These days, a 30- or 90-day license for antivirus protection is typically included when you purchase a new PC. The majority of customers are aware that they should either purchase one of the several Windows antivirus options or renew that subscription when it expires. When you get a new smartphone, nothing similar happens. The phone comes with the standard built-in apps, and the remaining applications are downloaded through your internet account. Therefore, malware developers find Android to be just as appealing a target as Windows. Android security software guards against malware and supports users in the event that their phone is lost or stolen.
Even though Google Play Protect is available for Android devices, it frequently falls short of adequately guarding the smartphone or tablet against malware and other online risks. Because of this, a third-party antivirus is necessary for the Android device in order to ensure robust security.
The top Android mobile security applications include advanced malware scanners as well as features for system optimization, anti-theft, and browser security. Some of these even incorporate a VPN to protect mobile browsing habits. When you conduct daily tasks like mobile banking transactions or online shopping, all of these functions can assist you in preventing cyberattacks.
Top AntiVirus for Android:
The top antivirus applications for Android are listed below:
- Bitdefender Mobile Security
Bitdefender’s Android security application features a VPN client, a malicious-website filter, and almost perfect malware protection. It also integrates with Android Wear watches and has a minimal performance impact. A Wi-Fi scanner, an app lock, anti-theft measures, and data breach notifications are just a few of the powerful privacy protection options it offers. Scam Alert, a recently added function, alerts users to potentially dangerous URLs in screen notifications, messaging apps, and SMS text messages.
Although Bitdefender Mobile Security is not a free application, it does provide a 14-day trial period.
- Norton Mobile Security
Of all the Android antivirus applications, Norton Mobile Security, often known as Norton 360, provides the best malware defense. Unfortunately, its anti-theft features, contact backups, and Link Guard bad-link blocker are no longer functional. The middle-tier Norton 360 for Mobile adds limitless VPN service and “dark web” tracking of personal data for $50 per year.
Norton’s standout feature is the distinctive App Advisor, which scans apps on the device for excessive data usage and odd behavior. Before installing this application, it scans the Google Play store for privacy and security issues.
- Avast Mobile Security
One of the best Android antivirus apps is Avast Mobile Security & Antivirus, which offers everything from a privacy consultant to a system optimizer to a configurable blocklist. However, although being efficient, Avast’s virus protection is far from perfect. Avast’s call-blocking feature doesn’t work at all since it is disabled, and several of its anti-theft features are not functional now.
The nagging advertisements are removed if you purchase either the Premium ($2 monthly or $20 annually) or Ultimate ($7 monthly or $40 annually) paid tiers of Avast Mobile Security. Additionally, users of either of the subscription plans receive technical assistance, an app locker, and additional anti-theft measures.
- Kaspersky Mobile Security
Kaspersky Mobile Antivirus offers practically flawless malware protection, minimal system impact, and effective call blocking. There are no advertisements in the free edition, and users are not constantly bothered to upgrade to the subscription plan. Call filtering, Android Wear support, and a robust set of anti-theft features are all available to free users, but users need to scan each new application manually. Users who pay for these services receive automatic application scans, an application lock, and the filtering of the known phishing sites. Other Android antivirus applications provide privacy options and a Wi-Fi network scanner, but this one does not.
- Lookout Security and AntiVirus
One of the earliest Android antivirus software, and for a while the finest, was Lookout Mobile Security, which has changed its name to Lookout Security and Antivirus or Lookout Personal. Its simplicity, orderly interface, and lack of advertisements account for its immense popularity.
However, Lookout’s charges can add up rapidly. The free tier is minimal; it only searches for malware and finds misplaced phones. The premium version costs $30 per year with some of its capabilities, including malicious site detection and Wi-Fi network scanning, which are included for free with other Android antivirus software. The premium fee is justified for the unrestricted VPN and data-breach notification service.