Verizon Gizmo Watch 3 vs. Gabb Watch 3e

We compared the Gizmo Watch and the Gabb Watch across 40+ specs with dozens of hours of research.
Great for larger social circles
  • con
    No camera
  • pro
    Live GPS tracking
  • pro
    Up to 100 contacts
Best for video calling
  • pro
    Camera
  • pro
    Live GPS tracking
  • pro
    Up to 20 contacts

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With 20+ years in tech journalism, Alina blends safety expertise with her passion for simplifying technology. Alina is also trained as a first responder and worked as a volunteer firefighter.

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. 

Bell
Discontinued models

The original Verizon Gizmo Watch, Gizmo Watch 2, and Gizmo Watch Disney Edition have been discontinued, as have the original Gabb Watch, Gabb Watch 2, and Gabb Watch 3. 


Verizon Gizmo Watch 3 vs. Gabb Watch 3e

Image: SafeWise


Gizmo Watch vs Gabb Watch at a glance

Product
Price
Max. number of contacts
Camera
Speech to text
Full text keyboard
Location history
Game that rewards movement
Learn more
100
Icon No  LightNo
Icon Yes  LightYes
Icon Yes  LightYes
Icon No  LightNo
Icon Yes  LightYes
20
Icon Yes  LightYes
Icon No  LightNo
Icon No  LightNo
Icon Yes  LightYes
Icon No  LightNo
Verizon Gizmo Watch 3 Adventure in gray with scratch-resistant displayGizmo Watch 3 Adventure
20
Icon No  LightNo
Icon Yes  LightYes
Icon Yes  LightYes
Icon Yes  LightYes
Icon No  LightNo

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

Key differences between the Gizmo and Gabb Watches

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.

Verizon Gizmo Watch 3 pros and cons

pro
Pros
pro Camera and video calling
pro Drop-in audio
pro Location history report
pro 86 hour battery life
con
Cons
con Only 20 contacts
con No speech to text
con No full keyboard
con No flashlight
con No gamified activity

Verizon Gizmo Watch 3 Adventure pros and cons

pro
Pros
pro Drop-in audio
pro Speech to text
pro Full keyboard
pro Location history report
pro 86 hour battery life
con
Cons
con Only 20 contacts
con No flashlight
con No gamified activity
con No camera or video calling

Gabb Watch 3e pros and cons

pro
Pros
pro Up to 100 contacts
pro Speech to text
pro Full text keyboard
pro Flashlight
pro Gamified activity
con
Cons
con No camera or video calling
con No audio drop-in
con No location history report
con Max. 18-hour battery life

Price differences

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. 

Thumbs Up

Gabb now offers financing!

Getting the extra reassurance and security that comes with Gabb's phones and smartwatches is easier than ever! Gabb just rolled out a financing option for parents who need a little more room in their budget. Best of all, Gabb is also offering a free accessory with every device purchase. That means you can upgrade your watch band, get a screen protector, add a phone case, or pick up a wireless charger without paying an extra dime!

Similarities between the Gizmo Watch and Gabb Watch

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).

Video: Kids & Parents Review the Gabb Watch

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What parents are saying

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.

Icon Quote  Dark
Thoughts from a Gizmo Watch 3 user
"We have had this watch almost 2 years. My daughter loves it and we do too. I like that we can GPS track her location and talk, text, or video chat with her at any time. She has worn it to school for the last 2 years and we take comfort that she can call us in case of emergency. We love this watch!!"
—Mack via Verizon.com, January 2025
Icon Quote  Dark
Thoughts from a Gabb Watch 3e user
"So far so good! My son is on day 2 of his watch and I have been able to locate him at school and after school programming. He used it a lot the first day and the battery lasted about 8 hours. The second day he used it a lot less and it had a lot more battery and it lasted longer. Calls are clear. Texts come through. He likes the rewards for tasks. Phone number in our area code. Great watch!"

FAQs

There are more than a dozen to choose from, and no two are alike. It really depends on what's important to you. For example:

  • If you want a kids smartwatch without internet that can conduct video calls, try the Verizon Gizmo Watch 3. 
  • If you want to use virtual coins and pets to help motivate your child to stay active and complete their chores, try the Gabb Watch 3e.
  • For a lower upfront price and affordable monthly fees, try the Verizon Gizmo Watch 3 Adventure.

Verizon says kids between 3 and 11 years old should enjoy this watch. However, we'd stick with a kids wearable tracker for 3- to 4-year-olds and wait until about age 5 before gifting a smartwatch. 

We like the original Gizmo Watch 3 for younger kids who want to video call their friends and family. The Gizmo Watch 3 Adventure is a better choice for older kids who are ready to text.

Gabb designed the Gabb Watch 3e for ages 5 through 12, and we agree with this recommendation. By around age 9 or 10, some may prefer a kids phone

Gabb maintains its own private network for added security, but it uses Verizon towers to transmit data. Check the FCC National Broadband Map to make sure you live in an area with strong Verizon coverage before buying a Gabb vs. Gizmo watch. 

How we decided: Gabb vs. Gizmo

Screenshot of Gabb Watch app displaying customizable safe zones map

Image: Suzi Brzezinski, SafeWise

Our latest survey shows 1 in 3 families added new safety tools in the past year, including kids smartwatches like the Gabb and Gizmo. More and more parents are relying on these devices as emergency tools thanks to their GPS tracking capabilities, safe zone alerts, SOS buttons, and versatile communication options. 

But do they actually work? 

We give parents confidence in their purchase thanks to our rigorous kids smartwatch evaluation process. Here's what we do:

  • Ask real families to test products hands-on over an extended period of time (at least one week)
  • Mystery shop each brand to evaluate customer service, company policies, and price transparency.
  • Compare more than 40 features, including GPS tracking, screen time management, safety features, ease of setup, and communication options.
  • Read hundreds of customer reviews to understand common user complaints.
  • Talk with company representatives to learn about unique software and design elements.

 

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.

Winner: Gabb Watch 3e

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.

Alina Bradford
Written by
Alina is a safety and security expert with over 25 years of experience. She has contributed her insights to CNET, CBS, Digital Trends, MTV, Top Ten Reviews, and many others. After testing thousands of devices, apps, services, and more, her goal is to make safety and security gadgets less mystifying one article at a time. In the early 2000s, Alina worked as a volunteer firefighter, earning her first responder certification and paving the way to her current career. Plus, she has tested hundreds of pieces of security and safety equipment over the years. Places published: CBS, MTV, CVS, Rachael Ray, eBay, Reader’s Digest, ConsumerAffairs, and more. Certifications: Fire Service Training, Oklahoma State University. Awards: Received the Experience Leader certificate from Authority, putting her “in the top 25% among the thousands of professional content creators analyzed by Authory for the Fall 2023 audit.” You can view more of Alina's work at alinabradford.com.

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