While instances of Android phones or tablets getting infected by viruses are negligible, it’s better to be safe than sorry, right? If anyone ever told you that Android antivirus apps don’t work, they’re partially right, but most antivirus apps for Android devices also have additional mobile security features which are worth having, even if you aren’t worried about viruses or malware.
This is why today we’re going to be writing about the 10 best Android antivirus and mobile security apps you should download, including both paid and free apps. If you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to leave comments. All these apps have been tested by us and continue to work really well as this post is updated for 2017.
#1. Avast Mobile Security
Avast is undoubtedly the best Android mobile security app (and not just an antivirus). You get tons of useful features including a virus scanner for apps, a privacy adviser which can intimate you about app permissions which should be reviewed, complete app usage stats so you can analyze patterns to detect suspicious app activity and a web shield which protects your device from malware.
If your device is rooted you can also access the firewall feature which allows you to block certain apps from accessing the internet for added peace of mind. Apart from all this, you also get a comprehensive set of anti-theft tools, using which you can make it impossible for anyone else to uninstall Avast Mobile Security from your device. Moreover, you can set the app to lock your device if it gets lost, display a message on the screen, give you a location via the built-in GPS, start sounding a siren and even wipe all your data remotely. All this is free with reasonable in-app purchases for additional functionality – all in all, we strongly recommend this app for your Android’s security.
#2. AVG AntiVirus Security
Who hasn’t heard of AVG? it’s long been one of the most popular free antivirus software for PCs and is also available for Android devices. Like Avast, AVG is a complete mobile security solution and not just an antivirus app. You get real-time protection from phishing and malware alongside performance optimization. In case your device gets lost or stolen you can also get its location via Google Maps or lock it down remotely with a message showing your contact information or anything else you want. The free version includes all this but the paid, pro version (for $9.99) gives you battery and storage optimization, app locking feature and the option to create a complete backup of all your apps on your device’s storage or external memory card.
#3. CM Security Antivirus AppLock
CM Security app for Android is relatively new, but has become widely popular because of the comprehensive set of security features it offers for free. Not only do you get an antivirus scanner, you can also protect your photos and applications with the vault and app lock features (which don’t need in-app purchases).
You can also locate your phone or lock it down remotely in case you lose it or it gets stolen. Intruder selfie is an interesting feature as well, and uses your phone or tablet’s front-facing camera to snap a picture of anyone who enters the wrong password for your phone twice. Other than all this, you also get scheduled scanning, call blocking and safe browsing features – making for a strong recommendation.
#4. 360 Security – Antivirus
360 Security is another top-notch free app (with ads) that gives you all the essential features your Android device needs. Apart from real-time antivirus scanning, you get cache cleaner, ram booster and power saver options along with the ability to manage your apps and protect your phone from theft by remotely locking and ringing your phone, locating it via the GPS or erasing all your personal data.
#5. TrustGo Antivirus & Mobile Security
Another free Android mobile security app, TrustGo is very highly rated and provides several comprehensive security features including an on-demand app scanner, a safe app adviser, secure web browsing, stats monitor and a privacy guard to warn you of intrusive app permissions.
You can also create backups of your phone’s data for safekeeping and locate your phone if it’s lost or stolen, apart from remotely wiping it. The app also has a clever thief selfie feature like the CM Security app listed above, which takes a picture of anyone who enters the wrong password for your device three times.
#6. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware app is specifically geared towards keeping your Android phone or tablet free from potentially unwanted programs or PUPs. The app scans your device for spyware and trojans and gives you warnings when your device’s security or your privacy is at risk. The app also notifies you about apps which track your location or try to access your personal location.
The app is lightweight and fast and doesn’t include any of the additional features offered by other mobile security apps in this list. According to the developers, the app’s main focus is on keeping your device clean from malware and spying apps.
#7. ESET Mobile Security & Antivirus
ESET is popularly known for the NOD32 antivirus software for computers and their mobile security app for Android also comes highly rated. The app isn’t completely free, but free features include an antivirus scanner with scheduled and on-demand scanning capabilities and an anti-theft option that lets you remotely lock, ring, locate and wipe your Android phone or tablet in case it’s stolen or lost.
The app’s premium features include more proactive anti-theft options, device monitoring, safe browsing and unwanted calls, SMS and MMS blocking options. However, if you’re simply looking for a good antivirus and anti-theft app, the free features on offer should suffice.
#8. Kaspersky Internet Security
Kaspersky, another popular antivirus is also available for Android and protects your device from viruses and spyware alongside providing anti-theft protection with remote locking, locating and wiping options. You can also make your lost phone ring, take mugshots and block unwanted calls and texts.
Real-time protection, anti-phishing, privacy protection and browsing protection are all paid features, but even the free ones should do just fine for basic mobile security.
#9. Dr.Web v.9 Anti-virus Light
Dr.Web provides basic anti-virus protection with the light version and also unlocks Android devices locked by ransomware, or apps which lock your Android phone or tablet and ask for money within a limited time before all your data is erased.
Meanwhile, you should also check out:
- How to Secure and Protect Data on Android Phones and Tablets
- 10 Best Android Flashlight Apps with Least Permissions
There is a paid version of Dr.Web as well, which offers comprehensive protection but the light version can also keep your device protected from malware and viruses.
#10. Bitdefender Antivirus
Bitdefender is another lightweight and free Android antivirus app which provides real-time protection from viruses and malware by scanning all apps you install and run on your Android phone or tablet. The app is also low on resource usage courtesy in-cloud virus definitions, which also means it won’t be using up too much space on your Android device’s internal memory.
What do you think about mobile security, protection and antivirus apps for Android? Do you think they are necessary given the number of spyware, malware and privacy invading apps there are? We’d love to hear your thoughts on this.
