moss vs Gabb
Children's phones and watches with no web browser, no app store and no social media.
Checked 11 November 2026 against Gabb Wireless's own pages. We make moss, so we have linked every source below.
What Gabb is
Gabb makes phones and watches for children that leave out the web browser, the open app store and social media. A parent manages the device through the MyGabb app, sees location and gets alerts about problem texts or images. The Gabb Phone 4 is listed at $249.99 and the Gabb Watch 3e at $229.99. Gabb's footnote says select devices need a service plan of $12.99 to $17.99 a month and a $30 activation fee. Gabb says location updates about every 15 minutes.
What moss is
moss is an iPhone app that comes with a small physical stone. You choose the apps that distract you, tap your phone on the stone, and those apps stay locked until you tap the stone again. People who live together can link their phones to share schedules and put their phones down at the same time, while each person keeps control of their own phone. Locking is free in the app, the stone is a one-time purchase, and the household features are a paid add-on.
Side by side
| Feature | moss | Gabb |
|---|---|---|
| Price | US$49 stone, free app | Gabb Phone 4 $249.99, Gabb Watch 3e $229.99, plus a service plan |
| Subscription | None to lock your own phone. Household features are a paid add-on | Yes: $12.99 to $17.99 a month on select devices, and a $30 activation fee |
| Works on | iPhone only, iOS 17 or later | Gabb devices only |
| How you lock | Tap the stone, or start from the app, a Shortcut, the lock screen or the Action Button. Schedules by day of week | The browser, app store and social apps are not on the device |
| How you unlock | Tap the stone, in the app | Nothing to lift: those apps are not there |
| If you need back in | 3 emergency unlocks a month, refilled automatically | Not applicable: those apps are not on the device |
| Locking together as a household | Yes, as a paid add-on. Shared schedules, sessions others join in one tap, a view of whose phone is down, a streak. Nobody controls anyone else | One-way: the parent manages the device, sees location and gets alerts on problem texts or images |
| Whose key opens your phone | Only your household's own stone, card and sprigs unlock your phones | The parent's MyGabb app |
Where Gabb is better
- It removes the distracting apps completely.
- GPS location and safe zones.
- It suits children too young for an iPhone.
Where moss is better
- moss works on the iPhone people already own, and the apps come back when you tap to unlock.
- It is for adults as much as anyone.
- No monthly plan.
Who should pick which
Pick Gabb if
Your child needs a way to call and text, and nothing else.
Pick moss if
Your household already has iPhones and wants set hours without the distracting apps.
Sources
Spotted something out of date? Tell us and we will fix it.
moss is a stone that locks the apps you choose.
Tap to lock, tap to unlock. One price, and locking needs no subscription.
