When it comes to choosing a kids' smartwatch, parents often face a tough decision. Balancing features, safety, ease of use, and budget can be challenging. In this article, we'll compare two popular options: the Gabb Wireless 3 and the myFirst Fone, to help you make an informed choice.
Unboxing and First Impressions
Gabb Wireless 3: The unboxing experience of the Gabb Wireless 3 feels quite luxurious. The packaging is basic but does provide a premium feel, similar to an Apple Watch. Once unboxed, the watch itself feels somewhat plain, reminiscent of a budget smartwatch, with a small and functional display.
Despite these initial setbacks, the device quickly redeems itself with a well-thought-out tutorial that guides users through the functionalities of the buttons and other features. The setup process is smooth, focusing on simplicity and ease of use. The watch offers essential features like calling and basic messaging, with a unique phone number assigned to each device. Parents can ensure safety by approving specific numbers that can call and text the watch.
myFirst Fone R2: In contrast, the myFirst Fone R2 comes in a more appealing package, including a sheet of fun stickers, which adds to the excitement of the unboxing experience. The watch itself feels robust and well-made, giving a sense of durability and premium quality.
The display is a vibrant and clear AMOLED screen, making it easy for children to navigate. Setting up the watch is a breeze, and the intuitive user interface ensures that both kids and parents can get accustomed to its features quickly. The watch offers a comprehensive suite of functionalities, including real-time GPS tracking, video calls, voice calls, messaging, and myFirst Circle integration, making it a versatile option for staying connected with your child.
Initial Setup
Gabb Wireless 3: The Gabb Wireless 3 packaging did not include a user manual but instead had a QR code that redirected me to the "Activate Your Device" page.
Once the line was activated, I downloaded the Gabb app and started the setup on the watch phone, linking the watch and the app via Bluetooth. The plan is $17.99 a month, which provides basic communication features.
myFirst Fone: Setting up the myFirst Fone was a breeze, taking only about 10 minutes in total. I received an email the morning of delivery with a step-by-step process, a video, and the instructional manual, ensuring that all bases were covered to prevent any setup issues.
It was simply a matter of downloading the myFirst Circle app, creating an account, binding the watch, and done. They offer a no-contract 30-day trial to everyone, so you don't need to provide your card information until after you use it. There is only one plan available for all of their watches, which is $12 a month with no contract and no setup fee, making it easy to get started.
Comparing Parental Control Apps
Gabb App: From the home page of the Gabb app, you will see GPS tracking. On the side menu, you can find options for calling and messaging. The messaging and calling functionalities take you outside of the app and function similarly to calling or texting any other phone.
The app also allows you to add approved contacts, check messages, and set safe zones, providing basic but essential parental controls to ensure your child's safety as well as quiet time.
myFirst Circle App: Compared to the Gabb app, the myFirst Circle app is more robust and packed with features. One standout feature is the ability to check your child's heart rate remotely, which the Gabb app lacks.
In addition to GPS tracking, geofencing, class mode, and managing contacts, the myFirst Circle app doubles as a safe social media platform for kids. Parents and kids can post pictures and videos, comment, and leave voice messages on each post. Parents can control who gets to see their kids' posts, adding an extra layer of safety.
In terms of settings and granularity, the myFirst Circle app allows you to see your child's location history and set the frequency of GPS updates, allowing you to trade off battery life for more up-to-the-minute tracking. This level of detail provides parents with comprehensive tools to monitor and ensure their child's safety effectively.
Performance and Usability
Gabb Wireless 3: Despite its initial shortcomings in terms of build quality and display, the Gabb Wireless 3 performs well in its core functionalities. The true texting feature stands out, allowing seamless communication between the watch and the parent's default phone messaging app.
While the GPS tracking is reliable most of the time, it occasionally lacks accurate location data, which is crucial for parents wanting to keep an eye on their child's whereabouts. The lack of a heart rate monitor and video calling might be a downside for some, but the easy-to-use interface makes it a practical choice for younger children.
myFirst Fone R2: The myFirst Fone R2 excels in performance, offering a rich array of features that cater to both safety and connectivity. The vibrant display and sturdy build ensure longevity and ease of use. The inclusion of a 5MP front camera allows for video calls, adding a sense of security to communication.
The heart rate monitor is a valuable addition, providing health insights that can be useful for active children. The waterproof rating (IPX8) further enhances its durability, making it suitable for various environments. The watch's battery life is impressive, ensuring that it lasts throughout the day even with heavy usage.
Additional Features and Benefits
Gabb Wireless 3: One of the standout features of the Gabb Wireless 3 is its easy and intuitive setup, simplifying the learning curve for new users. The watch having its own phone number and restricting communication to approved numbers adds a layer of security that parents will appreciate. The basic calculator is a nice touch, offering a simple educational tool for children.
myFirst Fone R2: The myFirst Fone R2's real-time GPS tracking and geofencing capabilities provide an added sense of security, allowing parents to set safe zones and receive alerts if the child steps out of the designated area. It also features a programmable magic button for quick access to most of the watch's settings, like calling a specific contact.
One of the more ambitious features is the integration of myFirst Circle, a safe social media platform for kids. Your child can take pictures and videos and share them with a parent-approved social circle of family and friends, where they can also see and respond to others' posts.
Downsides
Gabb Wireless 3: In a beauty contest, the Gabb Wireless 3 wouldn't even get past the front door. The features are basic, the screen is quite dim, and the user interface is as basic as they come. Overall, it doesn't feel as premium as the myFirst Fone R2. Another downside is the process for canceling the plan: you need to contact customer service, whereas the myFirst option gives you full autonomy to cancel online by yourself anytime.
myFirst Fone R2: The myFirst Fone R2 does not have a dedicated phone number, which prevents potential spam or unwanted communication. However, this might inconvenience some users, as anyone who wants to communicate with your child needs to download and use the myFirst Circle app.
Conclusion
Choosing the right kids' smartwatch depends on balancing features, safety, ease of use, and budget. The Gabb Wireless 3 offers a straightforward, no-frills approach, making it suitable for parents who prioritize simplicity and basic communication. Its easy setup, intuitive interface, and essential features provide a practical option for younger children. However, its lack of advanced features and dim display might be seen as drawbacks.
On the other hand, the myFirst Fone R2 stands out with its robust feature set, including real-time GPS tracking, geofencing, video calling, and a heart rate monitor. Its vibrant display, durable build, and integration with myFirst Circle offer a comprehensive solution for parents seeking a more interactive and engaging device for their children. While it lacks a dedicated phone number, the additional safety and connectivity features make it a versatile choice.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gabb Wireless 3 and the myFirst Fone R2 will depend on your child's needs and your priorities as a parent. If you value simplicity and basic functionality, the Gabb Wireless 3 is a reliable option. If you prefer a feature-rich, interactive experience with enhanced safety measures, the myFirst Fone R2 is the better choice.
Sources
1. Gab Wireless 3 User Manual
2. myFirst Fone R2 Product Page
3. Kids Smartwatches Buying guide
