Meet the kid phone that outperforms Gabb
- More safety features
- More customizable functions
- More flexible payment options (including no-contract)

Where Gabb and Pinwheel agree

No web browser

No social media

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.
Contact safelist allows calls and text with approved contacts only
Read text messages and monitor call history remotely, from your device
GPS locator shows you were they are and have been recently
600+ vetted apps with easy ratings to understand areas of concern
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
Compare Pinwheel to Gabb
We offer best options for your child to use their phone unsupervised, without worrying you.
See why tens of thousands of parents prefer Pinwheel

"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.

Pinwheel's support is one of the best I've ever experienced!
David L.

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

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

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

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 $199 and the monthly service for the parent management software is $14.99 per month (or $13.75 paid annually). You may choose any cell plan you like, or use one of our partner plans starting at $15 per month. We also offer one-time, no-contract bundles that start as low as $359.
Does Pinwheel have unlimited texting and calling like Gabb?
Gabb Wireless offers unlimited call and text for $29.99 a month, but you can only get cell service through them.
Pinwheel offers unlimited calling and texting plans for as low as $15 per month through our cellular partners. Alternatively, parents can add the phone to whatever plan they want, making it possible to put a Pinwheel on your family plan or on an affordable prepaid plan of your choice. You can easily put Pinwheel on a plan that has unlimited call and text.
What type of phone model is Pinwheel?
Our most popular phone, the Pinwheel Slim 6 is a Motorola GPlay24. Another popular model, the Plus 4 is a Samsung A15.
What does the Pinwheel phone come with?
- USB-C charging cord
- Trial SIM card if you choose US Mobile (1 month free trial cellular service)
- If you buy a pack (our most popular) it comes with:
Screen protector
Case
1 year Pinwheel parent management subscription
1 year cell service (optional; note that you can use your own carrier as well)
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 700 other, vetted apps with detailed safety ratings. As your child grows, you can add apps and functionality to fit their tech experience.
What apps are available?
We have a curated App Library with over 700 apps. The App Library contains important information about each app and a rating based on our therapist council recommendations. You choose which apps your child can access and download.
How do I switch from Gabb to Pinwheel?
We'll help you switch from your current Gabb phone! Our friendly customer care team is here to walk you through the steps of getting set up. Use our live chat at the bottom right corner of your screen, or call/text us at (888) 903-7977.