Gabb Wireless vs Troomi: Which Safe Smartphone Is Right for Your Family?
- Andy Murphy
- 12 hours ago
- 7 min read
An In-depth Review of Gabb Wireless and Troomi Wireless
As parents, we’re walking a tightrope when it comes to technology. Our kids want a smartphone because their friends have one, because their school uses apps, because they want to be connected.
And honestly, we want them to have the freedom to text us, call us, and be a part of our digital family. The challenge is doing all of that without opening the door to the entire internet at once. While we trust our kids, we can’t trust the people of the internet.
Why Safe Smartphones Matter
Kid-safe smartphones have been a game changer for families. Companies like Gabb Wireless and Troomi Wireless are stepping into the gap between no phone at all and “full access” smartphone, giving families a way to introduce technology in a safer, more intentional way.
I’ve used both platforms, tested them with my own family, and reviewed each one individually. Now it’s time to put them side-by-side and help you understand the differences so you can make the best choice for your child.
Honest Opinions
Before we go any further, I want to be transparent with you. I am an affiliate of Gabb Wireless, which means I may earn a commission if you choose to purchase a Gabb device through one of my links and you get a discount. This does not change the price for you, and it does not influence what I’m about to share with you.
Gabb has not given me talking points for this comparison, and they have not asked me to speak negatively about any competitor. Everything you’ll read here comes from my own hands-on experience using both devices, testing their features, and helping families navigate the world of safe smartphones.
My goal is simple, it’s to give you a clear, honest look at both platforms so you can make the best decision for your family.
What Gabb and Troomi Both Do Well
Even though they differ in philosophy and execution, both companies have some strong products in the market.
Here’s what Gabb and Troomi both do well:
No social media apps are allowed on the phone
No open internet browser (option for Troomi if desired)
A curated app store designed for safety
GPS location tracking
Messaging that filters or restricts inappropriate content
Devices that look and feel like “real” smartphones
Affordable plans compared to traditional carriers
Parental controls that puts you in charge
An operating system focused on digital responsibility
When you hand either device to a child, they feel like they’re getting a “real phone,” not a toy. And that matters. Kids don’t want to feel different or left out. These devices let them fit in while still staying safe.
Purchasing and Plans and Network
Both Troomi and Gabb make it super simple to get stated. Generally speaking, you pick the phone you want for your child and purchase it outright. Phones generally cost around $200 but that can vary. Plus, both companies run discount deals multiple times a year.
Then you pick the plain tier you want. Both offer tiered plans that start small and grow with your child. The basic plans are for kids just starting out and the biggest tier is for teens who need more features. You can update your plan on your own through their websites.
Gabb Wireless phones run on Verizon’s networks while Troomi uses AT&T. Both have performed well in the areas that I have tested them in. In fact, in some places the kid smartphones had better signals than my iPhone.
Gabb and Troomi Devices
Both Gabb and Troomi use Android smartphones to run their own operating systems. Both have used the Samsung A15 for example. Since the models are generally the same, this is where users get to experience how each system performs. Both companies will have multiple phone to choose from and some may be only for a certain tier of service.
Must-Have Features Compared for Gabb and Troomi
This is where differences begin to show. Depending on your child’s age, maturity, and your comfort level as a parent, these details may push you toward one brand or the other.
Messaging on a Safe Smartphone
Gabb Wireless Messaging
Gabb takes a trust-first approach. With Gabb Messenger, parents only see flagged messages, not every text their child sends. Gabb uses AI to flag inappropriate content while giving you the peace of mind that truly concerning messages won’t slip through. It’s clean and simple, and it keeps kids from feeling like you’re reading over their shoulder.
Troomi Wireless Messaging
Troomi offers more granular oversight. Their ThriveOS system gives parents full control through a portal where you can see contacts, messages, and app permissions. If you want full visibility, you can have it. If you want to loosen the reins later, the system lets you do that too. Troomi builds its model around parent choice and flexibility.
Bottom Line: Gabb is good if you want to build trust and avoid constant monitoring. Troomi is good if you want the option of seeing everything, especially as kids start navigating complex social situations.
App Store Options
Gabb Wireless App Store
Gabb keeps their app store intentionally limited. You’ll find school apps, utilities, and various language apps, but not much more. They explained to me their philosophy is that kids should spend more time living real life and less time glued to screens. They also avoid games or apps that could open internet loopholes. Parents can request apps, but the store stays tightly curated.
Troomi Wireless App Store
Troomi offers a much larger app catalog. You can approve educational apps, music services, games and yes, even Apple Music. Everything is pre-vetted, and parents still have full control. For older tweens or teens, this flexibility can be a big win.
Bottom Line: If you want a controlled device with minimal app access, Gabb is the simpler path. If your child wants games and music, Troomi’s flexibility shines.
Content Filtering and Safety Tech
Gabb Wireless Filtering
Gabb relies on AI-based filtering and their closed ecosystem. There are fewer places for unsafe content to sneak in, and the system is designed to be very simple.
Troomi Wireless Filtering
ThriveOS uses AI and a layered system that includes filtering tools, optional safe browsing (depending on plan), and wellness features. Troomi leans into education and gradual responsibility.
Bottom Line: Gabb reduces risk through simplicity. Troomi offers more tools and settings for child safety.
Operating System Performance
Gabb Wireless Operating System
Overall, Gabb’s operating system is a much smoother experience. It felt very much like an iPhone usage experience than any other phone I’ve tested. In my testing and usage by my son, it never glitched or needed to be rebooted. It ran just as it was supposed to without issue.
Troomi Wireless Operating System
Troomi’s operating system is okay, but it feels clunky at times. We’ve had to reboot it and had issues with apps not downloading updates and then apps disappearing all together. As updates have been released this problem has dissipated, but it can be buggy.
Bottom Line: Gabb has a smoother operating system that won’t frustrate you or your kids.
Parental Apps and Access
Parental Controls
Gabb Controls for Parents
Gabb offers parents two apps to monitor their kids and manage the phone. The first is the Gabb App that controls the basic settings, parental controls, phone battery and signal levels, and shares the GPS location of the phone.
Gabb offers a second app, Gabb Messenger. This app is where you can view and deal with flagged messages, add contacts, and control video calling.
Troomi Controls for Parents
Troomi does not have an app, their controls are all done via their website. If you are an iPhone user, you can save the link to your home screen. This will allow the Troomi logo to appear as an app on your screen and it will function very much like an app. Most of the time I forget it’s a website.
The Troomi “app” shares important information like GPS location, all messages, flagged messages, phone data, settings, contacts, parental controls, and app approval. Since Troomi has more options, it has more controls and access options.
Bottom Line: With Gabb and Troomi parents can see all of the controls and settings they need.
Other Important Features
These may not make or break your decision, but they could sway you depending on what your child needs.
Mobile Data
As of the publishing of this review, only Gabb offers mobile data. Troomi will only run data for apps and games via WI-FI. If an app requires data on a Troomi phone, it can’t be done at school, in the car, or on a vacation. Both companies offer unlimited talk and text.
Music Streaming
Troomi gives kids access to more approved music apps like Apple Music. Gabb offers Gabb Music that gives kids access to music from classic rock to today’s popular songs that make the cut as family friendly.
What Kids Will Love
Kids want to feel “normal,” not singled out. Both brands give them that experience.
Kids will like Gabb because:
The interface is simple and smooth
It feels like a real phone
The operating system looks like Android, because it is Android
There are fewer distractions
Video calling with approved contacts
Battery life is long
Kids will like Troomi because:
The phones look and feel modern
More app options are available
Access to Apple Music
What Parents Love
Parents appreciate Gabb for:
Extremely low risk
Limited apps = less exposure
A focus on trust without full monitoring
A simpler digital environment
Easier startup and maintenance
Mobile data
No social media apps
Parents appreciate Troomi for:
Full visibility in messages
More tools for parental controls
No social media apps
Who Each Device Is Best For
Gabb Is Ideal For:
Kids getting their first phone
Families who want minimal risk
Parents who prefer simplicity over flexibility
Kids who don’t need many apps
Parents focused on trust-building
Troomi Is Ideal For:
Families who want more customizable controls
Kids who want to game on their phones
Closing Thoughts on Gabb Wireless and Troomi Wireless
Both Gabb Wireless and Troomi are doing great work to help families introduce technology safely. No matter which one you choose, the real win is that you’re being intentional. You’re helping your child build a healthy relationship with technology. And that’s one of the most important lessons we can give them.
After trying both phones for an extended time at home, school, and on vacations, I like the stability that Gabb Wireless offers.
It feels like a more premium experience. Troomi has a lot of great offerings, but the Gabb Phone 4 Pro that I’ve been testing doesn’t cause problems and always works. You can get started with Gabb Wireless today, Use code THESECUREDAD at checkout for a discount.
