About 80% of Android users rely on antivirus apps in securing important data stored on their smartphones. However, not all antivirus apps give you the best security solutions without impeding your mobile experience. For that reason itself, we rounded up the most trusted and best Android antivirus applications you can install to maximize your mobile security. Don’t worry though since most of them are free too!
Best Android Antivirus Apps
- Kaspersky Internet Security for Android
- Avast Mobile Security
- Bitdefender Antivirus Free
- AVG AntiVirus
- Norton Security
- McAfee Security
- Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
- Avira Antivirus
- Sophos Antivirus and Security
- Comodo Antivirus
- Security Master
- Safe Security
- AhnLab V3 Mobile Security
- Trend Micro Mobile Security
- PSafe DFNDR Pro Security
1. Kaspersky Internet Security for Android
Kaspersky Internet Security is one of the best-trusted antivirus apps for Android, and it’s not hard to see why. This antivirus boasts a rigorous virus check and removal that is as powerful as the one you use for your home computer. Though it works best with the paid version, the free version offers no lesser than the premium plan.
The only difference is the free version uses a manual scanning of viruses and malware. However, it still supports all Android Wear. The premium version also includes an automatic scanning, anti-phishing, and app lock to double up security for any mobile activities. If you’re uncertain whether or not the premium version is worth the price, there’s a free 30 days free trial for you to test it out.
Reasons To Download:
- Allows you to block unwanted calls and text messages
- The anti-theft feature helps you lock and locate your device when stolen
- Rigorous protection against all kinds of viruses and malware
- Employs Machine Learning for all-out updates
2. Avast Mobile Security for Android
Another antivirus app that you need to look into is Avast Mobile Security. It’s yet another effective antivirus app that protects users on all platforms. It has over a hundred million downloads and a user-friendly display of functions to ensure a worry-free browsing experience. Moreover, it’s easy to use and a single tap is all it takes to scan your device from any malicious software and infected apps.
Apart from the antivirus engine, Avast also offers additional features that are both accessible for the free and paid version. These functions include App Lock, Call Blocker, and Anti-Theft.
Reasons To Download:
- Checks your Wi-Fi Speed
- Photo Vault keeps your photos secure
- Junk cleaner eliminates unnecessary files
- Malwarebytes vs Avast? –Avast holds the crown.
3. Bitdefender Antivirus Free for Android
Bitdefender Antivirus Free can easily be the best Android antivirus app that delivers free high-end antivirus protection. It stands out from the crowd mainly because it boasts of its fast processing feature. It boosts your mobile performance without slowing down your device or draining your battery. Plus, Bitdefender is the known king outside Google Play store APK downloads.
Reasons To Download:
- Uses in-the-cloud scanning technology for optimum protection
- Supports Android Wear
- Shields your browsing activity using VPN
- Has ‘Scream’ feature when the phone is lost
Get Bitdefender Antivirus Free
4. AVG AntiVirus
AVG (Anti-Virus Guard) is a well-known antivirus app available for Windows, macOS, and Android. It is developed by AVG Technologies, a subsidiary of Avast. Similarly, it presents standard functions such as virus scanning, junk cleaner, privacy, and web security, etc. You’ll be given 14 days of trial to utilize premium features. AVG is trusted by over a hundred million Android users worldwide and has a 4.7/5.0 rating on Google Playstore.
Reasons To Download:
- Camera Trap feature takes a secret photo of someone sneaking on your device
- Can download add-ons from AVG for free to maximize protection
- Trusted Antivirus with hundred million of download
5. Norton Security and Antivirus for Android
After downloading, Norton Security and Antivirus will immediately scan your device right off the bat, without pressing the ‘scan’ button. Norton’s time-tested antivirus engine defends the entry and intrusiveness of malicious files and apps to your Android system. The free version includes antivirus, WiFi scanning, Safe Search, and phone protection even if your phone gets stolen.
Reasons To Download:
- Gives award-winning protection for your device
- Alerts you when it detects dangerous network
- Restores your contacts across your phone or tablets
Get Norton Security for Android
6. McAfee Security and Power Booster
McAfee Security and Power Booster is another big name when it comes to antivirus. It functions almost similarly to Avast and Bitdefender. But one thing for sure is this application has tons of user-friendly features that work well even in the free version. Features like the anti-theft, memory cleaner, Wi-Fi security, security lock are just a starter; there are plenty more functions that await your discovery.
However, the pro version of McAfee is a little more expensive as compared to other antivirus apps in the market.
Reasons To Download:
- Battery optimizer enhances the capacity of the battery
- Supports Android Wear
- Prevents a thief from uninstalling the app using the Anti-theft uninstall protection
7. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware for Android
Malwarebytes is a free antivirus that definitely walks the talk. It has a strong reputation for removing critical malware on PCs, and now on your handy phones. It performs advanced protection against ransomware, malware, and other threats to your Android device. Its ultra-powerful virus detection can guarantee 100% security. That means, it’ll find risky programs before they can damage your devices.
Reasons To Download:
- The Privacy Audit feature tells what apps are monitoring your moves
- Assures safe browsing experience
- Removes adware and malware quickly and effectively
8. Avira Antivirus Security
Avira Antivirus Security is possibly one of the best Android antivirus apps that run in the market right now. It is a free application that features functions such as anti-ransomware, Anti-Theft, Locator, and Recovery Tools. Avira also offers camera protection that not many other antivirus apps have. What it does is stop any apps that run on camera to spy on you. Also, it runs perfectly smooth in the background without draining too much of your mobile’s battery.
Reasons To Download:
- “Identity Safeguard’ feature checks email addresses in your contact list to make sure they don’t pose a threat to your security.
- Elegant Interface
- Reliable Scanning tool
Get Avira Antivirus for Android
9. Sophos Antivirus and Security
Sophos is a free antivirus that won the AV-Test Award back in 2016. It mostly provides a 100% detection rate and removes malware, spyware, and ransomware without any advertisements. It offers a smooth scanning experience without impacting your phone’s battery life. Not to mention, it works unobtrusively in the background, thus increasing your mobile’s performance.
Reasons To Download:
- No advertisements
- QR code scanner to set up a wi-fi connection
- Excellent protection against threats
10. Comodo Antivirus for Android
Comodo Antivirus is designed to safeguard Android operating systems against all possible viruses. It checks every downloaded file, including Word and spreadsheet docs, ZIP, and EXE files. It guarantees an ultra-secure mobile VPN proxy service to step up your Internet security. Additionally, Comodo has a mobile vault for Android, allowing you to keep your sensitive files safe.
Reasons To Download:
- Easy to Install
- Cloud scanner works efficiently even without the latest updates
- Keeps your system optimized
11. Security Master
Security Master is an upgraded version of CM Master and has a wider scope in terms of phone security. It is packed with powerful features including VPN proxy, Applock, and Anti-Theft alarm. Likewise, it garnered a considerable rating in Google Play Store, making it one of the best-rated antivirus applications on Android.
Reasons To Download:
- ‘Intruder Selfie’ captures a photo of an intruder accessing your phone
- Strong protection for your online privacy
- CPU cooler prevents your phone from overheating
12. Safe Security
Safe Security offers exclusive protection for your Android devices through its reliable features — power cleaner, smart speed booster, and real-time protection against risky apps. It also offers in-app products to enhance your antivirus engine. In addition, Safe Security allows you to add anonymous numbers to blacklist from contacts and messages. It supports no-ads in-app and creditworthy real protection.
Reasons To Download:
- Multi-function lock screen allows you to check the phone’s status even when locked
- Fingerprint lock easily unlocks your phone without typing your password
- App recommendations for an augmented experience
13. AhnLab V3 Mobile Security
AhnLab is one of the best antivirus apps from South Korea that offers thorough antivirus protection for Android devices. Notably, AV-Test has globally certified the app as a solid solution against malware since 2013. On top of it, AhnLab is ranked first by global test agencies namely AV-Test and AV-comparatives.
Moreover, this app also comes with a 10-day trial of premium anti-malware. Its features give you a comprehensive overview of vulnerable areas of your phone. After the scanning process, it then suggests possible solutions to maximize real-time protection.
Reasons To Download:
- Provides 100% of mobile malware protection
- New updates include ‘Anti-Bluelight Filter’ feature
- Configured to use less battery consumption
14. Trend Micro Mobile Security
Trend Micro Mobile Security is a complete package app trusted by many Android users, particularly parents and social media admins. Moreover, it also protects the user against the possible risk of information breach through the built-in privacy scanner for Facebook.
Learn about all the possible Facebook Viruses here.
The free version includes top features with in-app purchases. However, the paid version gives a compact security measure consisting of malware blocker, as well as text and call filtering.
Reasons To Download:
- Scans URLs and blocks risky websites
- Checks links in text messages, Facebook, Line, and WhatsApp before you click them.
- Keeps your phone powered longer when resources are low
Get Trend Micro Mobile Security
15. PSafe DFNDR Pro Security
DFNDR Pro Security is a trusted antivirus app that gives 100% comprehensive protection against viruses, Internet fraud, and scams. It is trusted by 200 million Android users globally and is AV-Test Certified too.
Likewise, it gives you real-time scam alerts and trustworthy privacy protection against malware, ransomware, and phishing. It has a 7-day free trial with no ads and offers in-app purchases to access its top features.
Reasons To Download:
- Monitors your online accounts 24 hours a day against leaks and online scams
- Erases data remotely when your phone is lost
- Locks photos and apps against intruders
Why Do You Need Antivirus on Android?
Android is a massive and unrestricted operating system compared to iOS. This means you can download applications outside of Google Playstore. The risky part is that most applications on the Google Play Store are mostly open-source; hence, it could be a potential threat to your mobile’s security and functionality. After all, who would want their information to be exploited for illegal activities, right?
However, some claim that even applications found in the Google Play Store are not 100% safe anymore. Though few appear as a helpful utility, in fact, it is loaded with threatening viruses like — Trojan, ransomware, universal cross-site scripting, and Android installer hijacking. And these critical programs pose peril to your phone’s data, especially if you’re using an older version of Android.
Thus, we recommend installing antivirus applications on your device. What these Antivirus apps do is protect users from cyberattacks including malicious malware, spyware, ransomware, viruses, and phishing that can be harmful to your devices. Likewise, these apps will not only help prolong your device’s lifespan but also optimize your Android system for a smoother mobile experience.
How Does Antivirus Application Work In Android Phones?
Antivirus apps in Android operate quite similarly to the ones installed on PC. It scans your installed applications, files, and documents, and pending downloads as a security measure. Additionally, it safeguards your personal information against scammers while you’re making bank transactions or registering an account online.
Not to mention, there are a number of amazing extras added to the Android version. These include the anti-theft alerts for lost devices, App Lock, RAM Boost to improve your device’s system, Junk Cleaner, VPN Proxy, and so much more.
Takeaway
As well all know, prevention is always better than cure. So, why take the risk of having your data exposed to hackers? Or taking the risk to expose your Android device to viruses when you have a choice to prevent it from happening? Start by choosing one of the best antivirus apps on our list now.
If you have anything more to add, share your reviews in the comments below! We’d love you hear from you.
