We take a look at two of the best pieces of kit out there, Qustodio and FamilyTime, weighing up their various strengths and weaknesses, so you can decide which is best for your family.
- What is parental control software and what does it do?
- Qustodio versus FamilyTime: Comparison of features
- Availability and ease of use
- Price
- Verdict
What is parental control software and what does it do?
Parental control software allows a parent, from another device, to track, monitor, place time limits, and block websites on their child’s device - whether that be a smartphone, tablet, or laptop/PC.
This means that you, the parent, can rest assured that your child isn’t accessing any inappropriate or harmful material, as well as making sure they stay on task for their personal learning or education.
Qustodio versus FamilyTime: Comparison of features
Internet filtering
Internet filtering is when the parent can apply blocks to certain content, or only make sure that age-appropriate websites can be viewed or searched.
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Qustodio |
FamilyTime |
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App tracking and monitoring
App tracking and monitoring allows you to see exactly what is happening when your child is using an app, like social media or YouTube. Apps are often where inappropriate content and bullying can appear, so it’s important to be watchful of this activity.
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Qustodio |
FamilyTime |
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Location
If you choose to track your child’s location, both of these software apps will allow you to see where your child is in real-time, as well as set up a geofence. Establishing a geofence means you can set time limits on their location, and you’ll receive an alert if they are outside of the set distance or time limit.
FamilyTime does this particularly well - it’ll send you alerts for check-in and check-out locations, so you know when they’ve entered or left a new venue.
Contact monitoring
Both apps can monitor calls, texts, and the history of who your child has been speaking to. You can also use them to block contacts that you don’t want children being exposed to.
Contact monitoring is available on Android for both apps, but only FamilyTime can do it on iOS.
Screen time
Both control softwares allow you to set time limits for each day or week on online internet usage, as well as apps. This means you have direct control over how long your child stays attached to their screen. You can also be alerted when your child has reached or exceeded their limit.
On both Qustodio and FamilyTime, you can automatically lock their device as well.
Find out more about the dangers of too much screen time.
SOS
In the worst case scenario, both Qustodio and FamilyTime have emergency panic buttons that your child can press. Tapping these will send the parent an instant message to indicate that they’re in danger and need your help. You can use the location tracking feature to find them.
Availability and ease of use
Both apps are available on Apple and Android, use the links below to check them out:
Qustodio
FamilyTime
As for usability, both apps are relatively straightforward, with simple interfaces and seamless integration with the version on your child’s device. Both apps have an easy to follow set-up process which walks you through installation and configuration.
Price
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Qustodio |
FamilyTime |
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Small Plan £38.35 \ $49.46 Up to 5 devices |
MyFamily £1.74 / $2.25 per month £20.94 / $27 annually per child device |
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Medium Plan £67.67 \ $87.26 Up to 10 devices |
MyFamily2 - 2 children’s devices £1.13 / $1.46 per month per child device £27.14 / $35 annually |
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Large Plan £96.28 \ $124.16 Up to 15 devices |
MyFamily3 - 3 children’s devices £0.97 / $1.25 per month on each device £34.90 \ $45 annually |
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MyFamily5 £0.89 / $1.15 per month £53.51 / $69 annually per device |
Verdict
Larger families may benefit from the price plans of Qustodio, but smaller families will appreciate the detailed plans offered by FamilyTime.
In terms of features, both softwares are equal-weighted in benefits, though it’s good to know whether you’ll be using it on an Android or iOS device (as Qustodio doesn’t offer Call and Texting tracking for iOS).
Both apps are easy to install with simple, user-friendly interfaces.
If you trust what other users are saying, the two apps vary in quality depending on the phone type. This is how they stack up according to user ratings:
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App |
Android |
iOS |
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Qustodio |
3.0 out of 5 |
4.6 out of 5 |
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FamilyTime |
3.9 out of 5 |
2.8 out of 5 |
With that in mind, you may want to pick the app that’s most popular for your operating system.
If you still can’t make up your mind, we’ve got even more parental control software covered. Also, if you’re already downloading apps onto your devices, why not check out sanity-saving apps every parent needs?
