Monday, January 13th
2025 Internet Filter Reviews
Norton Family
- $49.99 per year for all features
- YouTube monitoring included
- Includes phone and desktop monitoring
- Block specific sites
- 60-day refund policy
- 4.4-star average rating
- "A+” rating from the BBB
A lot of us may know the name Norton from the popular internet security features and anti-virus software that earned the company a household name in tech. Outside of spyware and virus protection, Norton also has the Norton Family software for protecting children as they browse online. Norton's online safety tools include filters and parental limits to help you keep your loved ones safe from inappropriate online content. Available on Android, iOS, Windows, and Mac devices, you can easily protect your child on mobile devices at home and away.
Most features are review-based and data-driven
The primary features of Norton Family include filters that skim websites, videos, and mobile apps, supervision capabilities to view and manage the apps on your child's devices, web browsing blockers to keep your child from specific content, video supervision so you can review a child's YouTube history, data on your child's search history, and location supervision with a 30-day history. Notably, Norton Family doesn't offer specific supervision on chat apps, though you are able to choose which apps your child can and can't download.
Blocks the site before you visit
The filtering system works primarily by blocking your child from accessing a specific site or app. There are two ways to block. First, you can totally block a site by Norton Family. This is a blanket block and the site can't be accessed. The other option allows you to choose to give your child a warning when entering specific sites, but allow them to enter after seeing the warning. Unlike other apps or software that use keywords, the total block of a specific site maintains your child's safety on their device no matter what they search or browse online. You can also schedule or block access to the device to create offline time for your child as needed.
$49.99 per year for all features
Norton Family is all offered at one simple price. There are no separate plans or upgrades. If you want Norton Family, it will be $49.99 per year with access to all features. You can also access Norton Family if you already have a Norton 350 Premium or Deluxe membership for security, but for just Norton Family, there is a separate subscription option.
Refunds within 60 days
There is no free trial offered by Norton Family. Instead, Norton offers a full refund within 60 days if you get an annual plan, so you can try out the app for approximately two months before you need to make a final decision. This is one of the longest terms for a return policy that we've seen, offering a little more protection despite no free trial.
Best for families who know what to block
Norton Family is best for those looking to block access to certain sites. While there are other features offered, this is the primary way that Norton Family offers internet filtering. This is an app designed for families, not businesses. You'll need to proactively block anything you're worried about, which may take more work than other internet filters.
Solid scores and praise for blocking
Most of the reviews online for Norton are for its LifeLock subscription or the general Norton service. We found a few tech review sites that reviewed Norton Family, specifically, and these were generally around 4.4 out of 5 stars with praise for the real-time alerts without being too invasive. Norton itself has an "A+” rating from the Better Business Bureau, and the app store shows an above-average rating of 3.1 stars on Google Play and 3.9 stars on Apple. In general, customers like that the app is great for blocking out unwanted content after you get the entire thing set up. Some users felt that the learning curve for Norton Family was a little high, but in general, the praise is over 70% 5 stars.
Great blocking software to try
While the features may seem a little more slim on Norton Family, this is a good internet filter if you know what to block. By stopping your kids from accessing sites that are dangerous (or potentially dangerous), Norton Family allows access to the internet and social apps without "over blocking” with keywords. For an app that offers you complete control and data as well, Norton is a great choice to check out. While we'd love to see a free trial in the future, it still comes in with a solid rating.
More Internet Filter Reviews
What is the Best Internet Filter?
Ever worried about all the crazy stuff online and wish there was a safer way to browse without running into unwanted content? If you're on the internet today, you know there's plenty to avoid. Whether you're dodging explicit content floating around on "X” or just trying to keep your socials from overwhelming your busy life, filtering out sites and tags that you (and your family) want to avoid can be a weight off your shoulders.
The primary purpose of internet filters is to help users avoid and prohibit access to NSFW content. However, schools often use internet filters to promote focus and help students avoid unnecessary time on social media sites. You can use them however you want, but the main goal is limiting the world wide web for safer and happier browsing.
Internet Filter FAQ
Continued from above...
Internet filters are a great way to create a more secure browsing experience for you and your family. Internet filters are most popular with parents who have little ones. Whether you're trying to ensure your child's favorite Roblox YouTuber is safe or keep your kids using only age-appropriate online games, there are tons of ways to protect your family. Plus, many companies and businesses use internet filters too. Whether your desire is religious, based on productivity, or just keeping inappropriate content out of your home, there's an internet filter out there for you.
There are two kinds of web filtering that are most popular. The first type is a block list. This allows you (or the administrator) to manually enter websites that should be blocked by the filter program. All sites are immediately blocked on the web browser connected to the filter. You can also do this in reverse and create a master block with certain "allowed” lists for sites that are available on your browser.
The second type is based on keywords. For this method, the software allows you to input select filters or keywords to the software and it will prevent access to sites or content that contains those keywords. You'll have to be specific for this broader approach to work. For example, entering "NSFW” as a keyword means the software will only block things tagged or directly mentioning the exact word "NSFW”. If you want to avoid any contact with adult content, you may find a range of tags related to specific areas are more effective. Some newer apps also use AI technology to do regular sweeps of online sources to keep your little ones safe if they stumble onto a questionable site by accident.
The best part? You don't need to be a tech whiz to get proper web filtering on your personal or home PCs. Some go through software on your specific device (with apps or cloud-based downloads) while others work on your entire internet router. There are plenty of options and different levels to choose from. Plus, the best modern services will help you every step of the way with solid tech support and download tutorials.
If you're ready to add that extra sense of security to your browsing experience, but aren't sure where to start, check out the factors below. These should help you narrow down your options. There are plenty of internet filters out there, and we want you and your family (or your business) to have the best. Here are some helpful criteria we found:
- Cost. Helpful filters are definitely available through a paid service, but you don't want to break the bank either. Keep an eye out for package deals or monthly payments that only cover what you need. Keep a balance between features and cost, and see if you can find all-inclusive packages to save a little extra but get all the protection you want.
- Features. What are the features you're looking for? Does your chosen software or app have them? Keep an eye out for all-inclusive apps that don't charge you extra for all the features you need, like app blocking or website filtering.
- Reputation. With tech companies popping up everywhere, you may want to take a little extra time to check out customer reviews for internet filters. Make sure the filter apps cover the areas you're worried about most. Third-party review sites like Trustpilot or the Better Business Bureau can give you the customers' perspective on whether you should entrust your family or business to a particular internet filter.
Top Consumer Reviews has reviewed and ranked the top internet filters online today. No matter what you're filtering for, there's definitely a solution for your systems, whether you need a home PC protected, your entire internet connection filtered, or just want to check in on your kids' social media usage. Now, you can browse safely and enjoy a more curated online environment designed just for you.
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