FamilyKeeper vs. Bark 2024: Simplicity or Full protection

FamilyKeeper and Bark are both top parental control apps, but Bark wins this head-to-head matchup. Both of these apps allow parents to manage screen time and send important alerts regarding activity.

However, Bark takes the cake for parents who prioritize monitoring features, while FamilyKeeper is best suited for parents who prefer simple, straightforward tools.

We highlight all of the details for each product below.

FamilyKeeper vs. Bark review at a glance

When comparing FamilyKeeper and Bark, the most obvious difference lies in their monitoring capabilities. FamilyKeeper gets the job done for essential functions but can’t deliver when deeper insights are needed.

While providing essential features like location tracking, app blocking, and screen time management, it doesn’t give parents the tools to monitor social media or conversations.

In contrast, Bark shines in its ability to monitor a wide range of social media platforms and text messages. Bark uses machine learning to detect risks and can monitor over 30 apps. This broad coverage helps parents stay informed across multiple platforms and ensures that nothing slips through the cracks.

FamilyKeeper is limited to monitoring content with keyword filters and does not offer real-time insights into conversations.

		Our Pick
Star rating	4.5 AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.	4.9 AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
Price	$4.99-$9.99/mo	$4.00–$14.00/mo
Free trial	Yes, 7 days
Number of devices supported	Unlimited	Unlimited
Website filtering
Conversation monitoring	Yes, with content filtering	Yes, social media, email, text
Screen time management
Location tracking
Activity reports
Remote lock
Supported devices	iPhones, Android phones	iPhones, Android, Chromebook, Amazon Fire, and more
Learn more	Get FamilyKeeper Read FamilyKeeper Review	Get Bark Read Bark Review

FamilyKeeper pros and cons

FamilyKeeper is good for parents who want a simple and easy-to-navigate parental control app. Its main strengths are its straightforward setup and core features, such as location tracking and screen time management.

The app gives parents the ability to set specific time limits for individual apps and block access to certain websites. These features can be set with a daily limit as well as on a schedule to make sure the child’s device doesn’t become a distraction during school work. Additionally, the app is relatively affordable at $59.88/yr.

But, FamilyKeeper falls short when it comes to more advanced monitoring features. Its social media monitoring is limited to basic keyword filtering.

During our testing, it failed to effectively track conversations on platforms like Messenger, Instagram, and Discord. While it flags certain phrases, it does not provide well-rounded insights into what children are actually engaging with online. This could prove unhelpful to parents wanting to keep their kids safe on social media.

Additionally, the app’s lack of cross-platform compatibility — it doesn’t work between iOS and Android devices — limits its use for families with different devices. Features like text message monitoring didn’t work as advertised during testing, reducing its overall reliability.

Pros
• Easy to set up and use
• Effective screen time management
• Accurate location tracking with geo-fencing
Cons
• Lacks real-time social media monitoring
• No cross-platform compatibility
• Limited alert system and conversation monitoring

Bark pros and cons

Bark is designed for parents who want more in-depth monitoring under one subscription. One of Bark’s standout features is its ability to monitor over 30 different apps and text messages. It uses advanced machine learning to flag conversations related to issues like self-harm and online predators.

Bark also offers screen time management and location tracking. Because of its compatibility and pairing with an unlimited number of devices, it provides significant coverage for families with multiple children.

Bark isn’t without drawbacks though. While it accommodates a lot and has all the bells and whistles, it struggles to send alerts in real-time. In some cases, alerts can be delayed by several hours.

Bark is rather resource-heavy, too, which can drain battery life and slow down older devices. We found that the app focuses mainly on alerting parents to flagged content rather than providing real-time surveillance.

Pros
• Monitors 30+ social media platforms
• Machine learning detects slang, bullying, and risky behavior
• Comprehensive alerts for cyberbullying, drug use, and mental health risks
Cons
• Alerts are delayed
• Heavy use of phone resources

Which parental control app is the better value?

Bark delivers more value due to its comprehensive monitoring capabilities and cross-platform support.

FamilyKeeper doesn’t offer the same level of insight into your child’s online activity and is the more basic solution.

		Our Pick
Price range	$4.99-$9.99/mo	$4.00–$14.00/mo
Best value plan	$4.99/mo (billed annually)	$8.25/mo (billed annually)
Free trial	Yes, 7 days	Yes, 7 days
Money-back guarantee		Yes, 30 days
Learn more	Get FamilyKeeper Read FamilyKeeper Review	Get Bark Read Bark Review

FamilyKeeper plans

FamilyKeeper provides two simple subscription plans that include all features and unlimited connected devices but lacks any money-back guarantee. They also have a 7-day free trial, but parents will have to provide a credit card upon signing up.

Parents have a choice between monthly and yearly billing options. To cancel the subscription or free trial, users have to contact support (via contact form or email, support@familykeeper.co).

• Monthly Plan: $9.99/mo for all features, including location tracking, screen time management, and content filtering
• Annual Plan: $4.99/mo (billed annually) for the same features

Bark plans

Like FamilyKeeper, Bark also offers a 7-day free trial and requires a credit card to sign up. Bark says it uses your credit card information to verify the guardianship of the subscription owner, but it doesn't charge the card until the trial is over.

Bark offers everything from basic screen time management to comprehensive monitoring of social media to software protecting home devices and even a Bark Phone.

• Bark Jr.: $5.00/mo for basic controls like screen time management and location alerts; best for younger children.
• Bark Premium: $14.00/mo for detailed reporting of over 30 social media platforms, conversation tracking, and in-depth alerts for risky behavior
• Bark Home: $6.00/mo for controlling screen time and filtering websites across all connected devices in the home
• Bark Phone: $39.00/mo + cost of phone for total parental control; includes app approvals, contact monitoring, and more
  
Winner: Bark. With their wide range of plans (like Bark Jr. and Bark Premium), they provide flexibility for families of all needs.

Which app has the better monitoring and alerts?

Bark leads the way when it comes to monitoring and flagging risky behavior. With the capability to keep tabs on over 30 different social media apps, Bark provides a level of coverage that is hard to beat.

FamilyKeeper, by comparison, offers more basic monitoring and lacks the ability to provide real-time insights into conversations or social media activity.

		Our Pick
Website filtering	Yes, basic filtering	Yes, 19 content categories
App filtering
Social media monitoring		Yes, 30+ platforms
Text message monitoring
Email monitoring
Internet search monitoring	Yes, via content filtering
Screen time limits
Remote lock
Cyberbullying alerts
Location tracking
Activity reports
Learn more	Get FamilyKeeper Read FamilyKeeper Review	Get Bark Read Bark Review

Bark's extensive monitoring and alert system outperforms FamilyKeeper with real-time insights and comprehensive scanning among its top strengths. Bark’s machine-learning algorithms not only monitor social media but also scan text messages and emails.

FamilyKeeper does provide alerts related to keyword filtering and content blocking, and it includes location tracking and screen time management. But overall, FamilyKeeper lacks in its ability to provide real-time insights into conversations or social media activity and its reliance on basic content filters.















Winner: Bark. Its tiered plans provide flexibility, extensive monitoring features, and real-time insights. Parents can choose the right level of monitoring for their family’s specific needs and their wallets. 

Which parental control app has the better support and compatibility?

When it comes to support and compatibility, Bark takes the lead again with better customer support options. FamilyKeeper, while functional, offers less versatility across platforms and more limited customer service options.

		Our Pick
Windows
macOS
Android
iOS
Browser extensions		Yes, Chrome, Microsoft Edge
24/7 customer support
Customer support options	Email, contact form	Email, live chat, online guides, videos, app
Learn more	Get FamilyKeeper Read FamilyKeeper Review	Get Bark Read Bark Review

Bark works on more operating systems, including Windows and macOS, and supports browser extensions. FamilyKeeper is limited to Android and iOS devices, which may be an issue for families using computers.

In terms of customer support, neither app offers 24/7 live support. However, Bark does provide a wider range of options, including email, live chat, and detailed online guides.

FamilyKeeper, by contrast, only offers support through email and a contact form, which may lead to slower response times and less immediate help for users. The limited availability of online guides or forums for FamilyKeeper makes it hard to resolve issues independently.

Winner: Bark. It wins in this category due to the superior device compatibility and more thorough customer support options, including live chat and accessible guides. FamilyKeeper’s limitations in compatibility and customer support options make it less ideal for families looking for extensive, cross-platform coverage and immediate assistance. 

FAQs

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Can Bark see TikTok?

Yes, Bark can monitor direct messages on TikTok. The direct messaging feature is already disabled for users under 16, but for children who are able to circumvent that restriction, Bark can help. Currently, this service is only available on Android devices, but Bark is working to provide this service to iOS devices in the future.

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What are the downsides of Bark?

The primary downsides are delayed alerts and non-real-time location tracking, making the app less than ideal in urgent situations. We also found that Bark can be resource-heavy, depleting battery life and slowing down older devices.

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What are the downsides of FamilyKeeper?

FamilyKeeper lacks cross-platform compatibility and has limited social media monitoring. It doesn’t provide live updates into text-based messaging either, which can make it difficult for parents to monitor their child’s conversations.

It’s also only available on Android and iOS, meaning Windows and MacOS systems go unmonitored.

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Will my child be able to tell if I am using FamilyKeeper?

Yes, FamilyKeeper is visible as an app on the child’s device. The app also displays a persistent notification to remind them that their phone is being monitored. While this could encourage better online behavior, it also makes it harder for parents who prefer to monitor their child’s activity discreetly.

FamilyKeeper vs. Bark: Which is better?

Ultimately, Bark is the better choice when it comes to value and capabilities.

		Our Pick
Value
Features
Compatibility & Support
Learn More	Get FamilyKeeper Read FamilyKeeper Review	Get Bark Read Bark Review

Bark is almost perfect for parents who want an in-depth look into their children's online activity. Its wide range of features — including conversation tracking and social media monitoring — make it an excellent tool for parents looking to protect their children from the dangers of the digital world.

FamilyKeeper is a more basic solution. It’s better suited for families with younger children or parents who have fewer needs, such as only wanting to manage screen time and track location.

While its core features work well, FamilyKeeper’s lack of comprehensive monitoring makes it a less versatile option compared to Bark.

Top Alternatives

• Aura Parental Controls: Aura offers basic features like screen time management and web filtering. Notably, Aura includes other tools such as identity theft protection and online privacy monitoring, making it a great option for parents who want a bundled solution.

  Get Aura │ Read Our Aura Review

• Norton Family: Norton Family is best known for its web content filtering and app blocking. Offering extensive protection across 47 content categories, it also provides location tracking, screen time limits, and age-specific restriction settings. However, its functionality is somewhat limited on iOS devices.

  Get Norton Family │ Read Our Norton Family Review

• Qustodio: Qustodio is particularly strong for Android users and offers comprehensive social media monitoring. Qustodio also provides flexible screen time controls, which allow parents to customize usage limits.

  Get Qustodio │ Read Our Qustodio Review