Verizon Gizmo Watch 3 vs. Gabb Watch 3e

The 2025 Verizon Gizmo Watch and Gabb Watch are similarly priced kids smartwatches, and a close inspection shows they share a lot of the same features. So, which one is better?

In our Gabb vs. Gizmo review, we'll look at the key differences between these popular kids watches, discuss their important similarities, check out what real parents have to say, and help you decide which one is right for you.

To kick things off, we first want to mention that Verizon actually sells two Gizmo Watches: the 3 and 3 Adventure. We'll be comparing both to the Gabb Watch 3e throughout this review. 

Let's start with some of the major differences between the Gabb Watch 3e and the two Gizmo Watches. We've put several in the chart above (you'll have the best viewing experience on desktop).

These differences could be dealbreakers for some families:

• Camera: The only watch with a camera is the Gizmo Watch 3. Kids can take and text photos and video chat with approved contacts. 
• Number of contacts: Social butterflies should definitely consider the Gabb Watch 3e because it can hold up to 100 parent-approved contacts. The Verizon kids smartwatches only offer 20 contact slots. 
• Speech to text and full text keyboard: These options make it much easier for kids to send custom texts, and they're available in both the Gabb Watch 3e and the Verizon Gizmo Watch 3 Adventure. The original Gizmo Watch 3 only allows kids to choose from a list of preset text responses or emojis. 
• Games that reward activity: Also called gamified activity, this is a stand-out feature in the Gabb Watch 3e. While both Gizmo Watches include a pedometer, they won't be able to earn virtual coins for reaching their step goals or completing chores.  
• Battery life: The Verizon Gizmo Watches last up to 86 hours (3.6 days) on a single charge, while the Gabb Watch 3e lasts about 14-18 hours. 

Now, let's look at some more subtle differences:

• Flashlight: This nifty tool is only available on the Gabb Watch 3e. 
• Weather app: Kids can get in the habit of checking the forecast on their Gizmo Watch, but not on the Gabb Watch.
• Audio drop-in: The Verizon Gizmo Watches allow parents to switch on "auto answer mode," which lets them hear what's happening around their child. The Gabb Watch 3e doesn't have this feature. 
• Location history: Both Gizmo Watches generate a location history report for parents to see where their child has been throughout the day. The Gabb Watch 3e doesn't generate a location report, but you can get updates throughout the day with safe zone alerts.

It's a lot of info to take in, so we organized it into a list of pros and cons to help you see which one might be best for you.

The Gabb Watch 3e, Gizmo Watch 3, and Gizmo Watch 3 Adventure have upfront fees and monthly fees. Here's how it shakes out.

Device fees

• $149.99 for the Gabb Watch 3e
• $149.99 for the Gizmo Watch 3
• $129.99 for the Gizmo Watch 3 Adventure

Activation fees

• $30 for the Gabb Watch 3e
• $35 for the Gizmo Watch 3
• $35 for the Gizmo Watch 3 Adventure

Monthly service fees

• $12.99–$17.99/mo. for the Gabb Watch
• $10/mo. for the Gizmo Watch 3
• $10/mo. for the Gizmo Watch 3 Adventure

You can get financing from both Gabb and Verizon as well. Gabb offers 24-month financing and Verizon offers 36-month financing. 

The Gizmo Watch 3, Gizmo Watch 3 Adventure, and Gabb Watch 3e 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
• Use to-do lists, alarms, a calculator, and school mode
• Connect to a cell phone plan (Verizon or Gabb Wireless)
• Connect to Bluetooth headphones
• Wear the watches in the shower

None of the three watches:

• Stream music (consider the TickTalk5)
• Call 911 (consider the Bark Watch, TickTalk5, or Cosmo JrTrack4)
• Monitor health metrics other than step count (consider the Angel Watch)
• Work internationally (consider the TickTalk5)

They're also extremely similar in size. The Gabb Watch 3e measures just 2 millimeters narrower than the Gizmo Watches. It has a 1.6-inch display, which is the same as the Gizmo Watch 3 Adventure. (The Gizmo Watch 3 screen is slightly smaller at 1.4 inches).

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Parents give similar ratings to the Gizmo Watch 3, Gizmo Watch 3  Adventure, and Gabb Watch 3e.

• The Gabb Watch 3e has 3.5/5 stars from more than 1,000 reviews on Google and Amazon.
• The Verizon Gizmo Watch 3 Adventure has 3.4/5 stars from 99 reviews on Verizon.com.
• The Verizon Gizmo Watch 3 has 3.3/5 stars from more than 1,100 reviews on Verizon.com.

Across the board, negative reviews tend to focus on some aspect of the watch not working correctly. In the Verizon Gizmo Watch 3, people report charging issues. Sometimes the Gizmo Watch 3 Adventure stops working or doesn't turn on. In the Gabb Watch 3e, location tracking isn't always accurate.

Phew! Fortunately, there are far more positive reviews than negative ones. Parents say each watch is easy to use and age-appropriate, and kids like the watches too. Most people say location tracking, calling, and texting works exactly as expected. 

GPS smartwatches like the Gabb and Gizmo are becoming go-to devices for parents who want to stay connected without handing over a smartphone.

We prioritize devices with accurate location tracking, good cellular service, speedy text delivery, good call quality, quick-dial SOS buttons, and a comfortable design, among other standards. We also evaluate customer service performance, warranties, and return policies.

 Learn more about SafeWise’s methodology.

This is a really close race. All three contenders are high-quality and safe kids smartwatches, and you won't go wrong choosing any of them. 

Your final choice really depends on what you and your child are looking for. 

• Choose the Gabb Watch 3e for kids who have large families or a lot of friends, or if they'll be motivated by the virtual pet to complete their to-do list and meet their step goals.
• Buy the Verizon Gizmo Watch 3 Adventure if you would rather have extra safety features like a location history report and audio drop-in function, or if budget is one of your main concerns.
• Go with the Verizon Gizmo Watch 3 if video calling is more important than the full QWERTY keyboard found in the other two watches.

That said, we're going to give this one to the Gabb Watch 3e. It won "Best Overall Kids Smartwatch in our first-ever Kids Safety Awards and makes a great first smartwatch for children 5–12 years old. The extra contact slots give your child plenty of room to socialize, grow, and practice good digital communication skills, and the virtual pet helps guide them toward an active and productive lifestyle. 

It does have a more expensive monthly fee, so a Gizmo Watch is a great option if you want most of the features of the Gabb Watch at a more affordable rate.

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