Table of Contents
Why You Should Use Antivirus on Your Android 1. Bitdefender Mobile Security (Paid) 2. Avast Mobile Security (Free & Paid) 3. Norton Mobile Security (Paid) 4. TotalAV Mobile Security (Free & Paid) 5. ESET Mobile Security (Paid & Freemium) 6. AVG Antivirus Free (Free) 7. Kaspersky Antivirus Free (Free) 8. Trend Micro Mobile Security (Paid) 9. Malwarebytes for Android (Free & Paid) 10. Google Play Protect (Built‑in Free) How to Choose the Right Antivirus Conclusion & Final ThoughtsWhy You Should Use Antivirus on Your Android
Android is the most targeted mobile platform out there. Independent lab tests show that top antivirus apps like Bitdefender, Kaspersky, and Avast catch 100% of malware. Google Play Protect isn’t bad, but it doesn’t quite measure up. Antivirus apps today do more than just scan for viruses. You get extras like phishing protection, app lockers, VPNs, anti-theft tools, and more. It’s like a digital seatbelt—an added layer of safety you’ll be glad to have. Free options cover the basics, but paid versions give you real-time protection, cleaner interfaces, and fewer ads. For a few bucks a year, that peace of mind might be worth it.1. Bitdefender Mobile Security (Paid)
Bitdefender gets consistent top marks from AV‑TEST and tech experts. You get excellent malware detection, phishing defense, app lock, account privacy tools, and anti-theft features. A daily VPN cap of 200MB is included.
The UI is clean, intuitive, and performance impact is minimal. Scans run automatically in the background without draining your phone’s speed or battery.
Pros:
✅ Top malware and phishing protection✅ App anomaly detection & anti-theft
✅ Light on system resources
Cons:
⚠️ VPN is capped unless upgraded⚠️ Full scans may slow older devices
2. Avast Mobile Security (Free & Paid)
Avast's free version includes malware scanning, App Guard, Wi-Fi inspector, junk cleaner, and photo vault. You get a ton of value without paying.
The free version has ads, but they’re manageable. If you upgrade, you remove ads and unlock extra features like app locking and advanced firewall protection.
Pros:
✅ Strong detection engine✅ Photo vault, Wi-Fi scanning, app lock
✅ Lightweight on performance
Cons:
⚠️ Ads in free version⚠️ Some features need manual activation
3. Norton Mobile Security (Paid)
Norton includes anti-malware, App Advisor, Wi-Fi security, scam alerts, and a built-in VPN. It’s one of the most comprehensive tools out there.
Setup is quick and the dashboard is user-friendly. It offers real-time threat detection with very few false positives.
Pros:
✅ High lab scores for protection✅ Unlimited VPN included
✅ Excellent phishing protection
Cons:
⚠️ No free tier⚠️ Premium pricing
4. TotalAV Mobile Security (Free & Paid)
TotalAV includes malware scans, VPN, app lock, data breach checker, and storage cleaner. It’s a good balance of security and phone optimization.
Its malware detection rate is around 99.6%, which is very high. The design is clean, with an intuitive user interface.
Pros:
✅ Real-time scanning✅ Extra tools like system optimizer
✅ Affordable entry pricing
Cons:
⚠️ Some features gated behind subscription⚠️ No call blocking or SMS filtering
5. ESET Mobile Security (Paid & Freemium)
Known for fast scanning and great malware detection, ESET is especially good if you want something lightweight but effective.
The free version includes manual scanning and security audit. Premium adds anti-theft, phishing protection, and scheduled scans.
Pros:
✅ Fast malware scanning✅ Strong phishing defenses
✅ Great privacy advisor
Cons:
⚠️ No VPN included⚠️ Free version is limited
6. AVG Antivirus Free (Free)
Owned by Avast, AVG has a similar feature set: antivirus engine, app lock, photo vault, and performance booster. It’s one of the most popular free tools globally.
AVG stands out with extras like anti-theft tracking and device locator. Great for basic protection without slowing your device.
Pros:
✅ Photo vault and app lock✅ Anti-theft and Wi-Fi protection
✅ Free to use with minimal setup
Cons:
⚠️ Ads in free version⚠️ No phishing protection unless paid
7. Kaspersky Antivirus Free (Free)
Excellent malware detection and minimal system load. The free version includes call blocking, web filter, and Find My Phone.
Kaspersky’s premium version offers more advanced features like app lock, VPN, and identity protection.
Pros:
✅ High detection rates✅ Minimal system usage
✅ Includes call blocking
Cons:
⚠️ Limited features in free tier⚠️ VPN capped unless upgraded
8. Trend Micro Mobile Security (Paid)
Trend Micro offers strong malware and ransomware protection, app scanning, parental controls, and a secure browser.
It's well suited for families and anyone browsing or shopping frequently on mobile. It also blocks malicious websites before they load.
Pros:
✅ Secure browser and content filtering✅ Parental controls
✅ Web threat protection
Cons:
⚠️ Heavier app, uses more battery⚠️ UI needs modernizing
9. Malwarebytes for Android (Free & Paid)
Malwarebytes is best as a second opinion scanner. It targets adware and potentially unwanted programs with ease.
The free version is manual scan-only. Premium includes real-time scanning, ransomware protection, and scheduled checks.
Pros:
✅ Focused anti-malware & adware engine✅ Lightweight app
✅ Clear, simple interface
Cons:
⚠️ No VPN or extra tools10. Google Play Protect (Built‑in Free)
Play Protect is integrated into Android. It scans apps from the Play Store and alerts you to harmful behavior.
While basic, it’s better than having nothing. But it doesn’t catch everything, and doesn’t protect against phishing or suspicious sites.
Pros:
✅ Always on, no setup needed✅ App scanning built into Play Store
✅ No ads or bloat
Cons:
⚠️ Lower detection rate in lab tests⚠️ Lacks advanced security features
How to Choose the Right Antivirus
Start by identifying your needs. Want a simple scan tool? AVG or Avast is enough. Need real-time protection and anti-theft tools? Try Bitdefender or Norton.
Look at pricing, features, performance impact, and how often you’ll need support or advanced extras like VPNs and app locks.
Test the free version first, then upgrade only if it fits your usage.
Conclusion & Final Thoughts
The best antivirus for your Android depends on how you use your device. Bitdefender is top for all-around protection. Avast and AVG offer solid free protection. Norton and TotalAV pack more premium features like VPNs and scam detection.
Try a couple and stick with what works. The peace of mind from real-time malware protection, safe browsing, and anti-theft tools is well worth it in 2025.
