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The Internet is always on, but parents can't always be around to see what their kids are looking at. That's why there's parental control software. Parental control software helps parents, guardians, and other computer administrators monitor and set limits on online activity. When testing this software we kept three things in mind: parental peace of mind, teen usability, and the program's resistance to circumvention. In other words, the software had to be able to monitor activity and block objectionable content, but also not frustrate teens and kids who need to use the Internet for legitimate reasons. Perhaps most importantly, it should stand up to attempts to bypass the software, something reflected in our "kid-proof rating." Our compare chart lets you know which were the most resistant to our attempts. It also lists other features offered, but we suggest you read the reviews to find out how well these features worked. Check out our FAQ for more on how we reviewed this software, as well as for tips on how to set it up.
Parental Control Software Reviews & Prices
Updated 05-03-2013
| Service Name & Rating: | Cost: | Programs Monitored: | Special Features: | Social Network Monitoring: | Reports/Alerts: | Kid-Proof Rating: | Bottom Line: |
 | $29.99/yr (after 25% discount) $19.99/yr additional computers | IE, Firefox, Chrome; instant messaging on Facebook, MSN, Yahoo! | Profanity masking; ratings-controlled gaming; picture, forum, blog controls | Profile reporting: Facebook, Bebo, Flickr, Twitter, YouTube; blocks unsupported sites | Searchable web history reports; customizable real time cell phone/email alerts | Excellent: succesfully blocks proxies and filters urls | The best choice due to its smart block list, proxy-resistance, and good interface |
 | $49.95/yr for 3 PCs | IE, Firefox; Yahoo! Messenger | Wireless network filtering; Social network access; SMS and email alerts | Yes, can access kids' social networking accounts | SMS or email reports; somewhat delayed reports via web interface | OK: blocks some proxies that allow kids to bypass controls | A vast improvement over previous version, but still open to circumvention |
 | $9.99/mo (whole family) | Facebook, Twitter, MySpace | Facebook reporting; friend analysis; language monitor | Facebook, Twitter, MySpace (finds, but does not monitor others) | Limited email alerts, otherwise viewable online | OK: Can't be circumvented with proxies, but other methods possible | Relies on your child's cooperation; friend monitoring is smart, but language filter is not |
| Service Name & Rating: | Cost: | Programs Monitored: | Special Features: | Social Network Monitoring: | Reports/Alerts: | Kid-Proof Rating: | Bottom Line: |  | $97.00 for 1st year (after 40% discount) $67.00/yr renewals | IE, Firefox, Chrome; Instant messaging on Yahoo!, AIM, MSN | Triggered screen shots; key logger; runs invisibly | None, but keylogger can monitor text typed on Social Networking sites; optional Smart Camera can record activity | Saves data on web for 15 days; no email or text alerts | Poor: very open to circumvention | Blocklist is smart and monitoring is comprehensive, though site blocker and monitor are easy to get around |
 | $39.95/yr for 3 PCs (after 20% off w/coupon code safeeyes20off) | IE, Firefox; Instant messenger (Yahoo!, AIM, MSN, ICQ) | Multiple levels of blocking severity; Some ability to block program access | Monitors social networks for profanity and suggestive terms; can ban social network sites | Daily or weekly reports; instant email reports for violations; no on-demand reporting | OK: blocks some proxies that allow kids to bypass controls | Easy for kids to get around; frustrating and expensive for parents |
 | $39.95/yr for 3 PCs | IE, Firefox | IM-level profanity masking; multiple configurable age groups | None | Web history reports; does not record chat activity | Poor: very open to circumvention | Poor blocklist, easy bypass, no chat monitoring, and confusing interface |
| Service Name & Rating: | Cost: | Programs Monitored: | Special Features: | Social Network Monitoring: | Reports/Alerts: | Kid-Proof Rating: | Bottom Line: |  | $19.95/3 mos, $29.99/6 mos, $119.00/lifetime | IE, Firefox; instant messaging (Yahoo!, AIM, MSN, ICQ) | Keylogger; password capture | Yes, monitors activities on many social networks | Daily summaries and custom alerts | Poor: very open to circumvention | Despite some good monitoring it's buggy and easy to circumvent |
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