9 Best Antivirus Apps to Protect Your Android Phone

Some Android users may worry that their devices could be infected by viruses or malware, which could lead to software damage, data loss, or even identity theft. Thankfully, these risks can be reduced by using a reliable antivirus app.

To help you choose, Carisinyal has compiled a list of the best antivirus apps for Android that you can try today. Curious to know more? Let’s take a closer look at each one.

1. AVG AntiVirus & Security

As one of the most popular antivirus apps, AVG offers a solid range of security features; even in its free version.

While the automatic scan feature is only available to premium users, you can still run manual scans anytime. The scan results are accurate enough to detect viruses, malware, and suspicious files hiding in your system.

AVG doesn't just focus on system protection, it also safeguards your digital identity. One standout feature is its email breach scanner. Just enter your email address, and AVG will check whether it's been compromised or accessed by unauthorized parties.

Even without a subscription, users get access to deep system scans, manual file scanning, and Web Shield, which protects you from online threats. Another great feature is Scam Protection, designed to detect and block phishing attempts and online fraud.

With such robust features available for free, it’s no surprise that AVG received the 2025 AV-Test Best MacOS Security Award for Consumer Users.

What I like about about AVG AntiVirus & Security:

• Manual virus and malware scans available for free
• Deep scan and file scanning accessible without a subscription
• Includes Web Shield and Scam Protection for safer browsing

One thing to note:

• Auto-scan is locked behind a premium subscription

2. Avast Antivirus

Avast might look familiar (for good reason). It’s developed by the same parent company as AVG, so their interfaces share a similar design. However, Avast brings its own set of features to the table.

One useful free feature is File Shield, which actively monitors all files on your device and automatically blocks anything suspicious. If you often download files, this offers an extra layer of protection.

Avast also comes with a Photo Vault, where you can store private images using encryption. Only you can access them through authentication, which makes it a great tool for privacy.

What really stands out is the inclusion of a free VPN. While server choices are limited, it’s a rare bonus that many other antivirus apps only include in their premium versions. With Avast, you get both antivirus and VPN protection in one app; no need for a separate installation.

What I like about Avast Antivirus:

• Free File Shield for real-time protection
• Encrypted Photo Vault to safeguard private photos
• Built-in VPN available for free
• Clean and user-friendly interface

Things to note:

• Limited VPN server locations
• Some advanced features require a premium upgrade

3. Bitdefender Antivirus

From the moment you launch the app, Bitdefender recommends a quick device scan and suggests personalized security settings based on your usage.

What really impressed me were the Scam Alert and Anti-Theft features, both available for free, something not often found outside premium tiers of other apps.

Bitdefender also offers web protection across a wide range of browsers, including Chrome, Firefox, Samsung Internet, Brave, Dolphin, Edge, Yandex, Opera, and even Huawei Browser. This makes it a flexible choice no matter which browser you prefer.

Another plus: the built-in App Lock feature. You can easily restrict access to selected apps without installing any additional tools.

However, note that Bitdefender’s Android app doesn’t include the full-featured password manager available in the desktop version (Total Security), which offers advanced password generation and storage.

What I like about about Bitdefender Antivirus:

• Smart scanning and security suggestions tailored to your device
• Scam Alert and Anti-Theft included in the free version
• Extensive browser support for safe web usage
• Built-in App Lock. No extra downloads needed

One thing to note:

• No password manager in the Android version (available only on PC)

4. Super Antivirus

Sometimes antivirus apps have complicated designs because they want to show all their best features. But Super Antivirus is different. Its main window has a simple design, so I don’t get confused when using its features.

Although it does not have a regular automatic scan, Super Antivirus can still run manual scans. Besides that, it includes a junk file cleaner and notification cleaner, which help keep your device running smoothly and prevent lag.

This app also shows useful information like network data usage, screen time, battery status, and device details. This information helps you understand how you use your phone.

However, the protection features in this app are quite limited. You won’t find scam protection, anti-theft, or web shield like in other antivirus apps. Instead, this app works better as a device cleaner rather than a full security solution.

What I like about Super Antivirus:

• Simple and clear interface
• Can clean junk files and notifications
• Shows data usage, screen time, battery, and device info

Things to note:

• No advanced protection like scam alerts, anti-theft, or web protection
• No automatic scanning

5. Avira Security Antivirus & VPN

You might already know Avira by its red umbrella logo. Avira was popular on desktops and now it is available for Android phones.

Right from the start, Avira suggests using dark mode to make the screen easier on your eyes and more readable. Small touches like this show Avira cares about user experience.

As an antivirus app, Avira offers scanning and web protection as basic features. But what makes it stand out is the many extra security features it has. These include App Lock, Password Manager, Microphone Protection, VPN, and Call Blocker.

However, some of these features are only for premium users. To get full protection, you might need to subscribe to the paid version.

What I like about Avira Security Antivirus & VPN:

• Dark mode available right after installation
• Many security features: app lock, password manager, microphone protection, call blocker, and VPN
• Includes junk cleaner and activity log to track scans

Things to note:

• Some advanced features only in the premium version
• VPN and password manager require a subscription

6. McAfee Security

McAfee is a well-known name in digital security. Its mobile app uses a simple design. The free version offers basic but important features like antivirus scanning, Wi-Fi protection, and personal data protection.

If you want stronger protection, especially for more than one device, the premium version is worth considering. The paid version unlocks advanced features like multi-device protection.

What I like most about McAfee is that it focuses purely on security. It does not include extra features like junk cleaners or boosters, which can make some antivirus apps slow and heavy.

What I like about McAfee Security:

• Free antivirus scanning, Wi-Fi protection, and personal data safety
• Premium version offers multi-device protection
• Lightweight app without unnecessary extras

One thing to note:

• Free version has limited features

7. Dr.Web Light

True to its name, Dr.Web Light is a very lightweight antivirus app. Its main purpose is to scan and find threats without extra features like VPN, junk cleaner, or web protection.

You can pick the scanning method you prefer. There is an express scan for fast results, a full scan to check the entire system, and a custom scan to focus on certain folders or files. This flexibility is rarely found in other antivirus apps.

Dr.Web Light also shows details about quarantined files, including their location and what threats were detected. This helps you decide whether to delete, restore, or keep the files in quarantine.

What I like about Dr.Web Light:

• Lightweight and simple
• Focused on scanning devices
• Offers express, full, and custom scan options
• Provides clear information about quarantined files

One thing to note:

• Lacks advanced protection features

8. Malwarebytes

Malwarebytes focuses on finding and protecting against harmful malware, including ransomware. On the mobile app, it shows your device’s protection score right on the main screen. A higher score means your phone is safer.

When I first used it, my protection score was ‘poor,’ which meant my device was vulnerable. Luckily, Malwarebytes gave clear advice on how to improve the score. Some recommendations included running a full scan, checking your digital footprint, and carefully analyzing all files on the device.

The app also points out minor problems, like weak settings or possible data leaks, and helps you fix them to improve security. This is very helpful, especially for users who are not experts in device safety.

One important feature is Ransomware Remediation. This detects, stops, and recovers files locked by ransomware. This protection is crucial because ransomware attacks are becoming more common.

What I like about Malwarebytes:

• Shows easy-to-understand protection scores
• Offers clear steps to improve security
• Finds small issues and helps fix them
• Includes Ransomware Remediation, which is rare in other apps

One thing to note:

• Some features like VPN, safe browsing, and real-time protection are only in the premium version

9. ESET Mobile Security

ESET Mobile Security is known for advanced threat detection. It uses a cloud-based system called LiveGrid® and machine learning to monitor app behavior in real time.

This technology helps ESET find zero-day threats, new malware that has never been seen before. Independent tests by AV-TEST in November 2024 confirmed this.

The latest version of ESET received perfect scores in Protection, Performance, and Usability. This means it can detect nearly all malware without draining your battery or slowing your phone. LiveGrid® works very well.

The free version offers only basic antivirus tools. To get extra features like anti-phishing, anti-theft, call blocking, and security audits, you need to upgrade to the premium version.

The good news is that ESET provides a 30-day free trial of the premium version, so you can try all features before subscribing.

What I like about ESET Mobile Security:

• Uses advanced detection technology
• Can find zero-day threats
• Doesn’t drain battery or slow down device
• Offers a 30-day free premium trial

One thing to note:

• The free version is limited compared to other apps with more free features

Those are our top recommendations for the best antivirus apps on Android. Each app offers security suited to different needs. Which one fits you best?