Without security software, it is almost impossible to keep your Android phone free from viruses, especially if you are one of those who frequently open numerous links from various platforms or download apps from the Play Store.
That being said, one of the ways to ensure the safety of your Android from these threats is the use of an antivirus app, and in this article, we will be looking at the best free antivirus for Android devices in 2022.
Let’s take a look at them.
Top Free Antivirus For Android Devices In 2022
Recently, password hacks and cyber crimes have become the order of the day, so using antivirus for your Android device will ensure the safety of your phone.
Going forward, we will be looking at some of the free antiviruses for Android devices, their key features, advantages and disadvantages of each of them, prices, and their area of specialization.
Take note of them.
1. Avira Security For Android (Overall Best)
The first antivirus for Android devices on our list is Avira, and if you are familiar with the subject, then this shouldn’t come off as a surprise to you.
Aside from having 100MB of VPN usage daily, it has a virus scanner, a permissions manager, identity protection as well as some storage-optimizing features.
Little wonder why it made it to the top list for both AV-Test and A-V Comparatives.
Interestingly, from the AV-Test, it earned 99.9 percent on both the real-time attacks and widespread malAvira while at A-V Comparatives, it earned 100 percent detection after being tested on about 3,700 samples.
Key Features
- Wifi Scanner: Yes
- Anti Theft: Yes
- Dark Web Monitoring/Anti-Ransomware: Yes
- Firewall: Yes
- Share your information with other trusted entities in a secure and safe manner
- Offer a built-in VPN for safe browsing
- Provides Proactive Alerts
- Offers Email, calls, Live Chat, and Online Article support
- Available for Android, iOS, Windows, and Mac
- Supports Android 5.0 and higher
- Supports up to 6 Devices
- Prevents you from becoming a victim of malicious anti-ransomware software
- Blocks any suspected websites by Safe Site’s analysis
- It can be used on your desktop computer, laptop, smartphone, and tablet for advanced antivirus protection
- Block Irritating Ads, Pop-ups, and Notifications
- Free Trial: Lifetime Free Basic Plan
Other Features: Data Breach Monitoring, Protection Against Adware & Spyware (PUA), Secure Password Vault, Zero Day Cloud Scanning
Advantages
- It offers very good value
- It offers exceptiona lantivirus protection
Disadvantages
- It takes a longer time to finish a full system scan
Price: Plans start at $29 yearly, and offer a 30-day Money-Back Guarantee
Also: SEE WHY IT IS IMPORTANT FOR EVERY SMARTPHONE TO HAVE AN ANTIVIRUS
2. Bitdefender Antivirus For Android (A Simpler Alternative).
Bitdefender has two apps in the Play Store namely Bitdefender Antivirus, and Bitdefender Mobile Security. While the former is free, the latter comes with a price tag.
That being said, most people prefer Bitdefender because it is simple yet offers quality protection.
During the AV-Test for the real-time attacks and widespread malware tests for March 2022, it got a hundred percent, and it earned the same score from the AV-Comparatives’ 2021 Mobile Security Review.
Key Features
- Wifi Scanner: Yes
- Anti Theft: Yes
- Dark Web Monitoring/Anti-Ransomware: Yes
- Firewall: Yes
- Can be used on tablets and smartphones.
- It enables you to locate the Android device remotely in case of theft or loss.
- Offers VPN to secure online activities.
- Block Adware, Pop-ups, and Browser Redirects
- It supports Android 2.3.7 and higher
- Supports up to 15 devices
- Offer built-in Bitdefender Premium VPN for safe browsing
- Provides Antimalware Alerts
- Ability to verify whether your mail account has been breached or not.
- Little effect on device battery life.
- It can react instantly to threats without compromising the performance of the mobile.
- Provides 24/7 security updates.
- You can easily manage your browser on an Android phone.
- Offers Phone, Chat, and Email support
- Available for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
- Free Trial: 30-Day Free Trial
Other Features: Battery & Performance Saver, Weekly Reports, Autopilot, WearON for Smartwatch, and more
Advantages
- It is affordable
- Scans are fast and effective
- It has a dashboard that can be customized
Disadvantages
- Malware scans require an internet connection
- Support is slow to respond
Price: Plans start at $11.25 Yearly, and offer a 30-day Money-Back Guarantee
3. AVG Antivirus Free For Android (Best for the Camera Trap Feature).
Although AVG’s free Android app makes use of personalized advertising to support it, it is capable of scanning apps, files, and your current Wi-Fi network, cleaning up junk files, and also has a “RAM booster” that kills background apps, an anti-theft feature for tracking and securing your phone remotely, and a Wi-Fi speed test.
It may interest you to know that this antivirus app scored 100 percent protection for the real-time and widespread malware test marks from AV-Test, however, at the AV-Comparatives, the detection rate was 99.6 percent, with one false positive.
Key Features
- Wifi Scanner: Yes
- Anti Theft: Yes
- Dark Web Monitoring/Anti-Ransomware: Yes
- Firewall: Yes
- Block Pop Up ads
- Offer a built-in AVG Secure VPN for safe browsing
- Provides Pop-up alerts
- It performs an automatic scan that can be run daily, weekly or on-demand basis.
- Automatically locks your device when the sim is replaced.
- This program can check apps for malware before downloading to the mobile..
- You can check emails, web content, and SMS for malware.
- Provides protection from SMS spammers.
- Protects your device from viruses, malware, spyware, unsafe apps and settings, unwanted callers, and other nasty threats.
- Offers 24/7 Sales Support, call support
- If someone tries an incorrect password on your mobile 3 times, the app will automatically take his photo and will mail it to you, with the time and location of the incident.
- Available for Mac, PC, Android, and iOS
- This Antivirus supports Android 5.0 and higher
- Supports up to 10 Devices
Other Features: Computer Protection, Web & Email Protection, Privacy Protection, Payments Protection
Advantages
- It has a user-friendly interface
- Nice set of features for a free service
Disadvantages
- Malware protection isn’t perfect so there could be unexpected crashes.
Read Also: Best Free Password Managers
4. Sophos Intercept For Mobile (Ad-free)
It’s true that Sophos has a bit lower score for a real-time reaction when compared to other apps, it has incredible features which include malicious web page blocking, malware scanning for apps and files, a privacy advisor, Wi-Fi network scanning, no ads, and a link checker for protection against malicious links.
In March 2022, Sophos scored 99.8 percent on AV-Test for real-time malware attacks while it scored 100 percent for the widespread malware test.
Advantages
- No ads
- Good threat detection
Disadvantages
- It’s a bit hard to reach support.
5. TotalAV (Best For Cross-Platform Real-Time Anti-Virus Protection).
TotalAV is an anti-virus protection tool whose software facilitates real-time protection by frequently inspecting your downloads, executables, and files to fish out anything that has the ability to damage your system.
Additionally, this software enables users to set up scheduled scans that will automatically update their system’s protection so as to destroy all kinds of malware and virus threats.
Key Features
- Wifi Scanner: Yes
- Anti Theft: Yes
- Dark Web Monitoring/Anti-Ransomware: Yes
- Firewall: Yes
- Capable of blocking ads
- Offer a built-in VPN for safe browsing
- Provides Proactive Alerts
- Supports Android 5.0 and higher
- Supports up to 6 Devices
- Share your information with other trusted entities in a secure and safe manner
- Any suspect websites are blocked by Safe Site’s analysis
- Can be used on your desktop computer, laptop, smartphone, and tablet for advanced antivirus protection
- Block Irritating Ads, Pop-ups, and Notifications
- Offers Email, Calls, Live Chat, and Online Article support
- Available for Android, iOS, Windows, and Mac
- Free Trial: Lifetime Free Basic Plan
Other Features: Data Breach Monitoring, Protection Against Adware & Spyware (PUA), Secure Password Vault, Zero Day Cloud Scanning
Advantages
- It offers valuable protection against all forms of internet threats
- One of the least demanding antiviruses in terms of system resources
Disadvantages
- It takes a longer time to complete Full System Scan
Price: Plans start at $29 annually, and also offer a 30-day Money-Back Guarantee
6. Norton Mobile Security (Best For Personal Use).
Norton Mobile Security is yet another free antivirus for Android devices as it offers protection from dangerous Wi-Fi networks, cyber crimes, and threats.
Key Features
- Wifi Scanner: Yes
- Anti Theft: Yes
- Dark Web Monitoring/Anti-Ransomware: Yes
- Firewall: Yes
- Offer a built-in VPN for safe browsing
- Provides Exaggerated, and CDC alerts
- Safeguards your mobile device from digital threats.
- Offers a higher level of online privacy.
- Protect and restore contact information.
- Norton Mobile Security can block text and calls.
- Protects your personal data from the website you have visited.
- Supports Android 8 and higher
- Supports up to 10 Devices
- Has an anti-theft feature to find your lost device.
- Automatically locks your phone if anyone removes a sim card from it.
- Block Pop-up Windows, Adware Programs, and Flash Advertisements
- Offers Community, Live Chat, Email, and 24/7 Support Support
- Available for Mac, PC, Android, and iOS
- Free Trial: 30-Day Free Trial
Other Features: App Advisor, Device Report Card, Suspicious Network Detection
Advantages
- It has exceptional malware protection in independent lab tests.
- It has an intelligent Firewall for Windows and Mac.
Disadvantages
- It uses plenty of RAM which puts other areas of computer use at risk.
Price: Plans start at $6.25 annually, and it also offers a 60-day Money-Back Guarantee
7. Kaspersky Mobile Antivirus (Best For 24/7 Protection From Threats At Zero Cost).
This is a mobile device app featuring a tool that allows users to manually scan their phone for malware, apps, and devices, and the software works on artificial intelligence to constantly spot and block possible threats to your device.
Additionally, it has a data protection feature which comes in handy if your phone gets stolen or lost.
Key Features
- Wifi Scanner: Yes
- Anti Theft: Yes
- Dark Web Monitoring/Anti-Ransomware: Yes
- Firewall: Yes
- Block popups, autoplay, and trackers
- Offer a built-in VPN for safe browsing
- It allows you to control access to apps.
- The app can stop spyware from monitoring texts, locations, and calls.
- Supports Android 2.2 and higher
- Supports up to 3 Devices
- This Android antivirus app uses machine learning technology to secure apps from threats.
- Has anti-theft features to protect data and mobile.
- Support for Android wears OS to simplify security management.
- Protects online phishing sites and SMS links.
- Ability to lock your app with keys.
- Provides social networks, News, SMS alerts
- Offers Email, calls, Live Chat, and Online Article support
- Available for iOS, Windows, and macOS
- Free Trial: Lifetime Free Basic Plan
Other Features: Spy App Detection, Phishing security, Anti-Stalkerware, Privacy tools, and more
Advantages
- Offers prevention from threats
- It offers 24/7 phone, chat, and email support
Disadvantages
- It consumes a large data space and memory in the server version.
Price: Plans start at $7.50 yearly, and it offers a 30-day Money-Back Guarantee.
You May Like: Malware Alert: Google PlayStore may be Housing a new Android Malware
8. Malwarebytes Security (Best For Automatic Threat Detection And Removal)
Malwarebytes just like other antivirus tools we have previously mentioned protects Android devices against ransomware, malicious websites, and malware.
Worthy of note is the fact that this tool is capable of detecting blocks of over 8,000, 000 threats daily, and cleaning threat-infected devices.
Key Features
- Wifi Scanner: Yes
- Anti Theft: Yes
- Dark Web Monitoring/Anti-Ransomware: Yes
- Firewall: Yes
- Supports Android 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and higher
- Supports up to 5 Devices
- It offers a safer browsing experience & and free virus protection for Android.
- It can conduct a privacy audit for all apps.
- Support numerous languages, including English, French, German, Italian, and more.
- Ability to find and remove adware.
- Block Rogue Pop-up ads
- Offer a built-in Malwarebytes Privacy VPN for safe browsing
- Provides Device Alerts
- Offers Chat, Community, and Online Ticket Support
- Available for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
- Free Trial: 14-Day Free Trial
Other Features: Security & Antivirus
Advantages
- Less CPU usage
- Good Malware Detection
Disadvantages
- Sometimes, Auto updates fail
Price: Plans start at $3.75 monthly but you will get a .discount of 0.1% on yearly payments. They also offer a 60-day Money-Back Guarantee
9. McAfee Mobile Security (Best for Protecting Your Personal Information).
McAfee Mobile Security has the ability to protect your Android device from viruses, offers identity protection services, and provides a secure VPN.
Key Features
- Wifi Scanner: Yes
- Anti Theft: Yes
- Dark Web Monitoring/Anti-Ransomware: Yes
- Firewall: Yes
- Prevent various types of viruses, malware, and ransomware from infecting your computer and mobile devices.
- Supports Android 8.0 and higher
- Supports up to 5 device
- Helps you to secure your firewall and block hackers from accessing your home network.
- Enables you to store and manage all your online passwords in a single location.
- Keep sensitive files private by storing them on your system with 256-bit encryption.
- Block Pop Up ads
- Offer a built-in McAfee® Safe Connect VPN for safe browsing
- Provides Email, and Phone alerts
- Offers Chat, Podcasts, and Community Support Support
- Available for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
- Free Trial: 30-Day Free Trial
Other Features: Firewall, File shredder, Web protection, Password manager, Dark web monitoring
Advantages
- The detection level is preferable when compared to Windows defender.
- Functional Parental Controls
Disadvantages
- It requires more optimization which has the ability to make the PCs slower.
Cost: Plans start at $10 annually, and offer a 30-day Money-Back Guarantee
10. Avast Mobile Security (Best For Families Or Offices).
Avast Mobile Security is well-known antivirus software that ensures adequate privacy, security, and performance of your Android device.
Furthermore, it offers free security for Android phones and is capable of securing your photos and app using a pattern, fingerprint password, or pin code.
Key Features
- Wifi Scanner: Yes
- Anti Theft: Yes
- Provides Antivirus, Patch Management alerts
- Dark Web Monitoring/Anti-Ransomware: Yes
- Firewall: Yes
- Supports Android 6.0 and higher
- Supports up to 3 devices
- Capable of detecting malicious applications before installing them.
- This program can protect malware-infected links on the web.
- You can easily perform a regular scan in order to detect vulnerability and threats.
- Ability to verify the security of the Wi-Fi network.
- Blocking ads and Pop-ups on an Android browser
- Offer a built-in Avast SecureLine VPN for safe browsing
- Offers Community Support, 24/7 call, Email support
- Available for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
- Free Trial: 30-Day Free Trial (No Credit Card Required)
Other Features: Email configuration, RAM Booster, Photo Vault
Advantages
- It scans millions of files within splits of seconds.
- It helps to protect the equipment and the system
Disadvantages
- It cannot spot highly obfuscated payloads and can miss customized malware.
Price: Plans start at $44.99 annually, and also offer a 30-day Money-Back Guarantee.
Before Choosing A Free Antivirus For Android Devices – Things To Note
There are certain things you should keep in mind when choosing a free antivirus for your Android device.
First, find out the reviews from third-party testing firms concerning the Antivirus. If you are satisfied with the reviews, then proceed to find out if they make use of ads in their app.
If yes, then ask yourself if it’s something you can deal with, and if you can, then check if the antivirus has the features you need. This article will serve as a guide on what features to expect from a free antivirus.
The common features of free antivirus for Android devices include the ability to keep the phone safe from various threats, ensuring online privacy as well as safeguarding personal information.
Please, note that some of the features you may be looking for such as active real-time scanning are paid options for some services.
Finally, ensure you get your antivirus from a popular/recommended security company.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Android Phones Need Antivirus?
The experience of losing all your important files to viruses is a very sad one, and the only way you avoid this is to get an antivirus for your phone. So, yes, android phones need an antivirus to keep your data secure.
Which Is The Best Free Antivirus For Android?
We would have quickly mentioned Bitdefender as the best antivirus for Android as a result of its usability, sadly, it gives fewer free features compared to its counterparts.
That being said, we would rather mention Avira, Kaspersky Mobile Antivirus, and Avast Mobile Security as the best free antivirus app for android.
Which Is Better: Avira Or Bitdefender?
It depends on the factors you prioritize. Go for Avira if you want unrestricted VPN but if you want the highest number of important features at lower prices when compared to other alternatives, then go with Bitdefender.
How Do I Check For Malware On My Android?
These steps below will guide you on how to check for malware on your Android device:
Step 1: Open Google Play Store on your mobile.
Step 2: Click on the green icon having the first letter of the registered Google account to open the menu.
Step 3: Choose ‘Play Protect’, and click on ‘scan’.
The Google Play Protect app will now scan the downloaded apps on your device and gives you the results.
Can Androids Be Hacked?
Your Android device can be hacked and your confidential information will be exposed.
Below are major signs that occur if a device gets hacked:
The battery and data drain too fast.
You hear some background sound or echoing noises.
Your device acts weirdly.
You will see apps on your device that you did not install – This is a major sign as a hacker would need to install an app on your device, for rooting it.
How Can You Remove A Virus From An Android Phone?
Below are the virus ways through which you can remove a virus from your Android phone:
1. Uninstalling any suspicious applications.
2. Scanning using antivirus.
3. This free antivirus software Android can check apps for malware before downloading to the mobile.
It helps you to remove the virus fast from your device.
Conclusion
It’s important you note that Androids have built-in virus protection which is Google Play Protect which screens the app on your phone from time to time and keeps unwanted apps and malware away from your device.
That being said, the importance of these aforementioned free Antivirus Software cannot be overemphasized as they prevent and detect malware and viruses, improves the speed of your phone, and protect your important data and privacy.
Which of these free antivirus for Android devices are you willing to install on your device? Do let us know in the comment section.
