Best Parental Control Apps to Keep Your Kids Safe Online

Navigating the digital world as a parent can be challenging. The internet offers incredible opportunities for learning and connection. However, it also presents risks, from inappropriate content to cyberbullying. This is where the best parental control apps come in, serving as a digital safety net for your children. They provide peace of mind by giving you tools to monitor activity, filter content, and manage screen time.

Choosing the right tool is crucial. Therefore, we’ve researched and compiled a list of the best parental control apps available today to help you find the perfect fit for your family’s needs.

Why Use a Parental Control App?

Parental control software is more than just a way to spy on your kids. It’s a tool for teaching responsible digital citizenship.

These apps help you proactively manage your child’s online experience. You can block access to harmful websites, prevent them from downloading unapproved apps, and see who they are communicating with. Importantly, they also help you set healthy boundaries around technology use, which is a vital skill for modern life.

Benefits include:

• Content Filtering: Block inappropriate websites and search results.
• Screen Time Management: Set daily limits and schedules for device use.
• Location Tracking: Know where your kids are for their safety.
• Cyberbullying Prevention: Monitor messages for signs of bullying or distress.

What to Look For in Parental Control Software

When comparing the best parental control apps, certain features stand out as essential. Your choice will depend on your child’s age and your primary concerns.

Key Features Checklist

• Web and Content Filtering: The app should effectively block categories of websites (like gambling or adult content) and allow you to whitelist or blacklist specific URLs.
• App Management: Look for the ability to block or set time limits on specific applications, from social media to games.
• Screen Time Scheduling: A good app lets you set a total daily allowance for screen time and create a schedule, for instance, blocking devices during homework hours or at bedtime.
• Location Tracking & Geofencing: This feature shows your child’s real-time location. Geofencing goes a step further by alerting you when your child enters or leaves a designated area, like school or a friend’s house.
• Social Media Monitoring: Some advanced apps, like Bark, monitor posts, chats, and comments on social media platforms for potential issues without giving you full access to every message.

Our Top Picks for the Best Parental Control Apps in 2025

After extensive research, here are our top recommendations. We’ve focused on apps that offer a strong balance of features, ease of use, and value.

Qustodio – The All-in-One Champion

Qustodio is consistently ranked as one of the best parental control apps for its comprehensive feature set. It covers nearly every aspect of digital safety, from web filtering to detailed activity reports sent directly to your inbox.

It’s an excellent choice for parents who want a powerful, all-in-one solution. Qustodio works across a wide range of devices, including iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, and even Kindle.

• Top Features: Robust web filtering, app blocking, detailed time limits, location tracking, and monitoring for calls and SMS on Android.
• Pricing: Starts at $54.95 per year for a Small Plan covering up to 5 devices.
• Learn More: Visit the Qustodio website.

Bark – Best for Social Media Monitoring

Bark takes a unique approach that focuses on trust and safety rather than outright spying. Instead of showing you everything your child does, Bark uses AI to scan texts, emails, and over 30 social media platforms for potential issues. For example, it alerts you to signs of cyberbullying, online predators, sexting, or suicidal ideation.

This makes it a great option for parents of teens who want to respect their child’s privacy while still ensuring their safety.

• Top Features: AI-powered alerts, social media monitoring, screen time management, and web filtering.
• Pricing: The Bark Premium plan is about $99 per year and covers an unlimited number of devices.
• Learn More: Visit the Bark website.

Net Nanny – Superior Web Filtering

Net Nanny has been a leader in internet filtering for years, and its technology remains top-notch. Its primary strength is its dynamic, real-time content filtering. It analyzes the content of a page as it loads, making it more effective at blocking new or uncategorized threats than apps that rely solely on a list of banned sites.

If your main concern is protecting your kids from inappropriate online content, Net Nanny is a fantastic choice.

• Top Features: Best-in-class web filter, screen time management, app blocking, and a family feed to see activity at a glance.
• Pricing: A 5-device family plan costs $54.99 per year.
• Learn More: Visit the Net Nanny website.

What About Free Options?

Paid apps generally offer more features and better cross-platform support. However, free tools built into your devices can be a good starting point.

Google Family Link

For families primarily using Android devices, Google Family Link is a powerful and free option. It allows you to set time limits, approve or block app downloads, and track your child’s location. While its web filtering isn’t as robust as paid competitors, it provides a solid foundation for digital safety.

• Best For: Android users on a budget.
• Note: Its features are more limited on iOS devices.
• Get Started: Learn more at the Google Family Link page.

Apple Screen Time

If your family is in the Apple ecosystem, Screen Time is built directly into iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. You can set app time limits, schedule downtime, and restrict content without installing anything extra. It’s convenient and effective for basic controls, though savvy kids can sometimes find workarounds.

• Best For: Apple-exclusive households.
• Note: It doesn’t offer location tracking alerts or social media monitoring like dedicated apps.

Finding the Right Balance for Your Family

Choosing from the best parental control apps ultimately comes down to your family’s unique situation. For younger children, a comprehensive tool like Qustodio with strong filtering is ideal. For teenagers, a trust-focused app like Bark that monitors for serious dangers may be more appropriate.

Remember, no app can replace open and honest communication. Use these tools to support conversations with your children about staying safe, being kind, and making smart choices online. The goal is to empower them to navigate the digital world confidently and securely.