The Blocker vs Net Nanny: The Original Web Filter vs the AI Generation
Net Nanny pioneered web filtering in the 1990s. The Blocker represents what parental controls look like in the AI era — no app to install, no router to configure, and filtering intelligence that understands your child's exact developmental stage.
Quick Verdict
Net Nanny is a capable, established parental control product with strong web filtering. The Blocker adds AI calibration, daily reports, and parental phone alerts — with no app required and free core protection. For families starting fresh, The Blocker is the modern choice.
| Feature | The Blocker | Net Nanny |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free forever (AI Edition $9.95/mo) | $39.99–$89.99/year |
| No app on child's device | DNS-only | Requires Net Nanny app on every device |
| AI-powered filtering | AgeGuard Intelligence | Rule-based filtering + some AI |
| Age-specific filtering | Exact DOB calibration | Age-based profiles |
| Daily parent reports | Morning Report + Daily 30 | Basic activity reports |
| Parental phone alerts | Charly calls on serious blocks | Email alerts only |
| Setup time | 60 seconds | 15–30 minutes per device |
| Free tier | 20 categories free forever | No free tier |
| Screen time scheduling | Not yet available | Available |
| No router changes | None required | None required |
| Works on all browsers | DNS filters all traffic | Browser-specific on some platforms |
What Net Nanny Does Well
Strengths
- 30+ years of web filtering experience
- Strong web filtering reputation
- Screen time scheduling
- App blocking controls
- Profanity masking feature
- Family feed (activity overview)
Weaknesses
- Requires app on every child device
- Annual pricing with no free tier
- iOS more limited than Android
- App visible and potentially bypassed
- No daily personalized reports
- No parental phone call alerts
Where The Blocker Wins
Net Nanny requires installing an app on every child device. The Blocker operates at the DNS level — there is nothing installed on your child's device, nothing they can see, and nothing they can argue about removing.
The Blocker's free tier covers 20 content categories permanently. Net Nanny has no free option. A family trying The Blocker risks nothing and gives up nothing — they simply gain immediate protection.
When a serious block occurs, Charly calls you. Net Nanny sends email alerts that most parents miss. The phone call is a feature parents consistently identify as one of The Blocker's most valued capabilities.
Bottom Line
Net Nanny is a proven product with a long track record. For parents who want traditional app-based filtering with screen time controls, it is a solid option. For parents who want modern AI-powered protection with no app installation and daily personalized reports, The Blocker is the superior choice.
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