6 Best Parental Control Apps for Android: Reviewed & Compared
With children spending more time on smartphones than ever before, ensuring their safety online is a top priority for parents.
A reliable parental control app for Android can provide essential features like content filtering, screen time management, and activity monitoring to keep kids safe.
According to recent research by Ofcom, 62% of children aged 13-17 reported encountering online harm over a four-week period, making parental control solutions more important than ever.
Over the years, parent monitoring technologies have evolved significantly, moving from simple website blockers to AI-powered tools capable of detecting cyberbullying, explicit content, and online predators.
This article reviews and compares six of the best parental control apps for Android, helping parents find the most suitable option based on monitoring needs, budget, and ease of use.
What Are the Best Parental Control Apps for Android?
Quick Picks: Editor's Recommendations.
Here's a summarized list of the best parental control apps for Android according to your needs:
- Best for Comprehensive Monitoring: mSpy.
- Best for AI-Powered Content Detection: Bark.
- Best Budget Option for Social Media Tracking: KidsGuard Pro.
- Best for Instant Android Tracking: uMobix.
- Best for Advanced Parental Control Features: FlexiSPY.
- Best for Smart Activity Tracking: Eyezy.
Our Testing Methodology & Selection Criteria
To ensure objective recommendations, we conducted 4 weeks of hands-on testing using Android devices running versions 10–14.
Our key selection criteria included:
- Monitoring capabilities (tracking social media, calls, texts, GPS)
- Ease of setup and user experience
- Privacy and security protocols
- Pricing and overall value
- Customer support and reliability
Quick Comparison: Best Android Parental Control Apps
| App Name | Best For | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|
| mSpy | Overall Monitoring | $11.67/mo (annual plan) |
| Bark | AI-Powered Content Filtering | $14/mo |
| KidsGuard Pro | Budget-Friendly Social Media Monitoring | $8.32/mo (annual plan) |
More Top Android Parental Control Apps
| App Name | Best For | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|
| uMobix | Instant Android Tracking | $12.49/mo (annual plan) |
| FlexiSPY | Advanced Monitoring & Call Recording | $49.95/mo |
| Eyezy | Smart Activity Tracking | $38.39/mo |
1. mSpy – Best for Comprehensive Monitoring
Overview
mSpy has been a leader in the parental control industry for over a decade, offering a robust monitoring solution for parents who want full control over their child's smartphone activities.
Key Features
- Complete social media tracking (WhatsApp, Snapchat, Instagram)
- GPS tracking & real-time location updates
- Keystroke logging and screen recording
- Remote access to call logs and text messages
- Operates in stealth mode
User Experience
mSpy is easy to set up and runs in the background without alerting the child.
Parents can easily monitor all activities through a web-based dashboard, ensuring a seamless user experience.
Pricing
- Monthly: $48.99
- Quarterly: $28.00/month
- Annual: $11.67/month (Best Value)
Pros & Cons
Pros:
✔ Comprehensive monitoring without rooting
✔ User-friendly interface
✔ Real-time alerts & tracking
Cons:
✘ Higher price point compared to some competitors
Best For
Parents wanting a hidden parental control solution with extensive monitoring features.
Expert Opinion
mSpy is a top-tier solution for those needing full access to social media, messages, and calls.
Compared to other monitoring apps, it provides more in-depth tracking, which makes it a smart choice for teens.
If you're also considering a parental control app for iPhone, mSpy offers an iOS-compatible version.
Get started with mSpy.
2. Bark – Best for AI-Powered Content Detection
Overview
Bark utilizes smart AI to detect harmful content across 30+ apps, providing parents with alerts rather than invasive tracking.
With over 7.5 million children protected, it's one of the most trusted choices for parental monitoring.
Key Features
- AI-based alerts for cyberbullying, self-harm, and explicit content
- Screen time scheduling & app usage limits
- Location tracking & check-in alerts
- Website and app content filtering
User Experience
Bark moves away from direct digital surveillance, instead using AI to flag potentially dangerous content while maintaining children's privacy and trust.
Pricing
- Starts at $14/month
- Family plans available for multi-device monitoring
Pros & Cons
Pros:
✔ AI-driven cybersecurity alerts
✔ Non-invasive, encourages child-parent conversations
✔ Simple setup process
Cons:
✘ Limited within direct message monitoring
Best For
Parents looking for automated danger detection and some social media access.
Expert Opinion
Bark is an excellent option for content-aware parental controls, making it one of the best parental control apps for teenagers.
If your primary concern is protecting your child from online dangers without feeling overly invasive, Bark is the right choice.
Get started with Bark.
3. KidsGuard Pro – Best Budget Option for Social Media Tracking
Overview
If you're looking for affordable yet effective social media monitoring, KidsGuard Pro is a great choice.
It provides real-time data logs without requiring rooting, making it accessible for non-technical users.
Key Features
- Tracks WhatsApp, Discord, and Skype
- Monitors SMS and call history
- Location tracking with daily movement history
- Web content and app usage tracking
User Experience
Setting up KidsGuard Pro takes just three steps, and the interface is beginner-friendly.
Unlike others, it supports in-depth social media tracking at a lower cost, making it ideal for budget-conscious families.
Pricing
- 1-Month Plan: $29.95
- 3-Month Plan: $16.65/month
- 1-Year Plan: $8.32/month
Pros & Cons
Pros:
✔ Best affordable parental control option
✔ Tracks Discord & Skype (rare in similar apps)
✔ No-root required
Cons:
✘ Dashboard could be more intuitive
Best For
Parents looking for a cost-effective way to monitor social media and messages.
Expert Opinion
KidsGuard Pro provides the best balance of affordability and features, making it one of the best parental control apps for monitoring social media.
It’s a great fit for parents specifically interested in social chat monitoring without spending top dollar.
Get started with KidsGuard Pro.
4. uMobix – Best for Instant Android Tracking
Overview
uMobix is known for its rapid setup process and powerful tracking capabilities, making it an excellent choice for parents wanting immediate and comprehensive access to their child’s smartphone activities.
With 100% stealth functionality, it operates discreetly, providing detailed monitoring across calls, messages, GPS, and social media interactions.
Key Features
- Real-time Android tracking with data updates every 5 minutes
- Complete social media access (WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Skype, Telegram)
- Full call and text message monitoring, including deleted messages
- GPS tracking system with historical movement tracking
- Keylogger feature that records all keystrokes, including passwords
- Remote access to photos, videos, and audio recording
- Remote audio control to monitor surroundings
User Experience
Setting up uMobix takes just 5–10 minutes, making it one of the fastest parental control solutions available.
The dashboard is intuitive, allowing parents to easily navigate reports, alerts, and real-time updates.
Pricing
- Monthly: $49.99
- Quarterly: $29.99/month
- Annual: $12.49/month (Best Value)
Pros & Cons
Pros:
✔ Quick installation and real-time tracking
✔ Full access to Facebook and Instagram accounts (unique feature)
✔ Completely invisible and runs in stealth mode
Cons:
✘ No free trial available
Best For
Parents needing a fast and discreet parental control app with full social media access.
Expert Opinion
uMobix offers one of the most complete real-time monitoring systems, making it ideal for parents who require instant updates on their child’s social interactions and GPS location.
Its ability to track over 20 popular social media apps makes it stand out from other parental control apps.
Get started with uMobix.
5. FlexiSPY – Best for Advanced Parental Control Features
Overview
FlexiSPY is one of the most advanced parental control apps, offering over 150 monitoring features.
With unique capabilities such as call recording, ambient listening, and remote camera capture, it provides deeper insight into a child’s smartphone usage.
Key Features
- Call recording for incoming & outgoing calls
- Remote microphone activation for live surroundings monitoring
- Screenshots & remote camera capture
- Tracks 13+ messaging apps, including WhatsApp, Snapchat, and Viber
- Keylogger to record typed keystrokes
- Web browsing history tracking
User Experience
Though FlexiSPY requires physical access for installation, it provides an unparalleled depth of tracking.
The information is securely stored and accessible via a user-friendly web portal.
Pricing
- Lite: $49.95/month
- Premium: $79/month, $119/3 months, $179/12 months
- Extreme: $119/month, $239/3 months, $419/12 months (adds call recording & ambient listening)
Pros & Cons
Pros:
✔ Most comprehensive tracking capabilities on the market
✔ Unique features like call recording & remote camera access
✔ FlexiVIEW mobile app for on-the-go monitoring
Cons:
✘ Requires physical access for installation
✘ Higher price point compared to competitors
Best For
Parents who require advanced monitoring, including call recording and real-time audio surveillance.
Expert Opinion
FlexiSPY is the most powerful parental monitoring tool available today, offering features unmatched by competitors.
If parents need full insight into their child’s online and offline activities, this app delivers.
Get started with FlexiSPY.
6. Eyezy – Best for Smart Activity Tracking
Overview
Eyezy helps parents stay fully informed of their child’s digital behavior with its smart monitoring features.
With functionality like keystroke capture, GPS tracking, and screen recording, it’s an all-in-one tool for ensuring child safety online.
Key Features
- Keystroke Capture: Records everything typed, including passwords
- Screenrecorder: Captures screenshots of conversations in messaging apps
- Social Monitoring: Covers WhatsApp, Snapchat, Facebook, Tinder, Instagram, and more
- Call tracking for incoming & outgoing calls, timestamps, and durations
- GPS tracking and Wi-Fi-based location tracking
- Extended functionality for rooted Android devices
User Experience
Eyezy offers a seamless experience with simple installation and an easy-to-use dashboard.
Parents can quickly check detailed reports on messages, calls, and app usage.
Pricing
- Monthly Plan: $38.39/month
- 3-Month Plan: $22.39/month (Most Popular)
- Annual Plan: $7.99/month (Up to 79% savings vs. monthly plan)
Pros & Cons
Pros:
✔ Effective keystroke tracking & screen recording
✔ Covers a broad range of social apps
✔ Reliable GPS tracking with movement history logs
Cons:
✘ Requires physical access for installation
✘ Some features require rooting for full functionality
Best For
Parents looking for an intelligent and easy-to-use parental tracking app with detailed digital activity reports.
Expert Opinion
Eyezy is an excellent smart monitoring solution, offering powerful tracking features without overwhelming parents.
It’s a great balance between security, ease of use, and comprehensive monitoring, making it ideal for keeping tabs on social apps and browsing activity.
Get started with Eyezy.
Comparison Table
| Feature | mSpy | Bark | KidsGuard Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social Media Monitoring | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| AI-Powered Alerts | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Location Tracking | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Call/SMS Logging | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Invisibility Mode | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Best Use Case | Full Monitoring | AI-Based Alerts | Budget-Friendly |
Additional Comparison Table
| Feature | uMobix | FlexiSPY | Eyezy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social Media Monitoring | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| AI-Powered Alerts | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Location Tracking | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Call/SMS Logging | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Invisibility Mode | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Best Use Case | Real-Time Tracking | Advanced Monitoring & Call Recording | Smart Activity Tracking |
Final Recommendations
Choosing the best parental control app for Android depends on your specific needs, whether it's social media monitoring, real-time tracking, AI-powered alerts, or advanced surveillance features.
Here’s our final verdict:
- Best Overall: mSpy – Ideal for parents needing full control over calls, messages, and social media activities with an easy-to-use dashboard.
- Best for AI-Powered Content Filtering: Bark – A great option for hands-off monitoring with AI-driven alerts to detect cyberbullying, self-harm, and explicit content.
- Best Budget Option: KidsGuard Pro – Perfect for parents who want cost-effective social media monitoring without compromising on essential tracking features.
- Best for Instant Android Tracking: uMobix – Designed for real-time monitoring, rapid setup, and complete social media access, making it a top choice for parents wanting instant updates.
- Best for Advanced Monitoring & Call Recording: FlexiSPY – Offers unparalleled surveillance features, including call recording, remote microphone activation, and camera control, making it ideal for deep-level parental monitoring.
- Best for Smart Activity Tracking: Eyezy – Stands out with AI-driven insights, screen recording, and keystroke tracking, providing detailed reports on digital behavior for modern parenting.
Final Thoughts
Before making a decision, consider:
✔ What level of monitoring do you require? (E.g., full access vs. AI-based alerts)
✔ Does the app need to work in stealth mode?
✔ What devices and social media platforms do you need to monitor?
✔ What is your budget for a monitoring app?
Each of these apps excels in different areas, so your choice should align with your child's online habits and your parental monitoring preferences.
Ultimately, using a trusted parental control app ensures your child’s safety online, giving you peace of mind while allowing them independence within safe boundaries.
