Introduction

In today’s digital world, children have constant access to the internet, which brings both opportunities and risks. Parental control software allows parents to monitor, manage, and protect their children’s online activity. These tools enable parents to set boundaries, block inappropriate content, and ensure a safe digital experience.

With the rapid evolution of technology and an increase in online threats, parental control software is more essential than ever in 2025. It not only helps to protect children from harmful content but also teaches them how to navigate the internet responsibly. When choosing the right tool, parents should look for features like content filtering, screen time management, location tracking, and real-time monitoring.

In this post, we’ll explore the Top 10 Parental Control Software Tools in 2025, comparing their features, pros, cons, and pricing to help you make the best choice for your family’s needs.

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Top 10 Parental Control Software Tools in 2025

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1. Qustodio

Short Description:
Qustodio offers a comprehensive suite of parental controls to monitor and manage your child’s online activity. It features a user-friendly interface and powerful tools for content filtering, screen time management, and activity monitoring.

Key Features:

• Web filtering to block harmful websites.
• App blocking for controlling app usage.
• Location tracking for real-time GPS tracking.
• Daily activity reports to monitor online behavior.
• Screen time management to set time limits.

Pros:

• Easy-to-use interface for both parents and children.
• Comprehensive device coverage, supports multiple platforms.
• Detailed activity logs for insightful monitoring.

Cons:

• Limited customization options for advanced users.
• Can be expensive for larger families.
• Requires an internet connection for certain features.

Best For:
Parents looking for comprehensive monitoring with detailed reports and easy controls.

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2. Net Nanny

Short Description:
Net Nanny is one of the most popular parental control tools, offering robust features for monitoring and protecting children online. It supports multiple platforms and provides real-time alerts for suspicious activities.

Key Features:

• Real-time alerts for harmful online activities.
• Web filtering and social media monitoring.
• Screen time management and device usage tracking.
• Location tracking and geofencing.
• Online activity reports to track kids’ internet usage.

Pros:

• Highly customizable with options to block specific content.
• Multi-platform support (Windows, Mac, Android, iOS).
• Real-time alerts for immediate action.

Cons:

• Resource-heavy on devices, affecting performance.
• Pricey subscription for full access to all features.
• Limited support for non-Android devices.

Best For:
Parents looking for real-time alerts and social media monitoring to keep an eye on their child’s online presence.

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3. Bark

Short Description:
Bark specializes in monitoring text messages, emails, and social media accounts for signs of cyberbullying, inappropriate content, or risky behavior. It provides advanced AI-powered monitoring to alert parents to potential dangers.

Key Features:

• Social media monitoring for platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat.
• Text and email monitoring to detect inappropriate messages.
• Screen time limits for better digital habits.
• Real-time alerts for signs of cyberbullying or self-harm.
• Activity reports sent directly to parents.

Pros:

• Advanced AI-powered monitoring for accurate alerts.
• Comprehensive coverage across multiple platforms.
• No invasive access to content, providing privacy for kids.

Cons:

• May not be as effective on some older platforms.
• Requires a premium subscription for full features.
• Limited device compatibility compared to other tools.

Best For:
Parents who prioritize social media monitoring and advanced AI-based detection for potential risks.

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4. Kaspersky Safe Kids

Short Description:
Kaspersky Safe Kids offers an affordable and reliable option for parents, focusing on screen time management, web filtering, and location tracking. It’s an excellent choice for families on a budget.

Key Features:

• Web filtering to block inappropriate websites.
• Screen time limits to set healthy usage habits.
• Location tracking to track kids’ whereabouts.
• Social network monitoring for apps like Facebook.
• Battery tracker to monitor battery usage and device activity.

Pros:

• Affordable pricing for a comprehensive tool.
• Easy to use interface with minimal setup.
• Detailed reports on online activity and device usage.

Cons:

• Limited advanced monitoring features compared to competitors.
• No email or text monitoring.
• Basic social media monitoring.

Best For:
Parents who need an affordable and reliable solution for basic online safety and screen time management.

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5. Circle Home Plus

Short Description:
Circle Home Plus is an intuitive device that connects to your home Wi-Fi network and offers detailed control over all connected devices, making it ideal for families with multiple devices.

Key Features:

• Time limits on apps and websites.
• Internet pause to take control of screen time.
• Device usage tracking across all connected devices.
• Filter content based on age and category.
• Location tracking for mobile devices.

Pros:

• Device-agnostic works with all devices connected to Wi-Fi.
• Easy setup with a simple mobile app.
• Comprehensive monitoring of all connected devices.

Cons:

• Only works with home Wi-Fi, not cellular networks.
• Limited app blocking compared to software-based solutions.
• Requires a physical device, unlike fully app-based solutions.

Best For:
Families who need comprehensive control over all devices connected to their home network.

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6. Mobicip

Short Description:
Mobicip offers a unique combination of web filtering, app blocking, and screen time management to help parents manage their children’s online experience while ensuring safe access to educational content.

Key Features:

• Web and app filtering based on categories and age.
• Screen time limits for healthier device usage.
• Location tracking and geofencing.
• Activity reports to track online activity.
• Real-time alerts for risky behavior.

Pros:

• Comprehensive coverage for web, apps, and screen time.
• Customizable filters to suit different age groups.
• Affordable pricing plans.

Cons:

• Can be difficult to set up for first-time users.
• Limited social media monitoring compared to others.
• Some compatibility issues with certain apps.

Best For:
Parents looking for a comprehensive solution to protect their child’s online activity across multiple devices.

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7. FamilyTime

Short Description:
FamilyTime is a robust parental control software that focuses on location tracking, geo-fencing, and real-time alerts to help parents ensure their child’s safety both online and offline.

Key Features:

• Geo-fencing to receive alerts when children leave a designated area.
• Real-time location tracking for mobile devices.
• App blocking and web filtering.
• SOS alerts in emergencies.
• Screen time limits and device usage tracking.

Pros:

• Advanced location tracking with geofencing.
• Comprehensive monitoring of app usage and content.
• Affordable for all family sizes.

Cons:

• Limited social media monitoring.
• Interface is not as intuitive as some competitors.
• Some users report performance issues on Android.

Best For:
Parents who want a robust offline monitoring tool along with web and app controls.

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8. Norton Family

Short Description:
Norton Family is a trusted name in cybersecurity, offering a solid parental control tool for web monitoring, app blocking, and real-time alerts. It’s perfect for families seeking an all-in-one solution for internet safety.

Key Features:

• Web monitoring and web filtering for safe browsing.
• Real-time alerts for inappropriate activities.
• Screen time management for healthy online habits.
• Location tracking for mobile devices.
• App blocking for social media and other apps.

Pros:

• Easy-to-use interface with detailed activity logs.
• Comprehensive online protection with real-time alerts.
• Family-friendly pricing for multiple devices.

Cons:

• Limited advanced customization of app and web filters.
• No social media monitoring on certain platforms.
• Can be resource-heavy on mobile devices.

Best For:
Parents seeking comprehensive protection with web filtering, location tracking, and real-time alerts.

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9. Safe Lagoon

Short Description:
Safe Lagoon provides real-time monitoring and detailed reports on online activity. It’s designed for easy use with an emphasis on internet safety for young children.

Key Features:

• Real-time monitoring of web activity.
• Screen time limits for better digital habits.
• Activity reports for parents.
• Location tracking and geofencing for mobile devices.
• App monitoring for installed apps.

Pros:

• User-friendly interface for easy setup and use.
• Affordable pricing for basic features.
• Real-time alerts for suspicious activity.

Cons:

• Limited social media monitoring.
• Basic filtering compared to other tools.
• Can have issues with device compatibility.

Best For:
Parents with younger children who need basic monitoring and real-time alerts.

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10. Boomerang Parental Control

Short Description:
Boomerang offers a robust parental control solution for controlling screen time, tracking location, and blocking inappropriate content across mobile devices and computers.

Key Features:

• Web filtering based on categories like games, gambling, etc.
• Location tracking and geofencing alerts.
• App and game blocking.
• Screen time management.
• Daily reports to track usage patterns.

Pros:

• Simple to set up and use for first-time users.
• Affordable for individual use.
• Effective web filtering and content blocking.

Cons:

• Limited social media monitoring.
• Lacks some advanced features offered by other tools.
• Compatibility issues on certain Android devices.

Best For:
Parents who want affordable, basic control for mobile and internet safety.

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Comparison Table

Tool Name	Best For	Platform(s) Supported	Standout Feature	Pricing	G2/Capterra Rating
Qustodio	Comprehensive monitoring	Windows, Mac, Android, iOS	Daily activity reports	Free / $54.95/year	4.5/5
Net Nanny	Social media monitoring	Windows, Mac, Android, iOS	Social media monitoring	Starts at $39.99/year	4.6/5
Bark	Social media safety	Windows, Mac, Android, iOS	AI-powered detection	$99/year	4.7/5
Kaspersky Safe Kids	Budget-conscious parents	Windows, Mac, Android, iOS	Battery tracker	Free / $14.99/year	4.3/5
Circle Home Plus	Home network monitoring	Android, iOS	Device agnostic, home Wi-Fi support	$129 (one-time fee)	4.6/5
Mobicip	Online safety	Windows, Mac, Android, iOS	Customizable filters	Free / $49.99/year	4.4/5
FamilyTime	Location-based monitoring	Android, iOS	Geo-fencing	Free / $27.99/year	4.2/5
Norton Family	Online monitoring	Windows, Android, iOS	Real-time alerts	$49.99/year	4.5/5
Safe Lagoon	Young children	Android, iOS	Real-time activity monitoring	Free / $12.99/year	4.1/5
Boomerang	Basic controls	Windows, Mac, Android, iOS	Effective web filtering	Free / $19.95/year	4.2/5

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Which Parental Control Tool is Right for You?

• For detailed online activity tracking and social media monitoring: Net Nanny or Bark.
• For location tracking and geofencing: FamilyTime or Safe Lagoon.
• For cost-effective basic controls: Kaspersky Safe Kids or Boomerang.
• For multi-device, real-time alerts, and web filtering: Qustodio or Norton Family.