Bark Phone Review 2024: Before You Buy, Is It Worth It?
Reading time: 23 min
Updated on Sep 8, 2024
-
Written By Shauli Zacks Tech Writer
Bark Phone Overview
When I saw the ads about Bark phone, I wasn’t sure what added benefit it would add to me over the regular app. I needed to test it and see whether the features were better and more powerful or if this was just a marketing gimmick to entice parents to buy a “safe phone” for their kids.
The first thing I liked was the phone itself. Instead of using a cheap Android model or a clunky “kids’ phone,” the Bark phone is a Samsung Galaxy A13. It was important to my son that the phone doesn’t look like a kid’s phone that he’d be embarrassed to carry around.
In addition, the Bark Phone comes with built-in parental controls, such as a comprehensive web filter, location tracking, social media monitoring, screen time limits, and more. When comparing it to the regular Bark parental control app, this is easier to set up, upgrade some of the features, and block any uninstallation techniques.
My conclusion: The Bark phone is an excellent value for the money. Your child will be happy that they get a premium smartphone, and you’ll enjoy the powerful parental control features that your child can’t bypass. The only downside is that you can’t connect the phone to your phone carrier, it only works with Bark Wireless, but on the bright side, there is no additional charge for the phone. Currently, the Bark Phone is only available in the US.
Don’t Have Time? Here’s a Short Summary (1-Minute Read)
- Unlimited access to Bark Premium: Not only does the Bark app come preconfigured on the phone, but you can download the app and use it on all your other supported devices to monitor the entire family. Read about the Bark Premium features here.
- Automatically monitors your child’s social media: As soon as your child logs into a social media app or web browser, Bark starts monitoring it for all types of inappropriate content, harmful conversations, and more. Learn all about social media monitoring here.
- Real time alerts for inappropriate text messages: Text messages that trigger the filter are uploaded to the parental dashboard. Unlike other parental apps and phones, your child won’t be able to delete any text messages. See how text message monitoring works.
- Precision location tracking: See exactly where your child is 24/7 with real time updates and set up geofences to get alerts when they come or go from specific locations. See the different location tracking features here.
- Tamper Proof: The child has no way to circumvent the parental control rules, download apps that can bypass screen time rules, or hide inappropriate content. Find out more here.
- Only available in the US: The Bark Phone needs to be connected to the Bark Wireless network. Check out the coverage map below to see if it’s available in your area.
Features
The Bark Phone has everything I want from a parental control tool. It has a powerful web filter, monitors app usage, and keeps me updated with whom my child is interacting with online. The screen time tools are great for creating a daily routine, and I can always lock the phone or specific apps if needed.
Here’s a quick summary of the Bark Phone’s features:
Bark Phone Features – Updated in 2024
| Best Price | $49 a month |
| Free Trial | No – But the Bark app has a 7 day free trial |
| Web Filter | Yes – 17 categories |
| Screen Time Management | Yes |
| Location Tracking | Yes |
| Geofence | Yes |
| Call and SMS Monitoring | Yes |
| App Management | Yes |
| SOS Button | Yes |
| Customer Service | Live chat, schedule phone calls, email, and detailed FAQ section. |
| Platforms | The app comes installed on a Samsung A13 phone. Bark app also works with iOS, PC, macOS, Amazon Fire, and Chromebook.Platform |
Parental Control Features Come Preinstalled on the Bark
The Bark Phone is a Samsung A13 Android smartphone. It has everything a child needs in a phone, high quality camera, enough storage space for downloading apps, and it doesn’t look like a monitored phone.
Bark Phone is a sleek Samsung phone
From a parent’s perspective, it has integrated parental control features, which I discovered made it easier for me to set rules, and monitor my child’s online activities. The phone is powered by the Bark Premium app, which is one of the top parental control apps for monitoring social media and focusing on teen health issues and safety.
The Bark Premium app has the following features:
Social Media Monitoring: Bark connects with over 30 social media networks, email providers, and SMS messages sent on the phone. It scans the content and images for dangerous, harmful, or inappropriate content, such as cyberbullying, violence, self-harm, drugs and alcohol, and more. If the filter is triggered, it takes a screenshot and uploads it to the parental dashboard.
Web filter with 17 categories: The web filter uses AI to scan and categorize every website before it opens instantly. It looks at the content on the page, the images, metadata, ads, and more to determine whether it’s appropriate. I was able to enable or block any web category and create a list of URLs that I didn’t want my son to be able to view.
Set Screen Time Routines: Create a daily screen time schedule. In addition to specifying when my son can use his phone, I can control which apps and website categories are available at different times throughout the day. For example, I can block social media apps during school, allow music apps at night, and set an hour or two a day with unlimited access.
Request a Location Check-In: There is a Check-In button that my son can click from the Bark app. It sends me his live location, and a quick link to get directions.
Detailed Reporting: I can log into the parental dashboard from my phone or computer and get a complete overview of what my son is doing on his phone, including which apps he uses, websites he visits, and total screen time. The “alerts” section centralizes all the different alerts, which is convenient. I don’t have to go to each section and see what alerts were triggered from the filter, check-in, or social media behavior.
Monitoring Features Can’t be Uninstalled or Bypassed
The Bark Phone is a powerful tool for monitoring my son’s phone habits and setting rules that couldn’t be bypassed. It’s installed on Samsung A13, has an excellent camera, plenty of memory, and most importantly, my son’s friends have no idea that it’s from Bark, which I know my son appreciates.
Automatically Monitors Social Media Networks
One of the main drawbacks of the Bark Premium app is that while it monitors over 30 social media networks, I had to log into each of my son’s accounts and connect it with Bark. It was a lengthy process, and I had to trust that my son logged into all the accounts, and didn’t set up secondary or even fake accounts for Bark to monitor.
The Bark Phone is much simpler. If my son logs into a social media network on his phone, it automatically starts monitoring it, and I don’t need to do anything. Now, I can get real time alerts whenever there are posts, pictures, comments, messages, and videos that trigger the web filter.
Advanced SMS Monitoring
I was impressed with the enhanced SMS monitoring that is available with the Bark Phone. Before a message is displayed, Bark scans it to determine whether it’s appropriate or safe. If there is an issue, Bark sends me a real time alert. Here’s where it gets even better, kids can’t delete sent or received SMS or text messages from their phones. So, when I get an alert, there is no room for denial or trying to hide the entire text thread.
Another benefit of the phone is I can block with whom my son can interact. If he’s getting inappropriate pictures sent to him or being cyberbullied by a classmate, I simply block that contact. This way, I know that my son won’t be involved in a dangerous or inappropriate situation, and I’m aware of what is going on as it happens, and I can take action if needed.
Comprehensive App Monitoring
The Bark Phone takes app monitoring to a whole new level. Unlike other parental control apps, I can allow or block any app, create screen time rules for individual apps, and get reports on app usage.
The Bark Phone gives me complete control over all apps. I have to give final approval on all app downloads (I can disable this feature if I don’t think it’s necessary).
Approve which apps can be used on the phone
Once an app is downloaded to the Bark Phone, I can enforce time limits. I like this feature for apps like YouTube or Netflix, since my son can watch for hours without even realizing how long he’s been watching. I can also block an app completely if I decide he needs a break from the app for a day or two.
24/7 Real Time Location Tracking
My biggest complaint about the Bark Premium app has always been the lack of real-time location tracking. It has a Check-In button and a geofence, which allow me to have some idea of where my child was but I didn’t have the option to see where my son was, without alerting him that I was checking in.
The Bark Phone fixes that problem. It connects with the phone’s GPS and gives a precision location, down to a few feet. This is an excellent upgrade and makes it easier for me to give my son more freedom when he wants to go out with friends. It gives me peace of mind knowing I can check his location at any time without bothering him.
Manage Who Your Child Can Interact With
Another major upgrade that comes with the phone is the ability to block specific contacts, numbers, or unknown numbers. I can go through his contacts, call logs, and SMS logs and block or allow anyone.
Manage who your child can interact with
What I really like about this feature is I can block any number not on the contact list, so I don’t have to worry about my son memorizing a number and calling it. For example, if there is someone bullying my kid, and the number isn’t saved on the phone, I can still block them from interacting.
There is No Way to Get Around the Rules or Monitoring Features
The Bark Phone is tamper-proof. The methods and hacks that work for other apps, such as using an unknown browser, downloading a VPN, or deleting and reinstalling apps to remove the rules, don’t work here.
The phone settings are password protected as well, which means my son can’t disable the GPS to bypass the tracking or change the time, so the screen time routine is always stuck on free time. Even if my son were to factory reset the phone, Bark Premium would still be installed on the Bark Phone and logged into my account when the device reboots.
Installation
One of the perks of getting the Bark Phone is that there is nothing to install. Bark Premium comes preinstalled on the phone, so all I needed to do was boot up the device and log in to my account (which I registered when I purchased the phone).
Currently, the phone is only available in the USA, and is only recommended in locations that have coverage for their wireless provider. You can check your address on the Coverage Map located on the Bark Phone website to see if the phone is supported in your area.
Most of the US has coverage for the Bark Phone
If your address is compatible, you’ll see the type of cell service coverage that you would receive. Most people in the US are covered with 4G LTE.
The 4G LTE coverage is great for fast downloads times and high-quality streaming
Along with the Samsung Bark Phone, you will receive:
- USB – C charging cord
- Unlimited talk and text
- Data plan
- Protective case
- Bark Premium app that you can use on unlimited devices
Installing Bark Premium on Other Devices
If you have more devices that you want to monitor, you can download and install the Bark app at no additional cost. While it is available on iTunes, if your child has an Android, you will need to go to bark.us/android and download the file on the child’s device.
The official Bark app isn’t available in the Play Store
If you haven’t done so already, the Android operating system will ask you to allow the installation of an unknown app from an unknown source. After you enable these settings, the file will download to the phone. Then, press the install button, and the app will install and open like any other app.
Bark also has browser extensions for Chrome and Edge that you can install via their extension stores.
Cell Service and Phone Number Included
There is no need to contact your cell phone provider or order a SIM for the Bark Phone. It comes connected to the Bark Wireless Network, which includes unlimited talk and text. When I was initially setting up the phone, it automatically assigned my son a phone number, with a local area code. However, if your child already has a phone and you’re replacing it with the Bark Phone, there is the option to use your existing number.
To transfer a phone number, follow these steps:
- Don’t cancel the other cell phone account until after the number is transferred.
- Send the carrier’s name (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, etc.), your phone number, account number, and a PIN to customer support.
- The Bark team will transfer the number and let you know when it’s ready.
- Cancel your old account.
Ease of Use
Bark was already one of the easiest parental control apps I’ve used before I tried the Bark Phone. The dashboard has four main sections, each with information and rules for managing the child’s device. During the initial setup process, there is a checklist of items to do to ensure nothing gets forgotten.
The checklist helps make sure the Bark Phone is set up properly
I like how easy Bark makes it for me to see the information I need. Whenever there is a new alert, I get a notification on my phone, and there’s a link on the top of the dashboard that shows me how many alerts there are. When I click through, there is a detailed description of each alert, and I have the option to change the sensitivity settings or turn off notifications for specific apps or groups.
I can see the message that triggered the alert, and I have the option to turn off alerts for this group
For example, my son is in a sports WhatsApp group, which triggers gambling alerts. Since I know that there is no gambling taking place, I turned off alerts for this specific group.
I can make adjustments to the web filters, screen time routine, and view the live location from the dashboard, from anywhere.
When it comes to connecting to my son’s social media account, the Bark Phone couldn’t be easier to use. It removed the time-consuming process of the Bark Premium app, where I needed to sit my son and log into each account. Instead, the Bark Phone automatically connects to each account as the child logs in. Another benefit is that I don’t have to worry about connecting to fake or unused accounts. If it’s on the phone, Bark Phone will monitor it and send me the relevant alerts.
Adjust the Rules as Your Child Gets Older
One of the fears I had when ordering the Bark Phone was what would happen as my child gets older. I’ve seen other “Kid Phones” that have their rules and settings, with no option to make any adjustments. I quickly saw that my fears were unfounded, and all the settings and rules on the Bark Phone were fully customizable through the parental dashboard. I can easily adjust the screen time routine, unblock apps as my son gets older and more mature, and adjust the severity level of the web filter and social media monitoring.
Support
The Bark support team is available to help solve issues or answer any questions about the Bark Phone and Bark Premium app features. There are several ways to get the help you need.
The first thing I did when I had a question was go to the Bark website and ask my question to the automated chatbot. It asks a few clarifying questions, and then gives links to the relevant FAQ questions for instant answers.
If the Chatbot and FAQs don’t have the answers you need, you can request to chat with a real person or schedule a phone call at your convenience. You can also send a ticket to Bark, which is typically answered within one business day. It’s best to include as much information as possible for the best answer.
Another really helpful option is the video tutorials. These short clips go through the different features and give really clear explanations for setting up the rules, adjusting settings, and more.
Bark has helpful video tutorials
While I wasn’t that impressed with the chatbot, it’s a pretty standard first level of customer support. I was happy with the option to connect with a real person via live chat or schedule a phone. This is better than most of the parental control apps and phones that I’ve reviewed.
FAQ
Is Bark Phone free?
What is the difference between Bark app and the Bark Phone?
Can my child remove Bark from the Bark Phone?
Can I set screen time limits on the Bark Phone?
Bark Phone or the Bark App – Which Should You Choose?
The bottom line is that if you want to get the best parental control tool for monitoring your child, the Bark Phone is the better option. Not only does it come with the Bark App preinstalled, but it upgraded several features, making it more comprehensive and easier to use. Additionally, it includes a subscription to the Bark app, which you can install on all your other devices.
However, if pricing is a big issue for you, consider these options when making your decision.
Do you worry your child can uninstall or disable the Bark app?
If you have tech-savvy kids, and the answer is yes, then your only option is to get the Bark Phone. The parental control features are built into the device, and even a factory reset won’t disable them.
Do you need your child’s live location 24/7?
If you have a young child who doesn’t go out alone, then perhaps the location check-in and geofence tools are good enough. If you have a teenager, then you might prefer the peace of mind knowing you can check their live location at any time without asking them to check in.
Do you worry your child will delete inappropriate text messages?
While the Bark App will upload any text message that triggers the filter to the dashboard, it isn’t capable of preventing your child from deleting the message. On the other hand, the Bark Phone has measures in place that don’t allow for the deletion of a text message. So, not only will you see the text message in your dashboard, but you can also look at the original message to understand the context. I find this helpful because sometimes the filter will flag a message, but I’m not sure if it’s really bad, so seeing it in the context of the whole thread is important.
Do you live in the United States?
There are some minor features of the Bark app that don’t work outside of the US, such as getting notifications sent to your phone. However, the social media monitoring, web filter, screen time routine, and geofence, all work from anywhere. That isn’t the case with the Bark Phone, which needs access to the Bark Wireless Network in the US to work properly.
If you answered “Yes” to at least one of these questions, you’re better off going with the Bark Phone. It provides more powerful protection, unhackable rules, and your child will get a brand new Samsung A13 phone, which should make them happy.
Pricing
Bark Phone has a great value for the price. I received not only the Samsung A13 smartphone but also a wireless plan with unlimited talk and text. Additionally, a protective case was included in the package. What’s great is that the price covers a subscription to Bark Premium, which can be easily installed on all your devices.
There are 3 pricing options:
- Unlimited talk and text but no data, only Wi-Fi
- Unlimited talk and text with 4GB of monthly data
- Unlimited talk and text with 8 GB of monthly data
Bark Phone has a monthly plan; there are no contracts or long term commitments. The phone is covered with a one year warranty. While there is no free trial or money back guarantee for the phone, you can test Bark Premium free for 7 days and see if it’s a good fit for your family.
Bottom Line
The Bark Phone comes with powerful integrated parental control features that can’t be bypassed or hacked, and you can customize the rules as your child gets older. I had my doubts about the Bark Phone and thought it was just a gimmick, another way to sell the Bark Premium app. However, after testing it I saw that the Bark Phone takes the premium features from the Bark app and improves them. I like that they added real-time location tracking instead of only relying on check-ins, and better control over managing app downloads, and who my son chats with on social media or via text message.
I was very happy with the value I got for my monthly payments, a quality smartphone, unlimited talk and text, a data plan, and powerful parental controls and monitoring tools. You can try the Bark app free for 7 days to get a basic understanding of all the features and tools, and then decide if you want to take it to the next level with the Bark Phone.
