Article
Best Antivirus for Android in 2026 - Top Mobile Security Apps
Protect your Android phone from malware, phishing, and mobile threats. Our experts tested the best antivirus apps for Android security, privacy, and performance.
Android devices face unique security challenges in 2026. With over 3 billion active Android users worldwide, mobile malware, phishing attacks, and malicious apps are growing threats. The Anti-Phishing Working Group recorded over a million phishing attacks in Q1 2026, with Android users frequently targeted.
While Google Play Protect provides basic security, it’s often not enough against sophisticated mobile threats. Independent testing from AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives shows dedicated antivirus apps detect significantly more threats with real-time protection, anti-phishing, and privacy features.
Our team tested the leading Android antivirus apps, analyzing detection rates from November 2026 AV-TEST evaluations, measuring battery and performance impact, and evaluating mobile-specific features like anti-theft and app privacy scanners.
Quick Comparison
| Antivirus | Best For | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Norton Mobile Security | Best Overall | $29.99/year | ★4.9/5 |
| 2. Bitdefender Mobile Security | Best Value | $9.99/year | ★4.8/5 |
| 3. TotalAV Mobile Security | Best Feature Set | $19.00/year | ★4.7/5 |
| 4. Kaspersky Mobile Antivirus | Best Detection Technology | $14.99/year | ★4.7/5 |
| 5. Avast Mobile Security | Best Free Option | Free | ★4.6/5 |
| 6. AVG AntiVirus Free | Best Free Alternative | Free | ★4.5/5 |
| 7. McAfee Mobile Security | Best for Privacy Features | $29.99/year | ★4.5/5 |
| 8. Malwarebytes for Android | Best for Malware Removal | $11.99/year | ★4.4/5 |
| 9. Trend Micro Mobile Security | Best for Safe Browsing | $19.95/year | ★4.3/5 |
| 10. ESET Mobile Security | Best for Anti-Theft | $14.99/year | ★4.3/5 |
Our Top Picks in Detail
Norton Mobile Security
Norton Mobile Security achieved 100% malware protection in testing, stopping all 1,200 malware attacks. The powerful App Advisor checks apps before you download them from Google Play, while secure VPN encrypts your traffic on public Wi-Fi. With web protection, WiFi security, and dark web monitoring, Norton offers the most comprehensive Android protection available.
Key Features
- ●100% malware detection rate
- ●App Advisor for Google Play
- ●Secure VPN for public Wi-Fi
- ●Web protection
- ●Dark web monitoring
- ●WiFi security scanner
Pros
- ✓Perfect malware protection
- ✓Scans apps before download
- ✓Secure VPN included
- ✓Dark web monitoring
- ✓60-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- ✗Higher price point
- ✗Some features require premium
- ✗Can be resource-intensive
Bitdefender Mobile Security
Bitdefender Mobile Security is Tom's Guide's top pick for Android, offering excellent malware protection at a budget-friendly $9.99/year. It stands out with advanced scam detection that monitors all notifications, anti-theft features that let you remotely lock and wipe your device, and even captures photos of anyone trying to access your phone.
Key Features
- ●100% malware detection
- ●Advanced scam detection
- ●Anti-theft with remote lock
- ●Photo capture of thieves
- ●Web protection
- ●VPN included
Pros
- ✓Excellent malware protection
- ✓Budget-friendly pricing
- ✓Advanced scam detection
- ✓Anti-theft features
- ✓14-day free trial
Cons
- ✗Single device coverage
- ✗Limited free version
- ✗VPN may have restrictions
TotalAV Mobile Security
TotalAV provides excellent malware detection and a comprehensive feature set for $19/year covering 3 devices. You get real-time protection, web protection, an app lock tool, device cleanup, and Total Password manager that securely stores logins and auto-fills information—though be aware the renewal price jumps to $99/year.
Key Features
- ●Excellent malware detection
- ●Real-time protection
- ●Web protection
- ●App lock tool
- ●Device cleanup tool
- ●Password manager included
Pros
- ✓Strong malware detection
- ✓Total Password manager
- ✓Covers 3 devices
- ✓Web and app protection
- ✓30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- ✗High renewal price ($99/year)
- ✗Limited free version
- ✗No real-time in free version
Kaspersky Mobile Antivirus
Kaspersky Mobile Antivirus achieved 100% malware protection, matching Norton in stopping all 1,200 malware attacks in testing. With comprehensive security features including anti-phishing, VPN, password manager, and app lock, it's an excellent choice despite being pricier than competitors—though some users may have concerns about the company's Russian origins.
Key Features
- ●100% malware detection
- ●Real-time protection
- ●Anti-phishing
- ●VPN included
- ●Password manager
- ●App lock
Pros
- ✓Perfect malware detection
- ✓Comprehensive security suite
- ✓Good free version available
- ✓Advanced threat intelligence
- ✓Cross-platform protection
Cons
- ✗More expensive than competitors
- ✗Political concerns for some
- ✗Privacy policy considerations
Avast Mobile Security
Avast Mobile Security offers exceptional value with great malware protection and loads of features at no cost. The free Android app includes Wi-Fi speed test, hack alerts for leaked credentials, network protection, a secure browser, and basic password manager—one of the most comprehensive free security apps available, with paid plans starting at $69.48/year.
Key Features
- ●Great malware protection
- ●Wi-Fi speed test
- ●Hack alerts
- ●Network protection
- ●Secure browser
- ●Basic password manager
Pros
- ✓Completely free version
- ✓Loads of free features
- ✓Wi-Fi security scanner
- ✓Hack alert notifications
- ✓No credit card required
Cons
- ✗Ads in free version
- ✗Past privacy concerns
- ✗Frequent upgrade prompts
AVG AntiVirus Free
AVG AntiVirus Free is an ad-supported security app that appears identical to Avast (same parent company) in functionality. It includes anti-malware, safe browsing, app audit, Wi-Fi security, data leak checker, and photo vault—providing comprehensive free protection for users who don't mind ads.
Key Features
- ●Anti-malware protection
- ●Safe browsing
- ●App audit
- ●Wi-Fi security
- ●Data leak checker
- ●Photo vault
Pros
- ✓Completely free
- ✓Same engine as Avast
- ✓Comprehensive features
- ✓App audit tool
- ✓Photo vault protection
Cons
- ✗Ad-supported
- ✗Owned by Avast
- ✗Limited premium features
McAfee Mobile Security
McAfee Mobile Security stands out for covering unlimited devices at $29.99/year, making it perfect for families. With anti-malware protection, secure VPN, anti-theft features, app privacy scanner, and Guest Mode, it offers solid security—though it may slow down older Android devices during scans.
Key Features
- ●Anti-malware protection
- ●Secure VPN
- ●Anti-theft features
- ●App privacy scanner
- ●Wi-Fi security
- ●Guest Mode
Pros
- ✓Covers unlimited devices
- ✓Privacy scanner included
- ✓Secure VPN
- ✓Anti-theft protection
- ✓Good for large families
Cons
- ✗Can slow older devices
- ✗Interface complexity
- ✗Aggressive renewal pricing
Malwarebytes for Android
Malwarebytes for Android specializes in malware detection and removal with privacy-focused features. For $11.99/year, you get malware and ransomware protection, privacy audit, link checking, and app permission review—all in a lightweight, ad-free interface. While it has fewer features than full security suites, it excels at what it does.
Key Features
- ●Malware and ransomware detection
- ●Privacy audit
- ●Link checking
- ●App permission review
- ●Real-time protection
- ●Ad-free experience
Pros
- ✓Excellent malware removal
- ✓Privacy-focused features
- ✓Lightweight and fast
- ✓No ads
- ✓Simple interface
Cons
- ✗Limited features vs competitors
- ✗No VPN included
- ✗Single device only
Trend Micro Mobile Security
Trend Micro Mobile Security uses AI-powered malware detection with strong web protection. Web Guard blocks malicious sites while Pay Guard secures banking apps. With Wi-Fi checker, app privacy scanner, and lost device locator for $19.95/year, it's ideal for users prioritizing safe browsing and banking security.
Key Features
- ●AI-powered malware detection
- ●Web Guard protection
- ●Pay Guard for banking
- ●Wi-Fi checker
- ●App privacy scanner
- ●Lost device locator
Pros
- ✓Strong web protection
- ✓Banking protection
- ✓AI malware detection
- ✓App privacy scanner
- ✓30-day free trial
Cons
- ✗Single device coverage
- ✗Higher price for features
- ✗Limited VPN features
ESET Mobile Security
ESET Mobile Security excels at anti-theft protection with remote control capabilities, plus proactive malware detection, anti-phishing, app lock, security audit, and network inspector for $14.99/year. It's lightweight and efficient, though single-device coverage and lack of VPN may be limiting for some users.
Key Features
- ●Proactive malware detection
- ●Anti-theft with remote control
- ●Anti-phishing
- ●App lock
- ●Security audit
- ●Network inspector
Pros
- ✓Excellent anti-theft features
- ✓Lightweight design
- ✓Good malware detection
- ✓Network security audit
- ✓30-day free trial
Cons
- ✗Single device only
- ✗No VPN included
- ✗Fewer features than competitors
How We Test Android Antivirus Apps
Our Android antivirus testing methodology focuses on mobile-specific threats and real-world usage:
Malware Detection Testing
We rely on independent labs specializing in mobile security:
- AV-TEST: November 2026 evaluation of 12 Android security products
- AV-Comparatives: Mobile Security Review 2026 with real-world threats
- Real-world malware: Testing against actual Android trojans and malicious apps
- Zero-day protection: Detection of previously unknown mobile threats
Performance and Battery Impact
We measure how apps affect Android device performance:
- Battery consumption during active scans
- Background monitoring resource usage
- Impact on app launch times
- Memory usage and system responsiveness
- Performance on older Android devices
Mobile-Specific Features
We evaluate features designed for Android:
- Anti-theft: Remote lock, wipe, and device location
- App scanning: Pre-download app risk assessment
- Privacy audit: App permission reviews and data leak detection
- Wi-Fi security: Public network protection and VPN quality
- Safe browsing: Phishing and malicious website blocking
Usability and Interface
Mobile apps need excellent user experience:
- Interface clarity on small screens
- Setup process simplicity
- False positive rate
- Alert clarity and usefulness
- Customer support accessibility
Understanding Android Security
Android-Specific Threats
Modern Android devices face unique mobile threats:
- Malicious apps: Trojans disguised as legitimate apps, even on Google Play
- Phishing attacks: SMS phishing (smishing) and mobile browser threats
- Adware: Persistent mobile adware that hijacks browsers
- Spyware: Apps that secretly monitor your activity
- Ransomware: Encrypts phone data and demands payment
- Network attacks: Threats on public Wi-Fi and unsecured networks
Why Android Needs Antivirus
Android’s open ecosystem, while flexible, creates security challenges:
- Google Play vulnerabilities: Malicious apps occasionally slip through Google’s vetting
- Third-party app stores: Sideloaded apps carry higher risks
- Phishing sophistication: Mobile phishing attacks target banking and social media
- Public Wi-Fi risks: Unprotected connections expose sensitive data
- Lost device threats: Physical access to unlocked phones
Cost Considerations
Android security apps range from free to $15-50/year. Free apps provide basic protection but often lack:
- Real-time web protection
- VPN for public Wi-Fi
- Identity theft monitoring
- Advanced anti-theft features
- Premium customer support
Paid versions ($10-30/year) offer significantly better comprehensive protection and peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Android phones need antivirus apps?
Yes, Android devices benefit significantly from dedicated antivirus apps in 2026. While Google Play Protect provides basic security, independent AV-TEST evaluations show dedicated antivirus apps detect significantly more threats. With over a million phishing attacks in Q1 2026 and malicious apps occasionally slipping through Google’s vetting, third-party protection is essential for comprehensive security.
Will antivirus drain my Android battery?
Modern Android antivirus apps are designed for minimal battery impact. Top solutions like Bitdefender and Norton use efficient background scanning that doesn’t noticeably affect battery life. Full scans may temporarily increase battery consumption, but they typically run during charging periods. Real-time protection runs efficiently in the background without draining resources.
What’s the best free Android antivirus?
Avast Mobile Security offers the most comprehensive free protection with great malware detection, Wi-Fi security scanner, hack alerts, network protection, secure browser, and basic password manager. AVG AntiVirus Free (same parent company) is nearly identical. For users willing to pay, Bitdefender at $9.99/year offers exceptional value with advanced scam detection and anti-theft features.
Can antivirus protect against phishing on Android?
Yes, quality Android antivirus includes anti-phishing protection that blocks malicious websites in mobile browsers. Norton, Bitdefender, and TotalAV all include real-time web protection. However, you should still exercise caution with suspicious SMS messages and links—antivirus complements but doesn’t replace security awareness, especially for smishing (SMS phishing) attacks.
How do anti-theft features work?
Anti-theft features let you remotely control your lost or stolen Android device. You can locate your phone on a map, remotely lock it, wipe all data, and some apps like Bitdefender even capture photos of anyone trying to access your locked device. These features work through web portals accessible from any browser after you sign in to your account.
Do I need a VPN on my Android?
A VPN is essential when using public Wi-Fi at coffee shops, airports, or hotels. VPNs encrypt your internet traffic, protecting sensitive data like passwords and banking information from network eavesdropping. Many antivirus apps include VPN—Norton offers unlimited VPN data, while others may have daily limits (Bitdefender offers 200MB/day in basic plans).
Can Android antivirus remove existing malware?
Yes, quality Android antivirus can detect and remove most mobile malware infections. Apps like Malwarebytes particularly excel at removing stubborn infections, adware, and potentially unwanted programs (PUPs). However, prevention is more effective than cleanup—install antivirus before infection occurs, and always scan apps before downloading.
Are paid Android antivirus apps worth it?
Paid Android antivirus apps ($10-30/year) provide significantly more value than free versions. You get real-time protection, VPN for public Wi-Fi security, anti-theft features, app privacy scanners, no ads, and premium customer support. For the price of one coffee per month, paid antivirus offers comprehensive mobile security and peace of mind.