Best Android Antivirus Apps for 2025

While iPhones may seem ubiquitous, Android actually dominates over 70% of the global mobile operating system market. This makes it a prime target for cybercriminals looking to steal your data and money. It’s crucial to ensure that your Android phone or tablet is safeguarded against malware.

The threats come in various forms, from keyloggers, viruses, and other malware that can infect your device, to hacking and phishing attempts that aim to trick you into divulging sensitive information.

Installing an Android antivirus app is a sensible step (and taking immediate action if you suspect a virus on your device is crucial), but with the plethora of options available, it can be challenging to determine which company to trust with your mobile security.

Our top recommendation is Bitdefender Mobile Security. It provides robust virus protection along with valuable anti-theft features, a built-in VPN, the ability to secure specific apps with a PIN, and more. While Android does offer some security against malicious apps through Play Protect, and free antivirus solutions exist, additional features like identity protection, VPNs, and password managers often require payment for Android security.

Our recommendations are based in part on independent lab testing from AV-Test. In November 2024, 13 out of the 15 Android antivirus solutions tested excelled in the benchmarks. The three apps listed below utilize antivirus engines that were among the top performers in these tests, with our choices also considering value for money, features, and usability.

Best Android antivirus apps 2025: Our Top Three

1. Bitdefender Mobile Security

Pros

• Excellent malware protection
• Lots of useful extra features

Price When Reviewed:
$24.99

There are two versions of Bitdefender for Android. One is the completely free Bitdefender Antivirus app and the other is called Mobile Security for Android, which isn’t free. It costs $24.99 (currently $14.99) for the first year.

The former focuses solely on protecting your Android device from viruses, and it excels at this task. In AV-Test’s latest report, Bitdefender detected 100% of viruses without impacting the phone’s performance or battery life.

Bitdefender Mobile Security offers additional features such as warnings about potentially dangerous links in messages, app lock with PIN protection, and Web Protection that alerts you to shady websites across various web browsers. The app also includes identity protection, anti-theft features, and a limited VPN service.

While the included VPN is serviceable for basic browsing, users may prefer a standalone VPN app for more robust protection. Bitdefender Mobile Security lacks call blocking, data backup, and parental controls, but it remains a comprehensive security solution for most users.

2. Norton Mobile Security

Pros

• Top-notch protection
• App advisor warns of dangerous apps before installation

Price When Reviewed:
$29.99 per year

Norton Mobile Security, previously available for free, now offers only free trials. The premium version, Mobile Security for Android, starts at $29.99 for the first year and $29.99 thereafter. Users can also combine it with Norton VPN for added security.

Similar to Bitdefender Mobile Security, Norton scored perfectly in AV-Test’s recent evaluation, detecting 100% of threats without affecting device performance. The app provides warnings about potentially harmful messages, websites, and Wi-Fi networks, and its App Advisor feature alerts users about suspicious apps before installation.

Norton Mobile Security offers additional features like call blocking, device recovery for lost or stolen devices, and access to Norton’s full VPN and dark web monitoring service for subscribers of select plans. Overall, Norton provides comprehensive protection for Android users.

3. Avast One Basic

Pros

• Good free version
• 5GB per week VPN

Cons

• Constant nagging to upgrade

Price When Reviewed:
Free

Avast One Basic, previously known as One Essential, is a security suite from Avast available for various platforms including Android. The free version offers many features, though users may encounter frequent prompts to upgrade to the premium version for additional functionalities.

Despite requiring numerous permissions, Avast One Basic only requests access when specific features are utilized. It provides top-tier malware protection, a built-in VPN with a generous 5GB weekly allowance, breach checking for email addresses, and more. Paid versions offer dark web monitoring and expanded breach notifications.

While lacking call blocking, text message link warnings, and anti-theft features, Avast One Basic is a solid choice for users seeking free antivirus protection on Android. Premium packages offer enhanced features at competitive prices.

AV-Test data: A second opinion

In November 2024, AV-Test evaluated 15 protection solutions for Android devices submitted for certification by their manufacturers. Google Play Protect participated in the tests, with some changes in the test field compared to previous assessments.

Most products detected close to 100% of malware samples in tests, with five achieving perfect scores in both test sections. All apps demonstrated low system impact and avoided false alarms, garnering full marks in performance and usability categories.

Low system load for all apps

All apps performed well in system load tests, with minimal impact on device performance across the board.

No false alarms

No false alarms were reported, indicating accurate threat detection across all apps.

Range of functions

Security apps offer varying features, from basic protection to advanced tools like anti-theft and web filtering. Some apps provide free versions with upgrade options for additional functionalities. Comprehensive test results and feature information are available on the AV-Test Institute website.

The results table

The results table lists products based on weighted scores for protection, performance, and usability, with additional details on individual app features and pricing. The rankings reflect each app’s overall performance in the tests.

For comprehensive device protection, including Windows, iOS, and Android devices, consider the best antivirus software recommendations. Mac users can explore Macworld’s top antivirus picks for their devices.

Android antivirus buying guide: what to look for

Effective antivirus software should offer protection against phishing emails, suspicious messages, and unsafe websites. Additional features like anti-theft, call blocking, and app lock can enhance device security.

While antivirus apps can safeguard against malware, user vigilance is crucial in preventing malicious attacks. Stay alert to potential threats and avoid downloading apps from unknown sources to minimize risks.