Quick Answer: The best Circle Home Plus alternatives fall into three types: router-based, app-based, and free DNS solutions. The strongest approach is a hybrid—use a router tool for home devices and pair it with app-based monitoring to protect phones, social media, and texting.
Circle Home Plus delivers network-wide parental controls across every WiFi-connected device, but the $129 hardware cost plus $99/year subscription pushes total ownership past $400 over three years. Many families question whether recurring fees make sense for basic web filtering and screen time management already available through free router settings or standalone apps.
The global parental control software market was valued at $1.40 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach $3.39 billion by 2032, growing at 11.6% CAGR, with North America accounting for 33.57% of the market. As spending continues to rise, more hardware manufacturers are integrating subscription-free tools directly into mesh routers and smart home systems – delivering comparable protection without ongoing fees.
Table of Contents
- Key Takeaways
- Router-Based vs. App-Based Parental Controls
- Total Cost of Ownership: 3-Year Comparison
- Gryphon Guardian: Best Subscription-Free Router Replacement
- Bark Parental Control App: Network Controls with AI Content Monitoring
- Eero Plus: Built-In Network Security for Existing Amazon Mesh Systems
- Free DNS-Based Filtering: CleanBrowsing and OpenDNS Family Shield
- Software-Based Alternatives: Aura Parental Controls, Qustodio, and Google Family Link
- Router-Specific Parental Controls: Netgear, Asus, TP-Link
- Finding Your Best Circle Home Plus Alternative
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Sources
Key Takeaways
- Router-based, app-based, and DNS filtering tools provide Circle Home Plus alternatives that protect both home devices and mobile activity.
- The global parental control software market is projected to grow 11.6% annually through 2032, showing continued demand for safer online environments.
- Gryphon Guardian and Eero Plus secure consoles, smart TVs, and IoT devices, while Bark and Aura monitor texts, apps, and social media.
- Free DNS filters like CleanBrowsing and OpenDNS offer instant protection and work well as a foundation before investing in paid tools.
- Batten’s marketplace helps parents compare vetted router hardware and software tools to build layered protection that fits their needs and budget.
Router-Based vs. App-Based Parental Controls
Not all parental control tools work the same way. Some protect every device on your WiFi network, while others focus on smartphones and tablets only. Understanding the difference helps families choose the right setup – or combine both for complete coverage.
Router-Based Parental Controls
Router-level parental controls operate at your home network’s entry point, filtering every device that connects to your WiFi before content reaches screens. This network-wide approach covers gaming consoles, smart TVs, streaming devices, and IoT gadgets that traditional parental control apps cannot monitor or manage.
App-Based Parental Controls
App-based solutions like Bark Premium or Qustodio install directly on smartphones and tablets, providing deeper monitoring of texts, social media, and specific app usage. Software delivers granular control over individual devices but requires installation on each phone or computer, leaving smart home devices completely unprotected.
Why a Hybrid Approach Works Best
The hybrid approach combining both methods delivers comprehensive family protection – router hardware manages network-connected entertainment devices while dedicated apps monitor personal smartphones where kids access social media and messaging platforms. Families juggling multiple device types benefit most from layered security that protects both the network infrastructure and individual devices.
Total Cost of Ownership: 3-Year Comparison
Choosing a Circle Home Plus alternative depends on how much protection you need – and how long you’re willing to pay for it. Some tools require ongoing subscriptions, while others offer free basic filtering or app-based protection without replacing your router.
Here’s what the real 3-year cost looks like based on current pricing:
| Solution | Upfront Cost | Annual Subscription | 3-Year Total Cost | Best Use Case |
| Gryphon Guardian | $99 | Optional after 90 days | $99 + optional premium | Small homes or WiFi add-on |
| Bark Parental Control App | $0 | $14/mo ($168/year) | $504 | AI monitoring for texts/social media |
| Eero Plus | Varies by router | $99.99/year | $299.97 + router cost | Existing Eero mesh systems |
| CleanBrowsing / OpenDNS | $0 | $0 | $0 | Basic DNS filtering only |
| Aura Parental Controls | $10–32/mo | Subscription required | $360–1,152 | Layered family & identity protection |
What This Means for Families
- Gryphon Guardian offers the lowest starting cost for hardware-based protection but requires a subscription after the trial for full parental controls.
- Bark and Aura deliver the most behavioral insight, including message analysis, social media monitoring, and location-based alerts.
- Eero Plus is ideal only if you already own Eero WiFi 6 hardware – otherwise hardware costs add up quickly.
- DNS filtering is completely free, making it a strong starting layer while you evaluate long-term solutions.
Smart Strategy for Most Households
Start with free DNS filtering for instant protection, then layer on either:
- Gryphon Guardian for router-based filtering, OR
- Bark or Aura for AI-based device monitoring.
This gives you network-wide protection plus insight into what happens on individual devices – without committing to expensive hardware right away.
Gryphon Guardian: Best Subscription-Free Router Replacement
Gryphon Guardian isn’t a full router replacement for large homes – but it’s one of the most affordable ways to add network-wide parental control features to smaller spaces or supplement your existing WiFi setup. Best for apartments or single-floor homes, it combines dual-band mesh WiFi with cybersecurity features and optional parental control upgrades.
Gryphon Guardian at a Glance
- Current price: $99 USD (1 Pack)
- Coverage: Up to 1,500 sq. ft. per unit
- Speed class: AC1200 dual-band WiFi
- Included: 90 days of Premium Protection + 1-year hardware warranty
- Best for: Small homes or enhancing an existing network
- Availability: Amazon
Key Parental Control Features
Gryphon Guardian includes basic parental controls right away, with access to full features during the 90-day Premium Protection trial:
- Screen time scheduling and device-by-device control
- App blocking and search monitoring
- Safe search enforcement on major search engines
- Device tracking with customizable family profiles
After the trial ends, Premium parental controls require a subscription—unlike fully subscription-free routers from TP-Link or ASUS.
Cybersecurity & Network Protection
Beyond filtering websites, Gryphon Guardian includes real security features:
- Next-generation firewall
- 24/7 intrusion detection
- Automatic anti-phishing protection
- Malware and ransomware filtering
While not as powerful as high-end mesh routers, it performs well as a security upgrade for existing networks.
Setup & Management
Setup takes only a few minutes using the Gryphon Connect app, which lets you:
- View all connected devices
- Apply age-based filtering levels
- Pause internet access instantly
Adjust settings remotely via iOS/Android
It can operate as a main router or as an add-on to improve WiFi coverage in specific areas while adding protection.
Pros
- Only $99 USD, making it one of the most affordable parental control routers
- Includes 90 days of Premium Protection before any subscription is required
- Strong cybersecurity tools with real-time threat detection
- Easy app-based management
Cons
- Premium parental controls require a subscription after trial
- 1,500 sq. ft. coverage per unit is limited
- Only compatible with other Gryphon Guardian models
- Requires WiFi reconfiguration if used as a full router replacement
Bark Parental Control App: Network Controls with AI Content Monitoring
Unlike hardware-based solutions that only filter websites, the Bark Parental Control App delivers AI-driven monitoring that analyzes texts, emails, web searches, social media activity, and photos across more than 30 major platforms. Instead of limiting protection to network-level controls, Bark monitors what children actually do on their devices – flagging cyberbullying, self-harm indicators, grooming behavior, and violent content in real time.
Bark App at a Glance
- Price: $14/month for Bark Premium, or Bark Jr. for younger kids
- Subscription-Based: Available monthly or annually
- Coverage: Monitors texts, apps, emails, browsers, photos, and device activity
- Compatibility: iOS, Android, Chromebooks, Amazon Fire tablets, Windows & Mac
- Best For: Parents who need insight into social media, messages, and search history
- Availability: Batten Shop
What Makes Bark Different?
Bark doesn’t require router replacement or plug-in hardware. It monitors behavior directly on children’s devices using advanced AI to detect context – not just keywords. This allows Bark to identify concerning conversations even when slang, emojis, or coded language are used.
Key Features
- AI content analysis across 30+ platforms
- Text, email, photo, and web search monitoring
- App blocking & website/category filtering
- GPS-powered location alerts and check-ins
- Screen time schedules and daily limits
- Free Talkspace Go access for families
- Expert advice from child psychologists included with alerts
Why It Works
Router-based tools like Circle and Gryphon protect connected devices – but they can’t see inside messages, DMs, or apps. Bark fills that gap by analyzing digital behavior directly, identifying risk patterns, and alerting parents before issues escalate.
Pros
- AI-based detection beyond basic keyword filters
- Works across most device types and operating systems
- Easy setup with no router changes required
- Cloud-based protection continues even when kids leave home
Cons
- Requires a monthly subscription – no free version
- Router-level filtering still needed for gaming consoles or smart TVs
- Device permissions must be granted individually
Best Use Case
Bark performs best in combination with a router-based solution – especially for families with gaming consoles, smart TVs, and streaming devices. Apps like Bark monitor personal devices, while routers handle home network traffic. This layered approach provides stronger protection than any single tool.
Look at Batten’s router-based parental control comparison for more network-wide protection options including Gryphon and Eero alternatives.
Eero Plus: Built-In Network Security for Existing Amazon Mesh Systems
Eero Plus replaces Eero Secure and now provides stronger network-wide protection across Eero mesh WiFi systems – without needing any standalone hardware. Parents using Eero routers can activate parental controls, threat protection, and device management directly through the Eero Plus subscription plan, starting at $9.99/month or $99.99/year.
Eero Plus at a Glance
- Price: $9.99/month or $99.99/year
- Key Feature: No extra hardware required for Eero users
- Compatibility: Eero WiFi 6 or later systems
- Parental Controls: Built into Eero app with content filters and scheduling
- Additional Tools: Malware protection, VPN, password manager, identity protection
- Best For: Households already using Eero mesh routers who want advanced protection without switching networks
Seamless Integration Without Extra Devices
Eero Plus activates directly through the Eero mobile app – no new cables, boxes, or network reconfiguration required. The same app used to manage WiFi now handles parental controls, device profiles, threat protection, and remote access, creating a unified system for home network management.
Family & Parental Control Features
- Content filters for age-appropriate browsing
- Advanced WiFi scheduling and distraction-free modes
- Pause internet access instantly for any device
- Guardrails for streaming, gaming, and homework time
- Activity history with timestamps of websites visited
Security & Cyber Protection Tools
Eero Plus goes beyond parental controls with full cybersecurity protection across the entire network:
- Active threat protection (blocks malicious websites)
- Malwarebytes-powered antivirus for up to 20 devices
- VPN by Guardian for encrypted browsing
- 1Password password manager
- Identity protection with real-time dark web monitoring and $1M in identity theft insurance
Pros
- No new hardware needed for existing Eero users
- Combines WiFi management, cybersecurity, and parental controls in one app
- Includes Malwarebytes, VPN, and password manager at no extra charge
- Remote access allows control of home networks from anywhere
Cons
- Requires existing Eero system – cannot be used with other routers
- Parental controls are subscription-based (no free tier)
- Less customization compared to dedicated hardware solutions
- Mesh coverage depends on Eero model and home layout
Browse VPN services with parental controls in Batten’s marketplace for privacy protection beyond home network filtering.
Free DNS-Based Filtering: CleanBrowsing and OpenDNS Family Shield
DNS filtering reroutes website requests through external servers that block unsafe or adult content before it reaches devices. CleanBrowsing and OpenDNS Family Shield provide free, network-wide protection without installing apps or buying hardware—ideal as a first layer of parental control.
How DNS Filtering Works
When a device requests a website, your router checks DNS servers to find its IP address. DNS-based filters intercept these requests and block domains linked to adult content, malware, or phishing. Changing your router’s DNS settings to CleanBrowsing or OpenDNS takes only a few minutes and protects smart TVs, gaming consoles, phones, and tablets instantly.
CleanBrowsing Free Family Filter
CleanBrowsing offers three DNS tiers: Security, Adult, and Family. The Family filter blocks pornography, explicit search results, and known malicious domains—fully free with no subscriptions required.
Setup Steps:
- Log into your router (often 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1)
- Go to DNS / WAN settings
- Enter CleanBrowsing Family DNS: 185.228.168.168 / 185.228.169.168
- Save and reboot your router
OpenDNS Family Shield
Powered by Cisco infrastructure, OpenDNS Family Shield blocks adult content and phishing attempts using globally distributed servers with strong uptime. A free dashboard shows blocked domains, and the premium Home plan ($19.95/year) adds reporting and category-level customization.
Limitations of DNS-Only Filtering
DNS filtering cannot manage screen time, block apps, or pause the internet. Teens can bypass it by changing DNS settings or using VPNs. These services work best for younger children and should be paired with router-based solutions like Gryphon or parental control apps such as Bark.
Pros
- Free, network-wide filtering
- Works on all WiFi devices with one setup
- No hardware or subscriptions required
- Covers smart TVs and gaming consoles
Cons
- No screen time or app blocking
- Can be bypassed with manual DNS changes or VPNs
- Less effective with HTTPS traffic
- No protection outside home WiFi
Read Batten’s guide to securing home WiFi networks for comprehensive protection beyond parental controls.
Software-Based Alternatives: Aura Parental Controls, Qustodio, and Google Family Link
Router-based protection covers every device on home WiFi, but software-based parental control apps install directly on smartphones and tablets – monitoring texts, social media, location history, and app usage that routers cannot access. These tools provide the individual device insights that hardware alone cannot deliver.
When Software Outperforms Hardware
App-based monitoring is essential once kids leave home WiFi and connect through school networks or cellular data. Router controls stop working the moment phones switch networks – but apps like Aura continue monitoring social media activity, gaming behavior, and risky searches wherever the device goes.
Older children using Snapchat, Discord, Instagram, and TikTok require app-level supervision. Router filtering blocks websites – but online risks now occur inside direct messages, game chats, and comments where routers have zero visibility, according to recent Pew Research Center data.
Top Software Solutions Compared
- Built on Circle technology with real-time alerts for cyberbullying and gaming threats
- Content filtering, internet pause, and screen time scheduling
- Activity reports show what kids search and view online
- Kids Plan ($10/mo billed annually): Core parental controls only
- Family Plan ($32/mo billed annually): Adds credit monitoring, identity theft protection, antivirus, VPN, and password manager
- Available for iOS and Android devices
Qustodio ($54.95/year for 5 devices)
- Location tracking and emergency panic button
- Activity reports show websites visited and time spent in each app
- Call and SMS monitoring on Android (iOS limited by Apple restrictions)
- YouTube monitoring logs search history and videos watched
- Geofencing alerts trigger when children enter or leave specific areas
Google Family Link (Free)
- Built-in Android tool for screen time limits and bedtime schedules
- Requires parent approval before app downloads
- Location sharing through Google Maps
- Activity reports summarize usage and browsing history
- Remote device locking when time limits are exceeded
Router-Specific Parental Controls: Netgear, Asus, TP-Link
Modern routers from major manufacturers integrate basic parental controls directly into firmware, providing free content filtering and screen time management without purchasing standalone devices. Netgear Armor, Asus AiProtection, and TP-Link HomeCare deliver Circle-style functionality built into hardware you may already own.
Netgear Armor with Bitdefender
Netgear’s higher-end routers (Nighthawk and Orbi series) include Armor powered by Bitdefender cybersecurity. The $99.99/year subscription adds malware protection, vulnerability scanning, and parental controls including content filtering, time scheduling, and pause internet features across all connected devices.
Armor’s parental controls operate through the Netgear mobile app, letting parents create profiles for family members and assign devices to children with age-appropriate restrictions. Content filters block adult websites, enforce safe search, and restrict access to social media or gaming categories during homework hours or bedtime.
Asus AiProtection (Free with Compatible Routers)
Asus integrates AiProtection powered by Trend Micro security into RT-series and ROG gaming routers at no additional subscription cost. Parents access parental controls through router admin panels or Asus mobile apps to schedule internet access, block websites by category, and monitor device usage history.
AiProtection Features:
- Content filtering blocks malicious websites and adult content automatically
- Time scheduling sets specific hours when devices can access internet
- App blocking restricts social media, streaming, gaming platforms by category
- Usage monitoring tracks websites visited without requiring separate software
TP-Link HomeCare and Deco Mesh Parental Controls
TP-Link includes HomeCare (Archer routers) or built-in parental controls (Deco mesh systems) free with hardware purchases. Parents create family profiles through Tether mobile app, setting bedtime schedules, pausing internet for specific devices, and blocking inappropriate content across network-connected gadgets.
Deco mesh systems offer particularly strong parental controls given their whole-home coverage and simplified app management. Families upgrading WiFi for better coverage gain simultaneous parental protection without purchasing separate Circle Home Plus or similar devices.
Finding Your Best Circle Home Plus Alternative
Circle Home Plus is no longer the only way to protect every screen in your house. Today you can mix router-based controls, AI-powered monitoring apps, and free DNS filtering to build a setup that fits your family instead of forcing a single solution.
Gryphon Guardian, Eero Plus, and router-native tools extend protection to smart TVs, consoles, and IoT devices, while Bark, Aura, Qustodio, and Family Link watch what happens on phones and tablets. Add CleanBrowsing or OpenDNS for a free baseline, then upgrade as your kids and their devices grow.
Check out Batten’s complete parental control collection featuring router hardware, software subscriptions, and hybrid solutions tested by family safety experts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Router-Based Parental Controls Block Encrypted HTTPS Websites?
Modern router controls use DNS filtering and SNI inspection to block HTTPS websites without decrypting traffic. Systems like Gryphon Guardian intercept domain name requests before connections establish, preventing access to inappropriate sites regardless of encryption. However, VPN usage bypasses these controls by tunneling all traffic through encrypted connections router cannot inspect.
Do Circle Home Plus Alternatives Work with All Internet Service Providers?
Router replacement solutions like Gryphon Guardian work with any ISP providing standard modem connections (cable, fiber, DSL). Add-on devices like Bark Home plug into existing routers regardless of internet provider. DNS filtering services function universally since they only change domain lookup servers without affecting physical network infrastructure.
Will Kids Notice When I Install Network-Level Parental Controls?
Router replacements like Gryphon require reconfiguring WiFi network names and passwords, alerting tech-savvy children to changes. Add-on devices like Bark Home and Circle Home Plus operate transparently once configured. DNS filtering changes are invisible unless kids attempt accessing blocked websites and encounter error messages indicating filtered content.
Can Teenagers Bypass Router Parental Controls Using Mobile Data?
Router-based controls only filter home WiFi traffic – smartphones using cellular data completely bypass network restrictions. Pair hardware solutions with app-based monitoring like Bark Premium or Qustodio that manages devices regardless of connection method. Alternatively, disable cellular data on devices through carrier family plans to enforce home-network-only internet access.
Do Router Parental Controls Slow Down Internet Speeds?
Quality router solutions like Gryphon Guardian maintain full gigabit speeds through hardware-accelerated filtering that processes traffic without bottlenecks. Add-on devices like Bark Home and Circle Home Plus may introduce 5-10% speed reduction depending on traffic volume. DNS filtering services cause no measurable speed impact since they only redirect domain lookups.
How Do Router Controls Compare to Individual App Restrictions?
Router-level controls block websites and manage screen time across all devices simultaneously but cannot monitor social media messages or track location outside home WiFi. App-based solutions provide deeper insights into texts, DMs, and mobile device usage but require installation on each phone or tablet. Combining both methods delivers comprehensive family protection covering network infrastructure and personal devices.
Will Circle Home Plus Continue Working After Aura Acquisition?
Circle Home Plus remains fully supported following Aura’s acquisition of Circle in 2023. Existing devices continue receiving firmware updates and technical support through Circle’s infrastructure. However, production of new hardware has paused as Aura integrates Circle technology into its own parental control offerings, making alternative solutions worth considering for new purchases.
Sources
- “Parental Control Software Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis”, 2025, Fortune Business Insights, https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/parental-control-software-market-10428
- “Global Parental Control Market Analysis Report 2024,” 2024, Research and Markets, https://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/parental-control-market
- “Gryphon Guardian Router Technical Specifications,” 2025, Gryphon Connect, https://gryphonconnect.com/products/gryphon-guardian
- “Bark Home Parental Controls Device Overview,” 2025, Bark Technologies, https://www.bark.us/pricing/
- “Eero Secure Subscription Plans and Features,” 2025, Amazon Eero, https://eero.com/shop/eero-secure
- “Circle Home Plus Product Support Documentation,” 2025, Meet Circle, https://support.meetcircle.com/
- “CleanBrowsing DNS Filtering Service Comparison,” 2024, CleanBrowsing, https://cleanbrowsing.org/filters
- “OpenDNS Family Shield Setup Guide,” 2024, Cisco OpenDNS, https://www.opendns.com/setupguide/
- “Teens and Cyberbullying Survey Results,” 2024, Pew Research Center, https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2024/digital-privacy-survey
- “Router-Based Security Systems Market Report,” 2024, Grand View Research, https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/router-security-market
- “Bark vs Circle Parental Control Comparison,” 2023, Bark Technologies, https://www.bark.us/learn/bark-vs-circle/
- “Netgear Armor Parental Control Features,” 2025, Netgear, https://www.netgear.com/home/wifi/armor/
- “Asus AiProtection Technology Overview,” 2025, Asus, https://www.asus.com/support/FAQ/1008031/
- “TP-Link HomeCare Parental Controls Guide,” 2025, TP-Link, https://www.tp-link.com/us/support/faq/homecare/
