The best Android antivirus apps of 2025: Expert tested

Cyber threats were once limited to suspicious links, spam, and pop-ups. Now, we have to be aware of sophisticated malware, ransomware, malicious websites, and sketchy mobile apps. Android faces more cyberattacks than iOS. While Google recommends that you only download apps from the official Play Store, sometimes malicious apps slip through the security net. On top of that, the internet is full of dangerous software that could infiltrate your handset.

Keeping your smartphone or Android tablet malware-free may require a trustworthy antivirus app. Thankfully, plenty of options are around.

What is the best Android antivirus software right now?

The best Android antivirus app right now is Bitdefender Mobile Security. With 4.6 stars on Google Play and a solid customer base, this option provides robust security, real-time web protection, app scanning, and a host of other security features. There’s a free plan, but more security features are available for $15 per year.

If you’re looking for my favorite free plan, however, check out Sophos Intercept X for Mobile.

ZDNET has extensively tested Android antivirus apps and security tools and leans upon security expert recommendations and customer feedback in our review process. Read on for the rest of my top choices for the best Android antivirus mobile apps.

Also: Best malware removal software 2025

The best Android antivirus apps of 2025

Bitdefender Mobile Security is my top choice for the best Android antivirus app of 2025.

Why we like it: During testing, I was impressed with the app’s functionality, and I liked the initial scan prompt to check how clean my Android was from the start. However, if you’re hoping to take advantage of the built-in mobile virtual private network (VPN), I think the 200MB daily limit is far too low.

Also: Bitdefender Total Security review: One of the top antivirus options you can buy

The app’s interface is clean, and the menu is helpful for finding security features including app locking, anti-theft settings, reports, scanning, browser protection, and recommendations. You’ll need to give the app permission to protect your device and run scans.

Who it’s for: Customers like how user-friendly this app is and that it is not too resource-heavy for smartphone use. I think it’s an excellent option you can trust to keep most users’ devices safe. it should suit the majority of users.

You can opt for Bitdefender’s free antivirus option, but if you want more advanced scam prevention and the VPN, you’ll need to subscribe. Yearly subscriptions cost $15.

Who should look elsewhere: If VPN functionality and unlimited data is important to you, I would look elsewhere. Or, check out our standalone VPNs for Android.

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Sophos Intercept is a decent option for a free Android antivirus app.

Why we like it: The Sophos Intercept X user interface on Android is bland but clean and generally achieves high AV scores. Upon installation, the app will automatically scan your device’s health. You can also use the app for securely managing passwords including one-time passwords (OTP), QR code scanning, link checking, and web filtering.

Also: Best antivirus software for Windows & best password generators

I dislike the forced notification permissions right at the start of the installation process. While I understand the reason behind it, it’s been implemented in a demanding fashion. This may put off some users who just want an app that quietly protects them in the background.

Who it’s for: Anyone who wants a solid, free Android antivirus solution. Customers say there can be some issues regarding web filtering and app reputation scores, but they still appreciate the level of protection provided. While it’s not perfect, it’s still worth considering for a free app.

Who should look elsewhere: If you don’t mind signing up for an Android antivirus subscription or you want VPN coverage, check out my other recommendations.

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Avast Security and Virus Cleaner is another great choice suitable for blocking malicious web domains and sites.

Why we like it: The scans are comprehensive, and I like the app’s attractive user interface. There’s also a helpful junk remover, a Wi-Fi threat scanner, an optional VPN, and a password leak checker. I checked out a few known phishing websites, and the app detected these threats without issue.

Who it’s for: Many customers like the core features of this antivirus app including its web blocker capabilities, but some complain of resource hogging.

There are two paid plans to choose from, Ultimate and Premium. These cost around $6 per month and $5.80 per month, respectively. The difference is that the premium provides additional security features including phishing protection and customer support, whereas Avast’s VPN and ID protections are only available with the Ultimate subscription.

Who should look elsewhere: Unfortunately, to use this app and receive the first level of protection for free, you must agree to view ads. In my opinion, they are obtrusive. If this annoys you as well, perhaps look elsewhere.

There is another caveat. In February, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission announced a refund process for Avast Antivirus customers concerning an alleged deceptive marketing practice surrounding the sale of user data. As part of the settlement, Avast was required to pay $16.5 million, which will be used to fund compensation claims.

Also: Best VPNs 2025

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Malwarebytes Mobile Security has improved throughout the years, and it’s still a great option if you prize quick checks and simplicity.

Why we like it: It’s great for running quick scans, a benefit I took advantage of for years on previous handsets. In addition, the newest version of the app has a Digital Footprint service. Once you’ve verified your ownership of an email address via a verification code, you will be given a snapshot of any linked credentials involved in data breaches or security incidents.

Also: Malwarebytes review: Solid, free protection with a user-friendly interface

When you install and launch the app, you are awarded a “protection score.” Exploring the metrics behind your score includes whether or not you have recently conducted a full scan and your current settings. Don’t worry about being a few points out, as you’ll never receive the full 100 marks without a subscription.

Who it’s for: I think this app is best suited for occasional use. Open up the app, run a scan, perform a digital footprint check, and then close. Many customers seem to agree.

The free version of Malwarebytes is suitable for casual scans and use. If you’d rather opt for a paid model, you can subscribe to plans starting at $45 per year.

Who should look elsewhere: Some customers do not like the optional VPN functionality. While it is a good option for beginners or set-and-forget scans, if you want more technical control and security data, you might want to look elsewhere.

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Norton is a reputable antivirus provider known for its robust security practices and excellent protection.

Why we like it: While you must purchase this solution, security features include antivirus scanning, scam alerts, unsafe Wi-Fi hotspot defenses, app monitoring, and device health checks.

This antivirus solution, which has achieved high AV scores, comes with a VPN from 360 Standard onwards at $40 per year. During my tests, it was a fair VPN with acceptable speeds and a reasonable server network. It doesn’t reach the heights of some other VPN providers, such as NordVPN or ExpressVPN, but it works well enough.

Who it’s for: Norton constantly demonstrates excellent AV scores and has done so for years. If you want a high level of protection and a reasonable VPN bundle, this is the best option for you.

Other options for protecting devices include Plus, Standard, Deluxe, and Select Plus plans, with subscriptions starting at $30 per year to protect one device.

Who should look elsewhere: Many customers applaud the security of Norton products, but they dislike the firm’s approach to upselling and notifications. I also find this irritating, so if you want a “quiet” app, you might want to check out another option.

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To help you decide on the best Android antivirus app for you, consider the following factors:

Android antivirus app	Price	Real time protection?	App protection?	VPN?	Google Rating
Bitdefender Mobile Security	Free, $15 per year	Yes, web protection	Yes	Yes	4.6 stars, 441K reviews
Sophos Intercept X	Free	Yes, web filtering	Yes	No	4.0 stars, 47K reviews
Avast	Ad-supported, free, $5.80+ per month	Yes, web protection	Yes	Yes	4.6 stars, 7.33M reviews
Malwarebytes	Free, $45 per year	Yes, web protection	Application manager	Yes	4.6 stars, 499K reviews
Norton 360	$30+ per year	Yes	Yes	Yes	4.6 stars, 1.9M reviews

Choose this Android antivirus app..	If you want or need…
Bitdefender Mobile Security	The best Android antivirus app overall. It’s solid, secure, and has a host of useful features outside of its great web protection.
Sophos Intercept X	A free Android antivirus app. While it is limited and the interface could use improvement, Sophos’ offering provides a solid security layer for your phone.
Avast	A solid app for malicious website blocking and protection. However, it is ad-supported and some advanced features are locked behind paywalls.
Malwarebytes	An Android antivirus app for casual use. Malwarebytes has a great scanner and some useful tools with solid virus protection.
Norton 360	A reputable antivirus app with a VPN. Norton is well-known for its variety of antivirus products and you can extend protection to other devices you own.

While deciding upon the best Android antivirus apps of 2025, security comes first. However, there are other factors that need to be considered:

Reputation: We only considered vendors with a solid reputation for putting security first. After all, an antivirus solution is worthless if it allows threats to slip through the net.
Features: We like to see mobile antivirus apps offer a range of features including real-time scanning, alerts, advice and guides, and phishing protection.
Ease of use: It’s important that mobile antivirus apps are easy to use, especially as you tend to have limited screen space. We like to see solutions that are suitable for beginners and more tech-savvy audiences alike.
Updates: It’s important that app developers update their antivirus software apps frequently. Updates not only fix bugs and vulnerabilities discovered in the apps themselves but also generally include updates to virus signatures.
Cost: We have included free and paid options. Not everyone has the budget to add yet-another subscription to their monthly or annual costs, but everyone should have access to mobile security.

You don’t necessarily need an antivirus app on your Android phone as long as it isn’t rooted and you aren’t downloading APKs outside of Google Play.

Android has built-in protection, and the Google Play Store attempts to verify apps hosted on its platform for security issues. You shouldn’t rely on just one tool or phone feature for decent security. We suggest a decent AV for another layer of protection as well as a VPN.

Also: Best Android VPNs in 2025

There is a range of paid and free Android security solutions out there. Whether or not you should pay for an app depends upon what you use your Android phone for.

Free options will give you a basic layer of protection but if you need more advanced features — such as real-time scanning and app monitoring — you might want to go a step up. It’s also advisable if you are more at risk of compromise than the average consumer, such as those in civil rights movements, politics, lawyers, and journalists.

Also: Why you don’t need to pay for an antivirus in 2025

Android antivirus solutions may slow down your phone, requiring power and memory resources to run. You will likely notice a slowdown, for example, if you are running a scan for viruses and malware. However, the best solutions shouldn’t result in very noticeable power usage or changes to battery life.

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The best Android antivirus apps of 2025: Expert tested

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