Android antivirus apps, which are becoming increasingly useful to protect smartphones from virus and malware, have no doubt becomes necessity for Android OS users
This is one of the reasons why Android antivirus apps remains one of the most popular applications on the Android Play Store.
With thousands of such applications available on the Android platform, it is often difficult for many Android users to choose an antivirus or malware app that will protecting their smartphones as well as the owner from any form of attack.
Let us examine some of the best Android antivirus apps and anti-malware apps out there:
360 Security – Antivirus Boost
360 Security is one of the most popular and highly rated Android antivirus apps available right now with over 100 million downloads and 10 million ratings resulting in a 4.6 overall rating.
This antivirus and anti-malware app comes with a stack of features, including the ability to scan your device files for malware, scan your apps and games, enable real-time protection, and even comes with an anti-theft feature.
You can also use the app’s built-in cleaner and booster service if you want, but the validity of those types of features aren’t particularly substantiated. Perhaps the most useful feature of this Android antivirus app is an app lock that lets you password-protect any app on your device, which is great for keeping prying people away. The best part is that it is completely and totally free.
- AndroHelm Mobile Security
AndroHelm’s Mobile Security app, though lesser known, can still provide a lot of benefits. The main functionality focuses solely on security with features like real-time protection from malware and spyware, scanning apps upon installation, frequent updates of the antivirus database, quarantine mode, app backups, virus protection and a lot more.
One of the more useful features include a set of functions that let you remotely block your device, delete stuff from it, and let you find your device in the case of theft. The pricing structure is a bit complicated and the design could use an overhaul, but the functionality is solid and the app should work well.
- Avira Antivirus Security
Avira Antivirus Security is a relatively newer and lesser known antivirus app but it is quickly growing into one that people really seem to like. It comes with the basic features like device scanning, real-time protection, and even the ability to scan the external SD.
It also includes modern features, like a Stage fright Advisor to help you work around that particular weakness. There is also some anti-theft feature, privacy features, blacklisting features and device admin features. It’s a heavier antivirus app, but it doesn’t necessarily feel that way all the time.
- AVG AntiVirus Security
AVG Antivirus Security is another Android antivirus app that many people know about from AVG’s time in the PC antivirus space. As such, it has over 100 million downloads to date and a respectable 4.4 rating in the Google Play Store.
AVG is a bit lighter of an option compared to other name-brand options and includes real-time protection, device scanning, and consistent antivirus database updates. On top of that, there is a task killer, anti-theft features, remote device data wiping, and you can monitor things like battery, storage, and data usage.
The interface on this app is actually appealing when compared with others and the paid subscribers can also get app locking, call and message blocking, and more.
- Kaspersky Internet Security
Kaspersky is another very recognisable name in the antivirus space and their Android apps is intensely popular. Much like Eset’s offering, there is a basic free version that provides the basics with a paid version that adds some more icing on the cake.
The list of features includes scanning (free) for malware and viruses while the paid version gets real-time protection, anti-phishing, cloud protection and anti-theft, as well as smaller features like sounding an alarm to help find your lost device.
This one is quite heavy so those with older or lower range devices may feel the heat by using the full version.
- McAfee Security and Power Booster
McAfee is arguably one of the top names in the entire antivirus space and their Android app is fairly high-profile as well. There is virtually no difference between the free and paid version minus a few features so this is a great way to get a lot of protection for free. Although the paid version can get some pretty decent features like phone support and backup services. McAfee added a “power booster” into the app which has been the stylish thing to do over the last year or so.
- Norton Security and Antivirus
Norton Security and Antivirus is from Norton which, like McAfee, ranks up there as one of the top brands in the antivirus space. Over the last year or two, Norton has undergone some positive changes, which includes a more powerful free version of their app along with a bit of a redesign and some extra features added in. It is actually a “heavy” antivirus app but it seems to run better than it used to.
You will get antivirus and anti-malware protection out of the box along with remote locking of your device, alarms to find missing devices, and some privacy features as well. The paid version gets far more features.
- Lookout
Lookout is a natural option for many users because this Android antivirus app comes installed on many Android devices. The free version is a bit more comprehensive than most and includes antivirus, anti-malware, and anti-theft protection. Although the paid version gives more of all of those things. Paid subscribers also get anti-theft alerts, real-time web browsing protection, a privacy advisor, and some data backup features. It’s not a bad option and it’s even lighter than many other security suites.
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