Cyber threats have been as soon as restricted to suspicious hyperlinks, spam, and webpage pop-ups. Now we should pay attention to subtle malware, ransomware, and sketchy cellular apps focusing on our smartphones. Android faces extra cyberattacks than iOS. Whereas Google recommends that you simply solely obtain apps from the official Play Retailer, generally malicious apps slip via the safety web. On prime of that, the web is riddled with malicious software program that may infiltrate your system with out your information.
Preserving your smartphone or Android tablet malware-free could require a trustworthy antivirus app. Fortunately, loads of choices are round so that you can select from.
What’s the finest Android antivirus software program proper now?
The very best Android antivirus app proper now’s Bitdefender Mobile Security. With 4.7 stars on Google Play and a strong buyer base, this feature gives strong safety, real-time net safety, app scanning, and a number of different safety features. A free plan is obtainable, however extra safety features can be found for $15 per yr.
For those who’re on the lookout for my favourite free plan, nonetheless, take a look at Sophos Intercept X for Mobile.
Additionally: Best malware removal software 2025
ZDNET has extensively examined Android antivirus apps and depends upon safety knowledgeable suggestions, buyer suggestions, and our personal experiences in our overview course of. Learn on for the remainder of my prime decisions for the perfect Android antivirus cellular apps.
The very best Android antivirus apps of 2025
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Bitdefender Cell Safety is my best choice for the perfect Android antivirus app of 2025.
Why we prefer it: Throughout testing, I used to be impressed with the app’s performance, and I preferred the preliminary scan immediate to test how clear my Android was from the beginning. Nevertheless, when you’re hoping to reap the benefits of the built-in cellular virtual private network (VPN), I feel the 200MB day by day restrict is way too low.
Additionally: Bitdefender Total Security review: One of the top antivirus options you can buy
The app’s interface is clear, and the menu is useful for locating safety features together with app locking, anti-theft settings, reviews, scanning, browser protection, and proposals. You will want to offer the app permission to guard your system and run scans.
Who it is for: Prospects like how user-friendly this app is and that it’s not too resource-heavy for smartphone use. I feel it is a wonderful choice you possibly can belief to maintain most customers’ units protected. it ought to swimsuit the vast majority of customers.
You’ll be able to go for Bitdefender’s free antivirus option, however if you’d like extra superior rip-off prevention and the VPN, you may must subscribe. Yearly subscriptions value $15.
Who ought to look elsewhere: If VPN performance and limitless knowledge is vital to you, I’d look elsewhere. It’s also possible to take a look at our standalone VPNs for Android information.
Bitdefender Cell Safety options: Internet safety | Anti-theft | Superior rip-off prevention | VPN | Paid subscriptions (14-day free trial) | Free choice | Google Play: 4.7 stars, 448K evaluations
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Sophos Intercept is an honest choice for a free Android antivirus app.
Why we prefer it: The Sophos Intercept X person interface on Android is bland however clear and customarily achieves excessive AV scores. Upon set up, the app will mechanically scan your system’s well being, checking for probably undesirable apps (PUPs), nuisanceware, and malware.
It’s also possible to use the app for securely managing passwords together with one-time passwords (OTP), QR code scanning, hyperlink checking, and net filtering.
Additionally: Best antivirus software for Windows & best password generators
Nevertheless, I dislike the pressured notification permissions proper in the beginning of the set up course of. Whereas I perceive the explanation behind it, it has been carried out in a demanding style. This will likely delay some customers who simply need an app that quietly protects them within the background.
Who it is for: Anybody who desires a strong, free Android antivirus answer. Prospects report some points with net filtering and app repute scores, however they nonetheless respect the extent of safety supplied. Whereas it isn’t excellent, it is nonetheless price contemplating for a free app.
Who ought to look elsewhere: For those who do not thoughts signing up for an Android antivirus subscription otherwise you need VPN protection, take a look at my different suggestions.
Sophos Intercept X options: Menace scanning | App safety | Authenticator | Password vault | Privateness advisor | Free choice | Google Play: 3.9 stars, 47.1K evaluations
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Avast Safety and Virus Cleaner is one other nice selection appropriate for blocking malicious net domains and websites.
Why we prefer it: The scans are complete, and I just like the app’s enticing person interface. There’s additionally a helpful junk remover, a Wi-Fi menace scanner, an elective VPN, and a password leak checker. I checked out a couple of recognized phishing web sites, and the app detected these threats with out situation.
Who it is for: Many purchasers just like the core options of this antivirus app, together with its net blocker capabilities, however some complain of useful resource hogging.
There are two paid plans to select from, Final and Premium. These value round $6 per thirty days and $5.80 per thirty days, respectively. The distinction is that the premium gives further safety features together with phishing safety and buyer help, whereas Avast’s VPN and ID protections are solely out there with the Final subscription.
Who ought to look elsewhere: Sadly, to make use of this app and obtain the primary degree of safety without cost, you will need to conform to view advertisements. In my view, they’re obtrusive. If this annoys you as effectively, maybe look elsewhere.
There may be one other caveat. In February, the U.S. Federal Commerce Fee announced a refund course of for Avast Antivirus prospects regarding an alleged misleading advertising and marketing follow surrounding the sale of person knowledge. As a part of the settlement, Avast was required to pay $16.5 million, which can be used to fund compensation claims.
Additionally: Best VPNs 2025
Avast Safety & Virus Cleaner options: Internet defend | Menace scanning | IP masking | Junk removing | VPN | Velocity checker | Paid plans | Free model out there, alongside paid trial | Google Play: 4.6 stars, 7.34M evaluations
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Malwarebytes Cell Safety has improved all through the years, and it is nonetheless an awesome choice when you prize fast checks and ease.
Why we prefer it: It is nice for working fast scans, a profit I took benefit of for years on earlier handsets. As well as, the latest model of the app has a Digital Footprint service. As soon as you have verified your possession of an electronic mail deal with by way of a verification code, you may be given a snapshot of any linked credentials concerned in knowledge breaches or safety incidents.
Additionally: Malwarebytes review: Solid, free protection with a user-friendly interface
Whenever you set up and launch the app, you might be awarded a “safety rating.” Exploring the metrics behind your rating contains whether or not or not you’ve gotten just lately carried out a full scan and your present settings. Don’t fret about being a couple of factors out, as you may by no means obtain the total 100 marks with out a subscription.
Who it is for: I feel this app is finest suited to occasional use. Open the app, run a scan, carry out a digital footprint test, after which shut it. Many purchasers appear to agree.
The free model of Malwarebytes is appropriate for informal scans and use. For those who’d somewhat go for a paid mannequin, you possibly can subscribe to plans beginning at $45 per yr.
Who ought to look elsewhere: Some prospects don’t just like the elective VPN performance. Whereas it’s a good choice for learners or set-and-forget scans, if you’d like extra technical management and safety knowledge, you may need to look elsewhere.
Malwarebytes Cell Safety features: Menace scanning | 24/7 safety | Suspicious textual content alerts | Phishing web site safety | Digital footprint checker | Paid choices (7-day free trial) | Free model out there | Google Play: 4.6 stars, 523K evaluations
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Norton is a good antivirus supplier recognized for its strong safety practices and glorious safety.
Why we prefer it: When you should buy Norton360, safety features embody antivirus scanning, rip-off alerts, unsafe Wi-Fi hotspot defenses, app monitoring, and system well being checks.
This antivirus answer, which has achieved excessive AV scores, comes with a VPN from 360 Customary onwards at $40 per yr. Throughout my checks, it was a good VPN with acceptable speeds and an inexpensive server community. It does not attain the heights of another VPN suppliers, reminiscent of NordVPN or ExpressVPN, however it works effectively sufficient.
Who it is for: Norton consistently demonstrates glorious AV scores and has finished so for years. If you need a excessive degree of safety and an inexpensive VPN bundle, that is the best choice for you.
Different choices for safeguarding units embody Plus, Customary, Deluxe, and Choose Plus plans, with subscriptions beginning at $30 per yr to guard one system. Primary safety begins at $20 for the primary yr with Norton’s present promotion.
Who ought to look elsewhere: Many purchasers applaud the safety of Norton merchandise, however they dislike the agency’s method to upselling and notifications. I additionally discover this irritating, so if you’d like a “quiet” app, you may need to take a look at another choice.
Norton360 Virus Scanner & VPN options: Sturdy antivirus safety | Rip-off safety | Cloud backup | VPN | Paid plans | Google Play: 4.6 stars, 1.92M evaluations
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That can assist you determine on the perfect Android antivirus app for you, contemplate the next elements:
Android antivirus app | Value | Actual time safety? | App safety? | VPN? | Google Ranking |
Bitdefender Cell Safety | Free, $15 per yr | Sure, net safety | Sure | Sure | 4.7 stars, 448K evaluations |
Sophos Intercept X | Free | Sure, net filtering | Sure | No | 4.1 stars, 47.1K evaluations |
Avast | Advert-supported, free, $5.80+ per thirty days | Sure, net safety | Sure | Sure | 4.6 stars, 7.34M evaluations |
Malwarebytes | Free, $45 per yr | Sure, net safety | Utility supervisor | Sure | 4.6 stars, 423K evaluations |
Norton360 | $20+ per yr | Sure | Sure | Sure | 4.6 stars, 1.92M evaluations |
Select this Android antivirus app.. | If you need or want… |
Bitdefender Cell Safety | The very best Android antivirus app total. It is strong, safe, and has a number of helpful options outdoors of its nice net safety. It will not noticeably drain your battery, and the paid model might be among the finest options on the market for all-round cellular safety. |
Sophos Intercept X | A free Android antivirus app. Whereas it’s restricted and the interface might use enchancment, Sophos’ providing gives a strong safety layer in your telephone. Strive it if you’d like extra safety than Android affords by default, however you don’t want to pay. |
Avast | A strong app for malicious web site blocking and safety. Prospects like its on-line shielding applied sciences, and I agree. Nevertheless, it’s ad-supported, and a few superior options are locked behind paywalls. |
Malwarebytes | An Android antivirus app for informal use. Malwarebytes has an awesome scanner and a few helpful instruments with strong virus safety, however I do discover the interface and its person interactions to be annoying generally. |
Norton 360 | A good antivirus app with a VPN. Norton is well-known for its number of antivirus merchandise. You’ll be able to lengthen safety to different units you personal by doubling up with its VPN, an inexpensive — though not my favourite — answer for encrypted communication. |
For a lot of shoppers, default OS safety will present them with some safety whereas at residence. Free variations of third-party cybersecurity corporations reminiscent of Bitdefender and Sophos may present a useful layer of safety for cellular units. That is particularly helpful if in case you have a jailbroken smartphone or you might be downloading apps from dangerous sources. You also needs to contemplate a paid answer when you use your Android system for delicate or work duties.
Within the enterprise realm, many organizations go for Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) packages which might be a step above antivirus software program implementations.
Whereas deciding upon the perfect Android antivirus apps of 2025, safety have to be on the forefront. Nevertheless, different elements should be thought of:
- Repute: I solely thought of distributors with a strong repute for placing safety first. In spite of everything, an antivirus answer is nugatory if it permits threats to slide via the web.
- Signature outcomes: I choose cybersecurity distributors which have demonstrated persistently excessive AV take a look at scores.
- Options: I wish to see cellular antivirus apps provide a spread of options together with real-time scanning, alerts, recommendation and guides, and phishing safety.
- Ease of use: It is vital that cellular antivirus apps are straightforward to make use of, particularly as you are likely to have restricted display screen house. I’ve listed options which might be appropriate for learners and extra tech-savvy audiences alike.
- Updates: It is vital that app builders replace their antivirus software program apps regularly. Updates not solely repair bugs and vulnerabilities found within the apps themselves but additionally usually embody updates to virus signatures.
- Assist: I choose it when buyer help is obtainable, whether or not by stay tickets, electronic mail, or social media. Nevertheless, this isn’t all the time the case, particularly with regards to free software program packages.
- Value: I’ve included free and paid choices. Not everybody has the finances so as to add yet-another subscription to their month-to-month or annual prices, however everybody ought to have entry to cellular safety.
- Malwarebytes says that the recorded quantity of mobile-related malware focusing on Android smartphones has jumped by 151% because the begin of 2025.
- Google is taking “legal action” in opposition to the BadBox 2.0 botnet. It targets quite a lot of IoT units, together with these working on the Android platform.
- A brand new type of malware referred to as ClickFix is focusing on macOS, Android, and iOS units.
You do not essentially want an antivirus app in your Android phone so long as it is not rooted and you are not downloading APKs outdoors of Google Play.
Android has built-in safety, and the Google Play Retailer makes an attempt to confirm apps hosted on its platform for safety points. You should not depend on only one instrument or telephone function for first rate safety. We propose an honest AV for an additional layer of safety in addition to a VPN.
Additionally: Best Android VPNs in 2025
There’s a vary of paid and free Android safety options on the market. Whether or not or not it’s best to pay for an app relies upon upon what you utilize your Android telephone for.
Free choices will provide you with a fundamental layer of safety however when you want extra superior options — reminiscent of real-time scanning and app monitoring — you may need to go a step up. It is also advisable if you’re extra vulnerable to compromise than the typical client, reminiscent of these in civil rights actions, politics, legal professionals, and journalists.
Additionally: Why you don’t need to pay for an antivirus in 2025
Android antivirus options could decelerate your telephone, requiring energy and reminiscence sources to run. You’ll probably discover a slowdown, for instance, if you’re working a scan for viruses and malware. Nevertheless, the perfect options should not end in very noticeable energy utilization or modifications to battery life.
For those who suspect your smartphone has been compromised, obtain a good antivirus app and run a scan. Remember that some cyberthreats will stop you from with the ability to. For those who can, detect and wipe out the an infection, of which a malicious app would be the supply. Take away any suspicious apps alongside any apps you now not use. In some extreme instances, performing a manufacturing unit reset in your cellular system would be the proper choice.
Additionally: 9 top mobile security threats and how you can avoid them
Different Android antivirus apps
- In ZDNET’s July replace, we carried out varied editorial updates and modifications.
- In ZDNET’s Might replace, we carried out substantial copy and structure modifications.
