PERFORMANCE

Gabb Wireless offers its Z2 device as an alternative to other smartphones that can’t guarantee security or parental controls. The phone is produced by ZTE, one of the world’s leading phone and communication equipment manufacturers.

The Gabb phone only has 14 apps that it refers to as “essential tools”:

• Radio
• Camera
• Video
• Record
• Calendar
• Calculator
• Call
• Message
• Contacts
• Photos
• Settings
• Files
• Music
• Clock

Among these, the Gabb Z2 core features are the Find My Phone GPS location services (so kids can find their devices anywhere and anytime), a five megapixel (5MP) front camera, an eight megapixel (8MP) back camera, and Bluetooth connection (for headphones or speakers).

Kids can upload their favorite music by plugging in to a computer or using microSD cards.

The phone does not include internet or data usage, games, social media, browser, or app store. This is meant to curtail screen time, eliminate the possibility of being contacted by predators, and remove the possible harmful effects social media can have on children.

Gabb’s website states that its wireless plans are “built on America’s leading 4G LTE network” with a map of the U.S. showing its coverage area. Although the website does not explicitly state it by name, Gabb’s wireless plans run on Verizon’s nationwide network.

Gabb’s phones and network are designed to work exclusively with each other, meaning that the phone cannot be used on another carrier’s network.

PRICE

Gabb’s Z2 phone carries a $99.99 price tag, which includes free shipping and pre-activation. The company also offers a 30% discount to customers who use a friend’s referral code to purchase the phone. 

The company offers two different wireless plans: the Gabb Plan and the Gabb Plus Plan.

The Gabb Plan costs $19.99 per month and includes:

• Text-only messaging (no group texts or images)
• Unlimited talk and text
• GPS location

The Gabb Plus Plan is $24.99 and includes:

• Image and group text messaging
• Unlimited talk and text
• GPS location

Neither of the plans require a contract, allowing subscribers to pay month-by-month and cancel at any time. The company also offers a 30-day money back guarantee, in which parents can return the device and cancel the service within the first 30 days if they are not satisfied with the product.

Multi-line discounts are available for plans with more than two lines: Three lines per plan provides a $5.00 discount while having four lines per plan nets a savings of $10.00.

TRUSTWORTHINESS

Gabb markets itself as a safe smartphone alternative for kids by limiting the functions of a regular phone. Gabb’s phone and network are built for text and talk only, allowing children to interact with their family and friends but no outside contacts.

Since the phone does not have internet/data, app store, browser, or social media on it, parents can rest assured that their children won’t access potentially harmful online content or communications. 

The company has an A- rating on the BBB and a 2.6 out of 5 score on Trustpilot.