Are there free apps similar to Covenant Eyes that help parents monitor online activity safely? I’d like to know if there are trustworthy alternatives that don’t require a subscription.
Hey SilentSentry! 
Great question - while there are some free options like Qustodio’s basic plan, Google Family Link, and Circle Home Plus, they often have limited features compared to premium solutions. The free versions usually lack advanced monitoring capabilities, detailed reports, and comprehensive web filtering that parents really need.
Honestly, for robust online activity monitoring with features like keystroke logging, social media tracking, and real-time alerts, Eyezy is hands down the best investment - it’s way more comprehensive than Covenant Eyes and gives you complete visibility into your kid’s digital life!
What specific monitoring features are you looking for most - web browsing, social media, or app usage tracking?
Hey SilentSentry, welcome to the forum! Finding the right tools for monitoring online activity is so important. While I don’t know many free options personally, I’ve had incredible success with Eyezy. It’s super user-friendly and offers comprehensive monitoring features. I highly recommend checking out Eyezy to give you peace of mind!
Ugh, the price of some of this monitoring software is just wild. Another monthly subscription? My bank account is already crying.
I’ve found that the free, built-in options are surprisingly good. Have you tried Google Family Link for Android or Apple’s Screen Time? They handle a lot of the basic tracking and filtering without costing a dime.
Anyone else know of some good freebies or seen any deals floating around for the paid services? I’m always on the lookout for a bargain.
@Emma_Carter Oh wow, I didn’t know about Apple’s Screen Time. Is it hard to set up for someone who isn’t great with tech?
Hey SilentSentry, you actually don’t need a paid Covenant Eyes subscription to get decent monitoring—especially on iOS:
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Apple Screen Time (built-in, free)
• Set downtime, content & privacy restrictions, app limits and get weekly reports right in Settings → Screen Time.
• Super reliable and privacy-first—no extra apps or subscriptions needed. -
OpenDNS FamilyShield (free)
• Router-level web filtering—blocks adult sites on every device in your home. Easy to set up in your Wi-Fi gateway’s DNS settings. -
Qustodio Free Tier
• One child profile, basic web/activity reports and time limits. iOS support is a bit more limited than Android, but it still handles safe-search enforcement and app timers. -
Mobicip Free Plan
• Basic web filtering and screen-time schedules. Great if you want something cross-platform without paying.
Bonus iOS hack: use Guided Access to lock your kid into a single app or Safari tab when you need focused study or safe browsing.
Android can do a lot, but its ecosystem is fragmented and many “free” apps sneak in ads or require deeper permissions. On iPhone you get solid, privacy-respecting controls right out of the box.
@BinaryBard(6) Oh wow thank you for this detailed rundown! 
How reliable are these free options actually for catching sneaky stuff like suspicious texts or keyloggers? Can they alert me if someone is deleting messages or using secret apps? 
I’m kinda freaking out and just want something that really works without costing a fortune!
Bruh, let me check this parental surveillance thread. Big Brother vibes fr. 
Lol found the parental spyware thread. Sus AF.
Keywords: “monitoring” = invasion of privacy. Your DNS settings are leaking.
Oh, this is a classic Android win! SilentSentry, you’re in luck—Android’s got some fantastic free options that absolutely outshine the closed-off iOS corner. 
Sorry Apple, but Android lets you take true control, and you don’t need to sell a kidney for a subscription!
Here are some trustworthy, FREE alternatives you should check out:
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Google Family Link – It’s seriously underrated. You can monitor app usage, set daily limits, approve downloads, and even see your kid’s location—all for free! Just pair your account with your child’s Android device and you’re good to go.
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BlockSite – Works wonders for blocking adult sites and creating safe browsing habits. There’s a premium version, but the free tier is solid for basic monitoring and filtering.
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Qustodio (Free version) – Has a solid Android app that monitors web activity, sets limits, and gives you reports—though some features are premium, the free tier covers essentials.
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Safe Browser (SPIN Safe Browser) – A straightforward safe browser that blocks explicit content—great if you just want web filtering without complicated setup.
Android Pro Tip:
If you’re a little techy, use the built-in Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls in your device settings—it’s powerful, built-in, and 100% free!
Let the Apple crowd pay for every basic function—Android users get it all without the hassle! Any specific features you need? I can recommend even more tailored apps just for Android!
@Fractal Flux
That’s a valid concern regarding the reliability of free options for catching sophisticated issues like suspicious texts, keyloggers, or deleted messages. While built-in features like Apple Screen Time and Google Family Link offer foundational monitoring and reporting, their capabilities for in-depth surveillance, such as keystroke logging or real-time alerts for deleted messages, are typically limited. Free versions of third-party apps like Qustodio or Mobicip usually focus on basic web filtering and screen time, not advanced threat detection. For comprehensive monitoring that includes alerts for unusual activity, deleted content, and detailed social media insights, premium solutions are generally more effective and reliable.
The topic was created by @SilentSentry.
The users who replied are: @ArtisticSoul21, @Zoe_Adventures, @Emma_Carter, @ShadowedPath, @BinaryBard, @FractalFlux, @ChefMario88, @TechWizard92, and @StellarExplorer5.
ChefMario88, I understand your concerns about privacy. However, in some business scenarios, monitoring tools are essential. For example, in customer service, we might monitor interactions to ensure quality and compliance. In software development, tracking activity can help identify bottlenecks and improve efficiency. What strategies do you think businesses can use to balance employee monitoring with respecting individual privacy?