Bark vs Google Family Link

Compare the Features

Bark vs. Google Family Link
Screen time schedules
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Bark
Set custom rules for school time, bedtime, and free time
Google Family Link
Only allows downtime
Blocking
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Bark
Block specific sites and apps or choose from 19 categories, including adult content, gaming, and streaming sites — all on any browser
Google Family Link
Family Link blocks specific sites and tries to block adult content; Chrome must be the default browser
Anytime internet pausing
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Bark
Disable the internet whenever needed — no matter where your kids are
Google Family Link
Lock your child’s device at any time
Content monitoring
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Bark
Scans online activities like texts, emails, and social media platforms for concerning content
Google Family Link
Google Family Link doesn’t currently offer content monitoring
Alerts for potential dangers
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Bark
Get email/text notifications for issues like cyberbullying and sexual content
Google Family Link
Google Family Link doesn’t currently offer content monitoring, so alerts aren’t sent
YouTube restricted mode
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Bark
Keep restrictions in place no matter how YouTube is accessed while connected to Bark
Google Family Link
Offers restricted mode for teens to help screen out potentially harmful content
Child opt-out disabled
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Bark
Prevent children under 18 from opting out of Bark
Google Family Link
Children can turn off parental controls when they turn 13
Location tracking
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Bark
Check your child’s location in real time on a map

Receive location alerts when child arrives or leaves pre-set locations

Get your child’s exact location with check-ins
Google Family Link
GPS map allows real-time location tracking

With Bark, you can:

Monitor content

Manage screen time

Block websites

Track location

Our Products & Prices

Save up to 42%

Bark Jr

Our entry-level product is perfect for younger kids.

$ 5 USD /month
$ 49 USD /year with annual plan
Features
  • Manage screen time
  • Filter which websites your kids can visit
  • Keep up with kids with location alerts and check-ins
  • Monitor texts, email, YouTube, and 30+ apps and platforms
  • Get alerts for issues like cyberbullying, online predators, suicidal ideation, and more

FAQs

How does Bark work?

Content Monitoring

Bark uses advanced machine learning and statistical analysis techniques to recognize potential problems. Simple keyword searches are not enough to detect the majority of issues, which is why our parental control app uses contextual analysis and natural language processing to determine when something serious might be happening.

For example, Bark knows the difference between a kid saying “This homework makes me wanna kill myself,” versus “Nobody cares about me!! I wanna kill myself.” Our algorithm also keeps up with the latest in teen slang.

Screen Time Management and Website Blocking

Families can manage not only when their kids can access the internet on their devices, but also which sites and apps they can visit.

You can create custom profiles for each child in your house, create screen time schedules, and manage access to a wide variety of websites — including video streaming, gaming, adult content, and more.

How do I get started with Bark?

To get started, simply visit our sign-up page or download our app for parents (iOSAndroid). From there, you’ll be able to select the product (Bark Premium or Bark Jr) that’s right for your family and get step-by-step instructions.

If you’re interested in the Bark Phone, learn more about it and choose the plan that’s right for your family and place your order. 

As for the Bark Home, you can order one here.

How does Bark's phone monitoring app for parents compare with others?

Bark's phone monitoring app for parents not only provides comprehensive coverage to all the top apps and devices, but also takes the crucial extra step of helping families navigate the issues raised by alerts.

How is Bark's screen time feature different from Apple Screen Time or Google Family Link?

With Bark, you can manage your children’s screen time from your own phone via the Bark app or website, regardless of whether you have an iPhone and your kids have an Android (or vice versa).

In terms of web filtering, Apple's Screen Time and Google Family Link web filters only block general content. Bark, on the other hand, breaks down a wide range of categories and exceptions to enable a more customized and refined level of protection.

Bark vs. Canopy

Ready to get started?

Bark was created by parents, for parents, to offer a better, easier, and more effective way to help families create healthy digital habits.