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Free Norton Family alternatives: 3 apps ranked by verified data

Facts checked Nov 8, 2026AppBreakup editorialHow we rank

3 of the 5 Norton Family alternatives we track can be used for free (free, open source, or with a free plan). Google Family Link, Microsoft Family Safety and Apple Screen Time rank highest, with facts last verified Nov 8, 2026.

Quick comparison

#AppPricingVerified priceOpen sourcePlatformsVerified factsScore
1Google Family Link logoGoogle Family LinkFree—NoAndroid, iOS, Web4 of 468.8
2Microsoft Family Safety logoMicrosoft Family SafetyFree—NoWindows, Android, iOS +13 of 364.8
3Apple Screen Time logoApple Screen TimeFree—NoiOS, macOS5 of 561.8
  1. Microsoft Family Safety logo

    2. Microsoft Family Safety

    Best for: Families whose kids use Windows PCs and Xbox consoles

    FreeWindows, Android, iOS, Web

    64.8

    score / 100

    Why switch from Norton Family

    Free with a Microsoft account and covers Windows, Xbox and Edge, including the Xbox consoles Norton Family can't manage.

    Pros

    • Free with a Microsoft account
    • Screen time limits for Windows, Xbox and Android
    • Children can request more time and parents approve it
    • Activity summaries for each child

    Cons

    • Web filtering only works in Microsoft Edge, and other browsers get blocked
    • Little control over a child's iPhone
    • Device-wide screen time limits cover only Windows and Xbox
    Visit Microsoft Family Safety Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.387
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Microsoft Family Safety a good Norton Family alternative?

    Verified facts

    3 of 3 verified
    Screen time limits
    Windows, Xbox and Android
    Checked Nov 8, 2026microsoft.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Parent app
    Android and iOS
    Checked Nov 8, 2026microsoft.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Web filtering
    Microsoft Edge only
    Checked Nov 8, 2026microsoft.com(opens source in a new tab)
  2. Apple Screen Time logo

    3. Apple Screen Time

    Best for: All-Apple families who want free parental controls without installing a third-party app.

    FreeiOS, macOS

    61.8

    score / 100

    Why switch from Norton Family

    Built into iPhone, iPad and Mac at no cost, and it can supervise the Macs that Norton Family doesn't support.

    Pros

    • Free and built into iOS, iPadOS and macOS with nothing to install
    • Parents approve new contacts in Messages, FaceTime and Phone
    • Ask to Buy and Ask to Browse route requests to a parent's device
    • Schedules can differ for school days and weekends

    Cons

    • Works only on Apple devices, not Android phones or Windows PCs
    • Requires Family Sharing and a separate Child Account for each child
    • Newest controls need every family device on the latest OS version
    • No web dashboard; rules are managed only from an Apple device
    Visit Apple Screen Time Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.377
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Apple Screen Time a good Norton Family alternative?

    Verified facts

    5 of 5 verified
    Requires
    Family Sharing and a Child Account
    Checked Nov 8, 2026support.apple.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Platforms
    iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, visionOS
    Checked Nov 8, 2026support.apple.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Web filter default
    Ask to Browse on for under 13s
    Checked Nov 8, 2026support.apple.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Contact approval
    Yes
    Checked Nov 8, 2026support.apple.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Purchase approval
    Ask to Buy
    Checked Nov 8, 2026support.apple.com(opens source in a new tab)