Best antivirus for Android in 2026
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Android powers more devices than any other operating system, making it a desired target for malware. Threats can get onto your device through malicious links, a sideloaded APK, or a compromised app on the Google Play Store. And they can all lead to stolen credentials, financial exposure, and compromised personal data.
Our research team evaluated over 30 antivirus products using 10 live malware samples on physical Android devices. For this roundup, each app was installed on a Pixel 10 Pro emulator running Android with 4 CPU cores, 6GB RAM, and 6GB storage, running on a MacBook Pro M2 with 16GB RAM. Then, we measured malware detection rates using real-world samples over a 7-day testing period.
Two apps rose to the top of our results: Bitdefender and ESET. Other providers on this list earned high marks from AV-TEST, AV-Comparatives, or both. Below, I break down exactly how each app performed in our tests, so you can pick the right protection 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 2026: our shortlist
- Bitdefender – best antivirus for Android overall in 2026
- ESET – Antivirus for Android with low impact on the system
- Norton – antivirus for privacy-focused security bundles
- AVG – trustworthy Android antivirus with solid protection
- F-Secure – Android antivirus with strong scam protection
Do Android devices need antivirus protection?
Android devices already come with considerable protection. Google Play Protect, a free Android built-in security service, scans apps upon install, continuously monitors installed apps, and flags threats.
This means if you only install apps from the Play Store, keep your OS updated, and avoid clicking links in unknown messages, your risk is low. In this case, you might not need an antivirus as Google Play Protect may be enough.
However, you definitely need an antivirus if your activities are high-risk. That includes sideloading apps, using third-party app stores, handling sensitive work data on a personal device, compliance requirements, or if your household has less tech-savvy users sharing the device.
Methodology: how we rank
We ranked each antivirus app by scoring it across four categories, then combining those scores using fixed weights.
Based on this methodology, comparing antivirus apps for Android, Bitdefender leads with a perfect 6/6 AV-TEST score from independent lab testing, backed by in-house excellent malware (10/10) and phishing protection (10/10) and fast scans. ESET follows with strong lab results and the lightest RAM usage (70MB), though weaker web protection. Norton and AVG offer solid all-round security with stronger phishing defense but higher resource use, while Avira stands out for fast scans and low RAM usage (88MB) but slightly less consistent protection. The full link to our testing spreadsheet can be found here.
Based on how each provider scored in each category, we ranked them from 1 to 10.
Each app received a score from 0 to 10 in each category. The final ranking was calculated as: (Performance × 0.3) + (Features × 0.3) + (Pricing × 0.2) + (Usability × 0.2). The app with the highest combined score was ranked first.
All tests were performed on a Pixel 10 Pro emulator with 4 CPU cores, 6GB RAM, and 64GB storage, running on a MacBook Pro M2 with 16GB RAM. A new virtual machine was created before testing each antivirus app to ensure a clean installation and consistent testing environment.
- Performance (30% of final score). We measured how well each app protects the device. It includes AV-TEST scores across protection, performance, and usability (each out of 6), along with our in-house tests for malware, phishing, and web protection. We used malware samples from bazaar.abuse.ch and malicious URLs from phishtank.org and urlhaus.abuse.ch to measure detection and blocking rates. We also evaluated RAM usage and scan time, with higher detection and lower system impact leading to a better score.
- Features (30% of final score). We evaluated what each app offers beyond basic protection and how well those features work in practice. We tested features like anti-theft, firewall, permission auditing, Play Store warnings, VPN, password manager, app lock, Wi-Fi scanning, identity monitoring, and phishing or scam alerts. Each feature was checked for availability and real-world performance. Apps with fewer but reliable features scored higher than those with more features that did not perform as expected.
- Pricing (20% of final score). We compared annual pricing for one device, the number of devices per plan, free version availability, trial length, and money-back guarantees. The providers with a lower cost and broader coverage got a higher score.
- Usability (20% of final score). We tested how easy the app is to use. We looked at how quick you can access core features, how clear the interface is, and how easy it is to manage settings and alerts in daily use.
The best Android antivirus of 2026: detailed list
We tested over 30 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. Bitdefender Mobile Security – best overall antivirus for Android
| Free trial: | ✅ 30 days |
| Google Play Store rating: | 4.7⭐ |
| Key features: | Scam alert, anti-theft, app lock |
| Max devices: | 3 |
Bitdefender earns the #1 spot due to its strong antivirus capabilities. This provider combines core features with extra security, including scam and anti-theft protection. Additionally, it demonstrated near-perfect results in both in-house and independent lab tests.
AV-TEST has awarded Bitdefender with 6/6 across all three categories (protection, performance, and usability). During our tests, its real-time and phishing detection scores were 10/10, while the web protection score was 9/10.
In terms of resource load, Bitdefender showed average results. Its RAM usage reached 176MB, and the scan took 7s to complete.
Why we picked it
Bitdefender Mobile Security is the best antivirus for Android on this list. No other antivirus has scored 10/10 points in malware and phishing detection. Also, Bitdefender includes a smart anti-theft protection, allowing you to remotely locate and lock your device. Another attention-worthy security feature is its App Anomaly Detection, which helps to keep up with evolving threats.
The only area where Bitdefender could improve is its resource usage during scans. While it’s not as heavy as F-Secure, it could use some improvement to avoid slowing down your devices’ systems.
Who it's for
Bitdefender is ideal for users who want strong antivirus protection for their Android devices at a reasonable price. The app is easy to use, and it mirrors the desktop version, which means that all the necessary security features are included for mobile devices too. You can learn more about user experience by reading our detailed Bitdefender review. Bitdefender’s Mobile Security costs $17.99/year.
2. ESET – lightweight Android antivirus
| Free trial: | ✅ 30 days |
| Google Play Store rating: | 4.8⭐ |
| Key features: | Multithread Scanning, Payment Protection, LiveGrid |
| Max devices: | 5 |
ESET is antivirus with high malware detection accuracy and low system impact. Yet, its web protection performance is below that of its competitors. With a perfect 6/6 AV-TEST score and strong in-house results in malware (9/10) and phishing detection (9/10), it proves to be a capable security solution. However, its web protection score of just 2/10 is a strong limitation, especially compared to Bitdefender and AVG.
ESET is a performance-efficient antivirus that prioritizes detection accuracy over browsing protection. It showed low system impact at 70MB RAM usage, the lowest on the list, with a 6-second scan time.
Why we picked it
ESET is a great option for the core security of your Android device that is lightweight on the system. During our tests, it demonstrated strong malware and phishing detection, scoring 9/10. It also includes anti-theft protection, giving an additional layer of security.
Multithread scanning helps ESET process multiple file checks at once, which is why it performed smoothly during full system scans without heavier system activity seen in suites like F-Secure.
Meanwhile, LiveGrid cloud analysis strengthens malware detection by evaluating unknown apps against real-time reputation data, which is a key reason it maintained strong detection consistency in testing.
Payment Protection secures the use of banking and shopping apps by isolating transactions, making it a reliable option for safe payments. Anti-theft tools allow remote locking and device tracking, which worked reliably in recovery scenarios and supports its role as a strong core security option, even though Bitdefender adds more advanced automation.
Stronger web protection tools are missing, as ESET struggled to block malicious websites during our tests, compared to providers like F-Secure and TotalAV.
Who it's for
ESET is best suited for users who prioritize lightweight security, with strong malware and phishing detection. Pricing is customizable, starting at $49.99/year for 1 device, with additional devices costing $5.00/year each. You can add up to 10 devices. Keep in mind that it is a paid-only antivirus with no free tier. To find out more about the provider, read our ESET review.
3. Norton 360 Antivirus & Security– best for robust privacy and security
| Free trial: | ❌ No |
| Google Play Store rating: | 4.5⭐ |
| Key features: | Wi-Fi security, Safe Search, Safe SMS |
| Max devices: | 10 |
Norton combines a wide range of privacy and security tools in one app. AV-TEST awarded it a perfect 6/6 score, but our testing showed slightly lower scores, such as 7/10 for web protection, 8/10 for malware detection, and 8/10 for phishing protection. It also had a high system impact, using 212MB of RAM, and took 10 seconds to complete a scan.
Why we picked it
We picked Norton for its strong focus on privacy and added features. Wi-Fi Security checks network safety and flags risks. In testing, it provided useful alerts, similar to tools offered by Avast, though it doesn’t improve core malware protection.
Safe SMS filters scam messages and phishing links, and in testing, it successfully blocked obvious scam texts. It performed reliably, though not as consistently as other competitors like AVG.
Norton also includes features like a VPN, password manager, and dark web monitoring in its higher-tier plans. These tools worked reliably and offer broader coverage than most antivirus-only apps like ESET, which focus more on core protection. You can see how it performs across platforms in our Norton Antivirus review.
Norton doesn't lack in features, but could strengthen its web and malware protection. Providers like Bitdefender and AVG performed significantly better in these areas during testing.
Who it's for
Norton is best for users who want an all-in-one privacy and security bundle. Its plans start at $29.99/month for one device, while higher-tier plans like Norton 360 Deluxe cost $49.99/year for 5 devices and include VPN and dark web monitoring. The app is easy to use and well-organized, but higher RAM usage and weak detection rates make it less suitable.
4. AVG – reliable Android antivirus with balanced performance
| Free trial: | ✅ 7 days |
| Google Play Store rating: | 4.7⭐ |
| Key features: | Network inspector, AVG AntiTrack, VPN |
| Max devices: | 10 |
AVG is among the best Android antivirus based on our in-house and independent lab test results. AV-TEST rated it 6/6, and our in-house malware detection score was 8/10. During testing, AVG got a 9/10 for web protection, 8/10 for real-time malware detection, 9/10 for browser-based phishing protection, and 4/5 for SMS phishing protection. RAM usage averaged 129MB, while scan time reached 8 seconds.
Why we picked it
AVG combines strong web protection, decent malware detection, and efficient resource usage into a single package. It also offers strong web protection, blocking malicious websites and unsafe links before they load. During our tests, it performed reliably, scoring 9/10, matching Bitdefender’s result. To learn more about the provider's performance, read our AVG review.
What’s more, AVG includes permission audits. It reviews app permissions to highlight potential privacy risks, helping identify overreaching apps. AVG also stands out with its focus on performance. Its AVG TuneUp feature improves both performance and storage space.
However, AVG lacks anti-theft tools and a firewall. This means users can’t remotely locate or lock lost devices – a feature offered by Bitdefender and ESET only. On the other hand, without a firewall, network-level control is also limited, reducing protection against suspicious connections compared to more feature-rich alternatives.
Who it's for
AVG is best suited for Android users who want dependable protection with minimal setup. Its core functions, like scanning and security status, are easily accessible from the main dashboard, keeping navigation straightforward.
AVG is a freemium app, and the free version includes basic scanning and limited web protection. Its paid plans start from $39.99/year. The pricing may seem rather expensive, but with one subscription, you can protect up to 10 devices across Android, Windows, macOS, and iOS.
5. F-Secure – phishing-focused Android security suite
| Free trial: | ✅ 30 days |
| Google Play Store rating: | 4.6⭐ |
| Key features: | Scam protection, password vault, ID monitoring |
| Max devices: | 5 |
F-Secure ranks mid-tier in our Android antivirus testing as a phishing-focused security suite, combining strong scam protection with AV-TEST scores of 5.8/6. Though, its 6/10 malware detection and high 226MB RAM usage reduce the overall performance.
In our tests, it scored 7/10 for web protection, 6/10 for real-time malware detection, and 9/10 for phishing protection, matching AVG in phishing but falling behind in malware handling. Scan time reached 7 seconds, with noticeably higher system impact than most alternatives.
Why we picked it
We picked F-Secure for its focus on phishing protection and identity security features. It’s scam protection blocks malicious links and filters phishing attempts across browsing and messaging, and in testing, it blocked phishing attacks consistently, scoring 9/10 and matching AVG while outperforming Malwarebytes, which struggled with URL-based threats. The password vault stores and autofills credentials across apps and websites, and it worked reliably during login tests.
It also provides ID monitoring, which tracks exposed personal data and alerts users about breaches. ID monitoring detected known leaked credentials during testing, offering broader identity coverage than most antivirus-only apps like ESET. VPN-based privacy protection hides browsing activity and prevents tracking. It also maintained stable connections in testing, although it added more system load compared to lighter tools like ESET.
Missing features include stronger malware protection, as F-Secure scored only 6/10 in testing, falling behind providers like Bitdefender and ESET.
Who it’s for
F-Secure is best suited for users who want combined antivirus and identity protection, and you can read more on how it works in our detailed F-Secure review.
Core functions take around 4–5 taps to access due to separate security, privacy, and identity sections, while 7-day tracking recorded a moderate number of notifications, mainly from identity alerts and scan updates.
It is a paid-only service, with Internet Security starting at $44.99/month for 1 device, while the Total bundle, starting from €69.99/year, adds VPN and identity protection features.
6. Avira – Android antivirus focused on web safety and performance
| Free trial: | ✅ 30 days |
| Google Play Store rating: | 4.7⭐ |
| Key features: | Identity protection, text protection, VPN |
| Max devices: | 1 |
Avira combines strong phishing protection and efficient system performance, though to get all of its features, you need to choose a higher-tier plan. In our tests, it scored 0/10 for web protection, 8/10 for real-time malware detection, and 9/10 for phishing protection.
Avira was one of the fastest apps we tested. The scan finished in 5s, faster than AVG at 8s and Norton at 10s. RAM usage stayed at 88MB, which is lower than AVG at 129MB and much lower than F-Secure at 226MB. During daily use, we did not notice slowdowns or heavy background activity.
Why we picked it
We picked Avira for its strong malware detection and efficient performance in everyday use. Real-time protection blocks malware, ransomware, and banking trojans, and in our tests, it consistently stopped malicious files before execution, performing more reliably than Malwarebytes. Safe shopping protection helps reduce exposure to phishing sites, though overall web protection performance was inconsistent in testing.
Avira also includes an ad blocker that removes intrusive ads and pop-ups, and it reduced unwanted content better compared to tools like F-Secure. The Smart Home feature scanned connected devices and flagged potential risks, although Bitdefender offers more advanced monitoring. Avira also provides a password manager and Identity Safeguard, but these are only included in the Prime plan. To learn more about its features, read our Avira review.
Missing features include effective web protection, as Avira scored 0/10 in testing, and some tools like identity monitoring and password management are only available in higher-tier plans.
Who it’s for
Avira is best suited for users who don’t want a heavy app that may slow down their device. It’s a freemium app, where the free version includes malware scanning, threat protection, and ad blocking, suitable for casual use. Paid plans start at $22.99/month for 1 device, with higher tier plans including a VPN, password manager, identity monitoring, and multiple device support.
7. Malwarebytes Mobile Security – best for low system impact
| Free trial: | ✅ 14 days |
| Google Play Store rating: | 4.5⭐ |
| Key features: | Identity protection, text protection, VPN |
| Max devices: | 3 |
Malwarebytes sits in the middle of our tested Android antiviruses, with solid system performance but limited real-time protection, affecting its overall score compared to stronger options like Bitdefender and AVG. In our tests, it scored 8/10 for web protection, 0/10 for real-time malware detection, and 3/5 for phishing protection on SMS links, placing it behind most competitors in active threat prevention. Scan time reached 2 seconds, the fastest on this list, while RAM usage averaged 144MB, with minimal battery impact during background operation.
Why we picked it
Malwarebytes is a decent Android antivirus option, offering solid malware detection and protection. It offers identity protection that monitors emails and financial data for breaches, and in testing, it successfully detected exposed credentials, similar to AVG but with less detailed coverage than Bitdefender.
SMS protection blocks phishing links in text meressages, and it filtered a portion of malicious samples during testing, although AVG handled a wider range of phishing attempts more consistently.
Scheduled scanning allows automated device checks without manual input, and it ran reliably during idle periods, though it doesn’t offer many customization options. VPN protection encrypts browsing activity, and it maintained a stable connection during testing. You can see how it works across platforms in our Malwarebytes review.
Malwarebytes lacks effective web protection, scoring 0/10 in testing, and struggled with phishing detection at just 3/10 compared to stronger performers like AVG and Bitdefender.
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 reliable choice if you need to test everything thoroughly before making a long-term commitment.
It is a freemium app, where the free version only allows manual malware removal, so it’s suitable for casual use, but too limited for full-time protection. Paid plans start from $44.99/month for 1 device.
8. Surfshark Antivirus – best antivirus for beginner users
| Free trial: | ❌ No |
| Google Play Store rating: | 4.6⭐ |
| Key features: | Daily scans, Alternative ID, Surfshark Search |
| Max devices | Unlimited |
Surfshark combines antivirus protection with privacy tools like a VPN and Alternative ID. During our testing, it performed well as a privacy-focused app, but didn’t show outstanding results as an antivirus. It scored 0/10 for web protection, 8/10 for real-time malware detection, and 0/10 for phishing protection.
In terms of performance, RAM usage reached 79MB, lower than AVG at 129MB and much lower than F-Secure at 226MB. The main drawback was scan speed. It took 1 minute 31 seconds to complete a scan, which was the slowest result in our testing and affected device responsiveness during scans.
Why we picked it
We picked Surfshark because it’s simple to use and combines multiple tools. It also allows setting daily scans to run in the background, similar to Malwarebytes.
Surfshark includes an Alternative ID feature, which creates a separate online identity for sign-ups. Surfshark Search is a private search engine that removes tracking and ads, but it does not replace web protection. You can read more about its plans and features in our Surfshark Antivirus review.
Missing features include web protection, as it doesn’t block malicious sites before they load. It also doesn’t include phishing protection, so it can’t reliably stop harmful links in messages or browsers.
Who it’s for
Surfshark is best for beginners who want antivirus protection combined with other security tools. Core Surfshark features take 4 taps to access, and the app doesn’t send many notifications.
The most affordable plan is Surfshark One at $50.70/year for unlimited devices, and includes an antivirus, VPN, Alternative ID, Alert, and Search. The One+ plan adds identity theft coverage and data removal services through Incogni.
9. TotalAV Mobile Security – antivirus for simple Android security tools
| Free trial: | ✅ 7 days |
| Google Play Store rating: | 4.2⭐ |
| Key features: | Breach Scan, WebShield, QR Code Checker |
| Max devices: | 8 |
TotalAV combines strong security tools with a simple interface that is easy to navigate. In Cybernews testing, it performed inconsistently in web protection, scoring 5/10, while real-time malware detection failed to identify any of the test samples.
Why we picked it
We picked TotalAV because it’s simple to use and has extra security tools. Features like QR Code Checker help identify malicious links before they are opened, and when testing it successfully flagged unsafe QR codes. The App Lock feature also worked reliably, helping secure sensitive apps without adding complexity.
It also includes system tune-up tools such as disk cleaning and browser cleanup. During testing, these tools helped reduce clutter and improve usability, similar to Avast's optimization features but with a simpler interface.
TotalAV scored 5/10 in web protection, blocking half of the malicious URLs. However, real-time malware detection did not detect test samples, which was a clear weakness compared to competitors like AVG and Bitdefender. If you want to read more about this provider, see our TotalAV review.
Who it's for
TotalAV is best for users who want a simple and beginner-friendly antivirus with useful extras like system cleanup and QR scanning. Core features are easy to access in just a few taps, making it suitable for non-technical users.
It is a freemium app, with a free version available on Google Play Store, and premium plans start at $19.00/month for 4 devices. TotalAV also provides a 30-day money-back guarantee for all plans.
10. 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 |
| Max devices: | 10 |
Avast combines a wide range of free features with strong independent lab results, but its in-house performance was much weaker. While AV-TEST awarded it a perfect 6/6 score, our testing showed only 1/10 web protection, 0/10 malware detection, and 3/10 phishing protection. It also had the highest system impact on this list, reaching 302MB RAM, although scan time was relatively quick at 9s.
Why we picked it
We picked Avast for its extensive feature set, especially in the free version. Its hack alerts notify you if your credentials appear in data breaches, and for us, these alerts worked consistently, similar to identity monitoring tools in paid apps like Bitdefender and F-Secure.
It also includes a junk cleaner and Wi-Fi scanning tools, which help identify unnecessary files and network risks. These features worked reliably, but they don’t directly improve core protection.
Avast also includes permission auditing, allowing you to review app access and spot privacy risks. This worked as expected in testing and is on par with most competitors, though it’s not a standout feature.
Avast lacks effective web and malware protection, scoring just 1/10 and 0/10 in testing, which limit its ability to block malicious downloads and threats compared to providers like Bitdefender and AVG.
Who it is for
Avast is best for users who want a free antivirus with a wide range of extra tools. It’s a freemium app, with the free version including features like hack alerts and basic scanning, but weak detection rates make it less reliable as a primary security solution. Paid plans start at $38.99/year for 2 devices.
Video review
For those who prefer watching, our video review delivers all the important details from our article on the best Android antivirus apps for 2026, featuring expert-tested recommendations to keep your device protected.
Comparison of the best antivirus apps for Android
| Brand | Background system impact | System scan impact | Firewall | Malicious URL blocking | Anti-theft | Free version |
| Bitdefender | Light | Light | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| ESET | Very light | Light | ❌ No | ⚠️ Limited | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Norton | Heavy | Light | ❌ No | ⚠️ Limited | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| AVG | Light | Light | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| F-Secure | Heavy | Light | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Avira | Very light | Very light | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Malwarebytes | Light | Very light | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Surfshark | Light | Heavy | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| TotalAV | Light | Light | ❌ No | ⚠️ Limited | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Avast | Heavy | Light | ❌ No | ⚠️ Limited | ⚠️ Limited | ✅ Yes |
Other Android antiviruses we tested
While the list above highlights the best Android antivirus apps, there was a provider that came close. It didn’t quite make it to our list, but is still worth mentioning:
- Guardio is a privacy-focused Android security app with a 4.3-star rating on the Google Play Store. It includes features like data leak alerts, identity monitoring, and email protection to help detect breaches and phishing attempts. However, while it’s very lightweight and easy to use, its higher price and limited antivirus capabilities make it less competitive than other options on this list.
Do we recommend a free antivirus for Android?
No, we 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, we 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.
How to stay safe on Android beyond antivirus
Even if you use an antivirus, it’s important to practice safe online behaviors. To stay safe on Android, make sure that you follow these general online safety tips:
- Only install apps from the Play Store
- Keep Install from unknown sources disabled in your Android settings
- Review app permissions before and after install, to make sure they can only access what they need
- Keep your Android OS and apps updated and enable auto-updates
- Be cautious when using public Wi-Fi and use a reliable VPN to secure your connection
- Back up your data regularly to avoid losing important files
- Don’t open links in emails or SMS from unknown senders
A combination of a strong antivirus and safe online practices significantly increases your device and data security.
Conclusion
Android antivirus performance depends on malware detection, phishing and web protection accuracy, and app efficiency. It also depends on additional security tools, such as VPNs, identity monitoring, and anti-theft features, that extend protection beyond basic scanning.
In our Cybernews testing, results varied significantly across providers. Bitdefender and AVG delivered the most consistent protection across malware and phishing tests, while Avira stood out for fast scans and low system impact. Some apps performed well in lab results but struggled in real phishing and malware scenarios, which affected their overall ranking.
After testing all providers, Bitdefender ranked as the best antivirus for Android. However, each app on this list fits different needs, so the best choice depends on whether you prioritize stronger protection, lighter performance, or additional privacy tools.
FAQ
How do I check my Android for viruses?
To check your Android for viruses, download and install a trusted antivirus app like Bitdefender. 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 Bitdefender.
How do I remove spyware from my Android?
To remove spyware from an Android device, first install a good antivirus like Bitdefender. Then, follow the on-screen instructions to remove spyware. Run a scan once again to ensure the spyware is removed completely.
