Net Nanny Review 2024: Does This Outdated Parental Control App Still Hold Up Today?

Net Nanny gives you a way to monitor what your children do online through features like content filtering, screen time management, location tracking, and YouTube monitoring. During our hands-on tests, we found the software and user interface to be clunky and outdated, but the features did work as intended.

We show you what you can expect from this software and help you decide if it’s the best parental control app to help you tailor what your kids can and can’t do.

Net Nanny review at a glance

Our experience testing Net Nanny

Our experience testing Net Nanny was okay. We wouldn’t say it’s a bad product, but several bugs and hiccups along the way have us hesitant to recommend it over other top options, like Norton Family.

Overall, all the features we tested worked well, which included screen time management and content filtering. We were disappointed to see there's no Android option at the time of writing (with a vague promise of it coming back in 2024), and wished we could've set screen time limits per app instead of just the whole device.

Here are the details of our time testing Net Nanny on our Windows laptop. 

Net Nanny setup

The first hiccup we encountered was trying to install Net Nanny, as we couldn't find the installation links on our dashboard anywhere. We stumbled across the download page in the Support menu tab, which tells you to go to yet another page (install.netnanny.com) to actually install the product.

We opened this page on our Android phone so we could test it out there, as we have for all the other parental control products we've tested so far. When we clicked on the download link, we were surprised to see it take us to a blank page.

It was then we checked the support page again and found their warning that the product is not available on Android and other devices until a new version in 2024. At the time of writing, we're about to enter the final quarter of 2024, so would've expected a more precise time estimation at this point.

So we installed Net Nanny on our Windows laptop. The installation wasn't a great experience, including the software not even having a licensing agreement to sign and the error box for inputting a wrong password was in code jargon that didn't properly indicate the issue. We also tried to delete a child from the app's dashboard, but it told us that the API was missing to make that happen. So overall not a great experience.

Though we're unable to test installing on Android, we do see some odd instructions for iOS devices which include needing to set our default browser to Safari. Overall, installation is an area Net Nanny could greatly improve on.

Net Nanny monitoring in action

After the less-than-stellar start to our Net Nanny testing, we did find that the features worked as advertised and were happy with how quickly our dashboard updated. As soon as we searched for something, we could reload the page and see our search appear in the Family Feed on the side of the dashboard.

The content filtering also worked decently well, allowing us to choose from 14 different categories to either Allow, Alert, or Block. We could also create our own custom filters by indicating the types of words and phrases we want to be filtered out. This is a unique option we haven't seen yet, and would be useful for keeping your kid away from specific content that could be triggering or addictive for them in particular.

We tried accessing banned adult sites and were able to get blocked right away. An interesting feature is your kid can then request their parent unblocks the site, which would be useful. You receive a notification with the request and can choose to whitelist the site or ignore it.

We thought their social media protection feature was interesting as well, which essentially just let us apply content filters to their social media feeds (just like the software does to search feeds). So anything you have blocked on Google would also be blocked from their Instagram feeds. We tested it out when we had our settings set to alert us for anime content, and did receive an alert.

Just note that social media protection doesn't monitor your child's conversations, so there's still the danger of inappropriate or dangerous interactions going on that the app doesn't monitor for.

The main thing that didn't work for us was location tracking, but we're sure that's because we had to install it on our Windows instead of a phone device.

As for downsides, we did have trouble accessing some unrestricted sites. For example, our Google Calendar just completely stopped working, which was weird, and a couple other sites were extremely slow to load. This would've driven us crazy if it were on our device for long, so can't really recommend it on Windows.

Who is Net Nanny best for?

• Recommended for parents who want to set up custom filter options that extend to social media feeds

While Net Nanny wasn't the best parental controls app we've tested, it did provide some unique features that we haven't seen on other top products.

The main example of this is the ability to set up custom filter categories and to apply content filters to social media feeds, including Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and more. If this is something that you feel is more important than setting screen time limits per app, then Net Nanny could be the option for you!

Net Nanny prices and subscriptions

There are three pricing options for Net Nanny, depending on how many devices you want to connect:

• One device for $3.33/mo (billed annually)
• Five devices for $4.58/mo (billed annually)
• 20 devices for $7.50/mo (billed annually)

Coverage of devices using iOS is exclusive to the Family Protection Pass plans, which means the five or 20 device options. Otherwise, each plan offers the same features.

As far as comparison to its competitors goes, Net Nanny is actually one of the cheapest options you can go for, but only if you stick to the one device option. If you want to get close to the amount of devices covered by competitors, you're pretty much on par with what they offer.

Net Nanny features

Net Nanny isn’t short on features. Some of the standout options are the screen time management and location tracking. You can also block specific sites and mature content you aren’t comfortable with your child viewing.

Here are the Net Nanny filters and features:

• Content monitoring
• Screen time management
• Location tracking
• Activity reports
• Website blocker
• Internet filter
• Pornography block

Content monitoring

Net Nanny keeps a keen eye on what your child views online. If you’re concerned about the amount of time they spend on YouTube or other platforms, we know it can be tough to catch everything. Net nanny allows the monitoring of your children’s internet access. You can set up website filters and receive alerts and usage reports of those online activities.

You can customize the specific websites you want your child to access. There are context filters that contain categories you can choose to block or allow, like drugs or nudity.

Social media and phone apps

You know kids are going to try to use social networking platforms, so you want to make sure they stay safe on social media. There are dangers on social media that kids don’t understand, and one of the biggest issues today is cyberbullying. If you’re not aware of what your child views online, you might miss clues that your child is being cyberbullied.

Another problem is that kids often post content they shouldn’t, such as where they’re going or what they’re doing. They might also be unwitting victims of phishing scams, which allow hackers to get access to your device. Innocent activities like online quizzes your child may think are fun can give out personal data to bad actors.

Net Nanny uses a Social Media Protection feature to give you control over apps and services. You can block services you don’t want or select the ones you do. Net Nanny Content Filters can also be used to monitor internet surfing.

Text messages

Although some parental control software monitors text messages, Net Nanny isn’t one of them. It would be nice to have these features, as you can easily keep an eye on what your child is texting and who is sending and receiving communications to your loved ones.

Email

Net Nanny also doesn’t monitor email messaging. Other services, like Bark, have this option if you need more in-depth monitoring.

Web browsers

Net Nanny will alert parents if it senses that inappropriate websites have been accessed. You can view the Family Feed to see up-to-date online searches. This also helps to prevent cyberbullying because it gives you more visibility into what your child is seeing online and what is being communicated.

We used Google Chrome for the parent dashboard section of Net Nanny. If you’re installing it on an iPhone, it’s recommended you disable Safari and only use the Net Nanny browser. We didn’t find any documentation that reported specific web browsers compatible with Net Nanny, although the website indicates it will work with any browser.

Screen time management

If your child spends more time on a mobile device than you’d like, Net Nanny has a solution for that. The Screen Time Management feature can limit the time your family spends on a protected device. Now parents can regain control, and families can spend more time connecting instead of being isolated by technology.

Net Nanny even allows pausing of the internet or turning it off. You can disable the internet by going into the child’s profile. While you can’t change screen times for singular apps, you can change times based on days. For instance, let’s say you want your kids to pay more attention to homework than social media during the week, but on the weekends, you give them more flexibility. As the parent, you can set a broader window for those times.

Location tracking and geo-fencing

Knowing where their child is gives parents peace of mind. Net Nanny uses location tracking to help ensure child safety. You can pull up real-time updates to know where your loved one is at all times. The Family Overview Map shows the exact location of the device. Net Nanny also lets you set up a history function showing different locations the device has been.

Net Nanny lets you configure alerts, too. Under the Configure Location Screen, you can set alerts for arrival and departure. You can also customize this by your entire family or one profile. The location tracking works for both Android and iOS devices.

Activity reports

Net Nanny provides visibility into what your child wants to access online so that you can keep an eye on what’s appropriate. Under the Family Feed section, you can see the online activity and latest online searches.

Here’s what you can expect with the activity reports:

• Alerts for blocked content
• Category and date/time of content
• Mobile apps used most often
• Search history, including search engine used
• Search terms used

Net Nanny customer support

There are a few online guide questions answered that show the user how to install the software or access some of the features Net Nanny offers. Email support and live chat are also options when you need assistance.

We contacted customer support to ask questions and were met with courteous service each time. It was disappointing that once the rep told us the website information was a bit misleading, and another time, the rep gave us instructions that didn’t work. That time, we were told the ticket would be escalated with no timeframe for a resolution. That’s not a great answer when something isn’t working.

Does Net Nanny collect your data?

Net Nanny collects statistical and demographic data. According to the website, it does this to show how registered and unregistered users navigate the Net Nanny services. It goes on to mention that this information could pertain to account settings, control activities, and session information. That data can be used for marketing purposes, as explained on the Net Nanny site.

Be aware that Net Nanny may allow third parties to target ads to its users. That means you may get marketing advertisements from vendors and research firms. In a sense, your online behavior will be tracked, and so will your IP address.

Net Nanny security

Net Nanny does not use two-factor authentication (2FA). It does encrypt your information both while at rest and when in transit. Here’s where it gets a bit unclear, to say the least.

According to the Data Security section, Net Nanny uses access control mechanisms to ensure information isn’t lost or accessed by an unauthorized user. However, it doesn’t reveal what those methods are or what encryption is used. It’s a bit hard to trust what we can’t verify in writing. It does go on to specify that any transmission made is at the user’s risk.

Top alternatives

If Net Nanny isn’t your cup of tea, we can understand. Other services may offer more of what you want in parental control software. When it comes to your child’s online safety, we have some alternatives.

Service
Star rating	4.4 AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.	4.4 AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.	3.7 AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
Price	Starts at $5.00/mo	Starts at $4.16/mo (billed annually)	Starts at $8.25/mo (billed annually)
# of people covered	Unlimited	Up to 15 kids	Unlimited
Screen time management
Content filtering
Conversation monitoring	Yes, on social media, texts, and email
Location tracking
Details	Get Bark	Get Norton Family	Get Aura

Net Nanny FAQs

Bottom line: Is the Net Nanny app good?

In our testing, we found that Net Nanny's features worked as advertised, but the user experience was definitely outdated and clunky. We were met with multiple bugs and hiccups along the way, but the actual functionality of its content filtering and screen time management worked like a charm.

If you want parental control software that is easy to use and checks every one of your boxes off, we'd recommend Bark over Net Nanny. 

Wondering how Net Nanny compares against some of the best parental control apps on the market? Check out our in-depth comparions:

• Net Nanny vs. Bark
• Net Nanny vs. Norton Family
• Net Nanny vs. Aura
• Net Nanny vs. Qustodio
• Net Nanny vs.  mSpy

3.6

AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Editorial Rating

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On Net Nanny's website

Parental Controls

Net Nanny

• Supports up to 20 devices
• Easy-to-use location tracking and screen time management features
• No text or email monitoring features

Author Details

Patti Croft

About the Author

Patti Croft is a seasoned writer specializing in technology, with three years of experience. With a B.S. in Computer Science and a background as a technical analyst and security specialist, she covers a range of topics like data security and parental control software.

Kalleigh Lane