Read our full Norton Family Premier review. Kaspersky's location tracking and geofencing work in both iOS and Android, as do its web monitoring and device scheduling.
But app management is limited on iOS, and the iOS app can't monitor calls or texts at all. Still, if you don't feel a need to read your kids' text messages, then Kaspersky Safe Kids is well worth considering.
In March , Kaspersky Lab filed an antitrust complaint against Apple for allegedly forcing the removal of some features from Kaspersky Safe Kids. Apple hinted in June that it might relax some of its tighter restrictions on iOS parental-control apps with iOS 13, but we haven't yet seen anything different and Kaspersky's complaint is ongoing.
Read our full Kaspersky Safe Kids review. Qustodio has software for Macs, PCs. This service's limited location tracking works on both iOS and Android, although there's no geofencing option. However, a Family Locator feature that shows you where all your kids are at once was added in September You can manage only a few dozen apps on iOS, as opposed to all Android apps.
The best free parental control software 12222
Web filtering is more powerful on iOS, while monitoring texts and calls works on only Android. Read our full Qustodio review. Once the most powerful parental-control app for iPhones, OurPact was hobbled by an Apple rule change in late that nixed the service's geofencing, location tracking and time allowances on iOS. At its peak, OurPact was the only parental-control app we tested that could manage or block any iOS app.
It can still do so for Android devices. OurPact also gets kids involved in managing the daily allowance of screen time that you give them, and it does a good job of scheduling. Yet, its website filtering simply blocks porn, and it can't monitor calls or texts at all, even on Android. However, you can block messaging apps, and OurPact remains a joy to use. Read our full OurPact review. Screen Time does an excellent job of managing and scheduling kids' device access.
Unfortunately, this app doesn't do a whole lot else on iOS devices. And it has baffling upcharges for location tracking and web filters, both of which come standard with other parental-control apps. You get both features in the day premium trial. We liked how this service doles out additional screen time for chores or good deeds.
But you can't block apps on iOS, and there's no call or text monitoring at all, although geofencing and location history were recently added. Read our full Screen Time review. ESET Parental Control for Android sticks to one platform, but it doesn't shine even there, lacking text-message- and call-monitoring features.
Best Parental Control Software - Qustodio
The free app management and time management do work well, as do the paid location tracking and geofencing. MMGuardian has nearly every parental-control feature you might want, especially on Android, but the user interfaces are outdated and frustrating. Both the iOS and Android smartphone apps offer location tracking and excellent web filtering, and have recently added an artificial-intelligence component to spot nudity in saved images.
App management is strong on Android but primitive on iOS. On Android, the parent can read every text and block any number. Time management and screen-time scheduling are also Android-only.
Best parental software 12222: rest easy when your kids are online
Read our full MMGuardian review. Evaluation Criteria We focused on apps that emphasize proactively setting up filters and limits before your child uses the phone rather than merely tracking activities after the fact. Receive a full 30 day breakdown of your child's activity directly in your inbox on a daily or weekly basis. Easily set a time schedule or limits for how much internet time is allowed each day. Android, Windows, and Mac devices only. See who your child calls and texts most, read SMS, and set a list of blocked contacts. Android devices only. See where your child has been and know they are safe now.
Available for Android and iOS devices only. Add an SOS button to your child's Android smartphone that will send you location-based alerts if there's trouble. Location tracking is available only for Android and iOS.
Parental control software to keep your kids safe
Qustodio is a quick install on your own smartphone and your child's devices. By joining, you are agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Get started free! The easiest way to supervise your kids online With Qustodio, being a digital parent has never been easier. See With our online dashboard and Parents' App you'll be able to see how your child uses devices, apps, and the web.
- The best free parental control software | TechRadar.
- Parental Control App for iPhone & Android | mSpy.
- 10 Best Phones Monitoring Apps Parents Can't-Miss.
- Best Parental Control Apps | Tom's Guide.
- World's Most Powerful Parental Control App.