Pinwheel vs Gabb vs Grow Phone: Which Phone Is Right for Your Family?

Pinwheel and Gabb are two of the best-known phones for kids. A Grow Phone takes a different approach. Here's how they compare. Details change often, so check each company's own site for current pricing and features before you buy.

Quick comparison

• Gabb: a kids' phone with a fixed set of preloaded apps. It generally uses Gabb's own network.
• Pinwheel: a caregiver-managed phone with a curated app library and a monthly caregiver portal fee. It can be used with a carrier of your choice or with Pinwheel's wireless service.
• Grow Phone: a real Samsung Galaxy smartphone, U.S. factory-unlocked, with the browser and open app store removed. Apps are requested through the Grow Control app. Pricing and details are on the Grow Phone page.

Which is better for what

• Younger kids who mostly need calls and texts: Gabb or a similar kids' phone can be a good starting point.
• Parents who want detailed caregiver tools: Pinwheel is built around them.
• Teens and families who want a real smartphone that grows with the child: a Grow Phone, where you approve every app.

Questions to ask about any of them

• Is the browser removed or just restricted?
• Who approves new apps?
• Do I have to switch cellular carriers?
• What happens after a factory reset?
• What are the monthly costs?

How Grow Phone answers them

The browser is removed, including in-app browsing. Parents approve every request for a child's phone at parent.growelectronics.com. You use whichever carrier you like. Factory reset is blocked. See our full comparison and Grow Phone for kids and teens.

For pricing, Grow Control membership and app compatibility, see the Grow Phone page.

Shop the A17 5G, A27 5G or A57 5G.

Pinwheel and Gabb are trademarks of their respective owners. Grow Electronics is not affiliated with or endorsed by them.