I tested all the free antivirus apps in the Google Play Store. After a few weeks of testing, I found only a few products that I am sure can keep Androids well protected against viruses.
I found that most free Android antiviruses were either fake, ineffective, full of ads, or not even open. Aside from the risk of downloading Android apps, the biggest problem is that many cyber-security companies want to make money. They don’t want to offer something that works for free.
Free mobile antiviruses do not usually have the necessary features, such as real-time protection and malware removal. Internet security companies are always trying to “trick” you into paying the premium for access to these functions. Many of premium apps are cheap. I think Android users must be protected when using antivirus software.
You are like me and keep a lot of sensitive information on your Android phone – passwords, credit card information, etc. You should invest in a low-cost premium antivirus with mobile protection.
But if you need essential protection, there are a few free antivirus apps for Android that are pretty good. They offer free real-time antivirus scanning, free theft protection, and several free accessories to enhance Android’s mobile security.
How did we rate the best free antivirus apps for Android?
Here is what I am looking for in antivirus software for Android:
100% Free. Antivirus companies try to trick people with a free trial. We feel comfortable using their service and then forget that we must cancel before the end of the process. I will end up paying. If you know you are going to buy a mobile antivirus from a reputable company like Norton, a free trial is OK. You can test the service before you buy it. Otherwise, it is just a marketing tactic that will allow you to download the app. All my top 5 free antiviruses are free. No free trials.
Very sure. We have only recommended Android applications from reputable cyber-security brands. I tested each one individually following our extensive testing procedures. We needed to be sure that they can provide high-quality security.
Efficient. I checked the stress for each of these applications and recommended only the simple ones, without errors.
Characteristics. Even though some advanced features require a subscription, I have personally verified that all the essential functions of these top 5 applications are available to free users.
Bitdefender Antivirus Free is the Best Overall Free Android
Bitdefender Free Antivirus fully protects Android smartphones from malware, including spyware, and viruses.
Using Bitdefender Antivirus Free is easy. Launch the app and tap the Scan button to start the antivirus scanner. I have had this app on my Android for months and had to press the switch because the Autopilot automatically scans all my apps and downloads in real-time.
Although the free Bitdefender application does not include anti-theft tools, account security, or secure browsing, It is the best. It is my choice for the best free Android antivirus application due to its robust, fast, and very reliable real-time scanning engine.
You should try the premium version if you need more advanced features. It is one of the cheapest Android mobile security applications on the market. You can ask a free 30 day trial of Bitdefender’s entire security plan and use the free premium Android app during the trial.
Bottom line:
Bitdefender Antivirus Free is a free antivirus application for Android. It is the perfect choice if you need an antivirus that sits quietly on your device. The app don’t consums battery life or resources while supplying proper protection. It will not annoy you with ads, pop-ups, or annoying notifications, and it’s completely free.
Avira Antivirus — one of the best antivirus apps
Avira Antivirus supplies on-demand and real-time anti-malware protection for Android devices. One thing I like about Avira Antivirus is the emphasis on privacy. Avira’s privacy features include:
- Permissions Manager. Track how applications access your data.
- Identity protection. Verify that your email address is OK.
- Application lock. Add extra security to the unique applications.
Other free features from Avira Antivirus offers tools for protection against theft and loss. The app includes the possibility to block unwanted texts and calls. It provides a VPN with up to 100 MB per day. Paying users can access features such as secure web browsing and camera protection.
Bottom line:
Avira’s reliable antivirus technology will keep your device free of viruses, spyware, and ransomware. It is an excellent choice if you need your information to remain private, and you are concerned about identity theft.
EESET Mobile Security & Antivirus. Among the best antivirus apps.
ESET Mobile Security & Antivirus offers a wide range of free features that allow us to:
- Scan for viruses and other malware.
- Locate devices by GPS.
- Browse the web safely.
For network security, advanced anti-theft features, and security auditing, check out the powerful ESET premium Android app.
Bottom line: ESET Mobile Security & Antivirus supplies adequate ad-free virus protection and phishing protection. It is an excellent choice if you’re using your mobile device to browse privacy-sensitive websites.
McAfee Mobile Security - popular best antivirus apps
Best to prevent theft
McAfee Mobile Security offers many great free features – including malware protection and device optimization – but I especially like McAfee theft protection tools.
McAfee’s free Android app includes:
CaptureCam – it takes a photo from your front camera if someone tries to enter the phone.
Remote wipe – to wipe sensitive data if your phone disappeared.
GPS location – to find the exact location of a lost or stolen phone.
McAfee’s premium application includes a virtual private network (VPN) and an ad blocker. I do not think the ad blocker is worth updating, because there are a lot of free ad blockers out there.
But I love McAfee’s VPN, and if you don’t have a premium VPN yet (you should never use a free VPN!), Upgrading to the premium Android app for McAfee could be a cost-effective way to get a reliable VPN.
While McAfee’s app is more expensive than competitors’ apps, if you include the Android app with one of McAfee’s full protection plans (up to 10 devices on all operating systems), this is one of the best antivirus packages from 2020.
Bottom line:
McAfee Mobile Security brings McAfee a powerful antivirus engine to Android. It works combined with some useful features to prevent loss and theft, which is a particularly important feature if you have a high-quality Android device or store sensitive information on it.,
