The 5 Best Antivirus for Android Phones (2025 Update)

Norton Antivirus for Android Review 2025

Security Features

Norton’s Android app offers a robust range of security tools in an intuitive interface, featuring a prominent “Scan Now” button for quick malware scans. Key features include:

• App Security: The standout App Advisor proactively assesses apps before and after installation, ensuring safe downloads and monitoring for malware, privacy risks, and intrusive ads.
• Internet Security: The Safe Web Browser and Norton Safe Search (powered by Ask.com) protect against phishing and malware-laden websites.
• Wi-Fi Security: Detects insecure networks and weak passwords, alerting users to risks on public Wi-Fi for safer browsing.
• Device Security: Scans for security misconfigurations like untrusted certificates or outdated software that could expose vulnerabilities.
• SMS Security: Scans incoming texts for suspicious links, guarding against phishing scams.

Privacy Features

Norton excels in privacy protection with two key tools:

• VPN: Offers unlimited, encrypted browsing, shielding your IP address and ensuring privacy, especially on public Wi-Fi. Unlike competitors, it imposes no data limits.
• Ad Tracker Blocking: Blocks trackers from collecting browsing data, enhancing both privacy and speed.

Identity Features

Norton’s Dark Web Monitoring scans dark web forums for personal data such as email addresses, driver’s licenses, and financial details. Although not integrated into the Android app, this feature is accessible via Norton’s website or the Norton LifeLock Identity app, adding extra security for sensitive information.

Norton Mobile Security vs. Norton 360

• Norton Mobile Security: Ideal for single-device protection on Android, offering comprehensive security and privacy tools at a competitive price.
• Norton 360: Designed for multi-device users, covering up to five devices across platforms. It includes all Mobile Security features plus a password manager and an enhanced VPN with server selection.

Is Norton the Best Antivirus for Android?

Norton is a top contender for Android security, combining strong protection features with Norton’s unlimited VPN. While it lacks advanced anti-theft capabilities, it excels in user-friendliness and performance.

For single-device users, Norton Mobile Security is a reliable and powerful choice. For broader coverage, Norton 360 offers added flexibility and features, making it the superior option for users with multiple devices.

Kaspersky Antivirus for Android Review 2025

Security Features

Kaspersky’s Android app is a comprehensive and reliable security solution, offering proactive protection and privacy tools. Here’s a concise breakdown of its key features:

• Scan Options: Three scan types—quick, custom, and full—offer flexibility. Quick scans target vulnerable areas, full scans cover the entire system, and custom scans let you select specific files or folders. Each scan is efficient, swiftly identifying potential threats.
• Update Feature: A manual malware database update option ensures you stay protected with the latest virus definitions. Post-update, a quick scan automatically checks for new threats, streamlining protection.
• Real-Time Protection: Real-time protection includes optional adware detection and instant alerts about your device’s security status, enabling prompt threat management.
• Call Filter: The call blocking feature helps block spam or unwanted calls, enhancing privacy and reducing interruptions.
• Anti-Theft Tools: Remote lock, location tracking, alarm triggering, and data wiping capabilities make Kaspersky’s anti-theft tools robust, ensuring data security if your device is lost or stolen.
• App Lock: This feature allows users to secure sensitive apps with a PIN or password, ideal for banking or messaging apps.
• Safe Messaging: Incoming texts are scanned for phishing links, effectively detecting and flagging potential scams.
• Internet Protection: Browser safeguards block phishing attempts and harmful websites, ensuring safer browsing.
• Data Leak Checker: Scans the dark web for breached personal data, notifying users of compromised credentials like email addresses or passwords.
• Weak Settings Scan: Identifies vulnerabilities in device settings, offering recommendations to enhance security.
• My Apps: Reviews app permissions, highlighting those accessing sensitive data, enabling better privacy control.
• VPN: Integrated VPN offers encrypted, anonymous browsing, especially useful on public Wi-Fi.
• Password Manager: Securely generates and stores passwords, available as a standalone tool or within the Security Cloud bundle.

Is Kaspersky the Best Antivirus for Android?

Kaspersky stands out as a top choice for Android security, offering a rich feature set and exceptional anti-theft tools. The app is user-friendly, and its privacy tools, like VPN and data leak checker, enhance security. We highly recommend Kaspersky for anyone seeking robust protection and privacy.

McAfee Antivirus for Android Review 2025

Design and Layout

McAfee Mobile Security for Android features a visually appealing, user-friendly design. Its interface is divided into three primary tabs at the bottom, ensuring intuitive navigation. This organized layout provides easy access to key features without overwhelming users.

Educational and Actionable Insights

The first tab delivers educational insights on cybersecurity risks, such as the dangers of unsecured Wi-Fi. It also offers actionable advice like enabling safe browsing or securing connections, helping non-experts take proactive steps toward online safety.

Security Features

The second tab highlights McAfee’s core security capabilities:

• Antivirus Scan: McAfee’s scanner detects malware, ransomware, and other threats in apps, files, photos, and videos. Its comprehensive scans run efficiently, reliably identifying threats in real time.
• Identity Protection: Users can input personal data (e.g., emails, credit cards) for dark web monitoring. McAfee alerts users to data breaches, safeguarding against identity theft.
• Secure VPN: McAfee’s unlimited VPN ensures encrypted, anonymous browsing, outpacing competitors like Bitdefender (limited to 200 MB/day). It’s essential for secure internet use, especially on public Wi-Fi.
• Wi-Fi Security Scanner: This tool assesses the security of your network, checking for strong encryption and warning against unsafe connections, ensuring data protection even on public Wi-Fi.
• Safe Browsing: Anti-phishing protection and a web advisor block malicious URLs and unsafe sites, shielding users from phishing attacks and online scams.

Is McAfee the Best Antivirus for Android?

McAfee Mobile Security combines sleek design with robust features like antivirus scanning, identity monitoring, a secure VPN, and Wi-Fi tools. However, while McAfee offers a polished user experience and effective core security, Norton surpasses it with a more comprehensive suite, including unlimited VPN, password management, and multi-device support.

For users prioritizing a streamlined, user-friendly app with strong essentials, McAfee is a solid choice. But for those seeking more advanced, all-encompassing protection, Norton remains the superior option.

Bitdefender Antivirus for Android Review 2025

Overview

Bitdefender Mobile Security for Android provides robust protection, though it lacks the polished design of competitors like Norton or McAfee. While feature-rich, some limitations may impact its appeal.

Dashboard

The Dashboard is simple and user-friendly, offering quick access to key tools like Scam Alert, App Lock, Web Protection, and Anti-Theft. Activating these features displays a green “protected” status. Though not visually striking, the clean layout ensures ease of use.

Malware Scanner

Bitdefender’s Malware Scanner is highly effective, quickly identifying threats such as ransomware, adware, spyware, and cryptominers. It scans all installed apps and files, providing comprehensive protection and peace of mind.

Web Protection

This feature integrates with major browsers, including Chrome, Firefox, and Opera, to block phishing attempts and malicious sites. Its seamless compatibility across multiple browsers enhances security for users who switch platforms frequently.

Scam Alert

The Scam Alert tool detects phishing attempts in SMS messages, alerting users to potential scams. This feature is particularly valuable given the rise of SMS-based threats.

Additional Features

• VPN: Includes a built-in VPN with a restrictive 200 MB/day data limit. For unlimited use, consider Bitdefender’s standalone VPN. Competitors like Norton and Kaspersky offer more generous VPN options.
• Anti-Theft: Offers remote phone location, lock, and wipe capabilities. After three failed login attempts, it takes a photo of the intruder, adding an extra security layer.
• Account Privacy: Monitors data breaches to alert users if their personal information, such as emails or passwords, has been compromised.
• App Lock: Secures sensitive apps with PIN or biometric authentication, protecting personal and financial data from unauthorized access.

Is Bitdefender the Best Antivirus for Android?

Bitdefender Mobile Security delivers robust features like malware scanning, web protection, and anti-theft tools. However, its restrictive VPN limit and less intuitive design are drawbacks compared to competitors like Norton, which offers unlimited VPN and a more polished interface.

For users who need extensive VPN usage and a user-friendly design, Norton may be a better option. However, Bitdefender remains a strong choice for those prioritizing effective security over aesthetic design or VPN limitations.

Panda Antivirus for Android Review 2025

We tested both the free and paid versions of Panda Dome Antivirus for Android. Here’s a concise review of its features, performance, and overall value.

Free Version Features

• Antivirus: Panda offers manual and automatic scans for apps, files, and SD cards, with an option to schedule regular scans. It performed reliably during testing, effectively identifying and neutralizing common malware.
• VPN: The free version includes a VPN with a 150 MB/day limit. While suitable for occasional use (e.g., checking emails securely), it’s insufficient for heavy internet use or frequent public Wi-Fi connections.
• Privacy Auditor: This tool analyzes app permissions and identifies apps accessing sensitive data (e.g., location, contacts, or media). It allows users to manage privacy by uninstalling intrusive apps directly from the interface.
• Anti-Theft: Basic anti-theft features let users locate, lock, or remotely wipe a lost device, offering essential protection for those worried about theft or loss.

Paid Version Additions

• Advanced Anti-Theft: Includes extra features like triggering alarms or taking photos via the front camera after failed login attempts, aiding in device recovery and theft deterrence.
• Call Blocker: Blocks specific, unknown, or hidden numbers, reducing spam and improving privacy.
• App Lock: Protects sensitive apps (e.g., banking or social media) with a 4-digit PIN, enhancing security against unauthorized access.

Conclusion: Is Panda the Best Antivirus for Android?

Panda’s free version stands out for its robust malware scanner, basic VPN, privacy tools, and anti-theft features, making it an excellent option for budget-conscious users seeking essential protection.

However, for advanced security, paid competitors like Norton and Kaspersky offer more comprehensive features, including unlimited VPN, advanced anti-phishing tools, and enhanced web protection, along with a smoother user experience.

In summary, Panda Dome is a top choice for free antivirus protection, but premium alternatives may be better for users seeking all-encompassing mobile security.

Antivirus software identifies and eliminates harmful programs through various detection methods:

• Signature-based detection: Compares files against a database of known malware signatures to identify threats.
• Behavior-based detection: Monitors app activity for suspicious or unusual behavior that could indicate malware.
• Heuristic analysis: Analyzes code to identify previously unknown or emerging threats by detecting malware-like patterns.

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

Modern antivirus programs offer more than basic malware protection, incorporating essential features like:

• Anti-phishing: Blocks malicious websites and emails that try to steal your login credentials or personal information.
• Firewall: Monitors and controls network traffic to prevent unauthorized access to your device.
• Password manager: Safely stores and generates strong passwords to protect your online accounts.
• VPN (Virtual Private Network): Encrypts your internet connection, protecting your data from hackers and ensuring privacy, especially on public Wi-Fi.
• Identity theft protection: Monitors for signs of identity theft, such as suspicious use of personal information.
• Parental controls: Allows parents to manage and restrict app usage or content on a child’s device.

In summary, antivirus for Android is an essential layer of protection that helps safeguard your device from various online threats, with advanced tools that go beyond malware detection.

Antivirus software for Android can protect users from a wide range of malware threats, including:

• Adware: Unwanted software that displays intrusive ads and can track your online activity.
• PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs): Applications that may not be outright malicious but can negatively affect device performance or privacy.
• Ransomware: Malware that locks you out of your device or data, demanding payment to restore access.
• Rootkits: Malicious software designed to gain unauthorized, hidden access to a device, allowing attackers to control it remotely.
• Spyware: Software that secretly monitors and collects personal information without the user’s consent.
• Trojans: Malware disguised as legitimate software, used to steal data, install other malware, or give hackers access to the device.
• Viruses: Malicious programs that replicate themselves and spread across devices, causing damage or stealing information.
• Worms: Self-replicating malware that spreads across networks, often causing system slowdowns or data loss.

Thanks to tools like anti-phishing, firewall, password manager, VPN, identity theft protection, and parental controls, modern antivirus suites can safeguard users from a wide range of cyber threats beyond just malware.

Antivirus software for Android is highly effective against many malware threats, but it can’t protect you from social engineering attacks. These involve tricking users into sharing personal information or performing harmful actions, such as clicking malicious links or revealing login credentials—phishing scams and fraudulent phone calls are common examples.

Additionally, antivirus programs may not always catch zero-day attacks—new and unknown vulnerabilities exploited by hackers before the software can be updated. While many antivirus tools have advanced detection methods, they aren’t guaranteed to stop every zero-day threat immediately. Staying vigilant and keeping your software up-to-date is essential for the best protection.

Here’s an overview of Android’s key security features and what they do:

• Google Play Protect: Scans apps for malware and threats, helping to keep your device safe from malicious apps.
• Encryption: Ensures that the data on your device is protected if it’s lost or stolen, making it difficult for unauthorized users to access.
• Sandboxing: Isolates apps from one another to prevent malicious apps from affecting other parts of the system.
• Security Updates: Android regularly releases updates to patch vulnerabilities, although these updates may not always be delivered quickly depending on your device model.
• Biometric Authentication: Fingerprint or facial recognition features provide an extra layer of security for unlocking your phone and apps.

While these features are solid, they may not cover all your security needs.

Android lacks a few advanced tools that other platforms or third-party apps provide:

• Cross-OS Password Manager: Helps securely store and autofill passwords across different devices and platforms (Android, iOS, etc.).
• VPN (Virtual Private Network): Encrypts your internet connection to protect your privacy and data, especially on public Wi-Fi.
• Identity Theft Protection: Monitors your personal data (like Social Security numbers or bank accounts) to alert you of potential identity theft.
• Parental Controls: Advanced tools for monitoring and restricting your child’s online activity across multiple platforms, which Android’s built-in options may not fully cover.

For basic device security, Android is robust. However, if you want more comprehensive protection, consider supplementing it with third-party tools or services.

AI and LLMs will make mobile cybercrime more effective and harder to detect. AI-powered phishing will produce highly personalized and realistic scams, making it easier for criminals to deceive users. Malware creation and obfuscation will become more automated, allowing hackers to generate new, hard-to-detect threats quickly. AI chatbots may also impersonate trusted contacts or services, tricking users into revealing sensitive information or installing malicious apps.

Anti-Malware Protection (30%)

We evaluate how well the antivirus detects and removes various malware types like viruses, trojans, ransomware, and spyware.

• In-House Testing: Using 1,200 diverse malware samples, we conduct real-time attack simulations to assess detection and neutralization of known and emerging threats through signature-based and heuristic analysis.
• Independent Lab Results: We incorporate findings from respected institutes like AV-Test, SE Labs, and AV-Comparatives to validate our results.

Security and Privacy Features (30%)

We assess additional tools that enhance cybersecurity:

• Web Protection: Testing the software’s ability to block phishing sites and web-based threats by accessing known malicious websites.
• Firewall: Evaluating effectiveness using intrusion simulations and the ShieldsUP! test to secure network ports and monitor traffic.
• Password Manager: Assessing capabilities to generate, store, and auto-fill complex passwords, plus features like two-factor authentication and biometric login.
• VPN: Evaluating security protocols, encryption, speed, server locations, data limits, and support for streaming and peer-to-peer sharing while hiding IP addresses.
• Parental Controls: Testing screen time management, content filtering, location tracking, and resistance to bypass attempts to protect children.
• Identity Theft Protection: Assessing monitoring of personal info and responsiveness to potential identity theft alerts.
• Secure Cloud Storage: Evaluating capacity, security, usability, and features like file encryption and secure sharing.
• Anti-Ransomware: Simulating attacks to test detection and blocking of unauthorized encryption via behavioral detection and exploit prevention.
• Dark Web Monitoring: Checking effectiveness in scanning the dark web for personal info and providing timely alerts.

System Performance Impact (10%)

We measure how the antivirus affects device performance during everyday tasks:

• Resource Usage: Monitoring CPU and memory during scans and real-time protection.
• Performance Tests: Evaluating impact on launching apps, downloading files, browsing websites, and copying data, aligned with AV-Test criteria.

False Positives (10%)

Accuracy is crucial to avoid interruptions:

• False Positive Detection: Assessing how often legitimate applications or files are incorrectly flagged.
• Usability Tests: Referencing AV-Test evaluations to gauge false positive frequency for effectiveness and user-friendliness.

Price and Value (10%)

We analyze overall value by comparing features to cost:

• Cost Analysis: Considering subscription prices, device coverage, and multi-year plans.
• Feature Evaluation: Assessing if included features justify the price compared to competitors.

Ownership and Reputation (10%)

Trust is essential in cybersecurity providers:

• Company Background: Researching history, industry track record, mergers, or acquisitions.
• Privacy Policies: Examining data handling, privacy commitment, and compliance with regulations.
• Ethical Conduct: Investigating past unethical behavior, data breaches, or controversies.

Sources and tools

Below are the sources and tools we’ve used to test the antivirus software:

• Apple Platform Security
• AV-Comparatives Consumer
• AV-Test Android
• AV-Test macOS
• AV-Test Windows
• GRC Firewall Test
• Microsoft Defender
• SpeedTest VPN
• Trustpilot Security Software

Read more about how we test antivirus software.

We have tested 39 antivirus software from 28 brands. These range from free antivirus programs, to entry-level paid antivirus programs, mid-range paid antivirus software, and full-featured internet security suites.

These are the programs we recommend:

• Norton Antivirus Plus
• Norton 360 Standard
• Norton 360 Deluxe
• Norton 360 Advanced
• Norton 360 for Gamers
• Norton Antivirus for Mac
• Avast Antivirus One
• TotalAV Antivirus
• Bitdefender Antivirus Plus
• Bitdefender Internet Security
• Bitdefender Total Security
• Bitdefender Premium Security
• McAfee Antivirus LiveSafe
• McAfee Total Protection
• Panda Dome Antivirus
• Avira Antivirus Prime
• Surfshark Antivirus
• Intego Antivirus
• Kaspersky Antivirus Standard
• Kaspersky Antivirus Plus
• Kaspersky Antivirus Premium
• AVG Antivirus

We believe that Norton Antivirus Plus is the best entry-level antivirus software and Norton 360 Deluxe the best antivirus all around.

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 2025 – 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 antivirus with a Firewall – For a focus on network security.
• The best VPN of 2025 – For a dedicated privacy solution.

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

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