When you buy through affiliate links in our content, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn Android devices are a primary target for cybercriminals hoping to steal your personal details or hack your bank account. As many as 47%+ of infected devices are running the Android OS, so it’s essential to have the best Android antivirus app in place to protect yourself.
Based on our comprehensive assessment methodology, I’ve reviewed, tested, and compared the leading options on the market and have created a shortlist of candidates for the best Android antivirus.
- Show Full Guide
The Top 7 Android Antivirus Apps Ranked
- TotalAV – Best Android antivirus for real-time protection
- Bitdefender – Best cheap antivirus for Android
- Surfshark Antivirus – Best Android antivirus with unlimited VPN
- Norton Antivirus – Best Android antivirus app for first-time users
- NordVPN Threat Protection – Best Android antivirus app with global VPN
- Avast – Best free antivirus for Android smartphones
- McAfee – Best Android antivirus app for identity protection
The Best Antivirus for Android Devices Reviewed
In this section of my guide, I present in-depth reviews of each of the Android antivirus apps on my shortlist to help you identify the best option for your needs.
1. TotalAV – Best Android Antivirus for Real-Time Protection
| Starting Price | $1.58/month |
|---|---|
| Free Version/Trial | Free Plan, 30-day money-back guarantee |
| Key Features | Ad Blocker, Memory Optimization, Breach Check |
| Max Devices | 8 |
| Testing Results | 17/18 |
Why We Picked It
TotalAV stands out as the best Android antivirus software for real-time protection. It offers superb malware detection rates and top performance that won’t impact your device’s battery as much as the competition.
Features
- Malware Protection – TotalAV continuously updates its database of malicious websites, apps, and files to ensure its product can stop even the latest viruses. The Android app will stop you from visiting malicious websites that may expose you to malicious software and phishing attacks, and it will scan every app and file you download to ensure they pose no harm to your device, even from messaging apps.
- Security Features – The app also includes a VPN to help you stay safe while browsing the internet and when using public WiFi networks. Its top-tier plan also provides password manager protection for all your online accounts, making TotalAV an excellent security suite for Android users.
- Phone Performance – In testing, I found TotalAV offers great performance, as its scans are quick but thorough, and the battery drain is nearly unnoticeable. In addition, its Memory Optimization feature can clean up unused apps and files, boosting the performance of your device and freeing up storage.
Antivirus Testing Results
In recent AV-Test auditing, TotalAV hit a 100% malware detection rate and 99.9% for real-time threat prevention.
The antivirus also got full marks for performance and a 5/6 score for usability. It didn’t significantly impact battery life or speed but incorrectly flagged one legitimate application.
Pricing
TotalAV costs just $1.58/month for the standard antivirus and system optimization features with the introductory offer. Upgrading to the Internet Security plan ($39/year) unlocks VPN protection, while the Total Security plan ($49/year) also includes a password manager.
Who It’s Best For
TotalAV is the best choice for users looking for an app that’s easy to use, has minimal impact on Android smartphone performance, and offers excellent malware detection rates and real-time protection.
Read our full TotalAV review.
Pros
- Robust Android antivirus protection
- Lightweight Android app
- Phishing and ransomware protection
- Affordable introductory pricing
- Best for Android tablet
Cons
- No monthly payment options
- Base plan lacks VPN protection
2. Bitdefender – Best Cheap Antivirus for Android
| Starting Price | $1.25/month |
|---|---|
| Free Version/Trial | Free Plan, 30-day trial |
| Key Features | App Anomaly Detection, Anti-Theft, Battery & Performance Saver |
| Max Devices | 10 |
| Testing Results | 18/18 |
Why We Picked It
Bitdefender is the cheapest Android antivirus on this list, but that doesn’t mean it skimps on security. It offers robust real-time protection and a reliable app scanner, and it won’t drain your battery while it runs in the background.
Features
- App Anomaly Detection – Bitdefender is the best antivirus I’ve tested that continuously monitors your Android apps for malicious behavior. The feature works against both zero-day and evolving threats and can even detect rogue apps that have bypassed Google Play’s security measures. Even though it’s always running in the background, I didn’t see any noticeable spikes in battery usage.
- Anti-Theft – You can remotely lock or wipe your smartphone with this feature, in the event that it’s lost or stolen. What impressed me most, though, is that you can set it to take a photo of anyone who tampers with your device in your absence. Remotely locking my Android phone only took a few seconds in my tests, although wiping it clean failed in some of my tests.
- Battery & Performance Saver – The antivirus app performs its most intensive operations on the cloud, minimizing the impact on your smartphone’s performance and battery life. This comes with the drawback, though, that it provides less efficient scans when your device is offline.
Antivirus Testing Results
Bitdefender for Android got full marks for protection, performance, and usability in recent AV-Test assessments. It blocked 100% of real-time malware attacks and did just as well against common viruses.
Its impact on battery life and device performance was minimal, as well, and the antivirus issued no false alerts against close to 4,000 legitimate app samples.
Pricing
Bitdefender Mobile Security for Android costs just $1.25/month with a one-year subscription. It’s a single-tier plan, so you get the software’s full feature set right from the get-go. A free plan with limited functionality is also available, and there’s a free 30-day trial of the premium version.
Who It’s Best For
Bitdefender is my top recommendation for users who need an affordable, all-in-one Android antivirus solution. The provider offers an extensive feature set at a low cost and without hidden renewal price hikes.
Read our full Bitdefender review.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Robust malware protection
- App anomaly detection
- Minimal impact on battery life
- Free plan
Cons
- Requires internet connection for effective scanning
- Only covers one account per subscription
3. Surfshark Antivirus – Best Android Antivirus with Unlimited VPN
| Starting Price | $2.69/month |
|---|---|
| Free Version/Trial | 7-day VPN trial, 30-day money-back guarantee |
| Key Features | Dark Web Scanning, Real-Time Protection, In-Depth Scans |
| Max Devices | 5 (for antivirus) |
| Testing Results | 17/18 (Windows) |
Why We Picked It
Surfshark is a highly customizable Android antivirus app that can protect you from intrusive ads, malware, and similar cyber threats and has a VPN for unlimited devices.
Features
- Malware Protection – Surfshark is well known as one of the best VPN providers and provides high-speed connections and excellent security features – but you shouldn’t overlook its antivirus and malware removal capabilities. The provider offers 24/7 real-time antivirus protection for five devices.
- Malware Scanning – A full scan will detect even the most persistent, hidden malware, and I found it to be a good option if you’re scanning for spyware. Besides scanning installed apps and files as you use them, Surfshark will also scan apps in the background when you install them and ensure files pose no threat before you launch them.
- Customization Options – Surfshark is also more customizable than most of its competitors. You can exclude apps you trust to speed up your scans, and it lets you pick between full and quick scans, and you can schedule them for convenience.
Antivirus Testing Results
Surfshark Antivirus was able to detect and block 100% of malware samples AV-Test put to it in recent trials.
Its performance got a 5.5/6 score, though, due to a relatively high impact on browsing speeds. Nevertheless, usability remained high, with zero false positives.
Pricing
Surfshark’s cheapest plan costs $2.19/month but doesn’t include the antivirus. The Surfshark One plan includes all the antivirus features, costs $2.69/month, and adds data breach monitoring to alert you if your credentials leak online. You can also upgrade to Surfshark One+ for data removal tools ($4.29/month for two years). Monthly and annual plans are also available at higher rates.
Who It’s Best For
Surfshark is ideal for users looking for antivirus protection, coupled with one of the fastest VPNs on the market, plus data breach monitoring and a versatile malware scanner. Given all this, it’s often named as the best Android antivirus on Reddit.
Read our full Surfshark Antivirus review.
Pros
- Includes the best VPN for Android
- Excellent performance
- Personal data security reports
- Highly customizable
Cons
- Full scans can take time
- No free version
4. Norton Antivirus – Best Android Antivirus App for First-Time Users
| Starting Price | $2.49/month |
|---|---|
| Free Version/Trial | 30-day trial, 60-day money-back guarantee |
| Key Features | Report Card, SMS Security, App Advisor |
| Max Devices | Unlimited |
| Testing Results | 17/18 |
Why We Picked It
Norton is one of the only Android antiviruses to provide parental controls, identity theft protection, and traditional antivirus features at an affordable price, so it’s great for families and first-time users.
Features
- Malware Protection – The Norton mobile security solution offers real-time protection and allows you to scan your phone for viruses. It also offers top-notch protection against zero-day threats and ransomware.
- Virus Protection Promise – Subscriptions include 24/7 support, so if you can’t remove a virus with Norton, you can contact a technician for assistance. What’s more, Norton is so confident about the effectiveness of its product that the firm promises your money back if the antivirus fails to remove a virus.
- Scan Reporting – Although it isn’t as performance-friendly as TotalAV and Surfshark, Norton offers detailed reports on your device’s security and performance issues, allowing you to identify and deal with files or apps that may affect your device. For example, Norton will highlight apps that require security updates and warn you about potentially dangerous public WiFi networks.
Antivirus Testing Results
Norton had no difficulty with the 6,000+ Android malware samples put to it by AV-Test and had a 100% resolution rate – while keeping battery and resource use low.
Norton also got a 6/6 usability score, issuing only one false positive from nearly 4,000 samples.
Pricing
Norton has a flexible, scalable pricing structure. The starting plan protects just one device for $2.49/month.
The more comprehensive plans add VPN protection, parental controls, dark web monitoring, identity protection, and other features for higher fees. They include the impressive Norton 360 Deluxe plan ($49.99/year) and the comprehensive Norton 360 with LifeLock Ultimate Plus plan ($299.99/year).
Who It’s Best For
Norton’s detailed reports, intuitive interface, and actionable insights make it a great pick for beginners and families. It’s ideal for users who’d like to fix even the slightest security gaps on their Android smartphone.
Read our full Norton Antivirus review.
Pros
- Comprehensive parental controls
- Flexible plans
- Filters spam SMS text messages
- Flags potentially unsafe WiFi networks
- Built-in VPN
Cons
- Entry-level plan limited to one device
- Increased renewal prices
5. NordVPN Threat Protection – Best Android Antivirus App with Global VPN
| Starting Price | $3.99/month |
|---|---|
| Free Version/Trial | 7-day trial, 30-day money-back guarantee |
| Key Features | NordVPN, Ad Blocker, Real-Time Protection |
| Max Devices | 10 |
Why We Picked It
NordVPN Threar Protection offers web protection and shields you from privacy risks by bundling its comprehensive VPN services with a reliable data breach scanner, Android malware protection, and a cross-platform password manager.
Features
- Web Protection – NordVPN’s Threat Protection Lite can help keep your Android devices malware-free. The security feature scans every file and app you download and deletes or blocks it if it poses a threat. The security tool can also stop third-party trackers from collecting your information, and it has an extremely effective ad-blocking tool.
- Data Breach Monitoring – There’s also a data breach scanner, which will alert you if it detects any of your details in data leaks, including passwords, credit card numbers, usernames, emails, and similar data.
- Password Manager – Besides keeping your Android devices malware-free, opting for NordVPN will get you NordPass, one of the best password managers for Android. NordPass can help you create strong passwords and scan your existing passwords for vulnerabilities, complementing the antivirus features to provide airtight Android security.
- VPN – The VPN is also worth mentioning, of course, and provides fast connections, top security, and an extensive network of 6,300+ servers in 111+ countries.
Antivirus Testing Results
During my tests, Treat Protection blocked 100% of malicious websites, and battery usage remained surprisingly low.
However, I did see a small slowdown in browsing speed, and the AV falsely flagged one legitimate download from a pool of 900 samples.
Pricing
NordVPN offers Threat Protection with its Plus and Ultimate plans. For $3.99/month with a two-year subscription, the Plus plan offers Threat Protection, ad blocking, data breach scanning, and password management. Ultimate ($5.99/month for two years) adds 1TB of encrypted storage and advanced cyber protection features.
Who It’s Best For
NordVPN’s Threat Protection Lite is an excellent pick for privacy-conscious users looking for comprehensive VPN and antivirus protection. It’s slightly more expensive than Surfshark but provides a superb global VPN network.
Read our full NordVPN Threat Protection review.
Pros
- Great VPN service
- Blocks targetted ads and malware sites
- Easy to use
- Lightweight antivirus app
Cons
- No device scanning
- Requires VPN connection for security
6. Avast – Best Free Antivirus for Android Smartphones
| Starting Price | $2.99/month |
|---|---|
| Free Version/Trial | Free plan, 30-day trial, 30-day money-back guarantee |
| Key Features | Ransomware Protection, WiFi Scanner, App Lock |
| Max Devices | 30 |
| Testing Results | 17/18 |
Why We Picked It
Avast is the best free antivirus for Android mobile devices. You can use it to scan phones for viruses, avoid malicious websites, and verify the security of WiFi networks.
Features
- Real-Time Protection – Avast provides real-time protection for your devices, prevents ransomware encryption, and allows you to scan your WiFi network for intruders and security weaknesses.
- Malware Protection – Free users only get a limited feature set, though, and upgrading to paid plans will get you automatic scans, email and SMS scam protection, sandbox testing, and webcam protection. It also lets you lock your apps using a unique PIN or pattern, which makes it an excellent pick for anti-theft features.
- Email Guardian – The Email Guardian email-scanning feature provided with Avast mobile security is particularly good. It labels every email as being “Safe” or “Suspicious” before you open it, alerting you to potentially harmful content.
Antivirus Testing Results
Avast successfully dealt with 100% of common Android malware and real-time threats in AV-Test’s most recent assessments. Avast proved lightweight enough to keep battery strain to a minimum while also having little to no impact on performance.
It did score 5/6 for usability, but this simply shows how strict the assessment process is, as the antivirus only had a single false positive against 2,000+ samples.
Pricing
Avast may not be as affordable as TotalAV with its introductory offer, but it won’t be easy to find more features than with the Premium Security and Ultimate plans. You can protect ten devices with both plans for $5.83/month for the first year or one device for $4.17/month. The Avast One Gold Family plan, meanwhile, covers 30 devices for $131.88/year.
Who It’s Best For
As the best free antivirus for Android, Avast is the first choice of a reported 435 million users worldwide. While the free plan is good, its paid plans are even better, and the advanced antivirus features offer excellent security for Android users.
The app lock feature is also a superb addition for Android. Check out our Avast vs AVG guide for additional analysis.
Read our full Avast antivirus review.
Pros
- Great Android security protection
- Impressive suite of anti-theft tools
- Best free antivirus app for Android phones
- Among the best Windows antiviruses
Cons
- Somewhat confusing pricing
- Free plan has frequent pop-ups
7. McAfee – Best Android Antivirus App for Identity Protection
| Starting Price | $3.33/month |
|---|---|
| Free Version/Trial | 30-day trial, 30-day money-back guarantee |
| Key Features | Personal Data Cleanup, Identity Monitoring, Secure VPN |
| Max Devices | Unlimited |
| Testing Results | 18/18 |
Why We Picked It
McAfee offers a huge range of advanced features for Android users, making it one of the most sought-after solutions this year. These include a wide array of identity theft protection features, in-depth virus scanning, and an unlimited VPN, to name just a few.
Features
- Malware Protection – Like Avast, McAfee offers comprehensive online protection to help you avoid phishing attacks, and it can block malware attacks on the websites you visit, allowing you to browse the internet safely. You can also use the VPN to secure your connection and bypass geo-restrictions.
- Personal Data Cleanup – With Personal Data Cleanup, McAfee will help you find out if data brokers are using your information. The provider can then help you request that your details be removed and deleted.
- Protection Score – One of my favorite McAfee features is its Protection Score, which lists all your security vulnerabilities in an accessible panel. The feature provides an at-a-glance view of all the actions you need to take to maximize your online security.
- Testing Results – Although its scans aren’t as quick as TotalAV’s, McAfee had a 100% malware detection rate in my tests, and the antivirus app lets you launch and schedule scans and disable and uninstall potentially dangerous apps and files with a single click.
Antivirus Testing Results
In the most recent AV-Test review, McAfee was able to neutralize 100% of prevalent malware and could block 99.7% of real-time threats.
It also hit the top score for usability with no false positives, and you can expect solid performance from the antivirus, without a serious toll on battery life or speed.
Pricing
McAfee has a flexible pricing structure. The entry-level Total Protection plan lets you protect up to five devices for $3.33/month and offers standard online and offline antivirus features. Impressively, McAfee Premium can protect unlimited devices for just $49.99/year.
The other plans extend protection to unlimited devices and add advanced features such as wallet protection, credit monitoring, and scam protection, scaling up to the McAfee Ultimate Family plan for $249.99/year.
Who It’s Best For
McAfee is ideal for privacy-conscious users. The Android antivirus app comes with a huge range of features to protect your security and privacy and can help you prioritize and address issues and vulnerabilities.
Read our full McAfee review.
Pros
- Easy to install and use
- At-a-glance overview protection score
- Includes a password manager and VPN
- Plans cover unlimited devices
- One of the best Reddit antivirus recommendations
Cons
- Renewals increase pricing
- VPN isn’t as advanced as Surfshark or NordVPN
Best Android Antivirus Apps Compared
Here’s a quick head-to-head comparison of the best Android antiviruses to help you find the best one to stop malware and viruses:
| Provider Name | Starting Price | Key Features | Free Version/Trial | Money-Back Guarantee | Max Devices | Automatic Updates |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TotalAV | $19/year | Ad Blocker, Memory Optimization, Breach Check | Free Plan | 30 days | 8 | ✅ |
| Bitdefender | $15/year | App Anomaly Detection, Anti-Theft, Battery & Performance Saver | Free Plan, 30-day trial | 30 days | 10 | ✅ |
| Surfshark Antivirus | $36.32/year | Dark Web Scanning, Real-Time Protection, In-Depth Scans | 7-day VPN trial | 30 days | 5 (for antivirus) | ✅ |
| Norton Antivirus | $29.99/year | Report Card, SMS Security, App Advisor | 30-day trial | 60 days | Unlimited | ✅ |
| NordVPN Threat Protection | $53.86/year | NordVPN, Ad Blocker, Real-Time Protection | 7-day trial | 30 days | 10 | ✅ |
| Avast | $35.88/year | Ransomware Protection, Wi-Fi Scanner, App Lock | Free plan, 30-day trial | 30 days | 30 | ✅ |
| McAfee | $39.99/year | Personal Data Cleanup, Identity Monitoring, Secure VPN | 30-day trial | 30 days | Unlimited | ✅ |
How We Review And Test Antivirus Software
15 Antiviruses Tested
20 Datapoints Measured
300+ Hours Testing
500+ User Reviews Read
We base our recommendations on first-hand experience and in-depth testing. All the Antivirus products we suggest, have been tested based on the following criteria:
- Core Security Features: We make sure that the antivirus software is fully equipped with features like real-time protection, scanning, a firewall, web protection, and more.
- Malware Detection Rates: We test malware detection rates ourselves by running both in-depth and quick scans on our devices. Additionally, we check independent lab tests.
- Compatibility: We check which devices and operating systems the antivirus software is compatible with. Often, different-looking dashboards and slightly different packages of features may be available.
- Performance Impact: A reliable and functional antivirus should not slow down your device significantly. So, we examine our device performance with and without the antivirus running.
- Customer Experience: Alongside our own experience, we are curious to know what real users have to say regarding the services. So, we’ve scoured the web for feedback on each of our tested antiviruses.
- Value for Money: We always consider value for money and how much each product is offering for the set price point.
Does My Android Need Antivirus Software?
The short answer is that, yes, you do need antivirus software for your Android device, and it’s absolutely true that Android devices are vulnerable to viruses, just like other mobile devices.
While Android includes built-in security features, the platform is nevertheless vulnerable to malware. Threats range from malicious apps and viruses to ransomware and phishing scams, which imitate legitimate apps to steal your personal details and payment information.
And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Cybersecurity is an arms race between malware and antivirus software. New threats emerge every day, so the only way to stay ahead is by using a high-quality antivirus app.
Recent research shows that Android viruses account for 47.15% of all infected devices. This is more infections than on Windows and far more than on iPhone, which accounted for less than 1% of infected devices in the study. This is a clear indication that an Android antivirus is an absolute must-have today.
Is Free Virus Protection Enough for Android?
Based on my testing and research, Avast offers the best free antivirus for Android phone users. The free plan includes real-time security, ransomware protection, and WiFi network security checks. While the plan only protects one device, it includes more features than most free plans.
Nevertheless, even basic paid plans tend to come with more tools, such as password managers, VPNs, and payment protection options.
Downloading a free antivirus app can be a way to test its capabilities and basic features ahead of upgrading to a paid plan. However, I recommend opting for a product with a free trial period, as this lets you use advanced features and fully road-test the product.
Risks of Using a Free Antivirus for Android
There are a range of risks related to using a free antivirus for Android and free antivirus software for tablets. That’s especially true if the provider isn’t a reputable one like TotalAV or Norton. Here are some downsides to consider:
Limited Device Support – While I recommend Avast, its free plan can only protect one device, meaning your other devices will remain exposed to viruses. Avast’s premium plans, on the other hand, can protect up to 30 devices.
In addition, some free antiviruses don’t support mobile and may not be suitable for your Android version.
Exposing Your Data – Free Android antivirus providers often share and sell user data to third parties. Many will also display advertising, or, at a minimum, display persistent recommendations to upgrade,
Limited Security Tools – Free antivirus solutions offer fewer security tools than their paid counterparts, such as identity theft protection, data breach monitoring, and email and SMS scam alerts. Having fewer digital defenses means you’re more exposed to attacks.
Infecting You With Adware – While many free antivirus Android options will expose you to ads, some are actually malware products in disguise – so you’ll actually be downloading a free virus for the Android operating system.
Be very wary of downloading software from firms you haven’t heard of or clicking on ads alerting you to threats on your device.
These limitations make premium antivirus plans a much better choice, as their broader feature sets allow you to rest easy knowing your data isn’t at risk.
Here’s a summary of the main pros and cons of using free Android antivirus software:
Pros
- The price can’t be beaten
- Some free antivirus Android apps have good testing scores
Cons
- Underpowered core security tools
- Won’t protect your PC or other devices
- May infringe your privacy or install adware
- Some free Android antivirus apps are scams
- May provide a false sense of security
Do free Android antivirus apps work? To an extent, but the drawbacks significantly outweigh the benefits.
How to Choose the Best Android Antivirus App
When looking for the best Android antivirus solution for your needs, keep the following criteria in mind – whether you’re looking at Bitdefender Mobile Security or AVG Antivirus:
Malware detection rates – High detection rates in independent lab testing are always a positive factor for Android security apps. Every provider on my list has scored good results with independent testing labs like AV-Comparatives and AV-Test or in my own testing.
All of the products tested with AV-Test achieved full marks for Protection, Performance, and Usability in its latest auditing.
Security – Look at the range of core security features on offer. The best Android antivirus apps will be able to scan downloads and provide online ransomware and phishing protection to stop you from being exposed to viruses and fraud.
Usability – Ease of use is paramount on mobile, so look for solutions with simple, clear interfaces and intuitive functionality, as well as multi-device support and cross-device compatibility. Having connected support for your desktop and mobile device is invaluable.
For advice on other platforms, see our guides to the best Linux antivirus software and the best antiviruses for iPhone for coverage for iOS devices.
Performance – Protection is important, but the best antiviruses will ideally be lightweight and work with minimal system impact.
Cost – Budgeting isn’t only about the price of security software but also the value it delivers.
Free Android antivirus plans might come at a good price, but many don’t deliver an adequate level of protection, so it’s better to look at different plans and subscriptions and find the option that best suits your needs.
Customer support and user feedback – Online resources such as a knowledge base and tutorials can be extremely useful for getting to grips with a platform, and live chat support is even better.
When researching products, I also look at user feedback to gauge the long-term customer experience provided by products.
Additional Features – Many anti-virus Android apps come with additional features that add value to the package, including VPNs, parental controls, anti-theft settings, and dark web monitoring to protect you from data breaches.
Consider what will make a difference for you and whether it comes at an acceptable price.
How to Scan for Viruses on Android
To help you get started, here’s a step-by-step guide to installing TotalAV on your device and how to remove a virus from Android.
Sign Up for TotalAV
Getting started with TotalAV is a quick and easy process. Go to the TotalAV site and sign up for a subscription.
Download the App from the Play Store
Next, head to the Google Play Store on the Android device you want to protect and search for TotalAV. Once you’ve downloaded the .apk, all you have to do is tap Install to start TotalAV up. Follow the instructions and fill in the relevant details to get started.
Launch the App
Once you’ve launched the app, you’re ready to hit the Get Started button and log into your account.
Run Your First Scan
Here’s how to clean your phone using TotalAV. First, ensure real-time protection is enabled via the shield icon on the left to keep yourself protected from any new threats downloaded to your phone.
Next, you should run a full scan on your Android device. Having a clean bill of health will ensure there isn’t any malware already on your system. If you’re pressed for time, you could run a Quick Scan, which will check the most likely locations on your Android for malware.
Run Regular Scans
With that, you’re all set up, and you have antivirus software installed on your Android device.
You can now browse the internet safely, with the secure and reliable antivirus for Android phones protecting your device from threats. Just make sure to keep your software up to date and run regular scans.
Conclusion – What’s the Best Antivirus Software for an Android Phone?
With app sandboxing and Google Play’s security requirements, Android devices offer a base level of protection, but if you want to ensure consistently safe browsing and protection from spyware, ransomware, fake apps, and phishing scams, then a solid antivirus is a must.
Based on my testing of the leading providers, I rate TotalAV as the best Android security app on the market. Its WebShield feature is second to none for keeping malware, tracking, and phishing attacks at bay. With its built-in VPN, you can also get access to geo-restricted apps and sites while maintaining your privacy.
The security and privacy combination makes sure that no Android vulnerability is left unchecked, and with its introductory offer, it’s one of the cheapest Android security products on the market.
FAQs
What is the best Android antivirus?
What is the best free antivirus for Android and Android tablets?
Are free Android antivirus apps safe?
Do Android phones need antivirus protection?
Will an antivirus slow my Android device?
How can you clean viruses from Android?
References
- Attacks on the Android Platform (St. Cloud State University, Department of Information Systems)
- Improve the Security of Android Applications using Hooking Techniques: Part 1 (Intel)
- Android devices 50 times more infected with malware compared to iOS (Panda Security)
- AV-Test Android antivirus testing (AV-Test)
- TotalAV antivirus testing (AV-Test)
- Bitdefender Mobile Security antivirus testing (AV-Test)
- Surfshark Antivirus testing (AV-Test)
- Norton Mobile Security testing (AV-Test)
- Avast Mobile Security testing (AV-Test)
- McAfee Mobile Security testing (AV-Test)
