By Mark Lovett
If you’re a parent in 2025, you’re not just raising a kid — you’re raising a kid with a supercomputer in their hand.
Between TikTok trends, anonymous messaging apps, and screen time spirals, it’s nearly impossible to keep up. And let’s be honest — talking about digital safety with your child doesn’t always go as planned.
That’s where parental control apps come in. They’re not about spying — they’re about guiding. Giving you insight when something feels off. Creating healthier habits and protecting your kids from digital risks before they become real-world problems.
But not all apps are created equal. Some are overly complicated. Some are too invasive. Some just don’t work well on iPhones.
So we dug into the data, read the reviews, and most importantly — listened to real parents who use these apps every day. Here are the five best parental control apps for iPhone in 2025, with honest pros, cons, and quotes pulled straight from Trustpilot.
Key Takeaway: Which App Is Right for You?
Parental control apps aren’t one-size-fits-all. The best one for your family depends on your child’s age, tech habits, and your parenting style.
Family Orbit is a powerful all-rounder with deep monitoring, especially great for teenagers.
Bark excels in AI-based alerts for texts and social media — ideal for keeping tabs on younger kids discreetly.
Qustodio gives you strong control over screen time and app usage, though it may take a little patience.
Life360 wins on real-time location tracking and driving reports, but it can feel a bit too watchful.
OurPact keeps things simple, with quick screen time blocking that works well for younger kids or screen-free hours.
Family Orbit – Best All-in-One Monitoring App
If you want to know exactly what your child is doing on their iPhone, without needing to jailbreak it, Family Orbit is a solid pick. It offers powerful tools like text message monitoring, photo analysis, location tracking, call history, and even app activity, all synced through the child’s iCloud account.
You can set up alerts for suspicious behavior, keep tabs on who they’re talking to, and even get daily email reports. For many parents, it’s like having a digital guardian angel watching out in the background.
“Family Orbit makes it easy to see what my son is doing on his phone. I get alerts if something unusual happens, and the app layout is simple enough that I didn’t need help figuring it out. It’s helped me feel more confident about his screen time.”
— ★★★★★ Real Parent Review (5/5)
That said, Family Orbit isn’t the most plug-and-play option out there. It requires you to log into the child’s iCloud account and maintain proper sync settings. For less tech-savvy users, that part can be frustrating.
“Took me a while to figure out the setup with iCloud. Wish it were more plug-and-play.”
— ★★☆☆☆ Real Parent Review (2/5)
Verdict: Family Orbit is ideal for parents who want depth and control, as long as you don’t mind a bit of setup at the start.
Bark – Best for Monitoring Conversations
If your biggest concern is what your child is saying and seeing online, Bark might be your best ally. This app uses AI to monitor text messages, emails, YouTube, and over 30 social platforms for signs of cyberbullying, predators, depression, and more.
Instead of giving you full access to everything your kid writes, Bark sends you alerts only when something potentially harmful is detected. It’s a good balance between safety and privacy — especially for parents of teens who need a little digital freedom but still need guidance.
“Bark has saved our kiddo from public embarrassment, let us know when conversations aren’t proper, and allows us to make sure she can get a hold of us in emergencies. We love that we can add or remove features and contacts with ease.”
— ★★★★★ Real Parent Review, April 2025 (5/5)
That said, Bark isn’t perfect for every use case — especially when it comes to hardware. Some parents who’ve tried Bark’s watch or companion devices mention hiccups during setup or syncing.
“We had a constant problem of the Safari browser not working at all, and the Chrome browser loading all web pages PAINFULLY slowly, the whole time we used Bark. Bark insisted that it wasn’t their software causing the problem. But guess what? We removed Bark, and all the problems vanished.”
— ★★★☆☆ Real Parent Review, April 2025 (2/5)
Verdict: Bark is a smart choice for parents of older kids or teens who are active online. You won’t see everything, but you’ll be alerted when it really matters, which is often all you need.
Qustodio – Best for Screen Time and App Control
If your main concern is managing how much time your child spends on their iPhone and which apps they’re using, Qustodio offers a comprehensive solution. It’s designed to help parents set healthy digital boundaries without being overly intrusive.
The app provides detailed reports on your child’s device usage, allowing you to see which apps they’re using and for how long. You can set daily screen time limits, schedule device-free periods, and even block specific apps or websites. It’s a great tool for encouraging balanced tech habits.
“Qustodio has been a game-changer for our family. We can set limits and monitor usage without constant arguments. It’s helped our kids develop better screen habits.”
— ★★★★★ Real Parent Review (5/5)
However, some users have reported challenges with the app’s performance and customer support. Issues like delayed updates and difficulties in setting up the app on multiple devices have been noted.
“The app works fine when it works, but we’ve had issues with it not updating properly. Customer support was slow to respond, which was frustrating.”
— ★★☆☆☆ Real Parent Review (2/5)
Verdict: Qustodio is a solid choice for parents looking to manage screen time and app usage. While it offers robust features, be prepared for occasional technical glitches and ensure you’re comfortable with troubleshooting or reaching out to support when needed.
Life360 – Best for Location Tracking
If your top priority is knowing where your family members are at any given moment, Life360 stands out as a reliable choice. Designed primarily for location sharing, it allows families to stay connected and informed about each other’s whereabouts.
The app offers real-time location tracking, enabling you to see where your child is throughout the day. Features like geofencing allow you to set up alerts for when they arrive at or leave specific locations, such as school or home. Additionally, Life360 provides driving reports, crash detection, and emergency assistance, adding layers of safety for families on the move.
“Life360 has been a game-changer for our family. I can check on my kids’ locations without constantly texting them. The peace of mind it offers is invaluable.”
— ★★★★★ Real Parent Review (5/5)
However, some users have raised concerns about privacy and the potential for over-monitoring. The app’s continuous location tracking can feel invasive, especially for teenagers seeking independence.
“While the app functions well, it sometimes feels like an invasion of privacy. My teen feels constantly watched, which has led to some tension.”
— ★★☆☆☆ Real Parent Review (2/5)
Verdict: Life360 excels in providing real-time location updates and safety features, making it ideal for families with younger children or those who prioritize constant connectivity. However, it’s essential to balance its use with respect for personal space, especially as children grow older.
OurPact – Best for Simple Time Blocking
If you’re looking for a straightforward way to manage your child’s screen time without diving into complex settings, OurPact offers a user-friendly solution. It’s designed to help parents set boundaries on device usage, promoting healthier digital habits.
OurPact allows you to schedule screen time, block specific apps, and even grant or revoke access with a simple tap. Its intuitive interface makes it easy for parents to implement rules without overwhelming themselves or their children.
“OurPact has been a lifesaver for our family. We can set screen time limits and ensure our kids focus on homework and family time. It’s easy to use and effective.”
— ★★★★★ Real Parent Review (5/5)
However, some users have reported issues with the app’s reliability and customer support. Instances of the app not functioning as expected and difficulties in reaching support have been noted.
“The app worked well initially, but then started having glitches. Customer support was unresponsive, which was frustrating.”
— ★★☆☆☆ Real Parent Review (2/5)
Verdict: OurPact is a great tool for parents seeking a simple and effective way to manage screen time. While it offers valuable features, be prepared for potential technical issues and ensure you’re comfortable with troubleshooting or seeking assistance when needed.
Final Thoughts: Empower, Don’t Just Monitor
Parenting in the digital age isn’t about spying — it’s about guiding. These apps aren’t just about catching bad behavior; they’re tools for teaching healthy habits, setting boundaries, and having honest conversations.
Whether you’re raising a curious 10-year-old or a boundary-pushing teenager, the right parental control app can give you peace of mind — and give them the freedom to grow up safely.
Choose the one that fits your parenting style, and remember: no app replaces good old-fashioned communication. For parents still deciding on the device itself, check out our guide to the best tablets for kids to find options designed with safety and learning in mind.
Best Tablets for Kids in 2025: A Parent’s Guide to Smart Tech for Young Minds
About the Author: Mark is a tenured writer for NewsWatch, focusing on technology and emerging trends. Mark gives readers insight into how tomorrow’s innovations will transform our relationship with technology in everyday life.
