Canopy vs Covenant Eyes Detailed Comparison
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Consider you sit down to relax with your family after a long day. You reach for your phone to check the scores of the games you missed while you were busy at work. Then, like a rabbit in headlights, you realize you’ve been sucked into a porn rabbit hole, and you can’t even remember how you got there.
You were minding your business, just looking for some scores, and now you've found yourself in a sordid world of graphic images and videos that you'd rather not even see, let alone engage with. You try to shake it off and close the browser before anyone notices. But you know that this has happened before and will happen again if you don’t find a way to stop it for good. Learning how to quit porn for life is a challenge.
But research shows that porn addiction can be treated with the right tools and support. This guide will compare and contrast two popular porn addiction recovery tools, Canopy vs Covenant Eyes. Both programs provide accountability and support to help users quit porn for life. But they approach the problem differently. Understanding their unique features can help you choose the right program for your needs.
Table of Contents
What is Canopy?
Canopy is a program created to help people quit porn. It’s a research-backed app that allows users to quit porn by providing tools to stop the behavior, recover from its effects, and build a better life. Users learn about the impact of pornography, track their habits, and discover healthy alternatives to porn. The app also includes a community feature that connects users with others who are going through similar experiences.
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What is Covenant Eyes?
Covenant Eyes aims to help people overcome pornography by promoting accountability and transparency. The software tracks internet use, sends reports to an accountability partner of the user’s choosing, and helps those struggling with porn to quit.
How Does Covenant Eyes Work?
The internet accountability offered by Covenant Eyes, until recently, utilized URL-based reporting, where accountability partners received a list of websites visited and browser searches conducted. However, with changes to internet usage (via apps rather than browsers) and the encryption of porn websites, their software is unable to keep pace. With Screen Accountability, web addresses accessed on a device are no longer recorded. Instead, the screen of each device is monitored, and Artificial Intelligence is used to detect pornographic images. When something is deemed to be pornographic, a screenshot is taken, blurred, and then attached to the report sent to partners.
Are Blurred Images Helpful for Accountability Partners?
When an image is determined to be pornographic, it is hidden in the email sent to your partner, and they have to click a link to view the image. This has then been blurred. If you wanted to, you could improve the image in stages to see more of what it shows, but you could not make the image completely clear. My accountability partner said that she felt that if pornography were a particular battle for her, she would prefer not to receive the photos. The images were blurred enough to mean that they weren’t in any way likely to trigger lustful thoughts for her.
Canopy vs Covenant Eyes Detailed Comparison
Purpose and Philosophy: What’s Their Goal?
Canopy primarily acts as a porn blocker and web filter with a focus on shielding families and children from harmful online material. It uses advanced AI to detect and block explicit images and websites in real-time. Its preventative focus aims to stop inappropriate content before it reaches the user’s eyes. Covenant Eyes, on the other hand, is built more for accountability, especially for individuals battling pornography addiction or seeking digital integrity.
It does this by monitoring all screen activity and sending detailed reports (including screenshots) to an accountability partner. It doesn’t block everything; it tracks and reports what the user sees, making it ideal for adults or individuals seeking recovery with support. So, Canopy tries to stop exposure entirely, while Covenant Eyes helps track and report exposure, fostering conversations and accountability.
Technology and Content Blocking: What Are Their Features?
Canopy relies on real-time AI content filtering that can detect and remove explicit material from both websites and images, even those that are not classified as adult websites. For example, if a nude image appears on an otherwise safe website, Canopy’s AI can blur or block it on the spot. This makes it particularly appealing to parents with tech-savvy kids, as it provides both flexibility and protection.
Covenant Eyes, however, utilizes screenshot-based screen monitoring and AI to detect explicit content after it has been viewed. It does offer some blocking through DNS filtering (via its VPN), but this is secondary. The key technology is its accountability reports, which log and flag screen activity, especially anything involving pornographic or suspicious material.
Device Compatibility: Where Can You Use Them?
Canopy works on iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, and Chromebook, but some features (like app blocking or removal prevention) may vary slightly across platforms. It’s particularly robust on mobile devices, where it uses a combination of VPN filtering, browser management, and app supervision.
Covenant Eyes supports Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS, but iOS users are limited to using a special Covenant Eyes browser, since system-wide screen monitoring isn’t allowed by Apple. On Android, it can monitor the entire device, including screenshots. However, its Mac monitoring may be less comprehensive in some cases. It’s generally more powerful on computers and Android than on iOS.
Use Cases and Audience: Who Are They For?
Canopy is best suited for families, children, and teens. It’s a parental control tool first, with customizable settings to allow age-appropriate browsing, app blocking, and time management. Covenant Eyes is ideal for adults who want accountability partners, such as those recovering from pornography addiction or who want to maintain digital integrity.
It’s not designed to hide or restrict access in the same way as Canopy, but to provide visibility and accountability. Some families also use Covenant Eyes, but it's more useful when the child is old enough to understand accountability and willingly participate. In contrast, Canopy doesn't require this cooperation to work behind the scenes to block access.
Features Overview: What Do They Offer?
Canopy Key Features
AI-based porn blocking and real-time filtering
Intelligent image detection and blurring
App blocking and removal prevention
Custom content controls by age
Location tracking
Family dashboard
Focus on prevention and parental control
Covenant Eyes Key Features
Screen activity monitoring via screenshots
AI detection of explicit content
Accountability reports sent to partners
Activity logs and app usage reports
Domain-based web blocking (limited filtering)
Focus on accountability and behavioral change
Ease of Use and Setup: Which Is More User-Friendly?
Canopy has a more user-friendly setup, especially for parents. You can set restrictions per child, manage devices from a single dashboard, and the real-time AI works seamlessly. There's no need for deep technical configuration, making it more accessible for non-tech-savvy users. Covenant Eyes can be more involved to set up, primarily because you need to manage reports, select accountability partners, and handle screen capture permissions. While not overly complex, it's more tailored toward self-motivated adult users.
Privacy and Philosophy: How Do They Handle Your Data?
Canopy emphasizes privacy by blocking, meaning its goal is to prevent access rather than monitor user behavior in detail. It collects data for filtering and safety purposes, but it doesn’t send your private activity to anyone. Covenant Eyes is based on transparent accountability, and usage data (like screenshots and reports) is shared with a trusted partner. This can be powerful for recovery, but may feel intrusive to some, especially younger users who aren’t voluntarily part of the process.
Pricing: How Much Do They Cost?
Both tools are premium products, but Canopy tends to be slightly more expensive, reflecting its use of real-time AI and comprehensive parental tools. Covenant Eyes has a flat subscription model for individuals and families. It offers more value for adults looking for robust accountability, but its blocking features are less advanced than Canopy’s.
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Quitting porn is not simply about blocking websites. During recovery, you’ll need to relearn how to respond to triggers in a healthy way. Overcomer helps with this by providing science-backed resources that help you understand what porn does to your brain and how to cope with cravings. The app also offers tools to track your progress as you develop new, healthy habits. All of this makes for a better recovery experience than just filtering porn.
10 Best Canopy and Covenant Eyes Alternatives
1. Overcomer: Take Control of Your Recovery
Overcomer is a fantastic alternative to Covenant Eyes and Canopy. Are you ready to take control and build the habits that serve you? Don’t let another day pass feeling stuck in the same cycle. Overcomer provides you with proven tools, streak tracking, content filtering, and science-backed resources to help you break free and start seeing real progress. Join thousands who’ve already reclaimed their focus, confidence, and energy. Download Overcomer to quit porn today and receive 80% off with a 3-day free trial.
2. BrainBuddy: Rewire Your Brain
BrainBuddy focuses on rewiring the brain using scientific techniques, aiming to replace harmful habits with positive ones. It is one of the leading apps for managing compulsive pornography use.
Pros
Comprehensive focus on brain rewiring and habit replacement.
Engaging in daily challenges to keep users on track.
Strong community aspect for peer-to-peer support.
Cons
Limited personalization for specific triggers or scenarios.
Requires a subscription for full functionality.
3. Accountable2You: A New Kind of Accountability
Another rising star in the porn blocker world, Accountable2You has quickly gained a following due to its exceptional screen accountability features. Working on most devices, Accountable2You allows you to track websites visited and receive real-time notifications when specific flagged sites are visited on all devices.
Built on the concept of human accountability, this system works best when paired with a coach who can help you better manage your screen time. The features that set Accountable2You apart from other blockers include: a built-in accountability partner system, compatibility with most devices, and Personal and Family subscriptions.
Pros
The accountability partner system gives you greater support in your journey.
Works on most devices and operating systems, both desktop and mobile devices.
Personal and Family subscriptions give you a range of options.
Cons
Not as many features as Covenant Eyes or PluckEye.
Requires a paid subscription, no free version.
4. Habitica: Gamify Your Goals
Habitica gamifies self-improvement, turning daily recovery goals into interactive tasks that users can complete in a game-like environment.
Pros
Highly engaging and fun approach to habit-building.
Encourages collaboration and community support.
Adaptable for various personal goals.
Cons
It may not address deeper emotional triggers related to pornography use.
It can feel too general for users seeking a focused recovery tool.
5. Bark: A Parental Control Device for Any Family
Bark is a widely used parental control app that monitors texts, emails, social media, and web activity to detect and alert parents about potential exposure to inappropriate content. It also offers real-time alerts and supports most platforms, thus it’s also recommendable for families with different device needs.
Pros
Monitors a wide range of platforms and social media.
Real-time alerts for concerning content.
Flexible sensitivity settings.
Some free features are available.
Cons
Limited web filtering categories compared to competitors.
Can generate false positives at high sensitivity.
6. Kaspersky Safe Kids: A Free Parental Control App with Solid Features
Kaspersky Safe Kids has a surprisingly well-featured free plan packed with the most essential monitoring tools for parents. It includes the basic web filters, but limited time management features compared to AirDroid. It’s designed for busy parents seeking straightforward solutions to protect their children without a paywall blocking basic features.
Pros
Strong basic monitoring and web filtering.
Easy to use, suitable for non-technical users.
Free plan is functional, not just a teaser.
Cons
Premium features (like location tracking and detailed reports) require payment.
Interface and customization options are more limited in the free version.
7. FamiSafe: Comprehensive Monitoring and Alerts
The FamiSafe Porn Blocker App is one of the most comprehensive porn blockers available for parents who want to know how to block inappropriate websites on their phones. It works on nearly any device, including mobile devices and computers.
Parents can track social media usage, including TikTok history, and set screen time limits to help children be responsible with their device usage. FamiSafe allows parents to place keywords and receive notifications when these keywords appear in text messages, social media posts, and more, so they’ll know when their kids might be discussing inappropriate topics with friends. Advanced keyword monitoring alerts parents when they need to have essential conversations with their children.
Pros
The app is compatible with most devices, and the subscription can cover an unlimited number of devices.
Alerts parents about inappropriate browsing so they can take proactive steps to address the situation.
Location tracking and history help parents keep track of where their kids are, stopping the endless “where are you” phone calls.
Cons
Only works on Chrome and Safari browsers, so other browsers go unmonitored.
Lack of text message monitoring means worrisome conversations may fly under the radar.
8. Norton Family Parental Control: The Best Porn Blocker with Antivirus Features
One of the top antivirus software providers in the world has also created one of the best porn blockers. Norton Family Parental Control helps parents monitor their child’s web browsing, search activity, and YouTube history to keep them safe online. Parents receive a comprehensive report via email or through the Parent Portal, detailing their children's activities in detail. There are also features to help kids stay focused and avoid getting sucked into their devices.
In addition to safe browsing features, Norton helps kids avoid distractions and focus on their schoolwork by letting parents set and schedule screen time limits and block web browsing instantly. Of course, in today’s world, disconnecting kids from the internet often means disconnecting them from their classroom. Norton Family addresses this issue with a School Time feature that enables you to block distracting apps while allowing access to essential learning tools. Norton Family’s selective app blocking is unique in this way.
Pros
Parents can get valuable insights about their child’s browsing habits through the Parent Portal.
School Time feature helps parents block distracting apps while still allowing access to the web and apps for school.
Minimize conflict about rules and boundaries with the unique in-app dispute feature.
Cons
No text message, email, or photo monitoring, resulting in numerous gaps in protection.
No alerts for worrisome messages, photos, or social media posts.
9. Net Nanny: The Best Contextual Porn Blocker
Net Nanny is a powerful porn blocker with additional child safety features you have to see. It helps parents keep their children safe with features like internet filtering and context-based website blocking, which prevent both intentional and unintentional access to inappropriate content.
However, Net Nanny is unique in its approach to determining what to block and what to allow. Unlike other apps which rely on a list of inappropriate websites to block, Net Nanny uses context-based information to identify what’s on a page the instant it’s accessed. If a once-safe site suddenly contains adult content, Net Nanny’s real-time filtering will block access before the child can see it.
Of course, sometimes a porn blocker can be a little bit too sensitive and block websites that aren’t inappropriate. For example, a recipe website will likely have multiple instances of the potentially inappropriate keyword “breast,” as will a website about human health. Net Nanny’s advanced content filter allows legitimate information while blocking sexual content.
Pros
Contextual filters can distinguish between contexts to avoid false alerts.
Real-time porn filters categorize websites based on what’s on them now.
Faster than other porn blocking software, which typically slows devices down.
Cons
Limited geofencing functionality doesn’t work as well as some other apps.
Screen time scheduling is proper, but not intuitive to set up initially.
10. mSpy: The Best Spy App for Monitoring Online Activity
Some porn blocker apps just block inappropriate sites and alert parents when their child attempts to access them, but mSpy does more. In addition to safe browsing, mSpy provides parents with access to their child’s browser history and bookmarks, enabling them to identify any potential concerns in their child's internet activity.
mSpy also logs every Wi-Fi network to which a child’s phone has connected. By reviewing their child’s Wi-Fi history, parents can gain a clearer picture of where they’ve been and what they’ve been doing. For example, if their child frequently attempts to access inappropriate content on a particular Wi-Fi network, parents can be more watchful of the influences in that location.
The app also monitors downloaded photos and videos for adult content, notifying parents when their child has downloaded something inappropriate. It only works on downloaded content, though, so it won’t catch inappropriate images in text messages unless the child saves it to their phone.
Pros
Runs in the background without the child knowing, so they don’t feel spied on.
Gives parents access to SMS and instant message logs to watch for problematic conversations.
Works on all major messaging platforms, including Snapchat, WhatsApp, Skype, and more.
Cons
Full feature functionality requires rooting of a child’s device, which isn’t easy to do.
Pricing plans are prohibitively expensive unless you commit to a minimum of several months at a time.
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How to Reverse the Effects of Porn
Quit Porn Today − Receive 80% off with a 3-Day Free Trial
Quitting porn is not simply about blocking websites. During recovery, you’ll need to relearn how to respond to triggers in a healthy way. Overcomer helps with this by providing science-backed resources that help you understand what porn does to your brain and how to cope with cravings. The app also offers tools to track your progress as you develop new, healthy habits. All of this makes for a better recovery experience than just filtering porn.
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