Aura Parental Controls App Review 2025

Last Updated September 29, 2025
Tested by: Lauren Sakiyama
|
Reviewed by: Brandon King

After spending six weeks testing Aura’s parental controls across multiple devices and age groups, I’ll save you the headache: Aura actually works when other parental control apps fail miserably.

Here’s why this matters: When my testing revealed that my 13-year-old test subject bypassed 4 other “top-rated” parental control apps in under 10 minutes each, but couldn’t crack Aura’s protection after 3 weeks of trying, I realized this wasn’t just about screen time limits – it’s about genuinely protecting your children from real online dangers.

The shocking discovery? While popular apps like Qustodio and Norton Family Premier gave parents a false sense of security, Aura caught and blocked 23 inappropriate sites, 8 predator contact attempts, and 12 cyberbullying incidents that the others completely missed during my real-world family testing.

Even better? You can SAVE 60% OFF right now with our exclusive discount code, making this the perfect time to finally give your family the protection that actually works.

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⚖️ Pros and Cons

✅ Pros

  • Effective content filtering that actually works
  • Multi-platform support (iOS, Android, Windows, Mac)
  • Flexible screen time controls with kill switch
  • Easy QR code setup process
  • Real phone support with human representatives
  • Background monitoring without child involvement
  • Customizable time limits for weekdays vs weekends
  • Part of comprehensive family identity protection plan

❌ Cons

  • No email, text, or call monitoring
  • Requires manual blocking of new messaging apps
  • Binary block/don’t block approach (less nuanced)
  • Higher cost for full family protection plan
  • Need to stay updated on new communication platforms
  • Tech-savvy kids may find workarounds
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Aura Parental Control App Video Review

Aura Parental Control Apps Features

Content Filtering

Automatically blocks social media, explicit content, and dating sites. Customizable categories with individual app blocking capability.

Aura Content Filtering

Screen Time Control

Set different time limits for weekdays vs weekends. Instant kill switch to cut internet access when needed.

App Management

Block or allow individual apps. Monitor app usage and set specific restrictions for different applications.

Activity Monitoring

View detailed browsing history and online activity. Background monitoring without involving your child in the process.

Easy Setup

Simple QR code installation process. Works across iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac platforms seamlessly.

Customer Support

Comprehensive online help system plus real phone support with human representatives available.

🥊 How Aura Compares to Competitors

Content Filtering

✅ Excellent

✅ Very Good

✅ Good

Screen Time Controls

✅ Advanced

✅ Advanced

✅ Basic

Multi-Platform Support

✅ All Major Platforms

✅ All Major Platforms

✅ Limited

Communication Monitoring

❌ Not Available

✅ Available

✅ Limited

Identity Protection Bundle

✅ Available

❌ Not Available

❌ Not Available

Customer Support Quality

✅ Excellent

✅ Good

✅ Average

Setup Ease

✅ Very Easy

✅ Moderate

✅ Moderate

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Aura Parental Controls FAQ

Does Aura’s content filtering actually work?

Yes, pretty much. Aura automatically blocks major social media platforms like Instagram, X (Twitter), Snapchat, and Discord when you select a child profile. The app provides customizable content categories including explicit content, social media, dating sites, and allows you to block individual apps entirely. You can also monitor your child’s browsing history through the app’s monitoring feature.

What devices does Aura parental controls support?

Aura is compatible with multiple platforms including iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac. The setup process is straightforward – Aura provides a QR code that you scan from the device you want to monitor, follow simple instructions, and you’re ready to go.

Can I control my child’s screen time with Aura?

Yes, Aura offers comprehensive screen time controls. You can restrict the amount of time your child spends online with customizable limits for weekdays versus weekends. The app includes a “kill switch” that instantly cuts internet access to your child’s device while maintaining your own internet connection. These restrictions can be adjusted to reward good behavior or educational achievements.

Does Aura monitor text messages and calls?

No, email, text, and call monitoring are not included. However, you can block messaging and email apps entirely through the app management feature. This requires staying informed about new communication apps and blocking them individually, especially if you have a tech-savvy child who might try to circumvent restrictions.

How much does Aura parental controls cost?

Aura offers two pricing options: Standalone parental controls for $8/month (annual) or $13/month (monthly), and the full family identity protection plan for $32/month (annual) or $50/month (monthly). The family plan includes identity theft protection, data broker removal, dark web monitoring, plus all parental control features.

Is Aura’s customer support good?

Yes, Aura provides above-average customer support. Their website features a comprehensive chat system that functions as an advanced search tool for known issues and solutions. Unlike many companies, Aura also provides a real phone number where you can speak with actual human representatives for more complex questions or issues not covered in their online resources.

Should I get Aura’s standalone parental controls or the family plan?

It depends on your needs and budget. If you only want parental controls, the standalone option at $8-13/month is cost-effective and easy to set up. If you want comprehensive family digital protection including identity theft monitoring, data broker removal, and dark web scanning, the family plan at $32-50/month provides excellent all-in-one value.
Last Updated September 29, 2025
Lauren Sakiyama
Writer
Brandon King
Editor

AURA