Aura vs Bark (2026): features, pricing, and best parental controls choice for kids
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Aura is a better parental control app than Bark. While Bark offers advantages in social media monitoring and location tracking, it doesn’t match Aura’s comprehensive protection suite. Aura costs slightly more, but the extra investment is worthwhile because it combines solid parental controls with advanced security features, including identity theft protection and data removal tools.
Aura parental control vs Bark at a glance
The table below provides an overview of some key features of Bark and Aura:
| Aura | Bark | |
| Rating: | 4.8 | 4.3 |
| Starting price: | $8.33/month for the Kids plan | $14/month for Bark Premium |
| Free trial: | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Number of protected devices: | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Web filtering: | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Conversation monitoring: | ✅ (in-game voice and chat monitoring) | ✅ Yes |
| Screentime limits: | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Location tracking: | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Activity reports: | ✅ Yes | ✅ (only internet activity insights) |
| Remote lock: | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Supported devices: | iOS and Android (a few new features in the Kids plan are available only on iOS) | iOS and Android |
How we test parental control apps
To determine the best parental control app in this Aura vs Bark comparison, the Cybernews team and I thoroughly assessed expert reviews, user testimonials, and comments with a focus on the following criteria.
- Design and features (25%). I checked each parental control app for features like monitoring tools, content filtering, screen time controls, alerts, and reporting capabilities.
- Security capabilities (25%). I reviewed documentation and reports to determine the level of security coverage each parental control app provides. I also paid attention to how well these features work overall.
- User reviews (20%). I checked what current and former users are saying about Aura and Bark to determine how they perform in everyday use.
- Ease of use (15%). I assessed user feedback to identify how intuitive each app is, from initial setup to daily use. This includes researching installation complexity, dashboard clarity, and how easy it is for parents to access and manage controls without technical expertise.
- Customization options (15%). I researched how much control parents have over app settings.
Aura parental controls pros and cons
Aura is a security powerhouse, but it offers less flexibility when it comes to parental control.
Bark pros and cons
Bark is a strong option for parental control, offering the following advantages:
Aura vs Bark: features overview
Aura and Bark offer a robust set of features, but their focus slightly differs. Below is a quick overview of how their features compare:
| Aura | Bark | |
| Screen time management: | Yes | Yes |
| Monitoring and alerts: | Yes, but no email and text monitoring | Yes (includes email and text monitoring) |
| Web and content filtering: | Yes, over 25 content categories monitored | Yes, based on machine learning to detect threats |
| Social media monitoring: | No | Yes |
| Location tracking: | No | Yes |
Monitoring & alerts
Both Aura and Bark parental control apps offer around-the-clock monitoring for unlimited devices, but the former takes a more integrative approach. It offers insights into your children's online behavior while safeguarding them from online threats like viruses, spyware, identity theft, and data leaks, which Bark lacks.
Aura also creates comprehensive reports on your kid’s online activity, including their voice, volume, and engagement in social interactions. Even though it doesn't feature Bark’s social media monitoring that spans over 30 platforms, it makes it easier to catch unhealthy habits and patterns early on and offers personalized recommendations.
“Insights” vs message monitoring: how Aura and Bark differ
Aura tracks your kids’ online activity using a new AI feature called Balance. It monitors things like time spent on social media, gaming, and overall behavioral trends. The AI then analyzes this information and generates a detailed wellness report for you.
This helps you spot and prevent potential risks your kids might face online, such as encountering inappropriate content, getting involved in cyberbullying, or developing unhealthy digital habits. Aura does all of this without reading the actual text messages your kids send or receive, making it a less intrusive option for you as a parent.
Bark, by contrast, scans the actual text messages your kids send and receive. It checks for 29 types of content red flags, including bullying, sexual content, self-harm, drug or alcohol references, hate speech, and more. The AI sends you alerts only when it detects something that needs your attention.
If you want a tool that tracks your kids’ online activity while respecting their privacy, Aura is the ideal choice. Bark is better if you want to see exactly what your kids are saying and receiving on social media.
Screentime & filters
Bark’s app offers slightly more customizable screentime controls than Aura. It allows you to tailor watching schedules for every account individually, so it’s more convenient if you’re monitoring multiple children with different habits and interests.
Aura’s screentime limits are built-in, which makes it less flexible. Still, the app comes with a similar Pause the Internet feature and content filters as Bark. Users praise it for curbing adult and violent content and restricting access to certain apps, websites, and even channels on platforms like YouTube or TikTok.
Location & geo-fencing
Real-time location tracking is one of Bark’s main selling points. It offers a map for better visibility and also pushes personalized alerts based on when your children arrive at or leave a pre-set location. With it, you can stay current with their routine and always be sure of their safety.
Aura lacks location tracking, keeping its focus on the online world, like most modern parental control apps.
Who is Aura or Bark best for? (by child’s age)
Aura and Bark are both top-rated parental control apps, but they have different strengths and focuses. This section will help you determine which one to use for your kids and when to use it.
Best for younger kids (strict blocking) Aura
If you want to introduce effective parental controls for kids between the ages of 6 and 12, I recommend using Aura. This is because Aura comes with a comprehensive suite of features for setting strict boundaries for children early on. For example, Aura supports app blocking, so you can use it to filter out inappropriate content and websites.
In addition, the wellness reports you’ll get from Aura will alert you to any present danger signals, so you can quickly step in and take corrective action. This, in turn, makes the monitoring process simpler, easier to manage, and less invasive.
Then there is the fact that Aura has built-in security tools like VPN and malware protection, which help ensure that your children can browse the internet safely. I particularly like the fact that Aura makes the parental control experience quite seamless. The setup process is also pretty easy.
I should mention that Aura has a screen-time enforcement feature you can use to help your kids build healthy digital habits. You can also use it to manage multiple devices simultaneously.
Best for teens (social + location): Bark
For parents of teens (especially those between the ages of 13 and 18), I recommend using Bark as your parental control tool. Bark is specifically designed to help you monitor and protect your teen. It acts like a specialized content monitor that helps you scan your teen’s messages, texts, and emails for warning signs, such as potential bullying, self-harm, or explicit content.
In addition, Bark offers location tracking so you always know where your teens are. Bark also has a geofencing feature you can use to designate “safe areas,” and you can set up alerts that notify you when your teens leave those areas.
Using Bark allows you to closely monitor your teens while still giving them some freedom. However, note that it only works best when teens use supported apps and platforms. Right now, Bark supports over 30 social media apps, web browsers, and email services. This includes popular options like YouTube, Snapchat, Instagram, and even Spotify.
By balancing oversight with respect for growing independence, Bark helps families navigate adolescence safely and proactively, making it the top pick for teens.
Aura vs Bark: plans and pricing
| Aura | Bark | |
| Starting monthly pricing: | $8.33/month for the Kids plan | $14/month for Bark Premium |
| Starting annual pricing: | $99.99/month for the Kids plan | $99/month for Bark Premium |
| Family plan: | Unlimited devices | Unlimited devices |
| Free trial: | 14 days | 7 days |
| Money-back guarantee: | 60 days | On case-by-case basis |
| Discounts: | Available for annual plans | Available for annual plans |
Aura has 2 plans with parental control features. It has a Kids plan for $8.33/month and a more extensive Family plan at $32/month (if billed yearly). Aura’s Kids plan sticks to basic content monitoring and blocking tools as well as the Safe Gaming feature. In contrast, the Family plan offers additional safety solutions, like VPN and identity theft protection.
Both monthly and annual prices are pretty high due to the app’s extensive security services. However, most of these safety features may be unnecessary for parents who need a simple parental control solution.
Bark offers users two pricing options: Bark Premium and Bark Jr. Premium is available at $14/month or $99/year and provides comprehensive coverage, including monitoring social media, phones, tablets, and computers, along with alerts for concerning activity. It also allows parents to manage screen time, block websites and apps, and track their child's location.
Bark Jr, priced at $5/month or $49/year, focuses on screen time management, website and app blocking, content filtering, and location tracking with live GPS and check-in features.
Aura vs Bark: setup and ease of use
According to experts, Aura is quite simple to set up and use. A complete setup takes about 5 to 10 minutes, and the protection works passively. This means you won’t need to constantly tweak and adjust settings, just set and forget. The app also has a user-friendly interface and a minimalist design, so you won’t get overwhelmed by too much information.
Comparatively, Bark is more complex to set up, and the initial configuration is more time-consuming, too. When you’re trying to set up your Bark app for the first time, you will need to go through extra setup steps that aren’t necessary with Aura. For example, there is a separate web setup and Android installation process you will need to complete.
Documentation also reveals that the total time you will spend setting up your Bark app depends on how many kids you want to monitor and which online services you want to track.
Aura vs Bark: compatibility and customer support
Before I delve into details, here’s a quick comparison of Aura and Bark compatibility and support.
| Aura | Bark | |
| iOS: | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Android: | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| MacOS: | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Windows: | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| 24-hour customer support: | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Customer support options: | Live chat, telephone, email, and guides | Email and AI-powered live chat + guides |
Compatibility
Both Bark and Aura are compatible with iOS and Android devices. However, Bark supports a wider range of platforms: it is also available for Windows, MacOS, Chromebooks, and Amazon Fire tablets.
Aura, on the other side, integrates better with security features on compatible operating systems.
Customer support
Aura offers 24/7 support via chatbot, email, and phone. It also has an extensive FAQ database. While the chatbot’s resources are limited, it’s useful for basic inquiries, and the system connects you to a real person quickly when needed.
Meanwhile, Bark’s options are more limited. There is no 24/7 support or live chat. Instead, you can email or submit a request for a phone call, which is more time-consuming.
Top alternatives
Apart from Aura and Bark, there are several other notable parental control tools on the market. These include options like Qustodio, Norton Family, and Google Family Link. Here’s a breakdown of how they compare with each other.
| Aura | Bark | Qustodio | Norton Family | Google Family Link | |
| Rating: | 4.8 | 4.3 | 4.2 | 4.2 | 4.0 |
| Starting price: | $8.33/month for the Kids plan | $14/month for Bark Premium | $4.58/month for Basic or $8.33/month for the Best Value plan | $49.99/year | Free |
| Free trial: | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌No |
| Number of protected devices: | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 1, 5, or unlimited | 6 devices |
| Web filtering: | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Conversation monitoring: | ✅ (in-game voice and chat monitoring) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Screentime limits: | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Location tracking: | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Activity reports: | ✅ Yes | ✅ (only internet activity insights) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Remote lock: | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Supported devices: | iOS and Android (a few new features in the Kids plan are available only on iOS) | iOS and Android | Windows, Android, iOS, Mac, and Kindle. | Windows (excluding Windows in S mode), Mac, iOS, and Android | iOS and Android |
Final verdict: Aura vs Bark – which is the better parental control app?
Aura and Bark are favorites among parental control apps for a reason, offering an easy setup, great monitoring features, and consistency. That said, my team and I’ve found Aura to be a more comprehensive solution without a hefty price.
It can help you keep tabs on your child’s online activity, blocking specific apps and websites, pausing their internet access, scheduling their downtime, and keeping them safe through sophisticated security protocols.
You can take advantage of Aura’s free trial and money-back policy to verify these claims risk-free. If you don’t like it, you can always come back to explore the other parental control app reviews my team at Cybernews has prepared for you.
FAQ
Is Aura better than Bark?
It depends on your needs. Aura is better if you’re looking for an all-in-one digital security solution, while Bark excels in social media monitoring and comprehensive parental controls.
Will my child know if I install Aura?
Yes, Aura requires consent and transparency, so your child will be aware that it’s on their device.
Can a child delete the Bark app?
The latest versions of Bark’s app for Android have an uninstall protection with a device code, which prevents kids from deleting the app. However, there is no specialized solution for iOS. The app’s developers recommend installing Apple’s Screen Time to stop children from removing the app.
Does Bark monitor sexting?
Yes, Bark is designed to detect risky behaviors, including sexting, across various platforms and will alert parents accordingly.
Does Bark monitor Snapchat/TikTok on iPhone?
No, it doesn’t. TikTok and Snapchat do not allow Bark, and other parental control services, to monitor content on their platforms.
Can kids bypass Aura/Bark with VPN?
Yes, they can. Aura relies on its built-in premium VPN to restrict kids’ access to inappropriate content. However, if your child installs another VPN, it could override the parental control VPN. To prevent this, make sure to restrict VPN changes in device settings.
Does Bark require installing certificates / accessing accounts?
Yes, it does. To use Bark, you will need to give the parental control tool access to accounts like Gmail and Instagram. Also, you may need to enable specific permissions in your device’s settings before you can use the app.
Does Aura track location?
No, it doesn’t. One major drawback of Aura as a parental control tool is that it does not support location tracking or geofencing. Its security features are designed more towards protecting online activity than tracking.
Which is more private for the child?
Overall, Aura is the more private parental control app option for children. Unlike Bark, which directly scans messages, emails, and supported social media platforms, Aura focuses more on behavioral insights and well-being indicators. This allows parents to easily identify potential concerns without violating privacy.
