Best Parental Monitoring Apps for iPhone, iOS & Android 2024

mSpy is a comprehensive parental monitoring app designed to provide parents with a range of tools to keep track of their children’s online activities and ensure their safety. Here’s an overview of why mSpy is considered a good choice in the realm of parental monitoring apps:

1. Wide Range of Features: mSpy offers various features, including monitoring texts, calls, emails, and app usage. This comprehensive monitoring helps parents stay informed about their child’s digital interactions and activities.

2. Screen Activity Capture and Keylogger: Advanced features like screen activity capture and keylogger provide deeper insights into what children are doing on their devices. These features can be crucial for identifying potentially dangerous or inappropriate interactions.

3. Customizable App Blocks: The ability to customize app blocks or block downloads entirely allows parents to tailor restrictions based on their child’s age and maturity level.

4. Location Tracking: A separate track location function provides an additional layer of safety, allowing parents to know where their children are, which can be particularly useful in emergency situations.

5. Remote Monitoring: One of the standout features of mSpy is the ability to monitor activities remotely from a browser, eliminating the need to install an app on the parent’s device.

6. Cost and Packages: mSpy offers different packages ranging from $29.99 to $69.99, catering to varying levels of monitoring needs and budgets.

7. Pros:

   • No need for jailbreaking the target device.
   • Round-the-clock customer support.
   • User-friendly and intuitive control panel for easy navigation.
   • Availability of a free trial to test the service.

8. Cons:

   • Additional cost for enhanced support services.
   • Does not record calls, only logs call details such as numbers and duration.

In summary, mSpy is favored for its extensive monitoring capabilities, user-friendly interface, and remote access feature. While it provides a thorough overview of children’s digital behavior, it respects the balance between monitoring and privacy by not recording calls. The flexible pricing options and the ability to try the service through a free trial make it an attractive choice for parents seeking a reliable parental monitoring solution.

FamilyTime stands out as a parental monitoring app with its user-friendly design and customizable control options, catering to the diverse needs of modern families. Here’s a look at why FamilyTime is a beneficial tool for parents:

1. User-Friendly Interface: FamilyTime is designed with a focus on ease of use, ensuring parents can navigate and manage settings without any hassle.

2. Cross-Platform Compatibility: The app is available across various platforms, making it a suitable option for families using different types of devices, including iOS and Android.

3. App and Website Blocking: Parents have the flexibility to block certain apps and websites, either on a scheduled basis or permanently. This helps in managing children’s access to potentially harmful or distracting content.

4. Screen Time Management: The ability to limit screen time aligns with the growing concern among parents about the amount of time children spend on their devices. FamilyTime allows parents to set boundaries that fit their family’s lifestyle.

5. Monitoring Calls, Texts, and Internet History: The app provides a comprehensive overview of children’s communication and online activities, including the ability to view calls, texts, and browsing history.

6. Cost-Effective: With an annual license fee of $27 per year, FamilyTime is an affordable option for parents looking for a parental monitoring solution.

7. Pros:

   • Intuitive control panel for easy operation.
   • Compatible with multiple device types, accommodating diverse technology use within families.
   • Includes geofencing capabilities, offering parents peace of mind about their children’s location.

8. Cons:

   • Limited web content filtering, lacking the ability to filter based on specific keywords.
   • No access to history for certain messaging apps, which may limit the overall monitoring capability.

In summary, FamilyTime is a practical and cost-effective parental monitoring app that caters to the needs of parents seeking to manage and monitor their children’s digital activities. Its cross-platform compatibility, app blocking features, and screen time management tools make it a comprehensive solution. While it may have some limitations in terms of web content filtering and messaging app history, its overall functionality and user-friendly design make it a strong contender in the parental control app market.

FlexiSpy is a sophisticated parental monitoring app known for its comprehensive features and customizable options. Here’s an overview of why FlexiSpy is considered a good choice in the realm of parental control apps:

1. Wide Range of Features: FlexiSpy offers an array of features, including the ability to block and monitor numerous apps, tailoring settings to fit specific parental needs.

2. Keyword Alerts: At its highest tier, FlexiSpy enables parents to set up keyword alerts. This feature instantly notifies parents if their child encounters potentially inappropriate or harmful content.

3. Affordable Basic Package: With a starting price of around $68 per month, FlexiSpy’s basic package is competitively priced, considering the features it offers.

4. Customer Support: The 24/7 customer support ensures parents can get assistance anytime, which is crucial for an app dealing with children’s safety.

5. User-Friendly Interface: The interface is designed to be user-friendly, allowing easy access to customized features and settings.

6. Multiple Device Installation: FlexiSpy can be installed on an unlimited number of devices, making it a versatile solution for families with multiple children and devices.

7. Comprehensive Access: The app provides access to text messages, photos, installed apps, and the ability to block apps, offering thorough monitoring capabilities.

8. Cost and Tiers: While the basic package is reasonably priced, the highest tier, “Extreme,” is available for $199, offering advanced features like call recording.

9. Pros:

   • Affordable basic package with a wide range of features.
   • Customizable settings including keyword alerts.
   • 24/7 customer support for continuous assistance.
   • Compatible with multiple devices.

10. Cons:

    • Call recording is limited to the most expensive tier.
    • Lacks remote device lock feature.
    • Requires jailbreaking iPhones to use the app, which could void the device’s warranty and expose it to security risks.

In summary, FlexiSpy offers a mix of advanced monitoring features and user-friendly design, making it a suitable option for parents seeking comprehensive control and oversight of their children’s digital activities. While it provides extensive monitoring capabilities, the requirement for jailbreaking iPhones and the absence of a remote device lock feature are notable limitations. However, its tiered pricing and robust customer support make FlexiSpy a strong contender in the parental monitoring app market.

Highster Mobile is a parental monitoring app that offers a range of features for effective child surveillance, with an emphasis on ease of use and affordability. Here’s why Highster Mobile is considered a good option for parents:

1. Remote Installation and Easy Setup: Highster Mobile allows for remote installation and features an intuitive setup process, making it accessible for parents who may not be tech-savvy.

2. Comprehensive Monitoring Features: The app includes instant message, SMS, and social media spying capabilities. These features provide parents with real-time insight into their children’s digital communication.

3. Real-Time Alerts: Parents receive alerts instantly when an SMS or email is sent or received by the child’s device. This immediate notification system ensures parents are always informed and can act swiftly if necessary.

4. Cost-Effective: Highster Mobile charges a one-time fee of $69, making it a financially viable option for long-term use without recurring subscription costs.

5. Media Capture: The app can capture high-resolution videos, audio, and images from the monitored device, providing parents with detailed insights into their child’s device usage.

6. Social Media and Instant Messaging Monitoring: The app’s ability to monitor and control social media network usage and log activities from popular instant messaging apps is crucial in today’s digital age, where children spend significant time on these platforms.

7. Pros:

   • One-time payment model, avoiding ongoing subscription fees.
   • Detailed media capturing capabilities for comprehensive monitoring.
   • Real-time monitoring of social media and instant messaging applications.
   • Direct delivery of logs and captured media to the parent’s device.

8. Cons:

   • Lack of a free trial or demo version, which could be a deterrent for those who wish to test the app before purchase.
   • Absence of live support, with customer service inquiries limited to email responses, which may not be as prompt or interactive as some users prefer.

In summary, Highster Mobile is a solid choice for parents looking for a straightforward, one-time purchase parental monitoring app. Its comprehensive monitoring features, including real-time alerts and detailed media capture, make it a robust tool for keeping tabs on children’s digital activities. While it lacks a free trial and live support options, its overall functionality and affordability make it an attractive option for parents prioritizing ease of use and cost-effectiveness in a parental monitoring solution.

TeenSafe stands out as a dedicated parental monitoring app specifically designed for monitoring teenagers’ digital activities. It offers a range of features focused on ease of use and providing parents with crucial insights into their teen’s digital life. Here’s an overview of why TeenSafe is a favorable choice:

1. Targeted for Teen Monitoring: TeenSafe is tailored for monitoring teenagers, ensuring the features are relevant to the concerns and challenges parents face with this specific age group.

2. User-Friendly Interface: The app boasts a user-friendly interface, making it accessible for parents who may not be very tech-savvy.

3. Comprehensive Monitoring Features: TeenSafe allows parents to access text messages, emails, call logs, and social media activities, providing a holistic view of their teen’s digital interactions.

4. No Jailbreaking Required: The app does not require jailbreaking the child’s device, simplifying the installation process and maintaining the device’s security integrity.

5. Cost and Trial Period: TeenSafe offers a seven-day free trial, allowing parents to test the app before committing. After the trial, the subscription is reasonably priced at $14.95 per month.

6. Pros:

   • Ability to monitor multiple accounts under one subscription.
   • Includes a free parental guide to tech safety with each subscription.
   • Offers a free trial for initial evaluation.

7. Cons:

   • Does not provide access to Snapchat data, which can be a limitation given the platform’s popularity among teens.
   • Issues with recovering deleted texts, such as duplicates and incomplete information.
   • Inability to access stored videos or photos on the child’s device.

In summary, TeenSafe is a practical and straightforward parental monitoring solution specifically focused on teenagers. Its range of monitoring features, coupled with a user-friendly interface and a reasonable pricing model, make it a suitable choice for parents. While it has limitations such as the inability to monitor Snapchat and access stored multimedia content, its overall functionality tailored to teenage monitoring needs makes it a notable option in the parental control app market.

Qustodio Parental Control is a well-regarded app in the parental monitoring space, known for its comprehensive features and detailed reporting. Here’s an overview of why Qustodio is considered a good choice for parents looking to monitor and manage their children’s digital activities:

1. Detailed Reporting: One of the standout features of Qustodio is its detailed reporting capability. Parents can access daily or weekly reports, providing in-depth insights into how the child’s device is being used.

2. Robust Web Filtering and Social Media Monitoring: The app offers extensive web filtering options and social media monitoring. The web filtering works on a device level, preventing children from bypassing controls by using different browsers.

3. Cost-Effectiveness: Qustodio’s pricing ranges from $55 to $140 per year, depending on the number of devices. This pricing structure offers flexibility and can accommodate different family sizes and needs.

4. Pros:

   • User-friendly interface, making it easy for parents to navigate and use the app.
   • Provides detailed call and text logs, allowing parents to keep track of who their children are communicating with.
   • Ability to set limits per app, giving parents control over app usage and screen time.

5. Cons:

   • Social media tracking can be inconsistent, which may be a concern for parents wanting to monitor platforms like Facebook or Instagram closely.
   • Snapchat monitoring is not available, which is a limitation given the app’s popularity among teenagers.
   • Lack of geofencing feature, which means parents cannot set up virtual boundaries and get alerts when those boundaries are crossed.

In summary, Qustodio Parental Control is a solid option for parents seeking a comprehensive monitoring tool with strong web filtering and detailed reporting features. While it has some limitations in terms of social media tracking and lacks geofencing capabilities, its user-friendly interface and app-specific limits make it a versatile and effective tool for managing children’s online activities. The tiered pricing model also makes it an accessible choice for families with different needs and budgets.

WebWatcher is a widely used parental monitoring app known for its comprehensive monitoring capabilities and iPhone compatibility. Here’s an overview of why WebWatcher is a good choice for parents:

1. Full iPhone Compatibility: WebWatcher is fully compatible with iPhones, and importantly, it does not require jailbreaking the device. This means parents can use the app without voiding the device’s warranty — a significant concern for many.

2. Easy-to-Use Web Portal: All monitoring is done through an easy-to-use web portal, which means there’s no need to install a separate app on the parent’s device. This simplifies the monitoring process and makes it more accessible.

3. Streamlined Account for Multiple Devices: The app allows for a streamlined account setup, making it easier for parents to monitor multiple phones and devices from a single interface.

4. Cost: WebWatcher is available for $100 per year, which is a competitive price point for the features it offers.

5. Pros:

   • Ability to monitor SMS text messages and detailed call logs.
   • Tracks website history, providing insights into the child’s online browsing activities.
   • Monitors photos as they are taken and when they are saved, offering visibility into the visual content on the child’s device.

6. Cons:

   • The app is not available through the official app store, which means installing it requires giving access to a third-party company. This might raise concerns about security and privacy.
   • It lacks the functionality to block apps, which can be a limitation for parents looking to control app usage on their child’s device.

In summary, WebWatcher is a solid choice for parents who need comprehensive monitoring capabilities without the need to jailbreak their child’s iPhone. Its user-friendly web portal and the ability to monitor multiple devices add to its appeal. While the lack of app blocking features and the need to grant access to a third-party company might be drawbacks for some, its overall functionality and affordability make it a strong contender in the parental monitoring app market.

Norton Family Premier is a parental monitoring app developed by Norton, a well-established name in the cybersecurity industry. Its reputation for security and reliability extends to its parental control offering. Here’s a breakdown of why Norton Family Premier is considered a good choice for parents:

1. Trusted Brand: Coming from a reputable company in cybersecurity, Norton Family Premier benefits from the trust and security expertise that Norton has built over the years.

2. Comprehensive Features: The app offers a wide range of features, particularly strong in web monitoring. Parents can block or restrict sites and even set the app to warn teens about visiting certain websites.

3. Cost-Effective: Priced at $50 per year, Norton Family Premier is relatively affordable compared to many other parental control apps, especially considering the breadth of features it offers.

4. Pros:

   • Detailed web monitoring and reporting provide parents with in-depth insights into their children’s online activities.
   • Cross-platform functionality ensures compatibility with various devices, making it suitable for families using multiple types of devices.
   • There is no limit on the number of devices that can be monitored, which is ideal for families with several children.

5. Cons:

   • There have been instances where tech-savvy teens have found ways to bypass some of the app’s monitoring features.
   • The iOS version of the app lacks some of the full reporting features available on the Android version, which could be a drawback for families using Apple devices.

In summary, Norton Family Premier is a robust parental monitoring solution, offering extensive web monitoring capabilities and a user-friendly experience. Its affordability and unlimited device policy make it an appealing choice for families. However, the differences in functionality between iOS and Android versions and the possibility of circumvention by tech-savvy teens are factors to consider. Despite these considerations, its strengths in web monitoring and the backing of a well-known security brand make it a solid option in the realm of parental control apps.

Kidslox is a parental control app tailored for Apple device users, focusing on simplicity and ease of use. Here’s a breakdown of why Kidslox is a solid choice for parental monitoring:

1. iOS-Specific Design: Specifically crafted for Apple devices, Kidslox ensures seamless integration and functionality across various iOS devices, including iPhones, iPads, iPods, and Macs.

2. User-Friendly Interface: The app’s interface is straightforward, making it accessible even for parents who may not be very tech-savvy.

3. Core Features: Kidslox offers essential parental control features, such as the ability to block apps, set daily screen time limits, and use web filters designed to safeguard children from inappropriate content.

4. Cost-Effective Pricing: The app provides a two-week free trial, followed by a choice between an annual subscription at $40 or a one-time fee of $80. This pricing model offers flexibility for parents to choose based on their long-term use plans.

5. Pros:

   • Simple switching between child and parent modes, enhancing ease of use.
   • Three levels of security settings, allowing parents to customize protection as per their needs.
   • Option to completely block internet access, providing total control over online exposure.

6. Cons:

   • Limited customization options for app access and screen time.
   • Lack of detailed monitoring features; does not keep text or call logs.
   • The app’s features may not adapt as the child grows, limiting its long-term usefulness.

In summary, Kidslox is a practical and straightforward parental control app, particularly suitable for parents using Apple devices and seeking basic monitoring tools. Its user-friendly design and essential features make it a good starting point for managing children’s digital exposure. However, its limited monitoring capabilities and lack of adaptability to a child’s changing needs over time may prompt parents to consider more advanced options as their requirements evolve.

Circle, developed in collaboration with Disney, is a family-oriented parental monitoring app known for its network-based approach and customizable features. It’s designed to manage and monitor the online activities of children, especially younger ones. Here’s why Circle is considered a good choice for parental control:

1. Network-Based Monitoring: Circle works with your home’s WiFi, enabling monitoring of all devices connected to the network without needing to install software on each device.

2. Customizable for Multiple Children: The app allows you to set unique filters for each child, tailoring restrictions and monitoring based on each child’s age, maturity, and needs.

3. Individual Bedtime Settings: Parents can set specific bedtimes for each child, automatically blocking access to their devices after a certain time at night. This helps in managing screen time and ensuring healthier digital habits.

4. Subscription Cost: Circle is available for a subscription fee of $4.99, making it a reasonably priced option for parental control software.

5. Pros:

   • Personalized rewards system that can increase time limits or extend bedtime for individual users as an incentive.
   • Ability to pause internet access, providing immediate control over children’s online access in response to concerns.
   • App and website-specific time limits, allowing for granular control over children’s online activities.

6. Cons:

   • Lack of call logs or direct monitoring of phone calls.
   • Inability to review text messages or interactions on messaging apps, which might be a limitation for parents seeking comprehensive monitoring.

In summary, Circle is a well-rounded parental control app ideal for families seeking to manage multiple children’s online activities through a single platform. Its network-based approach, combined with personalized settings and a user-friendly interface, make it a popular choice among parents. However, its focus is more on internet usage management rather than detailed monitoring of calls and messages, which might be a consideration for parents requiring more in-depth insights into their children’s communications.