Parental monitoring software helps parents keep track of what their kids do online. While Norton Family is well-liked, some parents are exploring different choices. This piece looks into the best substitutes for Norton Family, taking into account different requirements and budgets. If you're a parent looking for a new tool to monitor your child's online activities, keep reading to discover other options that might suit you better.
The best Norton Family alternatives offer features like screen time limits, content filtering, and location tracking. Some popular choices include Qustodio, Mobicip, and OurPact. Each has pros and cons to consider when picking the right tool for your family.
⏳ Do you want to skip the read and get right to my top pick? The best Norton Family alternative for most people is Qustodio.
Key Takeaways
- Comprehensive Monitoring – The best alternatives offer strong content filtering, app blocking, and screen time management to keep kids safe online.
- Smart Alerts & Tracking – Top choices provide AI-driven alerts, GPS tracking, and social media monitoring for real-time protection.
- Flexible & Affordable – Options range from freemium to subscription-based models, allowing families to choose based on their needs and budget.
List of the Best Norton Family Alternatives
- Qustodio – Best for comprehensive parental controls – Editor's Pick! 🏆
- Bark – Best for social media and text monitoring, offering AI-driven alerts.
- Kaspersky Safe Kids – Best for affordable basic protection, including GPS tracking.
- Mobicip – Best for family-wide restrictions, ideal for multiple devices.
- Net Nanny – Best for advanced web filtering with real-time content analysis.
- FamilyTime – Best for customizable parental control, including geofencing.
- OurPact – Best for app and screen time management, great for younger kids.
- WebWatcher – Best for stealth activity tracking, including keystroke logging.
- MMGuardian – Best for text and call monitoring, strong for teen supervision.
- FamiSafe – Best for budget-friendly features, including geofencing and alerts.
Quick Comparison Table
Here’s a quick comparison table of the best Norton Family alternatives:
This table compares the core parental control apps by pricing, free trial availability, key features, age suitability, supported platforms, and full review links.| Software | Pricing (Devices) | Free Plan / Trial | Key Features | Best For | Key Limitation | Supported Platforms | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🏆 Qustodio (Editor’s Choice) | Basic $59.95/year for 5 devices; Complete $104.95/year for unlimited devices; Check Qustodio Pricing | Free plan plus 3-day Premium trial | 🕒 Screen-time limits and schedules 🌐 Web and app filtering 📍 Location monitoring 📊 Activity reports | Best overall balance of controls, visibility and family usability | Calls and message monitoring is Android-only; other features also vary by platform | 🪟 Windows, 🍎 macOS, 📱 iOS, 🤖 Android, Chromebook, Kindle Fire | Read Qustodio Review |
| Bark | Bark Premium $14/month or $99/year for unlimited children and devices; Check Bark Pricing | Free trial available; duration shown during signup | 🚨 Concerning-content alerts 💬 Text, email and social-app monitoring 🕒 Screen-time schedules 🌐 Website and app blocking | Best for behaviour-based safety alerts without routinely exposing every conversation | Available only in the US, Australia and South Africa; monitoring coverage varies considerably by device and account | 🪟 Windows, 🍎 macOS, 📱 iOS, 🤖 Android, Chromebook, Amazon Fire | Read Bark Review |
| Mobicip | From $2.99/month billed annually for 5 devices; Standard $4.99/month for 10 devices; Premium $7.99/month for 20 devices; Check Mobicip Pricing | 7-day free trial plus 30-day money-back guarantee | 🌐 Website and app blocking 🕒 Screen-time schedules 📍 Family location 📊 Activity and social-media reports | Best for mixed-device families wanting flexible device allowances | Social-media monitoring is narrower than Bark; some features require Standard or Premium | 🪟 Windows, 🍎 macOS, 📱 iOS, 🤖 Android, Chromebook, Kindle Fire | Read Mobicip Review |
| Norton Family | $49.99/year for unlimited devices; also included with selected Norton 360 plans; Check Norton Family Pricing | 30-day trial available in supported markets | 🌐 Web, search and video supervision 🕒 Time limits and schedules 📍 Location history and alerts 📊 Email activity reports | Best for large families and households already using Norton | A Mac can manage Norton Family but cannot be monitored as a child device; features differ across platforms | 🪟 Windows, 📱 iOS, 🤖 Android | Read Norton Family Review |
| Canopy | Individual $8.33/month billed annually for 3 devices; Family $9.99/month billed annually for 10 devices; Check Canopy Pricing | 7-day free trial plus 30-day money-back guarantee | 🌐 Real-time content filtering 🖼️ Sensitive-image detection 🚫 App and website blocking 🕒 Screen-time management | Best for filtering explicit images and web content | Primarily a filtering product; it does not provide Bark-style analysis across conversations and connected accounts | 🪟 Windows, 🍎 macOS, 📱 iOS, 🤖 Android, Chromebook | Read Canopy Review |
| Wondershare FamiSafe | From $4.99/month billed $59.99 annually for up to 10 devices; monthly plan $9.99 for up to 5 devices; Check FamiSafe Pricing | Free version for 1 device plus 3-day trial; 7-day money-back guarantee | 📍 Location and geofencing 🚗 Driving reports 🚫 App and website controls 🕒 Screen-time schedules | Best for families with teenagers and driving-safety needs | Advanced visibility features are platform-specific and should be used transparently with older children | 🪟 Windows, 🍎 macOS, 📱 iOS, 🤖 Android, Chromebook, Kindle Fire | Read FamiSafe Review |
| OurPact | From $5.83/month billed $69.99 annually for up to 20 child devices; Premium+ $99.99/year; Check OurPact Pricing | Free plan plus 14-day Premium or Premium+ trial | 📱 Detailed app rules 🕒 Screen-time schedules and allowances 📍 Live location and location alerts 📸 Screen snapshots with Premium+ | Best for app blocking and detailed schedules across iPhone and Android | Limited to mobile devices; Premium+ is required for screenshots and content monitoring, and initial pairing may require a computer | 📱 iOS, 🤖 Android | Read OurPact Review |
In-Depth Reviews of the Best Norton Family Alternatives
1. Qustodio
Qustodio is one of the best parental control apps and best Norton Family alternative that offers comprehensive monitoring and filtering features. It works on multiple platforms, including Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android devices.
Main features:
- Web filtering and blocking
- Time limits and scheduling
- Location tracking
- Social media monitoring
- App blocking and usage reports
Pros:
- User-friendly interface
- Real-time alerts
- Detailed activity reports
- Geofencing capabilities
- Multi-device support
Cons:
- Can be expensive for multiple devices
- Some features limited on iOS
- Occasional false positives in content filtering
Pricing and free trial:
- 3-day free trial available
- Plans start at $54.95 per year for up to 5 devices
- Premium plan covers up to 15 devices
Qustodio provides parents with robust tools to manage their children's online activities. Its cross-platform compatibility makes it a versatile option for families with various devices.
The software's ability to monitor social media and provide detailed reports sets it apart from some competitors. However, the cost can add up for larger families needing protection on multiple devices.
2. Bark
Bark is one of the best Norton Family alternatives that offers comprehensive monitoring across various platforms and communication channels. It aims to keep kids safe online by alerting parents to potential issues.
Bark's main features include:
- Social media and text message monitoring
- Email and document scanning
- Web filtering and screen time management
- Location tracking
- Alert system for concerning content
Pros of using Bark:
- Monitors multiple messaging platforms simultaneously
- Uses AI to detect potential threats
- Sends timely alerts to parents
- Offers age-appropriate content filtering
Cons of Bark:
- Can be expensive for some families
- May feel invasive to older teens
- Requires installation on all devices
- Some users report false positives in content detection
Pricing and free trial information:
- 7-day free trial available
- Monthly plan at $14 per month
- Annual plan at $99 per year
- Family plan covers unlimited devices and children
Bark provides a comprehensive solution for parents seeking to monitor their children's online activities. Its wide-ranging features and AI-powered alerts make it a strong contender in the parental control market.
3. Kaspersky Safe Kids
Kaspersky Safe Kids is one of the best Norton Family alternatives that offers comprehensive monitoring and protection for children's online activities. It provides tools for parents to manage screen time, filter content, and track location across multiple devices.
Main features:
- Web filtering and safe search
- App usage controls
- Screen time management
- GPS location tracking
- Social media monitoring
- Real-time alerts
Pros:
- Affordable pricing options
- Works on multiple platforms
- Detailed activity reports
- Geofencing capabilities
Cons:
- Limited social media monitoring
- Some features only available on certain devices
- Interface can be complicated for new users
Pricing and free trial:
- Free basic version available
- Premium version starts at $14.99 per year
- 7-day free trial of premium features
Kaspersky Safe Kids offers a balance of features and affordability, and is one of the best free parental control apps with its basic version. It provides strong web filtering and location tracking, making it a solid choice for parents seeking comprehensive online protection for their children.
4. Mobicip
Mobicip is one of the best Norton Family alternatives that offers an alternative to Norton Family. It provides tools for monitoring and managing children's online activities across various devices and platforms.
Mobicip's main features include:
- Web filtering and content blocking
- Screen time management
- App blocking and usage controls
- Location tracking
- Activity reports
Pros of Mobicip:
- Compatible with multiple devices and operating systems
- User-friendly interface
- Customizable filtering options
- Affordable pricing plans
Cons of Mobicip:
- Limited social media monitoring
- Some users report occasional technical glitches
- Fewer advanced features compared to some competitors
Pricing and free trial:
- 7-day free trial available
- Basic plan starts at $4.99 per month for 5 devices
- Standard plan at $7.99 per month for 10 devices
- Premium plan at $9.99 per month for 20 devices
Mobicip offers a balance of essential parental control features and affordability. It provides robust web filtering and screen time management tools, making it a solid choice for families seeking a Norton Family alternative.
5. Net Nanny
Net Nanny is one of the best Norton Family alternatives that offers a viable alternative to Norton Family. It provides comprehensive monitoring and filtering tools to help parents keep their children safe online.
Net Nanny's main features include:
- Web content filtering
- Screen time management
- App blocking
- Location tracking
- Social media monitoring
Pros of Net Nanny:
- User-friendly interface
- Customizable filter settings
- Real-time alerts
- Cross-platform compatibility
Cons of Net Nanny:
- More expensive than some competitors
- Limited free trial period
- Some features may be complex for new users
Pricing and free trial details:
- 30-day free trial
- Family Protection Pass: $54.99 per year for up to 5 devices
- Family Protection Pass Plus: $89.99 per year for up to 20 devices
Net Nanny offers strong protection features and flexible controls. Its pricing structure allows families to choose a plan based on their device needs.
6. FamilyTime
FamilyTime is one of the best Norton Family alternatives for parents seeking robust parental control software. It offers a comprehensive set of features to help monitor and manage children's digital activities.
Main features:
- Real-time location tracking
- Geofencing alerts
- App blocking and usage limits
- Internet content filtering
- Call and SMS monitoring
- Panic button for emergencies
Pros:
- User-friendly interface
- Detailed activity reports
- Cross-platform compatibility
- Flexible screen time management
- Teen-specific features
Cons:
- Some features only available on specific platforms
- Can be pricey for multiple devices
- Occasional syncing delays
Pricing and free trial:
- 3-day free trial available
- Monthly plan: $27 for up to 5 devices
- Quarterly plan: $35 for up to 5 devices
- Annual plan: $69 for up to 5 devices
FamilyTime offers strong management tools for parents concerned about their children's online safety. Its diverse feature set caters to various age groups, making it a versatile choice for families with children of different ages.
7. OurPact
OurPact is one of the best Norton Family alternatives that offers features to help parents manage their children's device usage. It provides tools for screen time management and app blocking.
Main features:
- Screen time scheduling
- App blocking and filtering
- Location tracking
- Family locator
- Web filtering
Pros:
- User-friendly interface
- Cross-platform compatibility
- Geofencing capabilities
- Instant blocking of apps and internet
Cons:
- Limited web filtering on iOS
- No call or text monitoring
- Fewer features compared to some competitors
Pricing and free trial:
- Free version available with basic features
- Premium plan: $6.99/month for up to 20 devices
- Premium+ plan: $9.99/month for up to 20 devices
- 7-day free trial for premium plans
OurPact offers a free version that allows parents to block apps and set up one schedule for screen time. For more advanced features, users can upgrade to paid plans.
8. WebWatcher
WebWatcher is one of the best Norton Family alternatives that monitors children's online activities. It tracks web browsing, social media use, and messaging on various devices.
WebWatcher's main features include:
- Screen time monitoring
- Location tracking
- Social media and messaging app monitoring
- Keystroke logging
- Screenshot capturing
Pros of WebWatcher:
- Easy to install and use
- Works on multiple platforms
- Alerts for concerning online behavior
- Detailed activity reports
Cons of WebWatcher:
- Lacks web filtering capabilities
- No option to block specific websites
- Limited real-time monitoring
- Higher price compared to some alternatives
Pricing and free trial information:
- Plans start at $10.83 per month
- 3-day money-back guarantee
- No free trial offered
- One-time license fee for each device monitored
WebWatcher offers a range of monitoring tools for parents. It tracks kids' online activities across devices but doesn't provide content filtering or website blocking features.
9. MMGuardian
MMGuardian is one of the best Norton Family alternatives that offers comprehensive monitoring and protection for children's devices. It's designed to work on both Android and iOS platforms, making it a versatile choice for families with different types of smartphones.
Main features:
- Text message monitoring and blocking
- Call blocking and logging
- App management and control
- Web filtering and safe browsing
- Location tracking and geofencing
- Screen time limits and scheduling
Pros:
- Strong contact management capabilities
- Detailed activity reports
- Customizable filters and controls
- Remote device management
Cons:
- User interface can be complex for some parents
- Some features only available on Android devices
- May impact device performance on older phones
Pricing and free trial:
- 7-day free trial available
- Monthly plans start at $3.99 per device
- Annual plans offer cost savings
- Family plans available for multiple devices
MMGuardian provides parents with extensive tools to monitor and manage their children's digital activities. Its text message and call monitoring features are particularly noteworthy, allowing parents to keep a close eye on their kids' communications.
The app's web filtering and app management tools help create a safer online environment for children. Parents can block inappropriate content and control which apps their kids can access and when.
10. FamiSafe
FamiSafe is a popular parental control app that offers features to help parents monitor and manage their children's digital activities. It works on multiple platforms, including iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac.
The main features of FamiSafe include:
- Screen time control
- Location tracking
- Web content filtering
- App blocking
- Activity reports
Pros of FamiSafe:
- Easy to use interface
- Real-time location tracking
- Detailed activity reports
- Cross-platform compatibility
Cons of FamiSafe:
- Some features may not work as well on iOS devices
- Can be expensive for multiple devices
Pricing and free trial details:
- 3-day free trial
- Monthly plan: $9.99 for up to 5 devices
- Quarterly plan: $19.99 for up to 5 devices
- Annual plan: $59.99 for up to 5 devices
FamiSafe offers a good balance of features and ease of use, making it a solid alternative to Norton Family. It provides parents with tools to keep their children safe online and manage their screen time effectively.
Key Features to Look For
When choosing a Norton Family alternative, certain features are crucial. These tools should provide strong parental controls and be easy to use.
Parental Control Tools
Effective parental control software offers a range of tools to keep kids safe online. Look for web filtering to block inappropriate content. Time limits are essential to manage screen time. App blocking lets parents restrict access to certain apps.
Location tracking helps parents know where their children are. Some tools offer real-time alerts for concerning online activity. Content monitoring allows parents to see what their kids are doing online.
Social media monitoring is becoming more important as kids use these platforms more. Look for tools that can track multiple devices, including phones, tablets, and computers.
User Interface Ease of Use
A good parental control tool should be simple to set up and manage. Look for a clean, intuitive dashboard that shows key information at a glance. Easy-to-navigate menus help parents find and adjust settings quickly.
Mobile apps are a plus, letting parents check in and make changes on the go. Clear reports help parents understand their child's online activity. The ability to set up different profiles for each child is useful for families.
One-click solutions for common tasks like blocking an app or extending screen time are helpful. Look for tools that offer guided setup processes to make installation easier.
Privacy and Security Considerations
When choosing a Norton Family alternative, privacy and security are key factors to weigh. Strong data protection and transparent monitoring practices help safeguard children's information while giving parents peace of mind.
Data Protection Measures
Top Norton Family alternatives use encryption to protect user data. This keeps children's online activities and personal details safe from hackers. Many services store minimal data on their servers, reducing risks if a breach occurs.
Some alternatives let parents choose what data to collect. This gives families more control over their privacy. Regular security audits help catch and fix vulnerabilities quickly.
Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of account protection. This makes it harder for unauthorized users to access parental controls or children's information.
Monitoring Transparency
Good alternatives clearly explain what they monitor and how. They tell parents and kids exactly what data is collected and why. This builds trust and helps families make informed choices about using the software.
Many tools let children see what their parents can view. This openness fosters healthy conversations about online safety. Some alternatives even allow kids to dispute or explain flagged activities.
Age-appropriate privacy settings are important. As children get older, some tools let parents gradually reduce monitoring. This respects growing independence while maintaining safety.
Conclusion and Personal Recommendation
Norton Family is a solid parental control option, but many alternatives offer unique features and better value. TotalAV stands out as a top choice for those seeking comprehensive protection beyond just parental controls.
For families focused specifically on child safety online, Qustodio provides robust monitoring and filtering tools. Its user-friendly interface makes it easy for parents to manage multiple devices.
Kaspersky Safe Kids balances affordability with strong features. It excels at location tracking and offers flexible control options as children grow older.
Those wanting an all-in-one security solution may prefer Bitdefender Total Security. It combines excellent antivirus protection with parental controls in one package.
Budget-conscious users should consider Kidslox. While more basic, it covers essential parental control needs at a lower price point.
Ultimately, the best choice of the best Norton Family alternatives depends on a family's specific needs and budget. Parents should prioritize ease of use, device compatibility, and the specific features most important for their children's online safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Parental control apps offer various features and options for different devices and needs. Some of the best Norton Family alternatives include Qustodio, Bark, and Kaspersky Safe Kids.
Which parental control app is considered the best alternative to Norton Family for iOS devices?
Qustodio is a top choice for iOS devices. It provides comprehensive monitoring tools and content filtering options for iPhones and iPads.
What is the top free parental control software that can be used as an alternative to Norton Family?
Google Family Link is a free option for basic parental controls. It allows parents to set screen time limits and manage app access on Android and iOS devices.
How does Qustodio compare to Norton Family in terms of monitoring and controlling a teenager's online activities?
Qustodio offers more detailed activity reports and social media monitoring compared to Norton Family. It also includes a panic button feature for emergencies.
Is there a more robust parental control app than Google's Family Link for managing children's digital experiences?
Kaspersky Safe Kids provides more advanced features than Google Family Link. It includes GPS tracking, content filtering, and detailed reports on online activities.
What are the recommended parental control apps for both iPhone and Android platforms?
Qustodio, Norton Family, and Kaspersky Safe Kids are highly rated for both iPhone and Android. These apps offer cross-platform compatibility and similar features on both operating systems.
Can parental control software be effectively used on PCs, and what are the best options available?
Parental control software works well on PCs. Qustodio and Kaspersky Safe Kids are effective options for Windows computers. They provide web filtering, time limits, and activity monitoring features.
That's All For Now
We've reached the end of our exploration of the best Norton Family alternatives. Thank you for taking the time to read this article. The topic of parental control software is crucial in today's digital age.
Parents face many challenges in keeping their children safe online. Choosing the right tool can make a big difference. We hope this guide has been helpful in your search.
The digital landscape changes quickly. New options and features emerge often. We encourage readers to check back for future updates on this important subject.
For more information, please see the related articles linked below. These cover topics like internet safety for kids and other security software options.
Staying informed about online safety tools is key. It helps parents make the best choices for their families. We appreciate your interest in this vital topic.
Focus: Parental Control and Monitoring Software. Kevin Bong contributes to Impulsec’s reviews of parental control and monitoring software. His work focuses on researching product features, usage limitations, safety considerations, and real-world suitability for families. At Impulsec, Kevin’s contributions help ensure that reviews consider ethical use, transparency, and practical expectations rather than promotional claims.