The average child spends more than 7 hours daily on screens. That's more time than they sleep. As a parent, you're probably wondering: Is this screen time helping them learn? Or are they just watching and clicking random things?
The good news? You don't need to pay for expensive apps to help them.
What if the best parental control tools for Windows were completely free?
Here are the top 3 free tools that smart parents use in 2025 to keep their kids safe online.
1. Kaspersky Safe Kids
Kaspersky Safe Kids is a free parental control solution from the well-known cybersecurity company. It provides comprehensive protection features. This tool acts as an alternative to many typical paid software. The solution targets parents who want professional-grade security. There are no subscription fees or technical limitations.
What You Get
-
Advanced web blocking with 14 content types
-
App time limits with detailed daily schedules
-
Facebook monitoring with suspicious activity alerts
-
GPS tracking when kids are out with their phones
-
Search term tracking to see what they're looking for
-
File download blocking for extra safety
Keep in Mind
-
Setup takes time and some tech knowledge
-
Interface can feel complicated at first
-
Sometimes blocks good websites by mistake
Why Choose Kaspersky Safe Kids?
Kaspersky Safe Kids offers award-winning parental control software. The comprehensive protection tool is developed by cybersecurity experts. The software offers professional-grade security features, which are typically available only in more expensive solutions. Parents receive enterprise-level functionality at no cost.
The software allows different parameters for each child based on their age. Kaspersky provides more functionality than many paid competitors.
Ratings
All about cookies: 3.9/5
Safety Detectives: 8.2/10
Tom's Guide: 4.0/5
Fileion Rating: 4.6/5
2. Qustodio
Qustodio is a dynamic parental control solution with both free and premium versions. The free tier enables essential protection features for basic monitoring needs. This software provides reliable content filtering & time management.
What You Get
-
Blocks bad websites automatically related to violent, gambling, or adult content
-
Set daily time limits so kids can't stay on the computer all day
-
Get instant alerts when your child hits their time limit
-
Works on all devices, including Windows, phones, tablets, and Macs
-
See exactly which websites your kids visit with easy charts
Keep in Mind
-
Only works on one device
-
Can't watch social media platforms
-
Support is limited for free users
Why Choose Qustodio?
Qustodio offers the most user-friendly interface among all free parental control options. The software is equipped with impressive web and app filtering features. Parents can set up protection in minutes without requiring technical knowledge.
The free version provides sufficient segments for basic family protection needs. Safety experts consistently rate Qustodio as one of the best parental control apps available in 2025.
Ratings
Trustpilot: 2.7/5
All about cookies: 4.5/5
Safety Detectives: 9.6/10
Fileion Rating: 4.3/5
3. Microsoft Family Safety
Microsoft Family Safety is the built-in parental control solution for Windows systems. This free service integrates directly with Windows 10 and Windows 11. It can provide seamless protection without installing any additional software. The software targets families already using Microsoft services across their devices.
What You Get
-
Screen time control with daily limits and bedtime schedules
-
Blocks bad websites based on your child's age
-
Controls spending on Microsoft Store and app downloads
-
Location tracking when kids use Windows devices
-
Weekly reports sent straight to your email
-
Xbox gaming limits with game ratings
Keep in Mind
-
Only works with Microsoft products
-
No social media monitoring
-
User needs a Microsoft account
Why Choose Microsoft Family Safety?
This software comes completely free with Windows installations. In fact, there are no complex setup procedures. Microsoft Family Safety offers automatic updates through Windows Update. Users can enjoy extensive customer support through multiple channels.
The software incorporates seamlessly with existing Microsoft services. Parents save money while receiving reliable basic protection.
Ratings
Google Play store: 4.0/5
Tech Radar: 3.0/5
Apple store: 4.0/5
Fileion Rating: 4.0/5
Comparison Table
|
Software |
Price |
Device Limit |
Web Filtering |
Time Limits |
Social Media |
Location |
Fileion Rating |
Best For |
|
Kaspersky Safe Kids |
Free |
Unlimited |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
4.6/5 |
Tech-savvy parents wanting comprehensive monitoring |
|
Qustodio |
Free |
1 device |
✓ |
✓ |
✗ |
✗ |
4.3/5 |
Parents with one child needing basic protection |
|
Microsoft Family Safety |
Free |
Unlimited |
✓ |
✓ |
✗ |
✓ |
4.0/5 |
Families using Windows and Microsoft services |
Conclusion
Choose the right software based on your family's needs:
-
Qustodio is the best overall choice for simple, effective protection
-
Microsoft Family Safety is perfect for Windows-focused families
-
Kaspersky Safe Kids is ideal for parents wanting advanced monitoring
Each software provides solid protection without monthly fees. For additional parental control options, check out other available solutions.
Your kids are online right now. With any of these free parental control tools, you can start protecting them in under 10 minutes. Don’t wait for something to go wrong- take control today and give them a safer, smarter online experience.
