Circle with Disney Parental Controls On Orbi WiFi Systems Now Available

Thought I would update where I am with all of this and hopefully provide some facts.

I was able to upgrade my firmware to 2.1.2.18. This includes the ability to enable Disney Circle. So far, I have not experienced any issues with the firmware for basic wireless and internet.

Now on to the Disney Circle functionality.

It includes, FOR FREE, a basic Disney Circle package that allows you to use prebuilt filters for Pre-K, Kids, Teens, Adults, and None. Within those pre-built filters you can customize them even more, they include platforms like Facebook, Snapchat, etc. in addition there are safety filters like Safe Search on Google, YouTube Restricted, etc. Plus, you have category filters for websites like gambling, Proxies, etc. Plus, you can add custom filters for websites/domains. The pre-built stuff is pretty good. You create profiles for each person then assign devices to that person (identifying the devices takes a little time and I had to use the Orbi Admin to help me). You can pause the Internet for everyone or just an individual or even just a device. You can also assign your smart devices (like cameras, Smart devices, etc.) to a home profile so they aren't filtered. You can view the history of a person based on all of the devices you assign to them. I created a separate profile for the Xbox so I can control that differently from a person. And I also created a profile for my Smart TVs so I can control them differently from a person. That's pretty much what you get for Free with Orbi.

Now, the controversial part, is that they offer Circle Premium for $4.99 a month. This is where they allow you to set bed-times, see usage (as opposed to history, it’s different), more filtering options, set time limits, rewards, and connect to other services. I haven’t enabled the premium features because I wanted to see if the basic was enough. And so far, I think it is enough for my family (4 boys, two of which are teens). The bed times are the only thing I would like but, we just make sure they don’t have the devices in their rooms and we put them in a central location before bedtime (to charge and close to where we can see if they sneak them J ).

As for mobile devices, I use a different tool called OurPact. It is essentially a personal/family-based MDM (Mobile Device Management) solution. It allows me to control the mobile devices (turn on and off apps based on times, etc. but, not web filtering except to “not allow explicit websites”, an Apple function).  I might look at CircleGo but don’t know that I want to pay more.

I am also considering just getting a Circle device instead of paying the $4.99 a month, it would be cheaper in the long run. But, for now I am using the free basic service with Orbi and I like it. We will see as time goes on.

Hope this helps.

To summarize, I like my Orbi. I am glad I purchased it. But, I came from using Apple network gear which is not nearly as good and more expensive (if you add extra Airports for coverage).

Thanks,

Chris