10 Best Antivirus Apps for Android Devices in 2022
In this day and age, our smartphones have become essential in our lives. It only makes sense that we try to protect them not only from physical harm but also from virtual ones. This is where these reliable antivirus apps for Android come into play. Just like there are good people in the world, there are also some bad ones, who are after your personal data and security.
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
| Best in malware protection | Avast Antivirus – Mobile Security & Virus Cleaner |
| Best in speed boost | Safe Security – Antivirus, Booster, Phone Cleaner |
| Best in anti-phishing | ESET Mobile Security & Antivirus |
| Best in anti-theft measures | Norton™ 360: Online Privacy & Security |
| Best in SD card protection | Anti-virus Dr. Web Light |
| Best in external storage scan | Avira Antivirus Security 2021 – Antivirus & AppLock |
| Best overall | Avast Antivirus – Mobile Security & Virus Cleaner |
| Runners up | Norton™ 360: Online Privacy & Security |
| AVG AntiVirus 2021 for Android Security Free | |
| Kaspersky Antivirus and VPN |
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 & antivirus
- Junk file cleaner
- Speed booster
- Call & SMS filter
- Wi-Fi security
- Intruder 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 malware
- Anti-phishing
- Security 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 engine
- App lock
- Call blocker
- Anti-theft
- Photo vault
- VPN
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 scan
- Wi-Fi scanning
- Safe search
- Call blocking
- Lost 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 usage
- Origins tracking
- Detailed statistics
- Widget
- File 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 & cleaner
- Phone locator & tracker
- Privacy advisor
- Virus protection
- Camera & mic protection
- App 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 device
- Extended battery life
- Anti-Theft protection
- Privacy
- App 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 space
- Detox photo library
- Tune up performance
- Boost 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.
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 messaging
- Password management
- Social privacy
- Data leak checker
- Kaspersky 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.
FAQs
Do I need an antivirus app on my Android device?
It depends on you. There are many apps that have malware hidden that you don’t know about. Also, hacker attacks and phishing are more usual than ever. If you constantly download apps and files from third-party sources, then having an antivirus app on your device is a good choice. Even if you don’t have really sensitive information on your phone, you probably want your personal data to be safe and only accessible to you.
Can I have two antivirus apps on Android?
Yes, but it’s not recommended. Usually, when you have more than one antivirus apps on your device, their performance will be affected and your phone will become sluggish.
Can I use Kaspersky on my Android phone?
Yes, the Kaspersky Mobile Antivirus app is available on the Google Play Store for installation. The app is available for free with in-app purchases. Anti-theft, find my phone, antivirus protection, and anti-phishing are some of the prominent features of the Kaspersky mobile security app.
What is Google Play Protect?
Google Play Protect is Android’s built-in software to prevent it from getting attacked by a virus. It scans all the installed apps on your Android phone and prevents the installation of malicious apps.
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!
I have the lookout which came with my ZTE Mack Android .It slows my phone down according to the cm app, which app out of all would be the best, accurate app to use?
Joanna,
Try Avast. It is the most lightweight anti-virus I know and it is free too 🙂
As these May be tested on the one galaxy s3 and provided protection against 1 virus. I have to say I work as a tech support agent and I would not recommend 6/10 and the other 4 I cannot personally speak about but I can imagine they are In. The same boat.. 7o% of my jobs consist of detecting and removing viruses ….I won’t mention which but one of these is known for being bundled with a Browser Hijacker and spyware …..I am going to recommend a lightweight and very tough app for mobile “webroot” 2015 top notch and features above awesome…try it free for 15-3o days depending on version …Must See Webroot Internet security
Hi,
Thank you for your kind input. We will try out the app you recommended. Would you kindly state where you are working as a tech support so we can properly quote you in the article and give our thanks? Its not everyday we get an anti-virus expert on site.
Hi, I just wanted to ask you is there an app that can actually tell me what is the very best anti-spyware software for my phone I have an Android Samsung Galaxy S5? Also, is there an app that does it all example: that detects spyware,malware,viruses, cleans up unwanted apps that would cause me problems and problems draining my battery fast bc it shouldnt software that is not allowed on my phone. I have been trying for the longest time to find an app that does it all that way I know I’m protected. I’ve been been having problems where they hijack my phone and as I’m holding my phone I can actually see them using my keyboard typing and some texts is just jibberish where I can’t even use my phone bc of them texting during a message im trying to send. And so when I try to delete what they are texting they just continue to take over and it just will not let me finish texting. Also, they listen in on my calls sometimes I can hear them pushing the keypad while I’m on the phone and beeps as well and sometimes it will freeze up and i just get stuck on the screen where I cannot do anything not even answer my phone. So, I always have to shutdown and just restart my phone bc it’s constantly doing it. In addition to all that, it has gone into my picture gallery and alot of my photos are no longer there anymore they just disappeared off my phone. They actually renamed 2 of my photos, “I wish”&”I want you”. It’s just gotten so creepy & rather bizarre so needless to say I’m pretty scared because just yesterday I had someone attempt to break into my home which I wasn’t at home thank God but this wasnt the first time. They tried breaking in several weeks ago as well but they didnt succeed then either but they were pretty close of breaking into my home this time. So, whoever did try breaking in and busting out my living room window apparently got scared off & didnt get in which im so grateful. Its just bad enough with my home almost being broken into but now my cell phone too. It’s just frustrating bc i have tried finding the best app that I desperately need right now bit nof luck so far. I have called my cell phone co. they tried helping me by talking to tech support we did troubleshoot my phone and it didnt work so, they just recomended backing up and doing a factory reset or just get a new phone which cell phones these days are not really cheap. So, if I can fix this myself by installing an app that can remove all these spyware,malware and viruses I rather do that first. All I have is Lookout and Log Dog as security on my phone. Can you please recommend the very best app to protect my phone from these spying apps that obviously are on my phone? I will do factory reset but only as my last resort. So, I just need to know what app is the very best one to have for my phone that detects &removes all spyware,malware and viruses? I seen the list you posted but could u narrow it down to one that will be the best one to have for my paticular issues please. Apparently my Lookout app hasn’t detected anything nor have they alerted me of anything as well as Log dog even with these apps I’m still having the worse problems with my S5 Galaxy even when they are running constantly on my phone to protect it and to block and remove these problems Im currently having. The type of phone I have is the Samsung Galaxy S5 . Please help me! I apologize for such a rather long comment. I do hope you reply soon and can help me bc im at a loss of which app i should download that will fix my phone. Thank you for your time! ☺
Hi Cheri,
Have you thought about going to the police about this? Maybe the person who is doing this is the one who tried to break in. That would be the first thing I would do.How unfortunate to hear about your situation, but if you want to avoid malware and all the dangers, remember to only download apps from known places such as Google Play. Read what people are saying the app you want to download. These antiviruses are great, but I use Eset for my smartphone, and I have never been infected.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.eset.ems2.gp
A factory reset would be the best thing to do but remember to backup your information first.
https://joyofandroid.com/how-to-factory-reset-your-android-phone-tablet/
Please take care and go to the authorities about this, this is so illegal. Please let me know how things work out. Thanks for commenting. =-)
What do you think of Comodo? I use it for pc too and it seems very good and very light.
@MarianBv79
@Ivan
Personally, I have not used Comodo. What makes it worth the download?
What about comodo mobile security?
I would not have anything on my phone from cheetah mobile if you paid me.
@Jeff
What’s your beef with CM?