First published: Jan 10, 2024 Updated 2 times since publishing The main feature is a web filter. It did a good job blocking adult websites, proxies, and “tasteless” sites. It also blocks phishing attacks and most malware, which keeps kids safe as they browse the web. However, there’s no option to block websites with violence, gambling, and other types of inappropriate content. As with most free parental control solutions, you’re much better off using a trusted app like Qustodio. Its features include a comprehensive web filter, multiple screen time tools, live location tracking, and detailed reporting. It also comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test the features yourself. Try Qustodio free for 30 days!
In a Rush? Here’s a 1-Minute Summary of FamilyShield
You are better off investing in your child’s online health and getting a premium parental control app. Among all the premium parental control apps I’ve tested, Qustodio had the most comprehensive features and performed the best. The web filter has 29 categories, there are 3 screen time tools, it monitors phone calls and messages, tracks live location, and generates daily reports. With that being said, here are the key features that you’ll find if you activate OpenDNS FamilyShield.
The Web Filter Works But It’s Very Limited
I’ll start with the good news; I tried opening several porn sites, but they were blocked. According to the official website, FamilyShield only blocks tasteless, proxy/anonymizer, sexuality and pornography websites. The filter is preconfigured, meaning you don’t need to adjust any settings. However, it also means that it’s not customizable and you can’t block specific URLs. The Tasteless category is a collection of websites that feature gore, suicide, horror, and other objectionable content. However, there’s nowhere on the OpenDNS FamilyShield website that gives a complete list of what defines tasteless. You’re essentially trusting the web filter will block any sites that you don’t want your child to see. The fact that it blocks proxies and anonymizers, such as VPNs and proxy websites is important. When activated, these tools can bypass the OpenDNS FamilyShield settings. I did discover that my kids can connect to a VPN on a data network or public WiFi, and stay connected when they get home, bypassing the web filter.
Overall, the web filter worked and blocked the websites that triggered its filters. However, it’s a small percentage of the types of websites that should be filtered to keep kids safe online. Especially when compared to a parental control app like Qustodio which has a comprehensive web filter with 29 adjustable categories.
Improve the Security of Your Child’s Devices
OpenDNS FamilyShield blocks malicious websites, phishing attacks, and malware. While it’s not the same as blocking porn, it will protect your child from hackers or fake sites designed to steal passwords and credit card information. This isn’t a typical feature included in most parental control apps, although I have seen it with Norton Family and Aura. The tool also identifies and restricts access to websites categorized as risky, enhancing overall browsing safety. However, for more advanced threats or detailed threat analysis, additional security measures might be necessary. OpenDNS Family Shield is only good enough to provide a primary layer of defense, not as a comprehensive security solution. There are 2 options for setting up OpenDNS FamilyShield:
How to Set Up OpenDNS FamilyShield on a Router
Before you get started, you will need the URL address for your router. Every router is different, so these instructions are pretty general:
How to Set Up OpenDNS FamilyShield on Windows
How to Set Up OpenDNS FamilyShield on Mac
How to Set Up OpenDNS FamilyShield on iOS
How to Set Up OpenDNS FamilyShield on Android
The downside of having such a basic setup is that you can’t customize it for your child. A better option is Qustodio, which is also easy to set up and manage. You can adjust the web filter, set up screen time controls, block apps, and view reports all from a cloud-based dashboard. There is the option to submit a ticket to the general OpenDNS support staff. Immediately after sending my question, I got an automated response with links to knowledgebase articles that had similar keywords to my request. I had to wait 8 hours before receiving an answer to my question from someone on the technical support staff. I usually grade pricing as more than just the cost, but the value as well. This app has little value, other than a basic web filter, and so, even for a free app, I feel like you’re not getting a good value. That’s it. If you’re serious about parental controls and limiting screen time, filtering more than just porn and tasteless websites, want to have the ability to manage app use, and to view reports on your child’s activity – then this isn’t the parental control for you. A better option would be Qustodio, which offers comprehensive parental control protection. It has an adjustable web filter with 29 categories, 3 screen time control features, remote app management, live location tracking, call and message monitoring, and detailed reporting going back 30 days. What’s even better, you can try Qustodio free for 30 days for a risk-free evaluation, so you can see if it’s the right app for your needs.
