Compare / Qustodio
Cove vs Qustodio
Qustodio is a detailed screen time and filtering app that runs on almost every kind of device. Cove focuses on what kids can reach: search, YouTube, the websites they ask for, and AI chat. Here's where each one fits.
Side by side
Checked against Qustodio's own website in September 2026. Features marked experimental in Cove rely on outside services.
| What you need | Cove | Qustodio |
|---|---|---|
| Screen time and app limits | Internet schedulesChoose when each app can reach the internet, plus daily video minutes. Experimental. | DetailedDaily limits by day of the week, routines, per-app limits and a pause button. |
| YouTube | Video by videoKids watch from channels you approve, and each video is checked before it plays. | History and limitsShows videos watched and searches, and can block YouTube or limit its time. Qustodio says it can't block individual videos. |
| When a kid needs a blocked site | They ask, you approveYour kid says why they need it, and you approve from an email or with a code. | You change settingsParents set each site to allow or block. We couldn't find a way for kids to request a blocked site on Qustodio's pages. |
| Alerts about worrying activity | Searches, AI chat and messagesCrisis words in searches, CoveAI or messages from a paired device email you right away. | AI message alertsFlags bullying, self-harm and similar in WhatsApp and LINE, and in Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok and X on Android. |
| Calls and texts | Incoming textsIncoming texts on Android and iPhone, and on Android incoming messages from apps like WhatsApp and Discord. No call logs. Experimental. | YesCall logs and message text, including iMessage on iPhone after a one-time setup with a computer. |
| AI chatbots | A kid-safe AI chatCoveAI is off until you turn it on, follows your house rules, and you can read every conversation. Experimental. | Can block themParents can block the ChatGPT app or the whole category of AI apps and websites. |
| Kid-safe search | Built inFiltered search with shopping and junk removed, plus short answers. | Safe searchSafe search and web filtering are included, even on the free plan. |
| Devices | Phones, Chromebooks and PCsiPhone, Android, Chromebook and Windows. Experimental. | Nearly everythingAndroid, iPhone and iPad, Windows, Mac, Chromebook and Kindle Fire. |
| Location | OptionalFrom a paired device, only if you turn it on. Experimental. | YesA family map, saved places, and alerts when kids arrive or leave. |
| Price | Free in betaFree during the invite-only beta. | Free plan, then yearlyA free plan for one device. Basic is $59.95 a year and Complete is $104.95 a year on qustodio.com. |
Where Qustodio is the better fit
- You want detailed screen time: limits by day, per-app limits and routines.
- Your kids use a Mac, a Kindle Fire or several kinds of devices.
- You want to see call logs and message text, including on iPhone.
- You'd like a free plan for one device, available right now.
Where Cove is the better fit
- You want YouTube with each video checked, instead of all or nothing.
- Your kids need sites for school, and you'd rather approve a request from an email than change settings.
- You want kid-safe search and an AI chat you control, built in.
- You want one short email each night that names each kid and quotes what they searched.
Using Qustodio and Cove together
Qustodio can handle screen time and app limits while Cove handles search, YouTube, website requests and AI chat. A phone can only run one VPN at a time, so if both would filter the web, choose one of them to do the blocking.
Common questions
Is Cove a good Qustodio alternative?
It depends on what you need. Qustodio is strongest at screen time and app limits across many kinds of devices. Cove is strongest at what kids can reach: search, YouTube, websites they ask for, and AI chat. Some families use both.
Can Qustodio block individual YouTube videos?
Qustodio's own YouTube announcement says parents can see videos watched and searches, and block YouTube or limit its time, but can't block individual videos. Cove checks each video before it plays.
Is Qustodio free?
Qustodio has a free plan for one device with safe search, web filtering and 7-day reports. Its paid Basic and Complete plans are billed yearly.
How much does each one cost?
On qustodio.com, Basic is $59.95 a year and Complete is $104.95 a year. Cove is free during its invite-only beta.
Qustodio is a trademark of its owner. Cove isn't affiliated with or endorsed by Qustodio. What's written about Qustodio here comes from its public pages as of September 2026, and products change, so check their site for the latest.