Bark
Parental controls, content monitoring and kids' phones and watches for families
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Pricing
From $6/mo
Free trial
Yes
Company
Bark Technologies
Platforms
What is Bark?
Bark is a parental control service that scans children's texts, emails, browsers and 30+ social media apps for potential dangers. It also covers screen time management, website and app blocking, and GPS location tracking. Its AI reads context rather than only keywords and sends parents alerts in more than 29 categories, along with expert recommendations.
You can use Bark as an app on devices the family already owns: iPhone, iPad, Android, Chromebooks, computers and Amazon Fire tablets. One subscription covers unlimited kids and devices. Bark also sells its own hardware. The Bark Phone and Bark Phone Pro are smartphones with monitoring built in, and the Bark Watch handles calls, texts and GPS with no browser or games. Bark Home manages TVs and consoles, and Bark Sync is a charger that scans iPhones each time they plug in.
Bark suits parents of kids aged roughly 5–17. The Bark Phone is sold in the U.S. only.
Key features
- AI scanning of texts, email, browsers and 30+ social apps
- Safety alerts in over 29 categories
- Custom screen time schedules and one-tap pause
- Website and app blocking
- GPS location tracking and alerts
- Scans up to 60 days of text history on connect
- Adjustable alert sensitivity per category
- Kids' phones and smartwatch with controls built in
Use cases
Who it's for
First phone for a child
Parents can give a child a Bark Phone or Bark Watch with the controls built in, and approve which apps and contacts the child can use.
Monitoring existing devices
Install the Bark Kids app on phones and tablets the family already owns to get alerts about bullying, self-harm and other dangers.
Managing home devices
Bark Home sets schedules and blocks sites on TVs, gaming consoles and other connected devices.
Location check-ins
Track where kids are with live GPS and location alerts when they're out with friends.
Bark pricing
From the vendor's site, checked Nov 9, 2026. Prices change — confirm on their pricing page.
| Plan | Bark App (iOS/Android) | Bark Sync | Bark Home | Bark Watch | Bark Phone Starter | Bark Phone Advanced |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paid monthly | $14/mo | $6/morequires Bark App subscription | $6/mo or $79 one-time | $288 device + $15/modevice plus monthly fee | $360 device + $29/modevice plus monthly fee | $39–$79/mo + devicePhone Pro device $600 |
| Paid yearly | $8.25/mo−41% | $4.08/mo−32% | — | — | — | — |
| Internet access | — | — | — | No browser | No internet | Wi-Fi only to unlimited data |
| Includes Bark App for family | — | — | — | Yes | — | Yes (Bark Premium) |
| Screen time controls | Yes | — | Yes | — | — | — |
| Website and app blocking | Yes | — | Yes | — | — | — |
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Which plan do you need?
Get an email when Bark changes its prices
One mail per change, a stop link in each. Nothing else.
How Bark compares
- At $6/mo, Bark has the highest entry price of the 4 tools here with published prices (median $4.17).
- Bark has no free plan, while 3 of the 4 alternatives below have one.
| Tool | Starts at | Free plan | Free trial | API | Open source | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BBark | $6/mo | — | — | — | ||
Q Qustodio | $5/mo | — | — | Bark vs Qustodio | ||
N Net Nanny | $3.33/mo | — | — | — | — | Bark vs Net Nanny |
N NextDNS | $1.99/mo | — | — | — | Bark vs NextDNS | |
A AdGuard DNS | — | — | — | Bark vs AdGuard DNS |
The closest alternatives in our directory by category. “Starts at” is the cheapest paid plan per month, as each vendor lists it.
Pros and cons
Strengths
- One app subscription covers unlimited kids and devices
- 7-day free trial for the Bark App
- AI looks at context rather than only keywords
- Bark Watch plan includes the app for the whole family
Limitations
- Full monitoring on iOS needs the separate Bark Sync charger or desktop app
- Bark Phone available only in the U.S.
- Some social platforms require the child's login credentials
- Phones and watch require a monthly plan on top of the device price
Bark FAQ
How much does the Bark App cost?
$14/month or $99/year for iOS and Android. This covers unlimited children and devices, and there is a 7-day free trial.
How much is the Bark Phone?
The device is $360 ($600 for the Pro). A wireless plan is also required: $29–$79/month.
What devices does Bark support?
iPhones, iPads, Android phones and tablets, computers, Chromebooks and Amazon Fire tablets.
Why do I need Bark Sync on iPhone?
Apple's privacy restrictions stop third-party apps from reading the device. Bark Sync scans the iPhone or iPad whenever it charges, for $6/month or $49/year.
Is the Bark Phone available outside the U.S.?
No. It is currently sold only to U.S. families.
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Bark
From $6/mo