Best Android antivirus apps – TechRadar
Android is the most widely-used operating system in the world, and that means having the best security apps and antivirus tools for Android installed on your device is essential, as Google’s OS is often targeted by malware due to its popularity.
Whatever software you use with your Android phone or tablet, you’d be wise to have an antivirus or a security app installed on your device. In this article, we’re going to highlight 10 of the best antivirus tools for Android in 2019 – most of which are completely free apps to download.
Many of them do much more than run automatic scans, and they’ll actively try to prevent malicious web pages and files from being opened or downloaded in the first place.
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Image Credit: Avast
1. Avast Mobile Security
Gives you handy extras like a firewall and remote wipe
Antivirus giant, Avast, has used its considerable skills to create an app which goes above and beyond a mundane scanner. Extra features in the free version include a call blocker, firewall and even an anti-theft measure allowing you to remotely lock or wipe your Android device if it goes missing.
The app used to be paid but is now free, supported by ads. You can pay a small monthly or yearly premium to remove these. Another very useful premium feature is ‘in-app locking’ whereby your device will ask for a PIN before opening certain apps. This prevents malware from launching apps such as internet banking automatically.
- You can download Avast Mobile Security here for free
- If you need a more rounded security suite, check out Avast Ultimate bundle which comes with a VPN, a system cleanup and a password management solution.
Image Credit: Bitdefender
2. Bitdefender Antivirus Free
A lightweight app from a trusted brand
Bitdefender is a big name in the security community, and its free antivirus program is extremely lightweight. In fact, it doesn’t run in the background which frees up system resources and saves on battery life.
This does mean you have to schedule scans or run them manually to be safe. This said, any new apps downloaded to your device are automatically scanned. Another advantage of this app is that it’s ready to go as soon as it is installed – no additional configuration is required.
Just be sure that If you require extra security, sign up for a free 14-day trial of Bitdefender Mobile Security. This includes the basic antivirus as well as real-time protection for Google’s Chrome browser and anti-theft features.
There’s also a nifty Privacy advisor tool and adds a layer of security to your smartwatch via its WearOn technology which alerts you if you leave your phone behind. Security, not in the traditional sense.
- You can download Bitdefender Mobile Security here
- The free Bitdefender Antivirus for mobile is located here
Image Credit: AVL
3. AVL
A sterling and lightweight security solution
Antiy AVL is a former winner of the AV-Test (a well-respected independent antivirus testing outfit) award for best protection of mobile devices. Its features include not only an antivirus database (of course) but a scanner capable of detecting any kind of executable file making its way onto your device.
Other handy features include a call blocker to prevent malicious numbers from contacting you, as well as an anti-phishing feature to stop harmful websites from loading in the first place. The app is also designed to be light on resources, which is always handy when you’re struggling for battery life.
- You can download AVL for free here
Image Credit: McAfee
4. McAfee Security & Power Booster Free
Sports some nifty features and blocks malicious sites
McAfee is another well-known name when it comes to antivirus software for the PC, and this Android app – McAfee Mobile Security – doesn’t disappoint. Besides the antivirus scanner itself, free features include tracking a lost device as well as locking and wiping it remotely. If your device is stolen, the app can even take a picture of the thief…
Other highlights include the ability to scan apps to check if they leak sensitive information, and lock them if necessary. McAfee will also block access to potentially malicious websites, as well as allow you to keep a blacklist of nuisance callers and texters.
- You can download free version of McAfee Security & Power Booster here
- Thepaid premium version of the appallows you to remove ads and receive phone support.
Image Credit: Kaspersky
5. Kaspersky Mobile Antivirus
Tackles the core job of sniffing out malware with aplomb
Kaspersky has a reputation up there with the big players like Bitdefender. The free version of its security app has some impressive features, and it’s very good at picking up on malware, with a detection rate of 99.9% according to AV-Test’s trials from November 2017.
Kaspersky Antivirus & Security will also try to block any malicious sites or links before you click through to them, preventing an infection from happening in the first place. A key feature is support for Android Wear which simplifies security management.
- You can download Kaspersky Mobile Antivirus here
- Kaspersky Internet Security for Androidis the premium version of the app; it offers extra security features such as automatic scan, anti phishing, a confidentiality feature plus call and text filtering.
Image Credit: Sophos
6. Sophos Free Antivirus and Security
Award-winning protection from Sophos
Sophos’ free antivirus app has previously won the AV-Test award for best protection in 2015. Unlike other free scanners, Sophos doesn’t contain any adverts. It does, however, block websites with potentially spammy or illegal content.
Apps are scanned for malware or otherwise harmful content as they are install
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