Q: What are the best free antivirus apps for Android?

My top recommendations are Norton Mobile Security (not 100% free, but it has a 60-day money-back guarantee) and TotalAV Mobile Security (good range of free features). Norton provides excellent antivirus protection along with a number of other useful features, including dark web monitoring (by far the best dark web monitoring of any antivirus app) and a fast VPN with unlimited browsing data, whereas TotalAV has data breach scanning and a secure browser.

Question 1

Are free Android antivirus apps safe?

Accepted Answer

The ones on this list are all safe. I’ve thoroughly tested these apps, and they’re all legitimate, safe, and work exactly as promised. Each app comes from a brand with a strong reputation for creating excellent cybersecurity products. My top pick, Norton Mobile Security, is produced by a company with millions of users worldwide and decades of experience in the cybersecurity industry.

Question 2

What are the risks of using a free Android antivirus?

Accepted Answer

Android devices are highly susceptible to malware and security breaches. Without a comprehensive antivirus program, you’re at risk of falling victim to phishing attacks, ransomware, spyware, potentially unwanted apps, unsafe Wi-Fi connections, and more.

That’s why I advise against relying solely on a free antivirus app on your Android device. I’ve found that free antivirus apps for Android often lack essential security features like web protection or only come with very limited privacy tools — for example, Avira‘s free VPN limits users to 500 MB of data per day, so you can’t always protect your privacy or secure your data (especially on public Wi-Fi networks).

Honestly, I always recommend paid antivirus software — the best premium antiviruses on the market offer a comprehensive set of internet security tools, including a firewall, phishing protection, Wi-Fi monitoring, web protection, parental controls, a VPN, a password manager, and lots more.

Question 3

Will an Android antivirus drain my battery?

Accepted Answer

The impact of an Android antivirus on battery life can vary widely based on the antivirus software itself and how it’s configured. Some antivirus apps such as Norton and Bitdefender are known for being energy-efficient and have a minimal impact on battery life, while others can be more resource-intensive and may drain the battery quicker. Features like real-time scanning, cloud-based scanning, and frequent updates can contribute to higher battery usage.

Question 4

Do I need an antivirus on my Android phone?

Accepted Answer

The short answer is — yes! When compared to other platforms like iOS, Android isn’t all that secure of an operating system. Android OS is notable for having tons of indie developers, coders, and modders around the globe. Unfortunately, this also makes it a playground for hackers.

Ransomware, spyware, cryptojacking software, surveillance apps, and other malware compromise Android users every single day. Android users also face risks from phishing sites, smishing links, and even pickpockets.

If you can’t afford a premium app, you should at least protect yourself with an effective free tool, like Bitdefender.

Question 5

What kind of features can you get with an Android antivirus app?

Accepted Answer

In addition to detecting and removing malware, a free Android antivirus app can:

Keep your personal information private (I recommend taking advantage of Norton Mobile Security, which has a 60-day money-back guarantee).
Ensure you’re connected to a secure Wi-Fi network (Norton can also do this).
Prevent loss or theft of your device (Avira’s free Android app has some particularly effective anti-theft tools).

Most antivirus apps also offer additional paid premium features, and for every free app out there, there are dozens more premium apps. If your phone contains sensitive info that you don’t want getting out, it’s always better to go with a low-cost premium option like Norton.

Question 6

What are the best free antivirus apps for Android?

Accepted Answer

My top recommendations are Norton Mobile Security (not 100% free, but it has a 60-day money-back guarantee) and TotalAV Mobile Security (good range of free features).

Norton provides excellent antivirus protection along with a number of other useful features, including dark web monitoring (by far the best dark web monitoring of any antivirus app) and a fast VPN with unlimited browsing data, whereas TotalAV has data breach scanning and a secure browser.

Question 7

Are free Android antiviruses good?

Accepted Answer

Some are, but most aren’t. There are lots of free Android apps that you definitely don’t want on your phone. Lots of them will sell your personal data while doing little to enhance your security. Some are just straight-up spyware. But there are a few which have genuinely effective features and don’t share any significant user data, like Bitdefender.

Question 8

Which free Android antiviruses should I avoid?

Accepted Answer

Free antivirus apps may seem like an attractive option to protect your Android from malware, but there are certain free products you should avoid. There are even fake antivirus apps that are actually malicious files themselves!

You should watch out for these fake apps in particular:

Antivirus, Super Cleaner.
Powerful Cleaner, Antivirus.
Center Security – Antivirus.
Mister Phone Cleaner.
Kylhavy Mobile Security.
Atom Clean-Booster, Antivirus.
Alpha Antivirus, Cleaner.

However, there are bound to be others on the market, so a bit of caution is needed — only download antiviruses from trusted sources like the Google Play Store and always check app ratings and reviews before downloading. It’s also a good idea to use a reliable security solution that can protect your device from threats, such as Norton Mobile Security for Android.

Question 9

Can Android devices be hacked?

Accepted Answer

Android firmware is designed to be more flexible and customizable compared to alternative firmware versions, such as iOS, but this also opens the door to hackers and malware — it’s much easier to design and distribute malware to Android devices, partly due to flaws in the operating system, and also because Android app stores are often less regulated, especially when compared to Apple’s App Store (which is notorious for its stringent security tests).

To protect yourself against malicious apps, I recommend using Norton Mobile Security. Not only does it have a powerful malware scanner, but it also alerts you to suspicious apps before you download and install them.

Question 10

Can I use a free Android antivirus on a Chromebook?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can use a free Android antivirus on a Chromebook. Thanks to the Google Play Store access on most Chromebooks, Android antivirus apps like TotalAV can be installed and used for basic protection. However, remember that while they add a level of protection, these free versions may not provide comprehensive coverage against all types of malware or advanced threats.

Question 11

Can a free antivirus detect and remove malware?

Accepted Answer

A free antivirus can detect and remove many types of malware. Apps such as Bitdefender had strong malware detection and removal capabilities in my tests. That said, it’s important to note that while free antivirus apps can provide a decent level of protection, they typically offer fewer features and less comprehensive protection than their paid counterparts. For complete peace of mind, a premium antivirus app is the wiser choice.

Question 12

Does Android have a built-in antivirus?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Android does have a built-in system for detecting and dealing with threats known as Google Play Protect. It scans apps on the Google Play Store for any signs of malware before you download them and periodically checks your device for potentially harmful apps. However, Google Play Protect doesn’t provide the same level of protection as dedicated antivirus apps like Norton. Its malware detection rates are generally lower, and it lacks important features that dedicated apps provide, such as real-time protection, phishing protection, and extra security tools. For these reasons, I’d recommend supplementing it with a reliable antivirus app.

Hazel Shaw

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