# Circle 1st generation vs Gabb Messenger

The clearest difference is rating: Circle 1st generation at 4.6 against Gabb Messenger's 3.7. Circle 1st generation also leads on ratings volume (28K vs 922) and iOS requirement (10.0 vs 15.0). Gabb Messenger's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3) and update cadence (every 5 weeks vs every 3 months). On price, review sentiment, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Circle 1st generation sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Gabb Messenger asks for nothing beyond the download.

Circle 1st generation holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 3.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Circle 1st generation has 28K ratings behind it against 922, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 25% of Circle 1st generation's written reviews are positive against 19% of Gabb Messenger's.

Circle 1st generation ships an update every 3 months, Gabb Messenger every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 29, 2026 and October 27, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Circle 1st generation | Gabb Messenger |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (28K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/circle-1st-generation/id1037062934/reviews)** | [3.7 (922 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gabb-messenger/id1617858168/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **28K** | 922 |
| Positive reviews | **25.2% of reviews** | 18.9% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 5 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 56 MB | 75 MB |
| Requires iOS | **10.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Circle Media Incorporated](https://appshunter.io/developer/950202222) | [Gabb Wireless, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1509258259) |

## What reviewers say

### Circle 1st generation

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/circle-1st-generation/id1037062934)

Manage your family's online time and filter content with this app, designed to work with the Circle 1st gen device and select NETGEAR routers. It helps balance internet usage for connected devices on your home network.

**Highlights:** Content filtering, Online time management, Device management, Customizable settings, Works with Circle 1st gen, Supports NETGEAR routers

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Circle Premium NETGEAR monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| Circle Premium NETGEAR yearly | $49.99 | per year |
| Circle Premium NETGEAR yearly | $49.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Works great
- 🔒 Helpful for internet safety
- 👍 Customizable and flexible
- 💡 Allows controlling devices

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Buggy and unreliable
- 🔍 Difficult to set up and use
- 💰 Expensive subscription
- 🔍 Lacks important features
- 🔽 Slows down internet speed

**Reported bugs**

- Incompatible with certain routers
- Devices not detected properly
- Time limits not working as expected
- App crashes after iOS updates

**Requested features**

- Better device identification
- Easier profile management
- More granular time controls
- Remote access from anywhere


### Gabb Messenger

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gabb-messenger/id1617858168)

This app enables safe video calls between friends and family and Gabb kids, with smart filtration to monitor for potential harm. Parents can access robust controls to manage their child's messaging, including flagged content, contact lists, and deletion settings, ensuring peace of mind.

**Highlights:** Safe video calling with smart filtration, Parental controls for messaging, Flagged content monitoring, Contact management, Message deletion settings, Manage multiple devices

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Helps catch inappropriate messages
- 🔒 Allows parent control of contacts
- 👍 Provides peace of mind for parents

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 App crashes frequently
- 🐛 Unreliable syncing and notifications
- 🐛 Inability to view flagged messages
- 🔒 Overly restrictive features

**Reported bugs**

- App crashing on launch
- Syncing issues between phone and app
- Unreliable notifications of flagged messages

**Requested features**

- Improved app stability and reliability
- Better visibility into flagged messages
- More flexible parental control options
- Ability to monitor calls and location


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Circle 1st generation free?

Circle 1st generation is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Gabb Messenger free?

Gabb Messenger is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Circle 1st generation or Gabb Messenger?

Circle 1st generation is rated higher. Circle 1st generation averages 4.6 out of 5 from 28K ratings, while Gabb Messenger averages 3.7 from 922 ratings.

### Do Circle 1st generation or Gabb Messenger have ads?

Neither Circle 1st generation nor Gabb Messenger shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Circle 1st generation or Gabb Messenger?

Circle 1st generation ships an update every 3 months, and Gabb Messenger every 5 weeks. Most recently, Circle 1st generation was updated on October 29, 2026 and Gabb Messenger on October 27, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*