Last Updated: Apr 2026
Best Antivirus for Androids in 2026
Protect and secure your device
What Is Antivirus?
“Antivirus” refers to software that’s designed to scan for, detect, block, and remove viruses from Android devices. It can also be used on other operating systems like Windows and iOS. Antivirus works to thwart cybercriminals by comparing its constantly-updated database of virus codes to those found on your device. While it’s doing this, it weeds out anything harmful—such as malware—that it finds.
Malware is a code or program that interrupts the normal functioning of your devices. It can take control of your data—in the form of ransomware, introduce annoying pop-up ads—known as adware, invade your privacy—via spyware, and enable other malicious actions like illegal cryptomining.
Antivirus software is an important line of defense against malware. It’s often available in either a free or “paid-for" version. Free software typically uses ads to cover its costs and will most likely have limited security features.
“Paid-for” antivirus software commonly has premium security features. It may also have additional features such as parental controls. I like antivirus programs because they not only secure my computer but also provide protection for my phone.
Other precautions you can take to protect your devices from malicious software include avoiding clicking online ads and email links from sources that you don’t know or trust. It’s also important that you don’t download software from suspicious websites or install mobile apps from untrusted, unverified sources.
Why Do I Need Antivirus for My Android?
Android devices have in-built security features, such as Google Play Protect for safe app installations. However, there are legitimate reasons for considering antivirus for your Android device.
First, security patch update delays can expose your phone to the ever-evolving world of viruses. Many brands take time to deliver their software updates, meaning you may be vulnerable to cybercriminals while you wait. Smartphone developers tend to limit the number of years you’ll be able to get security updates. Because of this, you’ll have to buy a new phone after a few years to ensure your device is up-to-date and protected.
Antivirus software provides virus protection for phone devices being used to download apps from unverified sources. There have been occasions where Google Play Protect has allowed malicious apps to be downloaded. Your Android can also get infected by clicking links, opening email attachments, or visiting dangerous websites. Once a criminal gains access to your phone, they may use it to track your location, wipe or ransom data on your devices, steal your identity, and more.
Consider the Features
Antivirus for Android devices comes with extensive features to keep your phone safe. Included below are some of these features.
Virus scanning
The top antivirus companies offer a virus scan for Android, which will detect any corrupted or malicious files on your phone. It updates its database constantly to be aware of the latest viruses and prevents them from harming your phone.
Virus removal
If you believe your Android device may have some form of virus, you’ll need antivirus software to disinfect it. Whether or not you can remove the virus will depend on the type of malware that’s on your device. You may have to clean, delete, or quarantine the malicious software in a secure folder. You can search online for “how to clean a virus from Android” for further instructions on how to do this.
Anti-malware
You can remove malware from your Android once your antivirus detects it. It’s likely that your antivirus will also have an anti-spyware feature to protect your privacy and prevent unauthorized access to your phone camera.
Virtual private network (VPN)
I like that some antivirus software provides a virtual private network (VPN) to keep your browsing private and secure. A VPN works by creating a secure path between your device and the internet. This means that cybercriminals can’t snoop on your activities, know your location, steal your information, or get you to download malware onto your device.
Anti-phishing protection
The tools your antivirus software provides might also include anti-phishing protection. This helps to detect harmful sites and prevent malicious downloads from entering your device.
Anti-theft
The anti-theft feature isn’t available in every mobile antivirus software. It helps to track and recover your phone if it’s stolen. It locks your device, preventing thieves from easily accessing your data. You may even be able to wipe your data remotely.
Choose the Right Protection for Your Android
Picking the right virus protection for your devices is essential to protect your data, identity, and privacy. To remove viruses from your Android and block phishing attempts from cybercriminals, you’ll need a robust antivirus product. Here are some important things to consider when choosing an antivirus for your Android.
Check reputable companies
You can find reliable antivirus software by checking the names of reputable companies in the online security space. Once you learn about the various antivirus types available, try them out through free trials to find the best one.
Look at the cost
While free antivirus software is available, it mostly uses ads to cover its costs. That means you may be inundated with pop-up ads. If you want to avoid these, go for premium antivirus software. Confirm the price and features, and compare with rival companies to select one with the ideal components for your needs.
Select the features you want
Antivirus software offers phishing protection, virus detection, scanning, and removal, VPNs, parental controls, and more features to suit your preferences. Some features may only be available if you pay for a higher subscription plan.
Verify system requirements
Each antivirus company has developed an app with different attributes, and that will take up varying amounts of storage space on your phone. Therefore, you should verify your device’s system requirements—whether your phone can handle the size and operations of the antivirus—before buying the software.
Antivirus performance rating
Check the antivirus-industry rating to see how the product you’re considering performs. You’ll be able to see a breakdown of its attributes such as speed, accuracy, and virus removal. This will also give you insight into its ability to detect new viruses and block them.
Read online reviews
Read several reviews online to understand which antivirus would be a good fit. Ensure the review you’re reading is from a reputable source before making a decision that costs you money.
Our Top 3 Picks
- 1
Exceptional9.8All-in-one antivirus- Features - Full featured protection
- Support - 24/7/365 expert support
- Guarantee - 60-day money-back guarantee (with annual plans)
All-in-one antivirusRead Aura ReviewAura’s all-in-one plans offer antivirus and VPN protection for up to 10 devices. It also protects your Wi-Fi network along with 24/7 excerpt support for as little as $3 per month. Additionally, Aura offers $1 million identity theft insurance, online account monitoring, and social security number monitoring. Aura offers all its antivirus and VPN features in one easy app for Windows and MacOS (with VPN also available for Android and iOS).
Aura Pros & Cons
PROS
Full antivirus, VPN, and ID theft protection24/7 phone support for all usersWorks across Windows, Mac, and AndroidCONS
Limited antivirus support on iOS devicesLacks some advanced antivirus features - 2
Excellent9.2Complete protection for up to 10 devices- Features - Premium safety features
- Support - Free 24/7 customer support
- Guarantee - 60-day money-back guarantee
Complete protection for up to 10 devicesRead Norton ReviewNorton gives you easy-to-use protection with in-depth parental controls. Depending on the package, Norton Security includes full antivirus protection, firewall protection, identity and financial protection, parental controls, email and spam blocking, password manager, PC optimization tools and 25 GB online backup storage for up to 10 computers or devices.
When it comes to virus protection, while the Norton Security's detection rates may leave something to be desired, the solid parental controls and ease of use make it a great choice for users looking for average virus detection coupled with top of the line parental controls for their family.
Norton Pros & Cons
PROS
Easy to install and useProtect up to 5 devicesIncludes ID theft, VPN, and moreCONS
Average detection rates and protectionOverall, average performance - 3
Excellent9.1Antivirus for PC, Mac, Android, and iOS devices- Features - Remote firewall protection
- Support - 24/7 “priority super fast support”
- Guarantee - 30-day money-back guarantee
Antivirus for PC, Mac, Android, and iOS devicesRead TotalAV ReviewTotalAV provides users with a comprehensive defense system to protect their computer and mobile devices from the full gamut of cyber threats. The software is easy to install and use, and with a 30-day money back guarantee and very reliable customer service, trying out TotalAV is about as risk free as it gets.
TotalAV Pros & Cons
PROS
Advanced antivirus and malware protectionResolves system speed issuesIdentifies and deletes duplicate filesCONS
Lack of results from third party labs
