Android smartphones are susceptible to a myriad of dangers, ranging from rogue apps to dangerous links that come via text or email. There are many free antivirus programs available for Android smartphones, much like there are for Windows-powered laptops and PCs.
The best free antivirus for Android will provide complete protection against malware, untrusted apps and settings and unwanted callers as well as theft detection through recording the location of the device. It also helps identify and block dangerous websites. A good antivirus for Android works in the background to detect and isolate potential threats, so users don’t have to think about it.
Bitdefender Mobile Security is a popular choice that scored excellent marks in the hands-on tests run by AV-Test as well as AV-Comparatives in March 2022. It has a simple interface and doesn’t consume a lot of resources on your system. Its real-time virus attack and widespread test score of 100% is quite impressive.
Kaspersky can also provide Android devices with robust malware protection. It has a range of other useful features too that include a secure password manager as well as app lock and data backup. It also scans for threats on your phone by hand or run on a timer, and it is low-impact on battery life.
Norton is the most comprehensive security solution for Android. It scored high in all our tests. It is able to eliminate the majority of Android malware, and it includes additional features such as safe browsing, a dark-web scanner, and a security check which reveals system settings that aren’t secure (like developer mode) and tells you which apps have access to your personal information. It is available as a stand-alone app, or as part of a subscription plan that includes a full suite of security features for Android and other platforms.