mSpy vs. Bark Parental Controls

Kids today are more online than ever, which can expose them to risks like cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and even online predators. For parents, keeping track of everything your kids are doing on their devices can feel overwhelming. That’s where parental control apps come in—they offer a way to help parents monitor and manage their children’s online activity.

Two of the most popular options are mSpy and Bark, and each has its strengths. mSpy is great for detailed tracking, including reading text messages, monitoring social media usage, and checking your child’s real-time location. In contrast, Bark is more focused on alerting parents to potential risks, such as harmful conversations or questionable content, using machine learning and smart algorithms.

This article will compare mSpy and Bark on features, ease of use, and cost so you can choose the best option to keep your kids safe online.

Overview of mSpy vs. Bark

Feature	Bark Jr	Bark Home	Bark Premium	Bark Phone	mSpy Premium	mSpy Family Kit
Starting price	$5.00/month	$6.00/month	$14.00/month	$39.00/month	$11.67/month	$34.00/month
Free version	7-day free trial	No	7-day free trial	7-day free trial	No free version	No free version
Max number of protected devices	Unlimited	Unlimited (when connected to your Wi-Fi router)	Unlimited	1 (the phone itself)	1	3
Web filtering	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes (manual)	Yes (manual)
Built-in VPN	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No
Screen time limits	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No
Location tracking	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Activity reports	Limited	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Smart Alerts for Potential Dangers	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes (for blacklisted words)	Yes (for blacklisted words)
Prevent Text Message Deletion	No	No	Yes	Yes	No	No
Remote Alarms	No	No	No	Yes	No	No
App Approvals	No	No	No	Yes	Yes (manual app blocking)	Yes (manual app blocking)
Contact Approvals	No	No	No	Yes	No	No

Bark will often be more appealing for larger families because it covers unlimited devices, while mSpy only allows up to three devices within a single subscription package. If you need to keep track of multiple kids and devices, Bark is the better choice.

Before we go any further, I need to make some important points concerning Bark. The second-cheapest option and the most expensive option—Bark Home and Bark Phone, respectively—are hardware devices. Bark Home plugs into your router and acts as a filter on your entire home’s internet service, allowing you to monitor and secure your child’s devices while they are at home. However, it lacks some of the Smart Alerts and Activity Reports the Bark App offers, which represent a key part of the value proposition. The $39/month Bark Phone is a mid-tier hardware device (Samsung A series) bundled with the full Bark App (Premium) and its most invasive monitoring features for that phone only, along with an unlimited talk and text plan, with higher subscriptions for plans with data.

Today, I’m focusing primarily on the Bark App. However, my charts will break down the information you need to know so you’ll be making an informed decision even if you’re interested in the Bark hardware.

In terms of cost, Bark is more budget-friendly, starting at just $5.00/month. Even at discounted first-year introductory rates, mSpy is more expensive than Bark’s lowest rates. Bark also lets you set screen time limits, which mSpy doesn’t offer.

On the other hand, mSpy gives you more direct oversight and control by allowing you to monitor things like text messages and social media personally. Bark is more about using machine learning to automatically look for and flag potential dangers, making it easier to use without needing to dive into too much detail or directly breach your child's privacy.

If you need more in-depth tracking, mSpy might be better, but if you want something easier and less expensive, especially for bigger families, Bark Premium or feven the less-expensive Bark Jr will be the best option.

Bark Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Bark monitors over 30 social media platforms, including Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok, to help parents keep track of their kids' activity across many apps.
• It recognizes slang and coded language and alerts parents to potential dangers like cyberbullying or inappropriate content without forcing you to read every message personally.
• Unlimited device coverage makes Bark ideal for larger families or those with multiple gadgets, as it allows parents to monitor all devices without extra fees.
• Bark only sends alerts for concerning activity, which means that you, as a parent, are only notified if something risky occurs. This makes it less invasive and easier to use.

Cons:

• Bark doesn’t scan images in files, which could leave inappropriate photos or visual content undetected, potentially missing some risks.
• There is no phone support. Users must rely on email or live chat for customer service, which can be frustrating for those needing quick assistance.
• The setup process can be complicated, especially for parents who aren’t very familiar with technology, making it harder to get started.
• Bark may not cover newer or less popular apps. This leaves gaps in monitoring and possibly missing risky behavior on these platforms.

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mSpy Pros and Cons

Pros:

• mSpy offers extensive monitoring capabilities to allow parents to track text messages, calls, social media activity, and even emails. This detailed tracking makes mSpy a great option for parents who want a deep understanding of their child’s online behavior.
• Real-time location tracking is another powerful feature that lets parents see where their kids are at any given time. This can be especially helpful for checking their safety while away from home.
• Keyword alerts are provided, which notify parents if certain flagged words or phrases appear in conversations, which gives an extra layer of protection against dangerous or inappropriate content.
• It works quietly in the background. The app is discreet and won’t interrupt your child’s device usage while still providing comprehensive tracking.

Cons:

• mSpy only supports one device by default, which makes it less ideal for larger families or those who need to monitor more than a few gadgets. This limitation might be frustrating if you have multiple children with several devices.
• Remote camera and microphone access can feel intrusive to both parents and children. While these features provide extra security, they could raise concerns about privacy and overstepping boundaries.
• mSpy does not monitor for cyberbullying as Bark does. This lack of specific features to detect harmful interactions or risky behavior online could leave parents unaware of some dangers.
• The starting price is higher than Bark's. The cost might be a concern, especially since the app is limited to only three devices by default.
• Customer support isn’t as accessible as Bark, and mSpy doesn’t offer phone support, meaning users may face delays when resolving issues or troubleshooting setup and configuration issues.

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Features Overview: mSpy Vs. Bark

When choosing between mSpy and Bark to monitor your child’s phone activities, it all boils down to what you're looking for in a parental control app. Here's a quick look at how mSpy and Bark compare. I’ve omitted the mSpy Family Kit because it is just mSpy Premium for three devices.

Feature	mSpy Premium	Bark Jr	Bark Home	Bark Premium	Bark Phone
Screen time control	No	Set time limits, block apps	Set time limits, block apps, pause internet	Set time limits, block apps	Bark Premium features + lock devices remotely
Monitoring & alerts	Detailed monitoring (requires device unlock/jailbreak)	Limited Monitoring	No monitoring, only filtering	Monitors 30+ apps and sends alerts for harmful content	Comprehensive monitoring and alerts
Web filtering	Basic, manual website blocking	Filters 18 categories of harmful content, built-in VPN	Filters 18 categories of harmful content	Full Bark Jr features	Built-in Bark Jr & Premium Features
Location tracking	Real-time tracking and geofencing	Location tracking	No location tracking	Real-time tracking, location history, check-ins	Bark Premium Features
Geofencing	Larger radius (up to 6.21 miles)	Smaller radius (up to 2 miles), with history logs	No geofencing	Same as Bark Jr	Same as Bark Jr / Premium
Extra features	Keylogger, screen recording	Monitors messages, social media, non-intrusive alerts	Filters devices not supported by apps (e.g., game consoles)	Same as Bark Jr	Same as Bark Jr + Tamper-proof controls, approve/deny contacts
Compatibility	iOS, Android only	iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Chromebook, Amazon Fire	Works with most home routers	iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Chromebook, Amazon Fire	Custom Android phone

For a complete overview of other options, check out our guide to the best parental control apps to see how these features stack up.

Screen time management

If you're concerned about how long your child spends on their phone or online, Bark's pricing tiers and hardware offerings will do a better job than mSpy. mSpy doesn’t offer tools to enforce screen time limits or block the phone at specific times.

Bark lets you set up daily time limits, create schedules for bedtime, school, or homework, and even lock devices remotely. Bark gives parents more control over their kids’ screen habits.

Monitoring and alerts

Both apps let you monitor what your child does, but they do it differently. mSpy is like hiring a private detective, giving you access to almost everything your child does on their phone. You can see emails, texts, call logs, and browsing history. However, to get all these features, you may need to jailbreak or root the device, which could make your child’s phone less secure and void any warranties. It’s a bit intrusive but perfect for parents who want total control.

Bark, on the other hand, takes a more nuanced approach. It monitors over 30 different platforms, like social media apps and email, but it doesn’t flood you with every little detail. Instead, it scans the content and only alerts you if it finds something dangerous, like cyberbullying or explicit content.

These alerts are categorized by their seriousness so you can prioritize what needs your attention. This makes Bark a great option if you want to stay informed but don’t want to snoop into every message.

Web and content filtering

If you’re worried about your child coming across inappropriate content, Bark is ahead of mSpy. mSpy only allows you to block websites manually, which means you have to know every website you want to block. That can be tiring, especially if you’re trying to protect them from entire categories of harmful content like pornography or gambling sites. Tech-savvy kids could also get around this limitation with a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

Bark, on the other hand, has a more advanced web filtering system. It automatically blocks 18 categories of harmful content, from adult sites to violent material. To prevent kids from circumventing this, Bark's built-in VPN ensures they can’t access restricted content even if they try using other VPNs. If protecting your child from inappropriate websites is a priority, Bark is the better choice.

Geofencing

With mSpy, the geofencing feature allows you to set up wider safe zones than Bark, making it better for monitoring kids who travel long distances—like if they walk to school on their own. However, Bark provides a more detailed location history to see where your child is and where they’ve been during the day. If your child stays within smaller areas, like the neighborhood or a local park, Bark’s geofencing should work just fine.

Location tracking

Both mSpy and Bark let you track your child’s location, but they do it differently. With mSpy, you can track their real-time location and set geofencing boundaries — virtual zones that alert you when your child enters or leaves an area. You can set the boundary as wide as 6.21 miles (about 10 kilometers), which is helpful if you monitor their movement over large areas.

Bark also offers real-time location tracking and geofencing, but its geofence radius is smaller, up to 2 miles (around 3.2 kilometers). However, Bark provides a detailed history of where your child has been throughout the day, which can be useful if you want to review their movements over time. Bark also has a Family Map feature that lets you see the location of all family members on one screen, which is great if you have more than one child to keep an eye on.

mSpy Vs. Bark: Plans and Pricing

Feature	mSpy Premium	mSpy Family Kit	Bark Jr	Bark Home	Bark Premium	Bark Phone
Monthly price	$48.99/month (Introductory year price of $34.99/month)	$34.00/month (billed annually)	$5/month	$6/month	$14/month	$39/month with unlimited talk and text
Annual price	$139.99 billed annually for the first year	6-month for $45.00/month ($270), 12-month for $34.00/month ($408)	$49/year	$49/year	$99/year	$468/year
One-Time Price	N/A	N/A	N/A	$79	N/A	N/A
Free trial	No free trial	No free trial	7-day free trial	No free trial	7-day free trial	7-day free trial
Discounts	40% off			100% Off - free trial
Refund policy	Within 14 days of purchase	Within 14 days of purchase	No refunds for partial months/years	30-day money-back guarantee	No refunds for partial months/years	Before 90 days, you must return the Bark Phone. After 90 days, the phone is free to keep.

Bark is a more budget-friendly and flexible option, starting at just $5/month for its Bark Jr plan and covering unlimited devices. On the other hand, mSpy is much more expensive, coming in at as much as $48.99/month for a single device. If you choose mSpy’s annual plan, it drops to $11.67/month (billed at $139.99/year), but it’s still more costly than Bark.

If you have more than one child or device to monitor, Bark offers excellent value by covering unlimited devices under the regular plans. You don’t have to pay extra for a Family Kit. In contrast, mSpy’s 3-device Family Kit costs $34/month on a 12-month plan or $45/month for a 6-month option, which can quickly add up if you need to monitor several devices.

If cost is your main concern, Bark is the clear winner. It’s more affordable, and it covers unlimited devices. mSpy, while more expensive, might be worth it if you need deeper, more detailed monitoring, but you’ll pay more for it. For most families, Bark offers the best value for its price and features.

mSpy vs. Bark: Compatibility and Customer Support

There are some important differences between mSpy and Bark in terms of compatibility and customer support.

Compatibility

When it comes to working on different devices, Bark beats mSpy. Both apps work on iOS and Android, but Bark also works on Windows, macOS, Chromebook, and Amazon Fire devices. Bark even supports routers through the Bark Home device, so you can control and monitor everything connected to your home network. This makes Bark more useful if your household has a mix of devices.

On the other hand, mSpy is only compatible with iOS and Android. To use all of mSpy’s features, you’ll need to jailbreak or root your child’s device, a complicated process that can void the warranty and make the device more vulnerable to security threats. Bark, by comparison, is much easier to set up and doesn’t require these steps.

Customer support

For customer support, Bark offers a more helpful and user-friendly experience. Both services offer live chat, email support, setup guides, and FAQs, but Bark stands out. Bark’s support library is full of helpful guides, often with pictures and videos. The Bark chatbot answers most questions well, and their email and live chat support respond quickly—usually within less than 3 hours. People who have used Bark say the support team is friendly and gets straight to the point.

mSpy's support is a bit more frustrating. The help articles are harder to find and sometimes contain outdated information, while many of the mSpy guides are only available on YouTube, which is less convenient than Bark’s support library. The mSpy chatbot doesn’t answer questions as effectively as Bark’s, and connecting to a real person is difficult. While mSpy offers phone support, the email responses tend to push the more expensive plans, which can feel like a high-pressure sales tactic. On the bright side, I found that the mSpy live chat support was more helpful than Bark’s.

Final Verdict: mSpy vs. Bark - Which is the Better Parental Control App?

Both mSpy and Bark help parents monitor their children’s online activity, but they each have strengths. mSpy is great for detailed tracking, like reading text messages and seeing your child’s real-time location. However, Bark offers more features for less money, which makes it a better deal overall.

With Bark, you can monitor unlimited devices, set screen time limits, and block harmful content more easily. It’s also less intrusive since it only alerts you when something risky comes up instead of showing everything. This makes it a lot easier to use, especially for parents who just want to be notified of potential dangers. While both apps do their job well, Bark is the better choice if you want something affordable, simple, and effective while getting the tricky balance between security and respecting your child’s privacy.

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