Best Parental Control Apps in 2025

April 8, 2025 News 0

Are Your Kids Safe on Internet?

The internet is a powerful tool, but for kids, it can also be a dangerous playground. From cyberbullying and online predators to explicit content just a click away, it’s no wonder parents feel overwhelmed. We all want to protect our children, but hovering over their shoulder 24/7 isn’t realistic. That’s where parental control tools come in. These apps help create a safer digital space by setting healthy boundaries around screen time, monitoring online activity, and filtering out harmful content.

But not all parental control apps are created equal. Others may quietly collect more data than you might expect. While there are reliable free options, many premium tools offer added security and reassurance. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best parental control apps based on specific needs—from budget to features to platform. Whether you’re after free parental control software, something tailored for Android, or simply the best parental control app in Australia, we’ve done the research so you don’t have to.

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Overview of Top Parental Controls Apps

App	Pricing	Key Features	Best For	Details
Bark Parental Control	From $14/month (USD)	AI scanning Screen time scheduling App & website blocking Geofencing Supports Bark Phone ($39) & Bark Watch ($169.99)	Parents wanting detailed social media & communication monitoring across multiple devices	↓
Norton Family Premier	$49.99/year (USD)	Web filtering App blocking Screen time management Location tracking with geofencing House rules & real-time alerts Reporting on online activity	Families seeking to establish online rules and healthy screen habits, especially for school-focused usage	↓
Qustodio Parental Control	Basic: $82.95/year (AUD) Complete: $149.95/year (AUD)	Robust web filtering App & game blocking Location tracking with geofencing Customizable time limits Detailed activity logs (texts, calls, web visits)	Tech-savvy parents who need strong content filtering and detailed monitoring across multiple platforms	↓
Net Nanny	Family Pass (5 devices): $54.99/year (USD) Extended (20 devices): $89.99/year (USD)	Intelligent content filtering Social media & YouTube monitoring App blocking Screen time management Location tracking (with some limitations)	Large families with multiple children needing extensive and customizable monitoring	↓
FamilyTime Premium	Starting at $29/year for 1 device (USD)	App blocking Basic web content blocking Call & SMS monitoring (Android only) Screen time scheduling Safe driving alerts Geofencing	Parents needing comprehensive mobile monitoring with features like a panic button and pick-up alerts	↓
Aura Parental Control	$99/year (USD)	App blocking Content filtering Screen time management Cyberbullying alerts Identity theft protection, antivirus, VPN, and password manager Easy QR code setup	Families wanting an all-in-one digital security solution that includes robust parental control features	↓
Google Family Link	Free	Screen time limiting App blocking Basic location tracking Family account management Simple interface	Families using Google products who need a basic, free solution for managing Android and iOS device usage	↓
Microsoft Family Safety	Free (Basic) Microsoft 365 Family: $99/year (USD)	Real-time alerts Location tracking Screen time management Driving safety reports (premium) Web & app filtering Integrated with Microsoft ecosystem	Families using Microsoft products looking for straightforward parental controls with real-time alerts and tracking	↓

Digging Deeper: Our Top Recommended Picks

Bark Premium

Best for Monitoring on Multiple Devices

Bark is an excellent choice for families who need to monitor multiple devices without feeling like spies. The app uses AI to scan texts, emails, social media, and photos for any potentially harmful content.

Key features include:

Screen time scheduling for healthier device use
App and website blocking to keep kids safe
Geofencing to track locations in real-time
Smart alerts for cyberbullying, online predators, and other risks

Pricing:

Bark Premium starts at $14/month (USD)

Best for:

✅ Parents who want a comprehensive solution that balances monitoring with trust and communication.
✅ Families needing an app that works across multiple devices and offers powerful content filtering.

Pros

Covers unlimited devices and kids

AI-driven alerts for quick, accurate updates

Bark Phone ($39) for fully controlled, safe mobile use

Bark Watch ($169.99) for real-time location tracking

Cons

No TikTok monitoring on iOS

Windows support is limited (only works with Chrome and Edge)

Premium pricing can be a bit high for some families

Norton Family Premier

Best for Establishing Online Rules

Norton Family stands out for its focus on cooperation between parents and children. Instead of just spying on your kid’s online activities, it encourages open dialogue about online safety. The House Rules feature helps start important conversations about digital habits, while the Request Access option gives kids more control over their device usage.

Key features include:

School Time mode to limit access to educational sites only
Geofencing to track your child’s location
Web activity monitoring, including YouTube search history and videos watched
Screen time controls for healthier online habits

Pricing:

$54.99/year

Best for:

✅ Parents who want to focus on healthy screen time habits and educational content
✅ Families looking for an easy-to-use solution with good location tracking and monitoring
✅ Parents who value open discussions about online safety

Pros

Affordable and great value for unlimited kids and devices

Easy setup and configuration

Excellent geofencing and location tracking

Focus on family dialogue through the House Rules feature

Comprehensive web dashboard for detailed monitoring

Cons

No Mac support
Browser extensions can be easily disabled
Limited app blocking options on PCs
iOS version lacks key features like app blocking and location tracking

Qustodio

Best for Web Filtering

Qustodio is perfect for parents who need powerful content filtering and extensive monitoring features. Offering an intuitive online dashboard and mobile app, it helps parents track and control their child’s online activity.

Key features include:

Comprehensive web filtering to block harmful sites
App and game blocking across platforms
Location tracking with geofencing tools
Time limits for apps, games, and screen time
Activity log to monitor texts, calls, and web visits

Pricing:

Basic Plan: $82.95/year

Complete Plan: $149.95/year

Best for:

✅ Parents who need strong web filtering and detailed monitoring.
✅ Families using multiple devices across different platforms.
✅ Tech-savvy parents looking for customizable settings and cross-platform support.

Pros

Cross-platform support for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and more
Customizable web filters and activity logs
Easy-to-use interface for managing rules
Unlimited device monitoring with premium plans
Great free option with basic features

Cons

Expensive compared to some alternatives

VPN bypass: children may bypass filters using a VPN

Limited iOS features, especially app blocking and geofencing

Short trial period (3 days)

No email monitoring

Net Nanny

Best for Big Families

Net Nanny excels in providing robust content filtering and screen time management tools, making it ideal for families with multiple children. With support for a variety of platforms, it offers real‑time activity monitoring, YouTube and social media protection and location tracking with history.

Key Features:

Intelligent content filtering to block harmful sites
Social media monitoring on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Tumblr
YouTube monitoring to keep track of viewed content
Application blocking and screen time management
Location tracking with history

Pricing:

Family Protection Pass (up to 5 devices): US$54.99/year
Extended Family Pass (up to 20 devices): US$89.99/year

Pros

Simple setup and an easy-to-use dashboard

Capable screen time management and application blocking

Customisable web filters

Provides location tracking and history for supported platforms

Cons

Expensive compared to some alternatives
Web filters can be bypassed by tools such as Tor
Relatively few preset filters and limited geofencing features
Some features (such as location tracking) are not available on Windows and Mac

FamilyTime Premium

Best for Mobile Monitoring

FamilyTime Premium excels in mobile monitoring with features like location tracking, app blocking, and call/text monitoring. It also offers emergency tools such as a panic button and geofencing for enhanced child safety.

Key Features:

App Blocking: Restrict access to specific apps and games.
Location Tracking: Track your child’s real-time location with geofencing alerts.
Call and SMS Monitoring: Monitor calls and messages on Android devices.
SOS & Pick Me Up: Emergency panic button and event reminders.

Pricing:

1 Device: $29/year (USD)
3 Devices: $49/year (USD)
5 Devices: $69/year (USD)

Best For:

✅ Parents needing mobile monitoring and safety features
✅ Families wanting to track multiple devices
✅ Parents who value emergency tools like SOS alerts and geofencing

Pros

Easy setup and installation

Comprehensive mobile monitoring features

Geofencing and location tracking

Panic button for emergencies

Cons

Expensive for a single device

No support for Macs or PCs

Limited web filtering

Easily uninstalled

Inconsistent features across platforms

Aura

Best for Digital Security

Aura is an all-in-one digital security solution that goes beyond just parental controls, offering identity protection, antivirus, VPN, and password management. With its powerful suite of features, it helps parents monitor their child’s online activity while ensuring digital security across devices.

Key Features:

Content blocking for apps, games, and websites
Screen time management with usage analytics
Cyberbullying alerts powered by ProtectMe
Identity protection, antivirus, VPN, and password manager
Direct 24/7 support via phone and email

Pricing:

Aura Family Plan: $99/year (USD)

Best For:

✅ Parents looking for a comprehensive digital security solution that includes parental control features.
✅ Families needing protection from cyberbullying and unwanted content.
✅ Users who want additional features like identity theft protection, antivirus, and VPN.

Pros

Comprehensive digital security features beyond parental controls
Customisable content restrictions and screen time management
Cyberbullying alerts and protective monitoring
Easy-to-use setup with QR code download

Cons

Higher price compared to basic parental control apps

Family plan pricing is above the industry average

Some features feel like they are still in development

Location tracking is not available

Google Family Link

Best Free Parental Control App

Google Family Link is a free, user-friendly parental control app that works well for families already using Google products. With support for unlimited accounts and devices, it allows you to manage screen time, restrict app usage, and monitor your child’s location. However, it lacks some advanced features compared to other parental control apps.

Key Features:

Free to use for unlimited accounts and devices
Allows app blocking and time management for apps
Restricts usage of Chrome, YouTube, Google Play Store, and Google Search
Basic location tracking (no geofencing)
In-app purchase management

Pricing:

Free

Best For:

✅ Families that use Google products (Chrome, YouTube, Google Play)
✅ Parents looking for basic control without paying for a subscription
✅ Those who only need essential features, like app blocking and screen-time management

Pros

Completely free with no device limit

Easy to set up and user-friendly interface

Works well for managing Google apps and services

Basic location tracking features

Cons

Very basic web content filtering

Lacks geofencing and alerts for arrival/departure at locations

No in-depth app blocking or flexible time restrictions

Limited control over app categories or ratings

Microsoft Family Safety

Best for Real-Time Alerts

Microsoft Family Safety offers a robust set of parental control features, ideal for parents looking for real-time alerts, location tracking, and web filtering. This app integrates well within the Microsoft ecosystem, making it an excellent choice for families using Windows, Android, and Xbox devices.

Key Features:

Real-time alerts when children try to access blocked content
Location tracking with geofencing features
Web and app filtering to block inappropriate content
Screen time management to control device usage
Driving safety reports (with premium plan) to monitor driving habits

Pricing:

Free Plan: Includes basic features like location tracking and screen time management for up to six family members.
Microsoft 365 Family Subscription: $99/year (USD), unlocking additional features like driving safety reports and location alerts.

Best For:

✅ Families already using Microsoft products who want basic but effective parental controls.
✅ Parents seeking real-time alerts and location tracking for added peace of mind.
✅ Families interested in an easy-to-use, cost-effective solution with an optional premium plan for additional features.

Pros

Cost-effective with a free plan available

Seamless integration within the Microsoft ecosystem

Easy-to-use interface for managing multiple family members

Driving safety feature for monitoring teen driving habits

Cons

Limited web filtering support for browsers other than Microsoft Edge and Internet Explorer
No macOS support – works primarily with Windows, Android, and Xbox
Lacks social media monitoring tools
Web filtering and device-level controls are less effective on Android devices

Before using any parental control app, it’s important to have an open discussion with your child about the reasons for monitoring their online activity. Let them know that the purpose is to keep them safe from risks like inappropriate content, cyberbullying, or online predators. Make sure they understand that these tools are for their protection and not an invasion of privacy. By explaining the reasons behind the controls, you help them see the importance of responsible device use. Encourage open communication, so they feel comfortable discussing any concerns. This approach not only builds trust but also reduces the chances of them trying to bypass the system. Setting clear expectations and fostering an understanding of online safety will promote responsible digital behavior as they grow.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a completely free parental control app?

Yes, there are free parental control apps available. For example, Google Family Link offers basic parental controls, including app blocking, screen time management, and location tracking, all at no cost. This makes it a great option for parents who need essential controls without a subscription fee.

Will parental control software block all inappropriate content?

Parental control software is designed to block most inappropriate content, such as adult websites and harmful media. However, no solution is perfect, and some content may still slip through. It’s best to use these tools in combination with open discussions and additional supervision to ensure your child’s safety online.

Are parental control apps safe?

Yes, when you choose a well-reviewed and reputable app, parental control software is safe to use. These apps typically use strong encryption and secure methods to protect your child’s data. However, it’s important to review the privacy policy and features of any app before installation.

What do parental control software do?

Parental control software helps manage and monitor your child's digital activities by blocking inappropriate websites, restricting app usage, and setting screen time limits. Many apps also offer features like location tracking and detailed activity reports. This helps create a safer online environment and encourages responsible device usage.

Should I install parental controls without telling my children?

It’s generally better to discuss parental controls openly with your children rather than installing them secretly. Explaining the reasons behind the controls can build trust and help them understand online safety. Transparent communication encourages responsible digital habits and reduces the chances of your child trying to bypass the controls.

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Parental Controls Apps to Use in 2025

Are Your Kids Safe on Internet?

Overview of Top Parental Controls Apps

App

Pricing

Key Features

Best For

Details

Bark Parental Control

Norton Family Premier

Qustodio Parental Control

Net Nanny

FamilyTime Premium

Aura Parental Control

Google Family Link

Microsoft Family Safety

Digging Deeper: Our Top Recommended Picks

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Frequently Asked Questions

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