Best Antivirus for Android

Bitdefender is widely considered the best antivirus for Android on the market, but what fewer people know is that this is also excellent software for protecting your privacy. This service not only helps you find out whether your accounts or your personal data have been exposed, but it also offers great add-ons for protecting your favorite mobile apps. 

The Mobile Security feature allows you to create a PIN code for your Android apps and keep them away from thieves, allowing you to unlock them each time you use reliable Wi-Fi. According to one Bitdefender for Android review we’ve read, this feature can even capture the people who try to access your phone by guessing your PIN. 

Bitdefender is an affordable antivirus and malware app for Android that comes with a powerful Android malware scanner. The software scans your device for viruses and tells you whether your system is in danger, so you can remove malware from Android. 

The installation process works smoothly; you need to create an account on Bitdefender central, the dashboard from which you can manage all the features, and download the Android app from Google Play. The system will automatically scan your Android for viruses, and you can also set the antivirus software to scan your phone for malware on demand. 

Bitdefender for Android has a minimal impact on your system’s performance. The app runs only when necessary after you finish the installation process or when you want to check your system’s health. It doesn’t work in the background when you use your phone for calls, messages, or watching videos. 

This reliable security software for Android comes with a lot of interesting features and tools. Undoubtedly, the most interesting one is the anti-theft feature, which enables you to remotely locate your lost or stolen Android. You can also lock, wipe, and send messages to your mobile phone. 

The Bitdefender Mobile Security package includes VPN protection. It comes with 200 MB of secure traffic daily. There is also the option to upgrade to a premium VPN for $39.99 per year.

Kaspersky has been on the market for a long time, developing excellent systems of protection and security for almost all platforms. This is a relatively cheap antivirus app for Android that provides its users with great protection against viruses, phishing, and theft. Kaspersky for Android scans your device to detect all potential threats. It’s also good for protecting your valuable information like passwords, credit card details, or personal information. 

In the past few years, phishing has become a common threat, and more and more internet users are falling victim to these sneaky attacks. This crime occurs when a user opens a malicious email or message, allowing a thief to access his or her personal information. Kaspersky automatically blocks malicious websites and prevents damage from attacks like phishing. 

Another reason Kaspersky is arguably the best Android antivirus app is because of its great free version. The free version includes useful security tools like the great Kaspersky Android call filter feature. This feature allows you to stop receiving calls from unwanted people, while still allowing them to send you SMS and MMS messages. The free version also comes with a strong Android spyware detection app. 

Despite the fact that the free Kaspersky mobile antivirus version has so many great tools, its premium features are even better. The more powerful protection and security tools you get with the premium version include an app lock feature and real-time protection. The app lock feature allows you to protect the apps of your choice with a secure PIN. Although this provider of virus protection for Android doesn’t offer dedicated parental control features, the app lock is a great way to prevent your children from accessing specific apps. 

Another benefit of paying for the premium version of Kaspersky mobile security is the automated Android virus scan feature, as opposed to the manual-only scans you get with the free version. We also really appreciate the flexibility of choosing how you want the app to scan your device. For instance, you can tap on the button and start a complete antivirus scan, or you can choose to scan only a few folders. There’s also a quick scan option. 

While Kaspersky is easy to install and use, it’s by no means a fast antivirus for Android; it takes between 30 and 50 minutes to complete a full scan. It’s also worth noting that this system doesn’t automatically check new apps for viruses. 

McAfee is a great digital security company that prides itself on providing the “ultimate protection for your mobile life.” After all, everybody carries valuable information on their smartphones: credit card numbers, passwords, personal information, and other data that can be jeopardized by cyber attacks. McAfee is among the strongest security apps for Android tablets and smartphones. 

One of the reasons why Android users generally really like this antivirus package is because it offers a lot of free features and tools. A fast virus scan for Android, anti-theft protection, battery booster, and storage cleaner are just some of the tools you’ll get if you decide to use McAfee Android antivirus protection for free. Even with the free version, the phone virus scan runs quickly and checks both your device and any SD cards inserted into it. On top of that, this version allows you to scan Wi-Fi networks and confirm that they’re safe to use. However, we think the most interesting feature that comes with the free version is the Privacy Check feature, which allows you to track your apps and see which of them use your private information. 

Installing this great phone antivirus is quick and painless. If you already use the free version of the antivirus system, you can use the same account when purchasing and installing the paid McAfee Security system for Android. The starting price is $29.99 per year for one mobile device, and it includes all the features that comes with the free version plus many additional ones, including 24/7 customer support and a free backup system for protecting your most important data. The system renews automatically after one year, at which point you can get a lot of free features, like identity theft protection. There’s also the option to get a refund up to 30 days after the purchase in case you’re not satisfied with McAfee. 

One of the reasons many people consider McAfee the best antivirus software for Android is its wide range of tools that improve user experience on Android devices. Users who spend a lot of time watching videos on YouTube will appreciate the No In-App Ads feature, which disables adware and popups, so you can watch your favorite shows with no interruptions. Guest Mode is also a handy tool if you want to share your device with other people; it allows you to lock specific apps so only you can use them. 

The only real problem with this package is that it doesn’t include VPN protection. If you want to add this extra layer of protection to your data, you need to upgrade your package, which can be expensive; McAfee‘s Plus Android virus protection package costs $79.99 per year. 

Norton by Symantec is a globally recognized company that provides excellent cybersecurity services for Windows, Linux, and Mac platforms. But it’s the extremely affordable Norton for Android security system that we’d like to focus on today. This mobile anti-malware software is currently on sale at the heavily discounted price of just $14.95 per year. Even the regular annual price of $29.99 is a good offer, especially bearing in mind all the great security features we’re going to list below. If even that is too much, you can also test this product for up to 30 days for free. 

Norton offers its clients plenty of great tools for protecting their devices from malware, ransomware, annoying robocalls, and other threats. More and more fraudulent actions are enabled by receiving calls from unknown numbers, which is why Norton has developed a powerful engine that can recognize them. You can either block spam calls or get notification each time you receive one from Norton’s blacklist of fraudulent phone numbers. 

Norton also offers great Android malware protection in the form of fast scanning and malware removal. The scanner works periodically, so you don’t need to manually create any schedules. Not only does Norton react promptly to any detected threats by deleting malware and viruses from your devices, but it also prevents you from downloading infected apps and software. 

The software also guards the sensitive data on your phone by providing great protection against phishing sites. Norton site checker notifies you every time you stumble upon an infected website, so you don’t accidentally access it. The system also provides you with information about apps that contain adware, so you can decide whether or not you want to download them. 

One of the reasons Norton is on our list of the best antivirus apps for Android is because it’s the only one that’s powered by an app advisor. This powerful tool takes care of your Android’s health continuously, warning you if it detects any virus, malware, or ransomware that can harm your device. It works only when it’s turned on, so we suggest you do so each time you decide to download a new app from Google Play. With a quick scan, this feature will inform you whether or not the app is safe to use. 

The only major downside of Norton’s Android protection package is that it doesn’t include a VPN. Unlike some many other Android security apps, Norton doesn’t bundle a VPN in for free. If you want that extra layer of security, you’ll need to subscribe to Secure VPN with Norton.

Mainly thanks to its free version, Avast provides just about the most popular virus protection for Android. It supports all platforms and provides its users with a wide range of security features. For Android users who are looking for a feature-rich security app, Avast mobile security is the perfect choice. The free version secures your device from the majority of Android-specific threats and viruses, but it’s the paid version where Avast really shines.

Avast’s Android antivirus app protects devices from both theft and viruses. Its Android malware scan detects threats immediately after you install the app and removes them quickly. This malware protection also kicks into action and notifies you before you access a malicious website or download infected apps, while the web shield will warn you each time you try to access infected links or sites. 

Avast’s software comes with a straightforward interface that allows you to easily manage and use its features and tools. However, due to the wealth of features included, you might need some help setting up and learning to use the program. There aren’t a lot of guidelines on the company’s website, but you can contact the customer support agents, who are eager to answer your questions. 

Avast’s Android security app has anti-theft protection, which means you can track your lost phone, lock the device, and remotely wipe files. However, according to some Android antivirus reviews from users, it’s really hard to locate your phone by using this feature. Avast also has an Android firewall but only with root access, which might be a little complicated to use if you aren’t tech-savvy. 

However, Avast antivirus for Android comes with other great features. It has a Wi-Fi security system, which is really useful for showing you whether or not the network you use is protected. On top of that, we consider Avast the best Android security app for protecting your Android device against theft. Why? Because the Avast mobile security app can secretly take photos and record the voice of the thief in case your mobile is stolen. It also locks the phone if thieves try to switch the SIM. 

Avast call blocker is one of this package’s most useful tools because it allows you to block unwanted callers like cold calls and telemarketers. Avast antivirus for Android can also help you make the most of your phone’s battery life by optimizing its usage. Even if your battery dies and you don’t know where your phone is, this antivirus app for Android phone can help you track it.

AVG offers excellent security and protection products for both Android phones and tablets, while also being arguably the best product for boosting your Android’s performance. AVG antivirus for Android contains a range of tools that fight against malware, spyware, and viruses, and you can use many of these in the free version. 

Installing AVG antivirus for Android phone is a fast, smooth process. You can start using AVG for Android less than a minute after beginning the download process, and you can choose which of the product’s features you want to install. AVG has a clear, modern interface, with a black background that displays metrics outlining the current health of your device. 

Of course, AVG’s core feature is the Android malware protection it offers. The system blocks malware attacks and can safely remove all viruses and threats from your device, while the scan feature allows you to perform a deep or fast scan. If you have malware on your Android phone or tablet, the system will help you to remove it with zero impact on your files. And aside from being among the best malware apps for Android, AVG also comes with great free anti-theft protection, a device locker, and a camera trap feature. 

One of the reasons this app is so popular is because of its robust set of tools for helping your Android device work faster. This is confirmed by pretty much every AVG antivirus review – Android users who are satisfied with how this software improves the performance of their devices, and especially with the battery-saving function. To keep things speedy, you can also use this software to declutter your device by quickly deleting badly taken photos, apps that you don’t use, or hidden junk files. The AVG antivirus Android does all of this with just a single click on the Analyze button. You can also track which apps use the most resources and drain your battery the quickest, so you can decide whether they’re worth keeping. 

AVG is considered by many to be the best malware and antivirus for Android, but its paid version is not cheap, with a baseline price of $89.99 per year for five devices. Of course, this money nets you some great features that aren’t included in the free version. Perhaps the best of these is AVG’s VPN, which protects your identity and real location while you’re connected to the internet. 

AVG also provides excellent customer support. If you have any trouble setting up the app or you want to upgrade from free to paid antivirus protection, you can contact the agents and ask them for help. The company’s website also contains an FAQ section and guides that can teach you how to use AVG’s antivirus and cleaner for Android.

You may not know much about Avira Prime, but we deem it the best antivirus for Android in terms of providing great internet security, especially against identity theft. Despite not being cheap, it makes our list because it has a variety of features that you can use to protect up to five devices. The best part is that you can customize your plan according to the devices you want to protect and the additional services you want. For instance, if you need a fast virus scan for Android and at the same time you want VPN protection for your PC, then Avira is the best virus protection for you. 

Avira is just about the most reliable security app for Android and has been downloaded by tens of thousands of Android users worldwide. The company doesn’t offer a free trial, but you can purchase the software on a per-month basis to see if it suits your needs. The monthly price is $7.95, and you don’t need to sign any contract. However, if you decide to buy the more comprehensive package that protects up to five devices, you’ll need to pay $79.95 per year. The contract renews automatically after the first year.

Don’t worry if you don’t know how to check for malware on Android; with Avira’s Android virus cleaner, the simple process and clean interface make your job easy. In fact, Avira can check a phone for malware and conduct an antivirus test with one single click. Because of that, we consider this virus protection app for Android the easiest and fastest to use. Aside from allowing you to remove a virus from Android easily, it also checks unprotected networks and warns you about weak passwords you may be using. 

With Avira Prime, you’ll get VPN protection with unlimited traffic included in your package. This feature allows you to browse anonymously and mask your location, which both protects your privacy and allows you to unlock content that might be restricted in your area. 

Avira Prime is also a good antivirus for Android if you’re looking to protect your passwords. The included password manager saves the passwords you create for different websites, so you don’t need to waste your time whenever you want to log in to your account on a certain website. Moreover, it helps you to create strong passwords that no one can break. 

This virus protection for Android also provides security tools to protect you from phishing websites. With these tools and the password manager, you’ll be as protected as you possibly can be from identity theft. We also really like Avira’s web camera protection, which prevents malicious outsiders from gaining access to your device’s camera or microphone and potentially making embarrassing recordings. 

When it comes to customer support, this vendor provides a lot of useful guides, videos, and links to help you learn how to check your phone for a virus and how to remove malware from Android. The reason why Avira makes our list of the best antivirus for Android smartphones is thanks to its customer support, which is fast and delivered by polite, knowledgeable officers.

Webroot is an award-winning company that has been creating great cybersecurity products since 2007. Its basic antivirus program is designed exclusively for Mac and Windows OS, but the provider also has two more products that allow you to browse securely on almost all platforms.

Webroot Internet Security Plus is the best Android phone antivirus if you’re looking for online protection for multiple devices without breaking the bank. The full starting price for Internet Security Plus is $55.99 per year for three devices, but we’ve recently seen it offered at a discounted annual price of $44.99. 

In comparison to McAfee, which charges a lot for three devices, Webroot’s offer is still really affordable, especially considering all the great features you can get. As the package covers three devices, you could use one Webroot licence to protect your Android, Mac, and Windows devices. The company also offers a more comprehensive Android virus package that protects up to five devices. 

Unlike other providers from our list of the best security software for Android, Webroot doesn’t come with extra security features to save your device from thieves. For example, there’s no anti-theft security tool, nor is there camera capture protection, which means you won’t be able to locate the device remotely if it gets stolen. So if you’re looking for a product that has both online and physical theft security features, you should check some other mobile security apps. 

Webroot Internet Security Plus is, after all, a product designed to block viruses and malware. It includes a virus scan for Android that detects the majority of malicious programs and provides great mobile security to protect against phishing sites. As far as Android virus removal goes, this is one of the most powerful options on the market, allowing you to safely remove infected files. And as you’d expect from arguably the best antivirus app for Android, it also protects your device from ransomware attacks. This is one of the latest cybersecurity threats, in which an attacker steals your personal data and demands a ransom in exchange for this information. Webroot prevents ransomware attacks by using firewalls and blocking malicious sites.

The software does all of this in real time, meaning it doesn’t allow you to open suspicious emails or download potentially contagious files or apps. What’s more, it has zero impact on your system’s performance. The downside of this great virus protection for Android is that the company doesn’t offer live chat or phone support. In case you have some questions or concerns, you’ll need to use a ticketing system or send a message. 

Sophos is a renowned British cybersecurity company that offers a wide range of products aimed at protecting devices of all types and sizes. The company mainly focuses on providing enterprise-level protection for midsize and large companies. Still, Sophos does offer cybersecurity products aimed at individual users through its Home and Home Premium packages. Here, we’re reviewing Intercept X – the company’s mobile security software that’s available in Home and Enterprise versions.

The safest way to determine whether an app deserves a spot on the best mobile antivirus list is to check its scores in independent lab tests. Unfortunately, the latest results available from the AV-TEST institute are from 2019. There, Intercept X scored very highly across the board.

Intercept X’s antivirus and antimalware protection features encompass a fairly standard set of tools and capabilities. Upon installing the Android app, you’ll first have to provide a slew of permissions in order for it to be able to conduct scans and eliminate threats. It will immediately scan previously installed apps for malicious content, as well as checking any apps you install subsequently. 

Like any good antivirus for Android, Intercept X also detects potentially unwanted apps and allows you to run regular or on-demand scans. As is the case with most modern antiviruses, its virus and malware database is continually updated from the cloud, guaranteeing top-class virus removal for Android phones.

The Intercept X dashboard gives you a nice clear overview of your device’s current security status. It warns you to improve your security by adding PIN locks and passwords, notifies you if any of the installed apps have costs or fees, and pings you whenever an app attempts to access sensitive data like your address book.

The app also generates one-time passwords for a variety of authenticators and includes a secure QR code scanner, which checks target URLs for malicious content.

The Enterprise version is considered to be the best paid antivirus for Android by many corporate users. This version, dubbed Sophos Mobile Security, represents a Unified Endpoint Management System. In short, it allows businesses to manage and protect endpoint devices and mobile phones from cyber threats. 

In this day and age, when most of us access work-related files via mobile, we’re constantly putting sensitive work data at risk. Sophos Mobile Security serves both as protection and management software. Through Sophos Central, administrators can fine-tune security settings, access permissions, blacklist and configure apps, and much more.

Both of these apps deserve a place on any best Android antivirus list. The Home version of Intercept X is completely free to use forever, while the price of the Enterprise version depends on the number of users. 

Unfortunately, pricing information for this virus cleaner for Android isn’t displayed on the site. Instead, you need to fill out a form online in order to get a quote. According to our research, the Mobile Security package costs around the $30 mark per user per year. Of course, the exact pricing depends on the size of your company, the length of subscription, and so forth.

All in all, Sophos Intercept X and Mobile Security are powerful security tools. The paid version might be a bit costly, but that’s to be expected since it’s mainly geared towards corporate use.

Lookout is a hugely popular Android phone antivirus and data protection app. So far, it’s been downloaded more than 100 million times off of Google Play.

The first of Lookout’s three plans is free, and it’s pretty simple. It includes an antivirus, basic anti-theft features, and a System Advisor. According to the AV-Comparatives 2019 Android antivirus report, the software managed to block 99.6% of the threats, which is exceptional for a free product. The anti-theft functionalities entail location tracking and automatic location saving for when your phone’s battery is low, as well as an alarm that can be triggered remotely. Lastly, the System Advisor is there to keep watch for any operating system issues.

However, Lookout wouldn’t be on our Best Android antivirus list if it didn’t have more to offer. The only way to truly understand why this app has such a good reputation is to purchase the Premium plan for $2.99 per month or $29.99 per year – it comes with an abundance of extra features.

As a paying customer, you’ll be able to lock your phone from anywhere and erase your data, thus preventing it from getting into the wrong hands. Also, the Privacy Advisor can examine all your apps and tell you exactly what personal information is vulnerable and prevent you from logging onto any unsafe websites.

Like all the top security apps for Android, this one guards you against a variety of attacks. Not to mention that you’ll receive alerts when one of your accounts is compromised and emails with location details as well as a photo in case Lookout detects any suspicious behavior.

The last Premium Plus plan, which is $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year, is on the costly side but, for the most part, the price is justified. On top of the features offered in the two other pricing packages, you’ll get three types of monitoring tools, identity theft restoration assistance, and insurance. As you can see, Lookout’s capabilities go far beyond mere Android phone virus protection.

The first monitoring tool will notify you whenever your personal or financial information is leaked online, the second one will keep track of documents with your Social Security Number, and the third will monitor your social media accounts for any privacy breaches or potentially offensive posts.

If a Premium Plus subscriber becomes a victim of identity theft, aside from having access to 24/7 assistance, they’ll also be entitled to Lookout’s insurance, which covers up to $1 million in damages and legal fees.

To sum up, those looking for the best virus protection for Android will find that and much more with Lookout. The only real problems we encountered concern the app’s high battery consumption and the fact that the scans tend to be quite slow.