Best Parental Control Apps for 2021

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In case you’ve missed it, the internet is a big deal, and it’s been incorporated in almost every device in our homes. While the average user is aware of the dangers that lurk online, it’s often the youngest members of our family that can become the targets of identity theft, phishing scams and cyberbullying — especially if they own a smartphone.

Check out some of the best parental control apps for iPhone and Android devices and how they’ll help secure your child’s online presence.

1. Qustodio

$$$$
Free tier available with basic monitoring
Compatible with iOS and Android
Web portal and mobile app management available
Social monitoring includes Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and WhatsApp

Although Qustodio is on the higher end of the price spectrum, cross-platform compatibility and easy-to-use tracking tools make this app popular among parents. Monitor how your child uses all internet-connected devices through the online platform or Parents’ App. Set time limits or block certain apps from view altogether. At the end of the month, get a full breakdown of your child’s online activity right to the inbox of your choice.

2. Norton Family Premier

$$$$$
Unlimited device monitoring
Compatible with iOS and Android
Web portal and mobile app management available
Social media monitoring and access blocks

Norton Family Premier gives parents web, time, search and video supervision across a multitude of devices. See the sites your children frequent and block unsafe material through impressive content filtering options. Receive reports on their online activities to your inbox in the Norton parent portal and monitor which mobile apps they download on any Android device.

3. Net Nanny Parental Control

$$$
One device monitoring limit
Compatible with iOS and Android
Web portal and mobile management available
No social media monitoring options available

Voted 2019’s Best Parental Control app by Tom’s Guide, Net Nanny is not only compatible with Android and iOS devices, but Kindle Fire products as well. Get alerts when your child accesses unsafe content, set up filters to block age-inappropriate websites and manage their web time with screen time management.

4. OurPact

$$-$$$
Device monitoring limit varies by tier
Compatible with iOS and Android
Mobile app management available
No social media monitoring options available

OurPact offers a few different account tiers, depending on the number of devices you’re looking to limit. The Premium plan gets you service on up to 20 devices with unlimited manual blocks and automated block schedules. Set time allowances on app usage and track your child’s location on Android devices.

5. Kaspersky Safe Kids

$$
Unlimited device monitoring
Compatible with iOS and Android
Web portal and mobile app management available
Social monitoring only includes Facebook and VK

Kaspersky Safe Kids is a cheaper web filtering option, but the app does offer many of the key features of competitor apps. The Premium edition includes an efficient online filtering tool, app usage controls, screen time management, a GPS child locator and Facebook activity monitoring. When the battery runs low on your child’s device, get a notification to your phone and receive real-time alerts when they attempt to access unsafe areas of the web.

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