Parental Сontrol Apps: Which One Is The Best Among These Top 6

🔥 published July 12, 2023 - updated October 9, 2024

As children use the internet more and more, they see and learn new things every day. While this digital world can be a good source of education, fun, and friends, it can also show our children things they shouldn’t see, or lead to problems like cyberbullying and spending too much time on screens. For parents trying to keep their kids safe while also letting them grow and learn, this can be tricky. That’s where parental control apps come in. These apps help parents keep an eye on what their children are doing online and keep them safe, without taking away their freedom or stopping them from learning how to use the internet responsibly. With so many apps out there, it can be hard to figure out which ones are best for your family. We’re here to help make that easier for you.

Reviewing Best Parental Control Apps

Parental control apps come with an array of features designed to shield children from the darker corners of the internet and promote healthy online habits. These tools typically offer capabilities such as real-time content filtering, screen time management, and social media protection. They also provide an overview of your child’s online activities, giving you peace of mind about their digital interactions. But not all apps are created equal. It’s crucial to understand the specific features and benefits of each app to find the one that suits your family’s needs best. The ultimate aim is to equip parents with the knowledge to guide their children through the digital landscape effectively and safely.

The Go-To Parental Control Apps

With numerous parental control applications on the internet, it can be challenging to discern which ones truly meet the grade. Thankfully, Educators Technology has done the legwork for you, researching, testing, and compiling a list of the top seven parental control apps. The first on this esteemed list is Scannero, a cutting-edge phone tracking service.

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Service logo

Scannero

A screenshot of the Scannero homepage from the list of parental control apps

Scannero is an innovative app designed to provide accurate and quick location tracking. It enables you to locate a phone number with remarkable ease. The three-step process begins with account creation, followed by a location request and then swiftly receiving the phone’s location. The platform prides itself on its rapid results, usually delivered within two minutes. Scannero can function perfectly on any device, be it Android or iPhone, without requiring app installation.

The Good
  • Swift and accurate location tracking
  • User-friendly process
  • Cross-platform compatibility
The Bad
  • Does not provide content filtering or screen time management
  • Relies on the target phone receiving and accepting location requests
  • No monitoring of social media or online activitiess
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Service logo

mSpy

A screenshot of the mSpy homepage from the list of parental control apps

mSpy is a comprehensive monitoring app that provides an unparalleled level of insight into phone activity. From social media tracking to text and email access, location tracking to keystroke logging, mSpy offers a range of features that facilitate easy monitoring. It also enables you to manage the websites and apps accessible on the target device, ensuring safe online activity. Designed for user-friendliness and compatibility, mSpy works seamlessly on various devices, including Android and iPhone.

The Good
  • Comprehensive feature set for tracking and monitoring
  • User-friendly interface and consistent user support
  • Compatible with various devices
The Bad
  • Broad monitoring capabilities
  • Requires a subscription for full feature access
  • May be complex for less tech-savvy parents to navigate
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Service logo

Eyezy

A screenshot of the Eyezy homepage

Eyezy is a robust digital monitoring app that keeps you informed about your loved ones’ activities and locations. With features like real-time location tracking, message monitoring, photo review, and bullying detection, Eyezy delivers peace of mind in the digital age. Its smart AI can recognize problem chats, alerting you if any preset keywords appear in the conversations. Eyezy supports cross-platform accessibility, allowing you to monitor iPhone activity from any device, including Android, Mac, andWindows platforms.

The Good
  • Offers a comprehensive set of monitoring features
  • Real-time alerts for suspicious activity and locations
  • Supports cross-platform accessibility
The Bad
  • Extensive monitoring features
  • Requires a subscription for full feature access
  • May require some tech familiarity to utilize all features
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Service logo

Net Nanny

A screenshot of the Net Nanny homepage from the list of

Net Nanny is a top-rated parental control software designed to create a safe online space for your family in this digital age. The app lets you manage your child’s online safety by setting up screen time limits and monitoring app usage. Net Nanny also allows parents to block specific websites or apps that they find inappropriate. The app’s location tracking feature provides real-time location details of your child’s primary device. Net Nanny’s Parent Dashboard offers centralized account management and can be accessed from any device with internet access. Moreover, Net Nanny has an internet filter, which ranks #1, to control your family’s online activity and block pornography in real time. You can also review detailed reports and receive alerts about your child’s online activity with the “Alerts and Reporting” feature.

The Good
  • Robust protection with a wide range of features
  • Accessibility from any device
The Bad
  • The cost may be high for families with multiple devices
  • May require some technical understanding to customize settings
  • Some features may not work on all devices
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Service logo

Google Family Link

A screenshot of the Google Family Link homepage

Google Family Link is a user-friendly parental control app that helps parents manage their child’s digital activities. It includes tools for managing screen time, tracking location, and controlling privacy settings. Google Family Link enables parents to set screen time limits, manage app usage, and even manage their child’s account data and settings. It also provides location services, allowing parents to locate their children and receive alerts when they arrive or leave certain locations.

The Good
  • Customization for each child’s needs and habits
  • Free to use with a Google account
The Bad
  • Functionality varies based on the child’s device
  • Does not require approval for app updates or apps shared in the Family Library
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Service logo

Qustodio

A screenshot of the Qustodio homepage

Qustodio is a powerful parental control app that allows parents to monitor and manage their children’s digital activities. It offers features like content and app filtering, activity monitoring, time limits, location tracking, and alerts. Qustodio allows parents to block inappropriate content, track their children’s location, and monitor their online activity in real-time.

The Good
  • Covers a wide array of online activities
  • Provides immediate warnings about risky behaviors
  • Easy to use for all parents
The Bad
  • Full functionality requires a paid subscription
  • Could potentially infringe on a child’s privacy
  • May not work well with certain systems or apps
  • Doesn’t fully cover all social media platforms

Conclusion

The digital age presents numerous challenges for parents striving to keep their children safe online. Thankfully, parental control apps provide tools for monitoring, protecting, and guiding children through the digital landscape. Among the top seven, Scannero excels at swift and accurate location tracking, but lacks content filtering or screen time management capabilities. mSpy offers comprehensive monitoring features, including social media tracking and keystroke logging, although its extensive coverage could be seen as invasive. Eyezy is notable for its robust monitoring features and real-time alerts for suspicious activity.

Net Nanny is praised for its wide range of protection features and the ability to block inappropriate websites or apps. However, it may not be cost-effective for families with multiple devices. Google Family Link, while free to use with a Google account, varies in functionality depending on the child’s device. Lastly, Qustodio provides comprehensive monitoring tools, but its full functionality requires a paid subscription and its extensive monitoring may infringe on a child’s privacy. Therefore, it is crucial for parents to choose the app that best aligns with their family’s needs.

Choosing the Best Parental Control Apps

A Buyer’s Guide When selecting the best parental control app, parents should weigh factors such as requirements, ease of use, key features, integration with other devices or apps, price, customer support, and security. The goal is to find an app that not only keeps children safe online but also fits well with the family’s unique needs and budget.

Requirements 

Before purchasing a parental control app, assess what needs you want the app to fulfill. Are you more concerned about location tracking, content filtering, or limiting screen time? The ideal app will meet most, if not all, of your specific requirements.

Accessibility & Ease of Use 

An effective parental control app should have an intuitive interface that both you and your child can navigate with ease. It should also be compatible with your devices, and not require a significant learning curve or tech-savviness.

Features 

Consider the features each app provides. Some might offer comprehensive monitoring and location tracking while others excel at content filtering and screen time management. Ideally, the chosen app should have a well-rounded feature set that aligns with your requirements.

Integration 

Look for an app that integrates well with your child’s device and other apps they frequently use. It should operate smoothly and not interfere with the normal functioning of the device or other apps.

Prices 

The cost of the app is a critical factor. While some apps offer a free version, others require a subscription for full feature access. Opt for an app that provides value for money and fits within your budget.

Support 

Effective customer support is crucial. The app provider should offer prompt and helpful assistance in case of any difficulties or issues. Check out user reviews to gauge the quality of their customer service.

Security 

Finally, consider the security of the app itself. The information it collects should be encrypted and stored securely. The app shouldn’t infringe on your child’s privacy more than necessary for their protection. Always check the company’s privacy policy before purchasing.

FAQ

Is there an app to control my child’s phone?

Yes, there are several apps available that allow you to control your child’s phone. Examples include Google Family Link, Qustodio, and Net Nanny, which offer various features like screen time management, app blocking, and location tracking.

What is the best app to track my child?

The best app to track your child can vary based on specific needs. If location tracking is your priority, Scannero is a top choice for its swift and accurate location tracking. If you prefer comprehensive monitoring, mSpy and Eyezy are highly rated.

Is there a free app to monitor my child’s phone?

Google Family Link is a free app that allows you to monitor your child’s phone activities. However, it should be noted that while it’s free, its features may not be as comprehensive as some paid options.

How can I control my child’s phone from mine?

Parental control apps allow you to manage and control your child’s phone from yours. After installing the app on both phones, you can set screen time limits, block certain apps or websites, track location, and monitor online activities.

Do parental control apps work?

Yes, parental control apps can effectively help parents manage and control their children’s digital activities. However, their effectiveness also depends on open communication and understanding between parents and children about internet safety and appropriate online behavior.

Can I lock my child’s phone remotely?

Yes, many parental control apps offer the feature to lock your child’s phone remotely. For example, Google Family Link allows you to lock your child’s device from your phone at any time.

How can I see my child’s text messages without them knowing?

Apps like mSpy can monitor text messages without your child knowing. However, it’s crucial to respect privacy and have open conversations about online safety. It’s generally recommended to inform your child that their activities may be monitored for their safety.

Can parental controls see WhatsApp messages?

Some parental control apps like mSpy have the ability to monitor WhatsApp messages. However, this feature is often seen as invasive and might not be available in all regions due to privacy laws.

Can you restrict what children can look at on their phone?

Yes, parental control apps can restrict what children can access on their phones. This can be done through content filtering, which blocks inappropriate websites, and app blocking, which prevents the use of specific apps.

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