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Parenting · head to head

Google Family Link vs Peanut

Google Family Link logo

Google Family Link

Parenting

Google's free family device management and controls

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Peanut logo

Peanut

Parenting

Connect with moms who get it

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Google Family Link google documents that iPhones, iPads and computers other than Chromebooks cannot be supervised with Family Link; Peanut peanut Plus prices are not published and are shown only inside the app, varying by country
  • They diverge on capability: Google Family Link covers Screen time management, Peanut covers Mom matching.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Google Family Link and Peanut actually diverge.

Attributes where Google Family Link and Peanut differ
AttributeGoogle Family LinkPeanut
Pricing modelfreefreemium
PlatformsAndroid, WebIos, Android
Founded20192017

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Parenting).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Google Family Link

  • Screen time management
  • App approval system
  • Device locking
  • Location tracking
  • Settings management
  • Password controls
  • Google Play filtering
  • Account monitoring

Only in Peanut

  • Mom matching
  • Group discussions
  • Direct messaging
  • Event planning
  • Expert Q&As
  • Fertility support
  • Pregnancy groups
  • Menopause community

Both cover

  • Cloud deployment
  • Android support
  • English language support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Google Family Link

  • Setting screen time limits and app approvals on a child's Android devicenot Peanut
  • Creating and managing a Google Account for a child under 13not Peanut
  • Seeing which apps a child uses and where their device isnot Peanut

Peanut

  • Meeting other mothers at a similar stage nearbynot Google Family Link
  • Joining support groups for newborn care, toddlers and related topicsnot Google Family Link
  • Asking parenting questions anonymously through incognito modenot Google Family Link

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Google Family Link

  • Google documents that iPhones, iPads and computers other than Chromebooks cannot be supervised with Family Link
  • Supervision is built around a Google Account, so activity outside Google accounts and Android devices is not covered
  • Parent controlled account creation applies to children under 13 or the applicable age in the country

Peanut

  • Peanut Plus prices are not published and are shown only inside the app, varying by country
  • Faster friend-finding requires the paid Peanut Plus subscription rather than the free swipe flow
  • All profiles must pass selfie verification before use

Pricing, plan by plan

Google Family Link

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Screen time limits
    • App approval
    • Device locking

Peanut

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Profile creation
    • Matching with moms
    • Group access
  • Peanut Plus$19.99/month
    • All Free features
    • Unlimited messaging
    • Advanced filters

Which should you pick?

Choose Google Family Link if

  • You need screen time management.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Android, Web.
  • You also want app approval system.
Google Family Link review

Choose Peanut if

  • You need mom matching.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Ios, Android.
  • You also want group discussions.
Peanut review

Questions people ask

Is Google Family Link or Peanut better?
Neither clearly leads. Google Family Link starts at Free and Peanut at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Google Family Link or Peanut?
Google Family Link starts at Free and Peanut at Free.
Does Google Family Link or Peanut run on more platforms?
Google Family Link runs on Android, Web. Peanut runs on Ios, Android.
Can I use Google Family Link for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Google Family Link best used for?
Google Family Link is most often used for setting screen time limits and app approvals on a child's android device, creating and managing a google account for a child under 13, seeing which apps a child uses and where their device is. Of those, setting screen time limits and app approvals on a child's android device and creating and managing a google account for a child under 13 are not what Peanut is typically brought in for.
What can Google Family Link do that Peanut cannot?
Google Family Link covers Screen time management, App approval system, Device locking, Location tracking. Peanut covers Mom matching, Group discussions, Direct messaging, Event planning. Both handle Cloud deployment, Android support, English language support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Google Family Link: Is Google Family Link free?

Yes, Google Family Link is completely free. Creating or joining a family group does not require any paid membership or subscription.

Source
Google Family Link: Do any Family Link features require payment?

Family Link itself is free, but some Google products that integrate with it like YouTube Premium for families or Google One require separate paid subscriptions if you want premium features.

Source
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Related pages

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