Best antivirus for Android in 2025: tested by cybersecurity experts
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Android runs on more phones than any other system, making it a big target for viruses and malware. To stay safe, you need a reliable antivirus app.
At Cybernews, we test antivirus software using real-world samples and have seen a growing demand for mobile protection. Our top picks for Android are TotalAV Mobile Security and Norton 360 — both trusted, high-performing apps with excellent features. All the options listed offer strong Android protection and earn high marks from independent labs. Read on to find the best antivirus for your Android device.
Our team of researchers thoroughly tests antivirus software following a well-established testing process. In unison, our experts combine in-house and independent testing lab findings with first-hand experience to help you make informed decisions about each product. Learn how we test antivirus software.
Best antivirus for Android in 2025: our shortlist
- TotalAV – best antivirus for Android overall in 2025
- Norton – Android antivirus for privacy-conscious users
- Bitdefender – great for phishing and scam protection
- Malwarebytes – lightweight Android antivirus
- Surfshark Antivirus – top Android antivirus for beginners
- Avast – free antivirus for Android with online security features
- Guardio – free Android antivirus for families
Do Android devices need antivirus protection?
Android is adored by people who value customization. It lets users personalize almost every aspect of the device, install apps from outside the Google Play Sstore, and browse the internet without restrictions. However, this openness also makes Android phones the prime target for cyber threats.
Many types of malware can infect an Android device. One common example is a trojan, which is delivered via a text or email link. Once clicked, it downloads malware silently, sometimes posing as trusted apps like Chrome. This helps it evade detection while stealing credentials and sending data to cybercriminals through a remote server.
Antivirus apps for Android can help detect and eliminate these threats before they cause harm. They’re designed to protect against a wide range of malware, including trojans, ransomware, spyware, and adware.
The best Android antivirus of 2025: detailed list
Together with our research team, we tested over 20 antivirus apps to find the best ones for Android. Below is my carefully curated list, from which you can choose the one that best suits you.
1. TotalAV Mobile Security – best overall for Android
| Free trial: | ✅ 7 days |
| Google Play Store rating: | 4.3⭐ |
| Key features: | Breach Scan, WebShield, QR Code Checker |
| Current deal: | Get TotalAV, now 80% OFF |
Why I chose it
TotalAV Mobile Security is my top antivirus for Android. In our in-house tests, it showed strong malware detection results without slowing down the device. It also received perfect scores from independent test labs AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives. I appreciated that the mobile app is feature-rich, similar to the desktop version, which is rare.
My experience with TotalAV
For Android users, TotalAV packs features. The QR Code Checker is a unique feature I haven’t seen before. It scans QR codes and alerts you to malicious ones. Also, the App Lock is handy for securing sensitive apps. The memory optimization tools are great for clearing out junk files and boosting performance. You can find out more about the features it offers in our TotalAV review.
In our tests, TotalAV scored 9 out of 10 in web protection, although its real-time protection failed to detect any malware samples, which was disappointing. On the bright side, it’s quite lightweight, using only 169MB of RAM during testing.
TotalAV is available for free on the Google Play Store. That said, if you want to upgrade to a premium version and unlock all security protection features, it’ll cost you $19.00/year. It also includes a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you have time to test it out.
I enjoyed using TotalAV on my Android. The navigation was very intuitive, and all the important features were easily accessible. I found the design modern and not too cluttered.
Who it's for
TotalAV is great for users looking for a simple and easy-to-use security app. The interface is straightforward with uncomplicated navigation, allowing you to run a full device scan with a single click. It also isn’t too heavy on the system and is relatively affordable. It can be especially helpful for those whose phones get cluttered since its powerful system cleanup tools can quickly free up the system.
2. Norton 360 Antivirus & Security– best for robust privacy and security
| Free trial: | ❌ No |
| Google Play Store rating: | 4.6⭐ |
| Key features: | Wi-Fi security, Safe Search, Safe SMS |
| Current deal: | Get up to 58% OFF Norton Antivirus |
Why I chose it
I recommend Norton 360 for Android users who are conscious about their privacy. In our testing, Norton showed great results and all-in-one protection. Its security suite also includes a VPN, cloud backup, dark web monitoring, and even identity theft protection.
My experience with Norton 360 Antivirus
As the name suggests, Norton 360 offers well-rounded security. Its Wi-Fi Security feature checks whether your network is safe and provides suggestions to strengthen its protection. Another useful tool I found is Safe SMS, which blocks phishing attempts and scam messages. I find it very valuable if you're often targeted by scammers.
Norton 360 showed excellent web protection results during our in-house tests, detecting all 10 malicious samples used. That said, the real-time protection didn’t detect anything, just like with TotalAV. Notably, Norton 360 had the highest system resource usage among all Android antiviruses I tested, using around 350MB of RAM.
While Norton 360 doesn’t offer a free version for Android, you can still test it out using its generous 60-day money-back guarantee. Plans start at $29.99/year for one device. It’s a bit more expensive than TotalAV, but in my opinion, it offers excellent value for the features you get.
The Norton 360 Android app looks modern and is easy to navigate. All features are clearly labeled and well organized. I liked that the main screen shows a protection report, highlighting any security gaps. All risks shown are color-coded, making them easy to spot and fix right away. You can check our detailed Norton 360 Antivirus review for more information.
Who it's for
Norton 360 is ideal for privacy and security conscious users. It’s a well-rounded solution that offers everything you need to stay safe online in one package. The app is well-designed so you see all security-related information right away, which makes it easy to identify and fix any security issues.
3. Bitdefender Mobile Security – best for scam and phishing protection
| Free trial: | ✅ 30 days |
| Google Play Store rating: | 4.6⭐ |
| Key features: | Scam alert, anti-theft, app lock |
| Current deal: | Get Bitdefender for up to 78% OFF |
Why I chose it
Antivirus protection by Bitdefender Mobile Security offers an excellent security app for Android. The software not only showed great results during our in-house tests in both real-time and web protection, but it’s also very affordable and offers excellent security features, making it a great all-around option.
My experience with Bitdefender
Bitdefender includes several useful tools that enhance your mobile security. One of my favorites is Scam Alert, which, similar to Norton 360’s Safe SMS, monitors your messages and notifications for dangerous links. The anti-theft feature is a huge plus, as it safeguards your device in case it gets stolen or lost. It also offers an autopilot tool, which scans all new apps to ensure they’re safe and don’t contain mobile malware.
In testing, Bitdefender’s web protection was flawless, catching all 10 out of 10 malicious samples. It also detected 5 out of 10 malware samples during a real-time malware protection test. However, it did have a slightly higher than average system impact, using around 220MB of RAM. If you want to know more about provider's performance, check out our Bitdefender review.
Bitdefender has a free version, but I found it too basic. It only includes network scanning and some malware protection. Fortunately, you can try out the premium version by using the 30-day money-back guarantee. With plans starting at just $7.49/year, it’s also the most affordable option on my list.
As for the interface, it was decent. It clearly displays your security status, and the settings are easy to access. That said, the layout felt a bit cluttered compared to Norton 360 or TotalAV.
Who it's for
Bitdefender is ideal for users who want strong real-time and web protection at a budget-friendly price. It also stands out for its advanced scam detection, which monitors all notifications.
4. Malwarebytes Mobile Security – best for low system impact
| Free trial: | ✅ 14 days |
| Google Play Store rating: | 4.6⭐ |
| Key features: | Identity protection, text protection, VPN |
| Current deal: | Get Malwarebytes, now 50% OFF |
Why I chose it
Malwarebytes is a decent Android antivirus option, offering solid malware detection and protection. It’s lightweight and easy to use, which I appreciated. Malwarebytes doesn’t slow down your phone, and the interface is clean and well-organized, making it simple to navigate.
My experience with Malwarebytes
While Malwarebytes doesn’t offer as many features as other antivirus apps on this list, it still includes a few valuable tools. I liked the identity protection feature, which monitors your email, credit card, and other personal data to alert you if it’s found online. You can also schedule scans, which I find very convenient. The text protection alerts you of phishing attempts and malicious links in SMS messages.
Performance-wise, Malwarebytes delivered solid web protection, detecting 8 out of 10 malicious samples during our testing. However, its real-time malware protection didn’t detect any of the test samples. On the plus side, it had one of the lowest system impacts in our tests, using just 130MB of RAM.
Malwarebytes offers a free version, but it’s pretty limited, with only malware removal available. The premium version costs $44.99/year, which is pricier than some alternatives, but it covers up to 20 devices and comes with a generous 60-day money-back guarantee.
The Android app is quite neatly organized. It shows a protection score on the main screen, which I found very useful. It also shows tips on how you can improve it. It’s also easy to run a scan directly from the main screen. You can see how it works across platforms in our Malwarebytes review.
Who it's for
Malwarebytes is a great Android antivirus for those who want a lightweight solution. It’s light on system resources, so it’s ideal for older Android devices. Also, because of its 60-day money-back guarantee, it’s a great choice if you need to test everything thoroughly before making a long-term commitment.
5. Surfshark Antivirus – best for beginner users
| Free trial: | ❌ No |
| Google Play Store rating: | 4.6⭐ |
| Key features: | Daily scans, Alternative ID, Surfshark Search |
| Current deal: | Get Surfshark Antivirus - 85% OFF + 3 months FREE |
Why I chose it
Surfshark made this list thanks to its robust security suite. It offers far more than just antivirus protection. You get a top-tier VPN, real-time protection, and useful privacy tools like Surfshark Alert, Search, and Alternative ID, all suitable for beginners.
My experience with Surfshark Antivirus
Surfshark includes several helpful features that make everyday use simple and effective. It offers daily scan options, which you can schedule when it’s convenient, much like with Malwarebytes. You can also scan specific files manually and exclude any apps you don’t want checked, giving you more control over how it runs. It also comes with nice additions like Alternative ID and Surfshark Search, which is a private and ad-free search engine.
That said, Surfshark doesn’t offer web protection on Android, which is disappointing. It does, however, offer real-time protection, but the results weren’t as satisfactory. During our in-house test, Surfshark Antivirus didn’t detect any malware samples. As for system impact, it was average, using 213MB of RAM.
Surfshark Antivirus doesn’t have a free version or trial, but you can test it out for free using the 30-day money-back guarantee. Pricing starts at $36.31/year for up to five devices.
The Surfshark Antivirus is integrated into the Surfshark VPN app, which has a clean and intuitive layout. All features are well organized, although getting to the antivirus itself requires a few extra clicks. Still, it's not a major inconvenience once you get used to the app structure. You can read more about its usability in our full Surfshark Antivirus review.
Who it's for
Due to its simplistic interface and the option to set up automatic scans, Surfshark is great for beginners. You can set it up to work in the background and not worry about it. It’s also perfect for people who frequently use public Wi-Fi, as the included VPN keeps you safe while connected to unsecured networks.
6. Avast Free Antivirus – free Android antivirus with online security features
| Free trial: | ✅ 30 days |
| Google Play Store rating: | 4.6⭐ |
| Key features: | Hack alerts, Junk Cleaner, and Photo Vault |
| Current deal: | Get up to 60% OFF Avast Antivirus |
Why I chose it
Avast is a well-known name within the antivirus industry, and for good reason. It offers great malware protection and, unlike Bitdefender, even includes a few additional features at no extra cost.
The free Avast Android app includes loads of features. Some of my favorites are the Wi-Fi speed test for evaluating your network and hack alerts, which inform you about leaked credentials. It’s one of the largest suites of features offered by a free app. Upgrading to a paid plan unlocks even more Avast features.
My experience with Avast
Avast scored perfectly in every category during the latest AV-TEST in 2025. While the independent lab tests were performed on a PC, it still serves as an indicator of how well Avast handles malware.
During our in-house tests, Avast showed great results. It detected 8 out of the 10 malware samples we planted in our device. The first scan took 1 minute and 37 seconds, which is a bit longer compared to other antiviruses on this list. After the initial scan, other scans were much faster, around 30 seconds.
I like that Avast lets you decide how to deal with malware. After a scan, you’ll get a set of three options: Remove, Ignore, and Not malware, which requires you to write a report. Avast also flags actions you have not taken, such as disabling Web Shield, as a core issue.
Who it's for
Avast is an ideal free option for Android users who want a suite of online security features and malware protection.
7. Guardio – free Android antivirus for families
| Free trial: | ✅ 7 days |
| Google Play Store rating: | 3.9⭐ |
| Key features: | Data leak alerts, identity monitoring, email security |
| Current deal: | Get Guardio, starting at $9.99/month |
Why I chose it
I chose Guardio for its strong focus on online privacy and scam protection and a decent free version. It’s great for monitoring data breaches and alerting you to potential threats. I also really enjoyed using its Android app, which is very modern and intuitive.
My experience with Guardio
Guardio offers several useful features, including data leak alerts and identity monitoring, which monitor your phone number and email for breaches. It also comes with email protection to safeguard you against phishing and scam attempts.
That said, its performance in our tests was underwhelming. During our web protection test, Guardio failed to detect any malicious website samples. Plus, it doesn’t offer real-time malware protection on Android, which is a major downside. However, it’s very lightweight, using only 38MB of RAM.
You can use Guardio for free, but this version only includes malicious website alerts and manual scans. The premium version offers access to all features, and you can test it out for free for 7 days. After that, the plan starts at $119.88/year, which is on the higher end. Guardio doesn’t offer a money-back guarantee.
As for the app, it’s very user-friendly and neatly organized, making it easy to access all features. I especially liked the main dashboard, which gives you a quick summary of any data leaks or issues found.
Who it's for
Guardio is best for users concerned about their online privacy. It continuously scans the web to check if your personal information has been compromised and offers robust phishing protection. It’s also a great option for families, as you can add up to 4 family members.
Comparison of the best antivirus apps for Android
| Brand | Background system impact | System scan impact | Firewall | Malicious URL blocking | Free version |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TotalAV | Light | Light | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Norton | Heavy | Heavy | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Bitdefender | Light | Light | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Malwarebytes | Very light | Very light | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Surfshark Antivirus | Light | Light | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Avast Antivirus | Light | Light | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Guardio | Very light | Very light | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Other Android antiviruses we tested
While the list above highlights the best Android antivirus apps, there were a few providers that came close. These didn’t quite make it to my list, but are still worth mentioning:
- ESET Mobile Security is a reliable app with a 4.7-star rating on the Google Play Store. It offers useful features like anti-theft tools, payment protection, app locking, and call filtering. However, it lacks 24/7 customer support, which is a big drawback. It’s also not the most user-friendly option and is more expensive than competitors.
How we tested antivirus software
At Cybernews, we use a detailed and clear antivirus testing methodology to evaluate each application. To test antivirus apps for Android, we run all tests on an Android Samsung Galaxy A14 phone running Android 13, with 4GB of RAM.
The process of testing the antivirus apps consisted of web protection testing and real-time protection testing. To test web protection, we selected various malicious URLs from https://urlhaus.abuse.ch. With the antivirus app’s web protection feature enabled, we visited each link to see how many threats were successfully blocked.
For real-time protection testing, we downloaded Android malware samples from https://bazaar.abuse.ch/ and extracted them using the 7Zipper app. We then observed how many samples the antivirus detected and removed. Before running these tests, we ensured the antivirus app had full permissions and that all unrelated features were disabled.
When creating this list, we evaluated each Android antivirus based on the following criteria:
- Performance (30%). Together with the research team, we tested each provider’s web protection and real-time protection capabilities. We also checked the impact on the system of each app.
- Features (30%). I evaluated what unique features each provider offers, such as dark web monitoring, phishing protection, VPN, browsing protection, theft protection, and any other features I found to be beneficial to ensure maximum security on an Android.
- Pricing (20%). I evaluated the pricing options and took into account the free trial and money-back guarantee options.
- Usability (20%). I tested each antivirus and evaluated its user interface. I checked how intuitive the app felt and how easy it was to use.
Based on how each provider scored in each category, I ranked them from 1 to 6.
What security threats do Android users face?
Android users are exposed to various security risks, especially because the system allows installation from unknown sources. While Google Play Protect offers some basic protection, it doesn’t catch everything. Here are the most common threats Android users face:
- Spyware. This type of malware disguises itself as a regular app and secretly monitors your phone’s activity. It can access your microphone, camera, and messages. Spyware can hide inside regular apps like calendars, browsers, or fitness trackers, so you might not even know you have it. That’s why removing spyware from your Android device is crucial to protect your privacy and personal data.
- Phishing. This type of social engineering scam tricks you into giving away personal data. Attackers often use emotional manipulation or create a sense of urgency, pushing you to act fast. Cybercriminals usually send fake messages through SMS, calls, or emails that look legitimate but are actually traps designed to steal your information.
- Malicious apps. Since Android allows installing apps from outside the Google Play Store, it's easy to install dangerous apps. Unofficial apps often include malware and are designed to steal your data or spy on your activity. Sometimes users don’t even realize they’re using a malicious app.
What is Android antivirus, and do I need it?
An Android antivirus is an app that protects your device from online threats, including malware, ransomware, spyware, and other types of viruses. It scans all apps, files, and content on an Android phone or tablet for threats that can harm the device and helps you avoid dangerous websites and links.
That said, the term antivirus can be a bit misleading, since it works slightly differently from a typical antivirus on a computer. Android devices don’t get viruses like computers do, so these security suites protect against threats like malware, ransomware, phishing, and adware.
These security apps offer much more than virus protection. They protect from visiting malicious websites, downloading malware, or phishing attacks. Some also include tools like VPNs, which encrypt your internet traffic on public Wi-Fi, and password managers, which store strong, unique passwords for all your accounts.
Do I recommend a free antivirus for Android?
No, I don’t recommend using a free antivirus for Android. Most free tools are packed with ads and only offer basic protection. Even worse, some free antiviruses can be outright dangerous, installing malware on your device rather than protecting it.
Instead of using a free antivirus for Android, I recommend trying a free version of a premium service. These are limited in features, but still much safer and more reliable than unknown free apps. Plus, this is a great way to test out the service and pick the best one based on your needs.
For example, TotalAV offers a limited free version with decent protection. It includes anti-malware and phishing protection, as well as scanning options. Bitdefender also offers a great free plan that includes real-time scanning and anti-phishing web protection.
Free plans usually have limited features, so you’re not fully protected against online threats. They lack features like VPNs, password managers, or full web protection, which are essential for online security. For full protection, I recommend using a premium version of an antivirus.
Conclusion
Selecting an Android antivirus involves more than just malware detection, though that's vital. The best apps offer a broad feature set, including phishing protection, a VPN, app lock, and data breach monitoring. Many also provide anti-theft and system optimization tools. These features, along with real-time protection, ensure your Android device is safe from malware and other cyberthreats.
After thorough testing, I found TotalAV to be the best antivirus for Android overall. However, every option on this list is worth considering. I recommend choosing the one that best fits your needs and usage habits.
FAQ
How do I check my Android for viruses?
To check your Android for viruses, download and install a trusted antivirus app like TotalAV. Open the app and run a full scan. Once it’s done, you’ll see a summary of dangerous files found on your mobile and instructions for removing them.
How does antivirus impact Android device performance?
A good antivirus won’t have any or have very low impact on your device’s performance. In fact, some can even boost it by clearing out junk files and managing background processes. However, lower-end antiviruses can slow down your device and drain battery, so it’s crucial to choose a good option like TotalAV.
How do I remove spyware from my Android?
To remove spyware from an Android device, first install a good antivirus like TotalAV. Then, follow the on-screen instructions to remove spyware. Run a scan once again to ensure the spyware is removed completely.
Is there a 100% free antivirus for Android?
Yes, it’s possible to find 100% free antivirus services for Android. However, it’s vital to choose your provider carefully because many free antiviruses are unreliable or ineffective. I recommend TotalAV for solid protection against most online threats.
