October 2019

Android is one of the most targeted mobile operating systems. It is open-source, so developers like working with it and prefer to use it for new smartphones and tablets. And, no doubt, it is great – Android is easy to customize and adapt to any device. But it is really hard to eliminate all vulnerabilities when a lot of things are getting changed.

Here is our top of antiviruses for Android:

Hackers don’t miss their chance to get easy prey. They create new malware for this mobile platform constantly, spreading viruses around the Internet. Therefore, antivirus is a vital application every user should install once they turn on the device for the first time.

However, it is not that easy to choose the antivirus for Android that will fit all your needs and your budget (also you can find the best antivirus overall here). So first of all, you have to define your requirements and understand how much money you prefer to spend on this software. Also, you have to remember that some antiviruses offer additional features. Decide, whether you need a full package or not and begin your research.

What is the best Antivirus for Android 2019?

To choose a really good software, you should check several basic criteria that can help identify how good the antivirus is.

• The main thing that should define your choice is, obviously, lab tests. If the provider didn’t perform well in the lab, it is far from reliable and, thus, is not the right solution.
• Also, you’d want the antivirus software to work on all devices that run on Android. Today it’s not only a smartphone and a tablet. We have a lot of wearable gadgets that are based on this OS and need protection as well.
• You have to decide whether you want a real-time or on-demand scanning because some providers offer only one option.
• Many antiviruses also have a lot of extra features like call block or warnings about an unprotected network.

So you need to understand if you want a plain antivirus or a full pack of features.

To make it easier for you, we’ve prepared reviews of 10  antivirus apps for android developed by industry-leading antivirus companies. Keep reading to choose your best antivirus for Android. Also if you use iPhone, check best antivirus for iPhone.

Total AV for Android: the Best Anti Phishing App

Total AV reliably protects the gadget from malware, ransomware, and even phishing. With this antivirus, you will get real-time protection that will always be on alert detecting every threat that gets to your device. So you don’t have to remember about running routine scans – your system is constantly scanned. Once the threat is detected, the software puts it in the quarantine, so the virus doesn’t spread. A VPN service gives you some additional protection both for your privacy and security.

When it comes to features, Total AV has pretty basic tools. Here you will find the option that lets you kill processes and remove apps, and get rid of trash. And that’s it. You will not find any extra features. But do you need them when you opt for a good antivirus?

Prices:

• Ultimate Antivirus – $59.95 for the 1st year.
• Antivirus Pro – $39.95 for the 1st year.
• Essential Antivirus – $19.95 for the 1st year.

TotalAV Verdict

This one is for the regular users that are looking for decent protection on a budget. TotalAV might not be as advanced and sophisticated as, say, Kaspersky, but it is quite impressive in anti-phishing and anti-ransomware protection. The best thing about this app – you don’t have to worry about anything: just install it, and let it take care of your device. The bad news is – the free trial is extremely limited.

Norton Antivirus for Android: Best Malware Scanner

This antivirus has a unique and truly generous offer – one paid subscription will protect up to ten different devices on Android and iOS. Every gadget will have almost perfect protection – Norton has shown a 99.9% rate during lab tests. Another advantage of this android antivirus is the fast scan that will take around just 10 seconds. Even though the software impacts the performance of the device a bit, due to the fast scan you might not even notice it.

The package offers a generic set of features. Here you will find anti-theft settings, web protection and the feature that allows you to block calls and text messages. The App Advisor function will let you know everything about any app you have installed on your device – battery usage, access to data, etc. Norton has an extensive database that contains detailed info about applications.

The regular package cost is $29.99/year, but the first year of subscription will only cost you $14.99.

Norton Antivirus: Bottom Line

As mentioned, you can save a lot of money with Norton, as it offers protection for up to ten devices with one single subscription. Add lightning-fast scans, web protection, and anti-theft, and you’ll get a bargain. During a test, you will feel a heavy load on the OS, but, since tests don’t take a long time to complete, this isn’t even an issue.

McAfee Antivirus for Android: User-Friendly & Thorough Scans

McAfee Antivirus is one of the not that many antiviruses that offers pretty good protection and a nice range of features for free (check our review). The McAfee software will scan all installed apps automatically as well as new files. Also, you can run the on-demand scan if you feel the need. The Web Protection feature will block all sites that contain possible threats and will warn you when you get suspicious emails or texts.

The most extensive section of McAfee is anti-theft. It allows to track the device, lock it and wipe all the data remotely. Also, you can take a mugshot of a thief if the gadget gets stolen. With this antivirus, you can block calls and texts as well. The premium version includes ad block tool and access to the phone support. Full review you can find on this page.

A 1-year subscription will cost you $29.99.

McAfee Verdict

For a mobile device, anti-theft features are essential. With McAfee, you’ll get an impressive list of capabilities and will be able to protect your data from the thieves. A very friendly user interface, above-average protection rates, and deep scans are even more reasons to consider buying this product. It is a bit pricy, however, and it needs more CPU and RAM to work correctly.

• McAfee doesn’t provide a trial version of Mobile Security for Android;
• There is a 7-day trial for the iOS users, though;
• You can get Mobile Security for Android free on Google Play;
• Easy to download and get the trial version.

Bitdefender for Android: Best for Reliable Protection

Bitdefender is built on one of the most reliable and modern anti-malware engines (read the review here). During tests, this antivirus scored a perfect 100%. The software automatically scans all apps that are just installed or updated. However, there is no feature that would allow scheduling scans, and that’s a downside. The scan on demand is quite fast – it will take around 30 seconds. The antivirus is using cloud-based malware detection and doesn’t take a lot of resources.

Bitdefender offers a nice set of security features. It has an advanced malware scanner, anti-theft and account privacy features, and App Lock that allows you to lock certain apps. Also, you can extend the antivirus, so it protects your Android-based wearables as well. Last but not least, a VPN service comes with the antivirus.

Bitdefender Mobile security package will cost you $14.99/year. There is a 14-day free trial.

Bitdefender Verdict

Users that put security first will appreciate Bitdefender’s third-party test results (tested and checked). It is just as good as Kaspersky (another heavyweight in the industry). Thanks to the cloud-based detection system, you won’t have to worry about the app slowing down your Android device. The list of pros includes zero impact on the battery, a 100% detection rate, and high privacy standards.

Kaspersky Antivirus for Android: best Internet Protection & Powerful Features

It’s one of the oldest and, thus, most trusted antiviruses. Kaspersky (read our full review) shows rather high scores during lab tests when it comes to malware. However, the anti-phishing abilities of this software are more mediocre. Kaspersky will scan every new, and if it finds a treat, it will ask you what actions to perform. On-demand scans take around a minute which is longer than most antiviruses need.

Kaspersky Antivirus provides its users with several anti-theft features. You can take a mugshot, wipe all data, lock and locate the device remotely, and set an alarm that will at least irritate the thief. Also, there is a browser protection feature that will help you stay away from malicious sites. Kaspersky allows you to hide all calls and certain contact cards as well. Overall, this antivirus gives a vast range of features.

The price is $11.99/year for one device. Every additional device will cost $5.

Bottom Line

Despite the longer scans and average phishing detection rates, Kaspersky is still an ultimate solution for your Android device. Remote device location and alarms will be useful when trying to get your lost phone back. Just like the previous two products, Kaspersky has a very light impact on the system – you won’t even notice it working in the background.

Avast for Android: The Best Free Antivirus on The Market

Avast antivirus offers pretty reliable protection, although lab tests are very inconsistent (read our full Avast Antivirus review). In some tests, Avast scores 100%, in others — only 5.5 out of 6. However, even the lower scores are not as bad. The app offers several modes: a real-time shield that protects the device from malware; the scan-on-demand; scheduled scans. The last option allows to schedule scanning for, say, 3 a.m. when you’re asleep, so you don’t have to deal with a laggy phone.

There is a free version that covers pretty much all needs, But it can annoy you with ads. The free version will block calls, let you manage app permissions, help you find your device if it was stolen or lost, and protect you with a firewall. The paid version offers an advanced anti-theft feature, the ability to lock apps and direct support. You can purchase additional tools like VPN or Cleanup as separate apps.

Prices for the paid option of Avast Mobile Security are as follows:

• Monthly – $1.99/month
• Yearly – $7.99/year

Avast Antivirus Verdict

If you’re looking for a capable free antivirus to get you started, this is your best pick. The list of available features with Avast Free is truly impressive, and it is more than enough to protect your Android device. Security-wise, it is also an excellent choice: only Kaspersky and Bitdefender performed better in our recent tests. Finally, it is very easy to download and install the software; and, it has a very light system impact, which is good news for owners of older devices.

ScanGuard for Android: Best Paid Antivirus for Multi-Device Users

This is one of the most powerful antiviruses. It offers a real-time scanning that doesn’t slow the device much, extra firewalls that are on alert all the time, quick and full scans. ScanGuard will protect you from malware, ransomware, and phishing. The VPN service that comes in the premium package will give you even more security and privacy during your internet activity.

This antivirus features the Safe Password Vault where you can keep all your passwords. There also are performance improvement options like trash cleaner and app killer. ScanGuard allows you to lock your apps and manage them as well. The downside is that there is no opportunity to get premium just for Android. You will have to choose one of the multi-device packages. 

Prices:

• Essential Antivirus – $24.95 for the 1st year.
• Pro Antivirus – $39.95 for the 1st year. 
• Ultimate Antivirus – $59.95 for the 1st year.

ScanGuard – Our Verdict

Advanced security features and low-impact real-time scans make ScanGuard (we tested & checked it) stand out. Plus, the premium subscription plans come with a decent VPN that will further improve your online experience. As mentioned, to get top-notch protection on Android, you’ll have to go with one of the available multi-device plans. Overall, this is a good bet for multi-device owners that are looking to protect both their desktop and mobile devices.

Avira Antivirus for Android: Strong Protection, Lots of Adds with the Free Version

Avira antivirus will scan downloaded files that are stored in the memory of your gadget and on the external storage like SD card. Unfortunately, in the free version, you will only get a scan-on-demand. If you want the software to protect you while you’re surfing on the Internet, you will have to get a paid premium version. Avira has shown rather good results during lab tests so that you will have decent protection.

One of the best features of Avira is the Privacy Advisor. It gives users detailed information about the installed app regarding their security and the amount of data they collect. Also, this antivirus will protect your camera by letting you control which apps can use it. The call and text blocking come in the package as well. And in the premium version, you will get Surfing Protection, better support, and more frequent database updates.

The price is $5.95/year per device.

Avira Antivirus – Our Verdict

The long list of security features, excellent anti-malware protection, and extensive use of cloud technology are this product’s strongest selling points. Sadly, while the free version is quite alright, it keeps “attacking” the users with pop-ups, offering to upgrade to the paid edition. Lack of proper support and longer-than-usual installation are the biggest cons. Overall, Avira is a decent antivirus, but not as good as Bitdefender and Kaspersky.

• While there is no trial version, you can always use Avira Mobile Security Free;
• To get rid of the ads and get access to additional features, you’ll need to upgrade to the Pro edition (it costs less than 7 dollars a year);
• Get a trial or free version of Avira here.

AVG Antivirus for Android: One of The Best Virus Killers

AVG antivirus will not offer you the best protection ever – its results in lab tests are pretty mediocre. However, it compensates this downside with other strength. The antivirus has a great interface, offers a monthly plan unlike most providers and supports an unlimited number of devices. The quick scanning is a huge plus, and a built-in secure search allows you to search something incognito without your data being gathered.

Additionally, AVG will scan your WiFi and tell you about any vulnerabilities. You also can protect some apps by locking them. There is a section for performance improvement as well. Here you can manage the activity of apps and clean trash to speed up your device. The last feature is the anti-theft. It helps to locate the gadget when it’s lost or stolen, set the alarm, lock it, delete the data and take a mugshot of a thief.

The price is $2.69/month or $10.79/year.

AVG Verdict

An unlimited number of protected connections, quick scans, and an attractive interface – those are AVG’s pros. OS performance optimization, network vulnerabilities scan, and anti-theft are even more reasons to consider choosing this antivirus. As for the cons, it lacks superior protection (and falls behind the leaders). If you put fast scans, anti-theft features and a friendly interface above all, then AVG might be a good pick for you.

• AVG Antivirus For Android is a free product;
• There’s no trial version, but the free edition isn’t limited in any way;
• Check your version of AVG.

BullGuard for Android: a Solid Cloud-Based Antivirus

This antivirus will offer you solid protection from viruses, adware, trackware, spyware and other kinds of malware (read results of testing).  The software constantly updates from the cloud, so you can be sure you’re always safe. BullGuard will scan all new apps and flag infected ones. Also, you can run a scan on-demand. However, even though this provider claims that the antivirus doesn’t drain the battery, we have noticed a visible impact.

One of the key features is anti-theft. This tool allows to locate and lock the device if it was stolen or lost. This section has pretty basic instruments such as data wipe and alarm. With the SIM protection, you can trigger an automatic device lock or data erasure when the SIM card is changed. Also, with BullGuard, you can manage calls and texts and do a backup of your data. The premium version includes parental control and can be used for up to 5 devices.

Prices:

• 1 year – $19.95;
• 2 years – $31.95 (save 20%).

BullGuard – Bottom Line

For older Android devices with weak batteries, BullGuard is a wrong choice. On the other hand, if you own a brand-new Smartphone, you will get to enjoy its industry-leading protection against all kinds of online threats. The average Android user will appreciate its anti-theft features, including data wipe, locate-lock, and more.

How We Test

Our team of experts runs its own series of tests to determine which antivirus solution is best for the Android OS. For this purpose, we use an extensive collection of the most dangerous and new malware samples. They help us to find the antivirus that excels at protecting against online threats. Every single malicious file was hidden inside of a .zip archive; when opened, it automatically downloads these files, and they plant themselves on the OS.

We carefully examined each antivirus product’s behavior, including at which point the threats were found, and whether they were quarantined or not. Most of the software recognized the samples the second they opened and deleted them right there and then. Other programs locked these threats in the quarantine folder; some only quarantined the files that were masking themselves to look legit.

All this information allowed us to evaluate antivirus solutions with precision. Furthermore, this allowed us to monitor in real tests how big of a system impact they had. We launched full scans and performed regular tasks, including browsing, reading/sending emails, accessing streaming services, and even playing games online. Finally, we checked the download-installation process, as well as testing the software to see how easy it is to use.

Do We Need an Antivirus For Android?

Many inexperienced users ask: should I use antivirus on Android, or not? This OS is becoming more and more popular, which means it’s now a target for the cyber criminals. Still, antivirus programs have a negative effect both on the battery and the Smartphone’s resources.

So, is it necessary to have an antivirus on your Android device, or not?

In most cases (like 99%), you don’t need to even think about an antivirus on your tablet/phone running on this operating system. Mass media has led regular people to believe that Android viruses are even more dangerous than the Windows ones, but that is far from the truth. At the same time, they do exist, which is why a robust modern-day antivirus will still have some work to do.

The majority of Android-specific viruses make their way into user phones through suspicious apps. Thankfully, those no longer exist in the Google Play store; plus, the system prevents you from installing apps that don’t come from this store. Besides, when a malicious app does appear, Google reaches out and eliminates it from user devices.

So we are sure you can try best free antivirus as least.

However, sometimes, dubious apps come back under new names, and that’s when an antivirus like Bitdefender, Kaspersky, or Avast will come in handy. And if you’re suspicious of your phone’s behavior and are confident that viruses have taken over it, a factory reset will get rid of any possible malware on the OS.

Best Antivirus for Android: Video Guide

It is critically important to keep your Android device protected. And, fortunately, we have plenty of options. There are so many android antivirus solutions that you can choose one that precisely fits your requirements and expectations. It doesn’t matter whether you want a free or a paid app, a plain antivirus or a whole bunch of cool tools – you will be able to find the right solution.