Best Parental Control Apps for Phones and Tablets in 2025

When I first gave my child a tablet, I thought it would only be for learning games and cartoons. Within weeks, I realized how easily children can slip into endless scrolling, stumble onto unsafe content, or chat with strangers without even knowing the risks. I learned quickly that parental control apps are no longer optional—they are a must-have tool for digital parenting.

In 2025, children spend more hours on phones and tablets than ever before. Reports from Common Sense Media show that screen time for kids has doubled in the last decade. That extra screen time comes with serious risks: unsafe websites, online predators, cyberbullying, and even screen addiction.

That’s why I decided to explore the best parental control apps for phones and tablets. I didn’t just look at popular names. I compared features, ease of use, privacy, and price. My goal is to give you a complete, fair guide that helps you choose what fits your family’s needs.

What Makes a Great Parental Control App?

Before I share the apps, I want to explain how I judged them. Not every app is created equal, and knowing what matters helps parents make better choices.

Features That Truly Matter

1. Content Filtering and Blocking – The app should block harmful websites, videos, or apps.
2. Screen-Time Scheduling – Parents need to limit daily use or set bedtimes for devices.
3. App Usage Limits – Not all apps are bad, but time on gaming or social media needs balance.
4. Location Tracking and Geofencing – Helpful for knowing where your child is, especially older kids.
5. Call, Text, and Social Media Monitoring – Where legal, these features help spot cyberbullying early.
6. Cross-Platform Support – Works on both Android and iOS, plus tablets or even PCs.
7. Ease of Use – Non-technical parents need simple dashboards.
8. Pricing and Free Trials – Value for money matters, since many apps require subscriptions.
9. Data Privacy – Parents should trust that these apps protect family information.

With these points in mind, I reviewed each parental control app honestly, so you know exactly where each shines and where it struggles.

Best Parental Control Apps for Phones and Tablets

Qustodio – Best Overall for Families

Qustodio is the parental control app I recommend most often. It offers excellent web filtering, activity reports, and covers multiple devices, which is perfect for families with more than one child.

Pros:

• Strong filtering and time management tools.
• Detailed daily and weekly reports.
• Works across Android, iOS, Windows, and Mac.

Cons:

• Premium pricing compared to others.

Best Use Case: Families with multiple children who want an all-in-one solution.

Bark – Best for Social Media and Messaging Monitoring

Bark is known for social media monitoring. It scans texts, emails, and over 30 apps to detect risks like cyberbullying, depression, or online predators.

Pros:

• Alerts parents to risky conversations instead of showing every message.
• Ideal for teens who value privacy.
• Strong reputation in schools and communities.

Cons:

• Limited content filtering compared to Qustodio.

Best Use Case: Families with teens active on social media who need early warning alerts.

Net Nanny – Best Web Filtering and Alerts

Net Nanny has been around for years and remains one of the best in blocking harmful content. It also offers real-time alerts and flexible screen-time scheduling.

Pros:

• Strong web filtering with category options.
• Real-time monitoring.
• Easy to customize rules per child.

Cons:

• Pricier than some newer apps.

Best Use Case: Families focused on safe browsing and web safety.

Norton Family – Best for Windows and Android Homes

Norton Family comes from a trusted cybersecurity brand. It covers unlimited devices under one plan, making it great for larger households.

Pros:

• Unlimited device coverage.
• Location supervision and check-in features.
• Backed by Norton’s strong reputation.

Cons:

• Limited support for iOS compared to Android.

Best Use Case: Large families using Windows PCs and Android devices.

Family Link by Google – Best Free Option for Android

When I first tested Family Link, I was surprised at how much it offered for free. Parents can approve apps, set screen-time limits, and even lock devices remotely.

Pros:

• Free to use.
• Simple, clean interface.
• Great for younger kids.

Cons:

• Works only with Android.
• Lacks deep social media monitoring.

Best Use Case: Parents who want basic controls without spending money.

Apple Screen Time – Built-in for iOS Users

For parents with iPhones and iPads, Apple Screen Time is already built into devices. It allows app usage limits, downtime scheduling, and weekly activity reports.

Pros:

• Free and already installed.
• Easy to set up.
• Works smoothly across Apple devices.

Cons:

• Children can sometimes bypass limits.
• Missing advanced monitoring features.

Best Use Case: Families fully invested in the Apple ecosystem.

Other Good Options to Consider

• Mobicip: Strong for app blocking and YouTube monitoring.
• Kaspersky Safe Kids: Affordable option with GPS tracking.
• MMGuardian: Great for detailed text and call monitoring.

How to Choose the Right App for Your Family

Choosing depends on your family’s specific needs. Here’s how I break it down:

• For younger kids: Family Link or Apple Screen Time works well.
• For teens: Bark or Net Nanny provide strong monitoring and alerts.
• For large families: Qustodio or Norton Family handle multiple devices easily.
• For budget-conscious parents: Google Family Link or Kaspersky Safe Kids offer low-cost solutions.

Ask yourself:

• Do I need social media monitoring?
• How many children and devices do I need to cover?
• Is location tracking important to me?
• Do I prefer free or premium features?

Real-Life Examples of Parental Control Apps in Action

I’ve seen these apps make a difference in real life:

• Bark: A parent I know discovered early signs of cyberbullying when Bark flagged harmful messages. They were able to step in before things got worse.
• Family Link: Another parent used Family Link to set gaming limits for their 9-year-old. It helped bring balance between online and offline play.
• Net Nanny: A school in my area uses Net Nanny to manage shared tablets, ensuring kids only access safe content during lessons.

These stories show that when used correctly, parental control apps are more than software—they become a safety net.

Limitations and Concerns Parents Should Know

While these apps are powerful, they are not perfect. Here are a few things I’ve learned:

• Privacy Trade-offs: Some apps monitor texts or messages, which can feel invasive. Parents must balance safety with respect.
• Children Bypassing Apps: Tech-savvy teens sometimes find workarounds. Regular updates and honest conversations reduce this risk.
• Costs Add Up: Subscriptions can feel expensive if you cover multiple kids. Always compare pricing.
• Not a Replacement for Parenting: Apps can help, but they cannot replace guidance, trust, and open talk.

Expert Tips for Using Parental Control Apps Effectively

After years of testing these apps, here’s what works best:

• Combine parental control apps with open communication. Talk to your child about why you’re using them.
• Set age-appropriate rules. Younger kids may need tighter controls than teens.
• Review activity reports together. Use them as teaching tools, not punishments.
• Update apps often. Developers release new features and bug fixes regularly.
• Remember: apps are tools, not babysitters. The best results come when parents are still present and involved.

The Role of Parents Beyond Apps

Even the best parental control app cannot replace a parent’s role. Children need guidance, trust, and support. When I use these apps, I see them as helpers, not as replacements. They give me peace of mind, but I still talk to my kids about what they see online and how to handle challenges.

In the end, protecting children online is about balance. Use technology wisely, but never forget the power of strong communication and family trust.