Lastly, we updated screenshots to ensure they show the current interfaces of the apps.
I like that its difficult for a kid to bypass Qustodios restrictions.
This isnt the case with built-in parental controls like Apple Screen Time and Google Family Link.
It also requires a password for uninstallation and sends alerts if there are any tampering attempts.
Plus, Qustodio backs each purchase with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
Bottom Line:
Qustodio is my favorite free parental control app in 2025.
In my tests, it blocked everything I restricted from the parent app.
This helps it keep up with constantly changing online material, ensuring that inappropriate content is filtered out accurately.
you might block specific apps and app categories on the free plan, too.
It allows you to adjust Daily Free Time limits, but only once per day per user profile.
The app reports on all screen time and app usage for free as well.
This is useful for holidays, family trips, or special occasions when kids are allowed more screen time.
Once turned off, all previous restrictions and schedules resume automatically.
However, it only shows you real-time location updates for the current day.
Mobicip has a 7-day free trial, allowing you to test the rest of its features.
Once the trial ends, youre automatically downgraded to the free plan.
Plus, the free plan doesnt ask for your credit information.
The app doesnt sell or share data with third parties either, and it comes with uninstall protection.
Mobicip offers 3 paid plans that come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
ThePremiumplan (IDR135,470 / month) lets you monitor up to 20 devices and unlocks social media monitoring.
Mobicip has a great free plan for managing your childs browsing activities, especially if theyre super young.
you could also filter apps and app categories, and use its accurate location tracking feature.
Unlike Google Family Link, which stops enforcing controls after age 13, Kaspersky provides flexible supervision for teens.
That said, youll need to upgrade to the premium plan to see your childs search history on YouTube.
And even then, its not as comprehensive as Qustodios dedicated YouTube monitoring tool.
Kasperskys screen time feature is available for free users, too.
I particularly like that you could allow your kid to use certain apps even when screen time is blocked.
For example, they can still use their calculator or Word app for their homework.
Theres also uninstall protection, so your kid cant easily disable any restrictions.
Kaspersky Safe Kids is available for only IDR36,800 / month.
Kaspersky backs all purchases with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Unfortunately, Kaspersky cant be purchased in the US due to regulatory restrictions.
Kaspersky also allows you to enforce Safe Search on YouTube for free.
I like how you dont need to provide your credit card details, either.
For web filtering on PC, Qustodio is a much better choice.
Youll be hard-pressed to find extras like these with any built-in parental control app like Apple Screen Time.
Norton Family is a very secure and private option, too.
Norton also backs all of its yearly plans with a very generous 60-day money-back guarantee.
Norton Family is available as a standalone subscription or bundled with theNorton 360 DeluxeandNorton 360 Advancedsubscriptions.
It also has a 60-day money-back guarantee.
I then ran real-life tests to check their features.
Apple also allows for screen time limits and downtime scheduling.
you could set daily limits on unit use, specific apps, and even app categories.
Additionally, it lets you choose whether to apply these restrictions at specific times of the day or continuously.
That said, its not great for controlling your kids browsing.
The biggest limitation of Apples system is the ease with which children can bypass restrictions.
you could even filter content in Google Play, which is very convenient.
Unfortunately, like Apple Screen Time, Family Link has several loopholes that tech-savvy children can exploit.
Location tracking can also be turned off if the rig options allow it.
Microsoft Family Safety
Microsoft Family Safety focuses more on screen time management than content filtering.
It also applies Safe Search on Bing.
Given the permissions these apps get on your childs machine, theres a lot of sensitive information at stake.
Ultimately, the best way to keep your kids safe online is to get a paid parental control app.
Is there a completely free parental control app?
As for completely free third-party parental apps, there arent many out there.
Cant I just use free built-in parental control apps?
Can I monitor my kids machine with a free parental app?
