How do we rate the Best Antivirus for Android
Do you really need the best antivirus for your android device? Yes, you do. Android malware is constantly on the rise. This can be attributed to various factors, the key of which is how popular the OS is. With Android being the most widely used operating system in the world, it is a very enticing opportunity for most hackers. This is why we are witnessing a shocking increase in the number and types of malware linked to the OS. Another issue here is the continued increase with the issue of data security and privacy. Cases of data leaks have been really rampant, and this should cause serious alarms to all Android users. Given the increase in e-commerce, mobile banking, and integration of smartphones with cloud storage, it is vital to get yourself a proper antivirus that won’t just protect your smartphone against malware but one that will also protect your on-device and cloud data.
What’s the Best Antivirus for Android?
Our top pick for the best antivirus for Android is Norton Mobile Security. This antivirus provides more than just the basic scanning of your device against malware. It comes with lots of additional features that will improve the overall security and privacy of your device. Another reason that we picked this antivirus is the fact that their free version offers quite a lot of incredible features which you would typically find in paid packages. In case you are looking for the ultimate protection, you can also get the Premium Norton Mobile Security version which will cost you somewhere around $30.
The following is a quick overview of our top pick and two other equally incredible antiviruses that you can use on your Android device.
Norton Mobile Security
Norton Mobile Security is an award-winning antivirus that has recorded remarkable results on defending android devices against different kinds of threats. This application is engineered to tackle malware and other data-breach issues in various ways, making sure that you are protected from different fronts. For instance, through the Wi-Fi Security tool, your smartphone will always be protected against any malicious networks or ones that are under an attack. The antivirus also offers web protection which will protect you from all suspicious links or pages. Whether it is a webpage, a link in your MMS, SMS, an attachment in your email or even a social network, the Norton Mobile security will provide real-time protection giving you the much-needed peace of mind. We also liked the device security feature which scans and notifies you in case your OS is outdated. This is vital because outdated operating systems tend to be very susceptible to cyber threats.
The inclusion of an App Advisor is one everyone will appreciate. This makes your work effortless as it will assist you in protecting your phone against different kinds of threats, including adware and ransomware using Norton’s award-winning app scanning tech. The App Advisor will also keep you updated on all the apps you are trying to download from Google Play. Should it detect suspicious apps, the Advisor will promptly alert you to keep malware away from getting into your system in the first place. Through the Privacy Advisor, the mobile security app will also scan and alert you of any applications that could potentially cause a breach of privacy.
Some of the other incredible features that you can get from the paid Norton Mobile Security include the Intrusive Adware App Advisor which will warn you against apps with intrusive adware before you install them from Google Play; AntiPhishing Web Protection which blocks all fraudulent websites hence protecting you from online scammers; Excessive Battery & Data Usage App Advisor that alerts you on apps that are known to consume battery or data excessively; Anti-theft feature that will lock and wipe all your personal information should your device get lost or be stolen; Remote Locate that locates your device on a map when it’s lost or stolen; and SIM card lock which locks the phone when you remove the SIM Card.
System Requirements
- At least Android 4.1
- 50MB storage
Bitdefender Mobile Security
At a close second, we have the Bitdefender Mobile Security. This antivirus offers an assortment of features, including a VPN. The thing with Bitdefender, however, is that to get the full protection the security has to offer, you will have to subscribe to their $15 per annum premium package, and you will need to pay an extra $39.99 per annum to have the premium VPN included in the package. This is the main reason that the antivirus came second here because without paying the subscription fee, you will only enjoy a majority of the features for the initial 14-day trial period after which you will barely get anything more than the basic protection.
When it comes to protection, Bitdefender Mobile Security is one of the most consistent you will find in the market. The antivirus has been voted three times in a row – from 2015 to 2017 – as being the best android security product by AV-test. Our tests and many others from independent labs reaffirm the antivirus position in the market.
The antivirus offers several levels of protection including on-demand and on-install scan which is performed immediately you install the antivirus and any other time of your choosing. It also offers web protection that protects you against risky websites, links, and downloads that can compromise your security and privacy.
With the Internet of Things being on a full force, it can become difficult to keep up with all your devices. To that end, Bitdefender has equipped this antivirus with WearOn, which is an extension of the mobile security to your smartwatch. This extension allows you to locate your smartphone, and it will even issue you with an alert when you move too far from your phone. Other than helping you locate your phone; the alerts may also serve as a protective measure should someone pickpocket the phone.
The Bitdefender Mobile Security has also improved significantly on the Autopilot or Security Advisor. This will give you updates and recommendations on how you can improve your security.
The performance of this antivirus is another reason it comes highly recommended. Not only is it light-weight with almost virtually no effect on your phone’s performance, but it is also very energy efficient, and hence you will never have to struggle with battery life.
Some of the other popular features of the Bitdefender Mobile Security include Anti-Theft, App Lock, the Account Privacy, and continuous and automatic updates to keep you safe from newer threats.
System Requirements
- At least Android 4.0.3
- Internet connection
Avast Mobile Security
Avast Mobile Security is a remarkable antivirus for android designed to keep your smartphone or tablet safe from malware, phishing, spyware, Trojans, and other types of malware. The Antivirus is packed with superb features that will enhance the security and privacy of the data in your smartphone while also improving its performance.
With this antivirus, you can scan the Wi-Fi network you are connecting to. This should keep you safe from networks that are under attack, thus safeguarding your financial and personal information. The app also offers a VPN protection helping you to browse and do your online stuff discretely. The Avast VPN servers will also allow you to access geo-restricted content from any location.
The Avast Mobile Security is also equipped to scan, detect, and alert you against malicious applications before they are downloaded. Any malicious links will also be red-flagged, preventing malware from getting into your device.
Should your smartphone or tablet get stolen, Avast will track and locate it for you. You will also have the option to lock and wipe your sensitive data remotely before someone else can access it. With the Pro Avast Mobile Security, things get even more interesting. This allows you to secretly capture the audio and photos of the person who has stolen your device! It will also sound a siren, thus alerting you and everyone around the phone.
You can use Avast Mobile Security to improve the performance of your smartphone. This can be done by cleaning junk, boosting your RAM, and extending the battery life by adjusting the phone’s power settings.
The Avast Antivirus can give you insights on how you are using your device like the apps you use frequently. It will also give you details on the permissions you’ve given the apps in your phone and what data they can access.
System Requirements
- At least Android 4.1