Side by side

KidGate vs ScreenGuard

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.

KidGate

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

ScreenGuard

Free plan AndroidAPILinux+2

ScreenGuard provides Linux-focused parental controls with local or hosted deployment. Its documented data limits and session-lock options help administrators control usage while preserving specified application state.

Visit ScreenGuard

The facts

	KidGate	ScreenGuard
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Open source	Not published	Not published
Runs on	Android, iPhone, Mac, Web, Windows	Android, API, Linux, Self-hosted, Web
Lowest paid plan	Free or on request	Not published
Plans published	1	None
Maker	Not published	Not published
Website	kidgate.app	github.com
On parental control apps	#36 of 107	#40 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

ScreenGuard: what it does well

Free and self-hostable
Supports daily limits and weekly schedules
Offers web, REST API, and Android management
Warns users before lockout
Does not report keystrokes or screenshots

What to know first

Managed machines require Linux with systemd
Requires a compatible graphical session manager
Cloud endpoint and enrollment flow may change
Agent reports identifiers and usage totals

Alternatives to KidGate Alternatives to ScreenGuard The whole list