Qustodio review: the best parental control app for keeping your kids safe online

We know the internet is full of things–and people–that are completely unsuitable for kids, so it’s entirely reasonable if you want to keep an eye on your children. The challenge is in doing so effectively and without spending hours interrogating or monitoring them directly. That’s where a parental control app like Qustodio comes in.

Qustodio has all the essential parental control features, such as web content filtering, robust app blocking, and a detailed activity log. It lets you handle all configuration and monitoring, set rules, and review your child’s activity from your smartphone or PC.

For this Qustodio review, I have investigated and tested the best parental control apps to help you protect your children and teens while surfing online. Read on to learn more about keeping your kids safe.

Quick overview of Qustodio parental control

Based on my in-depth testing of a range of apps from across the industry, I have no doubt that Qustodio is one of the best parental control apps. It has powerful app blocking and web content filtering, and it lets you monitor your child’s activities from any device.

For a quick overview, check out the table that I’ve prepared together with my colleagues in the Cybernews research team:

The Aura parental control app offers comprehensive online protection tools, including content filtering, screen time management, and identity theft tracking. Here’s a quick overview of its core features:

🌐 Web & app filtering	Yes - Comprehensive content filtering and app-blocking capabilities
🕓 Screen time limits	Yes - Set daily time limits and create schedules for device usage
📍 Location tracking	Yes - Real-time location monitoring and geofencing
🖥️ Supported platforms	Windows, Android, iOS, Mac, Kindle, and Chromebook
📲 Number of devices	Up to 50
✂️ Free plan	Yes - Limited features for one device
⌛ Trial period	Three-day free trial of Premium features
💵 Price	From $4.58/month (billed annually)

Visit Qustodio

To boil it down, here’s a summary of the pros and cons of Qustodio:

What is Qustodio parental control?

Qustodio is a leading provider of internet safety solutions for families. This parental control app will help you protect your kids from online threats, such as inappropriate content, cyber bullies, and predators.

One of the best things about the Qustodio app is that it can play a significant role in helping you establish balanced digital habits for your children through the Routines, which is a positive element rather than just guarding against the worst-case scenarios.

Currently, Qustodio will provide you with a fully-equipped toolkit to control your childrens' content access or screen time management. Qustodio also delivers real-time monitoring of your kids' online activities. This real-time monitoring gives you valuable information so you can take more proactive action and address risks as they emerge and before they turn into a worst-case scenario.

The Qustodio parental control app is trusted by more than six million users worldwide, and it is available in eight language translation in over 180 countries. The Qustodio mission is to provide a safer digital environment for kids around the world.

Expert comment about Qustodio's parental control

As I explained earlier, Qustodio is one of the best and most complete parental control apps for keeping your kids safe offline and online. It is designed for families and comes from a company with more than 20 years of experience in online safety and cybersecurity for kids. Taking all of the above into account and adjusting for the cost of the pricing tiers, Qustodio's plans offer solid value.

As for features, Qustodio left quite the impression with its main list of features and options, including web and app filters, screen-time limits, location tracking, alerts, and reporting. It can block something like 6,000 iOS apps and does reasonably well in the VPN circumvention fight, especially on Android.

In addition to its suite of core features, Qustodio offers YouTube monitoring, call and SMS tracking, application control, and the panic button on Android. It's also available for most devices and platforms, and the customer service is second to none. However, I identified some areas where Qustodio could improve, including more child-centric features and better customer service availability and accessibility.

Finally, Qustodio offers Free, Basic (Premium), and Complete subscriptions. The prices are not as cheap as I’d like, but I do believe that these plans represent excellent value for your money. However, the free version strips out many of the most crucial security options, so I can't recommend anything less than Basic as a full-featured parental control suite.

Now, if you feel this is insufficient and need complete protection and visibility into your child’s online activity, I highly recommend purchasing Qustodio Complete. It has a ton of additional features, like AI-powered search alerts, which we will discuss shortly.

Key features of Qustodio parental control

Qustodio is a robust and user-friendly parental control solution with numerous advanced features for detailed monitoring and control of your children’s online activities. The following sections will dig into the key features of Qustodio parental control.

Web and app filtering

Qustodio lets you block access to websites in ten undesirable categories, such as Drugs, Gambling, Pornography, Proxies/Loopholes, and Violence. There are a few other categories, including Social Network and File Sharing, if you want to customize web filtering. Basically, you’ll be able to block, allow, or be alerted about access to any of the categories.

This feature also blocks unsupported browsers and uncategorized websites by default. More precisely, the filtering works on major browsers like Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari but not on Brave, Opera, and Tor. It even implements safe searches on popular search engines and notifies you when it blocks a site. Still, Qustodio doesn’t block specific keywords or profanity.

However, the only specific feature I would like to see added in the future is an option for your kids to request access to blocked sites, such as the one of Norton Family.

Daily time limits

This addition is neat as Qustodio helps download users in implementing daily screen timer, all of which are super user-friendly and balance flexible settings with being to make an emergency call. In all, you can restrict how often your kids use the device every day and on certain days you can block their access altogether.

You decide what happens when your child hits their limit, whether it's locking the device or getting notifications. You can also narrow it down to specific times, including morning, afternoon, or evening.

Qustodio gives you a wide range of choices. You can impose no restrictions on your kids’ internet access, implement weekly screen time usage limits according to the day of the week, or completely block specific apps. These features are extremely useful if you want your child to have access to educational apps while limiting their time on social media.

Routines

Routines let you create various rule sets that can take effect at different times of day. Instead of one set of rules all the time, you can customize them in advance according to homework or bedtime activities. It also allows you to add separate rules for different types of websites & apps. Meanwhile, it provides the ability to lock up or even disable devices from accessing the internet.

These features help make Qustodio a capable system for monitoring and controlling kids' screen time. They also enable you, as a parent, to retain some semblance of authority over your children's digital lives without constantly nagging or policing them.

But while you can decide whether to apply time limits to your routines, you can’t deactivate some of the already-set schedules, such as Web Filtering or SafeSearch.

Games & apps

The Games & Apps feature lets you allow, block, or set time limits on your child’s apps. You’ll be able to see any app your child accesses in the dashboard, and you can even turn on alerts for when your kid uses an app for the first time. As a result, you will establish a safe gaming and app usage environment.

However, a minor area for improvement is the enforcement of this feature, as there are some occasional delays.

YouTube monitoring

Qustodio lets you monitor your child’s activity on YouTube. However, the capabilities depend on the platform you’re using. For instance, on Windows, macOS, and Android devices, you can see what videos your kids watch and what they search for on YouTube both from a browser and the app.

On the other hand, for monitored iOS devices, you can only see searches and their viewing history on the mobile YouTube site.

Overall, Qustodio enables you to restrict usage of the YouTube app or website or set a time limit.

Location tracking and geo-fencing

Qustodio also allows you to know where your kids are at any time. More precisely, you can turn on the location tracking and see where your children are and where they’ve been. You can also save the most visited places, such as schools and your home, and receive a notification when they arrive at or leave those locations.

With Qustodio, you can select a place on the map, name it, and create a boundary around it (minimum of 350 feet).

However, I would love to see minor improvements with geofencing notifications, as the notifications are sometimes too delayed to be immediately useful to me.

Calls & messages

Qustodio provides a somewhat invasive yet effective monitoring and blocking approach to your kids’ calls and messages. You can precisely monitor their calls, SMS messages, and iMessages.

From the web portal, you can block or allow calls and messages. Calls and messages are updated automatically every hour, or you can manually refresh them. This will let you see who your kid is calling and messaging, the content of SMS and iMessages, and the timing of calls and messages.

However, to do all of this, you need to download a separate app that monitors calls and messages on your child’s devices. Also, keep in mind that Qustodio’s monitoring does not apply to third-party messaging apps like Signal, Telegram, or WhatsApp.

Panic button

The Panic Button is a feature available only on Android. To use it, you need to define up to four trusted contacts with an email address or mobile phone number. If your child is lost or in trouble, they can click the SOS bubble from within the Qustodio app.

Once activated, you’ll receive your kid’s location, plus an alert. The app will continue to show the location every five minutes until the child turns off the panic mode. You can also end it by deactivating it via the web portal.

Activity reports

Last but not least, Qustodio comes with comprehensive and detailed activity reports. You’ll receive detailed daily, weekly, and monthly reports of your child’s online activity straight to your inbox.

Even better, there are real-time reports, so you can track your kids’ activity while they’re online.

Qustodio Parental Controls Plans & Pricing

What I really like about the Qustodio cost structure is that it offers something for everyone. More precisely, you can enjoy a free plan for three days or choose one of its two paid plans: Basic and Complete. The basic plan costs $4.58/month or $54.95/year, and the Complete subscription is available for $8.33/month or $99.95/year. But what exactly do these plans offer?

Qustodio offers robust security regardless of the subscription you choose, with some compromises the free tier. The free plan will give you the SafeSearch and Web Filtering features. You can also set daily limits and pause the internet. However, there are only seven-day activity reports included, and you can only protect a single device.

In comparison, the Basic plan offers SafeSearch, Web Filtering, and Games and Apps Blocking. Additionally, you can pause the internet, set daily limits, and customize device-blocking routines. Aside from the seven-day reports, you’ll get 30-day insights and an option to use the Panic Button. The Basic plan also comes with location monitoring, premium email support, and protection of up to five devices.

However, the Qustodio premium features available in the Complete plan are pretty compelling. You’ll get everything in the Basic subscription, with the addition of custom routines, AI-powered search alerts, custom alerts, Games & Apps time limits, Calls & Messages Monitoring, and safeguarding of unlimited devices.

Qustodio parental controls app user experience and setup process

The installation and setup process for Qustodio’s parental controls is pretty straightforward. You can get it on your Windows, Android, iOS, Mac, and Amazon Fire or Kindle platforms and enjoy all of its parental control features. What’s even better is that you can use the same app for your and your kids’ accounts, making the setup process seamless.

Now that you’re familiar, let’s get into more detail on the Qustodio parental control app, its user experience, and the setup process!

Installation & Setup (Parental App + Kids App)

1. To get started with the Qustodio parental control app, open the official Qustodio website and click the “Sign up” button in the top-right corner
2. You’ll be transferred to the page where you can sign up for free. You can create an account by providing your name, email address, and password. Afterward, click “Create an account.”
3. Once you’ve created your account, you should install Qustodio on your child’s devices. Download Qustodio from the official download page and install it onto your child’s device.
4. Then, follow the installation prompts and log in with your parent account credentials.
5. Once you open the dashboard, you’ll see Add a child. Click on the plus icon and fill out all the details about your kid.
6. Select the type of device your child is using from the list.
7. Then, either follow the steps on the screen or select “I want to protect this device.”
8. Once you do that, you’re good to go. Now, you need to enable the features you’d like to use. To do that, open the child’s account from your dashboard.
9. If you want to activate the Web Filtering, for example, you just need to click on it. Toggle the “Apply filters” button and select the content you’d like to block.
10. That’s it! Qustodio is now up and running to ensure your kids’ online safety.

Ease of Use:

Qustodio is a very user-friendly platform. In fact, it displays similar ease of use across both its mobile and web platforms. Regardless of whether you’re using the parent or the child app, you’ll enjoy intuitive navigation and helpful features. Overall, Qustodio’s apps are feature-rich and easy to use, with only minor limitations to consider. So, let’s learn a bit more about them.

• Mobile & Tablets: The mobile apps are noted for their minimalistic design and seamless functionality, though the iOS app notably lacks the Panic Button. The Parent app is well-organized, modern, and highly functional. The default page, Your Family, shows icons for all the children’s accounts, allowing you to set up another user profile from this screen via the Add a Child button at the bottom center. The Qustodio app even lets you delete child profiles and reassign what device is assigned to which kid. Additionally, you can access all the sections in the left-hand menu. The app has no significant limitations here, as the mobile and tablet apps completely control all the rules categories.
• Desktop: Users and experts like myself rightly commend the web app for its simple interface, quick feature access, and security measures. It is very similar to the mobile app, so there are no significant or negative differences to point out. If you’re a Windows user, you’ll be able to use the Panic Button. The menu is also on the left side of the screen, where you can see the My Family, Devices, and Account sections.

Customer Support

I can’t leave out Qustodio's excellent customer service. If you have any issues, you can visit its comprehensive support library.

You will find a responsive ticketing system and the US-only premium Care Plus service. What you need to know about Qustodio Care Plus is that you’ll receive priority help through all available channels. Aside from this, you can find what you need in the knowledge base or the FAQ section.

Qustodio doesn’t have a live chat, which is a potential area for improvement. Still, my overall evaluation of customer support is positive. Ultimately, Qustodio’s customer service is deservedly known for its detailed support and responsive assistance.

Alternatives to Qustodio: What Are Your Options?

If you think Qustodio won’t meet your needs, I’ve prepared a few alternatives to Qustudio with the Cybernews research team to help you choose the best solution.

• Aura. This is a smart and straightforward online safety parental control app powered by AI for the whole family. Aura is an all-in-one protection from identity theft, scams, and online threats. It also works across devices like iPhones, iPads, and Android phones. You can activate features like Identity Theft Protection, Identity Theft Insurance, Financial Fraud Protection, VPN & Online Privacy, Antivirus, Password Manager & Vault, Parental Controls & Safe Gaming, and Spam Call Protection. Its prices start at $10 per month.
• Bark. Bark protects your children by scanning their text messages, 30+ social media apps, web browsers, emails, and other online activity, keeping you informed and your child protected. This parental control app also goes beyond basic device monitoring, using advanced AI to scan texts, social media, images, videos, and audio for threats like cyberbullying and pornography, ensuring unparalleled safety for your child. Currently, you can get this app for $14/month.
• Norton Family. Norton Family provides insights you need to help keep your kids safe and focused when online. It lets you see your child’s search terms and viewed videos, monitor for age-appropriate content, set screen limits, and more. This app is best known for its user-friendly interface and real-time alerts, with flexible pricing plans catering to different monitoring objectives. You can purchase it for $49/year.

Conclusion: Is Qustodio the Right Choice for Your Family?

In the process of reviewing it, I’ve become a real fan. I’d say that Qustodio may be the best choice for your family if you want effective features for an affordable price, particularly if you use Android mobile devices. As you can see from my detailed Qustodio review, you can get fantastic value for your money, but there is no “one size fits all” when it comes to protecting your family. Your specific needs will determine your best choice, so you may also want to compare Qustodio with another service like Bark before you make your purchase decision.

Pros of Using Qustodio

Qustodio is a solid parental control app with effective features like web and app filtering, screen time management, and monitoring capabilities. It’s one of the most valuable options for enhancing online safety, supported by its free plan, trial period, particularly effective web filtering on Android, and money-back guarantee.

Cons of Using Qustodio

Some minor drawbacks of Qustodio are reduced functionality on iOS, less advanced social media monitoring than competitors, and the risks of possible circumvention. Many of these are common to most parental control apps, so it basically comes with the territory.

FAQ