Best Antivirus Apps for Android (Tested & Ranked) 2025

Introduction about Antivirus Apps:

Is your Android phone acting sluggish or draining battery faster than usual? Those could be signs of malware sneaking in from a shady app or link. Don’t worry! With the best Android antivirus apps, you can keep your phone safe and speedy without being a tech wizard. We’ve tested and ranked the top options to help you protect your device like a digital superhero.

An antivirus is an app or software that protects your Android phone from harmful stuff like malware, viruses, and scams. Think of it like a shield that scans your device, blocks dangerous apps or links, and keeps your personal info safe. It’s especially handy if your phone’s slow or you download apps often. The best Android antivirus apps, like Bitdefender or Norton, make this easy and keep your phone running smoothly without techy know-how.

1. Bitdefender Mobile Security: The All-Around Champion

Think of Bitdefender like a trusty guard dog for your phone—it sniffs out malware and blocks threats before they can harm you. It’s super easy to use and topped independent tests with a 100% malware detection rate. Plus, it won’t slow your phone down.

How to Use It:

• Download Bitdefender Mobile Security from the Google Play Store.
• Open the app and tap “Scan” to check for malware.
• Enable “Web Protection” to block dangerous links in texts or browsers.
• Use “Anti-Theft” to locate your phone if it’s lost.

Real-Life Example for Antivirus Apps: Sarah downloaded a sketchy game and noticed her phone lagging. After installing Bitdefender, it caught a hidden malware app in seconds, and her phone was back to normal!

Pros: Excellent protection, lightweight, includes VPN (limited).
Cons: VPN has a 200MB/day limit; paid version costs $14.99/year.

2. Norton Mobile Security: The Pre-Download Protector

Norton is like a bouncer at a club—it checks apps before they even get on your phone. With a perfect 100% malware detection score, it’s a top pick for keeping your device secure, especially if you love trying new apps.

How to Use this Antivirus Apps:

• Install Norton Mobile Security from the Play Store.
• Run the initial scan to ensure your phone is clean.
• Enable “App Advisor” to check apps before downloading.
• Turn on “Wi-Fi Security” to stay safe on public networks.

Real-Life Example: Mike almost installed a fake banking app, but Norton’s App Advisor flagged it as risky, saving him from a potential scam.

Pros: Top malware detection, unlimited VPN (premium).
Cons: Premium features are pricey ($30/year).

3. Avast One Basic: The Free Hero

Avast is like a free cleaning service for your phone—it sweeps away malware and junk files without charging a dime. It earned high scores in lab tests and offers extras like Wi-Fi security checks.

How to Use this Antivirus Apps:

• Download Avast One Basic from the Play Store.
• Tap “Smart Scan” to check for malware and junk files.
• Enable “Wi-Fi Security” to avoid risky networks.
• Use “App Lock” to secure sensitive apps with a PIN.

Real-Life Example: Emma’s phone was full of duplicate photos slowing it down. Avast cleaned up 2GB of junk, making her phone feel brand new.

Pros: Free, great malware protection, cleanup tools.
Cons: Some features require a paid upgrade.

4. TotalAV Mobile Security: The Storage Saver

TotalAV is like a personal organizer for your phone—it fights malware and declutters your storage. It detected 99% of malware in tests and excels at freeing up space by deleting duplicate files.

How to Use this Antivirus Apps:

• Install TotalAV Mobile Security from the Play Store.
• Run a full scan to find malware and junk files.
• Use “Photo Cleanup” to delete duplicate images.
• Enable “Safe Browsing” to block phishing sites.

Real-Life Example: Jake’s phone was sluggish with low storage. TotalAV removed 1.5GB of duplicates, and his apps started running smoothly again.

Pros: Great for storage cleanup, strong VPN.
Cons: Real-time scanning can drain battery slightly.

Read more: Is my phone listening to me? Best Insights of 2025

5. Sophos Intercept X for Mobile: The Budget Gem

Sophos is like a free, no-nonsense bodyguard—it protects your phone without ads or annoying pop-ups. It’s perfect for budget users and still scores well in malware tests.

How to Use this Antivirus Apps:

• Download Sophos Intercept X from the Play Store.
• Run a scan to check for malware or risky apps.
• Enable “Web Filtering” to block dangerous sites.
• Set up “App Protection” to lock sensitive apps.

Real-Life Example: Lisa wanted free protection without spam. Sophos kept her phone safe and didn’t bug her with ads, unlike other free apps.

Pros: Completely free, no ads, solid protection.
Cons: Setup isn’t as intuitive as paid apps.

Kaspersky Mobile Antivirus

• Protection: Also scored 100% in AV-TEST’s protection, performance, and usability categories.

• Features: Real-time malware scanning, call blocking, web filtering, anti-phishing, and secure connections on public Wi-Fi.

• Pros: User-friendly interface with a strong reputation in cybersecurity.

• Availability: Free version available with essential features; premium version offers additional tools

  McAfee Mobile Security

  • Protection: Offers comprehensive malware protection and privacy scanning.

  • Features: Anti-theft capabilities, app lock, Wi-Fi security, and performance booster.

  • Pros: User-friendly interface with a suite of security features.

  • Availability: Free version with limited features; premium version includes additional tools like unlimited VPN data.

  • Avast Mobile Security

    • Protection: Provides good malware protection with minimal impact on system performance.

    • Features: Anti-theft tools, app locker, and optional VPN services.

    • Pros: Free version available with considerable features.

    • Availability: Free and paid versions; free version includes ads. GeeksMint+2Mediaboss+2osfork.com+2The Global Presence

    6. AVG Antivirus for Android

    • Protection: Achieved 100% scores in AV-TEST’s evaluation for protection, performance, and usability.

    • Features: Real-time scanning, app locking, photo vault, and anti-theft features.

    • Pros: Intuitive interface with effective protection.

    • Availability: Free version available; may include ads.AV-TESTThe Review Hive+1Anonymous Hackers+1

    7. ESET Mobile Security & Antivirus

    • Protection: Known for fast scanning and low impact on device performance.

    • Features: Real-time scanning, anti-phishing, anti-theft, and anti-ransomware protection.

    • Pros: Lightweight with a focus on essential security features.

    • Availability: Free and premium versions available. Anonymous Hackers

    8. Sophos Intercept X for Mobile

    • Protection: Combines traditional antivirus protection with advanced threat detection.

    • Features: Real-time scanning, web filtering, app protection, and Wi-Fi security.

    • Pros: Comprehensive security suite with no ads.

    • Availability: Free to use.

    Best Free Antivirus Options

    If you’re looking for free antivirus

    Here’s a concise list of the best Android antivirus apps in 2025 based on performance, features, and reliability:

    Top Android Antivirus Apps

    1. Bitdefender Mobile Security

       •  Excellent malware protection

       • VPN, app lock, anti-theft

       • Free & paid versions

    2. Kaspersky Mobile Antivirus

       • 100% malware detection (AV-TEST)

       • Call filter, anti-phishing

       •  Free with optional premium

    3. Norton Mobile Security

       •  Strong web protection

       • Wi-Fi scanner, App Advisor

       •  Paid only

    4. McAfee Mobile Security

       •  Good malware detection

       •  Anti-theft, performance booster

       • Free with premium upgrades

    5. Avast Mobile Security

       •  Reliable protection

       •  App locker, junk cleaner, VPN

       •  Free (ads), paid (no ads)

    6. AVG Antivirus

       •  Shares engine with Avast

       •  Photo vault, anti-theft

       •  Free (ads), paid (extra features)

    7. ESET Mobile Security

       • Lightweight & fast

       •  Anti-phishing, ransomware protection

       •  Free trial, paid version

    8. Sophos Intercept X

       •  Free and ad-free

       • Web filtering, password vault

       • Completely free

    

Bonus Tips for Advanced Users

• Check App Permissions: Go to Settings > Apps and review permissions for each app. Revoke access for apps requesting unnecessary data, like a flashlight app asking for your contacts.
• Use a Secure Browser: Pair your antivirus with a privacy-focused browser like Firefox or TotalAV’s secure browser to block trackers and ads.
• Update Regularly: Keep your antivirus app and Android OS updated to patch security holes. Check for updates in the Play Store or Settings > System > Software Update.

FAQ: Your Top Questions Answered

Do I really need an antivirus apps for my Android phone?

Yes, an antivirus apps adds extra protection against malware and scams that Google Play Protect might miss.

Are free Android antivirus apps safe to use?

Many free apps like Avast and Sophos are safe, but check reviews and avoid apps with excessive ads.

How often should I scan my Android phone for Antivirus Apps?

Scan weekly or after downloading new apps to catch potential threats early.

Can antivirus apps slow down my Android phone?

Lightweight apps like Bitdefender and Norton have minimal impact on performance.

Conclusion: Keep Your Phone Safe with the Best Android Antivirus Apps

With the best Android antivirus apps, you can stop malware, scams, and slowdowns in their tracks. Whether you choose Bitdefender’s all-around protection or Sophos’ free reliability, your phone will thank you with better speed and security. Try these tips today and share your results in the comments! For more phone-saving tricks, check out our guides on How to Extend Battery Life and Freeing Up Storage on Android.

Tweetable Tip: Protect your Android from malware with top antivirus apps like Bitdefender or Norton! Scan weekly for a faster, safer phone. 🛡️ #AndroidSecurity #TechTips