Top 10 Best Parental Control Software

Nowadays, children start to use a Smartphone early and can thus easily access the Internet. For parents, the danger to fear is that their children will come into contact with people with questionable intentions or come across inappropriate content. Hence, the interest of parental control solutions! To help you choose, here are the ten best software of the moment.

Wondershare FamiSafe

One of the particularities of this solution is that it is one of the most complete software on the market. Thanks to its multiple features, Wondershare FamiSafe offers parents the possibility of fully controlling the use of a mobile device (tablet, Smartphone, etc.) running iOS or Android. For example, they can monitor social networks such as TikTok or YouTube. 

This software also includes a function to detect and block shocking or even inappropriate videos or images. And that, regardless of the chosen browser! There is also the geolocation function, which enjoys excellent efficiency. Easy to use and install, Wondershare FamiSafe has an intuitive and parent-friendly interface. They can subscribe to a monthly, quarterly, or annual subscription to benefit from it. But before subscribing, they can try the solution for free for three days.

1. Price: Starting at $59.99/year
2. Compatibility: iOS, Android, Windows, Mac

mSpy

This software stands out above its principal competitors because of its advanced functionalities. As a result, parents can monitor almost everything: the files (images, videos, etc.) saved on the Smartphone, the child’s contacts, SMS, calls, exchanges made on the various social networks, the words entered… But if they wish to benefit from these multiple functions, parents must subscribe to the “Premium” subscription. 

In addition, they must also perform jailbreaking or routing. Installing mSpy requires some knowledge since it must be recognized that it is pretty technical. Once this solution is installed, the user benefits from a very intuitive dashboard. In the event of a problem, he can count on customer support (in French), distinguished by its efficiency.

1. Price: Starts at $49.99/month
2. Compatibility: iOS, Android

Qustodio

If there’s one point that characterizes Qustodio, it’s customization! Moreover, it supports most existing mobile and desktop platforms. This software can work with iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, and Kindle operating systems. In addition to monitoring your child’s activities (social networks, calls, SMS, geolocation, etc.), you can block access to the device, manage the time of use, and choose the games he can or cannot install. 

The software also helps parents with digital education. In a nutshell, Qustodio is genuinely a complete solution! The dashboard is ergonomic and allows easy handling. For all these reasons, it is not surprising that the price is higher compared to other solutions. The Qustodio Basic plan starts at €42.95/year.

1. Price: Starting at $54.95/year
2. Compatibility: iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, Chromebook

Eyezy

If you are looking for parental control software with the best features, know that Eyezy has everything you need to satisfy you! Want to know who (and what) your kids are chatting with on social media? This software allows you to access their conversation and read the messages even if they have been deleted. When it comes to internet searches, you’ll know exactly what sites your child is browsing. 

If necessary, you can even block sites that you consider inappropriate. And as if that were not enough, you can view all the files saved on the Smartphone. Then, by using Eyezy, you will always be able to know the exact position of your child via the location function. The solution notifies you when your offspring ventures into an area where it is not supposed to go. Finally, Eyezy acts discreetly since it is almost impossible for the child to know he is being watched.

1. Price: Starts at $49.99/month
2. Compatibility: iOS, Android

Norton Family

Due to its ease of use, this parental control software enjoys great popularity. It offers a lot of advantages, but what sets it apart is, above all, its high-quality online dashboard! Via this table, you can easily monitor your children’s activities. The solution relies on a transparent approach.

For example, if the child tries to access an unauthorized application, he receives an alert that his parents know what he is doing on his device. We can cite the application blocker, screen time management, or keyword filtering among the exciting features. Its compatibility is limited, however, as it is only available on iOS, Android, and Windows. Small downside,

1. Price: Starting at $79.99/month
2. Compatibility: iOS, Android, Windows, Mac

Kaspersky Safe Kids

Unlike its competitors, this solution suggests a single application (for children and parents). It is macOS, iOS, and Android compatible. Another specificity: Parents can monitor their children’s PCs and mobile devices. The features offered are varied: geofencing, blocking of inappropriate sites, management of calls, SMS, and contacts, creation of a list of authorized contacts, and support for Facebook…

In addition to a wide range of features, Kaspersky Safe Kids has ease of use. This software can also adapt its tools according to the child’s age. This is one of its strengths! Despite its many advantages, this software suffers from specific bugs, especially on Windows.

1. Price: Starts at $39.99/month
2. Compatibility: iOS, Android

Xooloo

Xooloo allows parents to consult in great detail all the activities carried out by a child on his Smartphone. This includes messaging, videos viewed on the net, social networks, games, etc… But even if it allows effective monitoring, the tool seems to favor an approach based more on dialogue and trust.

Instead of prohibiting, the software indicates to the child the limits he must not cross. If necessary, parents can make changes to the settings. They can also block their teen’s mobile device if they need to perform activities that require concentration. If the child installs a new application, his parents will be notified immediately.

1. Price: Starts at $39.99/month
2. Compatibility: iOS, Android

Google Family Link With 

iOS and Android devices, Google Family Link helps parents who want to keep track of their children’s online activities to keep them safe. The particularity of this software is that it only concerns the accounts of children under the age of 13. Once your child is over that age, you won’t be able to use Google Family Link to monitor them.

From a functional point of view, this tool allows you to determine screen hours, to give your consent or not concerning the apps to be installed, to restrict certain content, and to locate your child in real time… Nevertheless, there are functionalities basics that you will not find! For example, you cannot access your teenager’s text messages. To finish,

1. Price: Free
2. Compatibility: iOS, Android

Mobicip

Usable on macOS, Windows, Android, Kindle, or Chromebook; Mobicip is not on this list by chance! First of all, it is easy to use, and installing it will not cause you any particular problems. Its features are also handy for parents. Are you worried since your child often walks to school? Mobicip’s geo-barrier function allows you to delimit an area precisely, and you will be immediately informed if the child enters or crosses the limits. Also, you can block inappropriate apps or content from specific sites. It is also possible to monitor social networks and videos or to schedule the time the child spends on the screen.

1. Price: Starts at $39.99/month
2. Compatibility: iOS, Android

McAfee Safe Family

This software is feature-rich! Thanks to it, parents can authorize their children to access specific sites, limit daily usage time regarding applications, and know their use of the web and related activities to various applications or locate their offspring on a map. Parents can receive alerts automatically if the child leaves a location or arrives at a specific area.

The tool can also filter sites by category to prevent children from viewing content unsuitable for their age. A word of advice: if you want to take advantage of this software’s features, you better be prepared to pay a few pennies and not settle for the free version.

1. Price: Starts at $49.99/month
2. Compatibility: iOS, Android, Windows, Mac

Criteria For Choosing Parental Control Software

Understand The Essential Features Of Parental Control Software

To choose software that suits your needs, it is crucial to understand the features offered by these tools. Here are the main options you need to consider:

1. Content filtering:  This function allows you to block or authorize access to certain websites based on their content, such as pornography, violence, or gambling.
2. Limitation of screen time:  Some software offers the possibility of defining time slots during which your child can use his device or browse the web.
3. Social media monitoring:  Parental control software can also monitor your children’s activity on social media and detect any suspicious or inappropriate behavior.
4. Geolocation:  If your child has a smartphone, some parental control software allows you to track their position in real time or activate alerts when the device leaves a defined area.

Consider Compatibility With Your Devices

Before choosing parental control software, ensure it is compatible with your children’s devices. Some software works on multiple operating systems (Windows, macOS, Android, iOS), while others are designed for a given platform.

Computers And Tablets

To effectively protect your children on their computers and tablets, choosing software compatible with these devices is best. Also, ensure that the software supports different web browsers to prevent your child from circumventing the restrictions using another browser.

smartphones

Smartphones are often the primary Internet access point for young people. Thus, selecting parental control software that works on mobile phones and offers features adapted to these devices, such as geolocation or monitoring of calls and SMS, is crucial.

Compare Offers And Prices

The price of parental control software can vary greatly depending on the features offered and the number of devices covered. Take the time to compare different offers and see if they meet your needs and your budget. Testing several software, thanks to the free trial versions, is also recommended to ensure they are easy to use and effective.

Choose Software With An Intuitive User Interface

Good parental control software should be easy for parents to install and configure while being difficult for children to circumvent. Ensure the user interface is clear and intuitive so you can adjust settings and monitor your kids’ activity easily.

Respect Your Children’s Privacy

It is essential to balance protecting your children and respecting their privacy. Discuss with them why you want to implement parental control software and make sure they understand the issues related to their online safety. Finally, remember to gradually give them more freedom and responsibility as they grow and mature.

Do Not Neglect Education And Dialogue

Parental control software cannot replace educating and talking with your children about the risks and responsible behaviors on the Internet. You must bring up these topics regularly and encourage your children to share their online browsing experiences and concerns. By following these tips, you can choose parental control software adapted to your needs and ensure optimal protection for your children on the Internet. Do not hesitate to find out more and consult the opinions of other parents to inform your choice.

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