The best antivirus apps for Android are discussed in this blog post. We made this selection based on user reviews online, Trustpilot score, and our experiences using them.
Android smartphones are particularly vulnerable to malware and viruses, which can compromise personal data and damage the device’s functionality.
Fortunately, there are many antivirus apps available to protect your Android device from these threats. In this article, we’ll review the top antivirus apps for Android and discuss their pros and cons.
As for the benefits, antivirus apps on Android protect from viruses, malware, and online threats.
They identify and remove harmful apps, block unwanted calls and texts, and offer anti-theft protection. Using them ensures device security and privacy.
Best Antivirus Apps for Android Free
1. AVG AntiVirus
AVG AntiVirus is a free antivirus app that offers excellent malware protection for Android devices. Its user-friendly interface and real-time scanning make it a popular choice for users who want to protect their devices without spending money.
Pros:
- Offers real-time scanning to detect and remove malware
- Easy to use and navigate
- Free to download and use
Cons:
- Includes ads in the free version
- May slow down older devices
2. Avast Antivirus & Security
Avast Antivirus & Security is another popular antivirus app for Android that offers both free and paid versions. Its advanced features, such as app locking and remote device wiping, make it a comprehensive security solution for Android users.
Pros:
- Advanced features like app locking and remote device wiping
- Real-time scanning for malware detection
- Available in both free and paid versions
Cons:
- Includes ads in the free version
- May cause battery drain on some devices
3. Bitdefender Antivirus
Bitdefender Antivirus is a powerful antivirus app that offers excellent malware protection and advanced security features. Its VPN feature allows users to browse the internet anonymously and securely, adding an extra layer of protection to their online activities.
Pros:
- Advanced security features, including VPN and app locking
- Offers excellent malware protection
- User-friendly interface
Cons:
- May slow down older devices
Download Bitdefender Antivirus for Android
4. Malwarebytes
Malwarebytes is a popular antivirus app that offers real-time scanning and malware protection for Android devices.
Popular among Android users for protecting devices from malware due to its user-friendly interface and advanced features.
Pros:
- Advanced features like app locking and real-time scanning
- Offers excellent malware protection
- User-friendly interface
Cons:
- The free version contains ads and some limitations
- May cause battery drain on some devices
Download Malwarebytes Mobile Security
5. Avira Mobile Security
Avira Mobile Security is a comprehensive security app for Android devices that offers malware protection, VPN, and privacy tools. Popular Android security app with user-friendly interface and advanced features for comprehensive protection against threats.
Pros:
- Advanced security features like VPN and privacy tools
- Real-time scanning for malware detection
- User-friendly interface
Cons:
- Displays ads in the free version
- May slow down older devices
Download Avira Mobile Security for Android
6. Norton 360
Norton 360 is a comprehensive security suite that offers antivirus protection, VPN, and identity theft protection.
Pros:
- Advanced security features like VPN and identity theft protection
- Real-time scanning for malware detection
- User-friendly interface
Cons:
- May slow down older devices
Download Norton360 Android Best Antivirus
7. McAfee Security
McAfee Security is a comprehensive security app that offers antivirus protection, VPN, and privacy tools for Android devices.
Pros:
- Advanced security features like VPN and privacy
- Has a free version that protects your phone beyond the average
Cons:
- Ads are seen in the free version
- May cause battery drain on some devices
8. AVG Cleaner – Storage Cleaner
AVG Cleaner is a free storage cleaner app that helps to optimize the performance of Android devices by removing junk files and freeing up storage space. It also includes a battery optimizer feature that helps to extend the battery life of the device.
Pros:
- Free to download and use
- Helps to optimize device performance by removing junk files
- Includes battery optimizer feature
Cons:
- May include ads in the free version
- Some users may find it unnecessary if their device already has a built-in storage cleaner
Download the Antivirus App Here
9. Anti-virus Dr.Web Light
Anti-virus Dr.Web Light is a free antivirus app for Android that offers basic malware protection and real-time scanning. Its lightweight design and simple UI make it a popular choice for Android users looking for a simple antivirus app for their phone.
Pros:
- Free to download and use
- Lightweight and user-friendly
- Offers real-time scanning for malware detection
Cons:
- May include ads in the free version
- Basic malware protection compared to other antivirus apps
Download Dr Web Light Antivirus
10. Comodo Mobile Security
Comodo Mobile Security is a comprehensive security app for Android that offers antivirus protection, VPN, and privacy tools.
Pros:
- Advanced security features like VPN and privacy tools
- Real-time scanning for malware detection
- User-friendly interface
Cons:
- May slow down older devices
11. CCleaner
CCleaner is a free storage cleaner app that helps to optimize the performance of Android devices by removing junk files and freeing up storage space.
Its user-friendly interface and advanced features make it a popular choice for Android users looking for a storage cleaner app.
Pros:
- Free to download and use
- Helps to optimize device performance by removing junk files
- Includes advanced features like an app manager and system monitor
Cons:
- May include ads in the free version
- Some users may find it unnecessary if their device already has a built-in storage cleaner
Download CCleaner App for Android
12. One Booster
One Booster is a free storage cleaner app that helps to optimize the performance of Android devices by removing junk files and freeing up storage space.
Its user-friendly interface and advanced features make it a popular choice for Android users looking for a storage cleaner app.
Pros:
- Free to download and use
- Helps to optimize device performance by removing junk files
- Includes advanced features like app manager and battery saver
Cons:
- May include ads in the free version
- Some users may find it unnecessary if their device already has a built-in storage cleaner
13. Zoner AntiVirus
Zoner AntiVirus is a comprehensive security app for Android that offers antivirus protection, VPN, and privacy tools.
Pros:
- Advanced security features like VPN and privacy tools
- Real-time scanning for malware detection
- User-friendly interface
Cons:
- May slow down older devices
Download Zoner Antivirus for Android
14. Webroot Mobile Security
Webroot Mobile Security is a comprehensive security app for Android that offers antivirus protection, VPN, and privacy tools.
Pros:
- Advanced security features like VPN and privacy tools
- Real-time scanning for malware detection
- User-friendly interface
Cons:
- May slow down older devices
Download Webroot Mobile Security App
15. Antivirus & Virus Cleaner Lock
Antivirus & Virus Cleaner Lock is a free antivirus app that offers basic malware protection and real-time scanning for Android devices.
Its user-friendly interface and lightweight design make it a popular choice for Android users looking for a simple antivirus solution.
Pros:
- Free to download and use
- Lightweight and user-friendly
- Offers real-time scanning for malware detection
Cons:
- May include ads in the free version
- Basic malware protection compared to other antivirus apps
READ: How to Remove Virus From Your Phone Without an Antivirus App
16. Avast SecureLine VPN
Avast SecureLine VPN is a VPN app that offers secure and anonymous browsing for Android devices.
Pros:
- Advanced security features like anonymous browsing and data encryption
- User-friendly interface
- Available in both free and paid versions
Cons:
- Only offers VPN features, not mainly antivirus protection
- May slow down internet speed on some devices
17. ESET Mobile Security Antivirus
ESET Mobile Security Antivirus is a comprehensive security app for Android that offers antivirus protection, VPN, and privacy tools.
Pros:
- Advanced security features like VPN and privacy tools
- Real-time scanning for malware detection
- User-friendly interface
Cons:
- May slow down older devices
Download ESET Mobile Antivirus App
18. Lookout Mobile Security
Lookout Mobile Security is a comprehensive security app for Android that offers antivirus protection, VPN, and privacy tools.
Pros:
- Advanced security features like VPN and privacy tools
- Real-time scanning for malware detection
- User-friendly interface
Cons:
- May slow down older devices
Download Lookout Mobile Security App
19. Virus Cleaner – Phone security
Virus Cleaner – Phone security is a free antivirus app that offers basic malware protection and real-time scanning for Android devices. Its user-friendly interface and lightweight design make it a popular choice for Android users looking for a simple antivirus solution.
Pros:
- Free to download and use
- Lightweight and user-friendly
- Offers real-time scanning for malware detection
Cons:
- May include ads in the free version
- Basic malware protection compared to other antivirus apps
20. Phone Master
Say goodbye to pesky viruses and malware on your Android device with Phone Master – the ultimate free antivirus app.
Protect your privacy and keep your phone running smoothly with Phone Master – the top-rated antivirus app for Android.
With Phone Master on your Android device, you can surf the web and download apps with confidence, knowing you’re fully protected from cyber threats. This app was formally known as Security Master.
Pros:
- Provides robust protection against malware and viruses.
- Offers real-time scanning and automatic virus removal.
- Boosts phone performance by cleaning junk files and freeing up storage space.
Cons:
- May display ads that can be intrusive.
- Some users report occasional slowdowns while using the app.
- The app may consume significant battery and processing power.
21. Antivirus – Cleaner + VPN
Antivirus – Cleaner + VPN is a comprehensive security app for Android that offers antivirus protection, VPN, and storage cleaning tools.
Pros:
- Advanced security features like VPN and storage cleaning tools
- Real-time scanning for malware detection
- User-friendly interface
Cons:
- May slow down older devices
Download Antivirus Cleaner App
22. Phone Security Virus Cleaner
Phone Security Virus Cleaner is a free antivirus app that offers basic malware protection and real-time
scanning for Android devices. Its user-friendly interface and lightweight design make it a popular choice for Android users looking for a simple antivirus solution.
Pros:
- Free to download and use
- Lightweight and user-friendly
- Offers real-time scanning for malware detection
Cons:
- May include ads in the free version
- Basic malware protection compared to other antivirus apps
23. Kaspersky Security and VPN
Kaspersky Security and VPN is a comprehensive security app for Android that offers antivirus protection, VPN, and privacy tools.
Pros:
- Advanced security features like VPN and privacy tools
- Real-time scanning for malware detection
- User-friendly interface
- Free antivirus
Cons:
- May slow down older devices
Download Kaspersky Android Antivirus
24. KeepClean
KeepClean is a free storage cleaner app that helps to optimize the performance of Android devices by removing junk files and freeing up storage space.
Its user-friendly interface and advanced features make it a popular choice for Android users looking for a storage cleaner app.
Pros:
- Free to download and use
- Helps to optimize device performance by removing junk files
- Includes advanced features like app manager and battery saver
Cons:
- May include ads in the free version
- Some users may find it unnecessary if their device already has a built-in storage cleaner
25. F-Secure Total Security and VPN
F-Secure Total Security and VPN is a comprehensive security app for Android that offers antivirus protection, VPN, and privacy tools.
Pros:
- Advanced security features like VPN and privacy tools
- Real-time scanning for malware detection
- User-friendly interface
Cons:
- May slow down older devices
Download F-Secure Total Security App
Table of the Best Antivirus Apps for Android
| Antivirus App | Key Features | Drawbacks |
| AVG AntiVirus | Real-time scanning, app locking, VPN | Only available in the paid version |
| Avast Antivirus & Security | Malware detection, real-time scanning, app locking | May slow down older devices |
| Bitdefender Antivirus | Advanced malware detection, VPN | Only available in the paid version |
| Malwarebytes | Real-time scanning, malware removal | May include ads in the free version |
| Avira Mobile Security | Advanced malware detection, VPN | Only available in the paid version |
| Norton 360 | Malware detection, real-time scanning | May slow down older devices |
| McAfee Security | Advanced malware detection, VPN | May slow down older devices |
| AVG Cleaner | Storage cleaning, app management | Only available in the paid version |
| Anti-virus Dr.Web Light | Malware detection, real-time scanning | May include ads in the free version |
| Comodo Mobile Security | Malware detection, VPN | May slow down older devices |
| CCleaner | Storage cleaning, app management | May include ads in the free version |
| One Booster | Storage cleaning, battery optimization | May include ads in the free version |
| Zoner AntiVirus | Malware detection, real-time scanning | Only available in the paid version |
| Webroot Mobile Security | Malware detection, real-time scanning | Only available in the paid version |
| Antivirus & Virus Cleaner Lock | Basic malware protection, real-time scanning | May include ads in the free version |
| Avast SecureLine VPN | Anonymous browsing, data encryption, VPN | Only offers VPN features, not antivirus protection |
| ESET Mobile Security Antivirus | Advanced security features, real-time scanning | Only available in the paid version |
| Lookout Mobile Security | Advanced security features, real-time scanning | Only available in the paid version |
| Virus Cleaner – Phone security | Basic malware protection, real-time scanning | May include ads in the free version |
| Sophos Intercept X for Mobile | Advanced security features, real-time scanning | Only available in the paid version |
| Antivirus – Cleaner + VPN | Advanced security features, real-time scanning | Only available in the paid version |
| Phone Security Virus Cleaner | Basic malware protection, real-time scanning | May include ads in the free version |
| Kaspersky Security and VPN | Advanced security features, real-time scanning | Only available in the paid version |
| KeepClean | Storage cleaning, app management | May include ads in the free version |
| F-Secure Total Security and VPN | Advanced security features, real-time scanning | Only available in the paid version |
Qualities of a Good Antivirus App
A good antivirus app should possess certain qualities to effectively protect your device from malware and cyber threats. Here are some of the key qualities of a good antivirus app:
- Effective Malware Detection: A good antivirus app should have effective malware detection capabilities to detect and remove any malicious files from your device. The app should be able to scan files, apps, and downloads in real-time to identify any potential threats.
- Real-Time Scanning: Real-time scanning is a crucial feature of a good antivirus app. The app should constantly monitor your device for any suspicious activity or malware, and provide real-time alerts and notifications to keep you informed.
- User-Friendly Interface: A good antivirus app should have a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to navigate and use. The app should be easy to install, configure, and use, and provide clear and concise information about any detected threats.
- Advanced Security Features: A good antivirus app should have advanced security features to provide comprehensive protection to your device. This may include features like app locking, remote device wiping, VPN, and identity theft protection.
- Low Impact on Device Performance: A good antivirus app should have a low impact on your device’s performance. It should not slow down your device or cause excessive battery drain.
- Regular Updates: A good antivirus app should receive regular updates to ensure it remains effective against new and emerging threats. The app should be regularly updated with the latest virus definitions and security patches to provide the best possible protection to your device.
FAQs on Antivirus Apps for Android
· Why do I need an antivirus app for my Android device?
An antivirus app is necessary for your Android device to protect it from malware, viruses, and other cyber threats. With the increasing amount of sensitive information stored on our devices, such as banking details and personal photos, an antivirus app is crucial to prevent hackers and cybercriminals from accessing this information.
· Are free antivirus apps as effective as paid ones?
While free antivirus apps are generally effective in detecting and removing malware, paid antivirus apps typically offer more advanced security features, such as VPN, identity theft protection, and remote device wiping. However, it ultimately depends on your security needs and budget.
· How often should I scan my device for malware?
It’s recommended to scan your device for malware at least once a week. However, if you download a lot of apps or files, you should scan your device more frequently.
· Can antivirus apps slow down my device?
Antivirus apps may slow down your device if they use a lot of resources or perform scans too frequently. However, most modern antivirus apps are designed to have minimal impact on device performance.
· Do I need to use more than one antivirus app on my device?
No, using more than one antivirus app on your device can cause conflicts and slow down your device’s performance. It’s recommended to use one reputable antivirus app that meets your security needs.
· Can antivirus apps protect my device from all types of cyber threats?
While antivirus apps can protect your device from many types of cyber threats, they cannot protect against all types of attacks. It’s important to practice safe browsing habits and avoid downloading apps or files from untrusted sources.
Conclusion
That’s all about the best Antivirus apps for Android. We selected the most popular apps with good user reviews just for you. So, which of these apps is best for protecting your phone?
Do you know of any other antivirus app that is supposed to be on this list? Use the comment section to tell us.
