Comparison
Kivvie vs Kidslox: device-wide controls or a whitelist YouTube player?
Kidslox is a cross-platform parental control app: it locks devices, sets schedules and daily limits, filters the web, and for YouTube can lock Restricted Mode, show watch history and alert on concerning searches. Kivvie doesn't manage the device; it gives children a YouTube player that shows only the channels and playlist videos you add. Pick Kidslox for whole-device rules, Kivvie for what plays on YouTube, or use both.
Reviewed 19 October 2026. Kivvie is our product, so this comparison has a commercial point of view.
We checked the first-party product information below and Kivvie's current app behaviour. Features and prices can change. Read our comparison process.
Short answer
Choose Kidslox if you need bedtime locks, homework schedules, app blocking or location, or mainly want to see YouTube history and get alerts. Choose Kivvie if you want to decide which channels and videos exist for your child, without the Shorts feed. Many families can use both: Kidslox for device time and app rules, Kivvie as the YouTube player.
Kidslox is best for
Parents who want remote lock, schedules, app blocking, web filtering and location across iOS and Android devices.
Kivvie is best for
Families who want YouTube without the standard feed, the Shorts feed or comments, limited to channels they approved and playlist videos they picked.
| Feature | Kidslox | Kivvie |
|---|---|---|
| Main job | Device-wide parental controls: Lock Mode, Child modes, schedules, daily limits, app blocking, web filtering and location. | Whitelist-only YouTube viewing. |
| YouTube approach | Locks YouTube Restricted Mode, shows videos and Shorts watched, alerts on concerning YouTube searches, and can block or schedule the YouTube app. | Only the channels and playlist videos you add. |
| Timing | History and alerts after viewing, plus blocking and schedules. | Preventive: unapproved channels never appear in the child app. |
| Shorts | Shows Shorts in YouTube watch history. | Shorts feed left out of the child app. |
| How it works | MDM profile on iOS, with some features needing a desktop "Advanced features" setup. Administrator privileges on Android. | Installs as a normal app; child device paired with a setup code. |
| Devices | iOS and Android, managed from the app or a web browser. Family plan covers up to 10 devices. | iOS and Android child apps, web parent dashboard. |
| Price | Basic $49.99/year (1 device), Family $79.99/year (up to 10 devices), with a 3-day free trial. As listed on their site, checked October 2026. Prices vary by country and can change. | See pricing |
Where Kivvie fits
Kivvie is not trying to replace every parental control tool. It is a focused YouTube safety layer. Parents use Kivvie when they want access to useful YouTube channels without giving children the standard YouTube feed.
The whitelist model is simple: no channel appears until a parent approves it, so unknown creators stay out. Shorts stay out of channel feeds and search; parents can add any video to a playlist.
Related reading
Kivvie vs Qustodio
Compare device-wide monitoring and limits with whitelist-only YouTube.
Kivvie vs Net Nanny
Compare broad filtering with approved-channel-only viewing.
Kivvie vs Bark
Compare alert-based monitoring with preventive YouTube curation.
Kivvie vs YouTube Restricted Mode
Compare mature-content filtering with approved-channel-only viewing.
Kivvie vs Pinwheel
Compare a managed kids phone with a whitelist YouTube app.
Frequently asked questions
Can Kidslox block YouTube?
Yes. Kidslox says parents can block the YouTube app, schedule access and lock Restricted Mode.
Does Kidslox show what my child watches on YouTube?
Kidslox says it shows videos and Shorts watched and alerts on concerning searches. It doesn't limit YouTube to channels you choose.
Can I use Kidslox and Kivvie together?
Yes. Kidslox works at the device level and Kivvie at the content level, so they cover different jobs. Use Kidslox for schedules and app blocking, for example to block the standard YouTube app, and Kivvie for approved YouTube channels and playlist videos.
Does Kivvie set screen time limits?
No. Kivvie controls content. Use Kidslox, Apple Screen Time or Google Family Link for time.
Try whitelist-only YouTube
Set up Kivvie in about 2 minutes. Approve channels, install the child app, and keep the standard YouTube feed out of the picture.
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