FamilyTime vs. Apple Screen Time

Technology is transforming rapidly, and technical hubs are stepping forward to make it safer for kids and families. Apple has been careful about young users, and thus, the Apple Screen Time caters to the digital safety needs of kids. If you are an iOS user, using Apple’s default parental control would be easier for you. However, it’s still not a complete package or the best iOS parental control app.

Recently, we compared our top-rated FamilyTime parental control app to Apple Screen Time to review both of them. The purpose is to evaluate how good these two are and what you can achieve using these apps.

Feature	FamilyTime	Apple Screen Time
Cross Platform support	✔	🗶
Screen time limits	✔	✔
Downtime schedules	✔	✔
App blocker	✔	✔
Activity reports	✔	🗶
Activity Alerts	✔	🗶
Geofence	✔	🗶
Social Media Monitoring	✔	✔
Family Locator	✔	✔
Panic Button	✔	🗶
Web filters	✔	✔
Location Tracking	✔	🗶
App Limits	🗶	✔
Contacts Watchlist	✔	✔

Cross-Platform Support

Device diversity is a challenge in digital parenting. Parents and kids have different device preferences between iOS and Android devices. Apple Screen Time is a default setup in iOS, so it works only for Apple devices. To set up the controls, both the parent and child devices should be iOS so they can be linked in the “Family.”

However, with FamilyTime, things are pretty simple. Irrespective of the devices parents or kids are using, the app works for ultimate digital safety. It is compatible with both Android and iOS. In fact, it offers cross-platform support, meaning an Android parent device can manage and an iOS child device or vice versa.

Screen Time Limits

For digital well-being, limiting screen time is essential to control screen consumption habits. Since it’s an essential parental control tool, both and Apple Screen Time offer this feature.

However, the implementation of the tool in both apps is quite similar. You will set up screen time limits for the day, and once it is consumed, the device is blocked.

Downtime Schedules

Both FamilyTime and Apple Screen Time allow you to schedule device downtime for children. You can select the set of hours to mark downtime when the child is unable to use the device.

FamilyTime gives you options between scheduling internet downtime or device downtime. Scheduling internet limits the child’s access to internet browsing, while device downtime involves blocking the device for a specific time. The child can only send you SOS or PickMeUp alerts during downtime.

However, with Apple Screen Time, you can not only set up downtime for a child’s device but also select exceptions for communication or apps. For instance, you can decide whether the child can receive certain calls or communicate with selected contacts and use specific apps during downtime. Overall, both apps are good enough for setting downtime on a child’s device for better management.

App Blocker

Not all the apps on your child’s device and App Store are favorable.FamilyTime lets you block apps you find inappropriate for your child to access on the device. It’s a simple process of blocking these apps and having peace of mind.

Similarly, Apple Screen Time allows you to block apps that are not appropriate for kids and restrict their use with a single tap.

App Limits

Many parents have difficulty with their child using specific apps frequently during their screen time allowance. Apple Screen Time has got you covered.

The built-in feature provides the option of limiting individual app usage.You can select the apps your child is using frequently and restrict their time to ensure a balanced use of apps throughout the day.

AppStore Purchases

Mostly the kids are downloading or purchasing the apps on App Store without prent’s knowledge. Here Screen Time got an edge of being the built in feature and having access to your App Store. It lets you limit and restrict the in-app purchases on your child’s device.

So, your child cannot make the purchases whenever there is a pop-up on screen or make a rush decision for that.

Activity Alerts

Staying informed about your child’s activities and movements keeps you a peace. When you get constant alerts about your child moving from one place to another, having low battery, or requesting additional screen time.

FamilyTime has got you covered for all these updates and flash notifications. However, Apple Screen Time is not into sending you alerts.

Content Filters

Creating a safer digital space is essential to assure that your child does not have even the slightest exposure to harmful content.

FamilyTime has got you covered to block all explicit websites in browsers or access. Additionally, there are search filters you can apply to block inappropriate searches.

Apple Screen Time provides the web blocker feature by blocking adult and mature websites on browsers. Plus, it offers to implement content restrictions on music videos, sones, movies, TV, language and more.

Geofence

Setting up a geofence for your child to make safe and limited movements in the neighborhood helps them to be independent and safe. FamilyTime lets you set up the fence on the map and get notifications whenever a child checks in or checks out from that space. It keeps you informed and alert.

However, Apple Screen Time does not have any such feature to support you.

Location Tracking

Apple Screen Time does not support the location tracking of a child’s device You cannot see the live location or get to know the location history.

Whereas, FamilyTime understands your need to be informed about your child’s whereabouts. It’s the reason you can track a child’s location and get the location history of your child.

Panic Button

When you are away and your child is in need, how can he possibly send you alerts? A call or SMS may take time to deliver and process. But, a push notification in the app is more convenient.

FamilyTime enhances the security of your child by offering an SOS push alert. Whenever a child hits the SOS button, you will get a message with the current location so you can be there to save them. Even in the downtime mode FamilyTime allows kids to send SOS alerts. However, this feature is not available in Apple Screen Time.

Driving Data & Speed Limits

FamilyTime is a step ahead in keeping the teens safe when they are driving out there. You can set a safe speed limit for them and get alerts whenever they exceed that limit or a normal speed limit of the area they are driving in. It helps you keep track of their driving and help them to moderate their driving skills.

Activity Reports

Apple Screen Time can show you your own screen time report for the day but not for family members or children. It does not offer any activity reports at all. Instead, FamilyTime offers you detailed reports for daily, weekly,and monthly activities. You can review the screen time, app usage, locations, places, searches, and more at a glance.

Final Verdict

Concluding the hands-on experience and comparison of FamilyTime and Apple Screen Time is pretty simple. If you are looking for free and built-in basic iOS parental control features, the Apple Screen Time app is a suitable option. It gives you standard tools and options to monitor and control a child’ digital activities.

However, if you are looking for an extensive, full-option, and cross-platform iOS parental control app, then FamilyTime is the best option.It covers more features to control and monitor your child’s digital activities. Additionally, the app provides you extensive reports showing your child’s activities. The reports and analytics help you to make use of parenting tools smartly.