Verizon GizmoWatch vs. Gabb Watch

We compared the two GizmoWatches and the Gabb Watch across 40+ specs and like the Disney Edition best.
Best for older kids
Best for younger kids
  • con
    No camera
  • pro
    GPS tracking
  • pro
    Virtual pet game

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The Verizon GizmoWatch Disney Edition—not to be confused with the much simpler GizmoWatch 2—beats the Gabb Watch 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 GizmoWatch Disney Edition is better suited for older kids and the Gabb Watch fits the needs of younger kids.


Gabb Wireless deals

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Info current as of publish date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. 

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What about the GizmoWatch 2?

Choose the Verizon GizmoWatch 2 if you like the Gabb Watch but prefer to stick with a Verizon account. We’ll clarify the differences below.


Verizon GizmoWatch vs. Gabb Watch


Compare GizmoWatches vs. Gabb Watch

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

Info current as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.

GizmoWatch vs. Gabb Watch similarities

Here’s what you’ll get from both GizmoWatches and the Gabb Watch:

  • Blocks unknown callers
  • Sends voice messages
  • Sends emojis
  • Uses templated text responses
  • Doesn’t call 911
  • Tracks location
  • Offers geofencing
  • Only works in the US
  • Requires a specific cell plan (Verizon or Gabb Wireless)
  • Doesn’t stream music
  • Doesn’t monitor health other than counting steps
  • Includes to-do lists, an alarm, and school mode

GizmoWatch vs. Gabb Watch differences

Here’s an overview of the differences between the Gabb Watch, Verizon GizmoWatch 2, and Verizon GizmoWatch Disney Edition:

  • Only the Disney Edition has a camera, calculator, and weather app.
  • The GizmoWatch 2 is missing an SOS button, but it has a longer battery life and is the only one that can be submerged in water.
  • The Gabb Watch has a flashlight app and 25 contacts compared to just 10 on the GizmoWatches. On the flip side, it's missing a remote shut-down option, drop-in audio, and location history.

Verizon GizmoWatch Disney Edition: Best for older kids

If video calling capabilities are high on your list of must-have features for a kids smartwatch, the Verizon GizmoWatch Disney Edition automatically wins over the Gabb Watch and GizmoWatch 2.

GizmoWatch Disney Edition 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 GizmoWatch Disney Edition has a camera

Because the GizmoWatch Disney Edition is the only one of the bunch with a camera, it’s also the only one that supports video calling and photo texting.

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 calling. This protects your child from strange video calls, but makes it impossible to video chat with long-distance loved ones.

Learn more in our full Verizon GizmoWatch review.

Verizon GizmoWatch 2: Best budget option for Verizon customers

Because it lacks features like a camera and an SOS button, the GizmoWatch 2 has a low price tag. You can snag it for around $100, but be aware that there’s also a $35 activation fee. Still, that’s one of the best prices on the market, especially when you consider the required Verizon plan is only about $10 per month.

GizmoWatch 2 pros and cons

pro
Pros
pro Drop-in audio
pro Can be submerged
pro Jumping game
con
Cons
con No camera
con No SOS button

There’s no SOS button on the GizmoWatch 2

The Verizon GizmoWatch 2 is missing a key feature found on nearly every other kids smartwatch: an SOS button. Verizon added one to the GizmoWatch Disney Edition, and there’s also one on the Gabb Watch.

To call their emergency contact, kids press the Gabb Watch’s SOS button for 10 seconds, which is twice as long as the 5-second-press required to use the Disney Edition’s SOS button.

The GizmoWatch 2 has a better battery life

The Verizon GizmoWatch 2’s battery lasts up to 72 hours—a whole 24 hours longer than both the Disney Edition and the Gabb Watch. Its extended battery life is probably due to its lack of features compared to the other two watches.

Keep in mind that frequent use or location updates will drain the battery of each of these watches. Daily charging is recommended.

Learn more about the GizmoWatch 2 in our full review.

Gabb Watch: Best for younger kids

If you don’t have a Verizon account and don’t want one, the Gabb Watch is your next-cheapest 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.

Gabb Watch pros and cons

pro
Pros
pro 10-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 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.

The Verizon GizmoWatch Disney Edition doesn’t have much in the way of fun other than some cool backgrounds. The GizmoWatch 2 boasts one game, which gets kids jumping like a kangaroo. The Gabb Watch is the better option for entertaining your kid.

The Gabb Watch doesn’t allow audio drop-ins or location history

Both GizmoWatches 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 doesn’t have this “stealthy check-in” feature, and it’s also lacking a location history option. You’ll see your child’s real-time GPS location when checking in, but you can’t see where they were in the past.

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

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Winner: Verizon GizmoWatch Disney Edition

We gotta hand it to the GizmoWatch Disney Edition thanks to video calling, photo texting, drop-in listening, and five-second SOS calling. But there are reasons to consider the older GizmoWatch 2 or the Gabb Watch:

  • GizmoWatch 2: The most affordable of these three kids smartwatches, but also the simplest. The lack of an SOS button is a concern.
  • Gabb Watch: Fun for younger kids and still well within the affordable range.

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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