An informed choice · Network security hardware

FamilyAtlas vs
Firewalla

Pair practical home-network protection with Android screen time, family location and child requests.

Checked September 26, 2026 · Written by FamilyAtlas · Early-access product compared with published competitor capabilities.

Why FamilyAtlas

Home protection with the family in focus.

Choose FamilyAtlas when you want home-network controls alongside Android screen time, family location and extra-time requests. HomeControl runs on a Brume 2 wired gateway and works with your existing Wi-Fi, while the phone app supports family routines away from home.

Plan your setup

What you can use today.

Available HomeControl features include device pause, schedules, service blocking, malware, ad and country blocking, and encrypted DNS. The Family + Home subscription and gateway are separate costs. Advanced network alerts remain Preview, and FamilyAtlas has not published a Brume 2 throughput benchmark.

Check support for your family’s devices →

Price and platforms.

FamilyAtlas and Firewalla: price context and platforms
What mattersFamilyAtlasFirewalla
Price contextFamily $9.99/month or $79.99/year. Family + Home, with HomeControl, $12.99/month or $119.99/year. Planned launch pricing; FamilyAtlas is not publicly available yet. HomeControl also needs a Brume 2 (about $80 on Amazon), bought separately. Pricing →Hardware only, no monthly fee: Purple SE $289, Blue Plus $249, Orange $399, Gold SE $519; Purple paused. Check official offer ↗
PlatformsAndroid controls and core HomeControl features are available in early access. iPhone & iPad, Windows, macOS and advanced home features remain in preview. The Chrome extension is not yet in the Chrome Web Store. Device by device →Home network hardware
Before choosingConfirm early-access availability and supported permissions for each child device.Check the current vendor plan, supported OS versions and installation requirements.

Cost and setup

Firewalla is one-time hardware ($249–$519) with no subscription for standard features; Purple was paused when we checked. Orange includes a Wi-Fi 7 router, while Purple SE, like the Brume 2, relies on your existing Wi-Fi. A Brume 2 is about $80 on Amazon, used with the FamilyAtlas Family + Home plan ($12.99/month or $119.99/year).

Every capability, side by side.

The same 76 capabilities we track for every product. FamilyAtlas cells show its status and the platforms it applies to (full device detail). Firewalla cells summarize its official sources as checked September 26, 2026: 33 offered, 11 partly offered, 32 not found in documentation. Missing documentation is not evidence that a feature does not exist.

Offered
Offered (official source)
Partly offered
Partly offered (official source)
Not found in docs
Not found in official documentation (as checked)
Not checked
Not checked

Screen time & apps

Screen time & apps. FamilyAtlas: status and platforms. Firewalla: official documentation, checked September 26, 2026.
CapabilityFamilyAtlasFirewalla
Daily screen time limitsAvailable AndroidPreview iOS, Windows, macOSOfferedNetwork-level only: daily Internet time limit per User (App 1.68+)Source ↗
Different limits per weekdayAvailable AndroidPreview iOS, Windows, macOSOfferedNetwork-level: limits and schedules can target specific weekdaysSource ↗
Per-app time limitsAvailable AndroidPreview iOS, Windows, macOSOfferedNetwork-level per-app limits for detected apps (YouTube, Roblox, TikTok…)Source ↗
App category limitsPreview iOSPartly offeredShared limit across several chosen apps; no category-wide time limitSource ↗
Schedules and bedtimeAvailable AndroidPreview iOS, Windows, macOSOfferedScheduled block rules (e.g. no Internet 7PM-8AM weekdays)Source ↗
Focus / homework timeAvailable Android, HomeControlPreview iOS, Windows, macOSPartly offeredVia scheduled rules allowing chosen apps; no dedicated focus modeSource ↗
Block appsAvailable AndroidPreview iOS, Windows, macOSOfferedNetwork-level app blocking (TikTok, Roblox, Snapchat, YouTube…)Source ↗
New app approvalAvailable AndroidPreview Windows, macOSNot found in docsNot found in Firewalla docs; no on-device app (checked Sep 26 2026)
Always-allowed / emergency appsAvailable AndroidPreview iOS, Windows, macOSPartly offeredAllow rules and timed Emergency Access per deviceSource ↗
Child asks for more timeAvailable AndroidPreview iOS, Windows, macOSNot found in docsParent can pause a rule for extra time; no child request flow in docs
Chores that earn screen timePreview Android, iOSNot found in docsNot found in Firewalla official docs (checked Sep 26 2026)
Pause a device instantlyAvailable AndroidPreview iOS, Windows, macOSOfferedNetwork-level: one-tap block/unblock internet per device, timedSource ↗
Remote lockPreview AndroidNot found in docsNot found; can cut a device's internet, not lock it (checked Sep 26 2026)
Uninstall / tamper protectionLimited Android, Chrome ext.Preview iOS, Windows, macOSPartly offeredNetwork-level: Bypass Prevention, App Lock, pairing lock; no device agentSource ↗
App usage reportsAvailable AndroidPreview Windows, macOSOfferedNetwork-measured app usage per User/device, up to 7 daysSource ↗
Weekly family digestPreview Android, iOSNot found in docsNo weekly digest found; Week tab in app only (checked Sep 26 2026)

Web & YouTube

Web & YouTube. FamilyAtlas: status and platforms. Firewalla: official documentation, checked September 26, 2026.
CapabilityFamilyAtlasFirewalla
Web category filteringAvailable HomeControlPreview Android, iOSOfferedContent Filtering plus category rules (porn, gambling, social, VPN…)Source ↗
Block / allow specific sitesAvailable Android, Chrome ext.Preview iOS, Windows, macOS, HomeControlOfferedDomain, IP, region rules and custom Target ListsSource ↗
Only-approved-sites modePreview Android, iOS, Windows, Chrome ext., HomeControlPartly offeredBlock-all + allow rules possible; docs warn complex sites breakSource ↗
Enforced SafeSearchAvailable Android, HomeControlPreview iOS, Windows, macOS, Chrome ext.OfferedDNS-enforced for Google, YouTube, Bing, DuckDuckGoSource ↗
YouTube Restricted ModeAvailable Android, HomeControlPreview iOS, Windows, macOSOfferedSafe Search turns on YouTube Restricted ModeSource ↗
Block YouTube channelsPreview AndroidNot found in docsNot found; network box cannot see YouTube channel (checked Sep 26 2026)
Block YouTube ShortsPreview AndroidNot found in docsNot found in Firewalla official docs (checked Sep 26 2026)
YouTube watch activityAvailable Chrome ext.Preview AndroidNot found in docsOnly YouTube time is tracked, not videos watched (checked Sep 26 2026)
Browsing / search activityAvailable Chrome ext.Limited AndroidPreview iOS, HomeControlPartly offeredNetwork flows show domains/devices (24h); no search terms or URLsSource ↗
Blocks encrypted-DNS / VPN bypassLimited AndroidPreview iOS, Windows, HomeControlOfferedBypass Prevention blocks VPN sites, Apple Private Relay and DoHSource ↗

Safety alerts

Safety alerts. FamilyAtlas: status and platforms. Firewalla: official documentation, checked September 26, 2026.
CapabilityFamilyAtlasFirewalla
AI alerts on risky textPreview Android, Windows, Chrome ext.Not found in docsNot found in Firewalla docs; no on-device app (checked Sep 26 2026)
Nudity / explicit image detectionPreview iOSNot found in docsNot found in Firewalla docs; no on-device app (checked Sep 26 2026)
Guidance for parents on each alertPreview Android, iOS, Windows, Chrome ext.Partly offeredSecurity alarm guides and Ask FireAI; not child-safety guidanceSource ↗
Email / cloud account monitoringNot availableNot found in docsNot found in Firewalla official docs (checked Sep 26 2026)
Call & SMS monitoringPreview AndroidNot found in docsNot found in Firewalla docs; no on-device app (checked Sep 26 2026)
Block calls from contactsPreview AndroidNot found in docsNot found in Firewalla docs; no on-device app (checked Sep 26 2026)
Social media message monitoringNot availableNot found in docsTracks social app usage time only; no messages (checked Sep 26 2026)
Content analysed on the device, not uploadedAvailable Chrome ext.Limited HomeControlPreview Android, iOS, WindowsPartly offeredFlows and IDS kept on the box; sees metadata only, no content analysisSource ↗

Location & driving

Location & driving. FamilyAtlas: status and platforms. Firewalla: official documentation, checked September 26, 2026.
CapabilityFamilyAtlasFirewalla
Live family locationAvailable AndroidPreview iOSNot found in docsNo location features in Firewalla docs; network product (checked Sep 26 2026)
Location historyAvailable AndroidPreview iOSNot found in docsNo location features in Firewalla docs; network product (checked Sep 26 2026)
Arrive / leave place alertsPreview Android, iOSNot found in docsNo location features in Firewalla docs; network product (checked Sep 26 2026)
Low battery alertsAvailable AndroidPreview iOSNot found in docsNo location features in Firewalla docs; network product (checked Sep 26 2026)
Check-ins and pick-me-up requestsAvailable AndroidPreview iOSNot found in docsNo location features in Firewalla docs; network product (checked Sep 26 2026)
SOS to familyAvailable AndroidPreview iOSNot found in docsNo location features in Firewalla docs; network product (checked Sep 26 2026)
SOS texts to outside emergency contactsPreview Android, iOSNot found in docsNo location features in Firewalla docs; network product (checked Sep 26 2026)
Possible-crash detectionPreview Android, iOSNot found in docsNo location features in Firewalla docs; network product (checked Sep 26 2026)
Speeding alertsLimited iOSPreview AndroidNot found in docsNo location features in Firewalla docs; network product (checked Sep 26 2026)
Driver score and weekly driving reportPreview Android, iOSNot found in docsNo location features in Firewalla docs; network product (checked Sep 26 2026)
Live trip sharing with ETAPreview Android, iOSNot found in docsNo location features in Firewalla docs; network product (checked Sep 26 2026)
Approximate location for teensPreview Android, iOSNot found in docsNo location features in Firewalla docs; network product (checked Sep 26 2026)
Timed location pause with parent noticePreview Android, iOSNot found in docsNo location features in Firewalla docs; network product (checked Sep 26 2026)
Loud find-my-phone (through silent)Limited iOSPreview AndroidNot found in docsNo location features in Firewalla docs; network product (checked Sep 26 2026)

Family life

Family life. FamilyAtlas: status and platforms. Firewalla: official documentation, checked September 26, 2026.
CapabilityFamilyAtlasFirewalla
Shared family calendarPreview Android, iOSNot found in docsNot found in Firewalla official docs (checked Sep 26 2026)
Family agreement with child sign-offPreview Android, iOSNot found in docsNot found in Firewalla official docs (checked Sep 26 2026)
Family activity feedAvailable AndroidPreview iOSNot found in docsNo family feed; network alarm list only (checked Sep 26 2026)
Multiple parents / guardiansAvailable AndroidPreview iOSOfferedAdditional phones can be paired for shared admin (e.g. spouse)Source ↗
Parenting guides and conversation startersAvailable AndroidPreview iOSPartly offeredHelp guides on managing kids' internet use; no conversation startersSource ↗

Home network (every device at home)

Home network (every device at home). FamilyAtlas: status and platforms. Firewalla: official documentation, checked September 26, 2026.
CapabilityFamilyAtlasFirewalla
See and identify every home deviceAvailable HomeControlOfferedFull device list with flows, vendor and status per deviceSource ↗
Pause any home deviceAvailable HomeControlOfferedBlock/unblock internet per device, group or networkSource ↗
Pause home internet (kids / everyone)Available HomeControlOfferedSocial Hour blocks personal/media devices for 1 hour; network blocksSource ↗
Internet schedules for home devicesAvailable HomeControlOfferedScheduled rules per device, group, User or networkSource ↗
Block services (YouTube, TikTok…) on TVs and consolesAvailable HomeControlOfferedApp/category blocks on any device incl. TVs and consolesSource ↗
Child's web rules follow them to home devicesAvailable HomeControlPartly offeredRules apply to all devices assigned to a User; no phone appSource ↗
Home internet time limits and extra timePreview HomeControlOfferedPer-User app/Internet limits; pause a rule for extra timeSource ↗
Home device usage reportsPreview HomeControlOfferedPer-device/User activity and network flowsSource ↗
Malware and phishing blocking for everyoneAvailable HomeControlOfferedIDS/IPS, Active Protect, Advanced Threat Filtering (phishing, NRDs)Source ↗
Network-wide ad and tracker blockingAvailable HomeControlOfferedAd Block with Default/Strict modes and target listsSource ↗
Country blockingAvailable HomeControlOfferedRegion blocking; Blue 3, Purple/Orange 10, Gold unlimited regionsSource ↗
Household block / allow listsPreview HomeControlOfferedBlock/allow rules and Target ListsSource ↗
Encrypted upstream DNSAvailable HomeControlOfferedDoH (Cloudflare, Google, Quad9, custom) and UnboundSource ↗
New device alerts and approvalAvailable HomeControlOfferedNew device alarm and New Device Quarantine groupSource ↗
Arrive-home / left-home alertsPreview HomeControlOfferedPer-device online/offline alarms (opt-in)Source ↗
Per-device data usage and monthly quotaPreview HomeControlPartly offeredPer-device usage (24h top talkers); monthly plan/alarm is per WANSource ↗
Unusual traffic alertsPreview HomeControlOfferedAbnormal upload and large upload alarmsSource ↗
VPN / Tor detectionPreview HomeControlOfferedVPN category in rules/flows; Bypass Prevention (Tor not specified)Source ↗
Open port and UPnP alertsPreview HomeControlOfferedOpen port alarms; UPnP-forwarded ports shown in ScanSource ↗
LAN scan and probing alertsPreview HomeControlOfferedPort scan and SSH password-guessing alarms; IDS/IPSSource ↗
Internet outage log and speed testPreview HomeControlOfferedNetwork Events log (WAN down, outages) and speed testsSource ↗
Device groupsPreview HomeControlOfferedDevice Groups and UsersSource ↗
Weekly home summaryPreview HomeControlNot found in docsNo weekly home summary in app docs; MSP (paid) has summaries
Not found in their documentation

30 FamilyAtlas capabilities not found in Firewalla’s documentation.

FamilyAtlas has these on at least one platform (including preview), and we did not find them in Firewalla’s official documentation. That is not proof Firewalla lacks them; check with the vendor if one matters to you. Rows we did not check are left out.

Honest tradeoffs

Coverage to check: 10 capabilities.

Firewalla’s official sources list these, while FamilyAtlas does not have them, or has them only in preview where they are fully offered.

Also listed by Firewalla, outside this matrix

Try the tasks your family actually needs.

Test a TV, a console and a guest phone at home: pause, a schedule, a blocked service and a new device joining. Check what happens when a device uses its own DNS or a VPN, and when the child leaves home Wi-Fi. A feature name alone does not establish reliable coverage on your device.

Check the details yourself

Sources & comparison notes

US-dollar prices where shown. Offers, taxes, shipping, renewal terms and availability may change. We do not claim to be the cheapest option or the right fit for every family. FamilyAtlas capabilities are limited by the published early-access support notes; statuses marked Preview still need validation or distribution approval.

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