Best Parental Control Apps of 2024

Best Parental Control Apps

Create a safer digital experience for your kids using these top parental control apps.

Technology

Updated on November 06, 2024

Best Parental Control Apps
WHY CHOOSE MOBILEAPPDAILY?
Join a community that thrives on helping others succeed by publishing information critical for making both consumer preferences and big business decisions.
50+
Tech Geeks
3000+
Products Reviewed
5000+
Experts Rated

Being a parent is challenging, but becoming a smart parent can be made easier with the use of the right tools. Best parental control apps offer guidance and support, helping you monitor and manage your child’s online activity effectively. Parental control apps can read more...

Best Parental Control Apps for Android and Iphone

Qustodio

1. Qustodio

Product Rating

2.9

3.0

Tech Specifications

Metrics Android iOS
Latest Version : 180.68 182.7.2
Size : 11 MB 47.8 MB
Device Supported : 7.0 and up 14.0 or later
Subscription : Free, In-app purchases Free, In-app purchases

Why we picked it!

The best free parental control app for iPhone and Android, Qustodio creates a safe space for your kids to explore and play online. The app helps you stay involved in your children’s digital lives.

Top Features

    • Effective app for managing multiple users
    • Option to set a time for specific apps
    • Text and call history can be saved
    • Ensure better sleep routines

More about product

Qustodio is rated high in the list of best parental control apps. One of the most sophisticated and user-friendly parental control applications makes this a top contender in the competitive market.

As for features, the app enables tracking calls and text messages. You can even block obscene content on the web and control apps on your kids’ devices. 

For an extra layer of safety, Qustodia is equipped with a location-tracking feature as well. Additionally, its monitoring of social media activity enables better transparency into your kid's virtual activity. 
 

Mobicip

2. Mobicip

Product Rating

2.3

3.4

Tech Specifications

Metrics Android iOS
Latest Version : 2.7.7 7.2
Size : 27 MB 248 MB
Device Supported : 5.0 and up 12.1 or later
Subscription : Free, In-app purchases Free, In-app purchases

Why we picked it!

The parental control app for iPhone notifies you about harmful conversations on Facebook and Instagram. It helps you to protect your child from cyberbullying and predatory attacks.

Top Features

    • GPS geofences around locations
    • Stay up-to-date on risky apps
    • Receive an uninstall alert
    • Share and view the location history

More about product

Mobicip is a leading parental control app that keeps your family safe online. It lets you watch over your child's screen time and block sites and apps that are inappropriate for your kid. 

However, you can set daily limits for each child and device so that they get healthy digital habits. The app creates specific schedules for homework, sleep, or family moments. Also, it will lock devices during those times to help maintain those routines. 


You can easily block or limit time on apps and websites, keeping away from adult content, violence, and anything else that's not suitable for young eyes. It's all about making browsing safe and keeping screen time in check.
 

Aura

3. Aura

Product Rating

4.5

4.7

Tech Specifications

Metrics Android iOS
Latest Version : 3.9.0 3.9.0
Size : 96 MB 274.7 MB
Device Supported : 9.0 and up 12.4 or later
Subscription : Free, In-app purchases Free, In-app purchases

Why we picked it!

You can manage your child's digital world simply, providing you with peace of mind and helping them navigate the internet safely.

Top Features

    • Parents can track their child's online time and activity
    • Promote safe and balanced internet habits
    • Block access to inappropriate websites and apps
    • Set daily or hourly limits on internet and app usage

More about product

Aura is a smart, simple way to stay safe online. It is an all-in-one solution for your kids' digital safety. The parent control app helps you monitor how much internet your child uses. 

Also, it blocks inappropriate content and sets limits on their online time. Aura can also be a great alternative to top VPN apps. It works by setting up a local VPN on your child's device. In this way, you can control what apps they use and for how long, even down to specific types of apps. 

With Aura, you can ensure your kids are safe online and not spend too much time on their phones. Moreover, it will ensure that your kids are only accessing the right content for their age. 

Microsoft Family

4. Microsoft Family

Product Rating

2.3

3.7

Tech Specifications

Metrics Android iOS
Latest Version : 1.26.0 1.26.0
Size : 23 MB 163 MB
Device Supported : 8.0 and up 14.0 or later
Subscription : Free Free

Why we picked it!

You can use activity reporting to understand your family’s digital activity better. You can also view your kid's activity in a weekly email report. It will help you start a conversation about online activities.

Top Features

    • Activity log to check screen time and online usage
    • Alerts you if your child requests more time
    • Block inappropriate apps and games
    • Screen time device limits on Xbox and Windows

More about product

Microsoft Family is an app designed for your and your family's safety. It creates healthy habits and protects the ones you love. Moreover, the app provides you with peace of mind and ensures that your family and kids are independent and safe.

The app creates a safe space for your kids to explore online. You can easily set parental controls to filter inappropriate apps and games. Also, it allows you to set browsing to kid-friendly websites on Microsoft Edge.

Microsoft Family app helps your kid to balance their screen time activity. You can set limits for specific apps and games on Android, iOS, Xbox, or Windows. 
 

Canopy

5. Canopy

Product Rating

3.8

4.0

Tech Specifications

Metrics Android iOS
Latest Version : 40.89 3.85
Size : 19 MB 34 MB
Device Supported : 5.0 and up 12.0 or later
Subscription : Free, In-app purchases Free, In-app purchases

Why we picked it!

You can use the app to create a customized list of blocked or allowed websites, personalizing your online experience. The app blocks distracting and inappropriate apps and games for you.

Top Features

    • Prepare a customized list of blocked or allowed websites
    • Limit the internet use of the protected device by Setting DownTime
    • Monitors the camera on the protected device
    • It notifies you immediately if a risky photo is detected

More about product

You can parent effectively in the digital world with Canopy's advanced parental control features, which ensure your family's online safety. The free parental control app verifies images, videos, and websites before they appear on your child’s device. 

Also, Canopy blocks if the content is inappropriate in real-time before your child comes across it. However, Canopy is more than a parental app. It is designed to provide the entire family with a healthy and positive online experience.

The app uses artificial intelligence to remove pornographic content (and even partial nudity!) from websites and apps seamlessly. In milliseconds, it ensures a healthy, positive digital experience. 
 

Boomerang

6. Boomerang

Product Rating

3.2

2.5

Tech Specifications

Metrics Android iOS
Latest Version : 14.00 4.37
Size : 8.5 MB 15.9 MB
Device Supported : 5.0 and up 12.0 or later
Subscription : Free, In-app purchases Free, In-app purchases

Why we picked it!

Boomerang blocks suspicious browsers automatically for better internet security. Using a SPIN browser from the same developers can upgrade your internet security further.

Top Features

    • Monitor the YouTube app history
    • Filter apps and restrict screen time remotely
    • Approve or block newly installed apps
    • Set per-app daily limits

More about product

Parents can use Boomerang, a parental control app, to initiate discussions about tech use with their kids. The app provides daily reports as a nudge to review app usage. Also, the app provides you with transparency into the social media activity of the tracked device. 

Monitor device and app usage to promote your child's digital well-being. Set daily time limits and schedules for devices. Review their usage with its detailed per-app reports.

Kids should turn off devices for downtime at bedtime. Setting a downtime restricts the usage of games, social media, and other such distractions to properly optimize device usage. This also enables an effective strategy for charging devices.
 

eyeZy

7. eyeZy

Product Rating

2.5

Tech Specifications

Metrics Android iOS
Latest Version : 1.2.4 NA
Size : 41 MB NA
Device Supported : 8.0 and up NA
Subscription : Free, In-app purchases NA

Why we picked it!

With the help of the app, you can check the messages your child sends on apps like Facebook Messenger, Snapchat, Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp.

Top Features

    • Panic Button will alert you about the danger
    • It tracks your child's in-app message history
    • lets you view your child's contact list
    • Check for age-restricted apps or unwanted apps for kids

More about product

Eyezy is one of the best parental control apps that helps you to track your child’s well-being. The app provides you with features like a location tracker, phone tracker (track contacts and install apps), and GPS locator.

Eyezy’s tracking app allows you to get your child's real-time location. Also, it tracks the phone of your child and updates the exact location of your kid. Moreover, the app detects and alerts you as your kids enter areas that you have marked as inappropriate. 

The app provides you a report of every activity of your child if your child arrives and leaves school, home, or other locations. However, the phone location tracker included in Eyezy is also equipped with a panic button to ask for help if needed.
 

Google Family Link

8. Google Family Link

Product Rating

4.6

4.6

Tech Specifications

Metrics Android iOS
Latest Version : 2.14 2.21.26
Size : 19 MB 185.2 MB
Device Supported : 8.0 and up 16.0 or later
Subscription : Free Free

Why we picked it!

With Family Link, you can locate your children's devices and find their whereabouts on one map when they are on the move.

Top Features

    • The app will help you locate your children on one map
    • View and manage permissions for websites
    • You can approve or block apps your child wants to download
    • It sets downtime for your child’s device

More about product

You can use Google Family Link, a parental controls app, to help keep your family safer online. The app gives you the flexibility to choose the right balance for your family. It also helps them create healthy digital habits. 

Google Family Link comes with easy-to-use tools that allow you to understand how your child is spending time on their device. Also, you can see your kid’s location, manage privacy settings, and more.

You can also manage your child’s account and data settings. There’s a password reset tool as well if your child forgets it. Moreover, you have the right to edit their personal information or even delete their account if you feel necessary.
 

Net Nanny

9. Net Nanny

Product Rating

2.3

2.7

Tech Specifications

Metrics Android iOS
Latest Version : 10.6.6 10.0.66
Size : 12 MB 50.5 MB
Device Supported : 5.0 and up 12.0 or later
Subscription : Free, In-app purchases Free, In-app purchases

Why we picked it!

There are many parental apps available for iPhone and Android, but NetNanny is the top choice. It lets parents see the daily total of each child’s screen time. It also allows parents to adjust screen time limits and allowances instantly.

Top Features

    • It gives you a list of apps your child has used
    • View each kid’s location with a Family Map
    • Enables you to turn off the Internet instantly
    • Block bad content like drugs, violence, and suicide

More about product

Net Nanny provides you with screen time parenting. You get the ability to track in real-time. It tracks the online and app activity of each child in your family. Among iPhone and Android's best parental control apps,  it protects your children from online dangers.

Moreover, in the app, you will get a built-in YouTube monitoring system. This helps you restrict access to inappropriate content. Additionally, for your peace of mind, you can view all your children's real-time location and location history on a single map.

You get instant alerts if your child has explored Drugs, Weapons, Suicide, or other related inappropriate content. Also, you will get educational insights and descriptions from experts about installed and trending apps.
 

Famisafe

10. Famisafe

Product Rating

4.9

4.8

Tech Specifications

Metrics Android iOS
Latest Version: : 7.1.1.9378 7.1.5
Size: : 70.8 MB 204.4 MB
Device Supported: : Requires Android 4.4 and up Requires iOS 11.0 or later
Subscription: : Free (In-App Purchases) Free (In-App Purchases)

Why we picked it!

FamiSafe cultivates better online habits for your kids with AI-powered parenting features like a real-time location tracker, screen time limits, activity reports, games/apps blocking, and app monitoring.

Top Features

    • Set rules for kids’ screen time usage
    • Track location history timeline
    • Track apps your kids install
    • Block or restrict specific inappropriate apps

More about product

FamiSafe is an app for parents that allows them to instantly check their child’s browsing history and how much time they spend there. Parents can get accurate details for all the sites their child has visited with the exact time log and gap.

As an effective free parental control app for Android and iPhones, the app allows the parents to set a specific time in the day when the kid is not allowed to use their phone. 

Special features like keyword alert prompts can also be set to forewarn parents when their child is looking for explicit content. This phone monitoring app for parents, FamiSafe, is undoubtedly the most interactive and intuitive parental control app.

Page
of 2

 What Is a Parental Control App, and How Does It Work?

 A parental control app is a software tool designed to help guardians monitor and manage their children's digital activities. These apps can track the device's location, filter inappropriate content, limit screen time, and monitor social media interactions. 

The app works when you install it on both the parent's and child's devices. It allows parents to set specific controls and restrictions remotely. Through customized settings, parents can ensure a safer online experience for their children, balancing the benefits of internet access with protection from its potential harms.

How to Keep Your Kids Safe Online?

Keeping kids safe online involves a combination of communication, education, and technological tools. Here are some strategies:

1. Open Dialogue: Regularly talk with your kids about their online experiences and potential dangers. Encourage them to share their concerns and questions.

2. Educate them About Online Risks: Teach them about the importance of privacy, the risks of sharing personal information, cyberbullying, and how to recognize and avoid suspicious content or online predators.

3. Set Ground Rules: Establish clear guidelines about what is appropriate and safe online behavior, including which websites are okay to visit and what kind of information they can share.

4. Use Parental Controls: Employ parental control apps and software to monitor and limit what your children can access online. This includes setting time limits, blocking inappropriate content, and managing social media usage.

5. Check Privacy Settings: Ensure that privacy settings on social media and other online platforms are set to the highest level to protect your children's information from strangers.

Key Features to Consider in Parental Control Apps

When choosing a parental control app, here are some detailed features to consider to ensure it meets your family's needs:

1. Block Unwanted Content

Parental control apps are useful for filtering the content. These apps let parents block access to specific apps, keywords, websites, and types of content they see as inappropriate or harmful. It helps create a safer online environment for children.

2. Monitor Communications

Parents can monitor texts, calls, photos, social media interactions, and app usage. This allows them to know who their children talk to and what they share or receive. Such monitoring keeps parents informed about their children's communications.

3. Manage Screen Time

This feature lets parents set their children's daily or weekly screen time allowances. It also allows them to enforce limits and create rewards or schedules for healthier digital habits. For example, parents can schedule devices to turn off at bedtime or during family meals.

4. Watch for Troubling Signs

Advanced monitoring tools provide alerts to parents about searches or interactions. These alerts may indicate serious issues such as cyberbullying, depression, suicidal thoughts, or eating disorders. This enables parents to intervene and offer support promptly.

5. Control Internet Access

Parents can remotely turn the internet on or off on a child's device. This allows them to enforce screen time policies or ensure focus during important family or study times.

6. Location Tracking

This feature uses geofencing or GPS technology to give real-time updates on a child's location. It offers peace of mind about their safety when they are away from home.

7. Gain Insights

Detailed reports and analytics give insights into children's online activities. They show how, where, when, and what children access the internet. This information helps parents understand their children's digital behaviors and interests.

8. Study Time Monitoring

This feature is specifically designed to monitor app and internet usage during school hours. It ensures that children concentrate on educational content. This way, they avoid getting distracted by games or social media.

9. Custom Alerts

Tailored alerts can be configured to notify both parents and children. They inform about specific events, like reaching screen time limits. Also, they alert when a child enters or leaves a designated area.

10. Support Family Goals

Beyond safety and monitoring, the best parental control apps have more goals. They aim to help families manage their time better. They also work to increase quality family time and reduce overall screen time. Additionally, these apps encourage focused study habits.

How to Choose the Best Parental Control App

If you want to choose the ideal parental control app, consider the following steps:

1. Identify Your Needs: Decide which facets of your child's online life—such as screen time, content filtering, and location tracking—you wish to keep an eye on or manage.

2. Research Available Apps: Look into popular parental control apps. Read reviews and compare features.

3. Check Compatibility: Check if the app is compatible with the iOS, Android, and Windows devices in the family.

4. Evaluate Features: Look for really necessary features, such as activity tracking, location tracking, app blocking, screen time management, and content screening. Consider advanced functions like emergency notifications, call/text tracking, and social media monitoring.

5. Consider User Friendliness: Choose an app that is easy for you and your child to use. Also, check if the app offers an easy-to-understand interface and simple setup.

6. Assess Privacy and Security: Ensure the app has a strong privacy policy. Verify that data encryption and other security measures are in place.

7. Review Customer Support: Look for reliable customer support options if you need assistance.

8. Trial and Test: Use the app's free trials to see how well it works. Look at how it fits in with your household's tech habits and routines.

9. Check for Updates and Development: Choose an app that receives regular updates and new features.

10. Consider Cost vs. Value: Evaluate the subscription costs and what features you get for the price. Decide if the app offers good value for your family’s needs.

Feature Comparison Table of Top Parental Control Apps

Features Google Family   Kaspersky Safe Kids   Screen Time   Qustodio   Our Pact  
  1. Geofencing None Yes Yes (extra fee) Yes Yes
  2. Web Monitoring Yes Yes Yes Yes None
  3. Time Limits Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
  4. App Blocker Yes Yes (iOS) Android Only Yes Yes
  5. Web Portal for Parents Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Final Verdict!

After looking at all the options and considering what is most important for keeping kids safe online, it totally depends on your specific needs. If you want to focus on screen time management, go for the scheduling features app. But if you want to make sure that your kid only accesses appropriate content, then go for an app that has strong filter features. 

For families prioritizing location tracking and social media monitoring, choose an app that excels in these areas. The best parental control app for you is one that balances ease of use, complete features, and reliable customer support. These best parental control apps fit easily into your family's lifestyle. Remember, the right app not only helps protect your kids but also supports healthy digital habits. 

By MobileAppDaily Team

MobileAppDaily Desk

MobileAppDaily host a team of experienced technical writers, industry wizards, and app experts who have an exact knack of content that caters to the needs of the mobile app targeted audience. We strive to bring you the best of tech!


More in Technology

Best Torrent Sites for Anime, Movies, Games, and More in 2024
Best Speed Test Websites in 2024 to Calculate Internet Speed
Best Hacking Apps For Android & iOS 2024

Share

Fill in the details, and our team will get back to you soon.

Contact Information
+ =