The Best Antivirus Software for Android in 2024 – Top 10 Free and Paid Antivirus Tools Tested

Just because most viruses target computers, this doesn’t mean your phone is safe. Any device that can connect to the internet is vulnerable to a cyberattack.

The best antivirus for Android will help protect your smartphone from harmful applications, keep you safe while browsing the web, and improve your online privacy by blocking tracking attempts.

We reviewed and compared the best antivirus software for Android on the market, factoring in the functionality, reliability, level of security different providers offer, and the value you get for your money.

Read on to learn how the best antivirus apps for Android, like TotalAV, McAfee, and Norton, ensure your phone stays virus-free, and what to look for when you’re shopping for Android antivirus protection.

Shortlist: 10 Best Antivirus Software for Android 2024

There are plenty of antivirus software solutions out there, and most of them offer dedicated applications for Android devices. Our research found that TotalAV is the #1 Antivirus for Android. Here’s a quick breakdown of the best Android antiviruses:

1. TotalAV — The best antivirus for Android in 2024, with excellent protection and battery-friendly application
2. Nord Threat Protection — Powerful antivirus solution that has a useful lite version, and premium VPN to boot
3. Norton Mobile Security — Popular Android antivirus with advanced Wi-Fi security and monthly report cards
4. Surfshark Antivirus — Affordable and lightweight antivirus that includes an ad-blocker and solid VPN
5. TrendMicro — Great Android antivirus offering built-in protection against online scams and fraud
6. ESET Smart Security — Robust antivirus for Android with great virus and malware detection
7. Avast — The best free antivirus for Android with foolproof malicious link blocking
8. Malwarebytes — Feature-rich antivirus for Android that includes a VPN and app lock
9. Avira — Great free antivirus for Android that includes a phone tracker and locator
10. Panda Dome — Beginner-friendly antivirus for Android that’s extremely easy to use

Top 10 Android Antivirus Apps Reviewed

Here are in-depth reviews of the best antivirus software for Android, so you can see how they stack up against each other and choose the one that’s best for you.

1. TotalAV — The Best Antivirus for Android in 2024

TotalAV is a powerful cybersecurity solution with one of the best antivirus apps for Android. It’s easy to use and super lightweight, so it won’t slow down your phone or drain your battery.

With TotalAV, you’ll enjoy the highest level of protection possible from malware, Android viruses, ransomware, spyware, and other malicious software. The antivirus will scan all files and devices as you download them, and if it detects malicious code, it will prevent your Android phone from interacting with the infected files.

This proactive approach ensures that malicious software doesn’t get a chance to infect your device and is immediately removed from your phone before it can do any damage.

In addition to real-time virus protection, TotalAV offers superb internet security. You can use it to manage your browsing history and cookie preferences, prevent tracking attempts, and even hide your IP and physical location with a powerful, secure virtual private network (VPN).

TotalAV also protects you from phishing attempts, email scams, and shady websites, making it virtually impossible for hackers and other cybercriminals to get their hands on your personal data or login credentials.

Pricing

The Antivirus Pro plan from TotalAV is an affordable option for a small family, costing only $29 for the first year. It includes features such as real-time protection and Rare File Alert and can be used on up to 3 devices.

TotalAV’s Antivirus + Internet Security plan offers more options, including a VPN. Despite the higher renewal cost, it is totally worth your investment.

Additionally, they offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to try the service with no risk.

2. Nord Threat Protection — Powerful Antivirus Solution With a Useful Lite Version

Nord is a popular VPN service that needs no introduction. However, that’s not all Nord is all about — if you’re looking for a robust layer of protection for your Android devices to keep them safe from both offline and online threats, Nord Threat Protection might just be the one for you.

It’s basically an improved version of the regular NordVPN, loaded with security features that makes it impossible for malware, spyware, or viruses to attack your system. It identifies potential digital threats and blocks them before they can do any real harm to your device. 

This anti-malware tool works almost exactly like antivirus software, running 24/7 in the background and scanning every new file you download to look for viruses or anything similar that might expose your device to hackers.

In addition to that, it blocks intrusive ads, and also protects you from accidentally visiting shady websites. After all, they both can be a source of digital attacks.

One thing you have to keep in mind is that Nord Threat Protection comes in two versions — the regular one and the “Lite” version.

The regular version protects your device even when it’s not connected to the VPN and works on a much wider range of devices, such as Android, Linux, Windows, and macOS, and multiple browsers, such as Chrome, Edge, and Firefox.

On the other hand, the “Lite” version only kicks in when your device is connected to the VPN and is compatible with only Windows and macOS.

Pricing

If you’re looking for even more security options, the Complete plan from Nord is worth considering. It includes everything from the Standard plan, as well as a data breach scanner, cross-platform password manager, and roughly 1 TB of cloud storage. The best part is that you won’t be subject to a price increase in pricing for renewals.

3. Norton Mobile Security — Popular Android Antivirus With Advanced Wi-Fi Network Security

Norton Mobile Security is a dedicated cyber security app for mobile devices which protects your mobile device from cyber threats, malicious applications, and Wi-Fi network attacks.

Norton’s App Advisor helps safeguard your device against malware, viruses, ransomware, and privacy leaks by scanning apps for malicious code and blocking their access to your personal data if it detects anything suspicious.

The Wi-Fi security feature alerts you whenever you connect to an unsecured Wi-Fi network or if the network you’re currently connected to becomes a target of a cyber-attack.

This helps protect your personal and financial information by giving you enough time to react and disconnect from a particular Wi-Fi network before hackers get their hands on your data.

If you opt for Norton, you’ll also enjoy ironclad internet security. The app will proactively monitor the websites you visit, the apps you use, the links you click on social media platforms, and all incoming emails to ensure you’re notified the second it detects anything potentially harmful or dangerous.

The best part about Norton Mobile Security is the fact that you’ll receive an in-depth monthly report regarding your device’s health. Each report features a detailed analysis of scanned Wi-Fi networks, websites, applications, and files, and it highlights device vulnerabilities so you can patch the security holes and enhance your mobile device’s security.

Pricing

Norton’s Antivirus Plus plan offers a wide range of features for a reasonable price, starting at $19.99 for the first year, with a renewal cost of $59.99 per year. It includes a password manager, virus protection, and 2GB of PC cloud backup, among other features.

With Norton’s premium plans, you can protect up to 5 devices and gain access to additional features such as parental controls, a VPN, dark web monitoring, and SafeCam. Among these options, the Select + LifeLock plan is particularly recommended and costs $99.99 for the first year or $9.99 for the first month.

Furthermore, Norton offers a 7-day trial and a 60-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to test the service and receive a full refund if you are not satisfied.

4. Surfshark Antivirus — Affordable & Lightweight Antivirus With Built-in Ad Blocker

Surfshark Antivirus offers advanced malware protection for your Android device, detecting and removing viruses, malware, ransomware, and other cyber threats.

Despite offering excellent security, Surfshark’s antivirus app is easy to use and lightweight, so it won’t slow down your phone. It will work seamlessly in the background to protect you from threats in real time, and you can also use it to schedule Smart Scans when you’re not actively using your phone.

The biggest benefit of Surfshark Antivirus is the fact that it features built-in web security. This functionality blocks annoying ads, prevents tracking and phishing attempts, and ensures that you don’t fall victim to online or email scams.

The antivirus also hides your IP and physical location, preventing advertisers, unauthorized third parties, and even your internet service provider (ISP) from monitoring your online activity.

Another reason to choose Surfshark is proactive dark web monitoring. The antivirus will notify you instantly if it detects that any of your accounts, passwords, or payment details appear in a data breach. This way, you can react in time before cybercriminals take advantage of your data or lock you out of your accounts.

Pricing

Surfshark’s 24 + 2 free months plan offers an excellent value at just $2.05 per month. It provides robust security features and a VPN at a highly affordable price point, and there are no increases in price upon renewal.

One of the great things about Surfshark is that it includes all of its premium features in every plan. You don’t have to pay more to access them.

Furthermore, they offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, which means that you can try out the service without any risk, and get a full refund if you are not satisfied with it.

5. TrendMicro — Great Android Antivirus With in Protection Against Online Scams

TrendMicro Mobile Security offers advanced protection for your Android phone and helps you improve your device’s performance with a suite of optimization features. It protects you from phishing emails and scam websites, allowing you to browse the web without fear you might accidentally click a shady link.

TrendMicro relies on a proprietary Smart Protection Network, which detects and removes all cyber threats before they reach your device. In other words, you’ll get notified if a file or application contains malicious or dangerous code, so you’ll be able to avoid it.

If you opt for the Maximum Security plan, you’ll also have access to a password manager, parental control tools, protection against identity theft, and a wealth of features that can help tune-up your system and improve your phone’s performance.

The best part about TrendMicro is that you can download it for free from the Play Store and test it out for a full week. The 7-day free trial will give you a pretty good idea of Trend Micro’s reliability and security features, so you’ll see first-hand if it’s the right antivirus software for your Android phone.

Pricing

TrendMicro offers a generous free plan that can run scans, detect malware, and much more. But should you want to access the built-in VPN, network protector, and other advanced features, you’ll need to sign up for a paid plan.

You can choose to pay either yearly or monthly, with the long-term subscription costing just $2.49/month billed annually. Both plans are covered by a 30-day money-back guarantee.

6. ESET Smart Security – Robust Android Antivirus With Great Malware Detection

ESET antivirus for Android offers a host of promising features that make it an attractive option for smartphone users. For example, the anti-theft and app lock features are a welcome addition to some excellent malware and virus protection settings.

The app lock feature is great for when you’re traveling, and you want an extra layer of security protecting your device, and we found it to be simple to use and a useful bonus. The anti-theft settings are also great and work similarly to ‘Find my Phone’ that many Android devices have.

However, the smart part of the anti-theft features here is the ability to wipe your phone, lock it, and monitor who tries to access it through the camera after several incorrect password attempts.

Other useful features include great malware and virus detection rates, payment protection settings for online transactions, real-time scanning, and a call filter, which can identify any spam calls and block them accordingly.

But the most useful feature of all isn’t really a feature at all – more of a good value-for-money deal. Despite being primarily free (with some extra features in the paid plan), ESET will allow you to cover all of your Android devices with one subscription, including tablets, smart TVs, and any other devices you might have.

If you’re wondering about any potential downfalls, you’ll have to look hard to find them. One that we discovered is that it packs fewer features than the top tools like TotalAV, and it’s not as user-friendly as Nord Threat Protection.

Overall, this is a strong offering from one of the industry’s lesser-known providers, and it does a great job of keeping your device safe, even if it is at a slightly higher cost than some other antivirus solutions on this list.

Pricing

As we referenced above, there is a strong free version of ESET you can use without paying a penny, and it offers real-time scanning, security reports, and more.

For extra features like call filtering and anti-phishing measures, you’ll need to upgrade to a paid plan, which is a little more expensive than most but makes up for this by allowing you to cover all your Android devices under one subscription.

7. Avast — Best Free Antivirus for Android With Malicious Link Blocking

Avast is the best free Android antivirus on the market, with 4.7/5 stars on Google Play and over 100 million downloads.

You can use Avast to schedule regular scans of your device and remove any existing threats, as well as a real-time shield against malware, viruses, and other harmful apps. Avast will proactively scan everything you download on your mobile device and immediately notify you if it detects spyware or adware-infected apps.

The antivirus will also scan and verify the security of Wi-Fi networks before you connect to them, ensuring your connection to the internet is 100% secure. It will also block suspicious links and infected websites, adding an extra layer of security against online scams and other threats.

The best part about Avast is that it allows you to secure your files, photos, and videos using a PIN code, a pattern lock, or a fingerprint. This ensures that even if an unauthorized third party were to get their hands on your data, they would not be able to access the files and images.

One thing worth noting is that the free version of the Avast mobile antivirus has ads. While they might get annoying, the protection you get in return is well worth it.

If you upgrade to a paid plan, you’ll remove all ads and will get access to a powerful, secure VPN that will let you bypass online censorship and browse the internet with complete security and anonymity.

Pricing

Avast offers a generous free app that Android users can download and start getting protected straightaway – all without costing your any money.

If you want to upgrade, you can opt for their Premium package, which offers you coverage across up to 10 devices and includes a VPN and password manager.

8. Malwarebytes – Feature-Rich Android Antivirus with App Lock

Malwarebytes is an easy-to-use Android antivirus that often scores top marks in malware and virus detection rates. But alongside this, it offers a few quirks of its own, including some useful extra features like Browser Guard or Exploit Protection.

Both of these features add a little more to an already top antivirus solution, with Browser Guard, in particular, coming in very handy. It works as an add-on for popular browsers such as Chrome and Firefox, protecting you from any potential malware, third-party trackers, and much more.

Similarly, Exploit Protection is another unique feature of Malwarebytes that keeps you safe from a lot of different ransomware and exploit attacks. It’s more tailored for business use, but if you have an Android device for work, it comes in just as handy.

Alongside these bonus features, you get the usual lineup of regular scans, real-time protection, and malicious website protection, which flags websites that Malwarebytes deems to be unsafe. To combat this risk, they also offer a built-in safe browser that’s great for making inline payments with added security measures.

In our tests, we found the safe browser to be a useful feature for the more security-minded individuals but perhaps not a complete necessity for the everyday person. It’s also very easy to use, and the interface is suitable for both beginners and more advanced users.

Plus, like some of the other top antivirus solutions for Android, you can benefit from a built-in VPN for safer online browsing, and it’s a touch above most bundled-in VPNs. For example, you get around 450 servers in over 30 countries, which is generous for an add-on VPN.

However, one area where we were left wanting more is with the lack of a firewall.

Most of our top choices all feature a firewall, as it adds that extra layer of security that really sets the best apart from the rest. Because of this, we can’t place Malwarebytes higher at this time, despite it being a great choice for most.

Pricing

Like many of the top tools on this list, Malwarebytes offers a free plan for Android users. Sadly, it doesn’t offer real-time protection and instead works by working on threats that are already on your device – so we’d avoid this.

Instead, we’d suggest upgrading to a paid plan, which currently starts from just $3.33/month for coverage on up to three devices – making this impressive value for money.

9. Avira — Great Free Antivirus for Android With a Phone Tracker and Locator

Avira is a renowned antivirus software developer that offers a free antivirus for Android phones. The free version of the antivirus app protects you from viruses, malware, and all other known cyber threats and safeguards your identity and privacy.

Avira constantly monitors your email addresses and accounts and notifies you if they’ve been compromised in a data breach so you can update your login credentials and prevent cybercriminals from abusing your information.

With a free plan, you also get access to a fast, secure VPN, albeit limited to only 100 Mb of data transfer daily.

Other useful features of Avira’s free antivirus include an app lock, which lets you protect your files and applications with a PIN code, a privacy advisor, and a phone locator that helps you locate and recover a lost or stolen device.

If you upgrade to a paid plan, you’ll also enjoy real-time webcam and microphone protection, as well as online protection against scams, phishing attempts, and malicious websites.

Pricing

Like most of the top antivirus apps for Android, Avira does allow you to download and install an entirely free version, giving you access to basic scanning features.

For extra security, we’d suggest opting for either the Security Pro or Prime Mobile plans, as both add extra features like a VPN or Web Protection Pro.

10. Panda Dome – Beginner-Friendly Antivirus for Android

Panda Dome is a reliable antivirus solution for Android users, as it packs a decent breadth of features alongside a highly user-friendly interface. You even get some useful anti-theft features to keep your device safe from external threats.

Straight off the bat, Panda Dome is an attractive package that makes it incredibly easy for even the least tech-savvy users to get up and running. Its bright an colorful UI is a pleasure to use, and all of the core features and nice and easy to find.

Of those features, we really liked the bundled-in VPN, password manager, and basic scanning tools – all essential features for any good antivirus app. We found the malware scanner to be pretty good, and it was mostly able to identify any suspicious files we set it up with, with the occasional hiccup along the way.

You also get some basic parental controls to help keep your children safe online, a feature we welcome with open arms on any antivirus tool. The limited but useful features included are location tracking and safe areas, as well as a safe browser feature to avoid any adult content.

Now, this isn’t quite up to the same standard as TotalAV or Norton, but it’s a decent suite of features that make this a good solution for some. Throw in some call filtering and app lock settings, and this is shaping up to be a good option for many.

However, it doesn’t boast the same advanced features as the top tools on this list, which, when you see the price below, does make it hard to recommend over other, more established options.

But if you’re looking for a simple antivirus solution for Android that’s both easy on the eye and packs a few powerful features, then this could be a good option for you.

Pricing

Panda Dome offers a decent free plan on Android for people to get to grips with the service before signing up for a paid plan. You get basic scans and a few other features, but we’d suggest opting for a paid option.

With the paid plans, you can opt for a one-year or two-year plan, with the latter offering the best value for money. All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

The Best Android Antivirus Products | Compared

Do I Need an Antivirus for Android in 2024?

There are hundreds of different types of malicious software out there, most of which are extremely dangerous. Spy apps for Android and keyloggers can give hackers access to your accounts and credit card info, ransomware might be used to extort you into paying hackers money to regain access to your data, and malware can mess up your entire system and cause you to lose critical data stored on your Android device.

If you want to protect your device, stay safe on the internet, and ensure unauthorized third parties don’t access to your personal and financial information, an antivirus is a must.

Here are the most common reasons why you absolutely need an Android antivirus in 2024:

Protecting Your Device From Malicious Apps

The best antivirus for Android is more than just a simple virus cleaner. All the antivirus apps we recommend in this guide proactively shield you from all manner of cyber threats. It’s crucial to take this preventive action and scan apps and downloads before they get a chance to interact with your device and wreak havoc.

Whenever you’re using the internet on your Android device you’re at risk of a cyber-attack, whether it’s connecting to a public Wi-Fi network. The only way to ensure your safety on the internet is with a strong antivirus for Android.

Safeguarding Your Identity and Personal Information

Emails scams, phishing attempts, and online fraud are much more common than you might think.

If you want to make sure that nobody can access your personal information, credit card details, or sensitive files (i.e. business documents), you need a strong antivirus that offers web protection.

This is especially important if you shop online from your Android device. The last thing you want is for someone to get a hold of your credit card information and empty out your account.

Preventing Fraud, Scam, and Phishing Attempts

Antivirus software scans all email attachments, flags all known scam email addresses, and blocks phishing attempts. Together with real-time antivirus protection, this ensures you’re 100% protected from malicious software and shady individuals on the internet.

Blocking Ads and Tracking Attempts

The best antivirus software solutions for Android we recommend in this guide all come with built-in ad blockers, which ensure an uninterrupted online experience.

More importantly, they block all tracking attempts, so advertisers, cybercriminals, and other snoopers can’t monitor your online activity or track your physical location.

Recovering Lost or Stolen Device

If you lose your Android device or if it gets stolen, you can use an antivirus software with phone tracking functionality to recover it.

In the event that you can’t locate the phone, you can issue a remote command to wipe all the data from the device, which prevents third parties from gaining access to your private information, images, and other sensitive data on your phone.

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Antivirus for Android

Every antivirus provider we recommend in this guide offers superb protection against malware, viruses, trojans, spyware, and other types of cyber-attacks.

Which one you should choose heavily depends on what advanced features you need and how much money you’re willing to set aside for the antivirus.

Before you make the final decision, you should consider:

How to Install an Android Antivirus

Here’s a step-by-step guide for installing TotalAV, the best Android antivirus, so you can protect your device and ensure your online safety starting today.

Step 1: Download the App from the Play Store

Open the Google Play Store on your Android device and type in “TotalAV” in the search bar.

Click “Install” and wait a few moments for the app to download.

Step 2: Create Your Account

Open the app and select the “Get Started” option.

Create your account and choose a pricing plan that suits you best.

Proceed to checkout and complete the purchase, and you’ll be redirected back to the app.

Step 3: Run Your First Scan

From the app’s homepage, enable real-time protection.

You can also run a Smart Scan right away to make sure your device isn’t already infected by malicious software.

That’s all there is to it — your Android device is now fully protected against cyber threats.

What’s the Best Antivirus Software for Android in 2024?

If you’re still on the fence and don’t know which antivirus software provider to choose, here’s a quick reminder of our top 9 Android antivirus solutions in 2024:

Our #1 choice for the best Android antivirus is TotalAV. It offers real-time threat protection, proactively scans all apps and downloads before they can infect your device, and provides superb online protection.

If you want to protect your device, block annoying ads and trackers, protect your sensitive data, and shield yourself from online scams, TotalAV has got you covered. Take advantage of TotalAV’s 30-day money-back guarantee and test it in practice risk-free for an entire month.

Android Antivirus FAQs