Keep your device safe at all times with the 8 best antivirus apps for Android in 2024. The smartphone works exactly like the computer- it has the same functions and needs of the same precautions in terms of protection when surfing the Internet. Android is the most widespread operating system in the world and there are millions of applications that can be downloaded from the Play Store, including antivirus software.
For the latter, we need to pay close attention to what you download because many applications claim to be anti-virus, but in reality, they spy on your smartphone, or they are full of advertisements. Precisely for this reason, we have developed a list with the best antivirus apps for Android that actually serve to protect your smartphone from the dangers of the network.
Logically, all the applications listed in the guide are free. Among the best antivirus apps for the most complete Android, there is Avast Mobile Security that automatically checks all the apps installed on the device, checks the security of wi-fi connections, blocks unwanted calls and dangerous applications.
The 8 best antivirus apps for Android in 2024
The best antivirus app for Android- Bitdefender Mobile Security
The name Bitdefender is one of the most popular antivirus applications, and this also applies to Bitdefender Mobile Security for Android.
Bitdefender Mobile Security offers a number of features for Android users, including a secure VPN, remote blocking and cancellation functionality for your Android device in case of loss or theft. Also, take a picture of anyone trying to use the phone without the passcode.
Bitdefender is easy to install and also intuitive to use. It has a minimal impact on your Android’s battery life and monitors your email account to make sure it hasn’t been hacked. It is also compatible with Android Wear and includes the WearON feature that alerts you on the Android smartwatch if you leave the phone unattended.
Does Bitdefender Mobile Security work on all Android devices running Android 4.1 or later and has its system weight reduced? About 29 MB.
Ideal for military-level protection- Kaspersky Internet Security for Android
Kaspersky is second only to Bitdefender, and only because of a cloud of suspicion that roams around Kaspersky due to allegations that the company has ties to the Russian government. Put it all away and Kaspersky offers the best antivirus protection on the market, with perfect or almost perfect regular scores from the industry’s test labs.
Even in the mobile version, Kaspersky Internet Security offers excellent protection against viruses, malware and apps, websites and suspicious files. Includes anti-theft tools to help you recover or cancel your phone in case of loss or theft. It offers call and text controls that block spyware and malicious messages.
Kaspersky also uses machine learning to combat new viruses and malware threats so that it can stay ahead of the last breach. This means you are protected against Zero-Day exploits. Add antiphishing protection, automatic scanning and support for Android Wear and you’ll have an almost perfect antivirus application for your Android device.
Kaspersky Internet Security for Android works with versions 4.2 – 9 and requires 150 MB of free space in the main memory of the devices.
The best antivirus app for Android with decent features- AVG Antivirus for Android
AVG Antivirus for Android is a free version of AVG antivirus software that offers many features for the average Android user. From powerful antivirus, antimalware and antispyware to the protections that protect the device from thieves and unauthorized users, you can get almost everything you need to protect your mobile device with AVG.
AVG further improves virus scanning and protects the device, even at the network level with a Wi-Fi security scanner that ensures that the Wi-Fi network has not been compromised. You will also receive a photo vault, an app lock, a VPN and call barring included with the application.
Of course, there is also the Camera Trap that takes a picture of all the unauthorized users who try and can’t unlock the device three times. You can also track your lost Android device on Google Maps or block it remotely and trigger an alarm if you suspect it was stolen.
AVG Antivirus for Android works on any device running Android 5.0 (Lollipop, API 21) or later and is compatible with ARM devices.
Ideal for social media users- Trend Micro Mobile Security
Trend Micro is a well-known name in the antivirus and by taking advantage of the cloud, Trend Micro Mobile Security for Android does not put a strain on your device’s resources. Offering maximum anti-virus and malware protection, it also has some unique features, including parental controls to manage your children’s activities while they are on their Android device.
But there is also an integrated privacy scanner for Facebook that reviews your profile settings to warn you of any weaknesses that could compromise your personal and private information.
The only drawback is that some advertisements and reminders for updating or renewing the app can be frustrating. If you can overcome this, however, Trend Micro Mobile’s security will run on Android 4.1 and higher devices and has a relatively small footprint on your device.
The best free antivirus app for Android- Avast Free Antivirus for Android
As with Avast’s free computer antivirus, Avast Free Antivirus for Android is an excellent antivirus application. In addition to protecting you from viruses, malware, Trojans and other Internet threats, the app will also block spam and unwanted calls. And it’s very easy to use.
You can also count on Avast for free to ensure the security of Wi-Fi networks before connecting and a firewall to protect even the perimeters of your security. The process of configuring Avast is slightly more complex than other antivirus applications, but it is a small price to pay for a decent and free antivirus application.
As with the PC version of Avast Free, the mobile version includes some advertisements and pushes for the update, and if you want to add to the functionality of the applications you can surely do it. But if what you’re looking for is basic antivirus protection, Avast Free Antivirus for Android is a good choice and works on any Android device running Android 4.1 or later.
The best for theft protection- McAfee Mobile Security
McAfee Mobile Security for Android is a mobile version of the award-winning McAfee anti-virus application. You can expect to get the same antivirus protection from the mobile version and have the ability to perform quick and thorough scans.
The newly downloaded apps are immediately scanned and automatic scans of attachments and files are also performed, in addition to the code included in the text messages. McAfee will also protect you from malicious websites as you browse the web on your device.
McAfee Mobile Security also has some excellent anti-theft capabilities. For starters, it has a Theft Cam feature that takes a picture of anyone trying to access the phone without the right credentials. And it sends you that picture with the location of your device via e-mail.
So, if it turns out that the device was actually stolen, you can lock the phone with a personalized message to let the thief know that the phone was stolen and tell them how to return it.
McAfee works for Android devices running Android 4.1 or later and will run on Android Wear, as long as you are running Android 4.4 or later. You will also need to have Android 5.0 or 51 on your Android Wear device.
Ideal for system recommendations- Norton Mobile Security
Norton is a long-standing name in antivirus applications, so it’s not surprising to see the company enter the realm of mobile security. The Norton Mobile Security app for Android devices brings with it Norton’s excellent antivirus and anti-malware protection.
It also scans Wi-Fi connections to make sure you are safe when connecting and has a series of anti-theft features.
What distinguishes Norton Mobile Security is the Security Advisor features and the Privacy Report that lets you see who is using your sensitive data. Both features are designed to help you understand the risks to your Android device and how to mitigate them.
Combine it with call blocking, secure Internet searches, and website URL tracking and you can be sure that with Norton installed your device is protected.
Like most other mobile security applications, Norton Mobile Security requires devices running Android 4.1 or later.
The second best free antivirus app for Android- Sophos Mobile Security for Android
Sophos Mobile Security for Android offers excellent antivirus protection and is free. Like the Sophos computer anti-virus application, Sophos Mobile Security will scan the device for threats and have a real-time synchronization that ensures that the device always refers to the latest virus definitions.
Sophos Mobile Security is also designed specifically for the Android operating system, so it is effective in identifying malicious and unwanted programs.
Like many other antivirus applications for mobile devices, there are anti-theft features that will allow you to lock or delete your devices, but Sophos also takes into account the actual security of the device and offers an authentication assistant that helps you manage multiple authentication factors.
It also scans the QR code destinations so you can be sure you’re not headed to a malicious website.
Sophos Mobile Security is geared towards new Android devices, so it requires devices to have Android 5.0 or later installed.
