Best parental control apps
Apps that let parents filter websites, limit screen time, block apps and see where their children's devices are, from free platform tools to paid cross-device filters.
7 apps, ordered by visits from AppBreakup and how often our research lists each one as an alternative. Open any app to see its alternatives.
All parental control apps
- Alternatives to Google Family Link
Google's free parental control app for supervising a child's Android phone, Chromebook and Google account.
FreeAndroid, iOS, Web - Alternatives to Microsoft Family Safety
Microsoft's free family app for screen time limits and web filters on Windows, Xbox and Android.
FreeWindows, Android, iOS, Web - KaAlternatives to Kaspersky Safe Kids
Parental control app from Kaspersky with web filtering, screen time rules and GPS tracking across devices.
PaidWindows, macOS, Android, iOS - Alternatives to Net Nanny
Parental control software that filters websites, limits screen time and blocks apps on kids' devices.
PaidWindows, macOS, iOS, Web - Alternatives to Apple Screen Time
Free parental controls and usage limits built into iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple Watch.
FreeiOS, macOS - Alternatives to Norton Family
Parental control service from Gen Digital for kids' Windows PCs, iPhones and Android devices.
PaidWindows, iOS, Android, Web - Alternatives to Mobicip
Cross-device parental control app with web filtering, screen-time schedules, app blocking and location.
Free plan + paidiOS, Android, Windows, macOS
Our picks by need
Best for most people
Google Family LinkBest for a free option
Microsoft Family SafetyBest for Mac
Kaspersky Safe KidsBest for Windows
Net NannyBest for iPhone and Android
Norton FamilyPopular comparisons
Common questions
What are the best parental control apps?
Based on how often our research lists them as alternatives and visits from AppBreakup, the leading parental control apps right now are Google Family Link, Microsoft Family Safety, Kaspersky Safe Kids, Net Nanny and Apple Screen Time.
Are there free parental control apps?
Yes. Google Family Link (free), Microsoft Family Safety (free), Apple Screen Time (free) and Mobicip (free plan + paid) have a free option, out of 4 free or freemium apps we track.
Which parental control apps are open source?
None of the apps in this category is open source.