The Circle website now foregrounds Aura Parental Controls. The older Circle app and Circle Home Plus hardware should be considered separately from the current Aura offer.
What happened to Circle?
Circle’s earlier system used profiles, filters and time rules to manage internet access. Home-network controls and mobile controls away from home can have different hardware and subscription requirements. Aura should not be assumed to duplicate every older Circle function.
What existing customers should do
If you own Circle hardware or have an existing subscription, check support for that exact product before replacing it or changing your plan. For a new Aura purchase, read our Aura Parental Controls review. For other family-control options, compare the table below.
Before removing an old app, check whether it has device-administrator access, a management profile or location permissions. Follow the device’s normal removal steps, then check the replacement’s controls on the child’s actual device. Use transparent family rules and limit access to personal messages and location.
Alternatives to consider
For screen-time limits and web controls, start with our Qustodio review. If your priority is supported content alerts, compare our Bark review. Check the exact child device, account setup and included features before choosing.
Scroll horizontally to see all columns.
| Product | Child devices | Important limitations |
|---|---|---|
 QustodioFull review | Child devices: Windows 10+; macOS 10.15 through 26; Android 9+; iOS 15+; Google Play-capable Chromebook; Fire OS 6+ (standard profiles). Parent iOS app requires iOS 16+. | iOS calls/messages and supported WhatsApp/LINE alerts require a Windows/Mac computer and the documented sync setup. Panic button is Android-only; social-app coverage varies by platform. |
 BarkFull review | iOS and Android child apps; other device/account workflows differ. | iOS content monitoring uses Bark Desktop, Bark Sync or Bark Home; setup requirements differ and alerts are not instantaneous. Account/app coverage varies; Phone and Watch are separate products. |
 MobicipFull review | iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, Chromebook and Kindle. | Supported platforms do not have identical features. Detailed Basic-plan capabilities need checking against your requirements. |
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy or install Circle now?
The Circle website now foregrounds Aura Parental Controls. The older Circle app and Circle Home Plus hardware should be considered separately from the current Aura offer.
What should existing Circle customers do?
If you own Circle hardware or have an existing subscription, check support for that exact product before replacing it or changing your plan. For a new Aura purchase, read our Aura Parental Controls review. For other family-control options, compare the table below.
Which alternative should I consider?
For family screen-time and web controls, compare Qustodio. For other needs, use the alternatives above and check the exact features on your child’s device.
Historical product images
The images below show the older product. Any prices, offers or setup screens in them are historical.
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Stuart Kerr Spindlow is Impulsec’s Publisher, Chief Editor and Lead Reviewer. He writes and maintains coverage of consumer cybersecurity and digital-safety software, with a focus on practical suitability, limitations and the evidence behind product claims. Read Stuart’s full profile.