Looking for the best parental control app to keep your kids safe online? Whether you need a free screen time app for iPhone, parental controls for Android, or want to block websites for kids across your entire home network, this guide compares all the options.
How to set up parental controls
There are three main ways to set up parental controls: software apps on each device, hardware solutions on your router, and cloud-based DNS filtering. Each has different strengths for internet safety for kids.
Best free parental control apps
Software-based parental control apps are installed on each device (phone, tablet, computer) and let you block websites for kids, set screen time limits, and monitor activity. The best parental control apps are hard for kids to bypass, but only protect devices where they are installed.
Here are the best free and paid parental control apps for iPhone and Android:
- Apple Screen Time: Free
Features: App limits, downtime scheduling, content restrictions, communication limits, and detailed usage reports.
Supported Devices: iPhone, iPad, Mac. - Microsoft Family Safety: Free
Features: Website blocking, time limits, usage reports, and app blocking.
Supported Devices: Windows, Xbox, iPhone, Android. - Google Family Link: Free
Features: Screen time limits, approving or blocking apps and websites, and monitoring their child's device activity.
Supported Devices: Android phones and tablets only. - Norton Family: Approx $70/year
Features: Website blocking, time limits, usage reports, app blocking, and location tracking.
Supported Devices: Windows, Mac, Android, and iPhone. - Qustodio: Free basic plan, premium from $55/year
Features: Website filtering, time limits, social media monitoring, location tracking, and panic button.
Supported Devices: Windows, Mac, Android, iPhone, Kindle. - Bark: From $5/month
Features: Monitoring of text messages, emails, and social media for signs of cyberbullying, depression, and other concerning behaviours.
Router parental controls
Hardware solutions like router parental controls protect all devices on your home network at once - including smart TVs, gaming consoles, and guest devices. The downside is that kids can bypass them by switching to mobile data (4G/5G).
Best router-based parental control options:
- Circle by Disney: Standalone device or app, from around $130. Works with any router to filter content across all devices.
- Google Nest WiFi: Mesh router system from around $150 with integrated Family WiFi controls via the Google Home app.
- Netgear Nighthawk routers: WiFi 6/6E routers with built-in parental controls via Netgear Armor (subscription required).
- ISP routers: Many ISPs like Telstra include basic parental controls in their gateway modems at no extra cost.
DNS filtering (OpenDNS)
Cloud-based DNS filtering like OpenDNS Family Shield is a free way to block websites for kids across your entire home network. You configure your router to use filtered DNS servers that block adult and dangerous content. The downside is that tech-savvy kids can bypass it using VPNs or mobile data.
- OpenDNS Family Shield: Price: Free
Features: Website filtering, malware protection, and protection on all devices connected to your home network.
Screen Time vs Family Link
Choosing between Apple Screen Time and Google Family Link depends on your devices. Screen Time is built into iPhone and iPad and works seamlessly with Apple devices. Family Link is Google's free parental control app for Android. If your family uses both, you will need both apps.
Key parental control features
The best parental control apps include these features:
Website blocking is a feature that allows parents to block access to specific websites or types of websites, such as those that contain adult content or violent material. This feature is particularly useful for younger children who may be exposed to inappropriate content online.
Time limits are another common feature of parental control solutions. This feature allows parents to set limits on the amount of time that their children can spend online each day, helping to prevent excessive internet usage.
Usage reports are a feature that provides parents with detailed information about their children's online activities, including the websites they visit, the amount of time they spend online, and any potential problems that they may encounter. Usage reports can be used by parents to monitor their children's internet usage and to ensure that they are staying safe while they are online.
Comparison table
| Solution | Type | Cost | All Devices | Bypass Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Screen Time | Software | Free | Apple only | Low |
| Microsoft Family Safety | Software | Free | No | Low |
| Google Family Link | Software | Free | Android only | Low |
| Norton Family | Software | $70/yr | No | Low |
| Qustodio | Software | Free-$55/yr | No | Low |
| Circle by Disney | Hardware | $130+ | Yes | Medium (4G) |
| Router controls | Hardware | Varies | Yes | Medium (4G) |
| OpenDNS | Cloud/DNS | Free | Yes | High (VPN/4G) |
Conclusion
Parental control solutions are an essential tool for parents who want to keep their children safe and protected while they are using the internet. The best approach often combines software controls on individual devices with network-level filtering. Contact Manly Electronics to help you choose and set up the best solution for your family.
Updated March 2026