Navigating through the best antivirus software for Android can be overwhelming because of the vast options available. That’s why we’ve compiled a comprehensive review to help you find the ideal solution for protecting your valuable data. Our review includes insights into each program’s distinguishing features, a comparative analysis of pricing, and defense levels against cyber threats. We’ll also provide a brief buyer’s guide and answer frequently asked questions to simplify your buying decision.
While free antivirus options provide basic protection, investing in a paid solution offers a more proactive defense against a broader range of digital threats, especially for mobile devices. Paid antivirus software for Android often includes regular updates and advanced threat detection, crucial for staying ahead of emerging threats. Features like real-time scanning, behavioral analysis, and enhanced privacy tools contribute to a more robust device security. Additionally, paid options may offer customer support and extra features like VPN services, providing a comprehensive security solution.
Top 5 Best Antivirus for Android In 2024
| 1 | Bitdefender Antivirus – Best Overall |
| 2 | TotalAV – Best Value and Feature-loaded Android Package |
| 3 | Norton Security & Antivirus -Best for Multiple Devices |
| 4 | Kaspersky Antivirus – Minimal Impact on the System |
| 5 | McAfee Mobile Security – The Most Streamlined Antivirus |
Best Antivirus for Android (Reviews)
1. Bitdefender Antivirus
Pros
- Easy installation.
- Great Protection
- Automatic scanner of new apps
- Less impact on the system
- The free version includes the same technology as the paid version
- The paid version is available with a two-week free trial
Cons
- Needs internet for full functioning
If you want a robust antivirus program, Bitdefender is an ideal option. With perfect scores on AV tests from independent labs, the Bitdefender Antivirus gives your Android devices 100 % malware protection, ransomware protection, web filtering, and anti-theft tools that make your devices and data secure. You also get a free VPN, which provides you with up to 200 MB of data for secure browsing.
Because this antivirus uses cloud-based services, it doesn’t slow down the system while scanning. Just remember that you need a steadfast Wi-Fi connection for this application to work properly. This anti-virus is elementary to use, and there are no configurations, so set-up is straightforward. Although its free version only checks for viruses, it has similar technology as the company’s paid version, Mobile Security. If you later want some additional features, including antitheft and real-time scanning while browsing, you can get Mobile Security. It’s approximately $15 annually, but Bitdefender also gives you a free trial of two weeks to test it.
2. TotalAV
Pros
- Excellent malware scanner.
- It can cover 5 devices.
- Includes VPN.
- Tune-up feature.
- WiFi checker.
- Data-breach alert.
- Android App.
Cons
- No web filter.
TotalAV Antivirus is the best choice for desktop-grade performance on your Android phone. For those who want a comprehensive antivirus solution, this is an excellent option.
Security scans are a big part of its worth. TotalAV detected malware types that even other vendors missed during our evaluations. In addition, it was tested and evaluated at 100 percent for malware detection by independent labs.
After that, there are extra features like VPNs that encrypt your connection and mask your true IP
address to prevent online monitoring. This alone makes TotalAV a tremendous value for money overall, justifying the subscription fee.
With the Device Tune-Up feature, you can also clean up your junk files. This can not only help you clear more room on your Android, but it may also help preserve battery life.
You can use TotalAV’s 1i-Fi security checker to ensure that public hotspots are secure if you’re often connected to them. This will alert you to the existence of potentially dangerous users on the same networks.
A yearly subscription for TotalAV costs $19.00, which is a fantastic deal for an antivirus product. If you are unsure about the service, you can try TotalAV’s free version for a few days to get a feel for it, but if you don’t find it useful, you can get your money back under a 30-day money-back guarantee.
3. Norton Security & Antivirus
Pros
- Free trial period of 30 days
- Specific anti-virus protection for Android
- Constant security alerts
- Protection against malware on multiple devices
- Easy to use
Cons
- Lacks unpaid version
Unlike other antivirus apps, this anti-virus doesn’t have a lot of bells. However, it is very common among people because it is such a great choice for computers. If you’re looking for more information about the best software to protect your PC, check out our Guide for the Best Antivirus and Anti-malware software.
If you’re concerned about your phone or tablet being breached, Norton Security and Antivirus are there for you. It’s capable of detecting Android-specific threats and neutralizing them before they take hold.
The program is simple to use and has easy-to-understand menu options and commands. When it comes to detecting threats, its malware detection is excellent. Norton will always notify you and offer you choices if it detects an issue, unlike other antivirus software that works in the background without giving notifications.
The Premium version is affordable at only $15 per year and provides extra features, such as app locking and Wi-Fi scanning.
4. Kaspersky Antivirus
Pros
- Almost perfect scores from independent testing labs.
- Great ransomware protection.
- Live chat and full-scale phone support.
- Bonus scans for performance and privacy.
Cons
- Bonus scans are overlapping.
- The vulnerability scan doesn’t offer complete information.
Kaspersky is another reputable name in the business for its Android antivirus software with a good track record of malware protection. It got amazing scores in AV-Test security and usability, along with excellent customer feedback. It includes all the essential features of great antivirus software, such as anti-theft tools, protection from phishing, and call block features.
The key selling point of this app is that it is also supported by your iOS smartwatch. With it, you can also find your lost phone by saying “Find my phone” on your watch. Additionally, you can use your watch to observe the security status of your gadget and scan for viruses.
Kaspersky costs around $28 a year, which is expensive. However, it’s still worth the money, especially if you are planning to bundle multiple devices under a single plan.
5. McAfee Mobile Security
Pros
- Easy to use the streamlined app.
- The top version offers VPN.
- Good Protection Score.
- Affordable.
Cons
- Doesn’t provide comparative malware effectiveness data.
- Doesn’t allow setting the destination on VPN.
McAfee is another well-established antivirus software company, and the Android app is its famous product. Its Mobile Security comes with all the great features of top antivirus software along with some unique functions such as “Kids Mode” and “Anti-theft uninstall protection”.
Kids Mode not only locks apps but allows you to specifically set which ones are safe for your kids to use. This is an excellent feature for parents who want their children to be able to play on their phones without worrying about them going on an uncontrolled spending spree on Amazon or making embarrassing posts on Facebook.
The “antitheft uninstall protection” prevents online intruders from deleting the antivirus software from your system. It also protects the application from uninstalling by accident.
The only drawback of the free version is that it is ad-supported, and you can get rid of those advertisements by paying $25 per year for the paid version.
Other Notable Options
ESET Mobile Security & Antivirus – Best for multiple features
Pros
- Excellent antivirus lab scores.
- Full-featured Protection for Androids.
- No impact on performance tests.
- Handy home network security scanner.
- Anti-theft app for laptops.
Cons
- Parental control is limited.
- A low score on the malware protection test
- Annoying firewall pop-ups.
ESET Smart Security Free is a user-friendly program that can rapidly scan your computer for viruses. The color-coded notifications notify you of the status; red alerts for threat detection, yellow indicates the job to be done, whereas green notifies you after clearing the mess. The free version lacks some security features of the premium edition. However, it provides access to an online web portal that displays the GPS of your device in case it gets lost or its internet is disconnected.
Our team also appreciates the function to set time for virus scans device needs to be charged. Although we couldn’t find any data on how ESET is done in actual tests, this software has one of the highest star ratings on Google Play. Furthermore, other products from ESET also have higher scores; therefore, we assume this is reliable.
The good thing about ESET Mobile Security & Antivirus is that it costs only 7 $ for the first year. However, the renewal price is around 15 $ for the next year and onwards.
Surfshark Antivirus — User-friendly Android App with useful features
Pros
- 100% malware detection rate.
- Includes VPN.
- Real-time protection.
- Provides private search engine.
- Data leak checker.
- User-friendly Interface.
Cons
- No free version is available.
- Very expensive.
With various essential functionalities to combat malware and keep your private data secure online,
Surfshark Antivirus is a fantastic Android security app. This antivirus provides real-time protection. As a result, it monitors your phone for potential problems in real-time and constantly scans it.
The Surfshark VPN, which comes with the Surfshark One bundle, is one of the main attractions here, in addition to solid antivirus features. It’s included in the same Android app as Surfshark Antivirus, and it’s readily accessible. To create an encrypted link and keep your data hidden online, you may utilize the VPN.
It’s also worth noting that you have a private search engine and an Alert feature that monitors for the
potential leak of your sensitive data. It’s a fantastic method to make sure that your email address, credit card information, and identification data are secure at all times; purchase at $41.88 per year for five devices.
Furthermore, it has a subscription plan. Overall, it’s one of the best Android antiviruses you can purchase to protect your Android devices. The Surfshark Antivirus is available with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Buyer Guide: Features to look for in the best antivirus for Android
The best antivirus software for Android should come with a variety of features to ensure your device is protected from malicious threats. Here are some of the key features you should look for in an antivirus program:
Real-time scanning
A good antivirus program should be able to scan files continuously as they are downloaded or installed, as well as run periodic scans of your device to detect any malicious threats.
Web protection
This feature provides an extra layer of security by scanning all web traffic for potential threats before they reach your device.
App lockdown
If malware is detected on your device, this feature should be able to lock down the affected app, preventing it from accessing system files and spreading the infection.
App permissions
This feature allows you to easily manage the permissions of apps installed on your device, which can be useful for identifying malicious apps that are masquerading as legitimate ones.
Admin Control
Admin control is a valuable ‘feature for Android users as it allows you to restrict access to certain apps and settings, preventing malicious programs from performing unauthorized activities.
Backup capabilities
Numerous antivirus software options include a function that allows you to create backups of crucial files stored on your device. This feature proves particularly valuable in situations where there is a breach in data security or if you require wiping and restoring your system following malicious activities. The process of selecting the appropriate antivirus solution for your Android device holds utmost significance since it ensures the maintenance of its security. By thoughtfully evaluating these attributes, you can guarantee access to top-notch protection available out there.
FAQs about the best antivirus for Android
Is antivirus software necessary for Android?
Indeed, the installation of an antivirus program on your device is of utmost significance as it serves to safeguard you against malevolent perils such as hackers, viruses, malware, spyware, and assorted security concerns. Despite exercising caution in selecting apps and browsing websites, it remains plausible for insidious threats to infiltrate your device through an unsecured Wi-Fi network or by downloading a corrupted file.
Is it safe to install antivirus software from the Google Play Store?
Installing antivirus programs from the Google Play Store is usually considered safe, granted that you conduct thorough research and verify the credibility of the program and its developer. Nonetheless, we suggest obtaining any antivirus software directly from the developer’s website to ensure the acquisition of the most up-to-date version along with all necessary updates.
What is an Android Virus?
A particular form of malicious software intended to infect a device operating on Google’s well-known mobile operating system is known as an Android virus. It can be transmitted through various means, such as downloads, SMS messages, or upon accessing malevolent websites. Additionally, Bluetooth connections and infrared devices may also serve as conduits for its dissemination. The repercussions of the presence of Android viruses include potential data corruption or the unauthorized utilization of system features like contacts, messages, and even passwords. For optimum protection against Android viruses, it is advisable to install reliable antivirus software onto your device.
Does the Android operating system come with built-in protection?
Yes, Google does include some basic security features in the latest versions of its mobile operating system, such as app scanning and encryption, but these are not enough to protect your device from all potential threats. Installing a reputable antivirus program is still recommended for optimal protection.
Is it difficult to install antivirus software on an Android device?
No, most antivirus programs are designed to be as simple and user-friendly as possible. All you need to do is download the program from the developer’s website or the Google Play Store, then follow the instructions provided by the program. Once it’s installed, you can rest assured that your device is safe from any potential threats.
Are there any free antivirus programs available for Android?
Yes, there are some free antivirus programs available for Android devices, although they may not be as comprehensive as paid options and may lack certain features. If you’re looking for an antivirus
program, we recommend researching and comparing the different options to make sure it has all the features you need.
Will an antivirus program slow down my device?
Certainly not! Proper antivirus software should operate discreetly in the background without having any adverse effect on your device’s speed. In reality, it may even enhance overall performance by eradicating pernicious programs or files that consume system resources. Nevertheless, it is crucial to conduct thorough research before downloading any program, particularly free ones, as they might lack efficiency and potentially cause a decrease in your device’s usual speed.
How often should I update my antivirus program?
Regularly checking for updates and promptly downloading them is advisable to ensure your device remains equipped with the most recent security measures. Many programs offer automatic update options, sparing you the trouble of manually searching for updates. Furthermore, it is recommended to periodically visit the developer’s website for any significant program-related news or information.
What should I do if my device gets infected with a virus?
If your device becomes infected with a virus, the initial course of action should involve performing an antivirus scan. If this measure fails to resolve the problem at hand, it is advisable to reach out to the software developer responsible for your antivirus program to seek their assistance. Another option worth exploring is resetting your device back to its factory settings; do keep in mind, however, that this will result in the deletion of all data stored on it. Should you encounter any difficulties in performing a reset, professional help may become necessary.
What else can I do to protect my Android device from viruses?
Apart from just installing antivirus software, it is crucial to adopt prudent online safety practices. Such practices involve refraining from accessing dubious links or downloading suspicious files, abstaining from opening emails sent by unfamiliar senders, and exercising caution when connecting to Wi-Fi networks available in public areas. A reliable virtual private network (VPN) further fortifies your device against potential risks while browsing the internet. Moreover, do not forget to regularly update all of your applications since this serves as an effective preventive measure against malicious attacks.
Our review methodology: How we selected and ranked the best antivirus for Androids
In our rigorous process of selecting, testing, and ranking the best antivirus for Android devices, we employed an objective and comprehensive approach to ensure accuracy and reliability. Our initial phase involved extensive research, where we analyzed a wide range of popular antivirus software available in the market. We then shortlisted the most promising candidates based on their reputation, features, and user reviews. Subsequently, we subjected these shortlisted antivirus applications to a series of rigorous tests in controlled environments, evaluating their malware detection rates, system performance impact, and usability. The assessment also considered factors such as real-time protection, frequency of updates, and additional security features. Our team of experts performed hands-on evaluations to identify potential strengths and weaknesses, guaranteeing an unbiased assessment of each antivirus’s performance. Finally, we meticulously ranked the top-performing antivirus solutions, providing our readers with an authoritative and bias-free guide to safeguarding their Android devices effectively.
Final Verdict: Which is the best Antivirus for Android devices?
Bitdefender is by far the best antivirus for Android devices right now. Not only does it pass all the tests with 100 % results on all the functionalities, but it also comes with a free version that is very viable and useful. With this antivirus software, you get all the protection you need for your Android devices with a very reasonable price tag.
