Android is by far the most popular mobile operating system installed on the vast majority of devices, so it's no surprise that almost all mobile malware targets Google's operating systems. And often this dangerous software is hidden inside applications that imitate the original ones.
For this reason, by default, most Android devices do not allow software from obscure sources, such as app stores, to be installed outside of the official Google Play store. You are at great risk by downloading programs to your phone from third-party stores.
Regardless of the software that you use on your Android phone or tablet, it would be wise for you to have an antivirus or application on your computer that supports security on the device. In this article, we'll take a look at 10 of the best antivirus programs. Many of them not only perform automatic scans, but also try to prevent malicious web pages and files from opening or loading.
10. AVL
AVL is the former winner of the AV-Test (proven independent antivirus testing). It received an award in the category “Best Mobile Security”. Its functions, of course, include not only checking databases, but also scanning any active application on the device.
Other handy features include blocking incoming calls to protect you from outgoing threats. Also AVL supports anti-phishing function to stop harmful websites. The app is designed to light up resources, which is always handy when you're struggling for battery life. The app is also designed to highlight resources, which, you see, is always handy when you're struggling for battery life.
9. Mobile antivirus Avast
The giant Avast has used its significant skills to create an application that goes beyond the run-of-the-mill scanner. Additional features in the free version of the app include a call blocker, firewall, and even anti-theft protection to remotely lock or wipe your Android device.
Now the application can be installed for free, as the Avast antivirus is ad-supported. You can subscribe monthly or yearly to remove it.
Another very useful feature of the premium subscription is “in-app lock”, in which your device will ask for a PIN code before opening certain apps. This prevents the automatic launch of applications such as internet banking.
8. Free antivirus Bitdefender
Bitdefender is a big name in the security community, and its free antivirus program takes up extremely little space. In fact, it does not run in the background, which frees up system resources. But that means you need to schedule a scan or run it manually to keep your gadget safe. In this case, all new applications that you download to the device are automatically scanned.
Another advantage of this app is that it will be ready to go immediately after installation - no additional configuration is required.
If you need additional security, you can get a free 14-day trial of Bitdefender Mobile Security. It includes basic antivirus as well as real-time protection for the Chrome browser and protection against theft.
7. McAfee Security & Power Booster Free
McAfee is another well-known brand when it comes to PC antivirus software. This Android app will definitely not disappoint you. In addition to the antivirus scanner itself, the free features include tracking a lost device and blocking and fixing it remotely. If your device is stolen, the app can even take a picture of the thief ...
Other features allow you to scan applications to check for confidential information leaks and block when needed. McAfee also blocks access to potentially malicious websites and allows you to maintain a blacklist of inconvenient subscribers and text editors.
The Premium version allows you to remove ads and get phone support.
6. Kaspersky Mobile Antivirus
Kaspersky has a reputation for collaborating with big players like Bitdefender. The free version has some really amazing features: the antivirus is very good at collecting malware with a detection rate of 99.9% according to AV-Test from last November.
Kaspersky Antivirus & Security will also try to block any malicious sites or links before you navigate to them, in order to prevent infection in the first place.
When you download the application, you will be provided with a free 30-day trial version of Kaspersky Internet Security (after that it will cost $ 14.95). The premium version of the app has additional security features such as call and text filtering.
5. Sophos Free Antivirus and Security
Sophos' free antivirus app previously won the AV-Test for Best Protection in 2015. Sophos contains no ads. It also blocks sites with potentially inappropriate or illegal content.
Apps are scanned for malware or malicious content as they are installed, and Sophos alerts you if they might steal any of your sensitive information. You can also schedule periodic anti-virus scanning of files and folders. The malware database itself will be updated daily.
The app also includes a handy QR code scanner that you can use to set up secure Wi-Fi connections. There is also an authenticator that can generate one-time passwords for two-factor authentication.
4. Norton Security and Antivirus
This free app from Norton found 100% of all Android malware in AV-Test a few months ago. The scanner is powered by Norton Mobile Insight and can detect viruses in applications and then automatically remove them.
The application has the ability to lock the phone via SMS messages or remove the SIM card. You can also choose to remotely lock your device if it is missing (or lock it after 10 failed password attempts).
The app comes with a 30-day trial of Norton Mobile Security, which boasts additional features like SafeWeb filtering that blocks malicious websites.
3. Trend Micro Mobile Security & Antivirus
Trend Micro not only scans new applications for malware, but also prevents new applications from accessing existing software, which is beneficial for device administrators and parents. The app has a built-in privacy scanner for Facebook that alerts you if your profile is showing sensitive information.
The free version includes a 7-day trial in which premium features will be available. These include a malware blocker that is capable of scanning applications before they are even installed to prevent any potential infection. There are also utilities for safe surfing, as well as call and text filtering.
2. AhnLab V3 Mobile Security
This South Korean AhnLab protection app is not as well known in the wider community as others on this list, but it nonetheless has a very high Android malware detection rate according to AV-Test (99.6%) and works well even on older android devices. It has a built-in booster to speed up your phone.
The app comes with a 10-day free trial of anti-malware features that alert you if apps might be handling sensitive personal information.
Other handy privacy features include a hidden gallery for private photos and a privacy cleaner to safely clear your browsing history. Anti-theft measures include an alarm that is triggered if the device is reported lost or the SIM card is replaced. You can also remotely track, lock and wipe your device.
1. Avira Antivirus Security
Avira's mobile offering not only scans the downloaded files, but also the content itself in the mobile phone memory. It can also scan external storage, your SD card. Apps are rated using a privacy scale to help you easily decide how much your data can be trusted.
The integrated Identity Safeguard regularly checks to see if the email addresses on your contact list have been involved in any serious data breaches. The app is controlled by a web management portal, which is extremely useful if you want to set up a common policy across multiple Android devices.
The premium version includes improved support, automatic blocking of malicious websites, and more frequent updates.
We recommend watching:
This video review of the best antiviruses will help you determine the best protection for your Android device:
