Sheepdog Filter vs Covenant Eyes: a fair comparison

Covenant Eyes has helped a lot of people, and it's the name most churches know. Here's how a filter-first approach compares, and who each one suits.

Updated November 12, 2026·2 min read

Short answer

Covenant Eyes is accountability software that runs an app on each device, takes and analyzes screenshots, and sends an ally reports about what it sees. Sheepdog Filter Accountability works at the DNS level instead: porn and the other sites you choose never load, the filter can't be paused while you have a partner, and your partner gets a short weekly email about what was stopped, what got through, late nights and any VPN tries. No screenshots and no app for your partner. Free to start.

The short version

  • Covenant Eyes watches the screen. Its app captures screenshots on your devices, analyzes them, and reports concerning images to your ally.
  • Sheepdog Filter stops sites loading and reports on that. It blocks porn, gambling and the other things you choose before they load, and tells your partner what was stopped, what got through, and any tries to get around it. It never sees your screen.

What Covenant Eyes does well

  • It sees content anywhere on screen, including inside apps and on sites that aren't known porn sites, which a site filter can't.
  • A long track record and a large community, with resources for churches, men's groups and recovery programs.
  • Filtering and accountability together in one subscription.

Where Sheepdog Filter is different

  • No screenshots. We only see which sites a device asks for. Nothing reads your screen, messages, photos or passwords. Many people find that easier to live with, and easier to keep going.
  • Prevention first. Adult sites are blocked before they load, with millions of sites on the list and new ones added every hour, and SafeSearch is forced on.
  • It can't be switched off in a weak moment. While you have a partner, adult blocking is locked on, there's no pause button, and anything that loosens the filter waits for your partner's OK.
  • Your partner needs nothing. No app, no account: one email to say yes, then a short weekly report, with an optional daily one.
  • Same-hour alerts if a VPN or proxy is tried or a device is taken off the filter.
  • Free to start.

Where Covenant Eyes may suit you better

  • You want reporting on what appears on screen inside apps like Instagram, Reddit or X, not just which sites were opened. Sheepdog Filter tells your partner how often you used places like these, but not what you saw there.
  • Your church or group already uses it and you want to be on the same system.

Which should you choose?

If what helps you most is not being able to get to it at all, and a partner who sees an honest summary, start with Sheepdog Filter. If you want someone to see what was on your screen, Covenant Eyes is built for that. Some people use a filter on their home Wi‑Fi and a screen-based tool on their phone.

See how Sheepdog Filter Accountability works.

Sheepdog Filter

Easier with someone in your corner.

Porn locked off on your phone and computer, no pause button, and a short honest report each week for one person you trust. Free to start.

Start with a partner

Questions parents ask

Does Sheepdog Filter take screenshots like Covenant Eyes?

No. It works at the DNS level, so it sees which sites a device asks for and blocks the ones you've chosen. It never sees your screen, messages or photos.

Does my accountability partner need an app?

No. Your partner gets one email asking if they'll be your partner. Reports, alerts and requests to loosen the filter all come by email.

Can I switch from Covenant Eyes?

Yes. Uninstall Covenant Eyes on each device, then set up Sheepdog Filter on your phone and computer. Your partner hears if a device stops being protected.

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