6 Best Routers For Parental Controls in 2023
In the age of technology, your children spend a significant amount of time online. While the internet has its benefits, it also poses various risks, such as cyberbullying, exposure to inappropriate content, and online predators.
The best router with parental controls should help you to lessen these risks and allow you to monitor your children’s online activity.
We know that choosing the right router with parental controls can be overwhelming, as there are many options available on the market. But, don’t stress it, we’ve got you covered! With the right information, making the right choice can be easy.
In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the best routers for parental control. Read on to learn more about how these wireless routers can protect you and your children online.
Table of Contents
Do Wi-Fi routers have parental controls?
The answer is yes! Many Wi-Fi routers have parental controls that allow you to regulate your children’s internet usage.
Parental controls in routers are typically accessed via a web interface or mobile app and they mostly vary from router to router.
Here are some of the things you can set up and configure with parental controls that come with WiFi routers:
Website Filtering
Parents can use website filtering to control which websites their children can access. This feature is especially useful in blocking sites that contain adult content, gambling, or violent themes. Many routers come with predefined filter lists, but users can also create their own custom filters.
Time Limits
Parents can set time limits on how long their children can access the internet. This feature is useful for limiting late-night browsing sessions or ensuring that children are not overusing their devices during school days.
Device Scheduling
Some routers allow parents to set a device’s internet access schedule. This means that parents can block internet access during specific times, such as meal times or bedtime.
Bandwidth Control
Parents can also limit the amount of bandwidth that their children use. This feature is useful for preventing children from downloading large files or streaming too much video content.
Guest Access
Finally, some routers have a guest access feature that allows parents to give temporary internet access to visitors. Parents can set up a separate Wi-Fi network with its own password, so visitors do not have access to the primary network.
Best Routers For Parental Controls
Now that you know what kind of power parental controls can give you, let’s talk about the best routers for the job. Trust us, you’ll want to invest in one of these bad boys!
Best Overall: ASUS RT-AXE7800
The ASUS RT-AXE7800 is the best overall Wi-Fi 6 router for parental controls. We love this router because of customizable content filters, time scheduling, device management, real-time threat protection, and easy setup and management.
With this router, you can ensure that your children are safe online. Which gives you peace of mind and your children the freedom to explore the internet safely.
The ASUS RT-AXE7800 comes with AiProtection Pro, which is very easy to set up! It includes customizable content filters that allow you to block inappropriate content based on categories such as gambling, violence, and other adult content.
You can also create custom categories and add specific websites to block. This level of customization ensures that your children can only access age-appropriate content.
Additionally, with the ASUS RT-AXE7800, you can set time limits for your children’s internet access. This feature enables you to schedule internet access based on your children’s routines, such as homework time or bedtime.
So, you can be at peace in knowing that your children are not spending too much time online and are getting enough sleep.
Additionally, it allows you to set up profiles for each member of your family. You can then assign devices to each profile, enabling you to control internet access and content filtering for each member separately. You can also tailor your children’s internet access to their age, interests, and maturity level.
On top of this, the ASUS RT-AXE7800 also includes real-time threat protection. This feature scans your network for malware and viruses, preventing your children from accidentally downloading harmful content.
It also ensures that your children can explore the internet safely without exposing your entire network to a potential threat.
When it comes to set up, setting up and managing the ASUS RT-AXE7800 is easy, thanks to the intuitive web interface. You can easily access and customize all the router’s features from a single dashboard.
The router is also compatible with the ASUS Router app, enabling you to manage your network from your smartphone or tablet, even when you’re away from home.
Best Mesh: TP-Link Deco S4
If you’re looking for a mesh WiFi system, we highly recommend the TP-Link Deco S4 for you! We also recommend this for families who own a large home that has plenty of devices connected to the network.
We like this mesh network because of its smart parental controls, ease of use, customizable settings, and affordability. Non-techy parents can easily set this up in their homes while ensuring that their children are using the internet safely and responsibly.
The Deco S4’s parental controls are easy to set up and manage through the Deco app. This is because the Deco S4’s setup process is straightforward, making it easy for parents to get started. Just install this app on your mobile device, and you’ll be up and running in no time.
The TP-Link Deco S4 allows parents to set up profiles for their children and limit access to inappropriate content. Parents can also set up time limits for internet usage and restrict certain applications from being used on their children’s devices.
For example, parents can create schedules for internet access, block specific websites or applications, and even pause the internet on a child’s device. Furthermore, the Deco S4 offers real-time monitoring of internet usage, allowing parents to keep track of their children’s online activity.
We also like this because of the “bedtime mode” feature. With this, it automatically turns off the internet during designated sleep hours.
The TP-Link Deco S4 is also an affordable option for families looking for a mesh Wi-Fi system that offers robust parental controls.
Compared to other mesh systems on the market, the Deco S4 is priced competitively while still providing advanced features like parental controls.
Best for Gigabit Plans: NETGEAR Nighthawk RAXE300
If your family loves streaming 4K movies, playing online games, or downloading large files, you need a router that can handle gigabit plans. In this case, the NETGEAR Nighthawk RAXE300 is the one for you!
With its advanced technology, extended coverage, and versatile features, this router is a great investment for anyone who wants a seamless internet experience at home. Whether you’re streaming movies, playing games, or just browsing the web, the NETGEAR Nighthawk RAXE300 has got you covered.
The NETGEAR Nighthawk RAXE300 is a tri-band WiFi 6E router that can deliver wireless speeds of up to 7.8 Gbps, making it perfect for gigabit internet plans. With MU-MIMO and OFDMA, this router can handle multiple devices simultaneously without any lag or buffering.
Moreover, it has eight high-performance antennas that provide extended coverage and ensure seamless connectivity throughout your home.
The NETGEAR Nighthawk RAXE300 comes with Netgear Smart Parental Controls that allow you to monitor and control your children’s internet usage.
With the NETGEAR Nighthawk app, you can set up profiles for each family member, restrict access to certain websites, and even set time limits for internet usage. This ensures that your children are safe online and using the internet in a responsible manner.
Additionally, if you download My Time by Netgear, you can monitor your kids’ online activities and make sure that they follow the rules. This comes with your Netgear Smart Parental Controls subscription at no additional cost!
Apart from being the best router for gigabit plans and parental controls, the NETGEAR Nighthawk RAXE300 has many other features that make it a versatile and reliable router.
For instance, it has built-in malware and virus protection that safeguards your devices from online threats. Additionally, it has four Gigabit Ethernet ports that allow you to connect wired devices like gaming consoles or desktops for faster speeds.
Even though you have to pay for the subscription, it’s still a very wholesome investment. After all, your children’s safety is much more important.
Best Budget: ASUS RT-AX55
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly router with advanced parental controls, the ASUS RT-AX55 is the perfect choice. Its advanced features, ease of use, and affordability make it the best option for families who want to keep their children safe online.
With the ASUS RT-AX55, parents can rest easy knowing that their children are protected from online threats and inappropriate content.
One of the best features of the ASUS RT-AX55 is that it is incredibly easy to set up.
The router comes with a user-friendly interface that allows you to quickly and easily customize the settings for your home network. You can set up parental controls in just a few minutes, even if you have no technical experience.
The ASUS RT-AX55 comes with comprehensive parental controls that allow you to restrict access to specific websites, block certain keywords, and set time limits for internet usage. You can also set up different profiles for each member of your family, which means that you can customize the settings for each individual based on their age and level of responsibility.
The ASUS RT-AX55 comes with advanced security features that help to keep your family safe online. The router has AI-based protection that blocks malicious websites, phishing attempts, and other online threats. It also has built-in WPA3 encryption, which provides robust protection against unauthorized access.
The ASUS RT-AX55 is an affordable router that delivers excellent value for money. Despite its budget price, the router offers a wide range of features that you would expect to find in more expensive models. This makes it an excellent choice for families who are looking for a router that is both powerful and affordable.
Best Value for your Money: SYNOLOGY RT2600ac
The Synology RT2600ac is the best router for families looking for a reliable, high-speed router with robust parental controls. With its easy setup and management, lightning-fast connectivity, and exceptional value, it’s a router that delivers on all fronts.
So why not give it a try and see how it can improve your family’s online experience?
The Synology RT2600ac is a high-performance router that offers top-of-the-line features at an affordable price.
The router comes equipped with a powerful dual-core 1.7GHz CPU and supports the latest Wi-Fi standard, 802.11ac. This means that you get faster speeds, wider coverage, and better signal strength, making it perfect for streaming, gaming, or browsing the web.
The router also has four high-speed Gigabit Ethernet ports, which are ideal for connecting your desktop PC or gaming console. It also has two USB ports, which can be used to connect external hard drives or printers, making it easy to share files and resources across your network.
One of the standout features of the Synology RT2600ac is its robust parental controls. With the rise of the internet, it has become increasingly important for parents to monitor their children’s online activities and ensure their safety.
The router’s parental controls allow you to set up filters that block access to specific websites or categories of websites. You can also set up schedules, which limit internet access during certain times of the day or night.
In addition, the router allows you to create separate Wi-Fi networks for guests or children, which can be customized to suit their specific needs. This means that your children can be given access to age-appropriate content, while guests can be prevented from accessing sensitive information on your network.
Setting up the Synology RT2600ac is a breeze, thanks to the intuitive web-based interface. You can easily configure your wireless network, set up guest Wi-Fi access, and manage your connected devices. Plus, the router comes with a mobile app that lets you manage your network from anywhere, even when you’re away from home.
The Synology RT2600ac offers exceptional value for its price point. It’s packed with features that you’d typically only find on more expensive routers, such as advanced parental controls and VPN support. Plus, with regular firmware updates, you can be sure that your router will continue to function at its best for years to come.
Best for Streaming and Gaming: ASUS RT-AX3000
The ASUS RT-AX3000 is the best router for streaming, gaming, and for parental controls. It has top-notch speed and performance, gaming features, robust parental control features, and is incredibly easy to use and manage. Anyone looking to upgrade their home network for streaming and gaming or to keep their children safe online should consider the ASUS RT-AX3000.
The ASUS RT-AX3000 router offers only industry standards in terms of hardware encryption, but what makes it stand out from the competition are its powerful parental controls and the superior streaming and gaming experience it offers users.
The ASUS RT-AX3000 is a dual-band router with speeds that are three times faster than the previous generation with four antennas that provide wider coverage. It also has a 2.4 GHz band with a speed of up to 574 Mbps and a 5 GHz band with a speed of up to 2402 Mbps. This means that even when multiple devices are connected, the router can handle high-bandwidth activities such as streaming and gaming without any lag.
The ASUS RT-AX3000 is specifically designed with gamers in mind. It has a feature called WTFast, which is a private gaming network that helps reduce latency and improve gaming performance.
This means that gamers can enjoy a smoother and more stable gaming experience. The router also has a dedicated gaming port that prioritizes gaming traffic for the best possible performance.
The ASUS RT-AX3000 has robust parental control features that allow parents to monitor and control their children’s internet activities. The router has AiProtection, a security feature that blocks malicious sites and provides advanced parental controls. Parents can set up filters to block specific types of content and can even set up schedules for when the internet is accessible for their children.
The ASUS RT-AX3000 is incredibly easy to set up and manage. The router has a web-based interface that allows users to configure settings and monitor the network.
You can also install the ASUS Router App which provides real-time network monitoring and control. Users can easily manage and prioritize their network traffic, set up guest networks and parental controls, and even update the router’s firmware with just a few taps.
Our Verdict
In conclusion, choosing the right router with parental controls can be a great way to ensure that your children stay safe online. With the options outlined in this article, you can find a router that fits your needs and budget.
Each router has its own unique features and benefits, so it’s important to consider your specific needs and preferences before making a purchase. With the right router, you can easily manage your children’s internet activity and establish healthy digital habits that will benefit them for years to come.
By using parental controls, you can have peace of mind knowing that your children are protected while they explore the internet. So, whether you are looking for extensive control options, easy setup, or advanced security features, we hope that one of the routers on this list will work for you.
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