Best Free Parental Control Software In 2021

 Best Free Parental Control Software In 2021

Protect your kids online with free parental control software

With free parental control software, you can have peace of mind knowing that your children are safe from any inappropriate or adult content. These applications can alleviate many of the worries that come with allowing your children to use the Internet when you cannot observe what they are doing, and it also costs you no expense.

The best free parental control software is without a doubt Qustodio , which offers a complete set of tools to keep your children safe online, including content filters and time limits. However, it is not the only option, so we have selected four other of the best alternative tools so that you can make the best decision for you and your children.

 

In an ideal world, the Internet would be a safe place for children. But, unfortunately, there is nothing further from the truth. And you, as an adult, are normal that you are busy and do not always have time to take a look while your children connect to a network. This is precisely the area where different free parental control software can help: either by blocking access to specific sites where inappropriate content may be included, or by allowing access only to sites that you consider appropriate, these tools help you to protect your children.

The best free parental control software will take care of kids when you can't, whether it's because they have to do research for a school assignment, chat with friends, or simply have fun with all the good things the Internet has to offer. . No matter how old your children are, or if you are using a mobile phone, laptop, Windows or macOS ... On our list, you will surely find the perfect free parental control software to help you out.

The best free parental control software:

The premium parental control tools offered by Qustodio are simply the best. YouTube monitoring, the ability to view time spent on social media, time limit for video games, and call tracking are just some of the options available. These tools aren't free, but they do provide an extra layer of protection to keep your kids safe.

1. Qustodio

A complete set of parental control tools to keep your children safe online

·       Excellent content filter

·       Allows parents to set time limits

·       Multi-platform

·       Some features require a paid subscription

Most parental control software services are aimed at Windows users, but Qustodio (think: 'custodian') is also available for Mac, Android, iOS, Kindle, and Nook.

The free version is one of the most complete parental control applications out there, allowing you to set rules and schedules, as well as block pornography and other inappropriate content. If you opt for the paid version, you will also get the option to monitor SMS, functions related to social networks and specific controls for each application.

Its great feature set and support for a wide range of platforms make Qustodio the best “free” parental control software, but there are other programs available, and also free, some of which may be better suited to your personal needs as father or mother. Read on for the rest of our top picks.

2. OpenDNS FamilyShield

Block domains throughout your home network at the router level

Operating System: Windows

·       Works at the router level

·       Default block lists

·       Can improve network speed

·       Installation can be difficult

FamilyShield is a free OpenDNS service. Its parental control tools automatically block the domains that OpenDNS has marked based on the keywords "sex" or "pornography", among others.

One of the great advantages of this service is that, although FamilyShield can run on both desktops and laptops, you can also install it directly on the router and filter all the content that passes through the network; it is only a matter of changing the DNS server numbers through the control panel.

This includes the advantage of improving DNS lookup speed at some ISPs. By passing all the content through the filters at the router level, you will be able to control all the devices connected to that network. And for more features, there is also a premium service available.

3. Kid Logger

Detailed activity log, including applications used and keyboard tracking

Operating System: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, BlackBerry

·       Multi-platform

·       The free version does not offer the function of recording audio

·       Only covers a single device

There is nothing that beats Kid Logger. This free parental control software not only tracks what your kids write, as well as what websites they have visited, but it also provides a record of the programs they use and the screenshots they take.

If you're concerned about who your kids might be talking to when they're online, there's even the option to record audio, which is voice activated. If your children are a little older and more responsible, then you can choose which supervision options to carry out and which not, to leave a margin of privacy.

This free software only allows it to run on a single device and also lacks some of the more effective features that we do get in the premium version (including silent monitoring of WhatsApp conversations and the ability to listen in on Skype calls), but it still does. being a complete tool for the safety of children.

4. Spyrix Free Keylogger

Find out what your children write to see if they are getting into trouble

Operating System: Windows

·       Remote control

·       Monitors clipboard and printer

·       Does not include content blocking

·       Windows only

Keyboard logging services have a bad online reputation, as they are often used by criminals with the intention of stealing passwords and accessing bank details, but they can also be used to do good, as in the case of Spyrix, which allows you to see what your children have been typing on the Internet.

Although it is considered a parental control software, the free version of Spyrix is ​​actually a monitoring program; It doesn't stop kids from breaking the rules, but it allows you to log in later and see exactly what they've done. If you also want to block content, you will have to opt for a premium subscription.

The fact that it does not include an option to filter content could mean that Spyrix is ​​not the best software for younger children's computers, but it can be more than useful for older children if you have suspicions of cyberbullying or other serious concerns.

5. Kaspersky Safe Kids

One parental control software for all devices

Operating System: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS

·       Available for different platforms

·       Screen time and app tracking

·       Extra and exclusive tools for mobile devices

·       It may slow down Windows on some PCs

Kaspersky Safe Kids is parental control software that covers all types of devices, whether portable or not, and offers both free and paid versions.

The free version includes a "blacklist", which prevents your children from accessing inappropriate content while they are online, as well as offering application controls that allow you to manage the use of the application in terms of usage time, age restrictions and categories (for example, if you don't want your children to play at night when they have to go to school the next day). It also includes a tool related to screen time management so you can control the general use of the device.

The paid version, on the other hand, offers more specific functions for portable devices, including a battery tracker so you can check if your child's mobile is about to turn off, leaving him with no way to communicate with you. You can also access their location through GPS tracking, manage the use of social networks and receive alerts in real time if they visit websites that they shouldn't or are no longer in a predefined "safe" space.

However, we found that it takes longer than usual to log into a Windows account when Kaspersky Safe Kids is running on a Windows 10 PC, so this is worth keeping in mind if your children's computer already it goes a little slow.