Protect your family in 2025 with the best parental control apps to manage screen time, social media apps, lockdown ipads, and block unsafe content online to keep kids and your teenagers safe. Not every tool will be the right one for you, but these are the apps that I would personally recommend.
When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more
Whether you want to manage screen time, block adult content, or keep an eye on your child’s online chats, parental control apps are now essential. The internet has changed fast – with AI chatbots, anonymous messaging, and endless new platforms, it’s harder than ever to know what kids are really doing online.
As a dad of two, I’m already preparing for a future where AI is built into almost every app they’ll use. That’s why I’ve tested the top parental control apps for iPhone and Android to find out which ones actually help families stay safe.
Some focus on time limits, others on monitoring and alerts, but only a few get the balance right between safety and privacy. This guide covers the best parental control apps in 2025 – the ones I’d trust to help protect my own family.
For parents concerned about cyberbulling, chatbots or inappropriate behaviour, advanced monitoring software may be more suited to your situation. Remember, not all parental control apps are the same. What my girls under 5 need will differ drastically from the best parental control app for teenagers. When they do get to the age where I need to be more cautious of the platforms they're exposed to, these are the comprehensive parental control tools that I would use if my children were at risk.
I'll dive into the details below, but if you’re trying to find the right balance between screen time, safety, and sanity, here’s a quick glance of how the best parental control apps (in my opinion) stack up in 2025. I’ve tested each one myself on iPhone and Android, from quick setup tools to full parental monitoring apps for teenagers (tricky with my girls, but I had some help).
| Tool | Best for | Trial/Refund | What You Get | What's Missing | US Monthly Cost* | UK Monthly Cost* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bark | Best parental control app for teenagers and social media | Try Bark for Free (7-day trial) | AI-powered message alerts, 30+ app monitoring, screen time, location tracking | Limited iOS monitoring features, but still comprehensive | From $5/mo | From £4/mo |
| Aura | Best all-in-one comprehensive parental control and digital safety suite w/in-game voice and chat monitoring | Try Aura for free | Parental controls (screen limits, 200+ in-game monitoring, scheduled bedtime downtime) identity theft protection, VPN, antivirus, family monitoring | Higher price point but extensive full feature coverage | From $12/mo | From £9.60/mo |
| Qustodio | Best Android parental control app for screen time monitoring | 30-day trial | App time limits, web filter, YouTube monitoring, detailed activity reports | Steep learning curve but affordable | From $4.58/mo | From £3.75/mo |
| Norton Family | Best parental control for iPhone and Windows users | 30-day trial | Web filtering, screen time limits, location tracking, parental monitoring dashboard | No social media monitoring but a reputable long-standing brand | $49.99/year | £29.99/year |
| FamiSafe | Best parental monitoring app for teen drivers | Try FamiSafe for free | Live GPS tracking, geofencing, driving reports, app blocker, phone activity logs | Slightly pricing but good functionality | From $9.99/mo | From £7.99/mo |
| Net Nanny | Top parental control software for content filtering | Try Net Nanny (14-day money-back guarantee) | AI web filter, profanity blocking, screen time management, app control | Outdated interface | From $4.58/mo | From £3.66/mo |
| Kidslox | Good parental control app for first phones (ages 5–10) | 3-day trial | Simple time limits, app blocking, family schedules, basic monitoring | No content monitoring | From $4.99/mo | From £3.99/mo |
Why it ranks highly: Bark balances monitoring with privacy better than most of apps on the market, making it one of the best parental control app for most families. It monitors 30+ social media platforms, texts, emails, and web activity using AI to flag only what matters – not every message. Parents get alerts about potential risks like bullying, drugs, or self-harm without having to read every conversation. As 95% of teens use social media daily (Pew Research Center), Bark’s coverage across iPhone, Android, and desktop platforms makes it one of the best parental monitoring apps available in 2025.
What I liked:
What can be improved:
The technical bits: Bark’s machine learning models analyse millions of real teen conversations to detect risk patterns while maintaining privacy. It’s also one of the best AI parental monitoring apps for both iPhone and Android users, sending alerts within minutes of detecting an issue.
Performance metrics: Platforms [iOS / Android / Chrome / Windows] | Children [Unlimited] | Trial/Refund [7-day free trial]
Why it’s best for all-in-one protection: Aura goes beyond standard parental control apps by protecting both your child’s online activity and your family’s digital identity in one place. It combines monitoring, antivirus, VPN, password management, and identity theft protection under a single subscription – great if you’re tired of juggling multiple apps. We really liked how smoothly it ran across both iPhone and Android as both platforms offered full feature access, supported biometric unlocking, and continued to work, even when offline. It's these small things that make a huge difference for parents juggling multiple devices. The In-game voice and chat monitoring is one of the best features on the app, allowing parents to monitor conversions on over 200+ gaming platforms including Fortnite, Roblox, and Minecraft – one of the most of places where groomers target kids. That reliability helps make Aura one of the best parental monitoring apps for families who want both safety and simplicity.
What we liked:
What can be improved:
The technical bits: Aura’s platform monitors both device activity and identity risks using integrated AI systems. It’s one of the best all-in-one digital security suites in 2025, analysing billions of data points daily to keep families safer across every device.
Performance metrics: Platforms [iOS / Android / Windows / Mac] | Family members [Up to 10] | Trial/Refund [14-day free trial]
Why it’s best for location tracking: FamiSafe offers the most advanced GPS features of any parental control app I’ve tested. It gives real-time location updates, a 30-day history, unlimited geofences, and detailed driving reports -ideal for parents with teenage drivers. According to the World Health Organisation, road traffic incidents remain one of the leading causes of teen deaths, so having reliable driving data really matters. I liked how accurate the tracking was during testing – position updates landed within a few metres, even in poor signal areas. It’s a great parental control apps for teenagers and a solid parental monitoring app for anyone focused on safety and accountability.
What I liked:
What can be improved:
The technical bits: FamiSafe combines GPS, Wi-Fi positioning, and cell-tower triangulation for accuracy within about 10 metres. It’s among the best parental phone monitoring apps for iPhone and Android, processing more than 2 billion location points every month.
Performance metrics: Platforms [iOS / Android / Kindle / Windows] | Devices [5–30] | Trial/Refund [3-day free trial]
Why it’s best for screen time management: Qustodio gives parents more flexibility and control than almost any other parental control app I’ve tested. You can set limits for individual apps, schedule screen time differently for school days and weekends, and even pause the internet instantly for family time.
I really liked how reliably it synced across devices – rules and limits applied within seconds, whether I changed them on iPhone, Android, or desktop, making Qustodio one of the top parental control apps for families with mixed devices, and one of the best parental control apps for iPhone and Android parental control apps overall.
What I liked:
What can be improved:
The technical bits: Qustodio uses VPN technology on iOS and deep system integration on Android for real-time data capture, updating parent dashboards within about 30 seconds. It remains one of the best parental monitoring apps and best parental control software for families who want clear insights and strong screen time tools.
Performance metrics: Platforms [Windows / Mac / iOS / Android / Kindle] | Devices [5–30] | Trial/Refund [30-day free trial]
Why it’s best for Norton users: Norton Family makes the most sense when used as part of Norton 360 Deluxe. You get solid parental controls plus antivirus, VPN, password manager, and dark web monitoring – often for less than what you’d pay for a single standalone parental control app. The parental tools cover the essentials: web filtering, School Time mode, and location tracking. I really liked how stable it felt in testing – it just worked, without endless tinkering or syncing issues. If you already use Norton for security, this gives you reliable parental controls almost free within your existing subscription.
What I liked:
What can be improved:
The technical bits: Norton Family uses cloud-based filtering across 40+ categories, with device-level enforcement that works well for younger children. Time tracking is per device rather than shared across all devices, and iOS monitoring relies on Apple’s Screen Time API, which limits some features. Despite that, it remains one of the best parental control software options for Windows and one of the best parental control apps for iPhone if you’re already in the Norton ecosystem.
Performance metrics: Platforms [Windows / Android / iOS limited] | Devices [Unlimited] | Trial/Refund [30-day trial]
Why it’s best for content filtering: Net Nanny’s AI-powered filter analyses web pages in real time (not just URLs) – catching inappropriate material even on sites that are usually considered safe. It can mask profanity while still allowing access to educational pages, which makes it one of the best parental control apps for younger children. I liked how balanced it felt in use; strong enough to block harmful content, but not so strict that it gets in the way of learning. That’s what makes Net Nanny a good parental control app for families who want protection without constant whitelisting or guesswork.
What I liked:
What can be improved:
The technical bits: Net Nanny’s Dynamic Contextual Analysis engine scans page content as it loads and has achieved around 98% accuracy in independent testing. It updates its filter list every few minutes using AI-driven threat data, making it one of the best parental control software tools for safe browsing across iPhone, Android, and desktop devices.
Performance metrics: Platforms [Windows / Mac / Android / iOS / Kindle] | Devices [5–20] | Trial/Refund [14-day free trial]
Why it’s best for younger kids: Kidslox keeps things simple, focusing on the basics – screen time limits and app blocking. It’s perfect for managing younger children’s devices without overcomplicating things. I liked that I could set it up in under five minutes and have everything synced across devices straight away. It’s one of the best parental apps for first devices, giving parents easy control without the learning curve of more advanced tools. For families with iPhones and Android phones, it’s also a great Android parental control app that just works.
What I liked:
What can be improved:
The technical bits: Kidslox uses MDM profiles on iOS and device admin permissions on Android for app and screen-time control. It maintains 99.9% uptime across distributed servers, making it a really good parental control apps for younger families.
Performance metrics: Platforms [iOS / Android / Mac / Windows] | Devices [Unlimited] | Trial/Refund [3-day free trial]
Sometimes standard parental control apps do not provide the level of monitoring needed for your family's situation. Every family is different, and what works for one may not work for another. Some parents prefer more comprehensive visibility into their children's digital activities, whether due to past incidents, specific concerns, or simply wanting as much peace of mind as possible. When you are dealing with serious behavioural issues, broken trust after a significant incident, or evidence of risky behaviour online, more thorough monitoring tools can provide the detailed insight and protection some families need.
These situations might include discovering your child is engaged in
sexting or sextortion,
concerns about online predators, severe cyberbullying, or worries about dangerous online challenges and trends. Some parents also choose comprehensive monitoring after incidents involving drugs, self-harm, or when their child has previously circumvented standard parental controls. For families dealing with these challenges, having complete visibility can provide crucial early warning signs and the reassurance that comes from knowing exactly what is happening in your child's digital world.
These more comprehensive parental control apps offer deeper monitoring capabilities for parents who need or prefer complete visibility:
| Tool | Best for | US Monthly Cost* | UK Monthly Cost* | Key Features | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| mSpy | Complete visibility | From $16.66/mo | From £13.33/mo | Keylogger, call recording, deleted message recovery, social media monitoring | Read review |
| uMobix | Discreet monitoring | From $12.49/mo | From £9.99/mo | Invisible operation, real-time updates, deleted content recovery | Read review |
| SpyBubble | Social media focus | From $10.62/mo | From £8.49/mo | WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram monitoring, location tracking | Read review |
| Eyezy | Snapchat/Instagram | From $8.33/mo | From £6.66/mo | Social Spotlight for disappearing messages, Magic Alerts AI | Read review |
| Scannero | Phone number tracking | From $49.80/mo | From £39.84/mo | Track any phone by number, no installation needed | Read review |
*Prices are approximate, based on typical promotional rates, and can change over time. Always check the latest pricing on the provider's site.
Choosing more comprehensive monitoring is a personal decision that depends on your family's specific circumstances, values, and needs. Some families find that knowing they have complete visibility actually reduces anxiety and allows for more trust. When parents know they can check if they need to, they often find they need to look less frequently. Others use these tools temporarily during crisis periods, gradually reducing monitoring as trust is rebuilt and situations improve.
These apps can be particularly valuable when combined with open communication. Some parents find success in telling their children about the monitoring and using it as a collaborative tool for rebuilding trust after incidents. For example, a teen who has encountered an online predator might feel safer knowing their parents are actively watching for warning signs. Similarly, families dealing with cyberbullying often find that comprehensive monitoring helps gather evidence and protect the child from ongoing harassment.
It is worth considering a graduated approach, starting with standard parental controls and moving to more comprehensive monitoring only if needed. Many parents report that just knowing they have these tools available provides peace of mind, even if they rarely check the detailed reports. The key is finding the balance that works for your family whilst maintaining the relationship and communication that ultimately keeps children safe.
Remember to check local laws regarding monitoring, as requirements vary by location. In most cases, parents have the right to monitor devices they own and provide to minor children, but it is worth verifying local regulations. It also helps to have age-appropriate conversations with your children about online safety and why monitoring might be necessary. Many children understand and even appreciate their parents' concern when it is framed in terms of safety rather than control.
After years of testing and reviewing digital safety tools, I want to share the parental control apps I recommend most. These are not random picks — they are the tools I trust and the ones I would suggest to my own family and friends.
My personal favourite is Aura. Having seen how many families juggle multiple digital risks, I appreciate how Aura combines everything in one place. Alongside strong parental controls, you get identity theft protection, a VPN, antivirus tools, and a password manager. At around $12 per month, it costs more than basic parental controls, but it is far cheaper than buying each service separately. For my own family, having all of this managed under one dashboard removes effort and stress.
That said, Aura will not suit everyone. If you simply need parental controls and do not care about VPNs or identity protection, you may be paying for features you will never use. This is why I test dozens of tools each year — different families need different solutions.
Which app I recommend depends entirely on your situation:
For families who need more comprehensive oversight, I also trust mSpy and uMobix.
These tools are appropriate when safety risks are high or when your parenting approach calls for complete visibility.
One thing I have learned over the years is that there is no universal ‘best' app, only the best fit for your family’s needs. I personally prefer Aura because I value simplicity and all-round protection, but your priorities might look completely different. Every app listed here has earned my trust by reliably doing what it claims to do.
My advice? Use free trials whenever they are available, be honest about what you genuinely need, and do not hesitate to switch tools if the first one does not feel right. The best parental control app is the one you can use consistently without adding stress to your life.
| Tool | US Monthly Cost | UK Monthly Cost | Devices | Core Strength | Best Age Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bark | From $5 Try Bark for free | From £4 | Unlimited | AI monitoring with privacy | 11–17 |
| Aura | From $12 Try Aura for free | From £9.60 | Up to 10 | All-in-one family security | 8–18 |
| Qustodio | From $4.58 | From £3.75 | 5–30 | Granular screen time control | 8–15 |
| Norton Family | $49.99/year | £29.99/year | Unlimited | Web filtering excellence | 6–14 |
| FamiSafe | From $9.99 | From £7.99 | 5–30 | Location & driving | 13–18 |
| Net Nanny | From $4.58 | From £3.66 | 5–20 | Content filtering | 5–12 |
| Kidslox | From $4.99 | From £3.99 | Unlimited | Simple time limits | 5–10 |
| Advanced Monitoring Tools (For High-Risk Situations) | |||||
| mSpy | From $16.66 | From £13.33 | 1 device | Complete visibility (keylogs, deleted messages) | 15–18 |
| uMobix | From $12.49 Try uMobix for free | From £9.99 | 1 device | Discreet real-time monitoring | 15–18 |
| SpyBubble | From $10.62 | From £8.49 | 1 device | Social media message capture | 14–18 |
| Eyezy | From $8.33 | From £6.66 | 1 device | Snapchat & Instagram monitoring | 14–18 |
| Scannero | From $49.80 | From £39.84 | Not device-based | Phone number location tracking | All ages |
Prices are approximate and often vary with promotions. Always check the latest pricing before subscribing.
At Digital Safety Squad, trust and transparency is at the core of everything we do. In a world where misinformation is rampant and sponsored content often clouds real advice, we’re committed to giving you honest, experience-backed recommendations you can rely on. As a team we test and review different products. Our guides are a collaboration of our shared knowledge, learnings and experience. Learn more about how we test.
Bark ranks as the best parental control app overall due to its balance of comprehensive monitoring (30+ platforms) and privacy respect through AI filtering. For specific needs: Aura (all-in-one protection), Qustodio (screen time), Norton Family (free option), FamiSafe (location).
Unfortunately, there are very few truly free parental control apps with comprehensive features. Most apps offer free trials but require subscriptions. For basic free protection, consider using built-in options like Apple Screen Time for iOS or Microsoft Family Safety for Windows/Xbox families. Among paid apps, Norton Family at $49.99/year is one of the most affordable options.
Most mainstream parental control apps like Bark and Qustodio cannot access deleted content. They only monitor messages and activity from the point of installation forward. Understanding monitoring limitations helps set realistic expectations about what these apps can and cannot do.
Parental control apps for iPhone work but with limitations due to iOS restrictions. They cannot read SMS messages without iCloud backup, have limited app-specific time tracking, and require screen time permissions. Android devices allow more comprehensive monitoring.
Determined teens can find workarounds for most parental control apps, including using VPNs, factory resets, or alternative devices. The most effective approach combines technology with open communication about online safety and clear consequences.
Bark works best for teenagers as it respects privacy whilst flagging serious concerns through AI analysis. It monitors without showing all messages, maintaining trust whilst ensuring safety.
Parental control apps typically cost:
Annual billing saves 20-40% versus monthly payments.
Bark monitors Snapchat on Android and via iOS connection, requiring the child's login credentials. Most parental control apps have limited Snapchat monitoring due to the app's ephemeral nature. Understanding social media monitoring limitations helps parents set realistic expectations.
Visible parental control apps work better for building trust with most children. Hidden monitoring should be reserved for serious safety concerns and used with careful consideration. Choosing the right approach depends on your child's age, maturity level, and your family's specific situation.
Parental control apps are generally legal for monitoring minor children's devices that parents own. However, laws vary by location, and monitoring adults or devices you don't own may be illegal. Always inform children about monitoring and check local regulations. Learn more about legal and ethical monitoring.
Modern phone monitoring apps for parents typically use 2-5% of system resources, causing minimal slowdown. However, comprehensive solutions with multiple features may impact performance more noticeably, particularly on older devices.
Parental control apps for iPhone face more restrictions due to iOS's closed system, limiting features like SMS monitoring and app-specific time tracking. Android parental control apps can access deeper system functions, providing more comprehensive monitoring. Setting up parental controls on different devices requires platform-specific approaches.
Related Articles
Best Location Sharing Apps for Couples | Stay Safe and Connected
Best Cheating Apps in 2025: Apps To Catch And Track A Cheater
Best Reverse Address Lookup Services (2026): Who Lives There?
Ready to protect your family digital life too?
Our family safety content is crafted by digital security specialists with real-world experience. No fluff. No sponsored bias. Just clarity and control for your peace of mind.
We take your family's safety as seriously as you do.
Some pages include affiliate links. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Our reviews remain unbiased and independent.
Copyright © 2025 | Digital safety squad | All Rights Reserved
