While iPhones may seem ubiquitous, Android actually dominates the mobile operating system market with over 70% share worldwide. This makes Android a prime target for cybercriminals looking to steal your data and money. Protecting your Android phone or tablet from malware is crucial.
The threats come in various forms, from keyloggers, viruses, and other malware that can infect your device, to hacking and phishing attempts that aim to trick you into giving away your information. Installing an Android antivirus app is a smart move to safeguard your device, but with a plethora of options available, choosing a trusted mobile security provider can be challenging.
Our top recommendation is Bitdefender Mobile Security. This app offers excellent virus protection, along with anti-theft features, a built-in VPN, app-specific PIN protection, and more. While Android provides some security through Play Protect, free antivirus options also exist, although additional features like identity protection, VPNs, and password managers often require a premium subscription.
Our recommendations are based on independent lab tests conducted by AV-Test. In their November 2024 report, 13 out of 15 Android antivirus solutions performed well in the benchmarks. The three apps listed below use antivirus engines that were among the top performers in these tests, taking into account factors like value for money, features, and usability.
Best Android antivirus apps 2025: Our Top Three
1. Bitdefender Mobile Security
Pros
- Excellent malware protection
- Lots of useful extra features
Price When Reviewed:
$24.99
There are two versions of Bitdefender for Android. One is the completely free Bitdefender Antivirus app and the other is called Mobile Security for Android, which isn’t free. It costs £24.99 (currently £14.99) / $24.99 (currently $14.99) for the first year.
The former focuses solely on virus protection and performs exceptionally well. In AV-Test’s latest report, Bitdefender detected 100% of viruses without affecting device performance or battery life.
Mobile Security offers additional features, such as warnings for potentially dangerous links in messages, app lock with PIN protection, web protection against suspicious sites, identity protection, and anti-theft features. While the included VPN is limited, it still provides basic browsing security. The app lacks call blocking, data backup, and parental controls, but excels in overall security.
Read our full Norton Mobile Security review
2. Norton Mobile Security
Pros
- Top-notch protection
- App advisor warns of dangerous apps
Price When Reviewed:
$29.99 per year
Norton, previously offering free Android antivirus, now provides free trials only. The Mobile Security for Android subscription costs from £12.99 / $29.99 (currently $19.99) for the first year and £29.99 / $29.99 thereafter. The app scored full marks in AV-Test’s latest report, detecting 100% of threats without impacting device performance.
In addition to malware protection, Norton offers warnings for dangerous messages, websites, and Wi-Fi networks. The standout feature is the App Advisor, which alerts users to potentially harmful apps before installation. Subscribers to 360 or Norton VPN receive access to Norton’s full VPN service and dark web monitoring. All versions include call blocking and lost device recovery features.
3. Avast One Basic
Pros
- Good free version
- 5GB per week VPN
Cons
- Constant nagging to upgrade
Price When Reviewed:
Free
Avast One Basic, previously known as Avast One Essential, is a security suite that covers Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android devices. The free version offers numerous features, but prompts users to upgrade to the premium version for additional functionalities.
Despite requiring permissions for various features, Avast only requests these permissions when the user attempts to use a specific feature, such as junk file cleaning or the Web Shield protection against unsafe sites. Along with robust malware protection, the app includes a 5GB per week VPN for browsing security. Paid users receive notifications for email breaches, while free users must manually check for compromised emails.
While lacking call blocking, warnings for malicious links in messages, and anti-theft features, Avast One Basic serves as an excellent choice for Android users seeking free antivirus protection.
AV-Test data: A second opinion
In November 2024, AV-Test evaluated 15 protection solutions for Android devices submitted by manufacturers for certification. Google Play Protect participated in the certification tests, with G Data and Securion absent and Naver Antivirus and ShieldApps Anti Malware rejoining the test field. The evaluation criteria encompassed protection, performance, and usability, with tests conducted on real hardware running Android 12.
1st place: These 13 products achieved the full 18 points according to AV-Test
How AV-Test benchmarks Android antivirus
The tests evaluate protection against malware using recent samples, real-time malware detection, system performance impact, and false positive rates. Notably, most products detected nearly all malware samples, with Avast, AVG, Bitdefender, Kaspersky, and Norton achieving perfect scores. Performance tests revealed minimal system load across all apps, while usability tests showed no false alarms.
Overall, the 15 tested apps met certification requirements, with 13 achieving full points. The top performers maintained high malware detection rates and low system impact, with no false alarms reported. The results underscore the importance of robust antivirus solutions for Android devices.
Android antivirus buying guide: what to look for
A solid antivirus app for Android should offer real-time monitoring for phishing emails, dangerous messages, and websites. Additional features like anti-theft capabilities, call blocking, and app-specific password protection can enhance device security.
While antivirus software can provide strong protection against malware, users must remain vigilant to avoid falling victim to social engineering tactics that trick them into installing malicious apps. Choosing a reputable antivirus solution is crucial for safeguarding your Android device.
