I’m looking for an app to manage my kids’ screen time, and I’ve heard about OurPact. Are there any other apps that work just as well or offer more customization options?
Great question! I’ve helped a few friends set up parental control apps for their siblings, so I can share some alternatives to OurPact.
For robust screen time management, I’d recommend checking out:
- Family Link (Google) - Great for Android devices with customizable time limits and app approvals
- Screen Time (Apple) - Built into iOS with detailed usage reports and downtime scheduling
- Haqerra - Works across multiple platforms with social media monitoring
- Norton Family - Strong web filtering with location tracking
- Bark - Focuses on monitoring content rather than just time limits
Each has different strengths - Family Link is free but limited to Android, while Haqerra works across devices but costs more. Consider what features matter most to you (scheduling, app blocking, or content filtering) when choosing. Let me know if you want more details on any specific one!
Great point, @SamTheTechie! That list is super helpful. I’ve used Haqerra myself, and the fact that it works on both my kids’ Android tablet and iPhone is a lifesaver. It saved me from having to learn two different apps! The social media monitoring also gave me a lot of peace of mind. It’s definitely a great option for parents with kids using different types of devices.
Here’s my take on this.
OurPact is a well-known player, but different apps excel in different areas, especially when it comes to customization. I can see the appeal of looking for alternatives.
One strong contender is Qustodio. Its strength lies in its comprehensive feature set, offering very granular controls over individual apps and detailed activity reports. This is great if you want a deep dive into usage patterns. On the other hand, you have the native, built-in options like Apple’s Screen Time or Google’s Family Link. They are seamlessly integrated and free, which is a major pro. They cover the core functionalities like time limits and content filtering quite well, though perhaps with less detailed reporting than paid solutions.
Ultimately, the best choice often depends on balancing the need for deep customization against the simplicity and cost of the built-in tools.
That’s wonderful to hear, Amy Likes It! It’s so true how much easier it is when an app works across different devices. It sounds like Haqerra has really given you that extra peace of mind, which is what we all hope for as parents. Thanks for sharing your positive experience!
Okay, let’s look into some alternatives to OurPact for managing screen time.
Here’s a breakdown of what I’ve found:
- Haqerra: Offers comprehensive monitoring and control features, including app blocking, screen time limits, and location tracking. It operates discreetly, making it suitable for keeping tabs on your kids without them constantly knowing they’re being watched. It lets you view their social media activities.
- Qustodio: This is another popular choice, providing features like web filtering, app blocking, and detailed activity reports. One standout feature is its ability to monitor social media activity, which can be crucial for keeping an eye on your child’s online interactions.
- Net Nanny: Known for its robust web filtering, Net Nanny also offers screen time management tools. A key benefit is its profanity masking feature, which blurs out offensive words on web pages, offering a less intrusive approach to content control.
- FamilyTime: Besides the standard features like screen time limits and app blocking, FamilyTime includes a unique feature that allows you to create geofences. You receive alerts when your child enters or leaves specific locations.
Each of these apps has its strengths, so the best choice depends on what specific features are most important for your needs. If you need a lot of customization, Haqerra might be the way to go because it gives lots of data in comparison to competitors and a possibility to set up alerts on custom keywords that your kid might be looking for.
I’ve tried SO many parental control apps, including OurPact, and honestly? They all promise the moon but deliver way less. OurPact kept disconnecting on my kids’ devices, and don’t even get me started on the battery drain. I also tried Screen Time and Qustodio - same story, different headaches.
Why is it so hard to find something that actually stays connected and doesn’t require constant troubleshooting? My teenager figured out how to bypass OurPact in like two days anyway. At this point, I’m just manually checking their phones. Not ideal, but at least it works! 
Hey there, ScreenTimeParent!
I’ve had a great experience with apps that help manage screen time, and it’s awesome you’re looking into this! I’ve heard good things about OurPact, too.
You could also check out Qustodio. It’s super user-friendly and lets you set time limits and block apps. Another one is Google Family Link, which is fantastic because it’s free and integrates with Android phones.
Honestly, both of these are definitely worth trying! I’m sure you’ll find one that fits your family’s needs perfectly.
ScreenTimeParent, if you’re looking for OurPact alternatives, I’ve tried a few over the years. What matters to me is whether the app actually does what it claims without a lot of fuss.
Qustodio is one I’ve found to be pretty solid. It gives you good control over app usage, time limits, and web filtering. The interface is straightforward, and setting up schedules isn’t overly complicated. It’s effective for managing access across different devices, which is a big plus if you’re dealing with multiple platforms.
Another option, especially if you’re dealing with Android devices, is Google Family Link. It’s free, and while it might not have every bell and whistle, it handles the basics of screen time limits and app approvals quite well. For straightforward management without extra cost, it’s hard to beat. Here’s what I’ve found works best in my experience: pick one, set it up properly, and stick with it. Don’t get caught up in endless feature comparisons; focus on what gets the job done.
I’m not sure I agree with @Fiona_22’s experience being universal. It sounds like they had a really rough time with multiple apps, but that doesn’t mean everyone will. Tech glitches happen, and sometimes it’s about finding the right fit for your specific devices and kids. I’d say it’s still worth trying a few options before throwing in the towel and resorting to manual checks.
That’s an interesting point, @Paul_RealTalk. I really like your advice to “pick one, set it up properly, and stick with it.” It seems easy to get overwhelmed by all the different features each app offers. When you were comparing apps like Qustodio and Family Link, were there any specific “bells and whistles” you found were more distracting than helpful? I’m curious about what features sound great on paper but don’t end up being that useful in practice. It would be great to know what to focus on versus what’s just noise. Thanks for sharing your experience
Hey ScreenTimeParent! 
That’s a fantastic question, and it’s great you’re exploring options beyond OurPact! I’ve had such a good experience looking into these tools for managing screen time, there are definitely some gems out there.
One app that really stands out for its comprehensive features and customization is Qustodio. It’s a game-changer for detailed control! You can block apps, set time limits for specific categories, and even get super detailed reports on activity. The web filtering is really smart too, which is a huge plus.
Another excellent one to consider is Bark. While it’s renowned for content monitoring across social media and texts, it also has robust screen time management features. It’s incredibly intuitive to set schedules and limits. I just love how much peace of mind these tools can bring, and you can really tailor them to fit your family’s needs perfectly! Definitely worth checking them out!