Gardion
What to use when Family Link does not cover the computer
Family Link is free and does its job on Android. It stops in one place: it does not manage a Windows computer at all. Below is what follows from that — and when you should not switch.
Try for freeWhat each one does
| Feature | Family Link | Gardion |
|---|---|---|
| Android phone and tablet | yes, free | yes |
| Windows computer | no | yes |
| Child’s iPhone or iPad | no | no |
| Daily limit per app | yes, on Android | yes, on Android and Windows |
| Break with a warm-up | no | yes, at intervals you set |
| Tasks, stars and rewards | no | yes, on Premium |
| VPN protection for the web filter | no | yes, on Windows and Android |
| Reading messages | no | no — and never will |
| Price | free | Free plan for one Windows PC; 14 days free with every feature, no card needed, then from $25 a year |
Family Link data comes from its official pages, as of July 2026.
What Gardion adds
The computer. Daily limits, schedules and game blocking on Windows 10 and 11 — where Family Link does not work at all. More on the PC controls page.
A limit on one game. Not “an hour at the computer” but “forty minutes of Roblox”. Homework and drawing do not eat the limit. See how it works for Roblox.
Breaks with a warm-up. At an interval you set, the screen locks and the helper shows an exercise. The camera can count the moves right on the device. Family Link has nothing like this.
Tasks instead of bans. In Premium the child completes tasks, earns stars and trades them for time or a reward. It is the one part kids actually like.
When you should stay on Family Link
It is free, and in four cases there is no point swapping it for Gardion.
- Your child only has Android, and there is no computer or it is the family one.
- A single daily limit and bedtime are enough.
- You do not want to pay, and the free option covers you.
- Your child has an iPhone. We do not support it, and neither does Family Link — only Apple Screen Time will help.
Common questions
Can I use Family Link and Gardion together?
Yes. Keep Family Link on Android and put Gardion on the computer. Nothing needs to be removed, they do not conflict.
Why does Family Link not work on a computer?
Family Link is built for Android and Chromebooks. It does not manage a Windows PC — that is the scope of the service, not a settings limitation.
What about Microsoft Family Safety?
The Microsoft family group limits screen time, sets limits on apps and games and filters websites in Edge. Microsoft does not list warm-up breaks or VPN protection among its features.
Will my child see that Gardion is installed?
Yes, deliberately. The child sees a helper on screen: minutes left, when the break is, a button to ask for more. We do not do hidden monitoring.
Add the computer to what you already have
14 days of full access, no card needed. Family Link stays where it is.
Try Gardion