Parents face tough decisions about picking the right phone for their kids. The Gabb Phone and Bark Phone are top choices for families in 2024. Both phones come packed with features that help kids stay safe while staying connected. We tested these phones extensively to give you a clear picture.
Our detailed analysis covers everything from parental controls to safety features and pricing plans. We get into how each phone handles content filtering, tracks location, and restricts apps. The core team tested both the Bark phone and Gabb phone for kids. This hands-on experience helped us spot the key differences that will guide you to the perfect choice for your family.
Feature Comparison
Our extensive testing of both devices reveals important differences between the Gabb phone and Bark phone's feature implementation. Let's get into these differences in areas that matter most to parents.
Parental control
The Bark phone and Gabb phone both feature strong built-in parental controls that work substantially different from each other. Bark's software provides more flexibility and parents can adjust settings remotely through their dashboard.
Both devices have tamper-proof controls that prevent children from modifying or deleting settings. The main difference lies in how Bark allows seamless upgrades on the existing device as children grow older, while parents need to buy a new device (Gabb Phone 4 Pro) to access advanced features with Gabb.
Monitoring capabilities
Bark offers more detailed monitoring features than its competitors. The advanced technology keeps track of potential dangers through:
- Monitor sent and received text messages and photos
- Interactions on social media platforms (30+ apps)
- Track browser activity
- Camera roll content
Bark's AI-powered system notifies parents about concerning content in 45+ categories that include cyberbullying, depression, and inappropriate content. Gabb's monitoring capabilities work only with their proprietary Gabb Messenger and flag harmful content but lack broader social media monitoring features.
App and internet access
These devices differ most in how they handle app and internet access. Here's how they compare:
Features | Bark Phone | Gabb Phone |
---|---|---|
App Store Access | Full access with parental approval | No app store access (curated list only) |
Web Browser | Parent-monitored access available | No browser access |
Social Media | Monitored access available | Not available |
Upgrade Options | Same device upgrades | Requires new device |
The key advantage of Bark's system is its scalability. Parents can start with simple features and expand access on the same device. This adaptability works well for families who need a long-term solution that adapts to their child's maturity level.
Safety and Security
Safety features are pioneering our evaluation criteria to compare these two leading phones for kids. Our extensive testing found that there were most important differences in each device's approach to child protection.
Content Filtering
Bark employs an advanced content filtering system that goes beyond basic screening. The platform actively monitors and screens content in more than 45+ categories of potential risks. These categories include cyberbullying, online predator behavior, signs of depression and anxiety, inappropriate content, sexting, violence, and substance abuse.
Gabb takes a different approach to protect users. The platform prevents access to harmful content from the start. While their system can detect inappropriate messages in Gabb Messenger, extensive content filtering becomes unnecessary since the device operates without internet access.
Location Tracking
Our extensive testing of both systems revealed distinct advantages in location monitoring. The Bark Phone has advanced phone location tracking features that enable parents to:
- Create custom location alerts
- Get notifications as children enter or leave designated areas
- Ask their children to check in with their location
- View movement patterns on the parent dashboard
The Gabb Watch 3e's location tracking system lets parents set up customizable "Safe Zones" and sends instant notifications if boundaries are crossed. The Bark's solution delivers more detailed location data and tracking history.
Emergency Features
Our tests show that both phones handle emergency situations differently. Here's how they compare:
Features | Bark Phone | Gabb Phone |
---|---|---|
Emergency Contacts | Multiple approved contacts | SOS contact system |
Alert System | Built-in panic button | Dedicated SOS button |
Parent Notifications | Instant alerts for concerning content | Flagged message alerts |
Remote Security | Can remotely lock device | Limited remote capabilities |
Bark's emergency system provides more detailed features and lets users add specific emergency contacts for downtime periods. The system has remote alarms and sends instant alerts when it detects concerning content. Gabb takes a simpler approach that focuses on emergency contact functionality through their SOS button system.
Related Read: Best Emergency Phones for Kids in 2024
Bark's security setup has a notable feature that keeps tamper-proof settings while allowing emergency communications. Parents can select specific contacts that stay available even during restricted hours. This ensures safety without losing control.
Pricing and Plans
We analyzed both devices' financial aspects and created a detailed breakdown of their costs. The evaluation shows the most important differences in these leading kid-focused phones' pricing structures.
Bark
Our analysis shows that the Bark Phone uses a tiered pricing system based on functionality. Here's what each plan costs:
Starter Plan: $39/month
- Unlimited talk and text
- No internet or app store access
- Built-in monitoring features
- Location tracking capabilities
Data Plan | Monthly Cost | Feature |
---|---|---|
Wi-Fi Only | $49 | All starter features + Wi-Fi access |
4GB Data | $59 | Added mobile data capability |
6GB Data | $69 | Increased data allocation |
$35GB Data | $89 | Maximum data package |
Gabb
The Gabb Phone takes a different approach to pricing. The device costs $149.99 upfront, and users can choose from these monthly bundles:
Starter Bundle: $24.99-$29.99 Standard Bundle: $29.99-$34.99 Advanced Bundle: $34.99-$39.99
To Sum Up
The Gabb Phone and Bark Phone both prioritize child safety but with different approaches. Bark Phone offers comprehensive monitoring and adaptable parental controls, making it ideal for older children and long-term use, though it comes with a higher monthly cost. Gabb Phone focuses on strict restrictions and a controlled environment, making it better suited for younger children or families wanting maximum limitations at a lower cost.
Choosing between them depends on your child’s age, maturity, and your family’s digital safety needs: Bark’s flexibility or Gabb’s prevention-centered design. If you need a comprehensive parental control app, KidsGuard can be a trustworthy app.