FamilyAtlasLimits, but few family safety tools
Family Link shows a child’s live location, but we did not find location history, check-ins or an SOS button in its documentation.
Google Family Link alternative
Keep what works. Add what’s missing.
Family Link is free and covers the basics on Android well. Parents look for an alternative when they want more than limits and approvals: location history, check-ins, an SOS button or rules for the TV.
Checked September 26, 2026 · Written by FamilyAtlas, a competing product, not an independent review. FamilyAtlas is not publicly available yet.
Why parents look beyond Google Family Link.
Kids can’t ask for more time in the app
We did not find a way for a child to request extra screen time in Family Link’s documentation. Requests happen outside the app.
Only Android and Chromebook
Child supervision runs on Android and ChromeOS. The iPhone app is for parents, and the home TV and console are out of reach.
Quick check: should you switch?
| Question | If yes | If no |
|---|---|---|
| Is a free tool a must for your family? | Keep Family Link. FamilyAtlas is a paid plan. | Look at what you would add, not only at the price. |
| Do you want location history, check-ins or an SOS button? | FamilyAtlas has all three on Android today. | Family Link’s live location may be enough. |
| Do you need rules on a Chromebook or YouTube channel blocking now? | Stay with Family Link. FamilyAtlas does not supervise Chromebooks, and its YouTube channel and Shorts controls are Preview. | FamilyAtlas covers the Android phone and, with HomeControl, the TV and console. |
Stay with Google Family Link if…
- Free matters most. Family Link costs nothing.
- Your child uses a Chromebook for school.
- You want to block YouTube channels or limit Shorts today. In FamilyAtlas these are Preview.
- You use the ‘only allow approved sites’ mode in Chrome. In FamilyAtlas it is Preview.
Consider FamilyAtlas if…
- You want location history, check-ins and SOS with the screen-time rules.
- You want your child to ask for more time from their phone.
- You want a family activity feed that shows the whole family’s day in one place.
- You want to pause or schedule the TV and console at home (Family + Home, Brume 2 sold separately).
17 things FamilyAtlas offers today that Google Family Link’s documentation doesn’t list.
Each is Available in FamilyAtlas on at least one platform. 27 more are still Preview and are left out here. Missing documentation is not proof that Google Family Link lacks a feature.
- Child asks for more timeFamilyAtlas: Available on Android.
- Browsing / search activityFamilyAtlas: Available on Chrome ext..
- Location historyFamilyAtlas: 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.
- See and identify every home deviceFamilyAtlas: Available on HomeControl.
- Pause any home deviceFamilyAtlas: Available on HomeControl.
- Pause home internet (kids / everyone)FamilyAtlas: Available on HomeControl.
- Internet schedules for home devicesFamilyAtlas: Available on HomeControl.
- Block services (YouTube, TikTok…) on TVs and consolesFamilyAtlas: Available on HomeControl.
- Child's web rules follow them to home devicesFamilyAtlas: Available on HomeControl.
- Malware and phishing blocking for everyoneFamilyAtlas: Available on HomeControl.
- Network-wide ad and tracker blockingFamilyAtlas: Available on HomeControl.
- Country blockingFamilyAtlas: Available on HomeControl.
- Encrypted upstream DNSFamilyAtlas: Available on HomeControl.
- New device alerts and approvalFamilyAtlas: Available on HomeControl.
Where Google Family Link is ahead: 5 capabilities.
Google Family Link’s official sources list these, while FamilyAtlas lacks them or has them only in Preview.
- Remote lockLock/unlock from the parent app Source ↗
- Only-approved-sites mode'Only allow approved sites' in Chrome Source ↗
- Block YouTube channelsBlock specific channels on supervised YouTube Source ↗
- Block YouTube ShortsDaily Shorts feed limit; can be set to zero (teens, 2026) Source ↗
- Arrive / leave place alertsArrive/leave alerts for labeled family places Source ↗
What it costs.
| Google Family Link | Free; iOS app is parent-only. Child supervision on Android and ChromeOS. 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 Google Family Link.
- Write down your current limits, approved apps and blocked sites before changing anything.
- Family Link supervises your child’s Google account, not only the phone. Read Google’s help on stopping supervision first; the rules depend on your child’s age.
- Set up FamilyAtlas on the Android phone and check each rule works before removing the old one.
- Keep the Google family group if you use its shared calendar or purchases; that is separate from supervision.
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: Location history, SOS and family check-ins, Extra time requests, TV and console parental controls.
Other alternatives we cover: Apple Screen Time & Family Sharing alternative, Microsoft Family Safety alternative, Firewalla alternative, Gryphon alternative, Life360 alternative. See all alternatives →
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