In this digital age, almost anything is accessible via the internet. If you are reading this, it is safe to assume you are in the same boat I was in when my children received their first smartphone, tablet, and/or laptop. Although the internet is useful for research and education, it unfortunately also is littered with inappropriate content that we would not want our children accessing, be it accidentally or not. In addition, cyberbullying, predators, and pornography are real issues of today and all parents desire is to protect their kids from such harmful possibilities.

Of all the options out there, I have reviewed 7 of the best parental control apps and ranked them based on my review outcomes. Below are 3 apps based on specific needs to help you make the right choice and pick the best one for you and your family.

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Parental control apps, which we will review in this post, are designed and developed for parents to be able to monitor and restrict their children’s devices giving them insight into their child’s online behavior.

With content filtering, app blocking, screen time management, location tracking, and social media monitoring these apps can give parents and guardians peace of mind knowing their children are safe whether at home, school, or out with friends.

Overall, parental control apps can help parents protect their children from the potential dangers of the internet and ensure they are using technology in a safe and responsible manner.

In this post, I have ranked and reviewed the best parent control apps like Qustodio, Bark, and Canopy so that you can have peace of mind when it comes to what your kids are doing online. The apps reviewed are those that can be downloaded from the iStore or PlayStore and not the built-in apps such as Apple’s ScreenTime service, which is limited anyway in monitoring messages on social media.

What are the best Parent Control Apps?

Here are my picks for the best parent control apps to use this year.

1. Qustodio

(Android / iOS / Mac / Windows / Chromebook / Kindle)

Best Overall Parental Control App – the most comprehensive

Qustodio is a parental control app that assists parents in keeping tabs on and managing their child’s digital activity across a variety of devices. The app gives parents the ability to block specific apps or websites, filter content, set screen time limits, locate their children, and keep an eye on their social media activity.

Qustodio provides a dashboard that parents can access through the app or web browser to see their child’s activity across all devices. The dashboard shows real-time information about the websites and apps their children are using, how much time they are spending on each, and how many alerts or violations have been made.

Additionally, Qustodio notifies parents when their child tries to access content that is blocked or when they transgress any of the parentally established ground rules. Given their child’s age, interests, and behavior, the app enables parents to modify the rules.

In conclusion, Qustodio is a comprehensive parental control app that gives parents the means to supervise their children’s online activity and keep them secure.

Key Features:

• Is compatible with Android, iOS, Mac, Windows, Chromebook, and Kindle. This was a somewhat pleasant surprise as families of today don’t always use the same technology providers, mom and dad may have iPhones, and the children have Samsung (Android) devices. In our home, this is the case and we have a mix of iOS, Android, Mac, and Windows.
• The app knows when a VPN (Virtual Private Network) is being used and blocks access to inappropriate sites and apps.
• Can support up to 15 devices on an account, which allows for the management of smartphones, tablets, and laptops.
• App management allows guardians to allow educational apps during school while blocking non-educational apps.
• A comprehensive set of functions (filter content and apps, monitor activity, set time limits, locate family, monitor calls and sms, and reports, alerts, and SOS).
• Previous concerns about children being able to disable the app on their devices have been resolved. The parent or guardian password is now required in order to make changes to Qustodio Kids.

Pricing:

• Basic: $54.95/year ($4.58/month) – Core protection
• Complete: $99.95/year ($8.08/month) – (Most Popular) – Advanced safety

Prices may change – the current pricing will be displayed on check-out

Used For:

• Content and app filtering
• Children’s device activity monitoring
• Setting time limits on children’s devices
• Locating family members
• Tracking calls & SMS
• Pulling reports, alerting & SOS function

CONS:

• Pricey
• Does not work on web browsers like Brave, Opera, and Tor (however not many people use these)
• Requires sideloading for call and text monitoring to work on Android devices

Get started with Qustodio.

2. Bark

(Android / iOS)

Best For Teens (Older Children) – with parents of a permissive parenting style

Due to its innovative emphasis on social media and email monitoring, the Bark app has long been one of our preferred parental controls. No other parental control offers as broad a range of apps and communication options as Bark.

Bark does a great job of filtering messages and informing parents.

However, Bark doesn’t offer comprehensive detailed reports, so it might not be compatible with how you want to parent in the digital age. Bark is also not the best app for younger children who require more direct supervision because parents are unable to manage contact lists, establish general time restrictions, or remotely lock down the device.

Below are the key features available with the Bark app.

Key Features:

• Excellent social media screening (good for teen devices).
• Unlimited kids can be added with the app installed on all their devices.
• A comprehensive set of functions (filter content and apps, activity reports, set time usage schedules, locate family with check-ins and alerts, push alerts for parents (text and e-mail), and remote internet pause.
• (Latest Update-August 2023) – Bark now provides “Full Location Tracking” for all users not just for Bark phone customers.

Pricing:

• Bark Jr: $5/month – unlimited devices
• Bark Premium: $14+/month – unlimited devices. (Most Popular)
• Bark Phone: $49+/month – comes with Bark built-in and no contract is required. (USA only)
• Bark Home: $6+/month – manage screen time and filter websites on all of the internet-connected devices in your house — including gaming consoles, TVs, and more. A subscription is NOT required with the purchase of Bark Home. (USA only)

Prices may change – the current pricing will be displayed on Bark.us

Used For:

• Content Monitoring (texts, apps, social media, and web searches)(Premium only)
• Manage Screen Time
• Filter Websites
• Set Location Alerts

CONS:

• The app can be circumvented by a VPN (Virtual Private Network) if your child knows what they are doing.
• The app can be uninstalled, however, an alert will be sent to the guardian.
• Can’t prevent unsupported browsers from being used.
• Only supports iOS, Amazon, and Android mobile devices.

Get started with Bark.

3. Canopy

(Android / iOS)

Best For Graphic Content Protection (Pornography protection for the whole family)

Canopy shields children from exposure to online porn by preventing it from happening. When your child uses their preferred apps or browses the web, Canopy’s cutting-edge artificial intelligence system quietly scans the images, videos, and websites they come across.

The app replaces inappropriate images and videos in web browsers and some apps with safe white rectangles. With AI the app makes content decisions in real-time rather than relying on an incomplete or stale list of inappropriate websites. Canopy for Kids, Canopy for Teens, and Canopy for Adults are available options to protect the whole family from graphic content.

Canopy can filter all websites and some apps which Includes TikTok and Discord. It also gives parents the ability to block any apps they believe are inappropriate for their children. Below are the key features available with the Canopy app.

Key Features:

• Real-time protection against graphic content. The Internet Filter uses artificial intelligence to scan, detect, and eliminate explicit content on web browsers and many popular apps in milliseconds before it reaches their screen. Excellent for younger kids as it also scans and blocks inappropriate photos they take of themselves.
• The app filters within websites, hence you can filter out inappropriate images and videos without having to block the entire site. In addition, suggestive content such as partial nudity like revealing swimsuit photos can also be filtered out.
• Provides custom URL, App, and Category blocking. A URL or App Name can be added to a custom list that blocks access. In addition, you can block an entire category such as gambling or social media. If a website is mistakenly blocked your child can request access for you to unblock it.
• Stops sexting and encourages kids to make smart choices. Canopy automatically scans and analyzes photos that are taken on your child’s device, as well as photos that are downloaded to your child’s device.
• Decide which apps are right for your child and device. With the App Management tool, you can easily cut off internet access for specific apps or games while still letting your child access their device’s productive features.
• Cannot remove or disable the app without the guardian knowing.
• Provides location awareness to know where your child is at all times.

Pricing:

• 7-Day Free Trial after which you can subscribe to the below options.
• 3 Devices: $9.99/month – Individual
• 10 Devices: $15.99/month. – Family (Best Value)
• 5 Devices Annual Plan: $99.99/year. ($8.33/month)
• There are annual pricing options which are discounted.

Prices may change – the current pricing will be displayed on check-out

Used For:

• Graphic content filtering
• Sexting prevention (images only)
• Blocking internet access for apps
• Location Awareness

CONS:

• The app can be circumvented by a VPN (Virtual Private Network) if your child knows what they are doing – but for younger kids this is unlikely.
• The app does not support call or text monitoring, only images.
• Only 10 devices can be added to the plan.

Get started with Canopy.

4. Family Time

(Android/iPhone/iPad)

Best For Screen Time Management

The Family Time App is a comprehensive digital tool designed to help families navigate their use of smart devices and screen time. The App provides a range of features to help parents ensure that their children are using technology in a safe, healthy, and responsible manner.

One of the most important features of the Family Time App is its ability to set limits on screen time. Parents can set daily, weekly, or monthly limits on the amount of time their children can spend on their devices, helping to prevent them from becoming overly reliant on technology. The application also allows parents to schedule device-free time for the family, helping to promote quality time together without the distractions of screens.

In addition, the app has the ability to block inappropriate content. Parents can set filters to block access to websites and apps that they deem inappropriate or unsafe for their children.

The app also includes a range of tools to help parents monitor their children’s device usage. The application provides detailed reports on how much time each child is spending on their devices, as well as which apps and websites they are accessing. Parents can use this information to gain insights into their children’s digital habits and adjust their rules and restrictions as needed.

In addition to these core features, The app includes a range of other tools to help families manage their time and responsibilities. Parents can assign tasks and chores to their children, create shared schedules, and send messages to each other within the application. This helps families stay organized and on track, while also promoting communication and collaboration.

Overall, the Family Time App is a useful tool for families looking to balance technology use with quality time and healthy habits. Its range of features and tools makes it easy for parents to monitor and control their children’s device usage, while also promoting responsibility and communication within the family.

Below are the key features available with the Family Time app.

Key Features:

• Time Limits – block access to a device based on when you should be studying or completing chores.
• Bedtime – block access during night hours when your child should be sleeping.
• Homework Time – block access when homework needs to be done.
• Block Porn – block pornographic websites.
• Web Filter – block website categories to prevent access to specific content.
• Geo-fence Places – geo-fence places that you want to know when your child enters or leaves.
• Family Locator – know where your children are at all times.
• Location Tracking – detailed location history of all places visited in a given time can be seen.
• App Blocker – block access to apps and games that you don’t want your child using on their devices.
• SafeSearch for Google – safe search can be activated to ensure your children are not stumbling across inappropriate content.
• Call History Mirroring – view who, when, and for how long your child calls a number/contact.
• App Usage Stats are viewable to see how long your child is using a specific app.
• Text Message Monitoring – add a list of words that you want to monitor for in text messages to help against sexting and cyberbullying.
• Teen Safe Drive – set alerts for speeding.
• Time Banking – a child can bank time for later or another day with a parent’s permission.

Pricing:

• Free Trial available (limited features)
• MyFamily – 1 Device: $2.41/month
• MyFamily3 – 3 Devices: $4.08/month. (Best Value)
• MyFamily5 – 5 Devices: $5.75/month.

Prices may change – the current pricing will be displayed on check-out

Used For:

• YouTube / TikTok Monitoring
• App Blocker
• Internet Filtering
• SOS / Panic Button
• Limit Screen Time
• Teen Safe Drive
• TimeBank

CONS:

• The app can be circumvented by a VPN (Virtual Private Network) if your child knows what they are doing – but for younger kids this is unlikely.
• Many features and settings may be too overwhelming for parents to manage, especially if they are already very busy.

Get started with FamilyTime.

5. Google Family Link

(Android/iOS/Chromebook)

Best Budget Option (however with limited features)

With Family Link, you decide what’s best for your family. Easy-to-use tools allow you to understand how your child is spending time on their device, share location, manage privacy settings, and more.

Below are the key features available with the Google Family Link app.

Key Features:

• Screen Time Limits – set downtime for your child’s device and time limits for each app.
• Age-appropriate Content – choose the right YouTube experience for your child.
• Permission Management – view and manage permissions for websites and extensions accessed through Chrome as well as apps downloaded on your child’s device.
• Manage Account – Family Link allows you to manage your childs account and data settings.
• Location Tracking – know where your family is at all times. Receive alerts when they arrive or leave a location and know when their battery life is running low.

Pricing:

• Free from Google Play Store and Apple Store. However, is not AD-Free.

Used For:

• ScreenTime Management
• Content Management
• Permission Management
• Account Management
• Location Tracking

CONS:

• The app is NOT ad-free.
• When your child turns 13 (or the applicable age in your country), they have the option to graduate to an unsupervised Google Account.
• No social media, call, or text monitoring.

Get started with Google Family Link.

6. Net Nanny

(Windows/MacOS/Android/iOS/Kindle Fire)

Best Real-Time Monitoring Parent Control App

Net Nanny empowers parents to take control of their family’s online safety by offering customized filters for each user, real-time blocking of inappropriate content, and the option to block, warn, or allow users when accessing websites. By utilizing Net Nanny’s dynamic filtering technology, families can protect their loved ones from a variety of online threats including pornography, cyberbullying, and online predators.

Unlike other parental control software that only blocks a predetermined list of websites, Net Nanny’s award-winning technology scans and analyzes each website to determine if it meets the customized settings established for each child’s profile. This approach allows children to access safe online content while preventing them from encountering harmful material.

Below are the key features available with the Net Nanny app.

Key Features:

• Screen Time Management – set downtime for your child’s device and time limits for each app.
• Website Blocker – set for each family member’s needs and protect them from inappropriate websites and content.
• Block Apps – any apps that you don’t want your child using due to harmful outcomes can be blocked.
• Track Location – know where your child is at all times by tracking their mobile device location.
• Social Media Protection – protect your children on social media like TikTok, Instagram, Tumblr, Facebook, and more.
• YouTube Monitoring – monitor and view video names, length, date, and review the video with direct links to each video viewed by your children.
• Parent Dashboard – manage family accounts from a web browser.
• Alerts and Reporting – receive alerts about your children’s online activity. Obtain reports on the activity as well.

Pricing:

• 1 Desktop – $39.99/year (PC and Mac)
• 5 Devices (Family Protection Pass) – $54.99/year ($11 per device/year) (Android, iOS, and Kindle Fire available exclusively with the Family Protection Pass.)(PC, Mac, and Mobile)(Currently 30% off)
• 20 Devices (Family Protection Pass) – $89.99/year (Android, iOS, and Kindle Fire available exclusively with the Family Protection Pass.)(PC, Mac, and Mobile)(Best Value)

Prices may change – the current price will be displayed on check-out

Used For:

• ScreenTime Management
• Parental Controls
• Website Blocking
• App Blocking
• Location Tracking
• Internet Filtering
• Alerts and Reporting

CONS:

• No text or phone monitoring
• Can be complicated to set up internet filtering

Get started with Net Nanny.

7. ScreenTime

(Android/iOS)

Good For Android Only Families with Young Children – Limited Features

Screen Time offers an unparalleled level of customization for parents to manage their children’s screen time. With the ability to set time limits and assign tasks for additional screen time, parents can effectively incentivize their kids to complete homework or chores. Additionally, Screen Time allows for the presetting of blocked periods, such as bedtime, homework time, or school hours, ensuring that children are not distracted during critical moments.

For moments when parents want to be more lenient, Screen Time offers a “Free Play” feature that temporarily overrides settings without compromising the monitoring routine. Furthermore, all downloads must be approved by parents, and web history can be easily monitored. The app’s versatility is further demonstrated by the fact that one Screen Time account can be used by the entire family, and access can be granted to relatives or caregivers.

Lastly, the app has a secure password feature to prevent children from uninstalling it. These features make Screen Time a brilliant solution for parents who value flexibility and ease of use in their parental control and monitoring tools.

Below are the key features available with the ScreenTime app.

Key Features:

• Screen Time Management – Set limits and create schedules for homework, bedtime, and playtime. Pause screen time from your device or enable free play mode for special occasions..
• Track Family Location – this includes geo-fencing features to alert you when they arrive and leave a specific location.
• Manage and block apps – limit or block access to apps. Restrict new apps from being downloaded and block in-app purchases.
• View App Usage – see how much time your children are using specific apps.
• Filter Websites (Android Only) – block and filter inappropriate content and websites. Check your child’s browsing and search history.
• Monitor Text and Photos (Android Only) – view SMS and Text messages between your children and others. Monitors social media apps and ensures appropriate behavior is being followed. View photos your child is capturing, sending, and receiving.
• Complete Tasks and Chores Reward – The app allows you to reward your children with additional screen time for completing chores around the house, completing homework on time, or sticking to their agreed-upon screen time schedule.

Pricing:

• Basic Monitoring – Free
• Premium – Managing, Tracking, Filtering, and GPS – $6.99/month (Up to 5 devices per account)

Prices may change – the current price will be displayed on check-out

Used For:

• ScreenTime Management
• Location Tracking
• Geofencing
• Free Play Mode
• Bedtime App Blocker
• App Blocker for certain apps (Android Only)
• Instant Pause
• Tasks and Chores
• Web and Search History (Android only)
• App Usage
• Web Filtering (Android only)
• Geo-Trips (Android Only)

CONS:

• Limited features for iOS devices
• Location tracking is not available on the free plan
• The free Version is limited (understandably)
• No desktop version

Get started with ScreenTime.

My Verdict (Qustodio/Bark/Canopy)

Having reviewed the above parental control apps, it is clear that some are fitter for purpose than others or more advanced than others.

My verdict is that both Qustodio and Bark and Canopy are the leading apps in this space and should be used for different age groups and purposes.

Qustodio offers a wide range of features such as time limits, app control, website blocking, location tracking, and social monitoring, making it a comprehensive solution for managing your child’s digital activities. The app is easy to use and customizable settings allow parents to tailor the controls to their family’s specific needs.

In addition, Qustodio offers advanced filtering technology beyond simple URL blocking to identify and block inappropriate content in real-time. Parents can rest assured that their children are protected from harmful online content.

Qustodio is compatible with a wide set of devices and operating systems which is useful for families that are not all the same and have different tastes in technology.

Bark is an excellent app for monitoring older children i.e teens. You want to be sure they are not getting themselves into trouble on social media or being bullied by others. Teens are generally trusted more to be digitally aware and just them knowing you are watching out for them, will help them make wise choices.

Canopy is excellent for image content scanning and blocking. If you are concerned about what any member of your family is looking at on their devices, then Canopy is great for blocking inappropriate images.

So for younger children – Qustodio

For older children (Teens) – Bark

For image content scanning – Canopy

What is a Parental Control App?

A parental control app can be downloaded to a caregiver’s phone or tablet (and usually also to their child’s device) to allow them to monitor, track, block, and limit activity on their child’s computer, phone, laptop, and/or tablet. These apps are an addition to the general controls already built into a device’s hardware.

It’s never too early to start teaching your kid internet safety, says expert Katie Greer, and parental control apps are a good way to do it. “I think starting off early with these apps is really the way to go,” she says, “It helps define and set some good boundaries, and I think doing so out of the gate really is helpful for parents and kids alike.”

What Should I Look for in a Parental Control App?

As a parent, you understand your child’s needs and behaviors better than anyone else. Therefore, when it comes to choosing the right parental control app, there is no single thing that you should be looking for. Every family situation is unique, and what works for one family may not necessarily work for another. That’s why it’s crucial to take a customized approach in selecting a parental control app that will fit the specific needs of your family.

According to Elizabeth Greer, a clinical psychologist and assistant professor at the University of Houston, parents should begin by utilizing the existing controls that are built into their child’s devices. These features, such as screen time limits and content restrictions, can be a great starting point for parents who are just starting to implement parental controls.

From there, parents can consider additional apps or tools that will fill in the gaps and provide added protection for their child’s online activity. Some popular parental control apps include Screen Time, Net Nanny, and Qustodio, each of which offers unique features that can help parents monitor and manage their child’s device usage.

In addition to parental control apps, parents should also communicate openly with their children about online safety and set clear expectations for behavior. This can include discussing the risks associated with sharing personal information online, avoiding inappropriate content, and preventing cyberbullying.

Ultimately, the most effective approach to parental control and monitoring is one that is tailored to the individual needs of your family. By combining existing device controls with additional apps or tools and open communication with children, parents can help keep their children safe and healthy in the digital age.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is My Childs Data in a Parental Control App Safe?

The safety of parental control apps is a valid concern for many parents. While the controls that come pre-installed on your child’s device may seem safe, the same cannot always be said for third-party parental control apps. Some of these apps may collect and store data, or even share it with third-party companies, raising concerns about privacy and security.

Parents should only download apps from reputable sources, such as the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, to ensure that the app is legitimate and secure. It is also a good idea to research the app and read reviews from other users before downloading it.

In conclusion, while parental control apps can be effective tools for managing your child’s device usage, it is crucial to prioritize safety and privacy. By carefully reviewing the terms and conditions of any app and only downloading from reputable sources, parents can ensure that their child’s personal information remains secure.

Can I Monitor My Child’s “Text Messages” With a Parental Control App?

Some parental control apps can be used to monitor for certain words that you stipulate. You will be alerted when these words are used and you can take the necessary action. There are apps on the market like Mspy that can read all messages on a device without the user knowing, however, this would be an invasion of privacy in my books and not something I would recommend. Your children should be entitled to privacy and if you want to install apps on their devices you should have a conversation with them explaining why you would like to do it.

The reasons should always be positive in assisting them with managing their time or protecting them from cyberbullying or inappropriate content. Wanting to know they are always safe.

Are Parental Control Apps Expensive?

Above you can view the price of what we have picked as the best parental control apps for 2023. Prices generally range from free versions (limited features) to approx $140/year for a large number of devices with all the bells and whistles. Based on the research above, the age of your children and depending on what features you are looking for most people will end up within the $15-$50/month range.

Is It Right to Monitor My Child’s Phone Without Them Knowing?

While it is technically possible to monitor your child’s phone without their knowledge, it is generally recommended that parents have an open and honest conversation with their children about why and how they plan to monitor their device usage. This approach helps to build trust and can prevent potential negative effects on the parent-child relationship, particularly as children get older.

If kids find out that they are being monitored without being told, they may feel that their freedom and privacy are being infringed upon, which can lead to feelings of resentment and rebellion. However, by having an open and honest conversation about the reasons for monitoring and the boundaries that will be put in place, parents can work through any concerns together as a family.

Ultimately, transparency and communication are key to creating a healthy and positive dynamic between parents and their children. By working together to establish guidelines and expectations for device usage, parents can help their children develop responsible digital habits while also maintaining a trusting and supportive relationship.