Ranking updated
Best parental control apps in 2026
Start with what is free: Google Family Link sets screen time limits, blocks apps, filters Chrome, YouTube and Search and shows the device location, and on iPhone the built-in Screen Time does limits and content rules. For more, Qustodio adds a premium plan on top of a basic one, and Norton Family and FamiSafe add web, video and location supervision. Full breakdown, and new family-safety apps worth a look, below.
How we picked: parental control comes down to three jobs, how long a child uses a device, what they can open, and where the device is. We checked each app’s own store description for which of those it covers and what needs a subscription, left out apps from Russian companies, then added a separate section for new family-safety apps surfaced by real visit traffic from the Censuus ranking.
New family-safety apps, rising by real visit traffic from Censuus
The same few big names top every parental-control list. Censuus runs a live count on real traffic, so it sees the newcomers earning an audience right now. Among tracked apps, this family-safety tool is climbing:
Safe Kids Browser: CapiBrowser4.6★ App Storea kid-friendly browser that gives parents control over websites and YouTube.- Your app hereFree, foreverList my app
Free parental control
Google Family Link lets you set daily limits with school time and downtime, give individual apps their own limits, block apps, require approval for new ones, and set filters in Chrome, Play, YouTube and Search. You can also see the device on a map while the child carries it. On iPhone and iPad, Screen Time in Settings sets limits and content rules without an extra app.
When a paid app is worth it
Qustodio has a basic plan with some features and a Premium plan on a yearly subscription for all of them, including screen time limits, app blocking and location. Norton Family supervises websites, searches and YouTube videos and can alert you when a child leaves set areas, though location is not available in every country. FamiSafe shows activity timelines and sets app limits.
| App | Best for | Platforms | Price | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Google Family LinkApp StoreGoogle Play | free limits, app blocking and Google filters | iOS, Android | free | yes |
| QustodioApp StoreGoogle Play | screen time, app blocking and location | iOS, Android | basic plan; Premium yearly subscription | yes |
| Norton FamilyApp StoreGoogle Play | web, search and YouTube supervision | iOS, Android | free to download | yes, not in all countries |
| FamiSafeApp StoreGoogle Play | app limits and activity timelines | iOS, Android | free to download | yes |
Frequently asked questions
What is the best free parental control app?
Google Family Link is free and covers screen time limits, app blocking, Google content filters and location. On iPhone, the built-in Screen Time also sets limits for free.
Can a parental control app show where my child is?
Family Link, Qustodio, Norton Family and FamiSafe all show the location of the child’s device, as long as it is on and connected; Norton notes location is not available in every country.