Top 5 Best Parental Monitoring Apps for Tablets and Phones

Are you looking for the best parental monitoring apps for tablets and phones? It can be challenging to keep track of what your kids are doing online, especially with apps like Snapchat, WhatsApp, and Facebook Messenger. If you’ve seen them hiding their phones when you walk in, they might be trying to keep something from you. A reliable parental control app can help you stay in the loop about their online activities and give you peace of mind.

In this article, we’ve reviewed the top 5 parental monitoring apps. Read on to choose the ideal app to protect your kids on the internet.

1. iKeyMonitor Best Free Parental Monitoring App

iKeyMonitor is the best free parental monitoring app for Android phones and tablets. It monitors SMS text messages, call history, visited websites, photos, videos, contacts, social chat apps, and more. In addition to basic monitoring features, it provides control functions such as app blocking and limiting screen time. As the best parental control app, it offers a free plan for you to try before purchasing.

Features:

• text monitoring
• Social media spy
• Photo spy
• Video spy
• Screen time limit
• Keylogger
• Geo-fencing
• GPS history
• Web History
• Screenshots
• Call recording
• Surround recording

PROS:

• Easy to use
• Excellent customer service
• Support multiple languages
• 30-day Money-Back Guarantee

CONS:

• Not available on the Google Play Store

2. Google Family Link – Parental Monitoring App for Android

Google Family Link is a free parental control app that can be downloaded on your Android phone to manage your children’s Android phones. It allows you to manage the apps your children can use and download, set screen time limits, lock their devices, and even track their location.

Features:

• View activities
• Manage apps
• Set time limits
• Lock devices
• Track location

PROS:

• Free
• Available for Android

CONS:

• Works only with newly created Google accounts
• Only for kids on Android who are under 13
• No SMS and call monitoring
• Troublesome installation

Download: Android

3. ChildMonitor – Parental Monitoring App for Smartphones

ChildMonitor is a parental monitoring app for smartphones that allows you to monitor and control your children’s Android phones. It limits screen time, blocks inappropriate apps/games by names, monitors visited sites, sends alerts on inappropriate activities, etc. It also offers top activity reports to help you find the top activities on your children’s phones or tablets.

Features:

• Monitors visited sites
• Set time limits and schedules
• Block inappropriate apps/games
• Alert words

PROS:

• Free to use
• No root required

CONS:

• Limited features

Download: Android

4. Norton Family – Parental Monitoring App for Tablets and Phones

Norton Family is a free parental monitoring app for tablets and phones that can be installed and used on Android devices. It helps you monitor the sites and content your children view, set limits on their internet access, track their location, check which apps they have downloaded, and more.

Features:

• Web filtering
• Time Supervision
• Location tracking
• Video monitoring

PROS:

• Easy setups

CONS:

• No social media tracking

Download: Android

5. Microsoft Family Safety – Parental Control App for Cell Phones

Microsoft Family Safety is a parental control app for cell phones that helps you better understand your children’s online activities. With Microsoft Family Safety, you can filter inappropriate apps and games, set browsing to kid-friendly sites, help your children balance their screen time activities, and set limits for specific apps and games on Android phones.

Features:

• Activity reports
• Screen time limit
• Content filters
• Family location tracker
• Driving reports

PROS:

• Free version
• Runs on Android, Xbox, Windows

CONS:

• No calls&texts monitoring
• No social media monitoring

Download: Android

How to Select the Best Parental Monitoring for Tablets and Phones?

How do you find the best free parental monitoring app for your kids? It really depends on what you want to achieve and your concerns about their internet use. There are many apps available, so it’s important to know what to look for. Here are some key factors to consider when choosing a powerful parental monitoring app.

• Feature Set: Look for apps that offer comprehensive features like activity tracking, content filtering, social media monitoring, and GPS tracking. The more features a monitoring app has, the better you can manage and protect your children’s online experience.
• Compatibility: Ensure the software works on both iOS and Android devices. This guarantees that you can monitor all of your child’s devices, whether they use tablets, phones, or both.
• Ease of Use: Choose an app with a simple, intuitive interface. It should be easy to install and set up, and the dashboard should be straightforward to navigate. This will make it easier for you to manage settings and review reports without frustration.
• Privacy and Security: The app should prioritize the privacy and security of your child’s data. Look for features such as strong encryption and secure data storage. It’s important that the software handles data responsibly and complies with privacy regulations.
• Customer Support: Reliable customer support is essential for addressing any technical issues or questions. Opt for an app that offers comprehensive support options, such as email, live chat, or phone support. Good customer service can help resolve problems quickly and efficiently.
• Reputation and Reviews: Research the app’s reputation by reading user reviews and testimonials. Positive feedback from other parents can provide insights into the app’s effectiveness and reliability.
• Pricing and Value: Consider the cost of the software and what’s included in the price. Some apps offer a free basic version with limited features, while others may require a subscription for full functionality.

Conclusion

Here are the top 5 best parental monitoring apps for tablets and phones. The right choice depends on your needs. If you’re looking for advanced features to keep a close eye on your kids, iKeyMonitor is a great choice. For more basic controls, Google Family Link is a good fit.