Best Website Blocking Apps for Android and iPhone (Parental Web Filters)

Website blockers sound simple: block adult sites, gambling, and “doom-scroll” rabbit holes. In real life, it’s trickier—because kids switch browsers, use private tabs, click links inside apps, or find a “new loophole” you didn’t know existed.

This guide compares the best website blocking apps for Android and iPhone, based on what actually matters: filtering accuracy, how hard they are to bypass, and how easy they are for parents to manage long-term.

If you want deeper brand-specific tests, you can also read: Eyezy web filter review and mSpy web blocking & site filter review.

60-second decision checklist

Verdict: which website blocker should you pick?

If you want the best long-term family solution: go with Bark. It’s usually the easiest to maintain without turning your home into constant tech battles.

If you need stricter website blocking and firmer enforcement: pick Eyezy Website Blocker. It’s a better fit when your kid actively pushes boundaries and “simple rules” aren’t enough.

If you want simple filters (non-techy parent, minimal setup): Parentaler’s web filtering options are a practical “set it and forget it” style choice.

If you mainly want adult-site blocking: mSpy Porn Blocker is a focused tool you can add to a broader routine system.

Comparison table: best website blocking apps

This table focuses on “real outcomes”: filtering strength, bypass resistance, and how livable it is for parents.

App	Best on	Filtering strength	Bypass resistance	Best for
Bark	Android + iPhone	Strong (family safety focus)	Good (when paired with routines)	Best overall family setup
Eyezy Website Blocker	Android + iPhone (varies)	Very strong	High (strict style)	Techy kids / stricter enforcement
Parentaler Web Filtering (Android)	Android	Good (simple filters)	Mid	Non-techy parents, quick setup
Parentaler Web Filtering (iPhone)	iPhone	Good (simple filters)	Mid (method-dependent)	Simple iPhone filtering
mSpy Porn Blocker	Android + iPhone	Strong (adult-site focus)	Mid	Adult sites + risky browsing reduction

What really matters for website blocking (Android vs iPhone, reliability, bypassing)

1) “Website blocking” is not one thing

Some tools block URLs in the browser. Others filter categories (adult, gambling). Some work at a broader level (DNS/VPN style filtering). The best choice depends on what you’re trying to stop:

• Adult content: category filters work best.
• Specific sites: URL blacklists/whitelists.
• Distraction browsing: combine filters with screen time schedules.

2) Android usually allows stricter enforcement

On Android, you can typically get closer to “rules that actually stick,” but you still need to protect against common bypass tactics (new browsers, VPNs, private DNS).

3) iPhone filtering can be more method-dependent

iPhone often requires a more “system approach”: keep it simple, test early, and use a predictable routine. If you’re also building screen time rules, see: best screen time control apps for kids’ phones.

4) Bypassing usually happens the same ways

• Installing a new browser app
• Turning on a VPN
• Using private DNS / “secure DNS” settings
• Opening links inside social apps (in-app browsers)

If you want a practical, brand-specific walk-through, use: how to block inappropriate websites on Android with Eyezy.

Best for your situation

• My kid is under 13, I want safe defaults + family rules: Bark
• My kid is techy and actively bypasses filters: Eyezy Website Blocker
• I want simple filtering without a big dashboard: Parentaler (Android) / Parentaler (iPhone)
• I mainly want to reduce adult content exposure: mSpy Porn Blocker
• I want a deeper “how it works” breakdown: Eyezy web filter review / mSpy web blocking review

Setup tips (so the filter doesn’t get bypassed in week 1)

Tip 1: Start with categories, not 200 custom URLs

Category filters (adult, gambling, harmful) cover 80% of the problem. Fine-tune specific sites later.

Tip 2: Test like a kid would

• Install a new browser (does it bypass?)
• Turn on a VPN (does it bypass?)
• Enable “secure DNS” / private DNS (does it bypass?)
• Open links inside social apps (in-app browser test)

Tip 3: Combine filtering with routines

Blocking alone doesn’t fix late-night scrolling. Pair web filtering with downtime schedules and weekly review habits. If you want the full routine blueprint, see: how to limit screen time on kids’ phones automatically.

Tip 4: Keep “always-allowed” essentials

Rules work better when kids can still function: calls, navigation, school portals, family messaging.

Reviews

Bark (best overall “family rules + safety” pick)

Description

Bark is the most “livable” option for many families. Instead of acting like a punishment tool, it’s designed to support routines and safer online behavior. For website blocking, Bark works best when paired with consistent family rules (bedtime downtime + homework window).

Product highlights

• Family-first rule system (easier long-term)
• Good safety and protection mindset for kids/teens
• Works well as the “default” choice for most households

What’s to like

• Best overall family fit (less daily fighting)
• Encourages routines, not just blocking

What’s not to like

• If you want strict lock-down enforcement, Eyezy can feel stronger

PROS

• Best overall option for most families
• Strong long-term usability

CONS

• Not the strictest “power enforcement” blocker

Try Bark: Get Bark

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Eyezy Website Blocker (best for strict filtering & enforcement)

Description

Eyezy is the best pick when you need strict website blocking—not just “gentle filtering.” It’s a better fit when your kid pushes boundaries hard and you want stronger control-style enforcement.

Product highlights

• Strong website blocking focus
• Better fit for bypass-prone situations
• Works well as the “strict option” in a comparison shortlist

What’s to like

• More enforcement-oriented than softer family tools
• Great when you need clear “blocked means blocked” behavior

What’s not to like

• Can feel heavier than “simple filters” solutions
• iPhone behavior can be more method-dependent—test early

PROS

• Best strict website blocking option
• Strong for techy kids / bypass attempts

CONS

• More of a “suite” feel than lightweight blockers

Try Eyezy: Website Blocker · Setup guide

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Parentaler Web Filtering (simple filters for non-techy parents)

Description

Parentaler is a practical choice when you want web filtering without a complex dashboard. It’s best for families where “simple rules + simple filters” is enough—and you mainly want to reduce exposure to inappropriate websites.

Product highlights

• Simple web filtering options for Android and iPhone
• Lower settings fatigue (non-techy parent friendly)
• Good starter choice for basic website blocking

What’s to like

• Quick setup compared to suite-style tools
• Easy to maintain if your child isn’t aggressively bypassing

What’s not to like

• Not the strictest enforcement tool (Eyezy is stronger when kids fight rules)
• Bypass resistance depends on correct setup + consistency

PROS

• Best “simple filters” pick
• Good for non-techy parents

CONS

• May be too light for techy kids

Try Parentaler: Android · iPhone · Read the full review

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mSpy Porn Blocker (focused adult-site blocking)

Description

mSpy’s Porn Blocker is a more focused “reduce adult content exposure” option. It’s best used as part of a broader routine system (screen time schedules + conversations), not as a standalone solution for every type of website distraction.

Product highlights

• Adult-site blocking focus
• Works well as an extra layer for risky browsing reduction
• Pairs nicely with routine-based parenting

What’s to like

• Clear, focused use-case
• Good “extra layer” for families worried about exposure

What’s not to like

• Not the most complete category blocker for everything
• Still requires good routines and device rules to reduce bypassing

PROS

• Strong adult-content filtering focus
• Simple “add-on” protection layer

CONS

• Not a full “family rules” ecosystem

Try mSpy Porn Blocker: Get it here · Read the web blocking review

Legal notes

Use website blocking and parental control tools only on devices you own, devices you manage (for example, your child’s phone under your care), or where you have clear consent. Monitoring or controlling someone else’s device without permission can be illegal.

Practical overview: legal phone tracking: what’s allowed and what’s not.

FAQ

What’s the best website blocker app for kids?

For most families, Bark is the best overall choice because it combines safety with routines parents can maintain. If you need stricter enforcement, Eyezy is a stronger “strict blocker” option.

Are website blockers better on Android or iPhone?

Android is usually more flexible for strict enforcement. On iPhone, web filtering can be more method-dependent, so it’s important to test early and keep the system simple.

How do kids bypass website blockers?

The most common bypass methods are installing a new browser, using a VPN, enabling private/secure DNS, and using in-app browsers (opening links inside social apps). Testing these in the first week helps you close obvious loopholes.

Should I block websites or use screen time schedules?

For most families, the best results come from combining both: web filtering to reduce exposure and schedules (downtime/homework windows) to reduce late-night scrolling and distraction habits.

Can I block adult websites only?

Yes. If your goal is mainly adult-site exposure reduction, a focused option like mSpy Porn Blocker can work well—especially when paired with consistent device rules and routines.

Is it legal to use a website blocking app on my child’s phone?

Rules vary by country, but parents commonly manage a minor child’s device they own or administer. Using these tools on other adults or devices you don’t control without consent can be illegal.