by Maintaining the security of your Android devices is vital since hackers are continuously coming up with new ways to steal your information. I was shocked to learn that most free Android antivirus apps do nothing to protect you from online threats.
Many failed to recognize and block malware, while others left my battery so depleted that it was pointless to use them.
I devoted weeks to testing the top antivirus programs on the Google Play market. I’ve rounded together the finest free antivirus apps for Android smartphones, tablets, and other devices to save you time.
I was disappointed that even the greatest free apps lack sufficient power. I advise using a free (but effective) app like Norton Mobile Security for the best level of security.
Best Free Antivirus for Android Smartphones
The list of the top free antivirus apps for Android in 2022 can be seen below.
1. BitDefender
Like Norton, BitDefender is a seasoned cybersecurity and anti-virus software player. After BitDefender is installed, a prompt to sign in to an account appears. Users can register and set up an account for the first time.
By using the App Lock feature, apps can be locked. A 4 to 8-character numeric pin valid for all protected apps can be used to lock apps. When using a user-set trustworthy WiFi network, the app lock can be configured to disable itself automatically.
An untrusted Internet outlet can be used with the built-in VPN (Virtual Private Network) for safe Internet access.
2. Avira
With just one specific program, Avira Free Antivirus for Android, you may receive security, privacy, and improved performance for your device. It is completely free and offers users of Android an all-in-one antivirus solution.
Android device malware, spyware, and other online dangers are checked for in apps and files by Avira antivirus. Additionally, it has the ability to find privacy holes so you may strengthen your security.
Additionally, it offers identity protection, which scans the shadow internet for possible data breaches. You also receive a VPN for safe browsing, a call filter to ward off fraudsters, and an app lock for discretion.
3. Avast Mobile Security
One of the best Android antivirus apps is Avast Mobile Security & Antivirus, which offers everything from a privacy consultant to a system optimizer to a configurable blacklist.
However, although strong, Avast’s virus protection is far from perfect. We experienced issues with Avast’s anti-theft features, and its call-blocking functionality was ineffective.
The advertisements are removed if you purchase the Premium ($2 monthly or $20 yearly) or Ultimate ($7 monthly or $40 yearly) paid tiers of Avast Mobile Security.
4. Sophos Intercept for Mobile
Since Sophos just wanted an AV-Test score, A-V Comparatives did not analyze it on Android. For real-time malware threats in March 2022, AV-Test gave it a score of 99.8%. In contrast, Sophos received a perfect score on the test for common malware.
Sophos has many important functions, such as malware scanning for programs and files, malicious web page blocking, a link checker for protection against harmful URLs, Wi-Fi network scanning, and a privacy advisor.
It nevertheless provides a very good service and has many useful features despite having a little lower real-time reaction score than the other apps. Furthermore, there are no adverts on it.
5. AVG Antivirus Free for Android
AVG Antivirus & Security for Android is yet another top-notch defense solution. With 100% protection in real-time and extensive malware testing, it received top ratings from AV-Test. Although there was one false positive, the detection rate at AV-Comparatives was 99.6%.
In part because of this, it is included here in the third position. Another drawback is that it relies on personalized advertising for financial support compared to the competition. Despite that irritation, the free Android app from AVG is quite good overall.
It has the ability to check apps and files, remove trash files, and check your current Wi-Fi network. A Wi-Fi speed test, malicious website protection, a “RAM booster” that eliminates background apps, and an anti-theft tool that allows for remote tracking and security of your phone are all included.
6. Lookout Security & Antivirus
One of the original and, for a long time, the best Android antivirus apps was Lookout Mobile Security, which has since changed its name to Lookout Security and Antivirus or Lookout Personal.
However, Lookout’s expenses can add up rapidly. The free tier is minimal; it only searches for malware and finds misplaced phones.
While some of its capabilities, including dangerous website blocking and Wi-Fi network scanning, are free with other Android antivirus programs, the premium version costs $30 per year.
7. McAfee Mobile Security
Like Avast, McAfee has many helpful features, but its free version is also replete with advertisements and upsells proposals. The anti-virus protection is adequate, if not outstanding.
McAfee Mobile Security’s most practical features, including App Lock, Guest Mode, Anti-Theft, Memory Booster, and Storage Cleaner, were phased down in the summer of 2021(opens in new tab).
With McAfee Mobile Security’s free edition, you can track each app’s data usage and use a Wi-Fi security scanner, among other useful features.
8. Trend Micro Mobile Security
Before being downloaded and installed, the Trend Micro Mobile Security(opens in new tab) app not only checks new apps for malware.
Additionally, Facebook has a privacy checker that alerts you if sensitive personal data is displayed in your profile settings.
Additionally, both independent testing laboratories rated Trend Micro Mobile Security as defending against 100% of attacks, placing it at the top of the heap at the time of writing.
9. Google Play Protect
Every Android device that runs Google Play includes Google Play Protect, and it would be fantastic if it performed effectively. Unfortunately, a third-party Android antivirus program is strongly recommended due to Google Play Protect’s poor malware detection.
We liked that Google Play Protect has a simple UI, no adverts, and minimum system impact. Other built-in functions of Android, such as Find My Device and Chrome Safe Browsing, mimic what independent antivirus programs do on the side.
The best feature of Google Play Protect is the ability to remotely disable harmful apps. Whether or whether you use third-party antivirus software, this remains the case. We advise against turning off Google Play Protect.
10. Dr. Capsule by ESTsoft corp
Dr. Capsule is a free antivirus program for Android handsets running Android 4.4 and higher. It has advertisements that support its wagon. One banner advertisement for their app can be shown in practically every tab.
The mobile security app provides WiFI security management, app lock, garbage cleaner, and energy saver in addition to real-time protection and scheduled virus scanning.
The Optimized mode’s Hyper charger, which shortens smartphone charging time with several changes, is one of the most noticeable characteristics.
