Best antivirus apps for Android in 2022

Even though Android devices generally have certain security measures put in place, such as the Google Play Protect, having an antivirus for your Android device is in your best interest. Google isn’t really on the same level as, for example, iOS when it comes to security updates. On top of that, in the case of your Android device being put into developer mode, the built-in security features further diminish.

And with the infrequent security system updates on most Android devices these days, you really don’t want to risk having your safety and personal information compromised by malware and other cyberthreats.

However, it can be quite difficult to choose the best antivirus app for your Android device when there are so many options out there. That’s why we did the job and tested many different antivirus softwares. Here’s the list of the best antivirus apps for Android devices in 2022 .

Best Android antivirus apps:

1. Bitdefender Antivirus – complete antivirus suite for Android
2. Norton 360 – solid premium mobile suite
3. TotalAV – the package with the Android security essentials
4. Kaspersky – one of the most versatile antivirus packages for mobile
5. Avira Antivirus – the least resource-intensive option

What to look for in the best antivirus for Android

When you’re looking for an antivirus for your Android device, there are some things to take into account while choosing the best app for you:

• Android app. You have to make sure that the service actually has an app for Android. And even if it does, that still doesn’t mean that you should pull a trigger right away, check whether their Android app is on the same quality level as the rest of the suite.
• Malware labs scores. Make sure that your chosen service is good at removing malware. Most independent malware labs run monthly tests and publish their results.
• Features. You can live without extra features, but they never hurt. Some of them might even justify getting a more expensive package.
• Customer support. If you run into problems, it’s always good to know that someone will help you out. Good customer support guarantees that there’s always someone to rely on.
• Price. It’s easy to overpay if you’re not sure what you’re getting. Be smart about your purchases, and don’t waste your money on poor antivirus services.

The best antiviruses for Android – our detailed list:

The best antivirus apps for Android do bring a lot of additional value to the table. Aside from malware protection, they offer anti-theft tools, phone tracking, and VPN. Here are some of the best on the market:

1. Bitdefender Mobile Security – best security suite for Android in 2022

Bitdefender is often praised by many as the best anti-virus service. This applies even to Android.

Bitdefender here is more than just a malware scanner. This app will provide contextual recommendation based upon your device usage and requirements. Next, you will find antitheft tools as well as malware scanners. protection and a VPN.

To find your device’s location on the map in case your device is lost, log into Bitdefender. Furthermore, you can remotely scan it for malware, lock it, and wipe out all its data. You can have incredible control over your device, especially when you use a secure way to lock the screen.

Bitdefender can also be used with Android smart wearables, which is the best part. If your smartphone is getting too far away, Bitdefender will inform you on your smartwatch.

Bitdefender scans your computer for ransomware (adware), stalkerware, coin miner and other potentially unwanted programs. It is possible to expect more updated malware databases than you would receive with Google Play Protect.

The web protection feature, when activated, filters any website. If enabled, it will ensure that you don’t accidentally visit malware infected websites. They simply won’t load.

A VPN is the last option. This VPN has a very limited 200MB per day. You can save money by not purchasing a VPN individually, provided you don’t use it much.

2. Norton Mobile Security – solid premium feature suite

Norton has been an excellent antivirus service for years. Their product is an absolute staple and has an Android App, which only adds more to its amazingness.

This antivirus is more than a regular antivirus for mobile. Norton protection addresses three main areas: identity, privacy, and security.

The security part covers malware detections on your Android OS, notifies you when you are a member of insecure networks, and warns about vulnerabilities in your Android OS. This feature is especially useful when you are connecting to public Wi Fi hotspots.

Web Protection blocks you from visiting malware-infested web pages. Norton keeps the blacklist updated and websites that aren’t on it won’t load. This effectively eliminates all potential harm.

App advisors are available that scan your Google Play installation and warn of potentially dangerous apps. You can create automatic scans that run in the background. This could be used to detect when you go into sleep, and if your phone is left at the bedside.

Privacy protection protects your data by using VPNs. Remember that this app must be downloaded separately. The password manger and parental controls are the same.

Norton’s biggest drawback is their pricing. There is no free version and the subscriptions are rather expensive.

3. TotalAV Antivirus – essential Android package

TotalAV Antivirus will give your Android device desktop-grade performance. Although this service is quite new, it has been a great choice.

A large portion of its value is due to security scanning. TotalAV picked up many malware types during our tests. Other providers weren’t able to do the same. Their unique malware database may be the reason.

An additional option is a DNS. To prevent online tracking, it will make your connection secured and conceal your real IP address. The subscription alone is well-worth the cost.

You can remove junk files using the Toolkit Tune-Up. This not only helps you to free up more space on Android, but it also significantly increases speed.

You can test whether public hotspots are safe by using a Wi–Fi security checker. This will alert you to potential dangers by identifying who is using the same networks.

TotalAV is more than just a malware removal tool. The service can help you prevent viruses ever from landing on your Android devices. It doesn’t have web filters, anti-theft, or anti-theft.

4. Kaspersky Internet Security for Android – efficient Android malware removal service

Kaspersky is an excellent antivirus service. This antivirus service has been around since the dawn of time and offers a great Windows package. Kaspersky also works well on Android, it turns out.

The Android OS Malware scanner is the key attraction. This will enable you to remove all malicious apps, as well other threats. You can check if your smartphone is getting slower or more hot in this mode.

The system upgrades checker is also available. call filters help to block robocalls. Antitheft Tools are also available. You can lock your Android smartphone, get its location, take a selfie if someone attempts to unlock it and remotely wipe it. You can also use these functions to protect your device in case it is stolen. Android OS offers all of the features listed above for free.

Premium users get realtime protection. This feature searches for malicious code , and scans files for potential threats. You can also use the application lock to protect specific apps using a passcode. This is useful for parents who are guilty of giving their phones to their children.

There are also email and web antiphishing tools that will prevent you from clicking malicious websites URL’s.

Russia, their business location might be a problem. Even though they have relocated most of the operations to other countries, Russia remains their weakest link.

5. Avira Mobile Security – versatile and lightweight tool

Avira provides many useful features while being simple to use. It is an Android OS security suite that is lightweight and has all the functionality you need.

Their suite is focused on protection, privacy, and performance. The tool is not just for malware removal. This service is far more versatile.

Web Protection helps you avoid phishing or malware websites. The Web Protection feature is identical to what you might have seen in desktop versions. This exclusive feature is Mobile Anti-Theft Tools that helps you locate your Android phone. If your storage becomes corrupt, you can create a backup of your contacts.

For privacy, the Internet Scanner shows you all of your devices. This can be very useful tool to see who is taking advantage of your internet. The call blocker can help you manage spam better.

There’s also microphone protection. This will help you if you worry that certain apps might secretly record you. Permissions to microphone and camera can be revoked at will.

Finally, you get a system optimizer that cleans up duplicate files. This tool will allow you to get rid clutter from your Android and create more space.

The customer support department is where there could be improvement. I was surprised at the length of time it took for customer support agents and their responses to me.

6. ESET Mobile Security and Antivirus – most Advanced Android cybersecurity suite

ESET is the most unusual Android antivirus. It’s probably the most advanced suites currently available.

You will find the antivirus scanner a huge part of this app. You can schedule scans to run later , or auto-execute them from your Android device. This way you won’t have the antivirus interfering on your daily activities.

The Anti-Theft Suite can also be found on mobile cybersecurity toolkits. You can check where your device is located and the IP address. To find out the purpose of your phone, you can take screenshots .

It is possible disable web filters, which will help you stay away from malware and phishing sites. This is useful for those who are worried about entering credit card details to a fake website. This being said, you can activate the separate payments protection function when you use banking apps.

ESET Android App is sure to have you covered. Their high price is another factor to consider. The service costs a monthly fee and provides only an Android app. Some settings might not be easy to understand for new users.

7. AVG Mobile Security – slick design and many useful features

AVG users are attracted to it because they offer a free version. However, this isn’t the only great thing about AVG’s cybersecurity suite.

AVG offers malware scanning like other competitors. The Android antivirus app can remove all threats found during browsing. After every scan, the app will give a detailed explanation of what it found and even a rating.

However, this is only a small part of the iceberg. You can also clear out cached information to free up space in your apps. This could help to resolve app errors.

You can also use WiFi network scan as a monitoring tool to find out who else is using the network. You can use their VPN encryption to protect your connection, even if you notice something suspicious. This should protect you against hackers and ISP’s alike .

The paid Android app includes ads removed and many useful features. The app lock lets you lock specific apps behind your passcode. The Camera Trap will take a photograph of the thief borrowing your Android device.

Their custom support options are what holds back this service. It is hard to find tutorials or guides to help with more difficult questions. Additionally, premium users are not able to access customer support.

How these Android antivirus apps were tested

Most malware labs believe that Google’s Play Protect feature is 90% effective in protecting the device. The downside is false positives and the infrequent updates of phone manufacturers, so it’s a good idea to have additional malware protection on your Android device.

• Malware lab scores. You can only be sure you are safe from malicious software if your antivirus recognizes all of its latest forms. Your computer can be easily infected if the service uses outdated signature lists.
• Additional features. Many antiviruses now offer bonus benefits that are doubled. This can mean more value for the user if the service is doing some serious work. This can make an otherwise poor service a top contender.
• Reputation. It’s worthwhile to research the company behind any service. Check for any security or privacy issues and scandals. You might want to avoid such services.
• Customer support. Support agents are available to help you if you need it. Some services go the extra mile in order to make themselves available. Many companies offer viruses protection and guarantee that they will give you your money back. All this earns you more points.
• Price. You should pay a fair price for the service. It’s not fair to ask for top dollar for a boring suite.

Why do I need antivirus software for my Android device?

However, the current Android OS version is much more secure than it was for the first generation. Here are some good reasons to install an antivirus on your Android smartphone.

• Manufacturers take a while to catch up with security updates. Each day new malware is created, so security measures should be up-to-date on all devices. Antivirus software can help.
• Google Play Protection is not able detect all threats. There are many types of malware that hide from the user or are not detected using standard methods. Only a top antivirus program can detect, notify, and remove malicious apps from your computer.

How do you install an antivirus for your Android phone?

It is very easy to install antivirus on your mobile phone. Simply search for the Google Play Store app and click the install button. If you aren’t convinced, here’s how it should look in general.

1. Tap the play store shortcut in your Android
2. The search bar will allow you to type the name and service information. Bitdefender is our favorite.
3. Make sure you find the correct app
4. Tap Install. Wait until the setup completes.

You will have to log-in if you’ve selected a premium anti-virus service. After logging in, can scan for malware, and also take advantage other features.

Android comes with an anti-virus built in?

Yes. Many Android devices come with Google Play Protect. It uses machine learning algorithms that detect malicious code. This is your primary defense against malware, if there’s no other option.

You can also limit the number of apps you install to the Play Store. Every submission is subject to review. If the reviewers see something strange, the submission may be rejected. however, this isn’t a foolproof way . There are numerous examples of malicious applications that get approval for downloading malicious code.

Third-party antivirus software can give you better flexibility, features, protection, and even malware protection.