When you buy through affiliate links in our content, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn The internet can be a dangerous place for children and teenagers, but the best free parental control apps offer crucial protection from cyberbullying, unwanted messages from strangers, and harmful content.
These free tools can help to give you valuable support so you can safeguard your child’s online and offline world without breaking the bank, but if you’re genuinely hoping to keep your family safe, features like GPS tracking and geofencing found in premium software may be the better alternative. On this page we’ll focus a little on both.
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The Best Free Parental Control Apps
Free parental control apps are a bit of a pickle, as while it’s great to keep an eye on your budget, the truth is that the free tools are often loaded with malware and you can’t really be sure it isn’t selling your child’s images or private information.
In comparison to the most trusted parental control apps, free parental control are generally very limited. However, I do understand – paying for an app is a big ask if you’re a parent on a tight budget. Of the free parental controls apps I tested, these were the least problematic. But, if you want to truly protect your children from cyberbullying or online predators, you’re not going to want to cut corners.
- Qustodio: Qustodio offers a free forever plan with basic monitoring features, such as setting screen time limits, pausing internet access, and checking browser activity.
- Norton Family: Norton Family isn’t completely free, but with a generous 30-day free trial and a 60-day money-back guarantee, you have plenty of time to test it out.
- FamiSafe: FamiSafe offers a three-day free trial, which isn’t particularly long, but is enough to see its detailed daily reports, passive monitoring, and features like Driving Report. The latter is one of the reasons I’d highlight this as a great choice for monitoring and supporting teenagers.
Apps, browsers, and operating systems come with built-in parental control features. However, they are easy to bypass and don’t offer active monitoring features.
That said, if you want advanced active monitoring that you can do discreetly, free apps tend to fall short. In fact, if you see a free parental control app that isn’t one of the providers I recommend, I’d steer clear.
The Best Free Parental Control App Alternatives Ranked
Child safety is something that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Which why I did the research to find the most reliable, secure, highly-rated free parental control app alternative, with the best value for money, offer free trials or demos, or have robust money-back guarantees.
While the options below aren’t completely free, they are affordable and will give you the best support for protecting your kids and teenage children online. Check out my top picks below that are as close to free as you can get:
- mSpy — The best parental control app overall for mobile devices
- uMobix — Easiest parental control app for beginners
- SpyBubble Pro — Best for recovering your child’s deleted content
- Phonsee — Nearly free option for monitoring your child
- Eyezy — The best option for AI-powered, real-time keyword tracking
SpyBubble Pro — Best for Recovering Your Child's Deleted Content
What Are Free Parental Control Apps and How Do They Work?
Free parental control apps are a no-cost way to keep your kids and teenagers safe both online and in the physical world.
They are the free versions of the parental control tools that parents use to monitor who their children are talking to online, who they are texting and calling, what the content of these conversations are, what they’re doing on social media, and where they are through SIM-card or GPS tracking, among other things. However, it’s important to note that the functionality of these free apps is much less comprehensive that that of paid apps, and they are more vulnerable to threats like malware.
Parents may be interested in free parental control apps because they are on a tight budget and want the lowest-cost option. Personally, I’d advise opting for a low-cost paid tool over a free tool to get the best value for money. However, if you want to try a free app or free trial, there are some well-known, trusted brands I’d recommend over any others, like Qustodio, Norton Family, or FamiSafe.
Another important thing to note is that although not all of the best parental control apps on the market offer free-forever plans, many of them do offer free demos, such as our best choice overall, mSpy. These give you a feel of how the apps work and what they can show you.
The Best Apps to Monitor Kids’ Phones Reviewed
I reviewed the best free parental control apps in 2025, and why they may not be completely free, I’ll let you know what they offer and why they’re a solid option. These software solutions have built a solid reputation for their effectiveness in helping parents secure their children’s online safety.
1. mSpy — Best Parental Control App Overall for Mobile Devices
| Starting Price | $11.67/month |
|---|---|
| No Of Devices | 1 |
| Free Trial/Demo | Demo |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 14 days |
Why We Picked It
If you’re looking for the best free parental control app for monitoring mobile devices, mSpy stands out as the best choice overall for its robust features that work on nearly every smartphone. Although it isn’t completely free, it offers a demo that lets you explore all its features without any commitment.
Features
mSpy stood out for me right away as the overall best solution for monitoring mobile devices due to its comprehensive features and user-friendly interface. It offers pretty much every tool you’d need for monitoring your child via their mobile device, including live screen recording, the ability to read deleted messages, and automated screenshot capture.
This all-in-one functionality means that you can seamlessly keep an eye on all your child’s digital activities, no matter what they’re doing. mSpy even includes web filtering options so you can block any suspicious websites. This ensures that your child is always protected from inappropriate or dangerous content while they’re browsing.
mSpy also offers excellent social media monitoring features. Besides common platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram, you can also keep an eye on Snapchat, Viber, Skype, TikTok, and even Tinder if you think your teen might be using it.
Plus, there is also a keylogger that saves every word they type, and you can view it all from your remote dashboard. In my testing, I learned that you can extend this function to set keyword alerts that will notify you if they type specific words, which can be pretty handy to keep your kids away from inappropriate websites. mSpy even lets you see all of your child’s photos and videos saved on their devices.
Finally, mSpy offers clear and accurate real-time GPS location tracking, so you can have peace of mind that your child is in a safe place at all times.
mSpy Pricing Plans
mSpy isn’t completely free, but it has a free demo version that lets you try out all of its features before you choose which paid plan works best for you. By opting for one of mSpy’s paid plans, you’ll get one of the cheapest annual plans on the market and all the features you could possibly need to make sure your kids are safe on their mobile devices. Here’s the breakdown:
| mSpy Plans | Premium Plan |
|---|---|
| 1 Month | $48.99/month |
| 3 Months | $28/month |
| 12 Months | $11.67/month |
Investing in mSpy might mean you pay a bit, but the added features and peace of mind it provides make it a worthwhile consideration for anyone serious about online security. Not to mention, when you pay annually, it works out to under $12/month, which is a small price to pay for your child’s safety.
Who It’s Best For
mSpy is ideal if you’re looking for a single all-in-one solution. Not only can you track your child’s socials, calls, and SMS, but also control the apps they’re using. You can record their screen and even track their live location.
Read our full mSpy review.
- Everything-in-one-package monitoring solution
- Affordable
- Accurate GPS tracking and geo-fencing
- Tracks a wide range of social media apps
- Shows you deleted calls and texts
- Can record your child’s screen
- Limited to one device per subscription
- Takes a few extra minutes to install
2. uMobix — Easy-To-Use Monitoring Solution for Beginners
| Starting Price | $12.49/month |
|---|---|
| No Of Devices | 1 |
| Free Trial/Demo | Demo |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 14 days |
Why We Picked It
I like uMobix because it’s one of the easiest parental control apps you can use, which makes it perfect if you’re not a super tech-savvy parent or just new to these kinds of apps with little time.
Features
uMobix is considered to be one of the easiest-to-use parental control apps for several reasons. Its intuitive interface is designed with simplicity in mind, so you’ll be able to navigate the app quickly and effortlessly. Setting up uMobix is a straightforward process, requiring minimal technical knowledge—it takes just a few easy steps to install and configure it on your child’s device.
If you’re like most busy parents, you probably don’t have the time to learn how to use an entirely new app and where to find all the data you need. uMobix’s dashboard provides a clear overview of all monitored activities, making it simple to access important information at a glance. Features like your child’s location, messages, and app usage are organized in a user-friendly manner, allowing you to find what you need quickly.
Additionally, uMobix offers tons of helpful tutorials and customer support, so you’re sure to get any help you need.
When it comes to tracking your child’s social media, uMobix also has you covered. Not many parental monitoring apps can track dating apps like Tinder, so if you’re the parent of a minor child who might be using the app, you’ll want to keep an eye on their dating. In fact, with uMobix, you can track 15 social media apps, including popular apps like TikTok and X (formerly Twitter).
The platform also allows you to monitor your kid’s YouTube activity, and details such as recently watched videos, search history, likes, and comments can be tracked. Overall, uMobix allows you to track more than 30 apps.
Another handy feature is uMobix’s Camera Snapshot, which captures a photo of your child’s surroundings using either the front or back cameras so that you know where they are. These photos are saved for up to six months and can be accessed anytime from your dashboard.
Finally, uMobix also provides complete remote control of the target device, allowing parents to delete unwanted apps. You can also set screen time limits so your kids aren’t spending all day on their devices.
Some of uMobix’s features, like remote control and camera snapshots, are only available on Android. Nonetheless, it’s still a great parental control app for iOS and it covers all the basics, like call and text message monitoring, and some social media platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram.
uMobix Pricing Plans
Here’s what you can expect to pay with uMobix:
| Duration | uMobix Pricing |
|---|---|
| 1 Month | $49.99/month |
| 3 Months | $29.99/month |
| 12 Months (+ 12 extra months for free) | $12.49/month |
uMobix offers a comprehensive set of features with every plan, so you’ll have access to everything you need right from the start. While it isn’t free and doesn’t have a free trial, you can explore the app through its detailed demo, which provides a realistic preview of its capabilities. Additionally, uMobix’s 14-day refund policy gives you peace of mind as you test it out.
While you may not be ready for a paid parental control app, it’s worth noting that their one-year plan not only includes a significant discount but also gives you an extra year for free, delivering over 75% off the regular price. This makes it a great solution for parental monitoring that offers tons of value for about as close to free as you can get.
Who It’s Best For
uMobix is ideal if you’re new to installing monitoring apps and don’t have time to mess around trying to learn all of its features. uMobix is easy to install and use and comes with tons of features, including the monitoring of up to 30 different apps.
Read our full uMobix review.
Pros
- Easy to install and navigate
- Tracks 30 apps, including nearly all social media
- Records your child’s surroundings
- Tracks your child’s app usage and screen time
- You can set up keyword alerts
Cons
- Doesn’t have geofencing
- Pricier plan if you just pay monthly
- Fewer features for iPhone
3. SpyBubble Pro — Best for Recovering Your Child’s Deleted Content
| Starting Price | $12.49/month |
|---|---|
| No Of Devices | 1 |
| Free Trial/Demo | ❌ |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 30 days |
Why We Picked It
Let’s be honest, some kids are just too smart for their own good, and once they know you are monitoring them, they may start to delete their content to cover their tracks. SpyBubble Pro is the best parental monitoring solution out there for recovering content your child deletes, from messages to emails and everything in between.
Features
If there’s anything I know personally is that there’s a good chance your kid or teenage child is deleting inappropriate messages, web searches, and content for fear of being caught. SpyBubble Pro allows you access to deleted calls, text messages, and social media messages, which means that you’re always going to be in the know.
Besides this, you can extensively track your child’s email, regardless of the provider. Here, too, you can view deleted emails and any attachments that might have been trashed.
I also found that the platform offers excellent device monitoring features. For example, if your child tries to swap out their SIM card, you will receive an instant notification (this is also handy if their device gets stolen or lost and someone switches the SIM card).
I love that SpyBubble can block Wi-Fi connections and websites. If your kid isn’t staying on task and spending too much time online, you can cut them off in an instant—perfect for when they’re grounded.
It also provides detailed reports on app usage, and you can restrict or even permanently delete overused apps on your child’s phone.
However, one area where SpyBubble falls a bit short is its social media monitoring. If your child has an Android device, you can track their Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, TikTok, Tinder, YouTube, Snapchat, and all their messages in these apps. But if they have an iPhone, you can only track Facebook and Instagram.
While it’s not free, its annual plan is nearly there at under $13/month, which is peanuts when it comes to keeping your kid safe.
SpyBubble Pricing Plans
SpyBubble Pro offers a standard plan with duration-based pricing tiers.
| Duration | SpyBubble Pro |
|---|---|
| 1 Month | $49.99/month |
| 3 Months | $29.99/month |
| 12 Months | $12.49/month |
While SpyBubble Pro doesn’t offer a free trial or demo, it delivers impressive value through its long-term plans. Opting for the 3-month or annual subscription not only provides you with comprehensive monitoring features but also includes data storage for up to six months. This means you can review past activity and ensure you’re always informed.
Additionally, by reaching out to customer support via the chat function, I was able to secure an extra 15% discount on my subscription, enhancing its affordability. Overall I feel that SpyBubble Pro’s extended data storage and significant discounts make it a standout choice for managing devices remotely, offering a lot of value compared to some of the free options out there.
Who It’s Best For
SpyBubble Pro is best for you if your child seems to be deleting their content to cover their tracks. If you think they might be hiding messages, emails, and web searches so you don’t see them, SpyBubble offers the solution.
Read our full SpyBubble Pro review.
Pros
- Lets you see all deleted data
- Excellent device management features with full remote control
- You can record surrounding audio and video
Cons
- Limited social media monitoring features
- Lacks certain features on iOS
4. Phonsee — Nearly-Free Option for Monitoring Your Child
| Starting Price | $8.85/month |
|---|---|
| No Of Devices | 1 |
| Free Trial/Demo | Demo |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 14 days |
Why We Picked It
It’s nearly impossible to find a free parental control app you can actually trust, as most are full of malware or don’t do what they should. Phonsee is trustworthy and packed with features, and it’s as close to free as you’ll get when you buy its annual plan. This and its many tools also make it one of the best parental control apps for iPhone.
Features
Phonsee caught my eye right away for its affordable pricing structure and the value it offers for its cost. While it isn’t entirely free, Phonsee provides a cost-effective solution with subscription plans that are competitively priced compared to other parental control apps, especially when you purchase the annual subscription.
If you’re a parent who has a tight budget but wants to keep your child safe, Phonsee offers all the features you need without the risk of a potentially dodgy free app. Not to mention, it has a free demo, which is as good as using it for free without any commitment.
When I was researching Phonsee, I noticed that it also has an edge over many of its competitors when it comes to its real-time GPS tracking. It gives you the exact coordinates of your child’s location, and if you don’t want them to go to a particular part of the city, you can add a virtual geofence and get alerts when they stray outside these boundaries.
Another area where Phonsee does quite well is in social media monitoring. You can monitor up to 13 social media apps, including WhatsApp, Discord, Snapchat, Instagram, and others. You can read their private conversations and view posts, even if their accounts are private. Plus, I learned that Phonsee also allows you to see photos and videos shared in private chats on these social media platforms.
Phonsee also comes with a keylogger that lets you see everything typed on your child’s phone. This works best for encrypted spaces, such as Telegram secret chats, and it’s perfect if your child has secret passwords or if they delete their messages and web searches after they send them, as you’ll still be able to see it all.
Plus, you can choose restricted words that, when typed, will trigger an alert. Other features include call and SMS tracking, screen recording, viewing website history, and the ability to block apps and websites.
Phonsee Pricing Plans
Phonsee is relatively budget-friendly, considering its feature-packed offering.
| Duration | Phonsee Pricing |
|---|---|
| 1 Month | $42.51/month |
| 3 Months | $24.79/month |
| 12 Months | $8.85/month |
Phonsee makes a strong case for itself with a free demo that allows you to experience its features before committing. This demo provides a hands-on look at how the app functions, ensuring you can see its capabilities in action.
In addition, Phonsee offers a 14-day refund policy, giving you a two-week window to evaluate its effectiveness risk-free. With an annual subscription priced at just $8.85 per month, it’s one of the cheapest options you can get without compromising on features.
Who It’s Best For
Phonsee is best if you’re on a budget but don’t want to miss out on any monitoring features to keep your child safe. From tracking social media to seeing everything they type and exactly where they are at any given time, it’s the best nearly-free option you can get.
Read our full Phonsee review.
Pros
- Affordable annual plan
- Comes with a built-in screen recorder
- One of the best GPS trackers
Cons
- Doesn’t monitor TikTok
5. Eyezy — Best for its AI-Powered Keyword Tracking
| Starting Price | $7.99/month |
|---|---|
| No Of Devices | 1 |
| Free Trial/Demo | Demo |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 14 days |
Why We Picked It
I picked Eyezy for its custom Magic Alerts that track location and keywords to ensure you are notified every time your child crosses a set geographical boundary or types specific words on their keyboard. With its AI-powered monitoring, Eyezy is also great for busy parents who can’t actively track their children’s activities.
Features
Eyezy stood out for me due to its powerful AI-driven Magic Alerts feature, which helps you monitor your child’s location and online activity. It utilizes advanced algorithms to analyze your child’s online behavior and communications, automatically flagging any suspicious or inappropriate content so you see it right away. This is perfect if you’re a busy parent on the go who doesn’t have time to monitor everything your child does in real time.
The AI scans your child’s messages, social media interactions, and browsing activity for predefined keywords or phrases that you choose, instantly notifying you of any potential risks, such as cyberbullying or exposure to harmful material. The AI can even assess context and usage patterns, so it can differentiate between innocent conversations and potentially problematic ones.
Eyezy’s Magic Alerts feature extends to its geofencing and location tracking, so you’ll know where your kid is at all times. With this tool, you can set a virtual fence around the area in which you want your child to be, and you’ll get automatic alerts on your device anytime they’re breached.
Another great feature is Eyezy’s keystroke capture, which tells you everything your child types on their device, even if they did not send the message. This includes every social media app, text message, password, and even Google search.
Combined with the platform’s Social Spotlight feature, you can keep an eye on every message sent on 11 popular social media apps, including WhatsApp, Snapchat, Kik, Skype, and Telegram.
Plus, there’s a Connection Blocker feature that lets you block websites, Wi-Fi connections, and apps altogether, making it easy to manage access to addictive apps and inappropriate websites.
Eyezy is one of the few apps that come with an official app you can download from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. The features are limited, of course, but you can see information about calls and text messages and track your kid’s location, which may be more than enough for your needs.
You also get multiple options for iOS monitoring, from hands-free iCloud syncing (where you only need your child’s iCloud credentials).
While not free, Eyezy is one of the cheapest child monitoring apps available. Before you buy, you can try out its free demo to see exactly how it works.
Eyezy Pricing Plans
Eyezy is one of the cheapest parental control apps you can get, and it gets cheaper the longer you subscribe. While it’s not free, it’s an easy decision once you see everything it offers for the cost:
| Duration | Eyezy Pricing |
|---|---|
| 1 Month | $38.39/month |
| 3 Months | $22.39/month |
| 12 Months | $7.99/month |
Eyezy stands out as one of the most affordable parental control apps, especially when you choose its annual plan. Its convenient demo gives you a hands-on preview of how the app works before making a commitment.
Plus, with its 14-day refund window, you have ample time to test its effectiveness and ensure it meets your needs. The combination of its low annual price, a practical demo, and a generous refund policy makes Eyezy a fantastic choice for any parent on a tight budget who is also tight on time.
Who It’s Best For
Eyezy is the best option for parents with busy schedules who want an app for hands-off monitoring. Its custom, AI-powered alerts for keywords and geofencing is an excellent feature; and something not many apps offer.
Read our full Eyezy review.
Pros
- Unique, AI-driven insights and alerts for keywords and location
- Lets you block apps and Wi-Fi networks
- Tracks 11 social media platforms
- Comes with a robust keylogger
- Access to their bookmarks, notes, and social calendar
Cons
- No call recording functionality
- Doesn’t monitor TikTok
The Best Free Child Monitoring Apps Compared
Here’s how my top picks stack up against their competition when it comes to pricing, features, and refund policies. While they aren’t all fully free, I’ll break down what they can offer you for free (demo, free trial, money-back guarantees) and what you’ll be looking at price-wise at the cheapest level.
| Free Parental Control App | Free Version | Cheapest Paid Plan | Money-Back Guarantee | Top Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| mSpy | Demo | $11.67/m | 14 days | Keylogger and screen recorder, Keyword alerts Website, app, and Wi-Fi blocker |
| uMobix | Demo | $12.49/m | 14 days | App usage scheduling, Remote control, Video and audio streaming |
| SpyBubble Pro | ❌ | $12.49/m | 30 days | Detect secret apps, See deleted/renamed contacts, Full remote control |
| Phonsee | Demo | $8.85/m | 14 days | Geofencing, Mobile keylogger, Remote device control |
| Eyezy | Demo | $7.99/m | 14 days | Keyword, location, and app alerts, Calendar monitoring, App disabling |
How We Review And Test Spyware Apps
Important Note: Spy software is not legal to use without the device owner’s permission in many countries and states. When we test spy software, we do so only with the explicit consent of the device owner and in compliance with local laws and regulations.
To provide our readers with accurate and well-informed recommendations, we test the most popular spy applications on the market to find the best options for you. Our methodology consists of the following criteria:
- General Features: We evaluate the comprehensive feature set of each spy app, including but not limited to features such as App Management, Time Management, Call Monitoring, Device Control and GPS Tracking.
- Ease of Use: We gauge the user-friendliness of each app, considering factors such as installation process complexity, the necessity of jailbreaking (for iOS) or rooting (for Android) the target device, and more.
- Device Support and Compatibility: We thoroughly examine the compatibility of each spyware app with different devices and operating systems, including iOS and Android. We also assess whether the app offers a unified dashboard accessible from both desktop and mobile devices.
- Customer Support: We test the responsiveness and effectiveness of customer support provided by each app developer. We evaluate the availability of support channels, such as live chat, email, or phone support, as well as the satisfaction ratings of customer assistance.
- Price and Value for Money: We assess each spyware app’s pricing structure in relation to its features and functionalities, aiming to determine its overall value proposition. We analyze whether the app offers different subscription tiers, flexible payment options, and discounts for long-term commitments. Additionally, we check whether the app provides free trials or demos for users to test its capabilities before making a purchase.
- Privacy and Security: We prioritize the privacy and security of user data in our evaluation. We scrutinize the app’s data encryption measures, adherence to privacy regulations, and commitment to regular security updates to safeguard user information from unauthorized access or breaches.
More on How We Test Free Parental Control Apps
Testing free parental control apps requires careful attention to both the app’s functionality and its security, ensuring that it meets the needs of safeguarding children but also operates safely and reliably. Here’s how we carry out our assessments, with a focus on the unique needs of parents:
- Feature Comparison Across Free and Premium Versions: We examine whether the free version offers essential tools like screen time monitoring, app blocking, or basic social media tracking, and compare these features with what’s available in premium versions.
- Ease of Installation and Setup for Busy Parents: We evaluate how straightforward the installation process is, including the clarity of instructions and the time required to set up on various devices.
- Customizability for Age-Appropriate Monitoring: We test the app’s ability to adapt monitoring and restrictions based on age groups. For instance, blocking specific apps or websites for younger children while allowing limited access for teens.
- Real-Time Alerts and Notifications: We assess whether the app provides timely notifications for activities like accessing restricted content, leaving a geofenced area, or typing flagged keywords.
Should I Use a Free App to Monitor My Child’s Phone? Risks and Disadvantages
It’s difficult to recommend the best free parental control app, as completely free solutions are so often limited in terms of features. What’s more, they can be unreliable and unsafe.
As I’ve mentioned above, you should be wary of completely free-forever parental control software (unless it’s one I’ve recommended at the top of this page) for the following reasons:
- Free apps offer limited features
- Some apps display ads to generate revenue
- Limited customer support
- May not be compatible with all devices
- May steal your child’s private info
- May contain malware or viruses
I recommend opting for inexpensive paid software over completely free parental controls apps, especially as many of these premium apps offer free trials or demos that let you find what best suits your needs.
And what about the in-built parental control features on your child’s phone? Generally, I’d say that built-in free parental control software, such as Apple’s Screen Time, don’t go far enough to protect your children from internet dangers.
Integrated apps like this will normally lack location and call tracking functionality, social media monitoring, and screen management, which may result in parents lacking information about their kids’ activities. Third-party parental control software solutions offer regular updates, minimizing the chance of inappropriate content slipping through safety cracks and reaching your kids’ devices.
Does a Free Parental Control App Work on Any Device?
Most parental control apps should work on most smartphones. However, compatibility and the type of features often depend on the subscription level. There aren’t many options when it comes to desktop monitoring, and most require a subscription.
- Free Parental Control Apps for Android: Finding a free parental control app for Android is relatively easy since most offer a complete feature set for these devices. However, you may need root access in some cases, especially for features like a keylogger or real-time camera and microphone access.
- Free Parental Control Apps for iPhone & iOS: Finding a free parental control app for iPhone and iPad users is more complicated since you will likely need the other person’s iCloud information. Quite a few spy apps don’t offer as many tracking features on iOS as they do on Android.
- Free Parental Control Apps for Windows and Mac: Your choices are limited when it comes to parental control apps for desktops. However, ClevGuard, Norton Family, Qustodio, and Famisafe are excellent options. These are also great for multi-device tracking or if you have multiple children since they let you track 10 or more devices with a single subscription.
What Makes the Best Parental Control Apps for Teenagers?
You’ll likely find that teenagers, or even pre-teens, are much more sensitive than younger children to their privacy being invaded, and they may be much more resistant to having their digital activity and GPS location monitored.
It is important that tracking the device usage of a teenager to ensure their safety is carefully balanced with building and maintaining a trusting relationship with them. From an ethical standpoint, it’s important not to unnecessarily invade their privacy and to only conduct consensual parental control tracking.
For this reason, I’d say the best parental control apps for teenagers are ones which focus more on offering the child guidance and support when it comes to building healthy digital habits rather than letting the parent see every single tiny detail of their online and offline activity. Parental control apps like FamiSafe and Qustodio, for example, can do a lot to support teenagers in ways like helping them limit screen time or avoid dangerous websites and online threats.
Some parental control apps like FamiSafe also feature a dedicated Driving Mode, which is perfect for helping teenagers who are driving to stay safe.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Free Parental Control Software
Let’s look at the most relevant factors parents should consider when choosing the right parental control app:
- Compatibility: Choose one that supports your child’s device and platform, whether Windows, Mac, Android, or iOS. Even if a service says it monitors all devices, it’s best to check whether every feature is available. For example, a free parental app for iPhone may not have as many features for Android.
- Features: Consider your specific needs before picking a parental control app. It’s better to pay for a basic plan and have the parental control features you need rather than getting a free account and missing crucial functionality.
- Remote Control Access: Select apps that allow you to monitor your kids’ devices even if you’re not at home.
- Reporting: Check if the parental control software provides comprehensive reporting on your child’s device and internet usage to better understand their online behavior.
- Customization: Look for apps that allow you to tailor settings to your child’s age and individual needs.
- Scalability: Find a solution that covers multiple devices and numerous apps. Your child may be using Facebook and Instagram now, but what if they open a TikTok or X account or switch from iOS to Android? While many parental control apps work across platforms, they might not offer the same features.
Along with those factors, seeking out user-friendly and easy-to-use apps is a good idea. Kids can be surprisingly resourceful and quick to find loopholes.
Final Verdict – What is the Best Free Parental Control App?
If you’re looking for a completely free parental control app, I recommend Qustodio. It offers a free forever plan which does include basic monitoring features like limiting screentime, pausing internet and checking browser activity. Beyond this, the free Qustodio plan is rather limited. However, do be cautious and avoid other completely free parental control apps outside of those recommended on my list, as they can often be unreliable, or even worse, dangerous.
If you need more advanced features and are willing to pay a little bit for features, reliability, and security, mSpy is one of the most highly recommended apps on the market. It can monitor nearly every device and app your kid might be using, and at under $12 per month on the annual plan, it’s one of the cheapest options available. Packed with features and robust security measures, mSpy is a provider you can trust for effective parental control.
FAQs
Can I track my child’s phone without them knowing for free?
Is there a free app to limit kids’ screen time?
Can I control and monitor my child’s iPhone from my Android for free?
How can I monitor my child’s iPhone for free?
What is better than Google Family Link?
Is it legal to track your child’s device?
How can I monitor my child’s text messages on iPhone for free?
What’s the best parental control app for teenagers?
References
- Screen Time vs. Lean Time Infographic (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
- Apps to Keep Children Safe Online May Be Counterproductive (UCFToday)
- 5 Ways to Protect Your Young Child Online (UNICEF)
- How to Create Clickable Images in Canvas (University of Pittsburgh)
- Children Under 10 are Using Social Media (CNN)
