The 5 Best Antivirus for Android Tablets (2023 Update)

Summary

Norton Mobile Security is the best antivirus app for Android of 2023. It ticks all the boxes by combining anti-malware, web protection, an identity theft scanner, and an unlimited VPN.

On top of that, it has a range of bonus features, including an app advisor, WiFi scanner, vulnerability scanner, anti-tracker, and SMS security checker.

Most importantly, its VPN doesn’t have a data limit. By contrast, all other antivirus apps have a VPN limited to a few hundred MB / day. When you frequently surf on public Wi-Fi networks, Norton’s unlimited VPN will keep you safe on those unsecured connections.

We, therefore, highly recommend Norton for anyone who spends a lot of time surfing, socializing, shopping, or banking on their phone. It is the best antivirus for Android tablets.

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Summary

Kaspersky is one of the best Android antivirus apps that we’ve tested. Although its VPN is limited to 300 MB / day, whereas Norton’s VPN is unlimited, Kaspersky compensates by having a complete feature set and a slightly lower price.

It covers all the core features, including anti-malware, web protection, anti-theft tools, an identity theft scanner, a VPN, and a range of bonus features. These include a call filter, safe messaging, app lock, settings scan, parental controls, and app permissions scan.

Still, if you frequently surf on public Wi-Fi networks, we believe Norton is the better security app because its unlimited VPN will protect you on those unsafe networks.

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Summary

Bitdefender Mobile Security for Android covers all the core features: Anti-malware, web protection, anti-theft tools, an identity theft scanner, and a VPN. However, it can’t match the Android apps by Norton or Kaspersky.

Norton and Kaspersky have a more comprehensive range of security features, a better design, and a higher data limit on their VPN. While Bitdefender’s VPN is limited to 200 MB / day, Norton’s VPN is unlimited.

Unless you’re a big fan of the Bitdefender brand, we believe Norton and Kaspersky are better Android antivirus apps.

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Summary

McAfee has a beautiful design and covers most of the features we want in a security app. It includes anti-malware, web protection, an identity theft scanner, and a VPN limited to 500 MB / day. But it lacks anti-theft tools, and its bonus features only include a Wi-Fi security checker.

We prefer Norton for its unlimited VPN for users who frequently use public Wi-Fi networks. And for users who want an affordable yet complete security app with anti-theft tools, we believe Kaspersky is a great option.

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Summary

Panda covers some security features, including anti-malware, a VPN, and anti-theft features. But it misses web protection and an identity theft scanner.

However, it offers a few bonus features, like a call blocker, app locker, and permissions scan. Especially the last one, the permissions scan, is a rare feature we would like to see more often in other antivirus apps.

On the plus side, the core of Panda’s offering (anti-malware, VPN, anti-theft, and the permissions scanner) is available in the app’s free version. This makes Panda the best free antivirus for android in our test.

However, if you’re willing to part with a few dollars, we believe that Norton offers better protection for users who frequently use public Wi-Fi networks, thanks to its unlimited VPN.

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Antivirus software buying guide

Below we cover a range of topics:

• What is antivirus software?
• How does antivirus software work?
• Does Android tablets need antivirus software?
• How do we test antivirus for Android?
• How to choose the best antivirus for Android?
• What cyber threats can antivirus protect you from?
• What cyber threats can antivirus not protect you from?
• What antivirus software have we tested?

Clicks the links to be taken to the one of your choice:

What is antivirus software?

Antivirus software is a specialized program designed to protect your devices—be it a computer, smartphone, or tablet—from a wide range of digital threats. These threats include but are not limited to, viruses, malware, ransomware, spyware, and phishing attempts. These malicious entities can compromise your device’s performance, steal sensitive data, or even lock you out of your system.

In today’s digital era, with growing online threats, antivirus software plays an essential role in ensuring the security of your device and the privacy of your personal and financial information. Apart from providing real-time threat protection, modern antivirus software also offers additional features such as firewalls, email protection, web protection, and identity theft protection to provide a comprehensive shield against a myriad of cyber threats.

For more, read our blog post on what antivirus software is.

How does antivirus software work?

Antivirus software utilizes several sophisticated techniques to identify and neutralize potential threats to your device. Here, we’re discussing three primary methods: signature-based detection, heuristic analysis, and behavior-based detection.

Signature-based detection

Signature-based detection is one of the oldest and most commonly used methods by antivirus software. In this approach, the software uses an extensive database of known ‘signatures’—unique bits of code that are identifiable in specific pieces of malware.

When a file is scanned, the antivirus software breaks down the file into small chunks of code and compares each chunk with its database of malware signatures. If a match is found, the software recognizes the file as malicious and takes action to quarantine or delete it. While this method is highly effective against known threats, it can be less effective against new, unrecognized malware.

Heuristic analysis

Heuristic analysis addresses the limitations of signature-based detection by detecting previously unknown threats or variations of existing threats. This approach analyzes the properties, activities, and behaviors of files, looking for suspicious or abnormal patterns that may indicate malware.

The heuristic analysis can identify a piece of code as potentially harmful based on its resemblance to known harmful code in structure or behavior, even if the exact signature isn’t in the database. While this method increases the chances of detecting new threats, it may also result in false positives, identifying benign files as harmful.

Behavior-based detection

Behavior-based detection, also known as behavioral analysis, is a more advanced antivirus method. Instead of examining the code of a file, it monitors the behavior of applications in real-time.

If an application starts to engage in suspicious activities such as modifying system files, monitoring keystrokes, or attempting to connect to an unknown server, the antivirus flags it as potentially malicious. This method is particularly useful for detecting advanced threats such as zero-day exploits and ransomware. However, like heuristic analysis, it may also lead to false positives.

For more, read our blog post on how antivirus software works.

Do Android tablets need antivirus software?

Absolutely, Android tablets indeed require antivirus software for a variety of reasons. Although Android’s in-built security measures are commendable, they aren’t completely invincible. With the exponential growth in the number of Android users worldwide, these devices have become an increasingly popular target for cybercriminals.

Firstly, malware threats to Android are real and evolving. Malware authors continually adapt their tactics and generate sophisticated threats designed to infiltrate Android’s defenses. These can include harmful apps that impersonate legitimate ones, phishing scams sent through SMS or email, or ransomware that can lock you out of your device.

Secondly, Android’s open-source nature, which is one of its strengths, also contributes to its vulnerability. This design allows for great flexibility and customization but also opens avenues for potential security breaches. It’s easier for malicious entities to infiltrate the system or install harmful apps.

Moreover, Android tablets often contain a wealth of personal and sensitive information. This can range from banking and credit card details to personal photos and emails. In the wrong hands, this information can be used for identity theft, fraudulent transactions, or even blackmail.

Antivirus software provides a crucial line of defense by offering real-time protection against malware, phishing attempts, and other cyber threats. But it’s important to remember that not all antivirus solutions are created equal. For the best protection, look for an antivirus that includes features like anti-malware, anti-phishing, anti-theft, and identity theft scanning.

One feature that is becoming increasingly important in our interconnected world is an unlimited VPN. A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, encrypts your internet connection, making it much harder for hackers to intercept and steal your data. This is particularly important when using public Wi-Fi networks, which are often unsecured and can be a hotbed for cybercriminal activity.

A VPN without a data limit allows for safe, private browsing without having to worry about exceeding a data cap. This is particularly useful for those who use their Android tablets for tasks that consume a lot of data, such as streaming videos or downloading large files.

In conclusion, to keep your Android tablet safe and your personal data secure, a comprehensive antivirus solution, preferably with an unlimited VPN, is highly recommended.

For more, read our blog post on whether Android tablets need antivirus.

How do we test antivirus for Android?

When we evaluate antivirus software, we consider six critical elements, each carrying different weightage:

• Anti-malware protection (30%)
• Security and privacy features (30%)
• Speed impact (10%)
• False positives (10%)
• Price (10%)
• Ownership and reputation (10%)

This multifaceted approach ensures that we present a comprehensive evaluation of the antivirus software’s overall performance, covering areas from essential security aspects to user experience and value for money.

Anti-malware protection (30%)

Anti-malware protection is one of the key components in our testing methodology, accounting for 30% of the overall score. The core purpose of antivirus software is to shield devices from malware, hence it’s crucial to assess how effectively it achieves this goal.

In-house testing

To test the anti-malware capabilities of each antivirus software, we perform an array of rigorous in-house tests. We expose an Android test phone to numerous malicious apps, putting the software’s malware scanner to the test. This process evaluates the software’s ability to accurately identify and eliminate all malicious apps it encounters.

Following this, we conduct a separate test where we simulate real-world malware attacks. This involves executing malware files to gauge the effectiveness of the antivirus software’s real-time protection. A superior antivirus should be capable of halting these simulated assaults in their tracks, promptly preventing the malware from infecting the device.

AV-Test results

In addition to our in-house evaluations, we incorporate the protection test results for Android from AV-Test, a renowned independent testing lab based in Germany. AV-Test performs rigorous evaluations of antivirus products under various conditions and scenarios, providing an independent and objective assessment of their capabilities.

The combination of our own meticulous tests and AV-Test’s rigorous assessments offers a robust and comprehensive evaluation of the anti-malware performance of each antivirus software, ensuring that our reviews provide you with reliable and thorough insights.

Security and privacy features (30%)

The assortment and quality of security and privacy features offered by an antivirus software contribute significantly to its effectiveness and user-friendliness. They constitute 30% of our evaluation criteria. Here are some of the key features we focus on:

Web protection (anti-phishing)

Web protection, particularly anti-phishing, is designed to safeguard users against deceptive websites that attempt to steal personal data, often by masquerading as trustworthy entities. We test this feature by visiting known phishing websites and gauging whether the software accurately identifies and blocks these threats.

Firewall

A firewall serves as a protective barrier between your device and external networks, monitoring and controlling network traffic based on predetermined security rules. Though typically unavailable on Android, we assess this feature on the PC versions of the antivirus software, looking at how effectively it prevents unauthorized access to your system.

Password manager

Password managers store and encrypt all your passwords, enabling you to generate, retrieve, and manage complex and unique passwords for each of your online accounts. We test password managers for their encryption strength, ease of use, and additional features like password generators and auto-fill capabilities.

Virtual private network (VPN)

A VPN conceals your online activity by routing your internet connection through a private server, enhancing your online privacy and security. We test the VPN feature for its speed, server availability, data cap, and its effectiveness in maintaining anonymity online.

Parental controls

Parental control features allow adults to limit and monitor the online activities of their children, providing a safer digital environment. We test this feature for its effectiveness in filtering inappropriate content, setting screen time limits, and tracking the child’s device location.

Identity theft protection

Identity theft protection features monitor the dark web and other sources for unauthorized use of your personal information, alerting you to potential identity theft. We evaluate this feature based on its ability to detect data breaches, its responsiveness, and the support provided in case identity theft occurs.

Secure cloud storage (cloud backup)

Secure cloud storage offers a protected space to backup important files, providing an added layer of data loss prevention. We assess this feature based on storage capacity, security, and ease of use in data backup and restoration.

Anti-ransomware

Anti-ransomware features protect your device from ransomware attacks, which restrict access to your system until a ransom is paid. We test this feature by deploying ransomware samples and observing if the software can prevent the attack and safeguard the device.

Dark web monitoring

Dark web monitoring involves scanning the dark web for your personal information, alerting you if your data is found on these hidden networks. We evaluate this feature for its efficiency in detecting exposed personal information and its promptness in notifying the user.

It’s worth noting that not all features, such as firewalls, are available for Android. In these instances, we evaluate them on the PC equivalent of the antivirus software, ensuring a comprehensive analysis across platforms.

Bonus features

An antivirus program can come with various entry-level functions, such as spam filters and secure browsers, and premium options like online storage with enhanced security. We consider the following bonus features worthy of your consideration:

• Ad Blocker
• Anti-theft
• Email protection
• File encryption
• File shredder
• Gaming mode
• Microphone protection
• PC maintenance features
• Secure browser (hardened browser to protect your online banking)
• Spam filter
• Startup optimizer
• Tune up tools
• Virtual keyboard
• Webcam protection

Speed impact (10%)

The performance of antivirus software should not noticeably impede your device’s speed or its day-to-day operations. To assess this, we utilize the performance test results from AV-Test.

These tests measure the software’s impact on the speed of common device tasks such as launching applications, installing and uninstalling apps, and copying files. Lower impact scores translate to minimal performance disruption, which we deem superior.

False positives (10%)

False positives occur when an antivirus software mistakenly identifies a safe file or website as harmful. These can be quite disruptive, blocking access to safe resources or causing unnecessary worry. To gauge how often these errors occur, we consult the usability test results from AV-Test.

This evaluation involves exposing the antivirus software to a sample of safe websites and files to measure its accuracy in identifying threats. A lower false-positive rate is preferable, as it suggests a higher level of precision.

Price (10%)

While pricing is an essential consideration, the focus is not solely on the cost but also on the value derived from the software. We analyze each product’s features, effectiveness, and usability against its price to determine if it offers good value for money.

It’s crucial to note that there can be significant price variations between the first and second years of subscription. Often, the first-year price is discounted to attract new customers, with the price rising substantially in the second year.

Ownership and reputation (10%)

The reputation and conduct of the company behind the antivirus software can significantly impact trust and user confidence. Not all companies operate with the same level of integrity and transparency.

A case in point is the Avast scandal, where the company faced backlash for selling user data via a subsidiary, Jumpshot. In our assessments, we consider the company’s history, any scandals or controversies, and overall customer sentiment to understand their standing in the industry.

It’s essential for users to trust the company that’s protecting their devices and personal information. Therefore, we regard companies with clean records and positive reputations more favorably.

For more, read our blog post on how we test antivirus software.

How to choose the best antivirus for Android?

Selecting the ideal antivirus software for your Android tablets involves weighing various elements to ensure that it effectively caters to your security needs while offering good value for your investment. Here are some key aspects to consider:

Reliable protection from malware

At the core of any antivirus software is its ability to provide robust protection against malware. You should look for a solution that demonstrates high effectiveness in identifying and neutralizing a wide range of malware threats, including viruses, ransomware, spyware, and more. Independent test results from labs such as AV-Test can provide valuable insights into the software’s anti-malware performance.

Security updates

Regular security updates are crucial to keep the antivirus software adept at combating the latest threats. Cybersecurity is a rapidly evolving field, with new malware forms surfacing continuously. The best antivirus software stays abreast of these changes through frequent updates to its malware definitions and detection mechanisms.

Security features

Beyond basic malware protection, examine the additional security features offered by the antivirus software. These might include web protection for safe browsing, a VPN for enhanced online privacy, secure cloud storage for data backup, identity theft protection, and more. Remember, not all antivirus solutions offer the same set of features, so pick one that aligns with your specific needs.

Performance impact

An antivirus should provide optimal protection without significantly slowing down your device. Review the software’s performance impact to ensure that it doesn’t interfere with your everyday tasks. Performance test results from independent labs, like AV-Test, can help you gauge this aspect.

Customer support

Reliable customer support is essential, especially if you encounter issues or need guidance with the software. Consider the availability and quality of customer support channels, including live chat, email, and phone support. Also, look at user reviews to understand the company’s responsiveness and the overall customer support experience.

First-year and second price

While the first-year price for an antivirus software might be attractive due to introductory discounts, it’s crucial to consider the cost from the second year onward. Ensure that the software continues to offer good value for money even when the regular pricing kicks in. Factor in the features provided, performance, and overall effectiveness against the price to determine whether it’s a sound investment in the long run.

Operating system

If you have a specific operating system that you would like to protect, we probably have a dedicated antivirus comparison for it:

• The best antivirus of 2023 – For all OS.
• The best antivirus for Windows 11 – For Microsoft’s latest desktop OS.
• The best antivirus for macOS – For Apple’s desktop OS.
• The best antivirus for Android – For Google’s mobile OS.
• The best antivirus for iPhone – For Apple’s mobile OS.
• The best antivirus with a VPN – For both security and privacy.
• The best VPN providers – For a dedicated privacy solution.

Click the links to be taken to your comparison of choice.

What cyber threats can antivirus protect you from?

Antivirus software serves as a robust defense mechanism against an extensive variety of cyber threats. It’s important to understand, however, that while they provide comprehensive protection, no antivirus can guarantee 100% safety from all threats. Below, we explore some of the significant cyber threats that antivirus solutions are designed to combat:

Malware

This term is an abbreviation for “malicious software” and acts as an umbrella term encompassing various types of cyber threats, including viruses, ransomware, and spyware. Malware’s primary objective is to cause damage, steal data, or gain unauthorized access to a device or network.

For more, read our blog post on malware or malware examples.

Adware

Adware, or advertising-supported software, auto-displays or downloads promotional material, often in the form of pop-ups, on a user’s device. While not always harmful, adware can infringe on your privacy, slow down your device, and be a conduit for other malware.

For more, read our blog post on adware or adware examples.

Botnets

A botnet is a network of private devices infected with malicious software and controlled as a group without the owners’ knowledge. These can be used to carry out large-scale malicious acts, such as distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, spamming, or spreading malware.

For more, read our blog post on botnets or botnet examples.

Keyloggers

Keyloggers are a type of monitoring software designed to record keystrokes made on a device. Cybercriminals often use them to capture sensitive data, such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details.

For more, read our blog post on keyloggers or keylogger types.

Ransomware

Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts the user’s files and demands a ransom for their decryption key. It can cause significant data loss and financial damage if not dealt with correctly.

For more, read our blog post on ransomware or ransomware examples.

Rootkits

Rootkits are a set of software tools that enable unauthorized access to a computer. They are notoriously hard to detect as they can conceal themselves in the operating system, making them a significant threat.

For more, read our blog post on rootkits or rootkit examples.

Spyware

Spyware is software that covertly collects information about a user’s activities without their knowledge or consent. It’s often used to gather sensitive data, such as login credentials or personal information.

For more, read our blog post on spyware or spyware examples.

Trojans

Named after the legendary Trojan horse, these are deceptive software programs that appear legitimate but carry harmful functionalities. Trojans can provide cybercriminals with remote control over a compromised device.

For more, read our blog post on trojans or trojan examples.

Viruses

A computer virus is a type of malicious code that replicates by copying itself to other programs, data files, or the boot sector of the hard drive. Viruses can cause severe system damage and data loss.

For more, read our blog post on viruses or virus examples.

Worms

Worms are a type of malware that spread across computer networks by exploiting operating system vulnerabilities. They can cause network congestion and system failures by consuming bandwidth and overloading servers.

For more, read our blog post on worms or worm examples.

What cyber threats can antivirus not protect you from?

Despite the comprehensive defense offered by antivirus solutions, there exist certain cyber threats that can bypass these security measures. It’s primarily due to these threats relying more on human weaknesses rather than software vulnerabilities. Below, we delve into some of these cyber threats that antivirus solutions often struggle to counter:

Phishing

Phishing involves tricking users into sharing sensitive information, such as passwords and credit card numbers, by masquerading as a trustworthy entity. This is typically executed via deceptive emails or websites. While some antivirus software includes anti-phishing tools, they might not catch all phishing attempts, particularly those that are well-disguised or new.

For more, read our blog post on phishing or phishing examples.

Online Scams

Online scams encompass a wide variety of deceptive practices carried out on the internet, including advance-fee scams, auction fraud, romance scams, and more. While antivirus solutions can block known scam websites, they cannot protect users who willingly participate in transactions on these platforms out of trust or hope.

For more, read our blog post on online scams.

Social Engineering

Social engineering is a manipulation technique that exploits human error to gain access to sensitive data or systems. Tactics can range from impersonation to baiting and tailgating. Antivirus software, focusing on code-based threats, cannot shield users from being tricked into bypassing security protocols themselves.

For more, read our blog post on social engineering.

Zero-Day Exploits

A zero-day exploit is a cyber attack that occurs on the same day a weakness is discovered in software. Because the vulnerability is unknown until the attack happens, even the most robust antivirus software can’t provide protection. Although some advanced solutions may employ behavior-based detection to identify these threats, it’s not foolproof.

The above emphasizes the importance of good cyber hygiene and user education. Even the most advanced antivirus cannot replace mindful internet use and the awareness of potential online threats.

For more, read our blog post on zero-day exploits.

What antivirus software have we tested?

We have tested 28 antivirus brands, ranging from entry-level free antivirus programs, to mid-range paid antivirus software and full-featured internet security suites.

As a general rule of thumb, even the best free malware removal programs, like Avast One, cannot compete with the comprehensive malware protection offered by paid solutions, like Norton 360 Deluxe or Bitdefender Total Protection.

Below is the list of the 20 most important brands:

• Avast
• AVG
• Avira
• Bitdefender Antivirus
• ESET
• F-Secure
• Intego
• Kaspersky
• MacKeeper
• Malwarebytes
• McAfee Antivirus
• Microsoft Defender (Windows Defender)
• Norton Antivirus
• Panda
• PC Matic
• Sophos
• TotalAV
• Trend Micro
• VIPRE
• Webroot

The best antivirus programs are Norton 360 Deluxe, Norton 360 Advanced, and Bitdefender Total Security. By comparison, the other antivirus software cost too much, offer less capable protection from malware threats, or have no unlimited VPN access.