Phones for Children: Which one is better Gabb, Troomi or Bark?

There comes a time when parents have to decide when is a good age to give your child a phone? For my wife and I, we always knew we would hold off on a fully operational phone with unrestricted internet access until closer to 18. But there are times a phone is useful — after school, when they’re with friends, or to have GPS location handy.

Luckily, tech companies like Gabb, Troomi, and Bark are offering parent-approved alternatives — phones built for safety, not social media addiction or risky browsing.

So how do these options compare? Here’s a breakdown to help you make the right choice for your family.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Which One Should You Choose?

🛡️ 1. Gabb Wireless

• Best For: Younger kids (ages ~9–14) who need basic connectivity without internet distractions.

  ✅ Pros:

  • No open Internet, no app store, no social media.

  • Calls, texts, messaging app + GPS tracking.

  • Phones look and feel like basic smartphones, not toys.

  • Encourages limited screen use with essential functionality only.

  ❌ Cons:

  • Very limited functionality — no browser or third-party apps in basic plans.

  • Parents can view flagged messages but full AI filtering is more limited vs Bark.

  💵 Price (Updated):

  • Gabb Phone 4: ~$149.99

  • Gabb Phone 4 Pro: ~$199.99 at many retailers. 

  • Monthly plans typically start around $24.99/month (includes unlimited talk & text + messaging with location). Exact rates vary by plan and features. 

  🌐 2. Troomi Wireless

  Best For: Parents wanting a gradual step-up in independence — a safer phone that grows with your child.

  ✅ Pros:

  • Unlimited talk & text with GPS.

  • Tiered plans that include image & group texting, safe browser, and vetted apps.

  • Parent dashboard lets you control contacts and monitor texts.

  ❌ Cons:

  • Can be pricier than basic talk/text only options.

  • Some internet-dependent features (e.g., apps) may only work on Wi-Fi or limited mobile data.

  💵 Price (Updated):

  Monthly Plans (no contract, cancel anytime):

  • Do Plan: $24.95/mo – talk/text, GPS, parent portal.

  • Dream Plan: $29.95/mo – adds picture & group texting.

  • Discover Plan: $34.95/mo – adds safe browser and apps. 

  Phone Cost: Varies greatly by device — often around $150–$200+ if bought outright (e.g., Samsung A14 5G). 

  📱 3. Bark Phone

  Best For: Older kids/teens (ages ~11–17+) who are ready for more digital freedom but with strong parental oversight.

  ✅ Pros:

  • Built-in AI monitoring for texts, photos, videos, apps, and browser content.

  • Location tracking, custom app & contact approvals, screen time control.

  • Looks and functions like a modern smartphone — no “kid phone” branding.

  ❌ Cons:

  • More advanced setup and deeper monitoring may feel heavy for some families.

  • Plans cost more monthly than basic talk/text-only options.

  💵 Price:

  • Monthly Plans:

    • Starter (Talk & Text only): ~$29/mo + device payment.

    • Wi-Fi only: ~$39/mo.

    • Cellular plans with data: ~$49–$59/mo+ depending on data tier. 

  • Phone Cost: Device cost is typically bundled into the monthly plan (often ~$29/mo and up), making the phone effectively paid over 24 months. 

  
  

  ⚖️ Quick Comparison

  Feature	Gabb	Troomi	Bark
  Internet access	❌ None	🟡 Filtered / optional	✅ Full (with controls)
  App store	❌ None	🟡 Curated	✅ Parent-approved
  Social media	❌ None	❌ None (unless permitted)	✅ Monitorable
  Monitoring	👀 Flagged	👀 Parent dashboard	🤖 AI alerts
  Best age	~9–14	~10–15	~11–17+
  Typical starting price	~$24.99/mo	~$24.95/mo	~$29/mo

  
  

  There’s no perfect age or one-size-fits-all solution — it depends on your child’s maturity, your family values, and how much independence you’re ready to allow. These phones give you options that balance safety and freedom. For our 12 year old, we ended up going with Troomi. Six months in we are still happy with our decision.