Phones are like a part of our bodies. They’re essential in modern-day living, but nobody’s device is impervious to danger.
You could have a lot of valuable information stored on your Android, only for it to fall victim to a nasty virus.
If this is something that concerns you, then you should consider acquiring an Antivirus for your Android.
In this article, we’re going to look at some of the best Antivirus software and break down exactly what you should be looking for.
Norton Mobile Security & Antivirus
Norton Mobile Security & Antivirus is often praised as the best antivirus software you can get for Android.
Its malware protection is exceptionally good and deserves all of the compliments it receives.
This high level of security makes it a coveted app for those looking to protect their device, and we rate it very highly.
The app is also very easy to use. Ease of use is important, and Norton delivers positive results in this field.
The navigational tools are simple and straightforward, and the app genuinely looks great on a phone screen.
Its also one of the fastest running antivirus apps we’ve come across, which is a must for detecting and eliminating threats before they can manifest.
Unfortunately, there is no free version available for Norton Mobile Security & Antivirus.
This is a shame because previously there was, and it was a good app. Norton has also removed their anti-theft functions.
Although many apps don’t offer anti-theft functions, it’s hard to understand why they removed it.
Ultimately, the main thing that lets this product down is the price tag, and lack of free options.
However, if you’re looking for the best security available, we still highly recommend this service.
Pros
- High-level security
- Easy to use
- Fast
- Great user interface
- Attractive app design
Cons
- No free version
AVG Antivirus Review
AVG is another popular cybersecurity company that is owned by Avast. They’re one of the most popular Antivirus providers in the world, and this comes with good reason.
Over 100 million people have installed AVG Antivirus on their Android because of the supreme malware detection and protection that is ensured upon download.
It’s a smooth-running app that won’t slow your device down with cumbersome speeds.
This level of performance does not hinder the android battery power either, as it comes with a power save mode like some of the other apps on this list.
It’s well designed, with a simple user interface that makes it exceptionally easy to navigate.
The anti-theft functions are very effective. If your phone is stolen, you’ll be able to locate it using precise GPS.
The main downside to AVG Antivirus is that the free version isn’t quite as impressive as the paid versions.
Also, free apps generally need to use ads to make money, and this can be somewhat irritating.
If this doesn’t bother you, then we strongly recommend AVG Antivirus to protect your android device.
Pros
- Improves security
- Easy to use
- Can be used for free
- Protects your device from ransomware
- Fast and dependable
Cons
- Paid version is not budget friendly
Kaspersky Internet Security For Android
Kaspersky Internet Security For Android has a lot of features that make it one of the most popular Antivirus apps available today.
With high-level protection against malware, you can browse the internet freely, safe in the knowledge that your device is working to identify any incoming threats at all times.
Whilst the app works constantly, the light system impact means that you will be unhindered by lag or performance issues.
The call blocker works really well too, which isn’t always the case on antivirus apps.
Thieves are always on the lookout for phones, but if somebody manages to get their hands on your Android, this service has very strong anti-theft features that can effectively tackle the issue head-on.
One thing that stands out about this Antivirus product is that the free version contains no ads. This is a rarity in the apps of today and could be a dealbreaker for many users.
Despite this, the free version is somewhat limited. It does the job it’s designed to do well, so this could definitely be the app for you.
Pros
- Has strong protection against malware
- No ads in free version
- Light system impact
- Effective anti-theft features
- Impressive anti-phishing functions
Cons
- The free version is somewhat limited
Avast Mobile Security
Avast is a well-known antivirus company that has been popular for as long as antivirus software has been necessary.
The Avast Mobile Security & Virus Cleaner is packed full of useful features that are sure to please those who are concerned with the threat of viruses.
The Antivirus engine in this app is powerful, functioning well beyond most competitors and running smoothly the whole time.
Despite this, it uses minimal battery on your device and even has a Power Save setting for this specific purpose.
We found this very useful, as many Android devices suffer from battery drainage.
The Avast Mobile Security app also has functions designed to keep your photos safe specifically. Most photos are stored on our devices, and losing them is like losing memories, so this feature is quite invaluable.
The free version of this app has a lot of great features compared to other free antivirus apps. However, the downside is that the free version contains a lot of ads, and this can get annoying.
We would still recommend Avast Mobile Security for all of its strong aspects, and you can move up to the premium tier if the ads are becoming too much and it’s within your price range.
Pros
- Strong Antivirus engine
- Features a junk cleaner
- Uses minimal battery with Power Save mode
- The free version has lots of features
- Keeps your photos extra secure
Cons
- The free version contains too many ads
Bitdefender Antivirus
Bitdefender Antivirus is a good virus detecting app that runs smoothly. It’s minimally intrusive, unlike some other apps that constantly interfere with your activity by showing you notifications.
You also don’t need to worry about it draining your battery as the app can operate by using very little power whilst remaining just as effective.
Bitdefender Antivirus is excellent at detecting viruses through its scanning abilities, and the user interface is simple and straightforward.
If you’re not too tech-savvy then don’t be concerned because of this app scores high in terms of ease of use.
Bitdefender Antivirus gets the job done at high speeds and will inform you of any potential danger before it can do any damage.
Unfortunately, the free version of Bitdefender antivirus can only scan and does not actually fight malware.
This is a great tool for warning you of any suspicious threats, but if you’re looking for an app that actually fights them then you’d be better going for the premium version Bitdefender Mobile Security & Antivirus.
The premium version is affordable, which is another point that goes in Bitdefender’s favor.
Overall we would strongly recommend this app for virus detection on your Android.
Pros
- Low battery impact
- Excellent security
- Fast
- Free version available
- Easy to use
Cons
- The free version can only scan
As was mentioned previously, the danger of using mobile phones has increased a lot over the past 2 decades.
Alongside this, the amount that we rely on our devices is insurmountable. We’re intimately tied to our mobiles in day to day life in this ever-changing environment.
Hackers and dangerous malware have adapted in order to attack your private data, and if you’re browsing the internet unprotected it could potentially result in disastrous consequences.
With a good antivirus for android, you can essentially guarantee stress-free browsing. So, what makes an Antivirus app good? Here are just some of the things you should consider before making a purchase.
Why Should I use an Android Anti-Virus APP?
As you may know, a useful way to keep viruses away from your device is by regularly updating your phone with the latest software.
Usually, androids give you a notification when your device is in need of a system update, however this can become a problem.
Some phones lack the amount of storage to notify their users in a timely fashion.
Another issue surrounding this is the amount of times updates are needed.
It can get to the point at which your phone is struggling with the constant updates, and while it is important, it shouldn’t necessarily be the sole way that you protect your phone.
Software updates are simple and straightforward, but they aren’t that effective against zero-day threats, which we’ll cover in the next section.
Due to this, it’s definitely worth considering an antivirus app for your android.
Privacy and Security
A strong antivirus application will apply the latest cutting edge technology to ensure that your device is always protected from incoming threats.
You should seek out an app that has good zero-day malware detection.
This means that if a virus is brand new, your app will still be able to identify it. Some viruses become well known after a while, and they are easier to protect your device from by using the most basic of Android software updates.
The best antivirus apps are up to date with the changing trends of malware and will always be ready to prevent attacks upon your phone.
Speed
It’s important that the app you choose runs smoothly across most devices. Some apps struggle to operate with the same level of efficiency on every phone, so it’s crucial that users find an app that can work on their level of Android.
You can find the details of the compatibility of an app in the Google Play specifications section.
Our Pick
Recap
With so many great antivirus options for android, we’re almost spoilt for choice. Each app on this list has its own unique offerings, and we’d recommend them all for various users’ needs.
However, the AVG Antivirus app has proven itself to be a strong contender for the best antivirus for android. It runs smoothly and is very easy to use.
Its malware protection features are some of the best available on the market, and with so many downloads and high star ratings, it’s clear why this app is so popular.
It uses barely any power and has strong anti-theft measures in place that ensure an extra level of safety across the board.
That concludes our top pick.
Thanks for checking out this review, we hope you’re one step closer to finding the best antivirus for your android!
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