Vigiloo or free tools : which one really protects your children?
Surfie, WhatsApp and Google Family Link help limit screen time and filter the web. But none of them is designed to spot bullying, a suspicious contact or shocking content received privately. Here is the full comparison to make an informed choice.
Four solutions, four approaches
€2 /month · or €20/year
Contextual risk detection on the main platforms, alerts with advice, without reading messages. 2 months free.
Surfie
€0 Free subscribers
Web filtering, screen time, location. Replaces McAfee Safe Family for Free (French operator) customers since 1 September 2026.
Supervised WhatsApp
€0
For under-13s: the parent chooses contacts and groups. Only protects WhatsApp.
Family Link
€0
Screen time, app approval, Chrome filtering. The child’s device must run Android or ChromeOS.
The detailed comparison
Scroll the table horizontally →
| Criterion | Vigiloo | Surfie | Supervised WhatsApp | Family Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Access & compatibility | ||||
| Price | €2/month€20/year, 2 months free, no card required | Free with conditionsOnly for Freebox / Free Mobile subscribers | Free | Free |
| Child’s devices | Android, iOS, computerOne parent account for the whole household | Android, iOS, Windows | WhatsApp appSet up with both phones + QR code | Android, ChromebookCannot supervise a child’s iPhone |
| Age range covered | 6 to 18 yearsProfiles 6‑11, 12‑14, 15‑18 | Depending on age template | Under 13Nothing specific for teens | Mainly under 13Can be extended with the teen’s agreement |
| Managing usage | ||||
| Screen time | Tracking per app / networkDaily and weekly | Limits + remote pause | No | Limits + bedtimeCounted per device, not overall |
| Web filtering | Dangerous site alerts | Categories + lists | No | Chrome only“Best effort”, can be bypassed |
| Location | Real time + historyOnly if the parent turns it on | Position + zones | No | Yes |
| Detecting risks | ||||
| Bullying, predators, risky interactions | Contextual AIAnalyses context, repetition and tone, not just keywords | Partial alertsSome social network uses | NoAlerts on contacts, not on content | No |
| Platforms covered by detection | Main messaging apps & social networks | Social networks (partial) | WhatsApp only | None |
| Shocking content received privately | Detected and flagged | Not documentedWeb-side filtering | No | No |
| Alerts with advice for parents | Real time + advice | Notifications | Contact additions / blocks | Approval requests |
| Digital wellbeing | Weekly mood report | No | No | No |
| Trust & privacy | ||||
| Respect for the child’s privacy | Messages never shownThe parent gets the type of risk, not the content | Activity monitoring | Encryption kept | Activity visible |
| Compliance | GDPR + AI ActEncrypted data | GDPR | GDPR | GDPR |
Sources (checked in October 2026, in French): Vigiloo pricing · Surfie / Free: Degrouptest, Univers Freebox · WhatsApp: Blog du Modérateur (March 2026, gradual rollout) · Family Link: Google Help, StarryHope.
Key takeaways
Free tools: “how long and where?”
- Family Link is very solid for limiting screen time and approving apps, as long as the child has an Android device.
- Surfie is a good base for filtering and location, but it is only free for Free customers.
- Supervised WhatsApp secures younger children’s contact list, on a single app.
Vigiloo: “is my child OK?”
- It detects what filters miss: bullying taking hold, an overly insistent adult, shocking content received privately.
- It covers all platforms at once, on Android and iPhone alike.
- It protects without spying: you are alerted to the risk, not to the conversations.
- It is complementary: keep Family Link for screen time, add Vigiloo for detection.
Request a demo
Vigiloo is here for you. In a few clicks, request a free demo and see how our tool can help you detect risks and protect children online, while respecting their digital freedom.
