Technology for Families

If you’re just setting up your network or it’s time for a new router or wireless mesh system, you’ve got a bunch of hardware options that have parental controls and filtering built-in. But if you’ve already got your network setup the way you want, a router and wireless access points that you will be keeping but don’t have the controls you would like, you’ll need another dedicated device to handle filtering and parental controls for you.

Here’s when to choose a dedicated device for home Internet filtering:

1. You already have the router and wireless access point setup you want to use.
2. You have devices that need to be controlled that you can’t install a separate app on (like Bark) such as game consoles, smart TVs, laptops. This might also include school devices, where the school doesn’t give you the ability to control how the device is used at home.

Personally, I use Ubiquiti Unifi gateways, switches, and wireless access points just about everywhere I manage a network. This gives me great control and visibility over all facets of a network. Unifi gateways can provide simple adult-content filtering, but they don’t provide any sort of parental controls that allow you to block specific apps, set time limits, or have different settings for different devices.

Device Options

Firewalla Purple SE

Firewalla Purple SE is a powerful and compact network security appliance offering:

• Advanced Network Control: Deep packet inspection allows for fine-grained control over your network traffic.
• Content Filtering: Block websites, apps, and whole categories of content to suit your needs.
• Cybersecurity: Offers intrusion detection, malware protection, and ad-blocking.
• Ease of Use: Manageable through an intuitive app, while some technical knowledge enhances customization.
• No Subscription: Firewalla Purple SE does not require a subscription fee.
• Monitoring Away from Home: Firewalla does not offer any options to monitor devices when away from home.

Firewalla also has many more powerful models to support insane bandwidth and larger networks. Prices obviously increase with capabilties.

Learn more on the Firewalla website.

Bark Home

Bark Home is a plug-and-play device focusing on easy setup and content-driven filtering:

• Parental Control Emphasis: Designed primarily to block inappropriate content and manage screen time for kids.
• Customizable: Block apps/websites, set schedules, and pause internet access as needed.
• Plug-and-Play Simplicity: Connects directly to your router for hassle-free setup.
• Works with Existing Wi-Fi: No need to replace your current router.
• No Subscription: In-home filtering comes with no additional subscription cost.
• Monitoring When Away from Home: Bark has a companion app that provides monitoring features and filtering for iOS and Android devices when away from home on any WiFi or even cellular network. This is available via additional subscription.

Learn more at the Bark website.

Choosing the Right Device

Think about these factors when making your choice:

• Technical Skills: Firewalla suits tech-savvy users, while Bark Home prioritize simplicity.
• Flexibility and Performance: Firewalla’s hardware supports many more network scenarios and higher bandwidth.
• Focus: Prioritize security (Firewalla) or content-based filtering (Bark Home).

Feature and Pricing Comparison

Feature	Firewalla Purple SE	Bark Home
Content Filtering	Yes	Yes
Screen Time Management	Limited	Yes
Malware Protection	Yes	Limited
Monitoring Away From Home	Not available	Subscription
Advanced Network Monitoring	Yes	Limited
Price (approx.)	$229 one-time purchase	$79 one-time purchase or $6/month subscription
Link	Buy at Firewalla Buy at Amazon	Buy at Amazon Subscribe at Bark

These devices offer powerful home network management. Choose the one that best aligns with your technical expertise, filtering priorities, and budget.

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