5 Best Android Antiviruses 2022: Security for Phones & Tablets

Short on time? Here’s the best antivirus app for Android in 2022:

To ensure that my tablet and smartphone are protected, I downloaded, tested, and installed the most popular Android antivirus applications from the Google Play Store. Unfortunately, many Android antivirus applications are terrible. They fail to detect complex or new malware and can even steal user data to be sold.

Google Play Store offers a variety of great internet security apps, including:

• Real-time malware protection.
• Anti-phishing protection and web attack protection.
• A virtual private network (VPN).
• Anti-theft protection.
• Parental control.

After weeks of testing, I’m confident in saying that these 5 apps are the best of the best, and they can be downloaded and installed onto almost all Android smartphones and tablets (Chromebook users can look here for my favorite Chromebook-compatible apps in the Google Play Store).

Quick summary of the best Android antivirus apps in 2022:

• 1.🥇 BullGuard — Best Android antivirus of 2022.
• 2.🥈 Bitdefender — Best for lightweight scanning (with an excellent VPN).
• 3.🥉 Norton — Best for additional internet security protections.
• 4. McAfee — Best for anti-theft tools.
• 5. TotalAV — Best for device optimization.
• Bonus: Avira — Good privacy protection.

1. 🥇 BullGuard — #1 Overall Pick for Best Android Antivirus of 2022

BullGuard Mobile Safety is my favorite Android antivirus — and nearly all of its security functions are free. BullGuard is a great malware scanner with comprehensive anti-theft tools. It also has excellent Wi-Fi network monitoring and advanced parental controls (premium).

BullGuard’s malware scanner was used to scan my Android devices for viruses, worms and spyware. After a quick scan, BullGuard’s malware scanner was able to remove 100% of all malware files from my Android phone. BullGuard ran silently in the background for over a week without consuming my battery or slowing my device down.

BullGuard’s anti theft protections are among the best available.Provide remote data wipe, location tracker, and a very loud alarm. BullGuard’s online dashboard made it easy to access all these features. I was especially impressed by the location tracker which located my phone within 30 feet.

I love BullGuard’s premium parental control. It allows me to limit my daughter’s internet usage, filter her browsing and get alerts when she leaves a safe area.

BullGuard Mobile Security can be downloaded for free, but the parental controls only are available to paid users. BullGuard’s premium mobile app can be bundled with the Internet Security and Premium Protection plans. These plans offer coverage for 3-10 computers, Androids, and Macs. BullGuard offers a separate VPN app that includes 256-bit AES encryption and a built-in Kill Switch. It also works with most streaming sites.

Bottom line:

BullGuard Mobile Securityis a great internet security app for Android. It offers real-time protection against malware, advanced anti-theft tools and barely affects your phone’s performance or battery life. BullGuard’s premium plans include parental controls. You can also purchase BullGuard VPN separately. All BullGuard paid plans come with a 30-day money back guarantee.

2.🥈 Bitdefender — Lightweight Malware Scanner with a Fast VPN

Bitdefender Mobile Security is an Android antivirus app with lots of useful features. Bitdefender’s cloud based scanning engine uses machine intelligence to detect the latest malware threats. I was able to remove all malware from my smartphone and tablet in just minutes when I tested it. Every piece of malware that I tried to download was blocked by the real-time protection.

Bitdefender comes with excellent anti-phishing defense. It detected a few phishing sites which other browsers, such as Firefox or Chrome, failed to flag. Bitdefender’s Anti-phishing Protection is also better than any other competitor, including TotalAV.

Bitdefender’s Android app is my favorite feature. When I was connecting to a US server, my stream was uninterrupted. I also experienced minor lag when connecting to a European server.

Bitdefender’s free VPN has 200MB of daily data. It automatically selects the closest server, but upgrading to Bitdefender’s paid VPN will give you unlimited data access and 30 servers worldwide. Bitdefender’s VPN failed to connect to Netflix and Hulu in my testing. ExpressVPN offers unlimited data and access from 30 servers around the globe.

Bitdefender Mobile Security offers good anti-theft protection, an app lock and data breach scanning. It is ideal for users who just need protection on one Android device. Bitdefender Total Security covers up 5 devices and provides PC, Mac, and iOS coverage.

Bottom Line

Bitdefender Mobile Security offers Android users lightweight, efficient antivirus protection with great extra features. Bitdefender’s malware scan scored 100% in both my real-time protection and device scanning tests. Bitdefender’s VPN offers 200 MB of data per day. However, most users will need the paid VPN that provides unlimited data. Bitdefender can be purchased separately or as part a Bitdefender Total Securitybundle. Bitdefender subscriptions include a 30-day money-back warranty.

Bitdefender Antivirus 2022

Name: Review Bitdefender Antivirus

Description: Bitdefender is the best Windows antivirus software. Bitdefender's Internet Security & Total Security offer comprehensive protection for Windows computers.

Offer price: $14.99 to Up

Currency: USD

Operating System: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS

Application Category: Bitdefender Antivirus - Brand Review

Author: Best Antivirus

[ More ]

• Security
  (4.5)
• Features
  (4)
• Ease of use
  (4)
• Customer Support
  (4)
• Pricing
  (4)

Overall

4.1

Summary

Bitdefender Internet Safety Anti-Virus Software is the most affordable for Windows. It offers both online and offline protection.

Bitdefender Total Safety remains our top choice. But, we love Norton 360 Deluxe. This is an excellent anti-virus suite for all platforms. Norton has unlimited VPN, a better password manger and more effective parental controls. This antivirus suite is more expensive but offers more functionality.

Pros

• Great scores in independent tests
• Multiple customer support options
• Available 30-day trials
• Has a free version
• Notification settings adapt to activity

Cons

• macOS supported only with paid plans
• Requires extra payment for full VPN access

• Bitdefender for Windows
• Bitdefender for macOS
• Bitdefender for Android
• Bitdefender for iOS

3.🥉 Norton — Excellent Antivirus Protection with Tons of Extra Features

Norton Mobile Security, a comprehensive internet security program with a reliable antimalware scanner and lots of other features. Norton’s virus scanner detected all malware on my Android phone and blocked it without slowing down my device.

Norton includes more security features then any other competitor. Norton provides:

• App advisor.
• Anti-phishing protection.
• Wi-Fi monitoring.
• Identity protection (US only)
• VPN.

Norton’s app advisory feature is great. It scans all apps on the Google Play Store, and warns users about any malicious apps before they are downloaded to their Android devices. Norton’s anti-phishing protection was also very effective. It blocked all phishing and dangerous sites that I tried opening. This includes some extremely sketchy shopping sites.

US users will also love Norton’s built in identity theft monitor. It can track a variety personal identifying information (PII), like emails, social security numbers credit card numbers, ID numbers and addresses.

I have one complaint about Norton’s Android app. The VPN was slowing down my internet connection. However, it made streaming video content impossible. I was disappointed Norton VPN wouldn’t allow me access to streaming services during the tests.

Norton Mobile Security only covers one Android device. But, if your needs include protection for PC, Mac and iOS, Norton’s premium bundles can be a great choice.

Bottom Line

Norton Mobile Security for Android is a trusted antivirus that offers tons of additional security options. Its antivirus scanner, which detected 100% of malware during testing, is one of its best. Norton’s US only identity theft monitor and its anti-phishing protection are both great. However, Norton VPN isn’t my favorite. Norton 360 is available for mobile users either as a standalone app, or bundled together with Norton’s antivirus packages. Also, all Norton plans include a generous 60 days money-back guarantee.

Norton Antivirus 2022

Name: Review Norton Antivirus

Description: Norton Antivirus Plus works for both Windows and Mac. Norton Antivirus Plus is an excellent choice if you have only one device. It is not cheap because you can only install it on one device. Bitdefender Internet Security comes with more features. It can also be installed on three computers (not just a Mac). It is cheaper than Norton Antivirus Plus. However, it costs less per device.

Offer price: €15.00 or $19.99

Currency: USD, EUR

Operating System: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS

Application Category: Norton Antivirus - Brand Review

Author: Best Antivirus

[ More ]

• Security
  (4.5)
• Features
  (4)
• Ease of use
  (4.5)
• Customer Support
  (4)
• Pricing
  (4)

Overall

4.2

Summary

Norton Antivirus Plus gives you great protection on one Mac or one PC. It also offers web protection, antimalware as well as password management. This is an excellent choice if you are looking to protect just one device while you go about your daily business. Bitdefender Internet Security may be a better choice, but it costs more per device.

Norton 360, the most comprehensive Norton antivirus suite, is the jewel in Norton’s crown. The 2022 most comprehensive antivirus suite includes unlimited VPN, parental checks (unlimited), dark Web monitoring, dark-web monitor, webcam protection, and privacy monitoring. The best thing is that it is far cheaper than other comparable solutions.

Pros

• All-round protection
• Extra features
• User-friendly interface
• Minimal resource usage
• Identity-theft protection

Cons

• Doesn’t include a free version
• Quite expensive

• Norton for Windows
• Norton for macOS
• Norton for Android
• Norton for iOS

4. McAfee — Best Anti-Theft Tools for Lost or Stolen Devices

McAfee Mobile Security has excellent malware protection. However, it took longer than Bitdefender or BullGuard to scan my Android tablet.

McAfee’s Android app provides a WiFi network scanner and device cleanup tools. You can also download an excellent antitheft suite.

• GPS tracking to locate lost devices
• Sets off a very loud alarm (and frightening).
• Wipe all data remotely.
• Send an …” “If found”, message to a lock screen of a cell phone.
• Photograph any user that forgets to enter your PIN.

McAfee’s antitheft tools were extremely simple to use. I was able access all McAfee’s antitheft features through a secure web portal after I set up the device.

McAfee Mobile Security provides protection for only one Android device. If you need coverage for multiple devices, you can look into McAfee’s low-cost internet safety suites.

Bottom Line:

McAfee offers a great set of anti-theft security features and is a secure antivirus for Android. McAfee’s malware detector is very effective at detecting malware and removing it. It also has anti-theft security that allows you to remotely track and wipe your phone, as well as take a picture and erase all data. McAfee has a 30-day money-back promise on all plans.

McAfee Antivirus 2022

Name: Review McAfee Antivirus 2022

Description: McAfee subscriptions could be purchased via a PayPal or credit card. McAfee subscriptions are available with a 30-day money back guarantee. You can try all the features, and you won't be obligated to a substandard product.

Offer price: $39.99 to Up

Currency: USD

Operating System: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS

Application Category: McAfee Antivirus - Brand Review

Author: Best Antivirus

• Security
  (4)
• Features
  (3.5)
• Ease of use
  (4)
• Customer Support
  (4.5)
• Pricing
  (4)

Overall

4

Summary

McAfee’s performance is good most of the time, according to independent tests. MRG Effitas has not certified Avira or this virus for certification in Q2 2020. They do have more than just average results.

McAfee is a must-have on this list. Although it is important, it is not the best antivirus software.

Pros

• All plans support majort platforms
• Generous device limits
• Basic package is feature-rich
• Solid firewall
• Home Network Security feature is a godsend

Cons

• Some independent test results are poor
• Performance could be better
• Apple products have fewer features

5. TotalAV — Best Device Optimization for Old or Slow Androids

TotalAV’s device-optimization tools scan my tablet for duplicates or junk — the app freed up nearly 5 GB worth of valuable disk drive space. It identified and deleted CPU-draining apps, which greatly increased my processing speed.

TotalAV comes with a few additional decent security features.

• VPN.
• Anti-phishing protection.
• Secure Browser.
• App locker.
• Data breach monitoring.

TotalAV’s VPN offers access to nearly 100 servers around the globe. However, it’s slower than standalone VPNs such as CyberGhost VPN and ExpressVPN. TotalAV’s security measures include an anti-phishing feature and a secure web browser, which uses DuckDuckGo’s secure search technology.

TotalAV Mobile Security may be purchased separately or in combination with one of TotalAV’s internet safety suites. This provides exceptional antivirus protection for iOS and Mac.

Bottom Line:

TotalAV Android is a great anti-malware tool and has excellent optimization tools. TotalAV’s virus scanner detected all the malware I tested, but the realtime protection drain my battery. TotalAV’s device cleaner tools eliminated 5GB of junk from my devices, improving speed and performance. TotalAV offers a 30 day money-back guarantee.

TotalAV

Name: Review TotalAV

Description: The tool won't hurt your pocketbook. Premium plans are affordable. It's not as expensive than most of its competition, which is always an advantage for the end user.

Offer price: Free to $239.99

Currency: USD

Operating System: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux

Application Category: TotalAV - Brand Review

Author: Best Antivirus

[ More ]

• Security
  (4)
• Features
  (4)
• Ease of use
  (3.5)
• Customer Support
  (4)
• Pricing
  (4)

Overall

3.9

Summary

TotalAV is an effective, yet simple, addition that you can add to your system. TotalAV will not only remove any online germs you might have gotten while surfing the Internet, but it also won’t overwhelm your device. This antivirus is recommended for anyone who needs to be protected online and offline.

Pros

• Good protection against most cyberthreats
• Intuitive apps
• A basic free version
• Fast customer support response times
• Real-time and cloud protection
• Includes optimisation tools

Cons

• Only covers six devices
• The browser extension isn’t particularly user friendly
• Safe Search doesn’t always work

• TotalAV for Windows
• TotalAV for macOS
• TotalAV for Android
• TotalAV for iOS

Bonus: Avira — Good Privacy Protection

Avira Antivirus Security Security Android for Android has a fast cloud-based scanner for malware. But, it took a lot of battery power to scan my device.

Here are Avira extra features:

• Anti-phishing protections.
• Breach monitoring.
• VPN.
• Camera monitor and microphone.
• System tune-up tools.

Avira security features are very well designed. The app, however, is more expensive than other options on the list. Avira’s Android app is absolutely free. It includes many of the same features as those listed here. That’s why it’s my favorite free Android app for 2022.

Avira Prime provides cross-platform protection that covers up 5 devices.

Bottom Line:

Avira Security for Androidis full-featured antivirus software for Androids. Avira also provides a great free Android security application, as well as a 30-day guarantee on all its paid plans.

Avira Antivirus

Name: Review Avira Antivirus

Description: Avira stands out from other antiviruses thanks to its system optimization tools. You can optimize your system to speed up booting or to concentrate the resources on one task such as video rendering. It even includes crypto mining functions, which allows you to make money while your computer is offline. It is important to keep in mind that not all features can be used on macOS as well as Windows. Mail protection and download scanning are only available for Windows users.

Offer price: $45.99 to Up

Currency: USD

Operating System: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS

Application Category: Avira - Brand Review

Author: Best Antivirus

[ More ]

• Security
  (4)
• Features
  (4)
• Ease of use
  (4.5)
• Customer Support
  (4)
• Pricing
  (4.5)

Overall

4.2

Summary

I was pleased to see outstanding scores from independent test laboratories. Avira Internet Security scored the maximum 6 points on performance, protection and usability tests by AV–Test in October 2021.

AVComparatives has also shown impressive results with tests that were conducted in September and Oct 2021. Experts claim that it has blocked 99.2%of cyber threats. It is rated highly in terms of performance and features for malware protection.

Avira Antivirus is a great security product that has a good price/quality ratio and produces great results.

Pros

• Feature-rich free version
• Compatible with all major platforms
• Offers 30-day money-back guarantee
• Real-time protection
• Features to protect online browsing
• Includes VPN services

Cons

• Some features are only available on Windows
• Can’t protect more than 5 devices
• Free version limits VPN usage
• Browser extension is needed to use all of its features

• Avira for Windows
• Avira for macOS
• Avira for Android
• Avira for iOS

Top Brands That Didn’t Make the Cut:

Kaspersky. Kaspersky offers extensive security features in its Android app, but it is more expensive that other Android apps with similar features.

Sophos. Sophos has decent antivirus tools. Although the Sophos Android App is quite good in terms of features it’s not as intuitive or easy to use than the other apps.

Avast/AVG. Avast (which also holds AVG) was found to be selling user data and taking stolen data. Avast/AVG are not recommended by us anymore. Learn more about these allegations and our decision by clicking here.

How I Rated the Best Android Antivirus Apps of 2022

• Malware detector. The Google Play Store has a lot of apps that are data-stealing. To make sure that it was safe against ransomware, spyware and other malware, I tested each app.
• Internet security. All these antivirus apps were tested using different web-based attack methods to make sure they are current.
• Ease-of-use.
• Additional Features. These apps are not only virus scanners and protectors. I also made sure they had the essential features that protect against malware such as Wi Fi protections, VPNs, and device optimization tools.
• Value. I compared each product’s price with the security features included to discover which apps provided the best value.

Do I need an antivirus on my Android?

Yes! You need one. Now, you’re able to understand the reasons why. There are two main reasons why hackers target Android phones:

• Android’s security built-in is not as effective as iOS’s.
• Android users feel they can “get through” life without downloading antivirus software.

Android’s open-source design and ease-of-use for developers makes it a popular platform for both creative hackers and coders. Over the past few years, millions have been affected by ransomware attacks, spyware, and cryptocurrency-mining attacks. This has caused millions to lose their money, hundreds of thousands of identity thefts, and shocking amounts of computing power that hackers were able to steal.

Once you’re aware that an antivirus program is required, you will need to make a decision about whether you would rather lose your data or use a secure antivirus application. BullGuard is my favourite, but I recommend all the apps in this list for excellent protection on Android devices.

Which Android antivirus is the best?

It all depends upon what you need. Bullguard’s Android application is my favourite — which includes real time scanning, Wi Fi network scanning and optional secure VPN to increase browsing privacy.

The other Android antiviruses in this list are all good. McAfee’s anti-theft features are excellent, Bitdefender offers an excellent VPN, Norton provides tons of internet security options, TotalAV has amazing device optimization tools, and it is very simple to use.

Will an Android antivirus slow down my device?

It all depends on the app. Each app is different, but they all perform well and don’t affect performance.

TotalAV could be helpful if you have an older Android or a slow one. Bitdefender’s antivirus engine, which is cloud-based means that it doesn’t consume any device CPU while scanning.

What’s the best free Android antivirus app?

Avira Antivirus Security Android – The best Android antivirus is available, but it does not protect against all malware.

You won’t get:

• Protection against Phishing
• Camera and microphone protection
• A good VPN.
• A password manager.

Although there are some other Android antivirus apps that you can download, many of them lack the most important features. Even though you can buy all the necessary protections separately, it will become expensive. Many cybersecurity companies also lock their VPNs behind extremely expensive paid subscription plans.

It is always more cost-effective to buy a premium option like Bitdefender or BullGuard rather than trying to select features from different plans.