Top Picks for a Home Router with Parental Controls for 2020

Gen Z kids are born in the internet era. They can browse, chat, and watch videos with just a few taps. While the internet offers a vast ground for learning, sometimes too much of it can turn into an addiction. Apart from excessive screen time, kids are also vulnerable to the explicit contents that are scattered around the internet. So, it has become a huge responsibility of the parents to monitor them. Luckily, there are a number of parental control apps and devices to keep a check on them. Below are the top picks for a home router with parental controls

1. Router Limits Mini

A small compact router with good parental controls that can even be connected with the existing router. It is a router that comes within your budget and gives you complete control over the content that flows through your home network. It acts as an intermediary between your children’s devices and the web allowing you to even lock internet searches such that the devices on the network can only connect via Google Safe Search, Bing Safe Search, and YouTube Restricted Mode. However, this is not suitable for homes that have clever teenagers as it can be easily unplugged.

2. GRYPHON - AC3000 Tri-Band, Hack Protection

This is an amazing solution to your hacking and managing parental control concerns with just a tap on the app. The router offers round-the-clock security and lets you manage your parental controls, set up features to avoid latest threats, and scans all devices including IoT's for vulnerabilities. Using this smart machine you can set up your preferred settings for set bedtimes/homework times, content filtering, limit screen time, view browsing history, safe YouTube, and even suspend the internet service anytime to make your kids focus on their studies rather than just play!

3. Circle with Disney

It is a device that connects to your network and uses a technique called ARP spoofing redirecting all traffic through a filter. Once connected, you can use the app via an Android or iOS device. It is very easy to use but you cannot monitor social media contents or prevent Disney ads pop-up.

4. Netgear’s Nighthawk R7000

It is a dual-band Wi-Fi router that can deliver speeds up to 1.3Gbps and helps you prioritize bandwidth across your network to optimize quality for gaming and streaming video with dynamic quality-of-service (QoS). Additionally, there is a built-in beamforming capability that helps you to boost your range and cover most small houses. Interestingly, it supports Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant so that you can control your home network with only voice commands. The additional perk is it comes with Circle with Disney parental controls. The only drawback is it has a limited range.

5. Linksys AC1750

One of the best when it comes to a wireless router with good parental controls that can be managed manually or remotely. The best thing is it is available at a fairly lower price. The coverage range is pretty decent and you can use both Android and iOS devices if you turn on the Wi-Fi.

While we have given our best in listing out the best home router with parental controls with their pros and cons, it is up to each individual to choose what is best for them according to their needs. Research thoroughly and choose smartly.

Mark Jepson is an IT Engineer and his recent presentation about having parental control on computer has made many parents think about having parental control router settings enabled on their computing devices.