3 Best REALLY FREE Parental Control Apps Tested in: I’m generally not a fan of free parental control apps, as many of them pose serious privacy risks. They often require extensive permissions that give them deep access to your device, and there’s no real assurance that your data won’t be misused. On top of that, most free apps lack critical features like screen time limits, web filtering, scheduling, and activity monitoring—making it hard to properly safeguard your child from online dangers and screen overuse.
That said, I understand that some families are working with tight budgets, so a free solution might be the only option. The good news is that there are a few trustworthy parental control apps that respect your privacy and offer decent free plans or trials. My top recommendation is Qustodio. It has a limited but completely free plan, a 3-day free trial of the premium version, and a 30-day money-back guarantee—giving you ample time to try it out and see if it meets your family’s needs.
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1. Qustodio — Best Free Parental Control App of 2025
Qustodio stands out as the best free parental control app in 2025, offering strong core features that help protect kids online. Its free plan supports a wide variety of platforms, including iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Chromebook, and Kindle.
When you sign up, Qustodio gives you a 3-day free trial with full access to all premium features — no credit card required. Once the trial ends, you’re automatically moved to the free version, which still provides a solid set of tools:
- Web Filtering: Blocks over 25 harmful or distracting website categories. You can also manually block or allow specific websites. The filtering is strong enough to stop even top VPNs, and there’s an option to disable unsupported browsers to prevent kids from bypassing restrictions. Safe Search is enforced on Google, Bing, and YouTube (though alerts for attempts to access blocked content are only in the paid plan).
- Time Limits: Set daily screen time in 15-minute increments. You can choose what happens when the limit is reached — block internet access, lock all but essential apps, or completely lock the device.
- Screen Time Monitoring: See how much time your child spends on their device.
- Activity Reports: Get daily, weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly breakdowns of your child’s device use and online activity.
Qustodio is also very privacy-focused. It securely stores all collected data, keeping it separate from personally identifiable information, and never shares user data with third parties — whether you’re on the free or paid plan.
Another big plus is how hard it is for kids to bypass Qustodio’s rules. Unlike built-in controls like Apple Screen Time or Google Family Link, Qustodio’s restrictions work across all networks and even in incognito mode. It syncs time limits through its servers, so changing the device’s time won’t work. It also requires a password for uninstallation and sends tampering alerts.
However, the free version only supports one device and doesn’t include advanced features like app-specific time limits or location tracking. Qustodio’s premium plans expand device coverage (up to unlimited) and include features like:
2. Mobicip — Excellent Free Web Filtering for Younger Kids
Mobicip is a great choice for parents of younger children, offering strong web filtering tools and a user-friendly free plan. One standout feature is its Whitelist-only Mode, which allows access to only approved websites — ideal for introducing kids to the internet safely.
You can also fine-tune access with 15+ preset content categories (like Shopping, Games, and Social) and block specific keywords or phrases. If you prefer, Mobicip can auto-adjust filters based on your child’s age, reducing the need for manual settings.
Mobicip uses real-time, AI-based scanning to analyze website content and context before blocking it, which helps it adapt to constantly changing web content.
Additional features on the free plan include:
- App Blocking: Block specific apps or entire categories (like games or social media) with a single click.
- Screen Time Scheduling: Use preset “School” and “Sleep” schedules to manage device usage, and set daily time limits (one adjustment per user per day).
- Activity Monitoring: Track screen time and app usage with clear reports.
- Vacation Mode: Temporarily suspend time limits for holidays or special occasions, with all settings restored automatically after.
One of the best aspects of Mobicip’s free plan is that it includes location tracking — rare for a free parental control app. It only shows real-time updates for the current day, but it’s a helpful safety feature.
Mobicip also offers a 7-day free trial of the full version, no credit card needed. After that, it reverts to the free plan. Paid plans include monitoring for two social media apps (Facebook and Snapchat), but don’t offer call or text tracking — for that, Qustodio is the better choice.
On the privacy front, Mobicip uses SSL and standard encryption to protect user data and doesn’t share or sell it to third parties. It also comes with uninstall protection to prevent tampering.
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3. Kaspersky Safe Kids — Excellent Free Parental Controls for Older Kids
Kaspersky Safe Kids offers one of the better free plans for parents who want to manage their child’s web and app activity — especially if you’re raising teens or older children. The free version supports major platforms like Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS, and allows you to control access to over 10 app categories (including Social Media, Games, and File Sharing) and more than 15 web content categories such as Adult Content and Profanity.
What makes Kaspersky ideal for older kids is its flexible approach — instead of outright blocking content, it can notify you when your child tries to open a restricted app or website. It can also display warnings to your child instead of enforcing hard blocks, helping you supervise their activity without being too restrictive. This is a major advantage over Google Family Link, which stops enforcing certain controls once your child turns 13.
You can still create a fully controlled online environment if needed — the free version lets you whitelist specific websites and blacklist others. Like Mobicip, Kaspersky also offers a whitelist-only mode for younger children who should only access approved content.
The app includes Safe Search for YouTube on the free plan — and it even works within the YouTube app on Android. However, if you want access to YouTube search history or detailed viewing habits, you’ll need to upgrade to the premium version (though Qustodio offers a more advanced tool for this purpose).
Screen time management is also included in the free plan. You can set daily usage limits for each day of the week and choose whether to fully block the device or just show a warning when time runs out. There’s also an option to allow access to certain essential apps (like a calculator or document editor) even when screen time is restricted — perfect for homework time.
That said, some premium features aren’t included in the free version. These include:
- Real-time location tracking and geofencing
- Scheduling tools for more advanced control
- Social media monitoring (limited to VK, a Russian platform)
- A battery tracker to see if your child’s device is running low
On the privacy front, Kaspersky is highly secure. It encrypts all data to protect it from unauthorized access — even by Kaspersky itself — and it does not sell your personal information. The app also comes with uninstall protection to prevent tampering.
Bonus: Norton Family — Excellent 30-Day Free Trial With Full Access
While Norton Family doesn’t offer a permanent free plan, it does come with a completely free 30-day trial that gives you full access to all of its premium features — no credit card required. This makes it a great way to thoroughly test the service before committing.
One limitation to note is that Norton Family only supports iOS, Android, and Windows. If you need compatibility with macOS, Chromebooks, or Kindle devices, Qustodio is a better alternative.
During the free trial, you can try out all of Norton Family’s key features, including:
- Web Filtering: Blocks access to over 45 predefined web categories. You can choose to either block or warn about certain sites, giving your child some freedom while still keeping them safe. Kids can also request access to blocked websites directly through the app, which streamlines communication between you and your child.
- Time Limits & Scheduling: Monitor screen time, set daily time limits, and customize schedules for when your child can use their device.
- App Filtering: Manage which apps your child can access.
- Activity Reports: Receive detailed reports on app usage, web activity, and screen time.
However, its web filtering on Windows is less effective than on mobile — it relies on browser extensions, which your child can disable (though you’ll be notified if they do). If you need more robust PC filtering, Qustodio offers better protection.
Norton Family’s trial also gives access to:
- YouTube & Hulu Monitoring: Track search queries and videos watched on the YouTube website and Hulu.
- Location Tracking & Geofencing: See your child’s real-time location and set safe zones.
- School Time Feature: Block distracting websites during school hours while allowing access to educational resources.
Like Qustodio, Norton Family makes it difficult for kids to bypass restrictions. It works in incognito mode, enforces time limits via its servers (so changing the device’s clock won’t work), and sends tamper alerts. It also requires a secure password for uninstallation.
On the privacy front, Norton Family is highly trustworthy. It does not sell or share your data, doesn’t monitor communication between your devices and your child’s, and only retains data for as long as needed to deliver its services.
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Testing Methodology: Comparison & Ranking Criteria
To identify and rank the best free parental control apps of 2025, I followed a trusted and thorough testing process. I focused on apps offering free plans or free trials that provided access to essential parental control features, and I tested each one in real-world scenarios. Here’s a breakdown of the criteria I used:
- Free Plans and Free Trials: I prioritized apps that offer feature-rich free plans or, at the very least, a free trial lasting at least three days. This gave me ample time to explore most of the key features. All apps on this list meet that benchmark. I was especially impressed by Qustodio’s free plan, which includes a wide range of powerful parental controls.
- Essential Features in Free Plans: I looked for core parental control tools such as web filtering, screen time management, and location tracking in the free versions. Apps that offered a robust set of features at no cost received higher rankings, although I also considered the value of upgrading to paid plans.
- Web and App Filtering: Each app was evaluated for its ability to block inappropriate websites and manage app access. I tested the effectiveness of their filtering tools and found that most apps could adequately block harmful content or filter unwanted search results.
- Screen Time Management: I tested time limit and scheduling features included in the free plans. Each recommended app successfully tracked either total screen time or time spent on specific apps, offering useful tools for managing device usage.
- Location Tracking: While not many free parental control apps include GPS tracking, I tested this feature in the free trials of apps that offer it. When available, the location tracking tools proved to be highly accurate. Mobicip stood out as one of the few with GPS tracking in its free version.
- Uninstall Protection and Restriction Bypass: A key part of my evaluation was how resistant the apps were to tampering. All the apps on my list include uninstall protection (requiring a PIN or login credentials) and are difficult for even tech-savvy kids to bypass.
- Data Privacy: I made sure that each app follows strict data privacy policies, does not sell user data, and anonymizes all collected information to protect user identity.
- Activity Reports: Lastly, I assessed the quality and usability of each app’s reporting dashboard. I preferred apps that offer daily, weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly breakdowns of your child’s activity in a clear, easy-to-read format.
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Show our expert takeAre Free Built-in Parental Controls Good Enough?
Apple, Google, and Microsoft each offer their own free built-in parental controls. While they can be helpful for basic monitoring, they fall short compared to the dedicated free parental control apps I’ve recommended. Here’s how each one stacks up:
Apple Screen Time
Apple’s Screen Time comes with basic parental controls like app and content filtering, as well as screen time limits. However, it’s only available on Apple devices — iPhones, iPads, and Macs — unlike the cross-platform support offered by the free parental control apps I recommend.
You can set daily usage limits for specific apps or app categories, schedule device downtime, and even block calls and messages from selected contacts. These features are useful, and you can customize when and how restrictions apply.
That said, Apple’s web filtering capabilities are limited. You can block explicit content in Safari and restrict certain media from the App Store, but beyond basic site whitelisting and blacklisting, there’s not much else. Apps like Qustodio offer far more granular web filtering and support for multiple browsers — even in their free plans.
Another major downside is that Screen Time can be easily bypassed. Kids who know their way around iOS settings can reset time limits or remove restrictions. In contrast, the free apps I recommend all include uninstall protection and alert you if tampering is detected.
Google Family Link
Google Family Link is designed for Android and Chromebook users and only supports children under 13 — after that age, kids can disable supervision themselves (though you’ll be notified).
Family Link allows some content filtering — like enabling Safe Search in Chrome — but it doesn’t offer category-based filtering like Qustodio or Mobicip. Instead, you have to manually whitelist or blacklist sites, which can be time-consuming.
It includes basic screen time features like daily limits, per-app limits, and scheduling, as well as content filtering in the Google Play Store. Location tracking is also included, which is a nice bonus not often found in free parental tools.
However, like Apple’s Screen Time, it’s not very secure. Kids can use common workarounds such as enabling guest mode, creating secondary Google accounts, booting into Safe Mode, or even factory resetting the device to bypass controls. Location tracking can also be turned off depending on device settings.
The apps I recommend store restriction settings on their servers, making them much harder to circumvent, no matter how tech-savvy your child is.
Microsoft Family Safety
Microsoft Family Safety emphasizes screen time management, especially for Windows PCs and Xbox consoles. While it also works on Android, its functionality on iOS is limited to monitoring the parent’s device — not the child’s.
You can set daily time limits, create usage schedules, and set age restrictions for apps and games. Parents can approve purchases and even add funds to the child’s account, which gives full control over spending.
As for content filtering, it blocks mature content on Microsoft Edge and enforces Safe Search on Bing. You can block other browsers, but monitoring them isn’t possible — a limitation not shared by top third-party apps like Qustodio, which monitor multiple browsers (even in incognito mode).
Uninstall protection is present but only effective for children under 13. Kids over 13 can often remove the app without needing parental approval.
Risks & Limitations of Free Parental Control Apps
While some free parental control apps offer strong protection, others can pose privacy risks. Because these tools require extensive access to your child’s device, it’s crucial to ensure they don’t misuse or sell sensitive data to third parties. Many free apps rely on ad revenue or data sharing to stay afloat.
The apps I recommend prioritize your family’s privacy — they don’t sell data, and all personal activity is anonymized. However, even the best free apps come with limitations. For example, Qustodio’s free plan doesn’t include app filtering or location tracking, and Mobicip’s free version lacks social media monitoring.
For comprehensive protection, a paid parental control app is usually the best choice. Fortunately, many of the top-rated options are budget-friendly. Qustodio, for instance, starts at just INR 400 per month, while Norton Family costs around INR 4,320 per year. Most also offer free trials or money-back guarantees, so you can test them risk-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best free parental control app?
In my opinion, Qustodio offers the best free parental control app in 2025. Its free plan includes high-quality features like web filtering, screen time tracking, daily time limits, scheduling, and detailed activity reports. It also maintains strong privacy protections for both parents and children, and its restrictions are very difficult for kids to bypass — even on the free version.
Another major plus is that Qustodio supports a wide range of platforms, including iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Kindle, and Chromebook. However, the free plan is limited to monitoring just one device.
Is there a completely free parental control app?
Not really. While many apps like Qustodio offer a free version, they also have premium plans that unlock additional features. There are built-in parental controls from Apple, Google, and Microsoft that are fully free, but they tend to be limited in functionality and relatively easy for kids to bypass.
As for entirely free third-party parental control apps, they’re rare — and not particularly impressive. For example, Spyrix Free Keylogger is one of the only fully free options I came across, but it lacks essential tools like website blocking, screen time scheduling, and location tracking. It also records keystrokes and captures screen activity, which I find far too intrusive and potentially harmful to parent-child trust.
Can’t I just use free built-in parental controls?
While Apple and Microsoft offer free built-in parental control features, they’re not ideal on their own. They do include some helpful tools, but their web filtering is basic, the setup process can be confusing, and most importantly, they’re quite easy for kids to get around.
If you need to use built-in controls, I suggest pairing them with a reliable third-party app like Qustodio. It offers stronger protections, more customization, and better support across multiple platforms — including iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Kindle, and Chromebook.
Can I monitor my child’s device with a free parental control app?
Yes, the free parental control apps I’ve recommended in this article do allow for basic monitoring. For example, Qustodio’s free plan lets you see which websites your child visits, track how long they use their device, and set time limits or block inappropriate content.
However, free plans come with limitations. To unlock full monitoring features — like app usage tracking, location updates, and social media supervision — you’ll likely need to upgrade to a paid plan.
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