We are not biased. We test and review every product. Here’s our Methodology.

Best Parental Control Apps of 2026

Create a safer digital experience for your kids using these top parental control apps.

TechnologyJanuary 05, 2026

Being a parent is challenging, but becoming a smart parent can be made easier with the use of the right tools. Best parental control apps offer guidance and support, helping you monitor and manage your child’s online activity effectively. Parental control apps can be a great alternative to the traditional spy apps that make it obvious if a phone is tracked.

As parents, you can use the further-mentioned apps to create a digital environment for your child that is safe. These apps are equipped with smart features that identify and block risky content to limit your kids’ exposure to it. You also get to be free from worries by having a real-time status of their exact location.

Now, let’s dive into this list of parental control apps for Android and iPhone to help you upgrade to smarter parenthood.

Read More

Best Parental Control Apps for Android and Iphone

1.

FamiSafe

4.1
Rated 4.0
Rated 4.1
  • Tech Specifications

    MetricsAndroidiOS
    Latest Version8.2.7.106128.2.8
    Device SupportedAndroid 5.0 and upiOS 13.0 or later
    Subscription$2.90 - $68.48$9.99 - $59.99
  • Why You'll Love It

    FamiSafe cultivates better online habits for your kids with AI-powered parenting features like a real-time location tracker, screen time limits, activity reports, games/apps blocking, and app monitoring.
  • Top Features

    • Real-time alerts to signs of cyberbullying, adult content, suicide or depression, etc<br />
    • Flexible warning keywords adding<br />
    • Suspicious photos detection<br />
    • Option to mark geo-fencing zones
  • More about product

    FamiSafe is the best pick for you if you are still wondering what is the best find my phone app. This free phone tracker app is another best option that lets you monitor iOS or Android device whereabouts if you are authorized to review it by the original owner of the device.

    The Android and iPhone tracking app will let you access the phone’s GPS and comes with other impressive features like a web screen schedule, website filter, etc. However, for iPhones, FamiSafe requires jailbreaking for accessing advanced tracking features. Also, With its Screen Time Control feature, you can effortlessly manage and limit the time your children spend on their devices, promoting a healthy culture of efficient phone usage.

    This one of the best cell phone tracking apps also keeps you informed about your family’s digital activities with its Phone Activity Timeline. users can easily monitor app usage, websites visited, and screen time patterns. This insightful tool allows you to understand your family’s digital habits better, enabling you to have constructive conversations about responsible device usage.

    The apps app and games blocker also is a big yes when it comes to parental control. Parents can ensure children engage with age-appropriate content while limiting access to harmful or distracting applications.

2.

OurPact

4.5
Rated 4.4
Rated 3.4
  • Tech Specifications

    MetricsAndroidiOS
    Latest Version9.15.59.15.4
    Device SupportedAndroid 8.0 and upiOS 15.0 or later
    Subscription$1.93 - $101.25 per item$1.99 - $99.99
  • Why You'll Love It

    The app gives you the power to block apps like social media and games. Additionally, it lets you track your kid’s location and have visibility into their online activity for your peace of mind.
  • Top Features

    • <ul>
    • Allows parents to locate any family member
    • Set daily screen time limits for your kids
    • Blocks access or sets rules for texting apps
    • The app automates your family&rsquo;s daily routine </ul> <br />
  • More about product

    OurPact is a parental control app that will help you monitor your kid. The app leverages the abilities of iOS devices for smarter parental control. Features such as app blocker, app rules, website management, and geofencing make OurPact shine among the iPhone monitoring apps for parents.

    To specify its features, App Rules lets you block & allow particular apps; Screen Time Allowance lets you control the screen time, and New App Alerts warns you anytime a new app is installed on the targeted device. There is an ability to add screenshot views of your child’s online activity as well.

    OurPact also allows the creation of GPS geofences around specific locations like homes, schools, and coaching centers. This alerts you in real time when your kids leave and arrive at home, school, or any set zone.

    Moreover, with OurPact, you can provide them with healthy habits and manage your child's activity. This is possible because the app provides a View feature. In this, the app captures automated periodic, on-demand, or gallery views of your children’s online activity, all encrypted for safety.

3.

ESET Parental Control

Rated 0.0
Rated 3.5
  • Tech Specifications

    MetricsAndroidiOS
    Latest Version6.0.4.0N/A
    Device SupportedAndroid 8.0 and upN/A
    Subscription$0.79 - $17.06 per itemN/A
  • Why You'll Love It

    The best parental control app allows you to use the Instant Block feature for a temporary ban on games and entertainment. Also, the app allows you to suspend the time limit rule temporarily through Vacation Mode.
  • Top Features

    • <ul>
    • Protect your children against inappropriate online content
    • Measure the time your children spend playing games
    • One license can cover multiple devices
    • The app supports 30 languages to communicate with kids<br /> </ul>
  • More about product

    ESET makes it simpler to optimize the way your kids use their smart devices. You can set up a daily limit for gaming, playtime at night, or during school hours for your kids. Also, its ability to automatically restrict apps and games makes it the best free parental control app for iPhone and Android out there. It allows kids to use only age-appropriate apps.

    The feature, Web Guard, provides internet security by keeping your kids away from pages containing fake news or violent or adult content.

    Moreover, the app has a Battery Protector feature that will limit playing games for your kid. In the app, you can set a default battery level for games. The game will automatically turn off if the battery falls below this default level.

4.

Norton Family App

Rated 3.9
Rated 3.3
  • Tech Specifications

    MetricsAndroidiOS
    Latest Version7.8.1.251.16.0
    Device SupportedAndroid 8.0 and upiOS 15.0 or later
    Subscription49.9949.99
  • Why You'll Love It

    We selected Norton Family for its ability to provide insights into the search terms and videos that interest your kids. The app to monitor kids' phones also flags unsafe behavior providing you the transparency into your kids’ online habits.
  • Top Features

    • <ul>
    • Manage child&rsquo;s remote learning environment
    • Keep your kid focused on schoolwork
    • Block unsuitable sites
    • Track websites viewed by your kids </ul>
  • More about product

    Norton Family App has a great reputation as the parental control app for Android and iOS platforms. The app lets parents set online time limits on their kids’ devices. You can also use it to initiate and open ongoing conversations about how to build safe and smart online habits.

    Moreover, the app allows parents to monitor their kids’ online activities through dedicated email alerts. You can even remotely manage your kids’ learning environment. This encourages children to focus on their school work and avoid other internet distractions.

    Moreover, the app creates boundaries and alerts for children with new geo-location features. You can even add your child’s favorite location so that you can easily map and monitor them.

5.

MMGuardian Parent App

Rated 0.0
Rated 4.3
  • Tech Specifications

    MetricsAndroidiOS
    Latest Version3.7.23N/A
    Device SupportedAndroid 6.0 and upN/A
    Subscription$1.13 - $52.92 per itemN/A
  • Why You'll Love It

    The app locks or unlocks the child's phone with a simple button. You can manipulate and configure the screen time limit. Additionally, you can decide what apps and games should be allowed on tracked devices.
  • Top Features

    • <ul>
    • Locate your child&#39;s phone on a map
    • Set times to locate the phone automatically
    • Block browsing of undesired sites in Chrome and Firefox
    • Set up bedtime and school times to control screen time<br /> </ul>
  • More about product

    The MMGuardian Parental Control app allows you to control your child's activities using the app. Parents can easily track their child's social media activity and location if they have installed the app on the child's smartphone.

    This app's best part is that it offers a wide variety of parental control features. This parental monitoring app lets parents track where and to whom their children make voice calls.

    It sends alerts when text messages, certain social media chats, or web searches suggest issues like drugs, sexting, cyberbullying, child grooming, violence, or suicidal thoughts. The system's high accuracy in identifying safety risks comes from its use of AI.

6.

Screen Time

Rated 1.5
Rated 3.2
  • Tech Specifications

    MetricsAndroidiOS
    Latest Version3.11.713.72
    Device SupportedAndroid 7.0 and upiOS 9.0 or later
    Subscription$1.52 - $49.99 per item$0.99 - $64.99
  • Why You'll Love It

    Screen Time sets the time limits and uses a content blocker and location tracker. What we liked about the app is that it streamlines managing multiple devices. So, the app is perfect if you have multiple kids to look after.
  • Top Features

    • <ul>
    • Monitor your kids&rsquo; screen time
    • See which apps are being used and for how long
    • Receive a daily summary of your kids&#39; app and web usage
    • Monitor which social media platforms are used<br /> </ul>
  • More about product

    With Screen Time, you can make yourself and your loved ones (including kids) more aware of their phone use habits. The ability to customize makes Screen Time stand out among the leading cell phone monitoring apps in the market.

    Screen Time provides a detailed view of daily mobile phone usage (accurate for each hour, apps opened, etc.). As the best app to monitor kids’ phone time, it helps users,  parents, and kids to allocate their mobile phone usage time better.

    This parental app for iPhone and Android will help you motivate your children more in outdoor activities than mobile phones. Moreover, your child will be involved in family chats at the dinner table, concentrate on their homework, and get better sleep.

7.

Kidslox

Rated 4.3
Rated 4.4
  • Tech Specifications

    MetricsAndroidiOS
    Latest Version10.3.110.3.0
    Device SupportedAndroid 8.0 and upiOS 12.0 or later
    Subscription$0.99 - $129.99 per item$2.99 - $79.99
  • Why You'll Love It

    Kidslox filters web content, blocks apps or websites, sets weekly schedules, and many more. The screen time limits increase your child's productivity. All this can be done on a single app.
  • Top Features

    • <ul>
    • Set daily screen time limits
    • Blocks all 3rd party apps
    • Set a PIN to restrict the kids&rsquo; content
    • Filter pornography and other adult content<br /> </ul>
  • More about product

    Kidslox parental control helps parents manage children's screen time to help them develop a balanced attitude towards technology. 

    With this monitoring kid’s phone app, you can lock your child’s device remotely anytime. You can also set a daily screen time limit and choose which apps they use. Also, you can see which videos and track websites that are used by the kids.

    However, this app provides one account to manage your family’s screen time. It adds up to 10 devices from iOS and Android. Also, the Kidslox location tracker helps you keep your family safe online as well as offline.

8.

Kaspersky Safe Kids

Rated 0.0
Rated 0.0
    • Why You'll Love It

      With the help of Kaspersky Safe Kids, you can connect multiple devices for all your kids under one account for seamless management.
    • Top Features

      • <ul>
      • Get advice from child psychologists
      • It blocks harmful sites and content to ensure safe search
      • Blocks bad YouTube search requests
      • Set screen time limits </ul>
    • More about product

      Kaspersky Safe Kids is one of the best tracking apps for parents and kids. It allows parents to block nasty content and manage device and app use. The app quickly finds out about suspicious online behavior.

      After that, you can remotely manage and block unsafe sites and videos on YouTube. Its innovative features also let parents locate their kids on a map and set a safe area to stay in.

      Moreover, you can monitor the battery level on their devices so that you stay connected. Also, the app provides you with complete reports on your child’s online activity. It helps you stay informed and make smart decisions. 

    9.

    FamilyTime

    Rated 1.4
    Rated 4.0
    • Tech Specifications

      MetricsAndroidiOS
      Latest Version5.2.53.5.4
      Device SupportedAndroid 7.0 and upiOS 13.0 or later
      Subscription$11.96 - $111.42 per item$14.99 - $68.99
    • Why You'll Love It

      We chose this best parental control app for Android because it props up incredible monitoring features. It sets screen time limits, website filtering, games, and app blocking.
    • Top Features

      • <ul>
      • Simple app control panel
      • Highly compatible with different versions
      • It supports geofencing functionality
      • Blocks social media apps, games, and internet browsers </ul>
    • More about product

      If you are looking for the best free parental control apps for Android, FamilyTime can be your brilliant option. You can turn on SafeSearch to protect your kid’s searches. The app allows you to select a web filter to block websites like dating, gambling, and many more.

      To access the entire set of features, users must upgrade to the premium version of FamilyTime. It has location tracking, suspicious calls tracking, and much more.

      With the support of geofencing, you will also receive alerts when the kid leaves or enters a specific region, along with the option of location tracking. The trustworthy parental control app allows you to monitor and manage your kids' smartphone devices remotely.

    10.

    Astrosafe

    Rated 5.0
    Rated 0.0
    • Tech Specifications

      MetricsAndroidiOS
      Latest VersionN/A1.4.10
      Device SupportedN/AiOS 15.2 or later
      SubscriptionN/A£4.99 - £59.99
    • Why You'll Love It

      AstroSafe is on our list as a highly useful app for parents and educators. The app ensures children have a safe and controlled online experience. The app is accessible and easy to integrate into daily routines.
    • Top Features

      • View screen activities in real-time<br />
      • Blocks access to inappropriate ads<br />
      • Encourages access to safe, educational resources<br />
      • Ensures compliance with GDPR and COPPA standards
    • More about product

      AstroSafe is an innovative and safe browser designed specifically for younger children and students. It functions as a suitable parental control app, allowing parents to create a safe digital space for their kids. The platform features a range of functionalities that empower teachers and parents to create a controlled internet experience.

      With AstroSafe, parents can ensure that their kids can safely explore all the educational content without any exposure to inappropriate content. It is considered among the best parental control apps for its real-time monitoring, ad-blocking, internet filtering, and other similar features. The app provides complete privacy protection and is compliant with GDPR and COPPA standards.

      AstroSafe can be used on iPadOS or as a Google Chrome extension, with their Android app launching soon! The platform strives to ensure children’s safety both inside and outside the classroom. AstroSafe is, thus, the best parental monitoring app suitable for digital education. So, if you wish to unlock a secure and focused browsing experience for your children, get AstroSafe now.

       What Is a Parental Control App, and How Does It Work?

       A parental control app is a software tool designed to help guardians monitor and manage their children's digital activities. These apps can track the device's location, filter inappropriate content, limit screen time, and monitor social media interactions. 

      The app works when you install it on both the parent's and child's devices. It allows parents to set specific controls and restrictions remotely. Through customized settings, parents can ensure a safer online experience for their children, balancing the benefits of internet access with protection from its potential harms.

      How to Keep Your Kids Safe Online?

      Keeping kids safe online involves a combination of communication, education, and technological tools. Here are some strategies:

      1. Open Dialogue: Regularly talk with your kids about their online experiences and potential dangers. Encourage them to share their concerns and questions.

      2. Educate them About Online Risks: Teach them about the importance of privacy, the risks of sharing personal information, cyberbullying, and how to recognize and avoid suspicious content or online predators.

      3. Set Ground Rules: Establish clear guidelines about what is appropriate and safe online behavior, including which websites are okay to visit and what kind of information they can share.

      4. Use Parental Controls: Employ parental control apps and software to monitor and limit what your children can access online. This includes setting time limits, blocking inappropriate content, and managing social media usage.

      5. Check Privacy Settings: Ensure that privacy settings on social media and other online platforms are set to the highest level to protect your children's information from strangers.

      Key Features to Consider in Parental Control Apps

      When choosing a parental control app, here are some detailed features to consider to ensure it meets your family's needs:

      1. Block Unwanted Content

      Parental control apps are useful for filtering the content. These apps let parents block access to specific apps, keywords, websites, and types of content they see as inappropriate or harmful. It helps create a safer online environment for children.

      2. Monitor Communications

      Parents can monitor texts, calls, photos, social media interactions, and app usage. This allows them to know who their children talk to and what they share or receive. Such monitoring keeps parents informed about their children's communications.

      3. Manage Screen Time

      This feature lets parents set their children's daily or weekly screen time allowances. It also allows them to enforce limits and create rewards or schedules for healthier digital habits. For example, parents can schedule devices to turn off at bedtime or during family meals.

      4. Watch for Troubling Signs

      Advanced monitoring tools provide alerts to parents about searches or interactions. These alerts may indicate serious issues such as cyberbullying, depression, suicidal thoughts, or eating disorders. This enables parents to intervene and offer support promptly.

      5. Control Internet Access

      Parents can remotely turn the internet on or off on a child's device. This allows them to enforce screen time policies or ensure focus during important family or study times.

      6. Location Tracking

      This feature uses geofencing or GPS technology to give real-time updates on a child's location. It offers peace of mind about their safety when they are away from home.

      7. Gain Insights

      Detailed reports and analytics give insights into children's online activities. They show how, where, when, and what children access the internet. This information helps parents understand their children's digital behaviors and interests.

      8. Study Time Monitoring

      This feature is specifically designed to monitor app and internet usage during school hours. It ensures that children concentrate on educational content. This way, they avoid getting distracted by games or social media.

      9. Custom Alerts

      Tailored alerts can be configured to notify both parents and children. They inform about specific events, like reaching screen time limits. Also, they alert when a child enters or leaves a designated area.

      10. Support Family Goals

      Beyond safety and monitoring, the best parental control apps have more goals. They aim to help families manage their time better. They also work to increase quality family time and reduce overall screen time. Additionally, these apps encourage focused study habits.

      How to Choose the Best Parental Control App

      If you want to choose the ideal parental control app, consider the following steps:

      1. Identify Your Needs: Decide which facets of your child's online life—such as screen time, content filtering, and location tracking—you wish to keep an eye on or manage.

      2. Research Available Apps: Look into popular parental control apps. Read reviews and compare features.

      3. Check Compatibility: Check if the app is compatible with the iOS, Android, and Windows devices in the family.

      4. Evaluate Features: Look for really necessary features, such as activity tracking, location tracking, app blocking, screen time management, and content screening. Consider advanced functions like emergency notifications, call/text tracking, and social media monitoring.

      5. Consider User Friendliness: Choose an app that is easy for you and your child to use. Also, check if the app offers an easy-to-understand interface and simple setup.

      6. Assess Privacy and Security: Ensure the app has a strong privacy policy. Verify that data encryption and other security measures are in place.

      7. Review Customer Support: Look for reliable customer support options if you need assistance.

      8. Trial and Test: Use the app's free trials to see how well it works. Look at how it fits in with your household's tech habits and routines.

      9. Check for Updates and Development: Choose an app that receives regular updates and new features.

      10. Consider Cost vs. Value: Evaluate the subscription costs and what features you get for the price. Decide if the app offers good value for your family’s needs.

      Feature Comparison Table of Top Parental Control Apps

      Features Google Family   Kaspersky Safe Kids   Screen Time   Qustodio   Our Pact  
        1. Geofencing None Yes Yes (extra fee) Yes Yes
        2. Web Monitoring Yes Yes Yes Yes None
        3. Time Limits Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
        4. App Blocker Yes Yes (iOS) Android Only Yes Yes
        5. Web Portal for Parents Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

      Final Verdict!

      After looking at all the options and considering what is most important for keeping kids safe online, it totally depends on your specific needs. If you want to focus on screen time management, go for the scheduling features app. But if you want to make sure that your kid only accesses appropriate content, then go for an app that has strong filter features. 

      For families prioritizing location tracking and social media monitoring, choose an app that excels in these areas. The best parental control app for you is one that balances ease of use, complete features, and reliable customer support. These best parental control apps fit easily into your family's lifestyle. Remember, the right app not only helps protect your kids but also supports healthy digital habits. 

    Why Trust MobileAppDaily?

    We cut through the deafening digital noise to find what truly works. Every product on our list survives a relentless, hands-on analysis—no exceptions. We do the grunt work to deliver verified, trustworthy recommendations, so you can choose the right tools with absolute confidence.

    • Products Reviewed - 4,000+
    • No. Of Experts - 20+
    • Categories - 65+
    Explore Our Methodology
    WRITTEN BY
    Manish

    Manish

    Sr. Content Strategist

    Meet Manish Chandra Srivastava, the Strategic Content Architect & Marketing Guru who turns brands into legends. Armed with a Marketer's Soul, Manish has dazzled giants like Collegedunia and Embibe before becoming a part of MobileAppDaily. His work is spotlighted on Hackernoon, Gamasutra, and Elearning Industry.

    Beyond the writer’s block, Manish is often found distracted by movies, video games, AI, and other such nerdy stuff. But the point remains, If you need your brand to shine, Manish is who you need.

    Read More by Manish

    View All
    Didn't Find What You Were Looking For?

    We've got more answers waiting for you! If your question didn't make the list, don't hesitate to reach out.

    More in Technology

    Explore More In Technology

    The 10 Best Data Management Software: Find the Perfect Fit for Your Data Stack

    Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) Database Management
    Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) Database ManagementTechnology
    Azure Data Factory
    Azure Data FactoryTechnology
    IBM’s Data Management Solutions
    IBM’s Data Management SolutionsTechnology
    Informatica
    InformaticaTechnology

    10 Best Android Emulators for Mac | Play, Test & Explore Seamlessly

    We Evaluated 20+ Family Locator Apps | Only 12 Made It To The List