FamilyAtlasNetwork-level only
Firewalla works on traffic. It has no app on the child’s phone, so phone limits, location and SOS are outside its scope.
Firewalla alternative
Family rules, not a network lab.
Firewalla is serious network security hardware. Parents look for an alternative when what they really want is simple family rules: pause the TV, schedule the console, and set limits on the child’s phone too.
Checked September 26, 2026 · Written by FamilyAtlas, a competing product, not an independent review. FamilyAtlas is not publicly available yet.
Why parents look beyond Firewalla.
Hardware cost up front
Firewalla units cost $249 to $519 when we checked, with no subscription for standard features.
Built for network enthusiasts
VLANs, IDS/IPS, multi-WAN and routing rules are powerful, but a parent who only wants bedtime for the Xbox may not need them.
Quick check: should you switch?
| Question | If yes | If no |
|---|---|---|
| Do you want to avoid a monthly subscription? | Stay with Firewalla. FamilyAtlas home controls need the Family + Home plan. | Compare the total: a Brume 2 is about $80, plus the Family + Home plan. |
| Do you need advanced network security (IDS/IPS, VLANs, multi-WAN)? | Stay with Firewalla. Several FamilyAtlas network alerts are Preview. | FamilyAtlas covers device pause, schedules, service blocking and malware blocking. |
| Do you also want limits and location on your child’s Android phone? | That is where FamilyAtlas differs: the phone and the home share one family app. | Firewalla alone may cover your home. |
Stay with Firewalla if…
- You want no subscription for standard features.
- You want IDS/IPS, VLANs, multi-WAN or a built-in VPN server.
- You need multi-gigabit throughput. FamilyAtlas has not published a Brume 2 throughput benchmark.
- You want home network alarms today. Many FamilyAtlas home alerts are Preview.
Consider FamilyAtlas if…
- You want screen-time limits, app rules and location on your child’s Android phone, not only network rules.
- You want a lower hardware cost and accept a monthly plan.
- You want family features such as check-ins, SOS and extra-time requests from the phone.
9 things FamilyAtlas offers today that Firewalla’s documentation doesn’t list.
Each is Available in FamilyAtlas on at least one platform. 21 more are still Preview and are left out here. Missing documentation is not proof that Firewalla lacks a feature.
- New app approvalFamilyAtlas: Available on Android.
- Child asks for more timeFamilyAtlas: Available on Android.
- YouTube watch activityFamilyAtlas: Available on Chrome ext..
- Live family locationFamilyAtlas: Available on Android.
- Location historyFamilyAtlas: Available on Android.
- Low battery alertsFamilyAtlas: Available on Android.
- Check-ins and pick-me-up requestsFamilyAtlas: Available on Android.
- SOS to familyFamilyAtlas: Available on Android.
- Family activity feedFamilyAtlas: Available on Android.
Where Firewalla is ahead: 10 capabilities.
Firewalla’s official sources list these, while FamilyAtlas lacks them or has them only in Preview.
- Home internet time limits and extra timePer-User app/Internet limits; pause a rule for extra time Source ↗
- Home device usage reportsPer-device/User activity and network flows Source ↗
- Household block / allow listsBlock/allow rules and Target Lists Source ↗
- Arrive-home / left-home alertsPer-device online/offline alarms (opt-in) Source ↗
- Unusual traffic alertsAbnormal upload and large upload alarms Source ↗
- VPN / Tor detectionVPN category in rules/flows; Bypass Prevention (Tor not specified) Source ↗
- Open port and UPnP alertsOpen port alarms; UPnP-forwarded ports shown in Scan Source ↗
- LAN scan and probing alertsPort scan and SSH password-guessing alarms; IDS/IPS Source ↗
- Internet outage log and speed testNetwork Events log (WAN down, outages) and speed tests Source ↗
- Device groupsDevice Groups and Users Source ↗
What it costs.
| Firewalla | Hardware only, no monthly fee: Purple SE $289, Blue Plus $249, Orange $399, Gold SE $519; Purple paused. Check official offer ↗ |
|---|---|
| FamilyAtlas | Family $9.99/month or $79.99/year. Family + Home, with HomeControl, $12.99/month or $119.99/year. Planned launch pricing; FamilyAtlas is not publicly available yet. HomeControl also needs a Brume 2 (about $80 on Amazon), bought separately. Pricing → |
If you switch from Firewalla.
- List your Firewalla rules, schedules and device groups before you remove it.
- A Brume 2 works alongside your existing Wi-Fi router. Plan where it will sit in your network.
- Move one child’s devices first and check the TV and console rules work.
- Keep Firewalla running until the new rules are in place, so there is no unprotected gap.
FamilyAtlas is in early access. Check support for your child’s device before you plan a move.
Keep exploring.
The FamilyAtlas features behind this page: HomeControl, Pause home internet, Home network security, Parental control app vs router.
Other alternatives we cover: Gryphon alternative, Life360 alternative, Kidslox alternative, AirDroid Parental Control alternative, Qustodio alternative. See all alternatives →
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