The Best Parental Controlled Routers

We live in an age wherein the internet is part of millions of people’s lives. While we can enjoy everything it has to offer, we have to be extra protective when we let children use it on their own. Keeping kids entirely away from the internet nowadays is a challenging task. Like it or not, the web offers too much knowledge, tools, etc., that can help anyone with their daily tasks. Unfortunately, the internet is also full of adult content that’s way too easy to access.

If you’re a parent who’s worried about your child seeing something they shouldn’t, you can invest in a router with parental controls to solve the issue. Modern parental control routers don’t simply limit mature content. They provide you with tools to monitor and manage exactly how your child uses the web.

You won’t have to do the research because we already did the work for you. Here are some of the best routers with advanced parental controls available on the market in 2022. Parental control isn’t the only criterion we reviewed when creating the guide. All the devices on the list are routers meant to provide a fast and robust wireless signal at a wide range.

The Synology RT2600ac router delivers a potent Wi-Fi connection of up to a gigabit per second. A 1.7GHz dual-core processor and four external antennas ensure a wide coverage area of 3,000 square feet. While the included dual-WAN and layer seven hardware acceleration engine helps balance the load and support failovers.

The setup process is intuitive; the days of professional router installation are long gone. You can monitor the time spent by each family member on specific apps and sites via a mobile app. Available parental control tools include filtering to set time limits or block access entirely to specified websites and apps. This router is ideal for families with multiple kids since each family member has an individual customizable profile.

With a comprehensive VPN server, you can securely access any site, even ones unavailable in your area. Intrusion prevention, denial-of-service protection, and firewall management are built into the router to keep your data private. With a centralized multimedia hub, your router becomes an ultimate entertainment point. You can stream files from SD cards or USB storage connected to the router right to your Smart TV and stereo system. Finally, the router offers file-sharing and backup tools that automatically sync data across your devices.

Pros

• File sharing and backup
• Multimedia hub
• Built-in VPN and protection tools
• Individual profile for every family member
• Wide coverage range

Cons

• Pricey

Specification

• Price $179.99
• Frequency Band Class Dual-Band
• Wireless Communication Standard 802.11ac
• Frequency Bands Supported 2.4 GHz
• Data Transfer Rate 2.53 Gb per second

If you have a small home and prefer a mesh Wi-Fi system, you won’t be disappointed with the Amazon eero Pro 6 mesh Wi-Fi 6 router. It utilizes mesh Wi-Fi coverage technology to fight buffering and dead spots and works seamlessly with Alexa-enabled devices (sold separately). Those with several devices across different rooms in their home will love this router because it can connect to at least 75 devices. A single router has up to 2,000 square feet of coverage, but you can get a two-pack or three-pack if you live in a larger house.

While other routers are only dual-band routers, the eero Pro 6 has a tri-band system. It will work with any data provider and doesn’t require a professional setup. Download the Eero app on your iOS or Android phone, and it will walk you through the setup process in under 10 minutes. Automatic updates keep your Wi-Fi network secure, and an optimized signal doesn’t drop, no matter how far you are from the source.  

With this router, you can create Family Profiles, which allows you to pause internet access and create schedules for your family members. You’ll have to pay for an Eero Secure subscription for more advanced options like content filtering and reporting. You can also upgrade to Eero Secure+, which gets you access to apps like Encrypt.me, 1Password, and Malwarebytes.

Pros

• Sleek design
• Tri-band system
• Mesh technology for a stable connection
• Create Family Profiles
• Alexa compatible
• Connect 75+ devices

Cons

• You'll need to pay for a subscription for access to features like content filtering, activity insights, etc.
• Expensive

Specification

• Price $229
• Frequency Band Class Tri-Band
• Wireless Communication Standard 802.11ac
• Frequency Bands Supported 2.4, 5, and 6GHz
• Data Transfer Rate N/A

Asus is known to produce excellent computer gear, and this Wi-Fi router is no exception. It’s the Asus AX6000 Wi-Fi 6 Gaming Router, and it’s ideal for multiplayer games and video streaming because it’s engineered to deliver buffer and lag-free dual-band gigabit internet connection. This router was designed for people with devices that may demand a lot of wireless power. It promises enhanced throughput and efficiency, reaching speeds of up to 6000 Mbps on its 2.4Ghz band and about 4,804 Mbps on its 5GHz band.

You can rest assured that it will give your excellent coverage because it comes with four antennas. For those who want the best connection possible, you can connect your device to one of its eight LAN ports. Powered by Trend Micro, the router’s AiProtection Pro capabilities ensure you’re safe from any security threats. The Asus AX6000 is compatible with mesh systems like the Asus AiMesh Wi-Fi system.

Its parental controls aren’t the most flexible on the market, but you’ll still get to restrict access and set time limits/schedules. You’ll have control over what websites, apps, and services your children won’t be able to open. Like most modern routers, the Asus AX6000 is compatible with Amazon’s Alexa voice assistant.

Pros

• Compatible with Alexa voice assistant
• 8 LAN ports
• AiProtection Pro
• Tailored for gaming
• 4x4 dual-band Wi-Fi
• Parental controls are free of charge

Cons

• Pricey
• Can't set up individual user profiles

Specification

• Price $278.73
• Frequency Band Class Dual-Band
• Wireless Communication Standard 802.11n, 802.11ax, 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11ac
• Frequency Bands Supported 5 GHz
• Data Transfer Rate 6000 Mb per second

The TP-Link Deco Mesh M5 Wi-Fi router utilizes mesh coverage technology to provide a stable internet connection, even at lengthy distances. You can roam from room to room, and the Wi-Fi signal adjusts seamlessly instead of dropping like previous-generation routers.

The setup process is relatively simple; most users can do it themselves without needing professional help. With this router, you can adjust the settings, including parental controls and guest network, via the native TP-Lin Deco app, available for iOS and Android. Plus, the router looks elegant, featuring a flat round shape and snow-white color without unnecessary design elements.

The TP-Link Deo Mesh supports up to 45 devices simultaneously, with approximately 2,000 square feet of coverage. That’s enough to provide a connection to the entire family or when you host parties at home and expect several guests to connect to your Wi-Fi. There’s no need for PC antivirus with this router, too, since it already has a built-in antivirus to keep your data safe and private.

Parental control allows you to monitor your child’s time on certain websites and limit their use. Each family member has a customizable profile, which is handy for families with children of different ages. You can block specific apps or sites entirely or set time limits. You can also prioritize specific devices and applications for faster performance.

Pros

• Large coverage area
• Connect up to 45 devices simultaneously
• Individual profiles for all family members
• Built-in antivirus
• Sleek design
• Works with Alexa

Cons

• Not possible to have different network IDs for 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz Wi-Fi frequencies
• WPS can't be disabled

Specification

• Price $54.99
• Frequency Band Class Dual-Band
• Wireless Communication Standard 802.11a
• Frequency Bands Supported 2.4 GHz- 5 GHz
• Data Transfer Rate 1300 Mb per second

The TP-Link AC1750 (Archer A7) is a dual-band smart Wi-Fi router capable of providing a gigabit internet connection, depending on your data provider, area, and availability. There are four WLAN gigabit ports and three external antennas, and you can expect it to provide excellent Wi-Fi coverage for up to 2,500 square feet. With the help of a powerful CPU and bandwidth prioritization, TP-Link AC1750 supports up to 50 devices simultaneously.

The router delivers a buffer-free, stable connection ideal for streaming and gaming. Compatible with the Alexa voice assistant, this router can be controlled using your voice. You can access advanced settings via the native TP-Link mobile app, available for iOS and Android, and no professional setup is required. You can set security, guest access, and parental control settings from your phone in minutes. Additionally, the router features WPA2 encryption to keep your data safe. The router’s body has a set of LED indicators with essential information.

Pros

• Connect up to 50 devices
• Three antennas for a more comprehensive Wi-Fi range
• Gigabit speed
• Compatible with Alexa voice assistant
• Easy setup

Cons

• No built-in antivirus
• The Wi-Fi range isn't specified

Specification

• Price $53.99
• Frequency Band Class Dual-Band
• Wireless Communication Standard 802.11n, 802.11b, 802.11ac, 802.11g
• Frequency Bands Supported 5 GHz
• Data Transfer Rate 1750 Mb per second

The Netgear Nighthawk R7000 Smart Wi-Fi Router delivers up to a gigabit of internet power through four Ethernet ports, but the wireless signal is limited to 1900 megabits per second. With a powerful CPU and three external antennas, it ensures a reliable signal up to 1,800 square feet away from the source.

The router can connect to 30 devices simultaneously without drop-offs and buffering. Thus, a single router is enough to ensure a stable connection throughout the entire house and maybe even outdoors. To set up the router, you need the mobile app to guide you through the process. Just connect your Ethernet cable to the router, launch the mobile app, wait for five minutes, and connect your devices wirelessly. The router supports the Amazon Alexa voice assistant, too. With its help, you can tell the router to turn on or off from any spot in your home.

Advanced settings are available through Netgear’s native mobile app as well. For example, it collects detailed data about your kids’ time online and enables you to limit or block specific sites and apps. You can set custom schedules for every connected device and user in your family, a handy function not only for parental control but also for managing your own productivity.

Unfortunately, you’ll have to pay a monthly or yearly subscription to get access to the Netgear Smart Parental Controls. You can even get added security from Netgear Armor, which is powered by BitDefender, but you’ll also have to pay for it. You won’t have to avail their premium subscriptions blind-sided because the company offers potential customers a 30-day free trial.

Pros

• Easy setup
• Gigabit connection
• Custom schedules for every family member
• Compatible with Alexa

Cons

• Netgear Armor and Smart Parental Controls aren't free

Specification

• Price $69.99
• Frequency Band Class Dual-Band
• Wireless Communication Standard 802.11a/b/g/n/ac
• Frequency Bands Supported 5 GHz
• Data Transfer Rate 600-1300 mbps