Looking for a Circle alternative? You're not alone.
Thousands of families are moving on from Circle. Whether your hardware is aging out, you're tired of the Aura bundle, or your kids figured out how to get around it, Shelta might be what you've been looking for.
7-day free trial. No hardware required.
We understand what you're going through
Circle was a great product for a lot of families. But a lot has changed since Aura acquired it in 2021.
Hardware end-of-life
Circle Home Plus is no longer manufactured. Existing units will eventually fail with no replacement available.
Forced into Aura's bundle
Circle features now require an Aura Family plan at $32-65/month, bundled with services you didn't ask for.
Support has declined
Users report bot-only phone support and weeks-long email response times. Getting help when you need it has become difficult.
If any of this sounds familiar, you're not alone. Many families are looking for something simpler, more affordable, and more reliable. That's why we built Shelta.
Circle vs. Shelta: an honest comparison
We're not going to pretend Circle was bad. It worked well for a lot of families. Here's how Shelta compares today.
| Feature | Circle / Aura | Shelta |
|---|---|---|
| Requires hardware | Yes (discontinued) | No |
| Monthly cost | $32/mo (Aura annual) | $4.99/mo ($39.99/yr) |
| Can kids get around it? | Yes (uninstall app) | No (FamilyControls) |
| Setup time | 30-60 min + router | 5 minutes |
| Works away from home | Only with app (bypassable) | Yes, everywhere |
| Customer support | Bot + slow email | Real person, not a bot |
| Bundled with unwanted services | Yes (VPN, antivirus, ID theft) | No, just parental controls |
| Actively developed | Part of Aura bundle | Yes, standalone product |
What makes Shelta different
Shelta uses Apple's FamilyControls framework, the same technology that powers Screen Time, with better controls and a simpler experience.
No hardware needed
100% app-based. Nothing to plug in, nothing that can break or become obsolete.
Guardrails that stay put
Powered by Apple's FamilyControls. Even clever kids can't find workarounds.
5-minute setup
No router configuration. No cables. Just you, their phone, and 5 minutes.
Works everywhere
At home, at school, at a friend's house. Protection travels with the device.
Pricing that makes sense
Just parental controls. Not bundled with identity theft protection you didn't ask for.
Built for families
A safety net, not a cage. Designed to support your family's digital wellbeing.
Common questions from Circle families
Is Circle shutting down?
Circle hasn't made a formal shutdown announcement, but the situation has changed significantly. Circle Home Plus hardware is no longer manufactured, the original Circle app was discontinued in 2020, and Circle's technology has been absorbed into Aura's broader security bundle at $32-65/month. Many families are looking for alternatives as their existing hardware ages out and support quality declines.
How is Shelta different from Circle?
Circle works at the network/router level, which means it only protects devices when they're on your home WiFi (unless you also install the Circle app, which kids can uninstall). Shelta uses Apple's FamilyControls technology, so protection travels with the device everywhere: home, school, a friend's house. No hardware needed, and kids can't remove it.
Do I need any special hardware?
No. Shelta is entirely app-based. Your child installs the Shelta companion app on their iPhone or iPad, you manage settings from the web dashboard, and everything syncs automatically. No router plugs, no Circle Home Plus, no hardware that can break or become obsolete.
Can my child uninstall Shelta to get around it?
No. Shelta uses Apple's FamilyControls technology, which means the guardrails are managed by iOS itself. Your child can't remove the app or work around the settings without your approval. This is the same framework Apple designed for family safety.
How long does setup take?
About 5 minutes. You create an account, add your child's profile, and send them an invite. They install the Shelta app and you approve the connection. No cables, no computer, no router configuration.
Is there a migration tool to move my Circle settings to Shelta?
There's no data to migrate. You'll set up fresh guardrails in Shelta, which takes just a few minutes. We suggest age-appropriate defaults so you don't have to configure everything from scratch. Most parents find Shelta's setup simpler than Circle's was.
What does Shelta cost compared to Circle/Aura?
Shelta is $4.99/month or $39.99/year for up to 5 children, with a 7-day free trial. Compare that to Aura's Family plan (which includes Circle features) at $32/month billed annually or $65/month billed monthly. Shelta gives you just parental controls, without paying for identity theft protection and VPNs you didn't ask for.
Join the Closed Beta
We're onboarding families in small batches to ensure everyone gets personalized setup support. Sign up to reserve your spot.