Verizon’s GizmoWatch lineup targets parents who want their kids reachable without handing over a full smartphone. This review compares all three models on GPS accuracy, call quality, and how well the parental controls hold up day to day. Here is how they stack up.
- The Gizmo Watch 3 ($149.99) offers the best value with GPS tracking, SOS button, video calling, and location history reporting.
- All GizmoWatch models require Verizon Wireless service at $10/month, and they won't work on any other carrier network.
- The GizmoWatch 2 ($99.99) lacks an SOS button and video calling, making it suitable only for younger kids with basic needs.
- The Disney Edition ($199.99) adds themed designs and video calling, but costs $50 more than the Gizmo Watch 3 with fewer features overall.
- Competitors like the TickTalk 4 support multiple carriers and offer more contacts (up to 50), but cost $199 or more.
What Does Every GizmoWatch Model Share?
Before comparing individual models, it helps to know what all three GizmoWatches have in common. Wirecutter’s best Bluetooth tracker guide covers the wider category in more detail. Every model includes:
- Real-Time GPS Tracking through the GizmoHub app, letting parents view their child’s location on a map
- Geofence alerts that notify you when your child enters or leaves a designated area
- Parent-controlled contacts restricted to an approved list (10 or 20 contacts depending on the model)
- Preset text messages where kids send only pre-configured texts or emojis
- School/quiet mode that blocks phone usage during class or bedtime
- Remote shutdown through the GizmoHub app
- Step counting and active minutes for basic fitness tracking
- Interchangeable wristbands in multiple colors
One important limitation applies across the entire lineup: GizmoWatches only work on Verizon's network. If Verizon coverage is weak in your area, these watches won't perform reliably. There is also no keyboard for typing messages, no music storage, and no direct 911 dialing on any model.
GizmoWatch 2 Review
Price: $99.99 + $10/month Verizon plan
Best for: Kids ages 6 to 8 who need basic calling and location tracking
The GizmoWatch 2 is the entry-level option. It handles the fundamentals: GPS tracking, geofencing, and two-way calling with up to 10 approved contacts. Like most cellular kids watches, its location is more reliable outdoors than indoors, and accuracy varies with Verizon coverage, buildings, and surroundings.
What it lacks matters, though. There is no SOS button for emergencies, no video calling, and no location history. You can see where your child is right now, but you can't review where they've been throughout the day. For parents who want that data, the Gizmo Watch 3 or an Apple Watch SE are stronger options.
GizmoWatch 2
- Lowest price in the GizmoWatch lineup at $99.99
- GPS tracking and geofencing work reliably on Verizon's network
- Parental controls keep contact lists locked down
- Swappable wristbands in blue or pink
- No SOS button for emergencies
- Limited to 10 contacts
- No video calling or location history
- Verizon-only service
GizmoWatch Disney Edition Review
Price: $199.99 + $10/month Verizon plan
Best for: Disney fans who want themed watch faces and video calling
The Disney Edition wraps GizmoWatch hardware in Frozen, Star Wars, and other Disney-themed wristbands and watch faces. Beyond the cosmetics, it adds video calling with a front-facing camera and an SOS button that the GizmoWatch 2 lacks.
The problem is pricing. At $199.99, it costs $50 more than the Gizmo Watch 3, which includes everything the Disney Edition offers plus games, voice effects, location history, 20 contacts (vs. 10), and vibration alerts.
That Disney tax is steep. Feature for feature, the Disney Edition does not outperform the Watch 3 anywhere.
It isn't a bad watch -- it's an overpriced one. SafeWise's kids GPS tracker guide recommends comparing coverage and monthly cost before settling on a kids watch.
GizmoWatch Disney Edition
- Disney-themed designs kids love
- SOS button for emergencies
- Video calling with front-facing camera
- $199.99 is overpriced for the feature set
- Limited to 10 contacts (same as GizmoWatch 2)
- No games, timer, alarm, or stopwatch
- No location history reporting
- No text keyboard
Gizmo Watch 3 Review
Price: $149.99 + $10/month Verizon plan
Best for: Most families on Verizon who want the best GizmoWatch available
The Gizmo Watch 3 is the model we recommend. It combines everything from the previous two watches and adds features that actually matter for daily use. You get 20 approved contacts (double the other models), location history reporting, video calling, voice messages, games, and an SOS button.
The location history feature is the standout. It logs a timeline of everywhere a child has been during the day, broken down by time and location, a meaningful upgrade over the GizmoWatch 2, which only shows current position. Battery life runs 1 to 2 days depending on usage, which means nightly charging is necessary.
The watch still lacks a typing keyboard and music storage, features you'll find on the TickTalk 4. But at $149.99 versus $199 for a TickTalk, the price gap is noticeable.
Gizmo Watch 3
- Best feature-to-price ratio in the GizmoWatch lineup
- SOS button, video calling, and voice messages
- 20 approved contacts
- Location history reporting for reviewing your child's day
- Games and voice effects keep kids engaged
- Vibration alert option
- Verizon service required
- No keyboard for typing messages
- No music storage
- Battery life of 1 to 2 days requires nightly charging
GizmoWatch Model Comparison Table
| Feature | GizmoWatch 2 | Disney Edition | Gizmo Watch 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $99.99 | $199.99 | $149.99 |
| Monthly plan | $10/mo | $10/mo | $10/mo |
| Max contacts | 10 | 10 | 20 |
| GPS tracking | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Geofencing | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| SOS button | No | Yes | Yes |
| Video calling | No | Yes | Yes |
| Location history | No | No | Yes |
| Games | No | No | Yes |
| Voice messages | No | No | Yes |
| Vibration alerts | No | No | Yes |
How Do GizmoWatches Compare to Other Kids Smartwatches?
GizmoWatches compete in a crowded market. Here is how the Gizmo Watch 3 stacks up against the most popular alternatives:
| Watch | Price | Monthly | Video Calling | Max Contacts | Carriers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gizmo Watch 3 | $149.99 | $10 (Verizon) | Yes | 20 | Verizon only |
| TickTalk 4 | $199.99 | $5-15 | Yes | 50 | Most major carriers |
| Gabb Watch 3 | $149.99 | $9.99 | No | 25 | Gabb network |
| AngelSense Watch | $199 | $30-50 | Yes | 25 | AT&T, Red Pocket |
The TickTalk 4 is the strongest all-around competitor. It supports nearly every major carrier, allows 50 contacts, and includes a keyboard for typing messages. But it costs $50 more upfront. If carrier flexibility matters, the TickTalk or Gabb Watch are worth considering.
The Gabb Watch 3 matches the Gizmo Watch 3 on price but runs on its own network. It allows 25 contacts and focuses on a distraction-free design with no games. Read our Gabb Watch review for a deeper look.
For children with special needs, the AngelSense Watch is purpose-built. AngelSense states that it offers direct 911 calling, speaker monitoring, and the most granular location tracking in this category. The tradeoff is a subscription that runs $30 to $50 per month.
If your family is already on Verizon and doesn't plan to switch carriers, the Gizmo Watch 3 delivers strong value at its price point. For families on other carriers, a Gabb Watch or Apple Watch SE opens up more options.
GizmoWatch Buying Tips
A few practical points Verizon's marketing doesn't emphasize:
- Check Verizon coverage first. Pull up Verizon's coverage map for your home, school, and any regular activity locations. If coverage shows as "extended" or "partner" in those areas, GPS tracking will be unreliable.
- Skip the Disney Edition. The Gizmo Watch 3 offers more features at a lower price. The Disney themes are appealing but don't justify the $50 premium.
- Plan for nightly charging. Battery life across all models tops out at about 2 days with light use. Heavy calling or GPS polling drains it faster.
- Add a screen protector. Kids are hard on wrist-worn devices. A $5 screen protector can prevent a $150 replacement.
- Use geofences strategically. Set alerts for school arrival and departure rather than tracking location constantly. This also helps conserve battery.
- Consider the 36-month financing option through Verizon if the upfront cost is a concern. At $4.17/month for the Gizmo Watch 3, it spreads the investment.
Bottom Line
The Gizmo Watch 3 at $149.99 is the clear winner in Verizon's GizmoWatch lineup. It includes GPS tracking, an SOS button, video calling, location history, and 20 contacts.
The GizmoWatch 2 works as an entry-level option for younger kids, but the missing SOS button is a real drawback. The Disney Edition is overpriced for what it delivers.
If you're on Verizon, the Watch 3 is the one to get. If you're open to switching carriers, the TickTalk 4 and Gabb Watch offer more flexibility. For a full ranking of all options, see our best kids GPS tracker roundup.
FAQ
Do GizmoWatches work without a Verizon plan?
No. Every GizmoWatch model requires an active Verizon Wireless line at $10 per month. Without the plan, the watch can't make calls, send messages, or transmit GPS location data. The watch still functions as a basic timepiece, but all connected features are disabled.
Can a GizmoWatch call 911 directly?
The GizmoWatch 2 has no SOS or emergency calling feature. The Disney Edition and Gizmo Watch 3 both have an SOS button that calls a pre-designated emergency contact, not 911 directly. For direct 911 calling, the AngelSense Watch or an Apple Watch SE with cellular are the main options in the kids watch category.
How accurate is GizmoWatch GPS tracking?
GizmoWatch GPS is usually more accurate outdoors than indoors, and location accuracy varies with Verizon coverage, tall buildings, and surroundings. Indoors it can show the watch a block or two from its actual position. This is standard for cellular kids watches, not a GizmoWatch-specific issue, so treat the location as approximate rather than exact.
Which GizmoWatch model is best for a 6-year-old?
The GizmoWatch 2 at $99.99 handles the basics for a 6-year-old who just needs to call mom or dad. However, we recommend spending the extra $50 for the Gizmo Watch 3. The SOS button alone justifies the upgrade for a child too young to manage emergencies independently.
Can GizmoWatches work on T-Mobile or AT&T?
No. GizmoWatches are locked to Verizon's network and can't be activated on T-Mobile, AT&T, or any other carrier. If you need a kids smartwatch that works on multiple carriers, the TickTalk 4 supports T-Mobile, AT&T, and most MVNOs. For a broader comparison of all GPS smartwatches for kids, see our best kids smartwatch with GPS roundup.
How long does GizmoWatch battery last?
Battery life runs 1 to 2 days across all three models depending on usage. Frequent calls and active GPS polling drain the battery faster, so most kids will need a nightly charge. Verizon's product page states that the Gizmo Watch 3 supports real-time GPS with 4G LTE connectivity. GizmoWatch service is Verizon-only and can't be activated on other carriers.
Is the GizmoWatch Disney Edition worth the extra cost?
No. At $199.99, the Disney Edition costs $50 more than the Gizmo Watch 3 but offers fewer features. It lacks location history, games, voice effects, and vibration alerts. The only advantage is Disney-themed watch faces and bands, which most kids outgrow within a year. The Gizmo Watch 3 is the better value.
