Choosing an antivirus for an Android smartphone is important: we are talking about the most widely used mobile operating system in the world and, therefore, also the most susceptible to attacks. According to the latest estimates, out of every 10 smartphones, at least 8 use Android .
Google’s famous green robot is undoubtedly the most used mobile system because the terminals have more affordable prices than Apple’s. Being so famous usually also means being the target of many attacks, infections or viruses that find a fertile ground in Android to sow their threats.
If you use your smartphone a lot, or if you often install new applications or games (especially for children), then an antivirus is essential , and in this article we will guide you in choosing the one that suits you best, showing the strong points, the main properties and the additional functionalities of each one.
Why should you install an antivirus?
Often when people think of a computer virus, they don’t give it the correct meaning, and think that there is only one type. However, this reasoning is wrong, since there are several types, all different from each other.
If you have never heard of malware , spyware, phishing, adware, keyloggers (and many others), you should know that even if you have not heard of them, they exist and are quite dangerous at times.
In addition, we must tell you that the first remedy against all types of viruses is you. Paying proper attention, in fact, you will see that you will eliminate most of the risks of encountering all kinds of viruses or malicious files.
An example? As you know, many applications that are not found in the Play Store can be easily downloaded and installed on your device through files called APK (Android Package). Most of these apps, however, have been removed from the Play Store for some reason.
This is where antivirus software comes in: an application capable of recognizing and removing certain potentially harmful programs or activities. But not all antiviruses are the same: which one should you download to have complete protection and use your smartphone with complete peace of mind?
Avira Antivirus Security
If you want a reliable, complete and functional application, you cannot do without Avira Antivirus Security . With it, you can scan your smartphone or tablet for viruses and other malicious programs, and not only that: Avira also offers advanced protection for your personal files and your privacy (warning you of possible vulnerabilities).
Furthermore, it is capable of recognizing possible ransomware attacks that could lock your personal data in exchange for a monetary ransom. As if all this were not enough, the application offers protection in case of loss/theft of the smartphone, blacklists and remote management of all the devices on which Avira is installed.
ESET Mobile Security & Antivirus
ESET Mobile Security is another great alternative to keep your Android smartphone safe. ESET offers many advanced features , and the premium version is even more attractive. Among the free services, don’t lose sight of antimalware and antiphishing control for online purchases, anti-theft system and GPS tracking of the device and filtering of potentially malicious websites.
Bitdefender Mobile Security & Antivirus
Bitdefender is, without a doubt, one of the most widely used antiviruses on both PCs and smartphones. Being, in fact, complete and reliable, it has captured the attention and sympathy of a large segment of users around the world.
Bitdefender is an antivirus for Android that stands out for its ability to detect malware , that is, potentially harmful applications or behaviors, thanks to its constantly updated virus database.
In addition to this, it is capable of performing many other functions, such as acting as an anti-theft device, blocking applications, ensuring web security , and performing email security scanning.
AVG Antivirus
With over 100 million downloads , AVG is among the most popular antiviruses for Android. The software, best known for its use on PCs, will guarantee maximum security for both the files and applications installed on your device, as well as when browsing the web and shopping online.
In addition to the classic functions known to all. AVG also offers some extra features like Wi-Fi network scanning , app lock and a handy anti-theft system.
Lookout | Antivirus + Seguridad
In the list of the best free antiviruses for Android, it is impossible not to mention Lookout , which, with its constantly updated virus database, will always be able to detect the threats you are exposed to while downloading apps or browsing the Internet .
Among the free functions there is also the location of your smartphone in case of loss/theft by saving the GPS position before it is turned off or downloaded. In addition, there is also a premium version that provides the user with many additional features.
Avast Mobile Security
Another antivirus that could not be missing is Avast Mobile Security , which has more than 100 million installations and a very high number of positive comments in the Play Store. This is because Avast offers many features, such as call and app blocking, an anti-theft system, and WiFi and web protection .
But the thing does not end there because Avast also allows you to clean the memory of residual files or as we know it more traditionally (junk files) and free up RAM so that the device has better performance.