8 Free & Best Antivirus Apps For Android
Android is an OS (Operating System) which is now in great demand by smartphone users. So don’t be surprised if there is a lot of malware that is intentionally made to attack Google’s OS. The malware is sometimes hidden in certain applications.
Sometimes we also set security by allowing applications to be installed from unknown sources and sometimes forget to set them back. Though this will make it easier for malware to enter freely. When we accidentally open the web from our cellphones in which there is malware.
To protect your cellphone from malware attacks, it would be better if we anticipate it by installing an antivirus. So, here are some of the best and free security or antivirus recommendations that you must try.
1. AVL
AVL is a former winner of AV-Test (respected independent antivirus drug award) for the best protection of mobile devices. Its features include not only the antivirus database (of course) but the scanner is capable of detecting any executable file that has entered your device.
Other useful features include a call blocker to prevent malicious numbers from calling you, as well as an anti-phishing feature to stop malicious websites from loading. The app is also designed to be resource efficient. You can download the application via this link [Download]
2. Avast Mobile Security
Antivirus giant Avast has used considerable skill to create an app that runs above and beyond a typical scanner. Additional features in the free version include a call bridge, a firewall and even an anti-theft measure that lets you lock or wipe your Android device if it gets lost.
This app used to be paid for but now it’s free, supported by ads. You can pay a small monthly or annual premium to remove it. Another very useful premium feature is in-app lock where your device will ask for a PIN before opening certain apps. This prevents malware from launching applications such as internet banking automatically. You can download the application via this link [Download]
3. Bitdefender Antivirus
Bitdefender is a big name in the security community, and its free antivirus program is very light. This app will also scan for all new apps downloaded to your device automatically. Another thing about this app is that it is ready to run as soon as it is installed – no additional configuration is required.
If you need extra security, sign in for a 14-day free trial of BitDefender Mobile Security. This includes basic antivirus as well as real-time protection for Chrome’s browser and anti-theft features. You can download the application via this link [Download]
4. McAfee Security & Power Booster
McAfee is another well-known name when it comes to antivirus software for PCs, and in this Android app it doesn’t disappoint. In addition to the antivirus scanner itself, the free features include tracking a lost device as well as locking apps. If your device is stolen, the app can even take a picture of the thief.
Other features include the ability to scan apps to check if they are leaking sensitive information, and lock them if necessary. McAfee will also block access to potentially harmful websites, and also allow you to keep a blacklist of callers and nuisance texts.
The paid version of the app lets you remove ads and receive phone support. You can download the application via this link [Download]
5. Kaspersky Mobile Antivirus
Kaspersky has a reputation right up there with big players like BitDefender. The free version of the security app has some impressive features, and is particularly good at dealing with malware, with a 99.9% detection rate as per AV-Test’s trial from last November.
Kaspersky Antivirus & Security will also try to block malicious sites or links before you click on them, preventing the infection from happening in the first place. When you download the app, you’re given a 30-day free trial of Kaspersky Internet Security (it costs $14.95 a year after – £9.99, or about AU$20).
The premium version of the app has additional security features such as call and text filtering. You can download the application via this link [Download]
6. Sophos Mobile Security
The free antivirus application Sophos previously won the AV-Test award for best protection in 2022. Unlike other free scanners, Sophos does not contain any ads. However, it blocks websites with potentially spammy or illegal content.
Apps are scanned for malware or malicious content as they are installed and Sophos notifies you if they can leak any sensitive information. Antivirus scanners can be scheduled to scan files and folders periodically, and the malware database itself is updated daily.
The app also includes a handy QR code scanner which can be used to set up a secure Wi-Fi connection. There is also an authenticator that can generate a one-time password for two-factor authentication. You can download the application via this link [Download]
7. Norton Security
This free app from Norton was able to detect 100% of all Android malware when it was benchmarked by AV-Test a few months ago. This scanner is powered by Norton Mobile Insight and can detect viruses in applications and files, then remove them automatically.
Other useful security features include the ability to lock your phone via SMS message, or if the SIM card is removed. You can also choose to remotely lock the device if it is lost (or locked after 10 failed attempts to enter the passcode).
The app comes with a 30 day trial of Norton Mobile Security which offers additional features such as SafeWeb filtering which blocks malicious websites. You can download the application via this link [Download]
8. Avira Security
Avira’s mobile offering will not only scan your downloaded files and contents in your phone memory, but can also scan external storage such as your SD card. Apps are rated using a privacy scale to help you easily decide how much to trust with your data.
Identity Safeguard integratedly checks whether email addresses in your contact list have been implicated in a major data breach. The app is controlled by a web-based management portal, which is very useful if you want to create general policies regarding multiple Android devices.
The premium version includes better support, automatic blocking of malicious websites, and more frequent updates. You can download the application via this link [Download]
