Side by side
KidGate vs OpenParental
Both stand on parental control apps. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan AndroidiPhoneMac+2
KidGate combines screen-time scheduling, app and web controls, safety location tools, and family reporting in one service. The free plan provides a defined set of controls for one child device, while availability labels may affect where the apps can be downloaded.
Visit KidGate Free plan AndroidSelf-hosted
Choose OpenParental if you want open-source, consent-based Android supervision with app controls, schedules, reports, and location updates, and can manage its self-hosted setup. Content filtering is listed as unavailable, and the child app can be disabled.
Visit OpenParentalThe facts
| KidGate | OpenParental | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Android, iPhone, Mac, Web, Windows | Android, Self-hosted |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | kidgate.app | github.com |
| On parental control apps | #36 of 107 | #32 of 107 |
KidGate: what it does well
- Daily limits and blocked hours lock devices
- Remote app blocking and per-app limits
- Web Filter covers phones, computers, and Chrome
- Live location, alerts, Check-In, and SOS
- Free plan monitors one child device
What to know first
- App downloads are marked coming soon
- Android TV support is planned
- Free plan covers one child device
OpenParental: what it does well
- Parents can set app blocklists, per-app daily limits, and schedules.
- Reports include location, app usage, new apps, and tamper events.
- Visible child-app interface explains its purpose and reporting.
- The repository identifies the project as MIT licensed.
What to know first
- Content filtering is listed as unavailable.
- The child app is distributed as a sideloaded APK.
- The backend setup requires Node 20+ and Docker.
- The child app can be disabled, despite intended bypass alerts.
Alternatives to KidGate Alternatives to OpenParental The whole list