Unlike Apple devices, Android smartphones and tablets aren’t guaranteed to come with protection against malware. Google has attempted to remove virus-ridden applications from its Play Store but some have gotten past this process. Malware isn’t just annoying – it can also steal your personal data, lock you out of your device and give away your computing power to hackers.
Fortunately, antivirus software can help keep these threats at bay. The best antivirus software for Android will have powerful tools for detecting malware, privacy tools, and even anti-theft capabilities. Many will offer a no-cost version to test security and performance.
Kaspersky is often listed as the top antivirus application for Android because it offers top-notch protection against malware and has a very minimal impact on system performance. The app has a long record of outstanding results in testing by independent labs. The paid version includes a useful call blocker and an array of security features.
Avast Mobile Security & Antivirus is one of the most extensive features available in Android antivirus applications. Its malware protection has an 85% score in our tests, and it comes with several other beneficial features such as a privacy advisor, Wi-Fi network warnings and junk file cleanup. It’s a little less user-friendly however, and its call blocking feature didn’t work in our tests.
Avira is a great malware detector and prevention, with an appealing interface and low impact on the system. It also has advanced security tools such as privacy advisors and memory optimizer. It offers a great anti-theft feature and affordable premium plans that can cover multiple phones for the same price.