PCMag sprang to life just months after the release of the IBM PC. When the Macintosh appeared, PCMag welcomed the chance to evaluate another kind of personal computer. Fast forward to now, where the Android phone in your pocket is vastly more powerful than those early desktops. Mobile devices are personal computers too, and we cover their security needs with the same dedication to independent and ethical journalism as we do other platforms.We put Android security apps to the test to help you make the best choice for you and your Android, keeping in mind that almost all of us use both a mobile device and a desktop computer of some kind. The products listed here are all cross-platform solutions, with protection available at least for Windows, macOS, and Android. Most of them also offer some form of iOS protection, though with a feature set limited by the closed nature of Apple’s operating system.Note that the displayed ratings apply to the product on all platforms, so they may not directly reflect the quality of the Android edition. Bad test scores on Windows can drag a suite’s overall score down even if its Android edition sparkles with brilliant features and top lab test scores. Read on for our top picks, followed by what to look for when choosing an Android antivirus for your devices.
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Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
Bitdefender Total Security
Best for Comprehensive Protection
Why We Picked ItAntivirus protection by Bitdefender Total Security’s Android edition nearly swept the testing labs, with perfect scores from AV-Test and AV-Comparatives, and an oh-so-close 99.22% from MRG-Effitas. You can locate, lock, or wipe any protected Android device from the Bitdefender Central online console. You can even get a photo of a phone thief. This is also where you extend protection to your other devices running Android, as well as iOS, Windows, or macOS.In addition to the expected protection against malicious and fraudulent websites, Bitdefender’s Scam Alert flags shady links in texts and other messaging apps, its Account Privacy system checks your emails against known data breaches, and its App Lock protection for sensitive apps is more flexible than most. Password management and VPN protection extend to your Android devices, though VPN features are limited unless you pay an extra fee.Who It’s ForYour Android phone stores your dates, contacts, pictures…your life! You’d be devastated if it got stolen or incapacitated by a malware attack. Bitdefender Total Security keeps malware at bay, helps you recover a lost or stolen device, and adds bonus features to enhance your security. And hey! It can protect your non-Android devices, too.
PROS
Award-winning antivirus
Protects Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS devices
Online management and remote control
Many bonus features, including VPN and system tune-up
CONS
Full VPN access requires separate subscription
Parental content filter not fully effective
Support for iOS is limited
SPECS
Name
Value
Application Privacy Scan
Snaps Photo of Thief
Blocks Unwanted Calls
Warns of Insecure Wi-Fi
Pairs With Android Wear
Rates Apps in Play Store
Learn More
Bitdefender Total Security Review
Norton 360 Deluxe
Best for Included VPN
Why We Picked ItIndependent antivirus testers at AV-Test Institute and MRG-Effitas give Norton’s Android antivirus perfect scores. Tested under Windows, its web protection did well, detecting and deflecting 97% of fraudulent websites and 93% of malicious ones. In an unusual twist, Norton’s real-time malware protection reaches all the way into the Android Play Store and warns you before you even download unsafe apps.This is a fully cross-platform suite, with support for Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS. Its full-powered, no-limits VPN works just fine in Android, as do the cross-platform password management and parental control apps. Other features include a detailed security scan of every Wi-Fi network you join, a check for insecure device settings, and a monitoring system that warns of dangerous links in texts.The one thing Norton doesn’t do is help you with a lost or stolen Android. Its developers reasoned that the lost device protection built into modern mobile operating systems is powerful enough that a third-party addition isn’t needed.Who It’s ForYou use your Android everywhere you go, and it connects to all manner of Wi-Fi hotspots, not all of them reliable. VPN protection that kicks in whenever you need it is a blessing, keeping your communication safe even if hackers own the Wi-Fi hotspot. Norton 360 Deluxe gives you that, along with a panoply of other cross-platform features.
PROS
Award-winning antivirus
VPN with no bandwidth or server limits
Hosted online storage for backups
Protection against dangerous and fraudulent websites
Streamlined mobile apps
Data-broker opt-out system
Powerful, self-sufficient firewall
CONS
Parental control unavailable on macOS
Online backup strictly for Windows
SPECS
Name
Value
Application Privacy Scan
Snaps Photo of Thief
Blocks Unwanted Calls
Warns of Insecure Wi-Fi
Pairs With Android Wear
Rates Apps in Play Store
Learn More
Norton 360 Deluxe Review
Trend Micro Maximum Security
Best for Large Feature Collection
Why We Picked ItExperts at AV-Comparatives put the Android version of Trend Micro Maximum Security to the test, and gave it the maximum score. In our hands-on testing under Windows it also earned perfect scores in tests involving protection against malware-hosting web pages and phishing (fraudulent) pages. Like McAfee, Trend Micro lets you activate protection on your Android by scanning a QR code. A new installation walks you through the initial configuration process, a process made lengthy by the sheer number of features. Once you’ve set up Lost Device Protection, you can perform the expected locate, lock, and wipe functions, but this app goes further. You can remotely shut down all open apps to foil a thief who stole an unlocked phone. It snaps a photo of anyone who repeatedly tries and fails to get past the lock screen. You can even remotely change the PIN if you think someone has stolen or shoulder-surfed yours.Pay Guard Mobile triple-checks the security of your device and your connection when you log into a sensitive website. Wi-Fi Checker scans the hotspot you’re using for security problems. System Tuner does its best to speed up your device’s performance. Social Network Privacy checks your social media accounts to make sure you’ve configured them correctly for privacy. Like Norton, it checks apps you view in the Play Store and warns you so you don’t download any that are iffy. The list goes on!Who It’s ForMany cross-platform security suites put a huge amount of energy into their Windows edition but hardly any into other platforms. With Trend Micro Maximum Security on Android, you get an array of features that rivals its Windows equivalent. Do you want it all for your Android? Then Trend Micro is for you.
PROS
Excellent scores in our phishing and malicious download tests
Comprehensive Android security
Protection for macOS beyond the basics
Unusually feature-rich iOS protection
Many useful security features
CONS
Lab scores from perfect to dismal
Poor score in hands-on malware protection test
Parental control weak
SPECS
Name
Value
Application Privacy Scan
Snaps Photo of Thief
Blocks Unwanted Calls
Warns of Insecure Wi-Fi
Pairs With Android Wear
Rates Apps in Play Store
Learn More
Trend Micro Maximum Security Review
Avast One Gold
Best Cross-Platform Support
Why We Picked ItLike AVG, Avast One Gold earned a perfect score in Android antivirus tests by AV-Comparatives and AV-Test. It also holds a perfect score from MRG-Effitas; AVG wasn’t tested this time around.Avast’s Smart Scan watches for malware, warns of vulnerable Wi-Fi networks, and identifies junk files for cleanup. Previously, you could locate, lock, or wipe a lost phone remotely. Like AVG, McAfee, and Norton, Avast has dropped anti-theft measures, leaving that protection to Android’s capable built-in features. While you can still purchase the Avast SecureLine VPN app separately, VPN protection is now built into the main security app. As with Norton’s VPN, it comes without limits on bandwidth or server choices. In addition, it includes quite a few features to keep your phone running smoothly and safely. It can free up available RAM, reclaim storage space by deleting junk, and check both the safety and the speed of your Wi-Fi connection. The App Insights feature helps you manage app usage and privacy, and App Lock lets you put your most sensitive apps behind a secondary PIN. Avast can check known data breaches to see if your email shows up, block unwanted calls and texts, tweak settings to reduce power consumption, and more.Who It’s ForLike most products described here, Avast One Gold offers protection for Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS devices. Also, like most, it doesn’t do a lot on iOS. The Android edition, however, is packed with security features.
PROS
Excellent antivirus lab scores
No bandwidth or server limits for VPN
Protection for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS
Enhanced protection, privacy, and performance features
CONS
Protection limited on Android, more so on iOS
Most features available in free edition
SPECS
Name
Value
Application Privacy Scan
Snaps Photo of Thief
Blocks Unwanted Calls
Warns of Insecure Wi-Fi
Pairs With Android Wear
Rates Apps in Play Store
Learn More
Avast One Gold Review
AVG Internet Security
Best for Breach Detection
Why We Picked ItAVG Internet Security routinely gets top scores from the independent antivirus labs we follow. It currently holds perfect scores from AV-Test and AV-Comparatives. Challenged (on Windows) to detect phishing frauds, it scored a near-perfect 99%.Loss or theft is as significant a danger for Android devices as malware infestation—maybe bigger. However, the theft prevention features built into Android have gotten so good that third-party security companies have begun removing that feature. Norton and McAfee dropped anti-theft a while ago, while AVG and Avast did so more recently.AVG does include the expected Android features, such as malware scanning, App Lock to double-lock sensitive apps and App Insights for usage stats and permission info on your apps. But it doesn’t stop with the basics. It can check the security of your Wi-Fi connection and the speed of that connection. The Hack Alerts feature checks whether your email got exposed in a data breach. This app can also wipe out junk files, put sensitive photos in protected storage, check your network security, and more.Who It’s ForAVG now relies on Android to provide anti-theft features, leaving it free to focus on what Android doesn’t do for you. If you want a variety of security-related features, along with expected features like malware detection and App Lock, AVG will suit you well.
PROS
Excellent scores in independent lab tests
Good scores in most of our hands-on tests
Includes webcam, data, and firewall protection
Protection for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS devices
CONS
Doesn’t offer much that’s not in AVG’s free antivirus
Some suite-specific features have limited utility
Persistent upsells
Single-device plan is expensive
Mobile editions are limited
SPECS
Name
Value
Application Privacy Scan
Snaps Photo of Thief
Blocks Unwanted Calls
Warns of Insecure Wi-Fi
Pairs With Android Wear
Rates Apps in Play Store
Learn More
AVG Internet Security Review
Avira Prime
Best for Future-Proof Security
Why We Picked ItWith most security suites, the feature set doesn’t change appreciably after your purchase. But with Avira Prime, you get the Pro edition of every Avira product, including any apps Avira may add. Not all those Pro apps support Android, but you do get Antivirus Security Pro, Phantom VPN Pro (a full-powered VPN with no limits on bandwidth or server choices), and Password Manager Pro (a simple password manager with few advanced features beyond an advanced security report).Avira managed the antivirus lab-testing trifecta accomplished by Avast and Bitdefender, with perfect scores from AV-Comparatives and MRG-Effitas. A dip in its performance score denied it a perfect 18 points from AV-Test previously, but it pulled back up in the latest report. Like its counterparts on other platforms, the first thing it wants to do is run a Smart Scan of your device’s security, privacy, and performance. As with most Android security apps you can locate, lock, or wipe a lost or stolen device, though you perform these actions from another mobile device, not from an online console.Avira offers typical Android security features, including App Lock to secure your most sensitive apps and Permissions Manager to identify apps that may have permissions that aren’t appropriate. Its Web Protection component aims to keep you from accidentally visiting dangerous sites. Going beyond common features, the Optimizer feature helps you free up memory and reclaim storage space, Identity protection checks your email against known data breaches, and Microphone protection prevents eavesdropping. This Android security app is loaded when it comes to bonus features.Who It’s ForAre you one of the many who suffer from FOMO (fear of missing out)? Choose Avira Prime, and you’ll never miss out on new Avira products—they’re included. And that applies to Avira installations on your iOS, Windows, and macOS devices, too, not just Androids.
PROS
Includes Pro editions of all current and future Avira tools
Protection for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS devices
No-limits VPN
Mostly excellent scores from antivirus testing labs
CONS
Lacks many expected suite features
Poor score in malware-hosting URL test
Dark Web Monitoring did not work in testing
Browser-independent Web Protection not effective
SPECS
Name
Value
Application Privacy Scan
Snaps Photo of Thief
Blocks Unwanted Calls
Warns of Insecure Wi-Fi
Pairs With Android Wear
Rates Apps in Play Store
Learn More
Avira Prime Review
ESET Home Security Essential
Best for Home Network Security
Why We Picked ItWe follow three independent labs that put Android antivirus tools to the test. Naturally, we like to see perfect scores in the lab reports. Until recently, ESET delivered those perfect scores in the latest tests from all three labs. It doesn’t show up in the latest from AV-Test, but it still holds 100% from AV-Comparatives and MRG-Effitas.This cross-platform suite offers antitheft protection for Android devices but also extends that protection to Windows laptops. On either platform, prepping this feature may require one or more optimization steps. As expected, you can use the online console to make a misplaced device squeal or to handle a lost or stolen device by locating, locking, or wiping it. Unlike most competitors, ESET lets you send antitheft commands using coded SMS messages. And it can automatically lock your phone if a thief tries to swap out the SIM card.In addition to the expected on-demand malware scan and real-time protection, ESET can schedule regular scans. Its numerous additional security features include Payment Protection, which launches sensitive apps using enhanced security; App Lock, which puts your most important apps behind the protection of a secondary PIN; Security Audit, a scan that identifies apps with the most permissions, as well as security problems such as USB debugging enabled; Network Inspector, which both lists devices on your network and flags any with security problems; and Call Filter, to block unwanted calls and texts.Who It’s ForHaving antivirus and antitheft protection for your Android is essential, but you want more, more, more! Why should a security suite for Windows have a bigger feature collection? ESET Internet Security should satisfy your craving for an ample and effective collection of security features.
PROS
Excellent antivirus lab scores
Full-featured Android protection
Small impact on performance tests
Useful home network security scanner
Anti-theft for laptops and Android
CONS
Limited parental control
Poor score in hands-on malware protection test
Unusually annoying firewall pop-ups
No enhancements for macOS
SPECS
Name
Value
Application Privacy Scan
Snaps Photo of Thief
Blocks Unwanted Calls
Warns of Insecure Wi-Fi
Pairs With Android Wear
Rates Apps in Play Store
Learn More
ESET Home Security Essential Review
Panda Dome Essential
Best for Affordable Android Protection
Why We Picked ItAs you look over the panoply of products we’ve recommended for Android protection, you’ll notice a preponderance of security suites, which naturally cost more than plain antivirus apps. Panda’s product lineup is a bit different from most, but Panda Dome Essential clearly occupies the standalone antivirus position, and it’s priced as such.That said, you get a full array of Android protection features from Panda. Unlike some competitors, Panda hasn’t dropped theft protection features. In fact, it offers a unique motion-sensor option on top of the expected ability to locate, lock, or wipe a phone that’s lost or stolen. Other features include locking sensitive apps behind a secondary PIN, call blocking, and scanning for apps whose permission requests seem suspect. You even get access to a VPN, though with limited features.Who It’s ForYou use your Android device as much as your desktop computer—maybe more. You want to protect them both, but don’t want to pay for a whole raft of security suite features. Panda’s Android protection comes at the basic antivirus level, so it’s just what you need.
PROS
Handsome nature-themed user interface
Includes firewall, VPN, and USB vaccination
Optional allowlist-style Application Control
Monitors Wi-Fi security
Supports Windows, macOS, and Android
CONS
Poor protection against dangerous and fraudulent websites
Mediocre score in our malware protection test
Fails some independent lab tests
Defeated by hand-modified ransomware
VPN bandwidth limited
Learn More
Panda Dome Essential Review
Buying Guide: The Best Android Antivirus for 2024
Android Antivirus Testing Results From the LabsDo these Android antivirus utilities work? We look to three independent testing labs to find out. Almost all the listed apps appear in results from at least one lab; four appear in reports from all of them.Researchers at AV-Comparatives challenged each Android antivirus product to defend against over 3,000 prevalent Android malware samples found in the wild. In the latest round of testing, Avast, AVG, Avira, Bitdefender, ESET, Kaspersky, and Trend Micro scored a perfect 100%. In fact, none of the products we track scored below 100%.
The latest test from AV-Test Institute hit 17 Android antivirus solutions with thousands of malware samples. Researchers also installed thousands more non-malicious programs to make sure that the antivirus didn’t wrongly identify them as malware. They assigned each product up to six protection points for blocking malware, six points for minimal impact on performance and battery life, and six usability points for refraining from mistakenly blocking valid programs. All but one of the products we follow scored a perfect six points in all three categories. London-based MRG-Effitas tested seven products, all of which overlapped with our selection. The testers evaluated each product’s ability to detect and eliminate threats before launch and the ability to detect and neutralize threats during installation. They checked more than 160 samples, ranging from Trojans to adware, with some known valid programs thrown in to check for false positives. They noted whether an app caught samples early or waited until they were about to be installed. Most of the products we’ve reviewed earned a perfect 100% score, though Bitdefender and G Data came in a hair below, with 99.22%.The Best Android Malware Protection (and More)All the Android products mentioned here include an antivirus component that scans new apps and offers an on-demand scan. A few can also run scans on a schedule, a feature perhaps more useful on Windows than on Android. All also provide some form of safe browsing to keep you from surfing to URLs that might try to plant malware or fraudulent sites that might trick you into giving away your username and password for the login page they imitate.
It’s Surprisingly Easy to Be More Secure Online
In addition, all these security tools check your installed apps for potential privacy problems. Typically, they flag programs that request permission to do invasive things like view your contacts, scan your call logs, learn your location, or send texts. If a communication app needs access to contacts, that makes sense. However, if a goofy game wants to paw through your private info, consider deleting it.Antitheft protection for a lost or stolen device has long been a mainstay of Android security apps. Still, with the growing strength of Android’s built-in protection, some companies are dropping this feature. Norton purged antitheft in 2019, and McAfee’s updated Android app also omits it. Both Avast and AVG now defer to Android’s built-in antitheft.You can find your device’s location on a map with those offering antitheft. If you’ve mislaid it around the house, you can trigger a noisy alarm to help you find it. You can lock the phone to keep a thief out of your apps and data. And if you determine that you’ll never get the device back, you can remotely wipe it. All the apps with antitheft features let you manage them using an online console. Some offer the option of triggering antitheft events using coded text messages, and many also surreptitiously snap a photo of whoever is using your device.One of the first things a typical smartphone thief does is claim the device by swapping out the SIM card. Many of our recommended apps include some form of SIM card protection. Some of them lock the device when the SIM card changes.Blocking unwanted calls and texts used to be a common feature, but ongoing changes to the Android operating system have made it more difficult. Avira, ESET, Panda, and Trend Micro do still manage to offer call blocking.Antivirus and antitheft are typical components for any Android security app, but some go way beyond the basics. Common bonus features include backup for contacts and photos, a battery monitor to show which apps are draining your battery life, and a task killer to send those battery hogs packing. Several of the apps warn when you connect to an insecure Wi-Fi network.
Recommended by Our Editors
As noted, almost all these security tools scan your installed apps and report on those that might be privacy risks. Avast, Norton, and Trend Micro take that skill to the next level, reporting on apps as you view them in the Play Store so you can avoid downloading anything that might be problematic.VPN protection is more important on mobile devices than desktops because mobile devices usually connect to many networks. Bitdefender and Panda include a bandwidth-limited Android VPN app. That’s nice, but Avast, Avira, and Norton include VPN protection with no bandwidth limit.A few of these products feature less-common bonus features. ESET lets you time-schedule your call blocking, allowing only family members to call you at night. Trend Micro offers to scan your Facebook settings and warn about any security problems it finds. Panda’s theft protection extends to motion sensing, so nobody can grab your Android while you’re looking the other way.Which Is the Number One Antivirus for Android? So, which one should you choose? It depends on just what you need to protect, but we assume you want a suite that at least installs on your Windows and Android devices. Norton 360 Deluxe is an Editors’ Choice pick for cross-platform security suites and gets excellent lab scores on Windows, macOS, and Android. Bitdefender Total Security likewise pulls in top lab scores and offers a cornucopia of features on Windows; it’s our Editors’ Choice winner for security mega-suite. You won’t go wrong with one of these two, but the others have their own merits. Click through the links, read the full reviews, and make your choice.Editors’ Note: Based on the increasing censure and criticism of Kaspersky by US government agencies, foreign agencies, and informed third parties, we can no longer recommend Kaspersky’s products. We continue to evaluate these products on their merits and report on them for those who wish to decide for themselves.
