There are plenty of precautions against hackers and malware injectors. However, black-hat hackers have also advanced in a lot of ways. While it’s a lot harder to hack into a smartphone these days, it’s still better to be prepared for any virus or malware. The best antivirus app for Android is one that can provide you with all-around security while using up as little battery as possible. Although it’s always up to your preferences. Choose the one that suits you best!
Best Android antivirus apps by category
The 7 best Android antivirus apps
1. Safe Security – Antivirus, Booster, Phone Cleaner
A lot of these antivirus apps have been around on the market for a while. This app wasn’t very famous, but slowly built a name for itself. It has a highly stylized and simplified interface. Formerly known as 360 Security, they are now known as Safe Security and has over 16 million downloads on Play Store.
Features:
Security & antivirusJunk file cleanerSpeed boosterCall & SMS filterWi-Fi securityIntruder selfie
One of the best things about this app that it not only cleans viruses, adware, Trojans, and other vulnerabilities but also keeps your smartphone clean and fast. It also comes with a smart battery saver that may not be as good as some dedicated battery saving apps for Android, but it gets the job done.
2. ESET Mobile Security & Antivirus
ESET Mobile Security is a highly efficient antivirus app for Android. The app boasts of its hundred-motion detection rate and in my testing, I found it to be extremely fast. The app makes everything easier for you to do. You don’t need to run any scans manually, because ESET automatically does it for you.
Features:
Scan for malwareAnti-phishingSecurity report
However, for more features and long-term usage, you will have to buy a subscription. With this subscription, you will get features like App Protection, Security Audit, Scheduled Scans, 5-Device Licence, and many more.
3. Avast Antivirus – Mobile Security & Virus Cleaner
If you’re in the market looking for a simple yet effective antivirus app for Android, then AVAST Mobile Security is suitable for you. AVAST mobile security scans your device and secures it against infected files, malware, malicious viruses, spyware, and even unwanted phishing. One of the best things about the AVAST mobile security app is its light footprint – meaning that it comes in a tiny package but does the job remarkably well.
Features:
Antivirus engineApp lockCall blockerAnti-theftPhoto vaultVPN
Another cool thing about this app is that it has virtually no impact on the performance of your device, even if the scan is running in the background. It’s one of the best malware protection apps for Android. It’s also available in 20+ languages, which is great if you don’t know English that well. Undoubtedly, it is one of the best Android antivirus apps out there.
4. Norton™ 360: Online Privacy & Security
This is one of the best and oldest antivirus software for the PC, but Norton Antivirus doesn’t fail to impress on the Android platform as well. The simplified main screen and easily accessible features make this app a great option. The app can scan and remove apps that have a virus or malicious code in them.
Features:
Android antivirus scanWi-Fi scanningSafe searchCall blockingLost or stolen phone protection
Just one tap and the app will be able to find any malware, viruses, and spyware or security threat on your device. One of the best things about this app is the antitheft measures it has in place. You will be able to lock your lost or stolen smartphone remotely via SMS. The app also allows you to lock your phone instantly if the SIM card is removed.
5. Anti-virus Dr. Web Light
If you were a target of ransomware, then you must know the pain of getting back your data. It’s always better to have an app that can protect you from the adverse effects of malware with ease. While I have not tested the app myself against ransomware myself, a lot of users have reported great results.
Features:
Frugal data usageOrigins trackingDetailed statisticsWidgetFile system scans
The app can terminate malicious processes even if the device is locked. Additionally, you can perform quick full system scans, with SD card protection against AutoRun files and other exploits.
6. Avira Antivirus Security 2021 – Antivirus & AppLock
Avira Antivirus Security 2021 makes it to our list of the best Android antivirus apps. Simple, fast, and reliable, the Avira Antivirus Security has all of these features. The app is designed beautifully and allows you to access every function right from the main screen. You’ll be able to scan apps on your device automatically with this great antivirus app for Android.
Features:
Virus scanner & cleanerPhone locator & trackerPrivacy advisorVirus protectionCamera & mic protectionApp lock
It’s one of those few antivirus apps for Android that allow you to scan external storage units, which include ISBs attached with OTG cables as well as standard SD cards. This app also comes with anti-theft and recovery tools that can help you in the event of getting your stolen phone back, or at least render it useless to the robbers.
7. AVG AntiVirus 2021 for Android Security Free
Last but not least, the AVG Antivirus app finds a place in the best Android antivirus apps list. Even though AVG has made a name for itself on the Desktop Marketplace, it hasn’t impressed us much on Android. Like the other antivirus apps on this list, it gets the job done and it’s not a bad app. But it constantly tries to sell you its features. It can do the job well and it’s free, but it certainly doesn’t rise up to its expectations.
Features:
Scan deviceExtended battery lifeAnti-Theft protectionPrivacyApp Insights
The app is perfectly capable of scanning and detecting any viruses or malware on your device. Their virus database is updated daily, and they have an active customer support.
Cleaners and optimizers
Cleaners and optimizers are useful for your device, especially if you constantly download from third-party sources. Also, apps leave data on your phone when you delete them, which causes your phone to slow down. I included optimizers in this list that you can have alongside your antivirus app.
Avast Cleanup & Boost, Phone Cleaner, Optimizer
This app isn’t purely an antivirus app for Android, but it does come close. A lot of people install antivirus apps because their smartphone’s performance is slow. However, it’s not always because the Android device is affected by a virus; leftover app files can also affect the performance of your device.
Features:
Free up storage spaceDetox photo libraryTune up performanceBoost battery life
If you regularly remove apps by straightforwardly removing them from the home screen, there’s a chance that a lot of temporary unneeded files are stored on your device. This is where Avast comes into play. This app cleans your device and deletes in an efficient manner. This app allows you to use your device just like it was taken recently out of the box.
CCleaner: Memory Cleaner, Phone Booster, Optimizer
This isn’t an antivirus app for Android, but if you’re already using a great antivirus app for Android, you can install this cleaner app on your device as well. CCleaner deletes all the residual data left behind by uninstalled apps. I’ve been using CCleaner on my device for a long time and I can attest to its capabilities. CCleaner gives you more room and storage space for newer apps. By doing this, it also boosts your phone’s performance. If you install plenty of apps on your device, CCleaner makes everything easier by optimizing your phone’s storage. Kaspersky Antivirus and VPN The Kaspersky app is a free antivirus application for android. This app can be a great solution for android that helps secure phones and tablets. This app makes sure that your phone is secured and free from online dangers. Some of the cool features of this app is that it acts as a virus cleaner and scanner. It automatically blocks malware, viruses, spyware, and ransomware. Features:
Safe browsing and messagingPassword managementSocial privacyData leak checkerKaspersky VPN
One of the coolest features about the Kaspersky app is that this app contains VPN. it encrypts all your data and masks your IP address and lets you search and browse with complete privacy. It also allows you to access global content and stream services from anywhere.
Android antivirus apps – Keep your personal data safe
These are the most powerful and useful Android antivirus apps. I can surely recommend each and every one of them to anyone. I recommend that you select one app and stick to it. Don’t install multiple antivirus apps on your Android device. Choose one based on your preference. If its features help you in the long run, then stick with that app. Also, ensure that whatever you download is from a secure site. Third-party download sites can sometimes be dangerous, so be sure to have an antivirus app on your device! Do you use any of the Android antivirus apps mentioned above? What antivirus app do you use? Let me know in the comments section below! Featured Image
