Top Parental Control Apps for Android and Windows: Features and Reviews

Parental control has become increasingly important as children spend more time online. From managing screen time to monitoring internet activity, there are various apps designed to help parents keep their children safe in the digital world. This article reviews some of the best parental control apps for both Android and Windows as of August 2023.

Top Parental Control Apps for Android

Parental control apps have evolved to offer a wide range of features, from tracking children's location to managing app usage. Here is a detailed look at some of the top parental control apps for Android.

Google Family Link

Features:

Manage apps Set screen time limits Track location View activity reports

Cost:Free

Best For:Basic monitoring and control

Google Family Link is a free app that is particularly useful for parents who want to set simple limits on child usage. It allows you to manage apps and set screen time limits, as well as track your child's location and view activity reports. However, it lacks advanced features such as web filtering.

Qustodio

Features:

Web filtering App blocking Time limits Location tracking Activity reporting

Cost:Free version available, premium plans start at $54.95/year

Best For:Comprehensive monitoring with a user-friendly interface

Qustodio provides a robust suite of features, including web filtering, app blocking, and time limits. Its user-friendly interface makes it easy for parents to set up and monitor their children's online activity. The free version is quite basic, so the premium version offers more advanced features and is worth considering for comprehensive monitoring.

Norton Family

Features:

Web filtering Time supervision Location tracking Social media monitoring

Cost:Free trial available, premium starts at $49.99/year

Best For:Families looking for robust web filtering

Norton Family includes advanced features such as robust web filtering, time supervision, and social media monitoring. Although the premium version is relatively expensive, it offers a high level of security and protection for web activity.

Kaspersky Safe Kids

Features:

App management Screen time control Location tracking Battery tracker

Cost:Free version available, premium starts at $14.99/year

Best For:Affordable option with strong features

Kaspersky Safe Kids is an affordable alternative that offers comprehensive features, including app management, screen time control, and location tracking. Its free version is quite useful, making it a great choice for parents on a budget.

Net Nanny

Features:

Real-time internet filter Screen time management Alerts for risky behavior

Cost:Starts at $39.99/year

Best For:Real-time monitoring and alerts

Net Nanny offers real-time internet filtering and alerts for concerning online behavior. Its strength lies in its real-time monitoring and alerts, which can help parents intervene quickly in case of risky behavior.

Top Parental Control Apps for Windows

Windows users also have several parental control options. Here is a review of some of the best apps for Windows.

Windows Family Safety

Features:

Built-in parental controls for Windows 10 and 11 Screen time limits Activity reports

Cost:Free

Best For:Integrated solution for Windows users

Windows Family Safety is a built-in feature of Windows 10 and 11, offering a free, integrated solution for parental control. It includes basic features like screen time limits and activity reports, making it suitable for users who prefer a streamlined, built-in solution.

Qustodio (Windows)

Features:

Web filtering App blocking Reports

Cost:Free version available, premium plans start at $54.95/year

Best For:Multi-platform support

The Windows version of Qustodio features web filtering, app blocking, and reporting, similar to its Android counterpart. It is particularly useful for parents with children using multiple devices, as it provides multi-platform support.

Norton Family (Windows)

Features:

Web monitoring Time management Location tracking

Cost:Free trial available, premium starts at $49.99/year

Best For:Strong web monitoring capabilities

Norton Family provides comprehensive web monitoring, time management, and location tracking, making it a strong choice for parents who want to monitor their children's online activity in detail.

Kaspersky Safe Kids (Windows)

Features:

App management Screen time control Battery tracker

Cost:Free version available, premium starts at $14.99/year

Best For:Budget-friendly with good features

Kaspersky Safe Kids is a budget-friendly app that offers app management, screen time control, and a battery tracker. Its free version is quite useful, making it a great choice for parents on a budget.

Net Nanny (Windows)

Features:

Real-time internet filtering Screen time management Alerts for risky behavior

Cost:Starts at $39.99/year

Best For:Advanced internet filtering

Net Nanny offers advanced internet filtering, real-time monitoring, and alerts for concerning online behavior. Its strength lies in its real-time monitoring and alerts, which can help parents intervene quickly in case of risky behavior.

Considerations When Choosing Parental Control Apps

When selecting a parental control app, consider the following factors:

User Needs: Choose based on the specific features you need, such as web filtering, app control, or location tracking. Device Compatibility: Ensure the app is compatible with all the devices your family uses. Privacy: Review each app's privacy policy to understand how your data will be handled.

By considering these factors, you can choose the best parental control app to help your children explore the digital world safely and securely.