We live in the age of technology and the internet, where everyone has a digital social circle. Today, most kids spend their lives interacting with people online. That makes it harder for parents to keep an eye on their kids and ensure they don’t fall into trouble. Parental control apps are, therefore, the need of the hour. Here are 5 easy to use and affordable apps to monitor your kids’ online activities.
- FamilyTime App
It is one of the best parental control apps that has every tool a parent may need. It is known for its versatility in terms of compatibility and features. Some functions are entirely unique and exclusive to its users.
Cost:
You can use its 3-day free trial version with a few features to test the waters. On the other hand, its full version has four variations. Starting at $1.15/month and going up to $2.25/month, its packages are based on the number of child devices parents need to monitor.
Range of Features:
Unlike other parental control apps, FamilyTime parental control app offers a lot of safety features for parents, such as screen-time limitation & scheduling, location tracking & geofencing, blocking apps, managing social media accounts, screening calls & text messages, creating a contact watchlist, SOS/Panic Button, Pick-Me-Up Button, FamilyPause, FamilyBank, BedTime, and a whole lot more.
Compatibility:
It has a versatile range of compatibility, including Android, iOS, and Amazon devices.
- Qustodio
Qustodio is another affordable option for parents to consider. This app also has a lot to offer with some pretty incredible features.
Cost:
If you don’t want to spend anything, you can use its basic free version with limited features. However, if you want the complete hub of features at your fingertips, it is better to purchase its premium version. The packages begin at $4.58/month and go up to $11.5/month.
Range of Features:
With the premium version, parents get access to a wide array of functions such as location tracking, screen-time limitation, screening calls & text messages, web filtering, social media platforms management, Panic Button, and more.
Compatibility:
Its compatibility range includes Android, iOS, Amazon tablets, Windows, and Mac devices.
- Net Nanny Parental Control
Net Nanny is another choice. It is known for its internet filtering feature, modern design, and user-friendly interface.
Cost:
Although it doesn’t offer a free trial version, its packages are quite affordable. Starting at $50/year, it has three payment plans that go as high as $130/year. Depending on the package parents select, they can monitor 1, 5, or 20 devices with each subscription.
Range of Features:
It is famous for its web filtering feature. Its internet filter can block all sorts of indecent content, including images, videos, and information. In addition to blocking certain websites, parents can create a filter list with as many keywords as they like.
Parents also receive real-time location tracking services and can save the previous and current location data. Moreover, you can approve/block games and apps on their devices. Parents can also set screen-time limitations for their kids’ devices. The best thing is that the kids cannot bypass its security or remove the app from their devices.
Compatibility:
Net Nanny works well with Android, iOS, Kindle, Mac, and Windows systems.
- Kaspersky Safe Kids
Kaspersky Safe Kids is the most inexpensive app on this list. However, it has no shortage of parental control features.
Cost:
This app has a free trial version that stays valid for 30 days only. On the other hand, you only need to pay $15.99/year to get access to its full features.
Range of Features:
Without cutting a large chunk out of your budget, you can utilize a lot of good features. For instance, you can limit and schedule screen time for your kids’ devices. Additionally, you can track their location in real-time and manage their applications. This app also provides an excellent web and YouTube filter. You can monitor the battery life and usage of your device as well.
Compatibility:
It works well with Android, iOS, Windows, and Mac operating systems.
- Norton Family
Even though Norton Family doesn’t offer a multitude of fancy features like a Panic Button or social media application management, it gives you all the basic functions you need at a very affordable rate.
Cost:
You may try its 7-day free trial version or pay $49.99/year to access its full range of features.
Range of Features:
Norton Family is perfect for parents who only need basic parental control features like real-time location tracking, web filtering, screening offline calls and messages, and approving/blocking apps and games. It is easy to use and quite affordable too.
Compatibility:
It is compatible with Android, iOS, and Windows systems.
A Few Words of Wisdom…
Typically, most developers design parental control apps for a particular target audience. For instance, apps like FamilyTime develop features to monitor the activities of kids of all ages. While other apps, such as Net Nanny, are perfect for parents of teenagers in particular. Therefore, it is better to write down what you want in a parental control app and define a budget class to make it more specific. It would lead you to the best fit.
