When I compare the two parental controls head-to-head, Bark comes out on top.
Bark also offers cheaper plans and can monitor more apps, such as SMS and YouTube.
While I recommend Bark, its still worth reading the whole article Canopys unique capabilities may appeal to you.
Bark requires you to block unsupported browsers manually by changing some configs on your account.
However, Bark is a step above in keeping you informed.
you could also manually switch your kids to a different rule set.
Winner (Screen Time Management):Bark
Bark easily wins this round.
That said, I prefer Barks in-depth tool.
Moreover, Bark has an option for parents who want a less invasive method of location tracking.
It also doesnt have a check-in feature.
Canopy has none of these things.
For instance, only Canopy works on desktops and can block offline apps.
But only Bark allows you to have different app filters working at different times of the day.
It also wont track your childs web activity, searches, calls, or SMS messages.
Canopys activity reports are minimal and only tell you how long your child spent on an app each day.
Another cool feature of Canopy is Sexting Prevention, which prevents your child from sending explicit photos.
Bark can monitor many things that Canopy cant, though.
In contrast, Canopys Smart Filtering only monitors websites and doesnt send you any alerts.
This allows you to intervene but doesnt prevent your child from seeing the image.
Lastly, one thing that Canopy is missing that Bark offers is a Driving Summary report.
However, Bark also has apps for Amazon Fire tablets and routers via Bark Home.
The two parental control apps are easy to use.
Their features are intuitive and come with good explanations, so you know what each function does.
Additionally, I didnt experience any bugs or glitches while using either one.
In contrast, Bark takes a bit more time to set up.
to use its comprehensive Content Monitoring feature, you have to log into every one of your childs accounts.
Even after that, itll only monitor the iOS machine when both are on the same data pipe.
Canopys plans all include the exact same features.
Bark has two different plans,Bark Jr.andBark Premium.
The only difference between these two plans is thatBark Jr.lacks the content monitoring feature.
Overall, I think Bark gives you more for your money.
It also just comes with more features and still costs less per month than Canopy.
That said, Canopy has a free trial and covers all plans with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Bark has a free trial but is missing a money-back guarantee.
Canopy and Bark both accept credit/debit cards, but Canopy also accepts PayPal.
I found Barks knowledge base better than Canopys.
I also prefer Barks virtual chatbot over Canopys.
With Canopy, the chatbot only really sent me links to vaguely related topics.
Finally, I like that Canopy and Bark offer phone support.
Winner (Customer Support):Bark
Bark is easily the better choice for customer support.
It also offers flexible screen time management and location tracking tools.
Both parental controls have their strengths and weaknesses, but my top pick is Bark.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Canopy or Bark?
I thinkBark is the better parental control app overall.
However, many of Barks core features are better.
Which has better sexting prevention tools Canopy or Bark?
Canopy and Bark can help you prevent your child from sexting.
Canopys aptly named Sexting Prevention feature stops your child from saving or sending inappropriate photos at all.
Can kids bypass Canopy or Bark?
Canopy and Bark come with uninstall protection.
Do Canopy and Bark have free plans?
No, neither Canopy nor Bark have free plans.
Read more about the best parental controls in 2025
