Keeping your kids safe online is a full-time job. But luckily, your antivirus can help! Many top antivirus programs now offer free parental controls that let you block harmful sites, set screen time, and monitor your child’s online activity—all without spending extra money.
So, which antivirus software gives you the best digital babysitter for free in 2025? We’ve rounded up our top 5 picks that are both powerful and family-friendly. Let’s dive in!
1. Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition
Bitdefender is a big name in cybersecurity—and for good reason!
- Powerful virus protection that runs silently in the background
- Free parental control tools via the centralized Bitdefender Central app
- Filter websites, track screen time, and get alerts
This antivirus is perfect for parents who want simple setup and strong features without being tech wizards.
2. Kaspersky Standard (With Free Family Tools)
Kaspersky offers excellent protection and is known for being user-friendly. And yes—it has free parental tools too!
- Kaspersky Safe Kids integrates with the antivirus suite
- Lets you find your child’s location with GPS
- Manage screen time and app usage on devices
Bonus: You can even monitor YouTube search history. It’s like a magic window into your kid’s interests.
3. Norton Family (Included with Norton Antivirus Plus Free Trial)
Norton is a household name, and when you try Norton Antivirus Plus, it usually comes with a free trial of Norton Family.
- Detailed reports on online activity
- Time supervision and content filtering
- Block inappropriate sites and get alerts immediately
It’s not completely free forever, but even the trial gives you enough time to explore its robust features.
Perfect if you’re just starting out with parental control tools and want to test the waters before committing.
4. Avira Free Security
Avira is lightweight but packs a punch when it comes to features.
- Free antivirus with real-time protection
- Free parental controls available through Windows Family Safety integration
- Also includes a free VPN to keep browsing private
Avira also plays nice with older computers, so you don’t need a high-end device to run it smoothly.
5. McAfee Total Protection (Free Trial with Family Controls)
McAfee remains a strong choice for all-around protection—and it throws in parental control features during the free trial.
- Safe Family app included in the trial
- See how much time your kids spend on each app
- Block certain types of content easily
This one’s great if you want a complete home cybersecurity system that includes device protection, identity monitoring, and child safety.
Honorable Mention: Microsoft Defender & Family Safety
If you’re on a Windows device, you already have Microsoft Defender. Pair it with the Microsoft Family Safety app for:
- Screen time management
- Location tracking for mobile devices
- Filters for web content and apps
It’s basic but very effective—especially since it’s 100% free and built right into Windows 10 and 11.
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to spend a fortune to keep your kids safe online. The antivirus software listed above all offer great protection—and most importantly—free parental controls to help you guide your kids along their digital journey.
So go ahead, pick the one that fits your family best and rest a little easier knowing someone—or something—has your back.
Now that’s peace of mind with a click.
