With the current state of our digital era, it can be hard to keep your personal information safe online.
This can be even more difficult for those who may not have too much experience with the internet.
When it comes to children, their curious minds are bound to take them to many places on the internet that aren’t in their best interests.
As a parent, there’s plenty you can do to get a hold of the situation by implementing parental controls.
This article will teach you all about the best free parental control apps for iPhone, Android, and various other devices.
Best Free Parental Control Apps for iPhone & Android
1. Bark
Features & Specifications
- Seamless and simple setup process
- Cloud-based
- Takes pictures from the targeted device
- Easily monitor every incoming and outgoing message
- Tracks deleted messages
Although Bark can be used on Android and iOS devices, it’s important to note that it’s only useable on Android versions 5.0 or later and iOS 11 or later.
Nevertheless, the app should still be available for most people.
Unfortunately, there isn’t a live demo available, but you can opt-in for their 7-day free trial.
Pricing plans start at $5 per month, so it’s definitely one of the more affordable options on this list.
Regarding its features, parents can easily connect to over 30 different platforms on the targeted device.
From texts, emails, social activity, and more, you can have eyes on every aspect of their online activity.
You can also set up automatic alerts for real-time information, and the app will detect potential risks you need to take action on.
Aside from monitoring features, you can also choose when your kids can access the internet.
Moreover, you can choose which sites they have access to when they’re online.
There are two plans you can choose from, which are Bark Jr. and Bark Premium.
You should know that Bark Jr. limits you in a few ways, as it doesn’t offer text or email monitoring and lacks alerts for important online interactions.
If you decide to go with Bark Premium, you’ll have full access to every feature the company has to offer.
Bark is another iPhone parental control application that prefers to keep things simple.
You won’t have any issue getting it set up, and the UI delivers easy navigation so you can take quick action when needed.
There are many benefits to this application, but there are also a few cons involved.
Users won’t be able to store calendar info or video content. It also doesn’t offer any keyword alert functions.
Outside of that, you have everything you need to guarantee your child’s safety online.
If you run into any complications with the app, make sure to take advantage of their 24/7 support, along with the FAQ provided on their website.
It may not have a handful of niche features, but Bark is a comprehensive option that’s cost-efficient and widely loved by many other users.
2. FamiSafe
Features & Specifications
- Monitor devices without being detected
- Free updates and excellent ease of use
- Location tracking
- Monitor over 30 different applications
- Available for Android 4 through 13
Whether your child is using WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, or any other popular social media application, you’ll be able to monitor them all.
Not only can you trace their location, but you can also follow their pace.
There’s a minute detail to their services that allow you to track your child’s activities from multiple angles.
From Wi-Fi location tracking, GPS tracking, geo-fencing, and even location history, you’ll never miss a detail on how your child is using their smartphone.
You’ll also be able to view an array of files on their phone.
Contacts, photos, videos, and calendar events are all viewable with the help of FamiSafe.
There’s a free trial available, so you can give their services a test run, and you’ll be able to view your child’s actions with discretion.
The company keeps pricing pretty simple, as they only charge $99 for a full year of service, and you can use it for three different devices.
FamiSafe does offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, but if you request a refund, it could take around two months before you see the money back in your account.
Outside of their refund policy, there aren’t many cons related to their services.
FamiSafe is known to be very user-friendly, making it a great choice for all kinds of users.
The company also offers stellar support when you need it most, and their services are extremely easy to set up.
You can easily collect data to track your child’s habits online, so you can take action when an opportunity presents itself.
3. eyeZy
Features & Specifications
- Available for iOS and Android versions 8.0 and above
- Keystroke capture
- iCloud sync
- Analyze phone calls and contacts
- Geofencing capabilities
Another phone tracking application, eyeZy offers a few different solutions for parent control.
You can review texts, numerous forms of media, and most other activities on a smartphone.
It allows you to always make sure your child is staying on the safe side of the internet.
It’s important to note that their services are available for iOS and Android, but Android devices must be running on the 8.0 version or above.
The tracking capabilities of this app are pretty detailed, as you can even monitor keystroke capture, which follows every action they take on their device.
You’ll be able to review every conversation and interaction they have on any social platform as well.
Other notable features include a plan breaker, file finder, customized alerts, a phone analyzer to see incoming and outgoing calls, and no detection monitoring.
When you compare EyeZy to many other competitors, it’s clear they offer quite a few features you may not find elsewhere.
Depending on your needs, EyeZy provides the flexibility you need to ensure your child remains protected.
With the help of keyword tracking, connection blockers, and web magnifier to monitor browsing habits, parents can keep an eye on their child’s smartphone with ease.
4. Phonsee
Features & Specifications
- Remotely uninstall or deactivate the software at any time
- Simple call monitoring
- Automatic updates
- Operate the application in incognito mode
- Real-time dashboard alerts
If you’re looking for a highly compatible option, Phonsee is a good choice, as it works with many different versions of Android and iOS.
What’s different about this application is that it allows parents to monitor not only smartphones but computers as well.
It covers all of the basics, such as monitoring social media, incoming/outgoing calls, texts, contact lists, and even remote commands for SMS.
Take advantage of geo-tracking and geo-fencing to know where your child is and easily monitor their bookmarks and browser history.
You can also review the audio files on their devices and application activity and turn on dashboard alerts.
This parental app for iPhone and Android also includes features such as keylogging, checking battery status, and monitoring any media on their device.
Some of the app’s best features pertain to tracking log-on/off activity, along with the ability to operate from a mobile or desktop device.
Phonsee is available with Android versions 4 through 12 and iOS versions 6 through 14.
However, the price may be a deal breaker for some people, as it’s $29.95 per month, and they only offer a 1-day free trial.
Of course, you can always review the live demo to get a look before diving into the trial version, but you’ll have to make a choice fairly quickly.
They also keep their website relatively simple, providing everything you need on a single page.
Although the application has a fairly steep monthly cost, you can get some decent discounts by signing up for an annual subscription.
5. uMobix
Features & Specifications
- Demo mode available
- Accurate GPS tracking feature
- Great for Android or iOS devices
- Supports live phone call tracking
- Access to photo gallery of the targeted device
In many ways, uMobix is an all-encompassing solution for parental control tools regarding cell phones.
The application is able to track messaging apps, social media, GPS location, media sharing, internet usage, and much more.
You can even capture screenshots of important actions that are being taken at the moment.
The company offers a demo so you can give their features a test run before making a commitment, and it’s available for Android and iOS devices.
Parents can even review deleted info, as it isn’t uncommon for children to be sneaky about their actions online.
The interface of the tool is relatively simple and easy to use, making navigating a breeze across the board.
You’ll appreciate that the app functions in stealth mode, so your young one won’t have any clue that their actions are being monitored.
Users can also customize exactly what they’d like to monitor, which helps provide your kids some privacy in certain areas that don’t pose as much of a risk.
If your child likes to live stream, you can monitor that as well.
Every tool included in this app is geared toward safety measures for your children while offering a level of efficiency that’s vital for parental control.
It’s evident that the application has plenty to offer regarding monitoring and security, but it does have a downside that sticks out to some users.
When you sign up for a subscription, it’s only valid for one device.
uMobix may not be the best parental control software if you’re looking to monitor multiple devices simultaneously.
6. mSpy
Features & Specifications
- 14-day money-back guarantee
- Location tracking available
- Real-time updates with the targeted device
- Advanced social media monitoring
- Easily access crucial details on targeted device
Some of the features of this service stand out, such as live tracking of their location, encryption, and data protection, in addition to tracking specific keywords.
One of the only downsides is that the tool can be somewhat costly in comparison to others, depending on your particular needs.
Parents can monitor their children’s calls, review their search history, read their social media DMs, and much more.
You can get started with the service in a few simple steps, and the company has over ten years of working with parents that are trying to keep their kids protected.
The internet is its own wild west, and there are all kinds of harmful events that can take place.
Their service is supported in 180 different countries, and there are 36 monitoring features at your disposal.
When compared to similar services, mSpy goes one step further with a handful of unique features.
Many people seem to appreciate keylogger, screen recorder, and stealth mode the most.
Setting up the tool isn’t very difficult, and the application will keep the information updated every five minutes.
The company also provides 24/7 support if needed, and a live demo is available so you can check out what they have to offer before spending any money.
When you’re ready to seal the deal, pricing plans start out at a little over $11 per month.
However, you can take advantage of their 14-day money-back guarantee if it doesn’t work out for you.
7. Hoverwatch
Features & Specifications
- Monitor a broad range of applications
- Save information from the targeted device’s search results
- Always remain invisible when the app is in use
- Geo-location tracking
- Ability to root Android devices
This application is supported on Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices, making it suitable for smartphones and desktop devices.
You can test out a 3-day trial before committing to a subscription, and plans start out at $12.49 per month.
As usual, you can get a discount if you opt for a yearly subscription, but it comes with a fair price nonetheless.
You can easily track the basics, such as text messages, and you can review any information that’s received and sent by the targeted device.
Incoming and outgoing calls won’t slip by you either, as you’ll be able to monitor any interaction that comes through their phone or computer.
Track them with GPS features and the location of their sim card, which can also be helpful if their device is stolen.
Easily take screenshots of your child’s activities online, save calendar appointments, and even take photos through the smartphone with ease.
It isn’t a perfect solution for everyone, as it requires physical access to the targeted phone.
If you go for the free version, you’ll be stuck with limited features, so it’s generally best to go with a paid subscription to get every benefit they have to offer.
The company makes it extremely easy to get started, and they provide all of the information you need right on the homepage of their website.
24/7 support is always available if you run into any issues.
Hoverwatch is a fan favorite for many people due to its cost efficiency and an array of device monitoring services.
It’s a great solution that may not have every feature under the sun, but more than enough to make sure your kids stay safe online.
Even if you aren’t actively using the application to monitor their activity, you can set features to operate around the clock, so they always stay protected.
Regarding their subscription plans, there are three different options to choose from. You can sign up for a one-month, three-month, or annual plan.
Each of these comes with its own pricing. The only difference here is in their cost, as each plan comes with every feature they have to offer.
Hoverwatch is likely to be the most simple option on this list, but they cover the basics in a way that won’t break the bank.
Their FAQ section covers some of the most important questions their customers have, and they primarily focus on tracking activity on applications such as Facebook, Snapchat, and WhatsApp.
8. Cocospy
Features & Specifications
- Track jailbroke and non-jailbroken devices
- 24/7 assistance
- Parents can monitor with smartphone and tablet devices
- View every photo and video on the targeted device
- Great for parents looking to monitor phone call data
This parental control application offers a pretty comprehensive service for the most part.
Cocospy is capable of real-time location tracking and is known for its very efficient customer service experience.
Easily gather keystrokes when your child is using their phone, and the app also allows you to read either individual or group conversations.
You can also review information on the targeted device even if it’s not in use.
Cocospy gives parents the ability to monitor past and current data, so they can always review what their child has been up to throughout the day.
Other tracking features include monitoring texts and reviewing saved contacts, media, and actions on a wide range of social platforms.
Better yet, Cocospy also sends out alerts if it detects a sim card change.
Regardless of how your child spends time on their smartphone, you’ll be able to keep a close eye on every angle.
The only downside with Cocospy is that they don’t offer a free trial.
You can review their demo, but that’s as close as you’ll get before having to sign up.
9. Net Nanny
Features & Specifications
- Monitor activity from mobile or desktop devices
- Easily filter out specific content
- Manage your child’s screen time
- Block out certain applications
- Monitor their digital footprint
What makes Net Nanny a viable option is the fact that they offer very flexible pricing and can manage a broad number of devices.
The service provides instant reporting of online searches, visibility to which apps your kids are using, and real-time alerts on sensitive content.
Net Nanny is a great option for those with larger families, as you can monitor up to 20 different devices depending on your subscription.
They do offer a 14-day free trial, and their pricing ranges from $4.17 to $10.83 per month, making them a pretty affordable option.
It’s also known to be one of the most effective parental apps for iPhone and Android regarding blocking internet and a variety of smartphone activities.
Net Nanny also delivers plenty of customization options, as you can set exactly what you want to monitor and how much privacy you allow for your children online.
Keep your children safe from malicious individuals online and highly sensitive content that should be avoided at all times.
Net Nanny makes this possible with multi-faceted device monitoring solutions.
In our modern era, it isn’t uncommon for parents to live busy lives, but Net Nanny makes it possible to stay on top of how your children are spending time on the internet.
Not only is this paramount to proper development, but it’ll also give you the peace of mind you need on a daily basis.
10. ScreenTime
Features & Specifications
- Easily set time limits for internet usage
- Monitor online activity
- Simple geo-tracking
- Pause online activity at any time
- Reward screen time
I’d say what makes ScreenTime an excellent option is that they have a paid and free version available.
Surprisingly, the free version delivers a lot of what you might be looking for.
With the free version, you get access to daily reporting, web history, and review watched YouTube videos, but you’re limited to monitoring one device per child.
It’s also important to note that a variety of their features are for Android only, but they still offer plenty of flexibility.
The paid version is only $6.99 and comes with a much longer list of features.
Some of these include implementing tasks and chores, daily time limits, web filtering, geofencing, daily email summary, and you can block certain applications.
ScreenTime may offer a more simple approach to web monitoring services, but they still cover quite a few areas.
They’re a cost-effective, easy-to-use option that holds up against some of the best free parental control apps.
With your paid subscription, you can monitor up to five devices on a single account.
All of the features you need are easily accessible within a simple UI, and of course, you have all of the 24/7 support you might want if you have any questions.
Conclusion
Although there may be many different device monitoring solutions available, each listed in this article has something unique to offer.
You won’t have any issue finding exactly what you need for you and your family to remain safe online.
Whether you’re looking for highly detailed monitoring tools or cost-efficient pricing, this guide on the best free parental control apps for Android and iPhone provides a little bit of everything to suit a variety of different security needs for your children.
