Everyone is aware that Windows PCs require antivirus protection. Even Microsoft agrees, automatically launch Windows Defender if you don’t have any other security software. Mac users are beginning to understand how beneficial macOS antivirus may also be. Android, though? Not really, despite the fact that it is widely used and insecure just like Windows. Going without security virus protection for your Android is not a wise decision because malware authors are targeting Android as a prime target.
Do Android Phones Need Antivirus?
Android security software guards against malware and supports you in the event that your phone is lost or stolen. We can provide assistance in determining which security solution and data protection are best for you and your Android. However, Android security does not exist in a vacuum. All of the items on this list are cross-platform solutions, offering security at a minimum for Windows, macOS, and Android. The majority of them also provide some type of iOS security, but with a feature set that constrained by Apple’s operating system’s closed architecture.
Please take note that these ratings are for the entire product across all platforms. They don’t always represent how well the Android product is made. Even if a product’s Android version passed the tests with flying colors, poor results on Windows may lower the product’s overall rating.
Continue reading for our top selections and advice on how to choose the best Android antivirus for your devices.
Bitdefender
With flawless results from AV-Test, AV-Comparatives, and MRG-Effitas, Bitdefender Total Security’s Android edition’s antivirus defense dominated the testing facilities. You can find, lock, or erase any protected Android smartphone via the Bitdefender Central web interface, and you can even receive a picture of a phone thief. You can also use this to safeguard any additional devices you have that run Windows, macOS, Android, or iOS.
Bitdefender’s Scam Alert flags dubious links in texts and other messaging apps, its Account Privacy system checks your emails for known data breaches, and its App Lock protection for sensitive apps is more flexible than most. These features are in addition to the expected protection against malicious and fraudulent websites. Your Android devices protected by VPNs and password management, yet VPN functionality constrained unless you pay an extra fee.
Norton 360 Deluxe
An important update to Norton 360 Deluxe’s Android protection recently combined previously independent features into a single app. Norton’s Android antivirus received perfect and nearly perfect ratings from independent antivirus testers at AV-Test Institute and MRG-Effitas. Its web security performed well when tested under Windows, identifying and blocking 96% of harmful and fraudulent websites. Norton’s real-time malware protection, in an unexpected turn of events, extends all the way into the Google Play store and warns you before you ever download risky apps.
This software is completely cross-platform, working with Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. Its full-featured, no-limits VPN and cross-platform password management and parental control tools also function flawlessly in Android. Other capabilities include checking for insecure device settings, performing a thorough security assessment of each Wi-Fi network you join, and having a monitoring system that alerts you to potentially unsafe links.
Your Android follows you about and connects to a variety of Wi-Fi hotspots, not all of which are dependable. It’s a blessing to have VPN protection that activates when you need it because it protects your communication even if hackers control the Wi-Fi hotspot. You can get that from Norton 360 Deluxe in addition to a variety of other cross-platform features.
McAfee AntiVirus Plus
Simply scanning a QR code will install McAfee AntiVirus Plus on your Android device. When it starts, it instantly checks for malware. The user experience has been totally redesigned with the goal of keeping you informed and safe. You gain points for making a wise security choice, and there will be fireworks to celebrate. Similar to Norton, McAfee forgoes antitheft capabilities and instead relies on Android.
There isn’t a trophy room full of awards from unbiased testing laboratories for this software. AV-Test gave it a perfect score of 18, however, it not included in the most recent evaluations from MRG-Effitas or AV-Comparatives. Regardless of test results, McAfee is a fantastic option because of its fantastic unrestricted licensing. You can install McAfee security on all of your family’s Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS devices thanks to your subscription.
Trend Micro Maximum Security
The Android version of Trend Micro Maximum Security was put to the test by experts at AV-Test Institute and AV-Comparatives, and both organizations granted it the highest ratings possible. It also received perfect scores in tests for protection against websites hosting malware and phishing (fraudulent) websites during our hands-on testing under Windows.
When you log onto a sensitive website, Pay Guard Mobile verifies your connection and device security three times. The hotspot you are using checked for security flaws by Wi-Fi Checker. The performance of your device is sped up as much as possible by System Tuner. Social Media Your social network accounts checked for privacy to ensure that the settings are proper. Similar to Norton, it scans the apps you view in the Play Store and alerts you not to download any that are iffy. The list goes on.
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