The best free parental control software should make it simple to monitor your family’s internet usage, providing you piece of mind that your children are secure online.
Qustodio, which offers a comprehensive array of features to keep your kids safe online, including content screening and time limits, is our current pick for the best free parental control software.
However, it isn’t your only option, so we’ve compiled a list of the finest additional parental control options so you can make the best decision for you and your family.
In an ideal world, the internet would be a safe haven for everyone, but that is regrettably not the case, and as a busy adult, you may not always be able to be present while your children are online.
This is where the finest free parental control software can help: by allowing you to block access to specific websites that may contain objectionable content or just allow access to websites that you feel appropriate, this tool may help protect your children.
When you’re not around, the finest free parental control software will watch after your children, whether they’re doing research for a school project, communicating with friends, or simply enjoying all that the Internet has to offer.
It does not matter what age your child is, or whether they are using a mobile device, Windows or a macOS computer. In this roundup, you will find the perfect choice of the best free parental control software to lend you a vigilant hand.
Best free parental control app: How did we choose?
Keeping your children safe on the internet is becoming increasingly challenging, but it has never been more critical. The amount of unsuitable stuff available on the internet is alarming, and without parental control software, you have no way of knowing what your child is viewing. With this in mind, we’ve combed through the plethora of paternal control applications available today and chosen the finest – the ones that will keep your children safe. We looked at both free and paid options, as well as those that would be appropriate for kids of various ages.
1. Qustodio: Best cross-platform option
The majority of parental control software is designed for Windows users, however Qustodio (pronounced “custodian”) is accessible for Mac, Android, iOS, Kindle, and Nook.
One of the most complete parental control programs available, the free version allows you to create rules and time restrictions, as well as block pornography and other inappropriate information. You’ll also receive SMS tracking, social networking capabilities, and per-app restrictions if you upgrade to the paid version.
Qustodio is the best free parental control software because of its extensive capabilities and compatibility for a variety of platforms, but there are a number of other outstanding free applications available, some of which may be more suited to your specific needs as a parent. Continue reading for the remainder of our top picks.
2. OpenDNS FamilyShield: Best for automatic domain blocking
OpenDNS offers FamilyShield as a free service. Its parental control tools automatically block domains defined as “tasteless, proxy/anonymizer, sexuality, or pornography” by OpenDNS.
One of the biggest advantages is that, in addition to running on PCs and mobile devices, FamilyShield can also be installed on your network router to filter all traffic that flows through it — all you have to do is change the DNS server numbers in your control panel.
This has the pleasant side effect of speeding up DNS lookups for some ISPs. Every device on your network benefits from the filters because they are applied at the router level. A premium subscription is also offered for those who want more possibilities.
3. KidLogger: Best activity logging
Nothing escapes Kidlogger’s notice. This free parental control software keeps track of not only what your kids type and which websites they visit, but also which programs they use and any screenshots they take.
There’s also a voice-activated sound recorder if you’re worried about who your kids are talking to online. You may choose which choices to monitor and offer your children some privacy if they are a little older and more responsible.
Although the free software only covers one device and lacks some of the more advanced capabilities included in the premium editions (such as silent monitoring of WhatsApp discussions and the ability to listen in on Skype calls), it’s still a useful tool if you’re worried about your children’s safety.
Kidlogger is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and BlackBerry.
