Side by side
Microsoft Family Safety vs Norton Family
Both stand on parental control apps. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Choose Microsoft Family Safety if your family needs controls for screen time, content, and permissions across Windows and Xbox, with mobile management available through its app. Look elsewhere if you need location or driving safety features, which Microsoft says are going away, or if using a browser other than Edge is essential while web filters are on.
Visit Microsoft Family Safety
Norton Family combines web filtering, time controls, reporting, and location supervision for supported child devices. The annual subscription includes unlimited devices and a trial, while platform differences and Mac exclusion affect setup choices.
Visit Norton FamilyThe facts
| Microsoft Family Safety | Norton Family | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | No |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Android, iPhone, Windows | Android, Extension, iPhone, Web, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Microsoft 365 Family: $129.99 a year | Norton Family: $49.99 a year |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Norton Family |
| Website | microsoft.com | us.norton.com |
| On parental control apps | #6 of 111 | #71 of 111 |
Microsoft Family Safety: what it does well
- Screen-time limits cover apps and games on Windows, Xbox, and Android.
- Content filters can block apps, games, and non-kid-friendly browsing.
- Organizers can manage members, permissions, and activity reports.
- The free plan provides an option without a listed subscription price.
What to know first
- Web and search filters require Microsoft Edge.
- Location and driving safety features are going away.
- Mobile app availability varies by country or region.
Norton Family: what it does well
- Website filtering and content-topic blocking
- Schedules and daily screen-time limits
- Search, video, and activity supervision
- Location maps with 30-day history
- Unlimited devices on the annual plan
What to know first
- No free plan; costs $49.99 per year
- Mac is not supported
- Windows supervision needs browser extensions
- Video supervision excludes YouTube and Hulu apps
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