Best Parental Control Apps to Use in 2024

For parents today, keeping kids safe online is tough. There's so much out there—apps, websites, social media—and it's hard to keep up. At the same time, parents want to respect their kids' privacy. This tricky balance makes finding the best parental control app in 2024 a big challenge.

So this guide will help you find one, focusing on features that matter most to parents and kids alike, from safety and privacy to communication and ease of use.

What Makes the Best Parental Control App

A good parental control app should have several key features to effectively support parents in monitoring and managing their children's digital activities:

Comprehensive Features

• Web & Content Filtering: The ability to block or filter out inappropriate content and websites. It will ensure that children are not exposed to unsuitable material online.
• Time Management: Features to set time limits on device usage or specific apps. It will promote a healthy balance between screen time and other activities.
• App Management: Tools to view, block, or control app downloads and usage. It will help parents keep track of what applications their children are using.
• Location Tracking: The ability to track the child's location or set geofences for safety purposes. It will provide peace of mind about the child's whereabouts.
• Activity Monitoring: This feature provides insights and reports on the child's online activity and app usage. It will offer parents a comprehensive overview of their child's digital behaviour.

Privacy and Security

 Ensuring the app is secure and respects the child's privacy with transparent data usage policies.

Ease of Use

A user-friendly interface that is easy for parents and children to understand and navigate.

Cross-Platform Compatibility

It is compatible with a lot of devices and operating systems, ensuring functionality across different devices.

Top 8 Parental Control Apps in 2024

1Best for Android Parental Control: AirDroid Parental Control

AirDroid Parental Control stands out for its robust monitoring and management features, which are specifically designed for Android devices. It offers a comprehensive suite of tools, including location tracking, app management, and screen time control.

Compatibility: Android, iOS, Web

Main Features:

• Remote Monitoring: Monitor live screen and surroundings in real-time.
• Location Tracking: Track the device and set geofences for safety alerts.
• Web & Content Filtering: Filter out inappropriate content to ensure safe browsing.
• Screen Time Control: Set limits on overall device usage or specific apps.
• App Blocker: Block access to certain apps completely.



Pricing:

• 3 days free trial for new users, monthly at $9.99, quarterly at $19.99, and yearly at $59.99.

Reasons to Buy:

• A User-friendly interface makes live monitoring straightforward.
• It offers the option to keep the kids app in stealth.
• Effective location tracking and geofencing for child safety.

Reasons to Avoid:

• Mainly designed for Android, it may not offer full functionality on other platforms.

2Best for Apple Device Parental Control: Net Nanny

Net Nanny excels in the Apple ecosystem, providing an intuitive interface and powerful features tailored for iOS devices. It offers a seamless solution for parents looking to safeguard their children on Apple devices & Windows.

Compatibility: iOS, macOS & Windows

Main Features:

• Porn Blocker: Filters out pornographic content from being accessed.
• Activity Reports: Provides detailed reports of online searches, app usage, and website visits.
• Location Tracking: Offers real-time location tracking and location history for family members.
• Website & App Blocker: Enables blocking specific websites and apps to ensure a safe online environment.
• Screen Time Limit: Parents can set daily device screen time limits.



Pricing:

• $39.99/year for 1 desktop, $54.99/year for 5 devices, and $89.99/year for 20 devices.

Reasons to Buy:

• Intuitive design and easy navigation tailored for iOS and macOS.
• It can mask profanity while while you surf the web.
• Effective content filtering and monitoring capabilities to ensure child safety online.

Reasons to Avoid:

• App Blocker is only available for mobile devices, and there are no app usage details in the Activity report.
• No geofencing function to set safety zones or areas for children and get alerts.
• It doesn't support set parental control on Android Kindle Fire and Chromebook devices.

👉Want to know more about Net Nanny, check our full review!

3Best for Online Safety: Kaspersky Safe Kids

Kaspersky Safe Kids is the go-to app for ensuring children's online safety. With advanced content filtering, activity monitoring, and social media checks, it offers a robust defense against online threats.

Compatibility: iOS, Android, macOS & Windows, Web

Main Features:

• Web Monitoring: Filters and monitors web browsing to prevent exposure to harmful content.
• GPS Locator: Tracks the location of your children and sets safe zones with alerts for departures.
• Screen Time & App Management: Manages how much time is spent on devices and which apps can be used.
• Social Network Monitoring: Keeps tabs on social media activity to ensure safe interactions.
• Real-time Alerts: Sends immediate notifications to parents about any concerning activity or breaches of set rules.



Pricing:

• Introductory price of $20.99 for the first year, and it will renew automatically at $22.99 per year.

Reasons to Buy:

• Filter the most inappropriate websites, search results, and apps from your child’s device.
• Web filtering can't be bypassed when using a VPN.
• Subscription is affordable compared to some other options.

Reasons to Avoid:

• The service only tracks online activity on Facebook and VK and doesn't show location history. 
• Many Users say the location tracker is often inaccurate and doesn't update regularly.
• Web filtering only works with Chrome on mobile, and iOS features are limited.

👉Want to know more about Kaspersky Safe Kids, check our full review!

4Best for Multi-Platform: Qustodio Parental Control

Qustodio Parental Control shines as the most versatile option, supporting various platforms. With its detailed activity reports, web filtering, and time limits, Qustodio is ideal for families using multiple devices.

Compatibility: iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, ChromeOS, Kindle

Main Features:

• Web & App Filtering: This feature allows parents to manage which websites and apps children can access, with customizable filtering options.
• Time Limits: Parents can set daily screen time limits, which can help prevent screen addiction and encourage healthy digital habits.
• Location Tracking: Keeps track of children's whereabouts, offering peace of mind to parents.
• Calls & SMS Tracking: Monitors call and SMS exchanges on Android devices, helping to catch cyberbullies or predators.
• Panic Button: This button on Android enables children to send SOS alerts if they need immediate assistance.



Pricing:

• Small Plan at $54.95/year for up to 5 devices, and Large Plan at $99.95/year for up to 25 devices.

Reasons to Buy:

• It has full cross-platform functionality and is ideal for families using a variety of devices.
• Standout web filtering capabilities to restrict the entire domain at a high rate.
• Includes a free plan with basic features and premium plans for more comprehensive coverage.

Reasons to Avoid:

• Most features can be bypassed with a VPN and have many visible block notifications.
• Doesn't monitor inappropriate content on social apps.
• Calls & SMS Tracking and the Panic Button are limited to Android devices.

👉Want to know more about Qustodios, check our full review!

5Best for Teenagers Monitoring: Bark Parental Control

Bark Parental Control specializes in monitoring teenagers' online activities without being invasive. It uses advanced algorithms to scan social media, texts, and emails for signs of cyberbullying, depression, and other risks.

Compatibility: iOS, Android, Windows, ChromeOS, Kindle

Main Features:

• Content Monitoring & Alerts: Scans social media, texts, and emails for signs of harmful interactions or content.
• Parenting Insights: Guides to help parents address digital safety with their teenagers.
• Location Sharing: Allows families to share their locations for added safety.
• Manage Screen Time: Offers tools to control when and how long children can use their devices.
• Block Websites: Enables the restriction of access to inappropriate websites.



Pricing:

• $14/month for a premium subscription.

Reasons to Buy:

• Send instant alerts for online threats like cyberbullying and inappropriate content, providing personalized insights & expert recommendations for online activity.
• Promotes open conversations between parents and teenagers about digital safety.
• Supports a wide range of social media apps, accounts & websites, making it effective for monitoring teen activities online.

Reasons to Avoid:

• Can't limit the whole screen time or a special app usage on Bark Premium.
• Subscription can be on the pricier side compared to some other options.

6Best for Positive Habits Forming: Screen Time Parental Control

Screen Time is designed to help kids develop healthy device usage habits through visual breakdowns of screen time, task completion rewards, and customizable downtime schedules. It's perfect for parents who want to teach their children self-regulation in the digital age.

Compatibility: iOS, Android, Kindle

Main Features:

• Time Schedule: Parents can set specific times when children can use their devices.
• Tasks & Reward: Children can earn additional screen time by completing tasks or chores.
• Instant Pause: Enables parents to pause device use with a single tap immediately.
• Web Filter & App Blocker: Restricts access to inappropriate content and apps.
• Location Tracking: Keeps track of children's location for safety purposes.



Pricing:

• Free basic plan, with a premium subscription at $6.99/month.

Reasons to Buy:

• Encourages children to develop healthy screen habits through rewards.
• Flexible control options allow for tailored usage limits based on individual needs.
• Useful for families looking to balance screen time with offline activities.

Reasons to Avoid:

• Doesn't monitor harmful content such as porn, bullying, violence, etc.
• Many parents have expressed concerns that teens are circumventing parental controls by utilizing VPN services.

7Best for Google Device Lovers: Google Family Link

Google Family Link is the official parental control app for users deeply integrated into the Google ecosystem. It offers device and app management, location tracking, and activity monitoring, all within a Google-friendly interface.

Compatibility: iOS, Android, ChromeOS

Main Features:

• Safe Search: Ensures that Google's SafeSearch is always on for Google searches, filtering out explicit content.
• Remote Locking: This feature allows parents to remotely lock their child's device whenever necessary, such as for bedtime or study hours.
• App Management: The ability to approve or block apps your children want to download from the Google Play Store.
• Activity Reports: Delivers weekly or monthly reports detailing how much time kids spend with each app.
• Location Tracking: Real-time location tracking helps keep tabs on your children's whereabouts.



Pricing:

• Free

Reasons to Buy:

• Direct integration with Android devices and Google accounts for a seamless setup.
• Free to use, making it an accessible option for many families.
• Provides a balanced approach to monitoring and managing children's device use without being overly intrusive.

Reasons to Avoid:

• No functionality outside the Android and ChromeOS ecosystem.
• Does not offer control as specialized third-party apps.

8Best for Microsoft Store Users: Microsoft Family Safety

Microsoft Family Safety is tailored for families using Windows and . It provides activity reports, screen time management, and web filtering. Integrated with Microsoft's ecosystem, it offers a seamless experience for monitoring and managing children's digital activities on Microsoft platforms.

Compatibility: Windows, Xbox, Android, iOS

Main Features:

• Content Filters: Helps filter out inappropriate content, making web browsing safer.
• Website Blocker: Allows blocking access to specific websites.
• Activity Reporting: Provides detailed reports on your children's online activity, app usage, and screen time.
• Screen Time Management: Enables setting time limits on device use, games, and specific apps across Windows, Xbox, and Android (via Microsoft Launcher).



Pricing:

• Free, with additional features available through a Microsoft 365 subscription.

Reasons to Buy:

• Seamlessly integrates with Microsoft accounts and devices, providing a unified experience.
• Offers a comprehensive suite of parental controls that work across devices.
• Includes location sharing and driving safety features for family members.

Reasons to Avoid:

• Primarily focused on the Microsoft ecosystem, performance is  suboptimal on Android and iOS.
• Some features, like screen time management and content filtering, may require some setup to fine-tune.

Best Parental Control Apps: A Quick Overview

	Highlights	Available Platform	Price	Best For
AirDroid Parental Control	Monitor live screen and surroundings	Android, iOS, Web	Monthly: $9.99, Quarterly: $19.99, Yearly: $59.99	Android Devices
Net Nanny	Filters porn content on social apps	iOS, macOS & Windows	$39.99~89.99/Year for 1 to 20 Devices	Apple Devices
Kaspersky Safe Kids	Filter most inappropriate websites, search results, and apps	Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Web	$20.99 for the First Year	Online Safety
Qustodio Parental Control	Monitors call and SMS on Android	iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Chromebook, Kindle	Basic: $54.95, Complete: $99.95	Multi-Platform
Bark Parental Control	Content Monitoring & Alerts with Parenting Insights	iOS, Android, Windows, ChromeOS, Kindle	Bark Premium: $14/month	Teenagers
Screen Time	Tasks & Reward for Screen Time	iOS, Android, Kindle	Basic: Free, Premium: $6.99	Positive Habits Forming
Google Family Link	Safe Search for Apps from Google	Android, Chrome OS	Free	Google Device Lovers
Microsoft Family Safety	Support Xbox parental control	Windows, Xbox, Android, iOS	Free	Microsoft Store Users

Final Verdict

The best parental control app in 2024 balances keeping kids safe online with respecting their privacy. It's easy to use, works on all devices, and helps manage screen time, filter content, and track location.

Importantly, it encourages parents and kids to talk about online safety together. The app also protects user data with strong security measures. In short, it's not just about monitoring; it's about supporting healthy and open conversations about internet use.