Best android Antivirus App in 2021 | Free and Paid App

Best Antivirus For Android In 2021

Looking for the best antivirus for Android?

You have come to the right place. We have done extensive research and reviewed and ranked all the best Android antivirus apps available on the market, so you can easily and confidently choose the right antivirus software to protect the data, privacy, and identity of yourself and your family.

In this article, we will cover the 5 best antivirus products for Android out there.

So, read this article till the end and don’t go anywhere.

Introduction

For performing online tasks, Android smartphones have become a part of our lives and daily drivers. These tasks range from social media to online shopping and mobile banking. But this ease comes at a cost. With massive storage, it’s no surprise that our Android smartphones carry a lot of sensitive data and information. This is enticing for the bad guys, who are always looking for ways to get their hands on your sensitive data. 

As Android is an open-source operating system, it can be modified to create vulnerabilities. This is a lucrative opportunity for malware creators and hackers. According to Stat Counter, Android is the second most used operating system in the world after Windows.

According to the 2020 state of malware report by Malware bytes, Android is still plagued by stealth malware and trojans. These digital threats are aimed at stealing your private data and pushing money-making ads and annoying pop-ups. Some of them are so stealth that they are not even detected by the inbuilt Google Play Protect. To safeguard your financial and sensitive data from malicious people and malware, you need an antivirus for your Android device.

Not just any run-of-the-mill antivirus, but a premium one. We highly recommend a premium antivirus suite for complete peace of mind and great value for money.

Paid antivirus software includes anti-malware protection as well as advanced security features and functions such as secure online banking and shopping, web filters and anti-phishing protection, app manager and app lock, a secure backup utility, an anti-theft utility, a VPN, system optimization tools, and more.

Free products are often lacking in terms of features and advanced protection, and most of them bombard you with frustrating pop-ups, intrusive ads, and annoying notifications. Some even sell your data to third-parties, so it’s very important to ensure your data and privacy is in safe hands.

In this article, we will cover the five best antivirus software for Android. We evaluated and judged each antivirus product on this list using five key criteria. These are features, malware protection, system performance, user interface, and pricing. For protection and performance, we considered the recent independent evaluations conducted by reputable antivirus testing labs, such as the AV-Test Institute and AV-Comparatives.

All the premium antivirus apps we have covered in this article are excellent when it comes to protecting your data and privacy. 

 

1) Trend Micro Mobile Security

Trend Micro is an excellent antivirus with excellent malware protection as well as a variety of privacy and anti-theft features.With nearly 30 years of experience in the security industry, you can trust this antivirus and enjoy complete peace of mind. Notable features included in the Trend Micro Mobile Security for Android are a Malware scanner and cleaner – which encompass a pre-install scan, web guard, and a privacy scanner.

Pay Guard mobile for banking, a Wi-Fi checker,  a System tuner, Parental controls and Utilities such as app manager and app lock, lost device protection, system health check, and secret snap. In terms of malware protection, Trend Micro uses a cloud-based Smart Protection Network and Mobile App Reputation. These technologies scan and safeguard your Android devices against malicious apps, viruses, ransom ware, crypto-miners, identity theft, and phishing. In the latest protection evaluation done by AV-Test, Trend Micro got a perfect 6 out of 6 score. This means the antivirus software detected and offered real-time protection against all the latest Android malware attacks subjected to it by the AV-Test experts.

In the AV-Test performance evaluation, Trend Micro once again scooped a perfect score, reflecting that it doesn’t impact your devices’ battery life or slow your smartphone down. Furthermore, its system tuner can drastically improve your phone’s performance. Next on, we’ll look at the user interface. Trend Micro for Android has a decluttered interface that is appealing to a minimalist user. If the required permissions are enabled, you will love the experience of using its various features.

Navigation is minimal, as all the features are within reach. And the usability is great. As for the pricing structure, Trend Micro has two subscription plans for its Mobile Security. A monthly auto-renew subscription costs $4.99. A yearly auto-renew subscription goes for $19.99. Both subscription plans carry a 30-day money-back guarantee. Trend Micro also offers a two-week free trial period after you have selected your subscription plan. This free trial grants access to all premium features, and you can cancel anytime without charges.

Besides Mobile Security antivirus for Android, Trend Micro also offers Trend Micro Maximum Security, which is a fully-featured multi-platform compatible antivirus suite. It is compatible with Windows, Mac, Chromebook, iOS, and even Android. Trend Micro Maximum Security offers protection for up to 5 devices. The multi-platform package offers powerful protection against malware, secure transactions, privacy shield, parental controls, password manager, performance optimizer, and many more. 

2) Kaspersky Internet Security for Android

 

Kaspersky is commonly associated with desktops. But it also offers one of the best antivirus suites for Android, which guarantees advanced security for safeguarding your sensitive data and privacy. The Kaspersky Internet Security for Android, also known as Kaspersky Mobile Antivirus, uses Kaspersky’s Machine Learning technology to protect you against new threats in the Android landscape. Unlike what you get on the desktops, Kaspersky Internet Security for Android offers streamlined features for protecting your phone and tablet, including: Antivirus protection, Call blocker, App manager and app lock, Web filter and anti-phishing Utilities such as anti-theft and Find my phone.

As for malware protection, Kaspersky’s top-notch malware engine ensures no viruses, spyware, ransom ware or Trojans passes it. Its real-time on-demand and background checks guard your Android device against threats. The Antivirus can also clean and block malicious apps, links, and files. In the latest AV-Test evaluations, Kaspersky Internet Security for Android got a full 6 out of 6 score for its excellent malware defenses. Performance-wise, this antivirus doesn’t slow down your Android unless it’s an old device. Generally, Kaspersky Internet Security for Android does not impact your Android’s battery life or its performance.

As expected, the antivirus product bagged 6 out of 6 points on the recent AV-Test performance evaluation. Regarding its user interface, Kaspersky Internet Security for Android sports the same intuitive desktop interface, which is optimized to work with phones and tablets. Most features are on the main page, and navigation is easy, just a few taps and swipes here and there. Additionally, this antivirus for Android doesn’t impact your device’s usability and doesn't bother you with false warnings.

 You should avoid the free version since it lacks advanced security and has limited features. The premium subscription plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee: The monthly subscription costs $3.99 per month. The yearly subscription goes for $19.99 per year. After you have subscribed, you get a 7-day premium trial, which you can cancel anytime. If you want a subscription for more than one Android device, you can buy directly fromthe Kaspersky website.

Are you interested in protecting other devices?

Kaspersky has the right products for the job. We recommend the Kaspersky Security Cloud. This product offers complete protection for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android devices. Besides being an antivirus, it offers password management, VPN, parental controls, payment protection, Home Wi-Fi security, data leak detection, and other privacy tools. 

 

3) McAfee Mobile Security for Android

 

McAfee is a well-known antivirus provider in the industry. It offers one of the robust antivirus suites for Android, called McAfee Mobile Security. This product gives you the ultimate mobile and web protection. McAfee Mobile Security for Android ensures personal safety via its security and privacy features, which include: A powerful antivirus, privacy, and security engine.

Anti-theft and find my phone module. a Safe Wi-Fi advisor tool. Performance optimization utilities – phone cleaner, data tracker, memory and battery booster. Safe web. Device security utilities – App lock, guest mode, media and contacts back-up. VPN and Ad tracker blocking. McAfee’s antivirus malware protection on Android is top-notch – it utilizes the McAfee Global Threat Intelligence security engine.

This engine’s security scan has won awards for detecting and protecting Android devices against malware, viruses, and the latest cyber threats. McAfee Mobile Security for Android also scooped a 6 out of 6 protection score on the latest AV-Test evaluations. It also got all the 6 points for performance. The antivirus doesn’t slow your phone down or eat up its battery. If your phone has performance issues, you can resolve them with the optimization utilities that come with the antivirus.

On Android, McAfee Mobile Security uses the company's signature red interface. The intuitive interface also features other colors to indicate various functionalities. Navigation is hassle-free, and the antivirus does not affect your device’s usability at all. Both the free and premium versions are included in the pricing structure. Despite having the majority of features, the free version has limited functionality and excessive in-app advertisements. We know you don’t like ads; in fact, no one does. That’s why we recommend the premium suite for better security and more features. The standard one-device plan of the McAfee Mobile Security suite comes at a monthly cost of $2.99, while the yearly subscription goes for $29.99.

The plus plan for one device costs $9.99 a month while the yearly subscription is available for $79.99. The premium plans carry a 30-day money-back guarantee. Plus, you don’t have to worry about intrusive ads or popups. If you have other devices you wish to protect, we recommend McAfee Total Protection. This multi-platform compatible suite covers Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android devices. Its noteworthy features include more utilities, identity protection essentials, and protection forthe whole family.

 

4) Bitdefender Mobile Security

 

This is another fully-featured antivirus product for Android recommended by experts in the cybersecurity industry. This antivirus offers unbeatable and absolute protection for your Android devices. As a global leader in cybersecurity, Bitdefender offers excellent antivirus solutions, which you can trust and rely on. The Bitdefender Mobile Security package for Android packs features in three distinctive categories. Under protection features, Performance features, and Privacy features.

Under protection features include a malware scanner (for on-demand and on-install scans), web protection, anti-theft tools and Smartwatch protection. Performance features include the useful Autopilot feature, and a battery saver. Privacy features include a secure VPN, App lock (with pin code, fingerprint, and smart unlock), and online accounts privacy.

Now, let’s see how Bitdefender fares in malware protection. Bitdefender Mobile Security for Android employs cloud-based malware detection technology. In the recent AV-Test evaluations, Bitdefender capped the 100% detection and protection against malware. Subsequently, the AV-Test Institute gave Bitdefender a 6 out of 6 protection score. It is the same case with performance, Bitdefender got 6 out of 6 points in the performance test as well. Bitdefender’s cloud-based malware detection has no impact on your phone’s battery life. Moreover, the app is lightweight and doesn’t hog your device resources when combating malware and other threats. You won’t notice any drop in device performance when using this product.

As for the user interface, Bitdefender Mobile Security for Android features a minimalistic interface with in-depth information about various functionalities and threats. The app offers a fluid interaction with zero hindrance regarding navigation. Everything is neatly organized, and the app doesn’t impact your device’s usability. Like the other antivirus apps, it has zero false warnings.

Bitdefender offers no free plan for Android. You get two premium subscription plans for its antivirus. The monthly subscription goes for $1.49 per month. However, the best deal is the annual subscription, which costs $14.95 per year. Keep in mind that these subscriptions are limited to one account. If you want to protect more devices running on other platforms, we recommend two Bitdefender products: Bitdefender Total Security, which covers up to 10 devices, and Bitdefender Family Pack, which protects up to 15 devices. These two products offer complete protection for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android.These suites offer advanced features like parental controls, multi-layer ransom ware protection, safe online banking, optimized profiles, advanced protection, and much more. 

 

5) Norton Mobile Security

 

Norton is known for keeping your digital life and privacy safe. With its proven track record and decades of experience, Norton has gained the trust of more than 50 million customers worldwide. In the Android ecosystem, the company offers Norton Mobile Security, a trusted app to protect your Android devices from cyber threats and malware. Norton Mobile Security for Android delivers the protection you can trust through its security and privacy-focused features. This app comes with: Android antivirus and web protection. An App advisor powered by Norton Mobile Insight, Surveillance app protection, Device and Wi-Fi security, Call blocking, System advisor and Safe search along with Privacy Report Interactive Map.

As far as malware protection is concerned, Norton Mobile Security is unbeaten. It even has the Best Android Security award from AV-Test. During the recent evaluations, Norton scored a 6 out of 6 protection score. This is attributed to its antivirus engine, web protection, and app advisor. Together, they proactively detect and protect your Android device against cyberthreats such as malware, adware, ransomware, and even privacy leaks. Norton even goes a step further to let you know when your Android operating system has vulnerabilities; this is helpful against zero-day attacks.

As for performance, Norton’s Android antivirus app isn’t resource hungry, thanks to continuous innovation and the use of machine learning. You will hardly notice any impact on your operations during scans. Additionally, it has no negative impact on your smartphone’s battery life. During recent AV-Test evaluations, Norton achieved a perfect 6 out of 6 score. The product is extremely user-friendly and offers an intuitive interface. Swipe gestures can quickly access the features and functionality.

The Privacy Report Interactive Map is also helpful as it enables you to know where your apps are sending sensitive data in the world. Similar to other apps in this list, Norton doesn’t impact the usability of your Android device. Norton offers one subscription plan for Android, which costs $29.99 per year. First-time users get a yearly subscription at the cost of $14.99 for the first year. The renewal of this subscription goes for $29.99 per year. Unlike other antivirus software on this list, Norton doesn’t have a free version for its Mobile Security antivirus for Android.

Nonetheless, the premium version comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. So there is absolutely no risk involved. If you want to cover other devices besides your Android smartphone, our recommended product is Norton 360 Deluxe. This antivirus suite offers protection for up to 5 PCs, Macs, smartphones, or tablets. This fully featured antivirus pack takes care of your devices’ security and your online privacy, and it also offers advanced identity theft protection features

Now, it’s your turn. We’d like to know your opinion about our top picks, so kindly leave a comment down below.

Which antivirus is your favorite? Leave your favorite antivirus on comment down below.

 Also Read :- 5 Best Free Antivirus Software for 2021

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