biggest limitation. You won’t spend hours configuring parental controls or worrying about what your child might access, but the phone won’t grow with your child’s legitimate needs for digital tools as they enter middle and high school.
For many families, the Gabb Phone serves as an ideal “training wheels” device—a first step in teaching responsible phone use before transitioning to something with more features. When that time comes, options like the MMGuardian Phone can provide the next level of supervised access.
If safety and simplicity are your top priorities for a child under 13, the Gabb Phone is worth serious consideration. Just be prepared to reassess as your child grows and their needs change.
Specialized, child-friendly apps
Child music service (added cost)
Minimal features = easy to use
Cannot use your preferred/family phone plan
Not possible to lock/limit phone use
Expensive, especially with add-ons
The Gabb Phone sits in that sweet spot many parents are looking for—a phone that lets kids call and text without the risks of social media, internet access, or addictive games. But is it the right choice for your family? Let’s take a closer look at what makes this kid-focused device tick.
The Gabb Phone is a smartphone built specifically for kids that intentionally leaves out the internet, apps, and social media. It’s designed to solve a problem many parents face: wanting to stay connected with their children without exposing them to digital addiction, inappropriate content, or cyberbullying.
Founded in 2018, Gabb Wireless created these devices as a middle ground between no phone at all and handing kids a fully-loaded smartphone. Their current lineup includes the Gabb Phone 3 (their basic model) and the Gabb Phone Plus (with additional features like group messaging and GPS tracking).
Think of it as training wheels for the digital world—a way for kids to learn responsible phone use before graduating to devices with more features and more risks.
The Gabb Phone keeps things simple by design, focusing on communication basics while eliminating digital distractions:
The phone itself looks like a regular smartphone, which helps kids feel like they’re not missing out completely. The interface is clean and intuitive, making it easy for even younger children to navigate.
| Feature | Gabb Phone 3 | Gabb Phone Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Calling & Texting | Yes | Yes |
| Group Texting | No | Yes |
| GPS Location | Basic | Advanced tracking |
| Camera | 5MP | 8MP |
| Water Resistance | Yes | Yes |
| Music+ Compatible | Yes | Yes |
| Price | Lower | Higher |
The Gabb Phone runs on Gabb Wireless’s own network (they’re an MVNO—mobile virtual network operator—using major carriers’ infrastructure). Specifically, Gabb uses Verizon’s network, which provides strong nationwide coverage. However, you’ll still need to sign up for Gabb’s own service plan rather than adding the phone to your existing family plan with carriers like Verizon or AT&T.
Setting up is straightforward:
The phone comes with its own phone number, and parents can manage certain aspects through the Gabb Guardian app (available for both iOS and Android). Unlike regular smartphones that require constant monitoring and content filtering, the Gabb Phone’s lack of internet access means parents don’t need to worry about inappropriate content slipping through.
One parent noted: “I don’t have to check what my daughter is doing on her phone every night because I know she can only text the people I’ve approved and take pictures. That peace of mind is worth every penny.”
Getting started with the Gabb Phone is refreshingly simple compared to setting up parental controls on a regular smartphone.
When your Gabb Phone arrives, you’ll find the device, charging cable, and simple instructions. The activation process takes about 10-15 minutes:
Parents can add contacts directly on the phone or through the Gabb Guardian app. The interface is clean and intuitive—no technical expertise required.
A dad I interviewed mentioned: “My 8-year-old figured out how to use it within minutes. The lack of complicated settings and options is actually a huge plus.”
If you do run into issues, Gabb’s customer service gets solid marks from most parents. They offer phone support, email, and a comprehensive help center on their website.
√ No Internet
√ Simple Design
√ GPS Safety Tools
√ Durable & Affordable
x Limited Functionality
x No App Store
x Music+ is a Paid Add-On
x No Web Browser
The complete absence of internet access is the Gabb Phone’s biggest selling point. Kids can’t browse websites, access social media, or watch YouTube videos—eliminating exposure to inappropriate content, online predators, and cyberbullying.
This isn’t just about blocking certain sites; there’s literally no way to get online. That means parents don’t need to constantly update filters or worry about kids finding workarounds. The risk simply doesn’t exist.
A mom of three told me: “After hearing horror stories from other parents about what their kids found online, I love that I don’t have to worry about that at all with the Gabb Phone.”
The clean, minimalist interface keeps kids focused on the real world instead of getting lost in endless scrolling or games. There are no notifications constantly pulling for attention, no addictive apps, and no social media comparisons affecting self-esteem.
“My daughter used to beg for new games on my phone constantly,” one parent shared. “With her Gabb Phone, that whole dynamic disappeared. No app store means no endless requests—and that alone makes it worth it.”
Kids can still take photos, set alarms, and use the calendar, but without the digital noise that comes with full smartphones.
Starting with a Gabb Phone helps establish that phones are tools for communication, not entertainment devices. This aligns with recommendations from child development experts who suggest limiting screen time and prioritizing real-world interactions.
By introducing digital technology gradually, parents can help kids develop healthy relationships with their devices before moving on to more advanced options. It’s like teaching swimming with floaties before diving into the deep end.
“We wanted our son to learn that phones are primarily for connecting with people, not for zoning out with games,” explained one father. “The Gabb Phone helped set that expectation from day one.”
For kids getting their first phone (typically ages 7-13), the Gabb Phone offers independence without overwhelming them with options. The learning curve is minimal, and parents don’t have to teach complex concepts like app management or social media etiquette yet.
“My 9-year-old feels so grown-up having her own phone, but I don’t have to worry about all the risks that usually come with it,” a parent commented. “It’s the perfect stepping stone before a regular smartphone.”
Built with active kids in mind, the Gabb Phone can handle drops, spills, and rough handling. It’s water-resistant and has a sturdy case available for extra protection.
Price-wise, the phones start around $150, with monthly plans beginning at $24.99—significantly less than adding a line with unlimited data to most family plans. Plus, there are no surprise in-app purchases or data overages to worry about.
The Gabb Phone Plus and newer models include GPS tracking capabilities through the Gabb Guardian app. Parents can check their child’s location in real-time, set up geofencing alerts, and have peace of mind knowing where their kids are.
“The location tracking has been a game-changer for us,” said one mom. “I can see when my son arrives at school or a friend’s house without having to text him constantly.”
For families who want to add some entertainment without opening the floodgates, Gabb Music+ offers a curated library of age-appropriate music with no explicit lyrics or inappropriate content. At $4.99/month, it’s an affordable add-on that gives kids access to thousands of songs without the risks of platforms like Spotify or YouTube.
“My daughter loves having music on her phone, and I love not having to worry about what she might hear,” shared one parent. “It’s clean music that we both approve of.”
While younger children are typically happy with the Gabb Phone’s features, kids 13 and older might feel restricted by the lack of internet access, social apps, and games—especially if their friends have regular smartphones.
“My 14-year-old outgrew the Gabb Phone within six months,” admitted one parent. “She needed more functionality for school projects and keeping up with friends.”
The comparison to what peers are using can create social pressure that’s worth considering before purchasing.
The Gabb Phone’s closed system means there’s no way to download additional apps—even educational ones. You can’t add a calculator app with more functions, a weather app, or even approved games for long car rides.
This lack of flexibility is intentional for safety reasons, but it can feel limiting as kids grow and their needs change.
While the Gabb Music+ feature is popular, it does come with an additional monthly fee. For families on a budget, this extra cost might be a consideration, especially since there’s no way to use alternatives like Spotify or Apple Music.
The absence of internet access means kids can’t look up information for homework, check the weather, or research topics they’re interested in. For school-age children who need to do online research, this limitation might require them to use a family computer or tablet instead.
“My son sometimes needs to look things up for school projects,” noted one parent. “The Gabb Phone can’t help with that, so we still need to provide computer access at home.”
Kids generally appreciate having their own phone and the independence it represents. Being able to text friends and family makes them feel connected and grown-up.
“I like that I can call my friends to make plans without borrowing my mom’s phone,” said 10-year-old Jake.
The camera is another favorite feature, with kids enjoying taking photos and videos. Those with the Gabb Music+ subscription typically rank it as their favorite feature.
“I can listen to music whenever I want, and my parents don’t have to worry about bad words,” 12-year-old Sophia told.
The lack of games and social media apps is the biggest complaint from kids, especially as they get older or if their friends have regular smartphones.
“Sometimes I feel left out when my friends talk about TikTok or games they’re playing,” admitted 11-year-old Mason.
Some kids also express frustration about not being able to customize their phone with different wallpapers, ringtones, or apps.
Parent feedback on the Gabb Phone tends to be positive, with safety and simplicity being the most praised aspects:
“The peace of mind is worth every penny. I can contact my child without worrying about what else they might access.” – Amanda R., Trustpilot
“Perfect first phone for my 9-year-old. He feels grown-up having his own phone, but I don’t have to worry about internet dangers.” – Michael T., Amazon review
“My daughter loves her Gabb Phone. The music subscription was a great addition that made her feel like she wasn’t missing out.” – Sarah L., Facebook
However, some parents note limitations as children grow:
“Great starter phone, but my 12-year-old outgrew it within a year as school started requiring more online research.” – Jennifer K., Reddit
Technical issues occasionally appear in reviews:
“Battery life could be better. We find ourselves charging it daily with even minimal use.” – David M., Gabb website
“The camera quality is just okay. My son wishes it took better photos.” – Teresa B., Amazon
Overall, the sentiment suggests the Gabb Phone excels at what it’s designed to do—provide safe communication for younger children—but may not be a long-term solution as kids enter their teen years.
The kid-safe phone market offers several options with varying levels of functionality and parental control. Here’s how Gabb stacks up against the competition:
MMGuardian Kids Phone:
The MMGuardian Phone combines a standard Samsung smartphone with powerful parental control software. It offers full smartphone functionality with comprehensive monitoring and filtering tools. Parents can block inappropriate content, monitor texts and social media, set time limits, and track location. It’s more complex to manage than Gabb but provides a solution that can grow with your child through their teen years.
Pinwheel:
Pinwheel takes a different approach by offering a curated app store with parent-approved applications. Unlike Gabb’s no-internet policy, Pinwheel allows limited web access through approved apps. It’s more flexible than Gabb but requires more parental management. The parental dashboard is comprehensive, making it good for families who want more functionality while maintaining strong oversight.
Bark Phone:
The Bark Phone is essentially a full smartphone with powerful AI-based monitoring tools. It allows normal phone functionality but scans texts, images, and social media for concerning content. It’s better suited for older teens who need more access but still require supervision. Parents should consider the privacy trade-offs and the learning curve of managing all the monitoring features.
Troomi:
Troomi positions itself as a “grow-with-your-child” option. It starts with basic features similar to Gabb but allows parents to gradually unlock additional capabilities like approved apps and limited web browsing. The Gmail option and whitelist-only contacts make it more adaptable than Gabb for school-age children who need some online functionality.
The key difference: Gabb prevents access to risky content by removing features entirely, while these alternatives allow more functionality but rely on monitoring and filtering to manage risks.
First-time phone users (ages 7-12) The Gabb Phone shines as an introduction to phone ownership. Younger children benefit from its simplicity and safety-first approach without being overwhelmed by options.
Safety-conscious families Parents who prioritize protection from online risks above all else will appreciate the Gabb Phone’s locked-down approach.
Kids who need basic contact and GPS If your primary goal is staying in touch with your child and knowing their location, the Gabb Phone handles these essentials perfectly.
Families wanting to minimize screen time The lack of games and internet means kids are less likely to get sucked into their devices for hours.
Parents seeking simplicity If you don’t want to manage complex parental controls or constantly monitor online activity, Gabb’s approach eliminates those concerns.
Teens who need school or research apps Older students who need to access educational resources, research tools, or school-specific apps will find the Gabb Phone too limiting.
Kids already accustomed to smartphones Children who have already used regular smartphones may find it difficult to adjust to the Gabb Phone’s limitations.
Families wanting gradual introduction to technology If you prefer to teach responsible tech use by gradually introducing features with supervision, other options with adjustable controls might be better.
Parents who want detailed monitoring The Gabb Phone’s approach is prevention through limitation rather than monitoring. Parents wanting to see texts or track online behavior should look elsewhere.
Can kids still text and call their friends? Yes, kids can call and text any contacts that have been added to their phone. On the basic Gabb Phone, they can only text one person at a time (no group texts), while the Gabb Phone Plus supports group messaging.
How do I add or remove contacts? Parents can add contacts directly on the phone or through the Gabb Guardian app. There’s no way for kids to add contacts without parent involvement on most models.
Does it have GPS tracking? The Gabb Phone Plus and newer models include GPS tracking through the Gabb Guardian app. The basic Gabb Phone has more limited location features.
Can I monitor my child’s texts? Unlike some parental control solutions, Gabb doesn’t provide parents with the content of text messages. The focus is on limiting risks rather than monitoring behavior.
MMGuardian A35 Key Features
