ScreenGuard review
A focused open-source option for screen-time rules, without app blocking or location tools.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
ScreenGuard is an open-source parental-control system for families and administrators managing screen time on Linux machines. It supports user profiles with daily limits and weekly schedules, then automatically locks sessions when allotted time expires. Parents can manage profiles, devices, schedules, and daily limits through a web administration interface, while the Android companion app provides remote management. Deployment options include self-hosted LAN use, desktop and mobile environments, and a hosted cloud account.
The product’s main strength is its focused screen-time toolkit. Profiles can combine daily limits with weekly schedules, desktop warnings before lockout, usage tracking, and history. Optional domain blocking is available through a local DNS proxy, and mDNS discovery can help identify devices on local networks. This makes ScreenGuard a practical fit for technical households that want open-source controls and direct management of Linux computers. Its free plan also keeps the core system accessible without introducing separate paid tiers into the decision.
Setup is more involved than with a purely consumer-oriented parental-control app. Managed computers require a systemd agent, and families choosing self-hosted LAN deployment must handle the surrounding administration. ScreenGuard also stays narrower than broader parental-control suites: its published feature set centers on screen-time enforcement, scheduling, usage history, and optional domain blocking rather than app blocking or location tools. Choose it when Linux support, open-source licensing, and control over deployment matter most. Families seeking a wider set of monitoring and device-management capabilities should consider an alternative with broader coverage.
ScreenGuard pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Free and open-source with self-hosted deployment options
- Daily limits, weekly schedules, locking, and usage history
- Web administration with Android remote management
- Where it doesn't
- Focused on screen time rather than full parental controls
- No verified app-blocking or location features
- Linux setup requires a systemd agent on managed computers
ScreenGuard fact sheet, pricing and score →
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