Summary: It is important to have parental control solutions to monitor your children’s digital devices effectively to ensure no cyber threat. Further details about these solutions are available below.
As we all are moving towards digitalization, the need for effective parental control apps is becoming more and more essential. Since children are spending a good amount of time on digital platforms, it has become of utmost importance for parents to keep track of their online activities. Therefore, parental control apps provide a complete solution to allow parents to manage, monitor, as well as safeguard their children’s digital journey.
These monitoring apps provide a range of advanced features including screen time management, content filtering, real-time activity monitoring, app blocking, and more. In this article, we will explore some of the best parental control apps that are available for Android as well as iPhone users. Apart from that, we will also see some of their key features and the importance of getting them integrated into modern practices.
7 Best Free Parental Control Apps for iPhone & Android
| Parental Control App | Best Used For | Supported Devices |
|---|---|---|
| Qustodio Parental Control App | Advanced content filtering and real-time activity monitoring | Android & IOS |
| eyeZy | AI-powered screen time management & eye health monitoring | Android & IOS |
| Norton Family | Easy setup on Android & Windows | Android & IOS |
| Net Nanny | Advanced internet filtering, & parental control across multiple device | IOS |
| Bark – Parental Controls | AI-powered monitoring and alert system for online safety | Android & IOS |
| ESET Parental Control | Advanced online safety and screen time management for children | Android |
| mSpy | Remote tracking & monitoring of child’s digital activities | Android & IOS |
Listed below are some of the best apps for monitoring and controlling mobile devices. Let’s learn about them in detail below:
1. Qustodio Parental Control App: Best for advanced content filtering & real-time activity monitoring
Qustodio, a parental control app, is known for providing advanced content filtering, real-time activity monitoring, and social media tracking. It offers comprehensive features to manage screen time, set usage limits, and monitor calls and SMS. Apart from that, it is known for its user-friendly interface and detailed reporting.
Top Features of Qustodio
- Advanced content filtering
- Real-time activity monitoring
- Screen time management
- Call and SMS monitoring
Pros & Cons of Qustodio
- Excellent content filtering
- Intuitive interface
- Detailed reporting
- Social media tracking
- Is expensive if taken for multiple devices
Pricing: Qustodio’s Basic plan pricing starts at ₹2,070.00/annum.
2. eyeZy: Best for AI-powered screen time management & eye health monitoring
eyeZy is a cutting-edge parental control app that makes use of AI to manage screen time and monitor eye health. It features real-time eye tracking, blue light filtering, and personalized usage recommendations based on eye health metrics. It empowers parents to promote healthy screen time habits for their children.
Top Features of Eyezy
- AI-powered screen time management
- Eye health monitoring
- Blue light filtering
Pros & Cons of Eyezy
- Innovative use of AI technology
- Focus on eye health
- Real-time eye-tracking feature
- Personalized recommendations for users
- Limited availability on some platforms
Pricing: Eyezy offers a family plan priced at $4.99 per month.
3. Norton Family: Best for Android and Windows devices, known for easy setup
Norton Family offers a comprehensive suite of parental control features designed to provide a secure online experience for children.
It offers a wide range of features with an intuitive and user-friendly interface. It includes web supervision, time management, location tracking, and more. Norton Family is also known for its ease of use and detailed activity reporting.
Top Features of Norton Family
- Web monitoring
- Location tracking
- Time management controls
- App Monitoring
Pros & Cons of Norton Family
- User-friendly interface
- Comprehensive parental control features
- Detailed activity reports
- Advanced features require additional payment
Pricing: Norton Family’s plans start from INR 499 per year for 1 Mac, 1 PC.
4. Net Nanny: Best for advanced internet filtering, & control across multiple devices
Net Nanny is a comprehensive mobile monitoring app that offers advanced internet filtering, screen time management, and real-time monitoring features. This helps parents with the tools to supervise and manage their child’s online activity across various devices.
Top Features of Net Nanny
- Real-time activity monitoring for enhanced supervision
- App blocking and usage control
- Customizable user settings
Pros & Cons of Net Nanny
- Effective internet filtering capabilities
- Customizable user settings for tailored control
- The interface is a little cluttered and can be improved for better usability
Pricing: Net Nanny offers subscription plans starting at $39.99 per year for 1 device.
5. Bark – Parental Controls: Best for AI-powered monitoring & alert system
Bark is a parental control platform that utilizes AI to monitor and alert parents about potential online safety concerns. It actively analyzes and flags potential issues in texts, emails, and social media, providing parents with insights into their children’s digital interactions.
Top Features of Bark Software
- AI-powered monitoring and alert system
- Analysis of texts, emails, and social media
- Detailed insights into online interactions and transactions
Pros and Cons of Bark
- Advanced AI technology for effective monitoring
- Real-time alerts for potential safety concerns
- Customizable monitoring settings for flexibility
- Limited platform support
Pricing: Bark offers subscription plans starting from $49 per year for unlimited devices.
6. ESET Parental Control: Best for advanced online safety & screen time management for children
ESET Parental Control is a comprehensive solution designed to track the online activities of children on Android devices. It empowers parents by offering parental control features such as web filtering, app supervision, time limits, and the ability to track children’s location. With the help of all these features, ESET ensures secure and controlled online activities for your children.
Top Features of ESET Parental Control
- Device usage control
- Time limits for device usage
- Safe browsing and search features
Pros and Cons of ESET
- Effective web filtering and monitoring
- App supervision for better control
- GPS-based location tracking for added safety
- Not available for iOS users
Pricing: ESET Parental Control offers subscription plans starting from $29.99/year for unlimited devices.
7. mSpy: Best for remote tracking & monitoring of child’s digital activities on Android devices
mSpy is a well-known parental control app that allows guardians to remotely track and monitor their child’s digital activities. It offers features such as call and SMS tracking, location tracking, social media monitoring, and app usage control.
mSpy provides a robust solution for parents to ensure their child’s online safety. It is one of the most popular parental lock apps for Android.
Top Features of mSPy
- Call and SMS tracking
- GPS-based location tracking
- App and website blocking for added security
Pros & Cons of mSpy
- Comprehensive features for digital activity tracking
- Remote control and monitoring capabilities
- Effective social media monitoring
- Some features require rooting or jailbreaking your device, which is complex
Pricing: mSpy offers subscription plans starting from $29.99 per month for a basic package.
How to Choose Parental Control App and Software?
When choosing the best applications for monitoring digital wellbeing and parental controls, you must begin by assessing your specific requirements. It is hence crucial to clearly understand the features you wish to have in your parental control filters.
Some of the significant factors that one must look for in any parental monitoring app include:
- Age Consideration: The age of your children is a significant factor in choosing the appropriate parental control application. For younger children, stricter restrictions are necessary in comparison to teenagers.
- Control Options: The effectiveness of a parental lock app lies in the level of control it provides. One must be clear on the purpose for which they want a parental lock app. For instance, whether they want to just block specific websites, regulate screen time, or simply monitor their child’s online activities.
- User Friendliness: Furthermore, it is important to evaluate the user-friendliness of each application. It is advisable to seek a user-friendly parental control application if you are not proficient with technology.
- Budget: Ultimately, consider your budget. Opt for an app that best suits your budget while also offering the required features and technological proficiency.
Compare Free Parental Control Apps
Below is a tabular comparison of different parental control apps based on various features including app blocking, web filtering, screen time management, social media monitoring, location tracking, and more.
| Parameters/App | Qustodio Parental Control App | Eyezy | Norton Family | Net Nanny | Bark – Parental Controls | ESET Parental Control | mSpy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Web Filtering | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| App Blocking | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Screen Time Management | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Location Tracking | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Social Media Monitoring | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Call & SMS Monitoring | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| User-Friendly Interface | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Multiple Device Support | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
How We Tested These Apps for Parental Control?
We specifically focused on parental control applications that prioritize establishing filters and restrictions on your children’s smartphones. In our thorough evaluation, we considered the following criteria:
- Cost: Pricing structure of the service and the number of children/devices that can be included in the coverage.
- Setup: We considered the seamlessness of installation and configuration of applications on various devices.
- Application Management: Apart from that, we also took into account the level of authority that the application offers for monitoring, blocking, or restricting smartphone usage. We also considered the visibility into all other apps installed on the child’s device.
- Content Filtering: While selecting the apps, we also took care of filtering mechanisms that are provided by each application and looked for the effectiveness of every application in censoring any inappropriate content.
- Screen Time Regulation: We also looked for various features that the application offered for managing screen time limitations.
- Messaging Oversight: Apart from the factors mentioned above, we also looked for the ability of an application to access the content of your child’s text messages. Furthermore, we also checked if rules can be established, or specific contacts be blocked.
- Location Tracking: Lastly, we looked for applications that facilitate locating your child in case of emergencies. We also checked if it retains a history of previous locations and if geofenced areas can be set up using the application.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are a range of parental control software and apps available that offer valuable tools for parents to safeguard their children’s online experiences. From comprehensive monitoring to advanced filtering and management features, these apps provide a holistic approach to ensuring a safe and secure digital environment for children.
Selecting the right app depends on individual needs, with considerations such as platform support, real-time monitoring, and specific functionalities guiding the decision-making process.
By leveraging these parental control solutions, parents can proactively manage and monitor their children’s mobile devices, fostering a safer and more controlled online experience.
Best Free Parental Control App: Frequently Asked Questions
Which app is best for parental control?
Selecting the best parental control app depends on specific requirements, but McAfee, Qustodio Parental Control App, and ESET Parental Control are considered to be top choices due to their comprehensive features, including web filtering, app blocking, screen time management, and user-friendly interfaces.
How do I set parental controls?
To set parental controls, begin by accessing the settings or preferences section on the device or app you wish to monitor. Then, explore the available options for user restrictions, content filtering, screen time management, and activity monitoring, customizing the settings to align with your child's age and maturity level. For more specific guidance, refer to the user manual or online resources provided by any parental control app.
Is parental control app safe?
Parental control apps are generally safe when purchased from reputable sources. It helps safeguard children's online experiences. It's important to choose trusted apps, review their privacy policies, and ensure that the monitoring features comply with applicable regulations to maintain a secure environment for both parents and children.
Is there a completely free parental control app?
While some parental control apps offer free versions with limited features, finding a completely free option with comprehensive functionalities can be challenging. However, certain apps provide basic monitoring and filtering capabilities at no cost. However, for advanced features such as real-time monitoring and social media tracking, a subscription or premium plan is required.
Is screen time parental control free?
Screen time parental control features are often incorporated into free parental control apps, offering basic screen time management capabilities. However, for more advanced functionalities such as detailed usage reports, scheduling, and app-specific restrictions, a premium or paid version of any parental control app is required.
Is family safe app free?
Family safe apps offer basic functionalities for free, including content filtering and website blocking. However, for more advanced features such as real-time monitoring, location tracking, and extended support for multiple devices, a premium or paid subscription is required to ensure comprehensive family safety.
How can I control my kids mobile?
You can control your child's mobile device by using parental control apps that offer features such as app blocking, content filtering, screen time management, and location tracking. Additionally, setting up device-specific restrictions and using built-in parental control features can further help in managing your child's mobile usage.
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Written by
Namrata Samal 
Namrata is a skilled content writer with an expertise in writing marketing, tech, business-related topics, and more. She has been writing since 2021 and has written several write-ups. With her journey with Techjockey, she has worked on different genres of content like product descriptions, tech articles, alternate pages,... Read more
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