If you’re like most people, you use your smartphone for just about everything. You probably can’t imagine going a day without it! That’s why it’s so important to make sure that your device is protected from viruses and other malware.
In this blog post, we will discuss the best free Android antivirus apps available in 2022. In conclusion, I will also provide tips on how to keep your device safe from harm.
So without any further delay – let’s get started.
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 MalwareFox Android |
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 Avira Antivirus Android |
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 Sophos Intercept X |
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 Norton 360 |
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 Kaspersky |
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 McAfee Mobile Security |
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 Bitdefender Android |
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Why should you trust me on this list?
When it comes to the security of your devices, you might be (and you should be) skeptical about believing anything on the internet, especially while choosing an antivirus program. So, it is quite natural that on arriving at this article, you might doubt why you should trust my list of best free Android antivirus applications.
Well though I am not professionally in the cyber security field, I have a deep interest and enthusiasm to learn different aspects and new happening in the area and therefore got a good understanding of it. Apart from that, in my profession, I need to keep my data and sensitive information protected from uninvited guests. For that, I have been using antivirus apps for a long on my gadgets such as PC or smartphone. Because of the flexibility and usability it provides, I am a proud member of the Android Army(no offense to the iPhone users), but that comes with a heavy price of poor security.
For that reason, it becomes essential to equip Android devices with a robust antivirus that can protect them from all types of threats. When it comes to Android antivirus, I have tried apps from almost every top provider due to my eagerness to find the best one that suits my need.
From my experience, I have compiled this list of the best free Android antivirus that are pretty robust and unique in their working. I bet you wouldn’t have to look further after going through this list.
How I chose the Best Free Android Antivirus?
It is hard to pick out the best free antivirus programs as there are too many options available. However, with my experience, I have listed some features that an antivirus must-have. Here are those:
Security Features
First of all, a security program should provide robust protection against malware, viruses, phishing attacks, spammy websites, etc. The other essential things that it has to do are ensuring safe web browsing and safeguarding your sensitive data from snoopers.
Additional Features
Apart from the usual security features found in other antivirus software, a few added features can make a huge difference. Although not every antivirus will provide them, having a password manager or VPN included make things easier. You can also check if they have anti-spam tools or parental controls.
Ease of Use
The best security software is the one that you barely need to think about. It should be easy to install and configure with minimal user input. Make sure to check out the interface of the security program before making your purchase decision. The interface should be easy to understand and use so that you can get the most out of it. You should also be able to run it in the background without any issues.
System Requirements
Always check the system requirements of a security program before downloading and installing it on your computer. Make sure that your computer meets all the needs; otherwise, the program might not work as expected or might even slow down your system.
Price
Last but not least, price is an important factor to consider when looking for a good internet security program. Most antivirus programs are affordable and will not put a hole in your pocket, but there are a few that can be quite expensive. Choose the one that suits your needs and budget. If you are getting all your required features in the free program, you don’t have to purchase the premium ones.
Best free Android Antivirus
Finally, here is the list of the best free Android antivirus programs, that I have compiled after extensive research and practical use.
MalwareFox Android Antimalware
Overall Rating: 9.2/10
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MalwareFox is a great option for Android users who are looking for free, effective antivirus protection. This app has been designed to protect your device from all types of malware, including ransomware and trojans. It also features real-time protection, so you can rest assured that your device is always safe. Apart from that, during my tests, I found that it was a light app with a low impact on the device and no battery drainage.
If you’re looking for a reliable and effective Android antivirus app, MalwareFox is definitely worth considering.
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Avira Antivirus for Android
Overall Rating: 9.1/10
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Avira is another highly-rated free Android antivirus app. What I liked most about this app was its performance – it didn’t slow down my device at all, even with other apps running in the background.
Avira is a well-known and long-trusted malware protection company. The mobile version has been available for almost ten years and has proven to be quite effective in protecting your phone from harmful viruses, Trojans, worms, ransomware, adware, spyware, and other malware. Avira is a great option for people who want an all-in-one solution.
In the last year alone, there were more than 200 million downloads of the mobile app, which proves its trustworthiness. The virus scanning is done locally in Avira’s cloud; this way the results are more accurate and it doesn’t consume nearly as much battery power compared with most other apps.
After an initial free scan, the free version of Avira scans new files when you install or update an app. However, it doesn’t scan existing files, which can present a security issue if you don’t install the app right away. The premium version of Avira scans all apps each time they are used and provides real-time scanning protection to keep your device safe at all times.
Avira has been named one of the best antivirus apps on the market for a number of years and with good reason. It’s efficient, effective and above all, totally free!
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Sophos Intercept X for Mobile
Overall Rating: 9.1/10
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Sophos is another company that has been around for a long time and is well-known for its effective antivirus software. Their app, Intercept X for Mobile, protects you from viruses on your device as well as phishing schemes, malware infections, spyware, ransomware, and other forms of cybercrime.
The app scans each new app as it’s installed to make sure that no virus or other harmful code is included. Before a file downloads, Intercept X immediately analyzes its content and reputation. Then it sends the results back to Sophos Labs for verification.
In addition to scanning newly downloaded apps, Intercept X scans all existing apps each time they are used and stops any potential threats in their tracks. Scan results are fast and accurate, so you can be assured your device is protected.
Intercept X for Android also protects your privacy by blocking spam calls, text messages, and other forms of harassment or scams that take place over the phone line. To make sure that no one has access to your private information, Intercept X for Android also scans your web usage to block access to malicious, phishing schemes and other harmful websites.
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Norton 360: Mobile Security
Overall Rating: 9.1/10
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Norton 360: Mobile Security is another one of the most trusted antivirus companies in the world. They were originally known for creating some of the best desktop antivirus software available, but have more recently branched out into the mobile market. Their app, Norton 360 Mobile Security, is designed to protect your Android smartphone or tablet from viruses and malware.
Using cloud-based technology, it scans applications for any known threats before they are downloaded onto your device. It also instructs you to delete any suspicious apps that may have snuck past without it knowing.
Norton 360 Mobile Security utilizes a built-in privacy advisor that scans your web browsing history to see if you are visiting any sites that may pose a threat. It also scans for spam callers, scam websites, and any other threats to your privacy.
Norton 360 Mobile Security also comes with several great features that you won’t find in most other antivirus apps. For example, it can remotely lock your phone if it is lost or stolen. This will let you prevent anyone else from using your device until you get it back. It also includes a personal data vault where you can store your most private photos, videos, and documents.
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Kaspersky Mobile Security for Android
Overall Rating: 9/10
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Kaspersky Lab is a Russian company that has been in the antivirus industry since 1997. They have both a free version and a paid version of their mobile security app, Kaspersky Mobile Security. Both apps offer some impressive features that you won’t find in most other antivirus apps.
The free version of Kaspersky Mobile Security for Android includes a mobile antivirus scanning tool that protects your device from viruses and malware. It also has a personal data vault where you can securely store sensitive files, photos, audio recordings, videos, and contacts lists. In addition to this, it has an app manager where you can delete apps from your phone as well as any data they may have left behind.
The paid version of Kaspersky Mobile Security for Android gives you a number of additional benefits. In addition to all the features that come with the free version, you also get SMS and call filtering. This allows you to block certain numbers from ever reaching your device. You can also configure the app to send automatic replies whenever someone sends you a text or call. This can be a great way to stop telemarketers from harassing you.
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McAfee Mobile Security Free
Overall Rating: 8.8/10
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McAfee is another famous antivirus company that has recently branched out into the mobile security market. Their app, McAfee Mobile Security Free, is one of the most popular antivirus apps available for Android devices.
Using cloud-based analysis, it scans applications as they are downloaded to your device to ensure that they don’t contain any known malware or threats. It also scans your web browsing history to look for malicious websites that you might be visiting. If it finds any, it will send a warning to the McAfee Mobile Security app on your other devices, informing you of the potential threat.
To keep your personal information safe, this app includes a built-in privacy advisor that looks for suspicious apps that may be using your camera or microphone without your knowledge. It also includes a lockable vault where you can store all of your most private photos, videos, and other sensitive files. McAfee Mobile Security also has an app manager feature to help you uninstall any unnecessary applications from your phone.
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Bitdefender Mobile Security
Overall Rating: 9.2/10
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Bitdefender is another large antivirus company that specializes in both traditional computers and mobile devices. They have a free version of their Android security app, Bitdefender Mobile Security, as well as a premium version that you can purchase if you want all the extra features.
The free version of Bitdefender Mobile Security for Android comes with everything you need to keep your device safe from malicious apps and websites. It comes with a virus scanner that will check all of the apps on your device for anything suspicious. It also has an app lock feature which can add an extra layer of protection for sensitive information by keeping it locked away inside the Bitdefender vault.
In addition to this, Bitdefender Mobile Security (the free version) comes with a backup tool that allows you to back up your contacts list and SMS messages to the Bitdefender servers. It also allows you to track the location of your device in case it gets lost or stolen.
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Summing Up: How to keep your Android Device Safe from Malware?
Generally, the best way to keep your mobile device protected against malware is to avoid downloading suspicious applications from outside of the Google Play Store. Apps that have been downloaded from here are verified by Google’s team of security researchers and have a much lower chance of being malicious. However, just because an app is on the Google Play Store doesn’t mean it’s not dangerous.
The best way to keep your Android device safe is to be vigilant in researching the apps that you download. You should always take a few extra minutes to read reviews and research what other people are saying about the app before downloading it onto your device. If you’re not sure about an application, don’t download it. Don’t be pressured into downloading an app just because it looks interesting or all your friends are using it.
Another way to protect your device from malicious programs is by installing security applications. For that, you don’t have to look any further as the apps listed in this post are the best in the business. These apps will protect your phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
As mentioned above, the best way to keep your device safe is just to use common sense when downloading apps, and you should be able to avoid any malware or viruses that might harm your phone.
The antivirus companies are doing their part in keeping our devices safe from malicious applications, but it’s important for you to do your part as well. Don’t let one slip through the cracks, and you’ll be sure to protect yourself from viruses and malware.
Best Free Android Antivirus: FAQs
Today, you perform almost each of your tasks on your smartphone and most users have Android OS on their device. From financial transactions to transferring sensitive data/information, most such tasks need to be securely conducted. So, to save your device and data from uninvited individuals, you must install antivirus apps on your Android devices.
YES. The Google Play Protect feature is capable of detecting malicious apps installed on your device and notifying you to remove them.
YES, Android devices can be hacked by cybercriminals using malicious apps like Spyware and Trojans.
