Where Gabb and Pinwheel agree

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No web browser

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No social media

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No addictive games
No ad-driven apps

Get more insight into your child's digital life

Start with just talk and text monitored in your Caregiver Portal, then add more apps and freedoms as your child grows in responsibility.

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Contact safelist allows calls and text with approved contacts only

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Read text messages and monitor call history remotely, from your device

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GPS locator shows you were they are and have been recently

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600+ vetted apps with easy ratings to understand areas of concern

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Workarounds and app loopholes closed

Choose your own cell phone plan

Pinwheel works with most carriers so you can add a line to your current plan, or try one of our affordable no contract options

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Compare Pinwheel to Gabb

We offer the best options for your child to use their phone unsupervised, without worrying you.

FEATURES
PINWHEEL
GABB WIRELESS
Available in Canada
Read any text message remotely, even deleted ones
Blocks 100% of spam and stranger calls and text
1,200+ popular apps with in-depth safety ratings
Multiple music streaming apps
Lock contacts or apps based on time of day
Custom schedules to manage screen time
Multiple cellular carriers
No social media or web browser
GPS Locator

See why tens of thousands of parents prefer Pinwheel

patricia-prudente
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I love that I can modify the phone as my child grows!

"To me, as a parent, the key difference is this: Pinwheel has built a unique OS where the phone can be modified and updated based on your growing child, their daily schedule, and the cream-of-the-crop best apps in the app boutique. Gabb phones can only run their standard configuration of 14(?) apps. Gabb phones block useful apps that parents use and trust, yet they don't block outside callers." 

Sara W.

jonas-kakaroto
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The best customer support!

Pinwheel's support is one of the best I've ever experienced!  Don't know how they do it but whenever you chat with customer support, they make you feel like they are family trying to (and succeeding) in helping you figure it out.Now if only I could get my health insurance customer service to take a lesson from Pinwheel!

David L.

SB
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You choose what to give your kid access to

Pinwheel is great because you can schedule when they have access to apps, friends, emergency contacts, etc. You can also go in and shut everything down whenever you want to...You have a lot of control and the apps give parents any type of warnings and explains why. You can decide whether to give him access to those or not.

Shelley B

kyle-nieber
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I would not consider any other phone for my kids

I have been so impressed with both the Pinwheel Phone and their awesome customer service! The phone has so many options for customizing just the right balance of independence and protection for each family and each child within the family. The caregiver portal is intuitive and easy to navigate quickly to make adjustments as kids get older and needs change. The customer service has a lightning-quick response time and is extremely helpful. I would not consider any other phone for my kids and so highly recommend them to all families - there is no downside!

Maria O

KP
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Teaches your child to engage responsibly

Pinwheel has been exactly what we were looking for; a functional phone that helps me help my teen learn to engage responsibly. They’ve included more and more apps that help make this applicable to teens (and not just littles) and they’ve also started offering a better quality phone. The pricing is very reasonable and the customer service has exceeded my expectations with every interaction. I’m truly grateful for their mission and am impressed by the continuous improvements we’ve seen since we started with Pinwheel back in 12/2020. I would recommend Pinwheel to anyone without hesitation.

Katrina P

Mom with daughter talking on pho

We make switching easy.

And you can get up to $100 back!

If you're in a Gabb contract that has a fee to cancel, Pinwheel will reimburse you up to $100 for those fees. Plus, you don't need to sign any contracts with us, and you can keep your current phone number if you choose to.

Frequently asked questions about Pinwheel vs. Gabb

What sets Pinwheel apart from other kids’ phones?

At Pinwheel, we believe there is a better way to introduce technology so that your kiddo develops a healthy relationship with mobile devices right from the start. Rather than putting the focus on controlling your child’s phone usage, our goal is to provide technology that adds value to your child’s daily growth and teaches your child how to use tech as a tool - in a way that brings you as the parent peace of mind.

How much does Pinwheel cost?

Phone models start at CA$149 and the monthly service for the parent management software is CA$19.99 per month (or $18.33 paid annually). If you have more than one child with a Pinwheel, the monthly service for additional phones is just CA$6.99 (or CA$6.25 if paid annually). You may choose any cell plan you like.

Does Pinwheel offer free shipping in Canada?

Yes! Standard shipping (and returns) are free. Expedited shipping (generally 2 days) is CA$30 and Express (generally next day) is CA$55.

What is your return policy?

We offer free shipping and returns within 30 days of purchase for any reason. See our Return Policy for more details.

Does Pinwheel have unlimited texting and calling?

Pinwheel does not offer cellular service. Parents can add the phone to whatever plan they want, making it possible to put a Pinwheel on your family plan or another plan with unlimited calling and texting.

What apps are available?

We have an App Library with over 1,200 popular apps (Spotify, Duolingo, Google apps, etc.). The App Library contains important information about each app and a rating based on child development expert recommendations. You choose which apps your child can access and download. If your child needs an app that's not available in the App Library, you can download it from the Google Play Store (except social media and adult apps), without making the Play store available to your child. 

Does Pinwheel block social media?

Yes. Pinwheel phones do not have web browsers or social media apps like Instagram and TikTok. The App Library contains over 1,200 popular apps with detailed safety ratings so you can choose the ones that fit your child. As your child grows, you can add apps and functionality to fit their tech experience. If your child needs an app that isn't in the App Library, you can download it from the Google Play Store (except social media and adult apps). 

What type of phone model is Pinwheel?

Our most popular phone, the Pinwheel Plus 3, is a Samsung model that is compatible with all major phone carriers. You can see the manufacturers and models on the product detail pages.

Ready to unlock your kid's wellness-packed smartphone?