Best built-in parental control app

Parental control apps help you keep tabs on your kids’ online activities and ensure they don’t encounter inappropriate content. They act as digital companions as kids surf the web, blocking harmful content and alerting parents when needed. You can also set screen time limits, permanently or temporarily block specific websites, and monitor usage patterns with these apps.

Apple, Google, and Microsoft offer built-in parental control tools for iOS, Android, and Windows, respectively. These tools are free, so users don’t have to worry about paying for an external app to monitor their child’s online activity. However, they do have some limitations, which we’ll explore.

I’ve thoroughly tested Apple Screen Time, Google Family Link, and Microsoft Family Safety to note what sets each one apart. What are their core features, how are they different, and what are their limitations? This guide answers these questions ...