ConsFirst / Kids' smartwatches / Compare
Verizon Gizmo Watch 3 - Adventure vs Garmin Bounce 2
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
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The short answer
Verizon Gizmo Watch 3 - Adventure ranks higher (#3 vs #4 of 8) and scores better on calls & messages, parental controls. Garmin Bounce 2 wins on location accuracy.
The biggest complaint about the Verizon Gizmo Watch 3 - Adventure is texting only through verizon's app; for the Garmin Bounce 2 it's message delays and dropped calls. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| Verizon Gizmo Watch 3 - Adventure | Garmin Bounce 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in kids' smartwatches | #3 | #4 |
| Price tier | $ | $$$ |
| Type | Cellular kids watch | Cellular kids watch |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | — | 32% |
| Overall score | 3.3 | 3.4 |
| Location accuracy | 2.5 | 4.0 |
| Calls & messages | 3.0 | 2.5 |
| Parental controls | 4.0 | 3.5 |
| Battery | 3.0 | 3.0 |
| Plan cost | 4.0 | 4.0 |
Price tiers: $ under $120 · $$ $120–250 · $$$ over $250 (watch only, before the plan). Highlighted = clearly better (a score gap of 0.3 or more, or a 1–2★ share at least 3 points lower). Scores are explained, with sources, on each product's page.
Top complaints
Verizon Gizmo Watch 3 - Adventure
- Texting only through Verizon's app
Wirecutter says you can't text the watch's number from a normal phone: every contact who wants to text must install the app, and group texting is limited. One tester gave up because the child kept missing family group texts.
- Slow location and short battery
Wirecutter says location tracking can be inaccurate and slow to update and uses a lot of battery. Verizon rates the battery at up to 3.6 days of use, but Wirecutter's never lasted three days.
- Water damage and Verizon hassles
Wirecutter's earlier Gizmo Watch 3 stopped working after a short swim despite its IP68 rating, and some owners report watches cracking or breaking after contact with water. Wirecutter was billed for Verizon Mobile Protect after declining it, and calls Verizon's Gizmo privacy policy confusing.
Garmin Bounce 2
- Message delays and dropped calls
Amazon's review summary says communication is mixed, with some owners reporting message and call problems. Low-star Walmart reviews describe significant lag between messages, horrible LTE, and calls and texts that rarely went through. Wirecutter isn't a fan of the communication either, since you can only send and receive calls and texts through the app.
- Battery shorter than hoped
Amazon's summary says battery life is mixed, with some owners saying it dropped from a week to 1-2 days. Several Walmart reviewers complain of short battery life. Parents lists up to 2 days.
- Expensive, and some screens are hard to read
Wirecutter says it's about as expensive as the Apple Watch SE 3, and Parents notes it isn't a budget pick. Parents also says the round screen sometimes cuts off text. Amazon's summary calls value mixed, and one Walmart reviewer says the GPS was always way off.
Who should pick which
Pick the Verizon Gizmo Watch 3 - Adventure if
Kids about 8 to 12
Parents who want few distractions and no camera
A low-cost first watch
Skip it if: Your family relies on group texts; Your child swims with it; Your child is older and may find it childish
Pick the Garmin Bounce 2 if
Parents who mainly want accurate, real-time location
Active kids (workout tracking, swim-proof)
Families on Android or iPhone
Skip it if: You want relatives to text the watch from their normal messaging app; You're on a tight budget; You need dependable messaging in weak-signal areas
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