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Parenting · head to head

Google Family Link vs TimeTree

Google Family Link logo

Google Family Link

Parenting

Google's free family device management and controls

From
Free
Rated
-
TimeTree logo

TimeTree

Parenting

Shared calendar for groups

From
Free
Rated
-

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; TimeTree synchronization sometimes lags when changes are made across devices simultaneously
  • They diverge on capability: Google Family Link covers Screen time management, TimeTree covers Shared calendars.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where Google Family Link and TimeTree differ
AttributeGoogle Family LinkTimeTree
Pricing modelfreeUnknown
PlatformsAndroid, WebiOS, Android, Web
Founded20192014

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 TimeTree

  • Shared calendars
  • Event comments
  • Photo attachments
  • Keep memos
  • Notifications
  • Google Calendar
  • Apple Calendar
  • Outlook

Both cover

  • Android support
  • Web 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 TimeTree
  • Creating and managing a Google Account for a child under 13not TimeTree
  • Seeing which apps a child uses and where their device isnot TimeTree

TimeTree

  • Schedulingnot Google Family Link
  • Appointment bookingnot Google Family Link
  • Time trackingnot Google Family Link
  • Resource managementnot Google Family Link
  • Team coordinationnot 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

TimeTree

  • Synchronization sometimes lags when changes are made across devices simultaneously
  • Web version feels like an afterthought with limited functionality
  • iPad app is not properly optimized, showing phone-sized interface on larger screens
  • Limited recurring event options, cannot schedule for every second Tuesday or repeat until specific date
  • Free version displays disruptive ads that can block the screen

Pricing, plan by plan

Google Family Link

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

TimeTree

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the TimeTree review.

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.

Choose TimeTree if

  • You need shared calendars.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on iOS, Android, Web.
  • You also want event comments.

Questions people ask

Is Google Family Link or TimeTree better?
Neither clearly leads. Google Family Link starts at Free and TimeTree at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Google Family Link or TimeTree?
Google Family Link starts at Free and TimeTree at Free.
Does Google Family Link or TimeTree run on more platforms?
Google Family Link runs on Android, Web. TimeTree runs on iOS, Android, Web.
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 TimeTree is typically brought in for.
What can Google Family Link do that TimeTree cannot?
Google Family Link covers Screen time management, App approval system, Device locking, Location tracking. TimeTree covers Shared calendars, Event comments, Photo attachments, Keep memos. Both handle Android support, Web 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
TimeTree: What platforms does TimeTree support?

TimeTree is available on iOS, Android, and web (calendar.timetreeapp.com). The app has no native desktop application.

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
TimeTree: Does TimeTree sync with Google Calendar?

Yes, TimeTree offers two-way Google Calendar sync at no cost to all users, including the free tier.

Source
TimeTree: How much does TimeTree cost?

The core app is free but ad-supported. TimeTree Premium removes ads and adds attachments and extra views for $4.49 per month or $44.99 per year.

Source
TimeTree: Can I leave comments on TimeTree events?

Yes, TimeTree treats every event as a shared space where family members can leave comments, attach notes and memos, and have discussions directly on the event.

Source
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