1. SPIN Safe Browser
SPIN Safe Browser works on both iOS and Android devices. Instead of being just for kids, it works as a filter to make the Internet safer and cleaner for all ages. It blocks explicit sites, including those in search results. Plus, any area of a site that may contain questionable content is grayed out. Even explicit YouTube videos are blocked. While SPIN is free, you can pair it with Boomerang Parental Control for full control over your child’s smartphone. This gives you the ability to block sites, control access times, and even control what apps they can use and when. Call and text monitoring is available for Android users. Boomerang Parental Control costs $15.99/user/year or $30.99/up to 10 users/year.
2. Kiddle – Visual Search Engine for Kids
Kiddle is a very colorful kid-friendly browser that’s powered by Google. It features s funny-looking red robot on Mars for the kids to enjoy. Instead of the word Google, you’ll see Kiddle and the search bar where the kids can do their searching. Just like Google, below the search bar kids can either look for images, websites, Kimages (images from Kiddle encyclopedia), video, and Kpedia. If you see a page you consider inappropriate for kids, just click on the “Site blocking” link at the bottom and fill out the short form.
3. KidRex
KidRex is a little different from other kid-friendly browsers. First of all, the design is as if a kid actually drew it, which makes it even better. It doesn’t have the images, videos, etc. options but still offers the information you need. KidRex also has a section where you can see the drawings kids made of the search engine. It doesn’t say how you can send them in, but a good place to start would be clicking on the “Contact Us” option at the bottom.
4. Maxthon Kid-Safe Browser
Maxthon Kid-Safe Browser is one you’ll need to download on your Android device. You can set up a list of websites your child can visit and age-appropriate content, though the browser can do that for you, too. Any site that is not on your safe list will be blocked. Not only will the site be blocked, but any links, advertisements, or promotions will be blocked as well. The browser has extra security since the safe list can only be changed after entering a password. The browser is available for Android, iPhone, and iPad as well.
5. KidSplorer Web Browser
KidSplorer Web Browser can also help keep kids safe while they’re online. Kids can only visit the sites you whitelist, and you can remove, edit, or add URLs. You can make the browser run at startup if you want or leave it to be manually launched. This kid-friendly browser can also block access to the Internet for the times you specify. If your kids should be doing their homework, you can rest assured they won’t be able to go online. Kids won’t be able to switch to programs that are installed on the computer, and you can also set up different website lists for each of your kids. It does look rather dated and some of the built-in sites no longer exist. Plus, it’s not free. It’s $29.99 after a free trial. However, it is ideal for limiting kids to just the sites a parent chooses.
6. KidzSearch
KidzSearch is a browser made especially for kids that use Google Safe Search. This way your kids will only come across content that is suitable for their age. When they first access the browser, kids will see age-appropriate videos and content. To the left they will see options such as music, pictures, games, Kidz Tube and one that will take them to the top-rated kid sites. The browser also integrates voice search and a help option as well.
7. Safe Search Kids
Safe Search Kids not only has a very colorful design but also offers more than just a browser. Kids can get help with their math and also read tips on how they can deal with cyberbullying and how to post images online. This browser is powered by Google’s safe search too, so you can rest assured your kids won’t run into content they shouldn’t. Safe Search Kids also has an option so kids can visit the best websites for them.
8. Qustodio
Qustodio works a little differently than other options on this list. Instead of a safe browser for kids, it helps make any browser safer for kids. It works on Windows, Mac, Kindle, iOS, Android, and Chromebook. It’s a complete parental control solution. You can keep a check on screen time, see what apps and sites your child’s using, and set the limits you feel are best. You can block specific sites or use prebuilt filters to make your child’s device safer. If you want an all-in-one solution to use on a variety of platforms, Qustodio is it. You can get basic features for use on one device for free. However, pricing starts at $54.95/year for up to five devices.
9. Edge Kids Mode
If you already use Microsoft Edge browser, you already have a kids’ web browser built in – you just have to enable it. By switching to a child’s account, you can choose to browser in Kids Mode, which sets privacy settings to strict, enables SafeSearch in Bing, and includes age appropriate themes and images. You’ll need to manually switch to this mode by clicking your account profile in Edge, then just choose “Browse in Kids Mode.” Choose the age range and hand off the device to your child. They can’t exit the browser without your password or PIN. You can add or remove sites at any time by changing the settings while in Kids Mode. You will need your password to make changes.
10. Safe Internet Browser for Kids for Android
With Parent Mode on Safe Internet Browser for Kids, you can add the sites you want your kids to see. The browser comes with three preinstalled sites for kids: Amazing Paper Planes, Lego, and CoolMath. To make any changes you will need to create a PIN and enter it with every change you make. To search for a site to add, just use the app’s browser and tap on the plus sign (+) at the top right.
11. Zac Browser
Zac Browser, which is made specifically for autistic children, drastically simplifies the browsing experience. It keeps kids safer by limiting access to just a certain subset of websites. You can change these in the settings. You can also set time frames for when your child can have access. Zac stands for Zone for the Autism Community, and the sites and activities in the browser are chosen with the autistic community in mind. However, any young child would still love using this browser. While the installation process takes you through several different steps, once installed, it’s easy to launch and use the browser. Plus, it’s completely free.
1. Can any browser be a kid-friendly browser?
Technically, yes. You can use third-party parental control apps to restrict times and sites. For example, Qustodio, which is listed above, is one such option. You can also change your browser settings to stricter privacy modes or use browsers designed with privacy in mind, such as Brave. For Windows users, you can use Microsoft Family Safety. Most browsers allow you to create blocked sites and whitelisted site lists. However, if your child gets into the browser settings, they can easily change this themselves.
2. Is opening an incognito or private window in a browser considered safe for kids?
No. While this limits a website’s ability to track you while you’re online, kids can still access any website they want. This is also a workaround when you set up restrictions on a standard browser. By opening a private browsing window, they may be able to bypass any restrictive settings.
3. Is a kid-friendly search engine the same as a browser?
No. A search engine is just a single site. A child could then visit any other site or search engine they wanted. A kid-friendly browser limits what sites a child can visit and usually has a safe search engine included.
