4 Best Free Antivirus Apps for Android Phones
Virus removal on Android is best done with an antivirus app
An antivirus app for Android can clean up viruses, Trojans, malicious URLs, infected SD cards, and other kinds of mobile malware, as well as protect your privacy from other threats like spyware or improper app permissions.
Fortunately, a really great free antivirus app doesn't also have to hit you with performance issues you might expect from tools like these, like bloated RAM usage, excess bandwidth, etc. I've selected these particular apps because they excel with respect to usability, system resource requirements, user reviews, and feature set.
Here are the four best antivirus apps for Android, each with their own unique advantages:
01. Bitdefender Antivirus
Bitdefender Antivirus Free is a powerful antivirus app with ultra-fast virus scanner, removal and virus cleaner capabilities. It is especially designed to keep your Android device safe from malware, viruses, ransomware, adware and trojans posing as legitimate apps, no matter their install source.
You get maximum protection without slowing down your phone or draining your battery. Simply install the app on your Android and it’s ready to go - nothing to configure.
And it's totally free!
Downloaded by millions of people, Bitdefender Antivirus Free keeps every Android phone safe using in-the-cloud scanning technology and the very latest industry leading virus detection. Join now to get:
- Free Antivirus
- Free Virus Cleaner
- On-Install Virus Scanner
- On-Demand Virus Scanner
What We Like
- Simple app design.
- Easy for anyone to use.
What We Don't Like
- Large ads for their other products.
- Not as customizable as most AV apps.
Bitdefender is said to be super light on resources since it doesn't download and store virus signatures on the device, but instead uses cloud-based protection to check for the latest safeguards against outbreaks. It didn't seem to slow down anything else on my phone while I was using it, so that's definitely a plus.
The only drawback I want to comment on is when I compare it to their not-free Mobile Security app. It has handy features like the ability to check browsing habits in real-time and lock down or wipe your phone if it's stolen.
This app can run on Android 5 and up.
02. Malwarebytes Mobile Security
Enjoy online privacy and protection when browsing with all-new VPN features. Discover private streaming and browse lag-free thanks to our upgraded next-gen VPN. Use your favorite apps with VPN connectivity for safe, anonymous browsing no matter where you are.
Get android protection with top malware removal to aggressively combat ransomware, spyware, viruses, and more. Protect your personal info with the top mobile security app for Android.
Subscription Details:
- To activate the 7-day trial, you need an annual subscription (check in-app pricing).
- Cancel the subscription before the trial ends to avoid charges and access basic, free features like the scanner.
- The subscription auto-renews annually after the 7-day trial unless canceled.
- Manage and adjust renewal settings in your Google Play account after purchase.
- The 7-day trial applies to a single subscription.
Unlike other antivirus apps, we give you:
- Award-winning virus cleaner with malware removal
- NEW VPN for secure, private browsing
- Simple, 1-click interface
- Ad-free identity privacy and protection
- Mobile antivirus app blocking 4 million daily threats
- Trusted mobile malware removal tool for 300,000+ daily users
What We Like
- Includes an 'allow list' for false positives.
- Can perform a security audit.
What We Don't Like
- Automatic scans aren't free.
- Paid features appear free until you try to use them.
03. Avira Security Antivirus
Your mobile device is your key to the digital world. You can browse the internet, store photos, contacts, emails, and manage payment information. It might be crucial to your job or just a way to connect with those you love, so securing your data is critical. Avira Antivirus gives you all the tools you need to help you stay safe online — and it’s all packed into a single app.
Key Features of Avira Antivirus Security & VPN
- Super-Light Virus Scanner & Cleaner — Scans, blocks, and removes viruses, spyware, malware
- Fast VPN— 100 MB daily. Secures data, anonymizes surfing, unblocks geo-restricted websites
- Identity Protection – Checks if your email addresses or accounts have been leaked
- Privacy Advisor – Shows which apps request access to sensitive data
- Applock – PIN protect your sensitive apps (chat, calls, Skype, etc.)
- Clean System – Clean out clutter from your device and stop background apps
- Completely Free — All these features are available for free with Avira Antivirus and VPN
The Ultimate Virus Scanner and Remover for Android
Avira Antivirus keeps your Android device free of viruses, malware, spyware, and safe from phishing attacks. It works quietly in the background as you use your device, and the lightweight app won’t disturb your surfing, downloads, or take up large amounts of storage space. It’s simple to use and has an intuitive design, so you can count on our comprehensive suite of antivirus protection tools.
What We Like- Includes adware, PUA, and anti-theft protection.
- Can scan files on a schedule.
- Start a scan quickly via a shortcut.
What We Don't Like
- Not everything you see is free to use.
- Every screen advertises the paid edition.
- Doesn't block malicious sites.
Packed with other tools you might not want.
The app works on Android 6 and up.
04. AVG AntiVirus Free
Get AVG AntiVirus FREE - Mobile Security for Android to help protect you from harmful viruses and malware. Keep your personal data safe with App Lock, Photo Vault, Wi-Fi Security Scan, Hack Alerts, Malware security, and App Permissions advisor.
Over 100,000,000 people already installed AVG’s antivirus mobile security apps. Join them now and:
- Scan apps, games, settings, and files in real-time
- Clean unnecessary files to free up space
- Lock sensitive apps with a PIN, pattern, or fingerprint
- Hide private photos in an encrypted Vault
- Stay anonymous with VPN
- Scan Wi-Fi networks for threats
- Discover and block scam sites to stay extra-safe
- Check Wi-Fi download and upload speed
- Receive alerts if your passwords have been leaked
- Get insight into the permission level of installed apps
- Powerful cybersecurity tool that can defend your Android device against a wide range of threats
With AVG AntiVirus FREE 2023 for Android you’ll receive effective virus and malware protection, app lock, Wi-Fi Scanner, and photo vault to help shield you from threats to your privacy and online identity.
What We Like- Clearly marks which features are free and which are not.
- Lets you choose which folders to scan.
- Scans for a variety of threats.
What We Don't Like
- Shows advertisements.
- No automatic file or app scanning.
- Includes other unrelated tools.
- Lots of upselling.
This was the very first antivirus app on Google Play that reached 100 million downloads. But I don't recommend it for that reason. It protects you from spyware, unsafe apps and settings, viruses, and other malware and threats.
App backup, camera trap, device lock, VPN protection, app lock, and no ads, are a few of the unsupported features in the free edition. There are also various links to features that you can only get in other apps, so you might find yourself leaving AVG for the Play Store when you try tapping those options.
This app runs on Android 8 and up.
