Best Parental Control Routers For Children’s Online Safety in 2023

In today’s digital age, having an internet connection is crucial for both entertainment and learning. The router plays a vital role in connecting your devices to the internet, whether they are wired or wireless.

The quality of online content has taken a hit due to the rise of entertainment apps popular among kids and teenagers. This kind of content can have a negative influence on young users. To safeguard your family while they are online, it’s wise to invest in routers with the best parental control features.

In most home networks, everyone in the family shares the same internet connection, giving access to all websites. However, if you have small kids, this unrestricted access can affect their development. Therefore, it’s a better choice to opt for a parental control router. It allows you to oversee and manage your kids’ online activities.

Parental control routers are also helpful in protecting young kids from cyberbullying and other online threats. The ideal router for parental controls should be user-friendly and offer a wide array of options for safeguarding your kids. Get a router that includes functionalities like time management controls, content filters, ad blocking, protection against malware, and more.

These routers strike a balance between smooth internet browsing and the online safety of your kids. If you are on the lookout for the best parental control router, you are in the right place. We have compiled a list of the best parental control routers. So, without wasting any time, let’s get to the details.

7 Top Best Parental Control Routers Reviewed

Here is the curated list of the best parental control routers that we shortlisted for you. Go through the router reviews and choose the one that is most appropriate for your situation.

#1. Synology RT2600ac 4×4 Dual-Band Gigabit Wi-Fi Router

When it comes to securing your child’s online experience, Synology RT2600ac is the best router to go for. It is a fast and reliable network device with a long coverage range. It hosts multiple bandwidth connections, offering a major upgrade for your home network security.

It has some of the best parental control features that make it a preferred choice for parents. With this router, you can provide a safe and secure browsing experience for your kids.

Features

• Experience a user-friendly management and setup process with the Synology Router Manager (SRM) operating system.
• Take advantage of advanced traffic monitoring tools to manage data flow on your network. This allows you to prioritize bandwidth and enjoy uninterrupted speed without lag or stutter.
• Protect your kids from inappropriate online content with just a few clicks. You can block all harmful websites and create custom profiles for different family members.
• The Synology Router RT2600ac receives frequent updates to keep your network and system safe from cyber threats and attacks. It also comes equipped with strong security tools like firewall management, intrusion prevention, and denial-of-service protection.
• Turn your RT2600ac into a VPN server with VPN Plus. It offers easy setup, smooth connections, and secure access, making it an ideal choice for users working from home.

#2. TP-Link AX6600 Tri-Band WiFi 6 Router (Archer AX90)

TP-Link Archer AX90 is a premium router with the best parental control features. It offers the ultimate Wi-Fi experience with its next-level speed, capacity, and performance. It efficiently manages all your devices and data that were previously not possible.

Archer AX90 offers ultra-fast speeds of up to 6.6 Gbps and a 1.5 GHz CPU for smooth online gaming and 4K/8K streaming experiences. Even with all your mobile devices, and smart home gadgets connected to your network, it offers a lag-free experience.

Features

• Archer’s Wi-Fi 6 router allows you to connect up to 4 times more devices simultaneously without sacrificing speed. Thanks to MU-MIMO and OFDMA technology it ensures fast internet speeds without slowdowns.
• This Tri-Band router offers an exceptional Wi-Fi experience. It supports blazing speeds of 1201 Mbps, 4804 Mbps, and 574 Mbps.
• Enjoy versatile connectivity with 1× 1 Gbps WAN/LAN port, 1× 2.5 Gbps WAN/LAN port, and 3× Gigabit LAN ports, along with two USB ports for maximum throughput and flexibility.
• The router is equipped with eight high-gain antennas with Beamforming technology to catch strong signals.
• TP-Link HomeShield safeguards your home network with cutting-edge features for IoT and network protection. This includes free features like basic Parental Controls, Network Security scans, IoT Device Identification, QoS, or Weekly/Monthly Reports. It also includes WPA3 for improved security.

#3. Gryphon Tower Super-Fast Mesh Wi-Fi Router

Next up, we have Gryphon Tower Super-Fast Mesh Wi-Fi Router, an advanced parental control router. From content filtering to scheduling access to limiting internet access time, it has all the parental control features that you can think of. It also offers monthly/weekly reports on internet usage.

With this router, you can ensure everyone in your home has fast internet access. It’s the perfect router for working, gaming and streaming. It can connect to more than 100 devices, without slowing down or causing buffering.

Features

• Experience safe and secure mesh Wi-Fi on all your smart devices. It offers improved security, advanced parental controls, and efficient coverage.
• Keep the internet safe for kids using your Wi-Fi system. It monitors content, sets individual time limits, blocks websites, and apps, and gives insights into usage, helping you manage your kids’ screen time.
• With AC3000 tri-band radios and 4×4 MU-MIMO, you get up to 3,000 sq. ft. of coverage from a single Gryphon Tower router.
• Protect all your devices with the next-generation firewall management. It guards against malware, hackers, ransomware, and phishing scams with 24/7 intelligent intrusion detection.
• Use the Gryphon Connect app to set up the router in just minutes. It allows you to manage your Wi-Fi network, parental controls, and everything else with a single app.

#4. ASUS RT-AX86U (AX5700) Dual Band WiFi 6 Gaming Router

If your child is into gaming, look no further than the Asus AX5700 gaming router. It is the best router for online gaming with advanced parental control features. With this router, your kids can enjoy their online gaming sessions safely and securely.

The AiProtection Security Suite allows you to adjust parental controls. It lets you block adult sites and restrict social media access. It also includes internet pause and scheduled access features. Before you think of investing in this router, let us give you a brief idea about the router.

Features

• Use the mobile app for network diagnostics, guest Wi-Fi management, and traffic analysis. The official mobile app makes it easier to operate and manage the router.
• With the mobile gaming mode, you can reduce delay and lag with a simple tap on the ASUS Router app.
• Combine 2 Gbps WAN connections, a Wi-Fi 6, and a 2.5 Gbps wired port, for truly fast connections.
• Keep your home network safe with AiProtection Pro, powered by Trend Micro. When you are away from home, ASUS Instant Guard offers a one-click secure VPN.
• You can easily expand your network by adding AiMesh compatible router and enjoy seamless connectivity.

#5. NETGEAR Orbi Whole Home Tri-band Mesh WiFi 6 Router (RBK752)

NETGEAR is one of the best companies when it comes to network devices. Orbi Tri-Band Mesh Router System is the ultimate choice for securing your kid’s browsing sessions. Although this router is a bit expensive, users who are concerned about online safety wouldn’t mind paying for it.

It offers many handy features such as smart parental controls, great coverage, and good throughout capacity. All these features compensate for the high price of the router. With this router, you don’t have to worry about your kids accessing inappropriate sites. 

Features

• With this router, you can enjoy coverage up to 5,000 sq. ft and connect up to 40 devices. You can further expand its coverage by 2,500 sq. ft with each extra satellite by purchasing it separately.
• Enjoy seamless streaming, web conferencing, and HD video gaming, with Wi-Fi 6 technology.
• It allows you to create separate user profiles and configure the settings accordingly. Additionally, you can schedule time limits, filter content, and block websites.
• Connects to your existing cable modem and replaces your Wi-Fi router. It is compatible with internet plans up to 2Gbps, including fiber, cable, satellite, and DSL.
• It has multiple ports for connecting a variety of devices such as game consoles, computers, streaming players, and more. The router includes 3 Gigabit Ethernet ports and 2 Gigabit Ethernet ports on the satellite.

#6. NETGEAR Nighthawk 8-Stream WiFi 6 Router (RAX70)

We have another NETGEAR router which is equally good as the previous one. For parents worried about their children’s online safety can rely on NETGEAR RAX70. It is a Wi-Fi 6 router with an array of useful features. It offers coverage up to 2,500 sq. ft and supports up to 40 devices at the same time.

If you are looking for a reliable and efficient router, this would be the best choice for you. Some of its notable features are a triple-core processor, powerful antennas, and greater throughput. With this router, you will enjoy both speed and security.

Features

• Beamforming technology enhances the speed, and range of WiFi connections for both 5GHz and 2.4GHz frequencies.
• The router is equipped with 1 USB 3.0 port and 4 x 1 Gigabit Ethernet ports for connecting various devices such as game consoles, storage devices, computers, streaming players, and other wired devices.
• Complete the setup and installation process in minutes using the Nighthawk app. It allows you to manage Wi-Fi settings at both the network and device levels, monitor data usage, and test internet speed.
• NETGEAR Armor software offers automatic security protection for connected devices and Wi-Fi. It keeps you protected against hackers and enhances privacy with a VPN. However, this feature is not free. After the 30-day free trial, you will have to pay to use the software.
• NETGEAR Smart Parental Controls promote healthy internet habits and foster trust with your kids. The built-in parental controls allow parents to have full control over their kid’s internet sessions.

#7. NETGEAR Nighthawk Smart Wi-Fi Router (R6700)

Lastly, we have a NETGEAR Nighthawk R6700 router which is popular for Circle parental controls. With a dual-core processor, dual-bands, and powerful antennas, this router ensures the best performance. However, the highlight is the Circle parental controls that provide a safe and secure online environment for your kids.

It offers an array of parental controls including internet pause, content filters, bedtime for family devices, and more. You can also check daily internet usage with the Circle app. With this router, you can monitor your kids’ online activities and ensure that they are not accessing unwanted sites. We will cover the rest of the features in the below pointers.

Features

• With this router, you can enjoy a large coverage area of 1500 sq. ft, making it an ideal choice for users living in big houses and apartments. Furthermore, you can enjoy web surfing, online gaming, and video streaming on up to 25 devices at the same time.
• 4 x 1 Gigabit Ethernet ports allow you to connect multiple devices to the router. It promotes efficient wired connectivity with other compatible devices.
• It combines numerous advanced features such as a 1GHz dual-core processor, Beamforming Plus, Dynamic QoS, Smart Connect, and more.
• Share printers or storage drives with any connected device, or create your cloud storage accessible from anywhere using the 1 x 3.0 USB port.
• Supports WPA2 wireless security protocols, including VPN, Firewall, Guest Wi-Fi access, and DOS protection for enhanced security. Additionally, NETGEAR Armor protects your family’s Wi-Fi with automatic security across all connected devices.

Buying Guide For Best Parental Control Routers

For those buying the best parental control router for the first time, there might be some confusion about which model to choose. Like any other network device, some important factors need to be considered when buying a parental control router. Let’s take a look at those factors below.

1. Parental Control Features

If you want to use your router for a long time while keeping your kids safe online, you should check the parental control features offered by the device. There are different types of parental controls, and each one helps protect your kids in different ways. Look for routers that offer content filters, options to set time limits, website blocking, and website tracking. 

It’s also a good idea to block VPNs because some smart kids use them to get around these restrictions. By doing this, you can easily watch over what your kids do online and stop them from seeing things they shouldn’t.

2. Customization 

Every family member has different needs when it comes to the internet, whether it’s for fun or work. So, it’s important to get a router that can be customized to fit everyone’s devices. This means you can make different settings for each person based on their age and what they need.

3. Ease of Use 

The best routers are the ones that are easy to use. They have simple controls that are easy to understand. This makes it simple to set up and change the parental controls to fit your family’s needs. So, choose a router that’s easy and quick to set up and adjust to make sure your family stays safe online.

4. Remote Management

No matter where you are, you should be able to control your internet’s content. To do this, choose a router that lets you manage parental controls from anywhere, using a mobile app or website.

5. Ports

The number of ports a Wi-Fi router has is important for connecting wired devices using Ethernet cables. This helps you get a strong and steady internet connection without any lags or lost connections. Some routers also have USB ports, which can turn your router into a sort of data hub, so you can access data even without the internet.

6. Supported Bands and Speeds

Check out what bands your router supports – it might have two or three bands (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz). The 2.4 GHz band reaches far, while the 5 GHz one works best for super-fast internet. Also, check the router’s speed and see if it matches your internet’s limit. Get a router that can handle faster speeds for a future-proof setup.

7. Monitoring and Reports

To keep an eye on what your family does online, your router can give you reports. These reports show you things like which websites they visit, how much time they spend online, and if they try to see blocked stuff.

8. Guest Network with Controls

If you share your Wi-Fi with friends or guests, it’s smart to get a router with a separate guest network. This network has its controls, so your guests can’t see things you don’t want them to.

9. Security & Updates

A good router gets regular updates to stay safe from online threats. Look for one with strong security features to protect your family’s data and online stuff. So, check if your router has good security before you buy it.

Conclusion on Best Parental Control Routers

Buying the best parental control router is a critical decision for parents looking to safeguard their children’s online experiences. When selecting a parental control router, one should check the features it offers and buy it only if they are satisfied. The models reviewed in this post are the best-selling parental control routers on the market. By choosing any of these routers, parents can effectively protect their kids from cyber-attacks and threats.

FAQs on Routers With Best Parental Controls