Keeping your Android device safe from malware and viruses is super important. With so many antivirus apps out there, it can be hard to choose the best one. That’s why we’ve picked the top 5 antivirus apps to help protect your Android device.
Key Takeaways
- TotalAV offers real-time protection and extra security tools.
- Bitdefender is a lightweight app that provides strong virus protection.
- Norton Antivirus is excellent for removing viruses from your Android device.
TotalAV
When it comes to protecting your Android device, TotalAV is a solid choice. The free version includes WebShield, which helps you avoid visiting harmful websites. Another cool feature is the Wi-Fi checker that scans your current wireless network to make sure it’s safe.
TotalAV also offers some bonus tools like Data Breach Check and Secure Browser to boost your overall protection. If you want more advanced features, the premium version is worth a try. It includes an unlimited-data VPN, WebShield, duplicate photo finder, and malicious app protection. You can even activate a 7-day free trial from within the app.
The app scored 99.7% in Android malware protection during extensive testing by AV-TEST. It also got great scores from AV-Comparatives.
Here are some pros and cons to consider:
Pros:
- Includes a VPN, password manager, and performance booster
- Free version available
- Top-notch customer support
Cons:
- No firewall
Bitdefender
Bitdefender Mobile Security packs a serious punch with a single subscription. You’ll get a whole host of features, including anti-theft measures and top-notch antivirus capabilities that’ll work hard to keep your Android device safe. In fact, Bitdefender scored top marks in the latest AV-Test roundup, and AV-Comparatives (the other major independent antivirus test lab) observed a protection rate of 99.9%, which is seriously impressive.
Reasons to Buy
- Excellent antivirus protection
- Great anti-theft capabilities
- Clever tie-in with smartwatch
Reasons to Avoid
- Cloud-based scanning needs active internet connection
Bitdefender Pricing
| Plan | Price |
|---|---|
| Bitdefender Mobile Security | $14.99/year |
| Bitdefender Total Security | €46.14/year |
| Bitdefender Premium Security | €73.82/year |
Bottom Line
If you’re into your gadgets and have a smartwatch, you might be interested in the privacy advisor tool. It’s a nifty feature that’ll help you find your phone if you happen to misplace it or leave it behind—which happens to the best of us.
Norton Antivirus
Norton Antivirus is a powerhouse when it comes to protecting your Android device. AV-Test gave Norton top marks for its antivirus engine, and I can see why. It blocks cyber threats from every angle, scanning apps, websites, and even filtering out spam SMS messages that might hide phishing attempts. This means you’re less likely to get caught up in a scam.
Norton performed extremely well in my tests, detecting all 10 malware-laden files I threw at it. This excellent performance is backed by AV-TEST, where Norton dealt with 100% of widespread malware and 99.9% of zero-day threats. That’s pretty impressive!
Powered by Norton Mobile Insight, the antivirus alerts you about anything suspicious before it becomes a problem. For example, you’ll be warned about any vulnerabilities in your operating system, giving you time to fix them before cybercriminals can exploit them.
Norton isn’t just about malware detection. It also offers a smart firewall, anti-phishing protection, and extras like parental controls, a VPN with unlimited data, and a password manager. If you opt for one of its LifeLock plans, you can get up to $1 million in identity theft reimbursement and credit monitoring from top credit bureaus.
Norton is a titan of the antivirus world and proves its reputation is well-earned with excellent test results from AV-Test.
However, keep in mind that while the initial 1-year sign-up price is relatively fair, it almost triples upon renewal. So, if you’re looking for a bargain, this might not be the best option for you.
Surfshark Antivirus
If you’re looking for a solid all-around security choice for your Android device, Surfshark Antivirus is a great option. One of the standout features is its robust VPN service, which lets you mask your network activities. This is perfect if you want to keep your online actions private.
Features
Surfshark Antivirus includes everything you need from a top-shelf security tool. You can schedule scans and choose files to exclude, making it very customizable. Plus, it offers protection for unlimited devices, which is a huge bonus if you have multiple gadgets.
Surfshark Antivirus Pricing
Unlike some other antivirus apps, Surfshark doesn’t offer a completely free version. However, you can try it out with a 7-day free trial from the Google Play Store. After that, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee. The premium version starts at $47.85, which unlocks a ton of features.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- 7-day free trial
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Excellent test results
- VPN included
- Private search engine
- Real-time protection
Cons:
- No firewall
- Malware scans take some time
- No free version
If you don’t mind the absence of a free version, Surfshark Antivirus is a solid choice for Android security.
Malwarebytes
When it comes to protecting your Android device, Malwarebytes is a solid choice. The free version of the app offers basic features like security auditing, an app manager, and a privacy checker. However, if you want real-time protection, you’ll need to upgrade to the premium version.
The premium version of Malwarebytes is packed with features. It removes existing viruses and provides 24/7 online threat protection. During the seven-day premium trial, it can neutralize trackers, block spam, safeguard against ransomware, and audit app privileges for data violations. There’s also a no-logs VPN with 500+ servers in 40 countries, but you’ll need to pay extra for it.
One thing to note is that the free version does come with pop-up ads, and the app can be quite aggressive with its upselling techniques. To avoid these, you’ll need to buy a premium subscription, which costs $38.24 per year. You can also try out the premium features with a 7-day free trial or a 60-day money-back guarantee.
Malwarebytes is a great free Android antivirus. It protects you from malware and ransomware, and you can also get seven days of premium features when you download the app on your Android device.
Here are some pros and cons to consider:
Pros
- Free version available
- Outstanding malware detection
- Simplistic Android app
- 60-day money-back guarantee
- 7-day free trial
Cons
- VPN costs extra
- Outdated independent test results
- No 24/7 customer support
Malwarebytes is a powerful tool that helps keep your computer safe from harmful software. It’s easy to use and can protect you from viruses, malware, and other online threats. Want to learn more about how to keep your devices secure? Visit our website for the latest tips and updates on cybersecurity.
Conclusion
In today’s digital age, keeping your Android device safe from malware and viruses is more important than ever. With so many options available, it can be tough to choose the right antivirus app. However, the five apps we’ve discussed offer a range of features to help protect your device. Whether you need real-time protection, a simple interface, or extra tools like a RAM booster, there’s something for everyone. Remember, staying safe online starts with the right protection. So, take a moment to pick the antivirus that best fits your needs and keep your Android device secure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does TotalAV protect my Android device?
TotalAV offers real-time protection against malware and viruses. It scans apps and files to ensure they are safe and provides other tools to keep your device secure.
Is Bitdefender free to use on Android?
Bitdefender offers a free version for Android that provides basic virus protection. For more features, you can upgrade to a paid plan.
Can I use Norton Antivirus on multiple devices?
Yes, Norton Antivirus allows you to protect multiple devices, including Android phones, with a single subscription.
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