Best Parental Control Software

Generally speaking, a modest price tag entails a very limited number of features or an overall subpar quality of the product. But the program in question could definitely be described as an exception to this rule. First of all, it is compatible with every iteration of Windows and Mac OS. On top of that, you can also install the program on your iOS or Android mobile phone. The only real downside of this program would be that the iOS version features certain limitations, like the fact that you can't block an app or a game based on the application's age rating. Other than that, this piece of software offers every single solution in the book and even a couple of features that you wouldn't be able to find anywhere else.

Of course, when it comes to these programs, no review could be complete without at least a few words about content filtering. But, as we have already mentioned, this piece of software employs virtually every trick in the book necessary to protect your child online. For example, it does not lack in terms of time management features, allowing you to set a total time limit or to create a schedule. The program also allows you to block social media websites as well as monitor your kids' activity there, though the latter feature is only limited to Facebook and VK, a popular Russian social media platform.

Naturally, this content filtering software will also allow you to restrict access to video games as well as monitor your youngster's search history. Speaking of which, the program does not trail behind when it comes to recording either, so you will be able to go through your children's multimedia activity, chat activity, as well as their emails. It will also snap pictures of their screen for you, and record the websites that they visit. Plus, the program will provide you with a summary report. Finally, there's also an extensive alert system that you can tweak any way you like, from when you prefer to receive alerts to the way you would like to receive them.

Now, when it comes to time management, the program will allow you to create a usage schedule or set a total time limit. Of course, that is something that it has in common with most pieces of parental control software. However, what makes the program from Qustodio different is that you will be able to enable both at the same time, and that is the sort of option that you will be hard-pressed to find anywhere else.

We don't need to tell you that knowing what your kids spend their time doing online is as important as filtering and restricting their access to certain websites. And even though the parental control software from Qustodio certainly does not trail behind when it comes to the latter, offering you, among other things, up to 29 filter categories to tinker with and the ability to block social networks altogether, it is the recording features that make this program one of the most impressive options on the market.

For instance, certain websites may appear safe and harmless on their own. But that doesn't mean that they do not unknowingly offer a platform for inappropriate content. Fortunately, that's not an issue with Qustodio since its screenshot tool snaps a picture every time your kids visit a new website or start a new online game. Plus, it will also allow you to set a schedule, providing you with the option of receiving a visual of your kids' online endeavors through a set period of time.

Though most other features are relatively standard, we would be remiss not to highlight the panic button. Whenever your kids feel like they are in any kind of danger, all they have to do is press that button and you will receive a notification along with your kids' current whereabouts.

Having said all of that, any program is only as good as the interface allows it to be. Fortunately enough, Symantec Norton Family Premier boasts one of the most intuitive and user-friendly interfaces you will ever encounter. All of the tabs and icons are large enough, so you won't have to waste your time sifting through the whole thing while trying to find the right button to click. Plus, all of them are separated by an ample amount of space, meaning that it doesn't feel like one of those clunky programs that have one icon virtually sitting on top of the other.

Now, as for the other two tabs, both of them are fairly straightforward. The "Device" one will allow you to manage all of the devices that your kids use, including personal computers, smartphones, and tablets. You can filter the list to show every single device or only those that are assigned to a particular kid. The "Parent" time is even more unambiguous. With it, you will be able to add some changes to your profile or to include another account with administrative rights for your spouse.

Though we have already mentioned just about every element of this parental control software that is worth your attention and that you might not be able to find elsewhere, there are still a couple of things we would like to discuss before wrapping this whole thing up. First, to further stress out just how good this product is when it comes to filtering content, the program includes three supervision levels, with the highest blocking access to a website altogether, the moderate one allowing your kids to enter the website but warning them of its potential dangers, and the lowest one not restricting access at all. Other than that, the program will also provide you with the opportunity to block messaging programs, including standalone apps like Skype and those chats that are embedded in websites, like the one at Facebook.

Another noteworthy aspect of Net Nanny is its ability to identify and block even those websites that use the HTTPS connection. The particular feature is impressive in and of itself as there are only a few other programs that come equipped with it. However, Net Nanny actually takes it to another level by allowing you to not just block these websites altogether but filter the secure HTTPS traffic. That means you could block pornography but allow your kids access to proxy sites. And even if they try to use one of those proxies, the program will be able to block the inappropriate content without blocking the proxy site.

So, taking into account the sophisticated filters and real-time analysis, what is it exactly that stops the program from scoring higher in parental control software reviews such as ours? Well, mostly the previously specified fact that some of the more basic features are not part of the standard package and have to be purchased separately, despite the fact that the said package costs $39.99/year. Without receiving an additional fee, the program won't allow you to record your kid's social network activity nor will it block social media websites for you. On top of that, you will not have access to instant chat/messengers filters and you won't receive text alerts until you pay that extra fee. Unfortunately, you also won't be able to utilize cell phone tracking. On the other hand, the summary reports are exceptional, offering you a number of ways to slice and dice the data.

When it actually comes to the features that you'll be able to access through the aforementioned interface, the program offers more than enough flexibility for parents to protect their kids. The 23 filter categories will allow you to block websites that feature content themed around alcohol, gambling, sex, and pornography. It will even allow you to block sites with articles that contain racism, sexism, and other types of discriminatory language or behavior. Of course, you will also be able to block specific sites altogether or restrict access to websites that contain certain keywords.

Now, the parental control software in question costs $59.99 a year, which is the sort of price that plenty of people might find expensive. But here's the thing: you're not paying for a single program. In addition to ContentBarrier Secure X9, you will also receive VirusBarrier X9 and NetBarrier X9. The former is especially useful since a lot of people believe the common misconception that there are no viruses for Mac OS, so their Mac computer never had any kind of antivirus to begin with. Though that simply isn't true, there is no need to worry as VirusBarrier X9 will be able to protect your Mac against Mac and PC malware. As for NetBarrier X9, this is a network protection solution, the sort of program that will protect your Mac from unauthorized access. By the way, VirusBarrier X9 is a multiplatform application that also works with iOS, so you can also use it to keep your iPhone and iPad safe and secure.