Despite Google’s best efforts to keep Android secure, new threats are constantly emerging. You can easily fall prey to scammers, especially if you have an old version of the operating system installed on your device. By downloading a high-quality antivirus for your smartphone or tablet, you can forget about malware threats and enjoy peace of mind while browsing. If you’d like to know how to check for viruses on android, go on reading.
The best mobile security apps for Android are capable of completely neutralizing viruses, getting rid of ads – that’s why they are called the best adware remover for Android. Antivirus software also hides confidential data from third parties. With a wide selection of different antiviruses for Android from different companies, choosing the best solution is not an easy task. That is why we decided to create this list.
This page features the 8 best antivirus solutions for Android in 2021. Using our list, you can find a quality solution to protect your device from malicious software. Check out the top pros and cons for the most popular antivirus programs on Android in order to determine which one is right for your device.
- 1McAfee
- 2. Norton
- 3. Avira
- 4. Panda
- 5. BullGuard
- 6. Heimdal
- 7. Kaspersky
- 8. Avast
- 9. Bitdefender – Unbeatable mobile security
- 10. TotalAV – Real Time Android Protection
1. McAfee – the Best Verified Antivirus for Android
McAfee has been one of the most popular antivirus software developers on the market for many years, and its software solutions are used on more than 500 million devices around the world. Much of digital life in 2021 is concentrated in portable devices, so it should come as no surprise that McAfee was one of the first companies to create antivirus for Android.
Price: 29.99$
Pros:
- Easy-to-learn user interface;
- Effective protection algorithms that don’t consume battery power;
- Paid version is very affordable;
- Wide range of additional functions;
- Best free antivirus for android on mobile – has a free trial period.
Cons:
Slow support service.
Energy Efficient Virus Protection
The application will effectively protect your smartphone or tablet while consuming next to no battery power. The threat scanner continuously checks the files downloaded to the device and compares them with entries in virus databases. McAfee also uses heuristic analysis to launch unknown applications in a secure environment. All suspicious files are sent straight to quarantine.
McAfee’s virus databases are updated on a daily basis, and the application automatically refreshes them when connected to the network. You can specify how often the antivirus updates its databases in your settings. This is useful for users who do not want to spend a lot of bandwidth on daily downloads. For maximum security, however, the program should be permitted to download updates as soon as they are released.
Safe Browsing
McAfee helps you avoid malicious sites, phishing links, and questionable files while browsing the web. It also protects your personal information, allowing you to safely use any browser. McAfee will automatically block malicious sites and warn you about any and all possible threats.
Safe Browsing helps you avoid the dangers of active Internet surfing. You can fully protect yourself from threats and viruses in just five minutes by downloading the application and letting it run in the background. Safe Browsing is very resource-effective, so it will have a negligible effect on the battery life of your device.
Install McAfee Antivirus2. Norton – Effective Cyber Threat Protection for Android
Norton Mobile Security from Symantec provides a complete suite of security features for Android smartphones and tablets. The application provides a wide array of extra functions in addition to full protection against viruses. Norton makes surfing the web on your portable device much more enjoyable.
Price: 39.99$
Pros:
- One of the most advanced phone security apps available;
- Offers complete protection against all types of cyber threats;
- Frequently ranks first among antivirus ratings for mobile platforms;
- Includes an efficient VPN service and password manager;
- Trying the Norton mobile app is free.
Cons:
- One of the most expensive options out there.
Wireless Security
The app uses proprietary wireless scanning technology to detect threats. For example, you will receive a warning if you connect to an unsecured Wi-Fi hotspot. Always be sure that attackers can’t intercept your wireless network signal to steal or collect confidential information.
Cloud Backup
Norton offers cloud-based backups for all subscribers that can be used to store all of your device’s most important documents. The amount of available backup space depends on the plan you have purchased. The entry-level plan only offers 10 GB of free space, and the premium version offers 75 GB.
Norton users who often work with different devices find the availability of backups particularly helpful because they can access their files from anywhere. No matter how you use the Internet – from a computer, smartphone or tablet – thanks to Norton, you can access and edit your most important documents whenever you want.
Cloud storage also provides excellent protection against ransomware for your important documents. Ransomware attacks employ programs that are able to encrypt documents, and hackers then demand money from their victims in order to decrypt them. You don’t have to worry about the threat of ransomware at all thanks to Norton, as all of your important files will be backed up on secure servers. Download them to any device as you see fit.
Install Norton Antivirus3. Avira – Free Anti virus for Android
Avira Antivirus has attracted millions of users from all over the world over its many years on the market. It is impressive in its simplicity and rich functionality, and it even offers a free version – the Android app is available for download on Google Play at no cost to you. Just like Avira for desktop, the Android virus cleaner is extremely user-friendly and effective. If you have an Android phone and need an efficient adware remover – consider downloading Avira,
Price: 44.99$
Pros:
- Impressive laboratory test results;
- Convenient user interface;
- Built-in VPN;
- Strong trial version;
- Reliable protection against phishing sites;
- Protection against phone theft.
Cons:
Most of the features are only available on a paid version.
Privacy Protection
Avira tools work around the clock to prevent unauthorized access to the content of your Android device. Attackers will not be able to obtain information about your Internet activity.
Camera and Microphone Protection
Antivirus will prevent intruders from spying on you through the camera of your tablet or smartphone, as well as prevent suspicious applications from accessing your microphone. With Avira, your privacy will always remain intact.
Real-time Protection
Avira Antivirus offers real-time antivirus protection. The application scrutinizes all files you access and verifies their code. If a threat is identified, Avira will not allow suspicious files to make changes to the system.
Find Your Lost Device
In addition to security features, Avira allows you to find your missing smartphone or tablet. You can activate the lock function to remotely protect your lost device from unauthorized use, or use the application to trigger an audible alarm to that will help you find your phone if you misplace it.
Install Avira Antivirus4. Panda – Powerful Mobile Antivirus for Android
Panda Security provides the best Android protection. It’s an app from a Spanish company that is famous for its Windows and macOS security solutions. Try the best free android security app. The trial version of the application is available for download completely free of charge. Panda offers anti-phishing protection, real-time monitoring, disk cleanup, and other features. The Panda Security app can be used on most tablets and smartphones.
Price: 31.19$
Pros:
- Offers three types of scanning;
- Demo version offers a lot of features;
- Minimal consumption of device resources;
- Customizable user interface;
- Optimized performance and battery life;
- Current virus database updates.
Cons:
- Paid versions are not cheap.
Everything You Need for Cybersecurity
Panda Security brings together all of the basic functions that everyday users need, allowing you to anonymously visit websites and keep your data confidential when shopping on the Internet. It is available for devices running Android 6.0 and higher, which makes it one of the most undemanding antivirus solutions on the market.
The program includes a VPN to bypass resource locks and disable internet tracking. You can enjoy 150 MB of traffic per day with the trial version, and purchasing a premium Panda subscription is the only way to increase your daily allotment. A premium plan offers speeds of up to 10 Gbps for your VPN and offers zero traffic restrictions.
Phishing Protection
Attackers often create malicious sites that are disguised as popular social networks and other web resources, and use them to trick users into giving up passwords, usernames and other confidential information. Panda is the best Android antivirus that allows you to forget about phishing risks and protects you from visiting fraudulent sites while surfing on your smartphone or tablet.
Anti-Thief
Panda Antivirus has an Anti-Theft feature that allows you to remotely find and lock your lost device. It is available for smartphones, tablets and smartwatches. You can remotely lock the device through the application, as well as delete any important files and documents in order to avoid having your personal data compromised.
Install Panda Antivirus5. BullGuard – Smart Antivirus Protection for Android
BullGuard for Android is just as effective as more popular solutions when it comes to scanning for and neutralizing threats. It also offers a performance enhancement feature that speeds up the work of Android devices. Like many of the other antiviruses on our list that are used on Android for virus scans, you can try BullGuard for free by downloading the app from Google Play.
Price: 29.99$
Pros:
- Affordable license prices;
- Device performance optimization;
- Intuitive interface;
- Cloud backups;
- Effective vulnerability scanner.
Cons:
- Poor phishing protection.
Three Levels of Protection for Your Smartphone or Tablet
BullGuard Antivirus continuously scans the files on your device in real time, preventing malware from harming your system. This virus scanner that works in your mobile will automatically send any infected files to quarantine, where you can view them before deleting them permanently.
BullGuard detects fresh threats in incredibly short time using machine learning methods. The application analyzes the properties of malware programs and identifies virus signatures even before they are added to virus databases. Malicious software is neutralized in an instant, so your Android device is 100% protected at all times.
Vulnerability Scanner
BullGuard Antivirus has a vulnerability scanner that assesses your system’s security and identifies the most exploitable areas. The application for Android will also prevent you from downloading suspicious files as it detects viruses and helps with virus removal. In addition, users are presented with instant alerts when connecting to unsecured wireless networks.
BullGuard for Android keeps itself extraordinarily up to date. By default, the application automatically installs virus database updates as soon as they are released. You can disable automatic updates in the settings, but this is highly discouraged. The more current your antivirus is, the less likely you are to become yet another victim of hackers.
Optimizing Performance
One distinctive feature of BullGuard is the Smartphone Optimization feature, which can be used to maximize the performance of your Android system. This means that BullGuard is the best cell phone security app that will both block vulnerabilities and help your device run more smoothly. Forget about running out of RAM or performance spikes – BullGuard even breathes new life into older smartphones or tablets.
Install BullGuard Antivirus6. Heimdal – Unified Cybersecurity Suite for Android
Heimdal’s Thor Mobile Security offers proactive device monitoring and a suite of the latest tools for virus scan for Android. Purchasing a license will allow you to use the antivirus on your smartphone or tablet as well as on computers running Windows or macOS.
Pros:
- Good protection against phishing sites;
- Protection against identity theft;
- Effective threat detection scanner;
- Convenient customizable interface;
- Protection against ransomware attacks.
Cons:
- Slow support service.
Proactive Defense
Heimdal Security protects your device in real time when there is a virus on your Android. The app doesn’t just eliminate viruses – it detects them before they harm your Android device by blocking any potentially dangerous activity presented by suspicious programs. Heimdal’s threat detection solution has a low frequency of false positives as well, so you can rest easy knowing your computer is virus-free.
Darklayer Guard
DarkLayer Guard keeps you safe from cybercriminals by protecting against malware and offering real-time two-way traffic scanning. This best cell phone antivirus monitors DNS, HTTP and HTTPS, it detects zero-day exploits, data leaks and next-generation attacks, and it blocks any identified ransomware.
Firewall
A firewall will protect your device at the network level, monitoring your inbound and outbound traffic and filtering it based on predefined rules. This provides you with an extra layer of security between you and the internet. Thor Mobile Security also instantly blocks all unauthorized attempts to connect to your Android device.
7. Kaspersky – Top Antivirus for Android
Kaspersky Lab products for mobile devices offer a full range of antivirus functionalities. The trial version of virus cleaner is available for all smartphones and tablets with Android 4.4 and higher. You can use Kaspersky Anti-Virus on older devices, but the minimum screen resolution must be at least 320 x 480 pixels.
Price: 29.99$
Pros:
- You can try the Android security app completely free of charge;
- The trial version contains no ads;
- The antivirus always warns you about an attempt to go to a phishing site;
- Virus database updates consume almost no bandwidth.
Cons:
- VPN and some other functions are only available with paid versions.
File Blocking Protection
Kaspersky Anti-Virus for Android uses the company’s proprietary technology to detect ransomware, and the intelligent Kaspersky Anti-Cryptor detects threats before they start encrypting your documents. Attackers simply will not have enough time to block your files, as the antivirus will immediately put a halt to any and all attempts.
This best antivirus protection for Android continuously monitors your network environment to detect suspicious activity. Kaspersky doesn’t just watch over your smartphone – it watches the entire network, ensuring your valuable files and documents will remain completely intact. All of the above functions make ransomware viruses useless against people who utilize Kaspersky Antivirus.
Protection Against Stalker Software
Kaspersky will notify you about apps that track your location, social media activity, private messages, and other confidential information. With one click, you can delete questionable applications that have been installed on your mobile device without your knowledge, removing the threat of your personal data leaking into the public domain.
Install Kaspersky Antivirus8. Avast – the Best Security for Android
Avast has been creating antivirus software for computers since 1988. The developer’s products are used every day by millions of people around the world, and the legendary antivirus is now available on Android. By installing the application directly from Google Play, you can eliminate all of the vulnerabilities on your smartphone or tablet in an instant.
Pros:
- The antivirus app’s trial version can be downloaded for free;
- Offers many useful security features;
- Demonstrates high efficiency in independent tests;
- Consumes negligible system resources when running in the background.
Cons:
- High premium subscription cost;
- A lot of advertisements in the free version.
Email Security
Avast monitors email security by warning you of links to phishing sites and preventing downloads of malicious files, allowing you to avoid many potential threats as well as getting rid of annoying spam and ads. The application can also unsubscribe you from pesky newsletters with just one push.
Anti-Theft
Avast offers many anti-theft features. You can lock your device after it is lost, turn on a siren, remotely download or erase data, display a message on the screen, or force the phone to call another phone. All of these features can be accessed through their web portal at my.avast.com.
Photo Vault
This feature allows you to encrypt your photos by uploading them to Avast’s hidden photo library. If you have images that you don’t want to store on your device’s main gallery, then this feature can be very useful. After your copies are made, we recommend deleting the photos from your device’s primary photo album.
One Antivirus – the Best Mobile Security for Every OS
Avast Antivirus is available for all major operating systems, so you can use it with all your devices. In addition to the Android application, the developer also offers solutions for Windows, macOS and iOS. Check out the Avast website to download the correct version for your device and learn more about the features of a paid subscription.
If you think that your Android has a virus, download an antivirus app from our list.
9. Bitdefender – Unbeatable mobile security
Bitdefender is always your go-to antivirus software for all-in-one packages. This mobile antivirus is bloated with more than enough to keep your android device protected. It gives you peace of mind no matter what you do on your device.
Price: 34.99$
Pros
- All-round protection
- Fraud detection
- Most of its operations are remote
- Deletes Junk Files
Cons
- Seemingly robust installation file
- Quite unresponsive support
Password Manager
Your Android device is filled with apps and websites that demand constant login. If you use several passwords for your different logins, then bitdefender is here for you. The password manager is the perfect place to store everything. Storing it in your notepad or any other app may be dangerous as it is easily accessible. Bitdefender password manager stores everything for you in a fully encrypted environment.
Displace all Junks
When we first get our Android device, we are quite conscious of the files we receive. We also make sure to delete any extra unused app or files. Over time, we become careless and start to leave unnecessary files. Bitdefender serves as a perfect file shredder to get rid of all excess files and folders. It permanently thrashes unused apps, files, and folders.
Install Bitdefender Antivirus10. TotalAV – Real Time Android Protection
TotalAV is an antivirus that had a fast rise to the top and won the hearts of users. Your Android will be protected both online and offline. TotalAV is so confident of their product that they offer a free 7-day trial usage that gives you access to all the features.
Price: 29$
Pros
- Functional VPN
- Online and offline protection
- Memory cleaning
- Identity theft protection
- 30 days money back guarantee
Cons
- Six devices maximum protection
- Complex extensions
Safest Web Surfing
TotalAV gives you the peace of mind to surf the web with the functional VPN. Virtual Private Networks are useful against hackers and nosy internet providers. TotalAV gives you access to several countries from their servers. It is useful for unblocking websites and accessible services that are not originally available in your location.
Your number one protection against data breach
Using the web from your mobile device exposes you to several threats. The tendency of you clicking unwanted links is higher when using your Android. Thus, you can easily welcome viruses and malwares into your mobile and get unsolicited access to your data. TotalAV would be their final stop because it guards your data furiously.
Install TotalAV Antivirus