Let’s be real—parenting in the digital age isn’t what it used to be. In 2025, kids are using devices at younger ages, spending more time online, and navigating everything from TikTok trends to AI-powered chatbots. Whether it’s screen addiction, exposure to inappropriate content, or online predators, the internet presents real risks. And while you can’t look over your child’s shoulder 24/7, a good parental control tool can.
Modern parental control software does a lot more than block adult websites. It lets you monitor app usage, set screen time limits, filter content by age, track location, and even get alerts for concerning behavior like cyberbullying or self-harm. Some are more hands-on, while others use AI to identify risks and recommend actions. Whether you’re parenting a curious 8-year-old or managing screen time for a teenager, there’s a solution tailored to your family’s needs.
Here are 10 of the best parental control apps in 2025 to help you keep your kids safe and give you peace of mind—without turning your home into a surveillance state.
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1. Qustodio
Qustodio is a comprehensive parental control solution that offers a clean interface and powerful features for monitoring and managing screen time across all major platforms.
Pros:
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Detailed activity reports for apps, websites, and screen time
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Customizable daily limits and instant pause features
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Works on Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, and Chromebooks
Cons:
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Limited features in the free version
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Can be pricey for larger families
Pricing: Free basic plan; Premium starts at $54.95/year for 5 devices
Perfect for parents who want a full-featured, cross-platform solution that’s easy to manage.
2. Bark
Bark goes beyond screen time by using AI to monitor texts, emails, YouTube, and 30+ apps for signs of cyberbullying, sexting, depression, and more.
Pros:
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AI alerts for potentially dangerous messages and behaviors
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Covers a wide range of social media and communication apps
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Built-in content filtering and screen time management
Cons:
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Limited real-time blocking compared to traditional filters
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Some alerts can feel too frequent or vague
Pricing: Bark Premium at $14/month or $99/year
Best for parents of teens who are active on social media and messaging platforms.
3. Net Nanny
Net Nanny is a long-standing name in parental control, now upgraded with real-time content filtering and family-wide protection features.
Pros:
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Real-time web content filtering that works dynamically
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Internet time scheduling and app blocking
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Intuitive dashboard for multiple devices
Cons:
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Some features inconsistent on iOS
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UI can feel dated in places
Pricing: Starts at $39.99/year for 1 device; $89.99/year for 5 devices
Ideal for families that want strong web filtering with dependable screen time tools.
4. Norton Family
Part of Norton’s suite of security products, Norton Family offers great value for families already using Norton 360. It focuses on time management, web safety, and location tracking.
Pros:
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Time supervision and web monitoring tools
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School Time feature encourages focused learning
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Works well with other Norton services
Cons:
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Windows and Android support is stronger than iOS
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No standalone macOS version
Pricing: Included with Norton 360 Deluxe ($49.99/year); no separate free plan
Great for Norton users who want to expand their protection to the whole family.
5. FamilyTime
FamilyTime is highly customizable and built with features that suit both younger kids and teens, including location tracking, app blocking, SOS alerts, and geofencing.
Pros:
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SOS/emergency alerts and location tracking
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Geofencing with real-time location updates
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Flexible screen time and app control settings
Cons:
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App interface is a bit clunky
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Can be overwhelming with too many options
Pricing: Free plan available; Premium starts at $27/year for 1 device
Best for parents who want full control and flexibility over location and safety.
6. Google Family Link
Google Family Link is a free tool from Google that gives parents the ability to manage Android and Chromebook devices used by kids.
Pros:
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Totally free with strong screen time tools
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App approval, remote lock, and activity tracking
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Built into the Android ecosystem
Cons:
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Limited web filtering capabilities
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iOS support is minimal
Pricing: Free
Perfect for Android families who want essential parental controls without spending a dime.
7. Apple Screen Time
Built directly into iOS and macOS, Apple Screen Time gives parents solid control over their kids’ Apple devices, from downtime scheduling to app usage reports.
Pros:
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Deep integration with Apple hardware
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App limits, communication restrictions, and downtime settings
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Easy to manage from a parent’s iPhone or Mac
Cons:
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No cross-platform support
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Lacks social media monitoring or content scanning
Pricing: Free with Apple devices
Best for Apple-centric families who want built-in tools that just work.
8. Kaspersky Safe Kids
Kaspersky Safe Kids offers affordable yet powerful tools for screen time, device usage, safe browsing, and location tracking, even on a tight budget.
Pros:
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App usage tracking and web filtering
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Real-time GPS location and geofencing
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Includes usage tips and insights
Cons:
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Interface can feel slow at times
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Setup requires some tech know-how
Pricing: Free basic plan; Premium is $15/year
Ideal for budget-conscious parents who want solid protection without sacrificing features.
9. Canopy
Canopy stands out with AI-based porn detection and removal in real-time—making it an ideal choice for families especially concerned about explicit content.
Pros:
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AI-powered detection and blocking of inappropriate content
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Automatic image filtering, even in chat apps and browsers
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Real-time alerts for suspicious content
Cons:
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Expensive compared to others
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Less focus on social media or app time limits
Pricing: Starts at $7.99/month for 3 devices
Great for parents focused on protecting kids from explicit content online, especially younger children.
10. OurPact
OurPact is a visual, drag-and-drop parental control app known for its flexibility in managing screen time and app access through intuitive scheduling tools.
Pros:
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Visual scheduling for screen time and app access
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Block messaging and internet on-demand
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Great family dashboard for multiple kids
Cons:
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iOS setup is more complex due to Apple restrictions
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Free plan is very limited
Pricing: Free plan; Premium Plus starts at $6.99/month
Best for visual planners and parents who want fine-tuned daily control of their kids’ device habits.
Which Parental Control Tool Should You Use?
If you need full-spectrum control with alerts and analytics, Qustodio and Bark are excellent choices. If you’re deep in Google or Apple ecosystems, Family Link and Screen Time are seamless and cost nothing. For strong content protection, Canopy excels, while FamilyTime and Net Nanny offer robust cross-platform features.
Ultimately, the best parental control software depends on your family’s digital lifestyle, your kids’ ages, and how hands-on you want to be. Whether you’re managing screen time, ensuring safe browsing, or getting ahead of online risks, these tools can help you balance independence with safety—and that’s the kind of peace of mind every modern parent deserves.
