In the digital age, securing your smartphone is as crucial as locking your front door. With the increasing number of cyber threats, having a reliable antivirus is a necessity. But, what is the best antivirus for Android that doesn’t slow down your phone after scanning? Let’s dive in and find out.
Why You Need an Antivirus for Android
Android is the most popular mobile operating system in the world, with over 3 billion active devices. However, this also makes it a prime target for hackers, cybercriminals, and malicious apps. According to a report by AV-TEST, a leading independent security institute, there were over 20 million new Android malware samples detected in 2023. That means there are more than 50,000 new Android threats every day!
Some of the common Android malware types are:
- Viruses: Programs that infect other files and apps and spread across devices.
- Worms: Programs that replicate themselves and consume network bandwidth and device resources.
- Spyware: Programs that monitor your online activity, collect your personal data, and send it to third parties.
- Ransomware: Programs that encrypt your files and demand a ransom to unlock them.
- Adware: Programs that display unwanted ads on your device and redirect you to malicious websites.
- Trojans: Programs that disguise themselves as legitimate apps but perform malicious actions in the background.
These malware can cause serious damage to your Android device and compromise your privacy and security. They can:
- Steal your passwords, credit card details, contacts, photos, and other sensitive information.
- Access your microphone, camera, GPS, and other permissions without your consent.
- Drain your battery, slow down your device, and consume your data plan.
- Display annoying pop-ups, banners, and notifications that interrupt your user experience.
- Redirect you to phishing websites that try to trick you into revealing your personal or financial information.
- Lock your device or encrypt your files and demand a ransom to restore them.
To protect your Android device and your data from these malware, you need a reliable antivirus app that can detect and remove them in real time. However, not all antivirus apps are created equal. Some of them are ineffective, intrusive, or even harmful. Some of them may slow down your device, drain your battery, or collect your data for advertising purposes. Some of them may even contain malware themselves!
That's why you need to be careful when choosing an antivirus app for your Android device. You need to consider several factors, such as:
- Malware detection rate: How well the app can identify and block new and existing malware threats.
- System impact: How much the app affects your device's performance, battery life, and data usage.
- User interface: How easy and intuitive the app is to use and customize.
- Extra features: What additional security and optimization tools the app offers, such as VPN, anti-theft, app lock, Wi-Fi security, etc.
- Customer support: How responsive and helpful the app's support team is.
- Price: How much the app costs and what value it provides for your money.
To help you make an informed decision, I have reviewed and ranked the top 10 Android antivirus apps in 2024, based on these criteria. I have also included the pros and cons of each app, as well as the links to their official websites and Google Play Store pages. Here are the best antivirus apps for Android that don't slow down your phone much after scanning:
Top 10 Android Antivirus Apps in 2024
1. Norton Mobile Security
Norton Mobile Security is the best antivirus app for Android in 2024. It offers advanced malware protection and more internet security features than any other app on the market. It has a perfect 100% malware detection rate, according to AV-TEST, and a very low system impact, according to PCMag. It also has a user-friendly interface and a 14-day free trial.
Some of the features that Norton Mobile Security offers are:
- App advisor: Scans apps before you download them and warns you about malicious or risky apps.
- Anti-phishing protection: Blocks phishing websites and malicious links that try to steal your personal or financial information.
- Wi-Fi monitoring: Alerts you about unsafe or compromised Wi-Fi networks and protects your online activity from hackers and snoopers.
- Identity theft protection: Monitors your personal information and alerts you about potential identity theft or fraud (available only in the US and with the 360 plans).
- VPN: Encrypts your internet traffic and hides your IP address, location, and online activity from third parties (available only with the 360 plans).
Norton Mobile Security is not free, but it has a 14-day free trial that lets you try all of its premium features. After the trial, you can choose from three subscription plans:
- Norton Mobile Security for Android: $14.99/year for one device.
- Norton 360 Standard: $39.99/year for one device, plus identity theft protection and VPN.
- Norton 360 Deluxe: $49.99/year for up to five devices, plus identity theft protection, VPN, parental controls, and cloud backup.
Pros:
- Perfect malware detection rate.
- Low system impact.
- User-friendly interface.
- 14-day free trial.
- Lots of extra features.
Cons:
- Not free.
- Identity theft protection and VPN only available in the US and with the 360 plans.
Norton Mobile Security: Official website | Google Play Store
2. Bitdefender Mobile Security
Bitdefender Mobile Security is another excellent antivirus app for Android. It has a very high malware detection rate, according to AV-TEST, and a very low system impact, according to PCMag. It also has a simple and elegant interface and a 14-day free trial.
Some of the features that Bitdefender Mobile Security offers are:
- Malware scanner: Scans your device for malware and removes it with one tap.
- VPN: Encrypts your internet traffic and hides your IP address, location, and online activity from third parties (200 MB/day for free, unlimited with the premium plan).
- Web protection: Blocks phishing websites and malicious links that try to steal your personal or financial information.
- Anti-theft: Locates, locks, wipes, or triggers an alarm on your lost or stolen device remotely.
- App lock: Protects your sensitive apps with a PIN or fingerprint.
Bitdefender Mobile Security is not free, but it has a 14-day free trial that lets you try all of its premium features. After the trial, you can choose from two subscription plans:
- Bitdefender Mobile Security for Android: $14.99/year for one device.
- Bitdefender Total Security: $44.99/year for up to five devices, plus antivirus for Windows, Mac, and iOS, and more features.
Pros:
- High malware detection rate.
- Low system impact.
- Simple and elegant interface.
- 14-day free trial.
- VPN included.
Cons:
- Not free.
- VPN limited to 200 MB/day for free.
Bitdefender Mobile Security: Official website | Google Play Store
3. McAfee Mobile Security
McAfee Mobile Security is a popular and trusted antivirus app for Android. It has a good malware detection rate, according to AV-TEST, and a moderate system impact, according to PCMag. It also has a colorful and customizable interface and a 7-day free trial.
Some of the features that McAfee Mobile Security offers are:
- Malware scanner: Scans your device for malware and removes it with one tap.
- Wi-Fi security: Scans Wi-Fi networks for vulnerabilities and protects your online activity from hackers and snoopers.
- App privacy: Checks your apps for permissions and data usage and helps you manage them.
- Anti-theft: Locates, locks, wipes, or triggers an alarm on your lost or stolen device remotely.
- Guest mode: Creates a separate profile for your guests or kids with limited access to your apps and data.
McAfee Mobile Security is not free, but it has a 7-day free trial that lets you try all of its premium features. After the trial, you can choose from two subscription plans:
- McAfee Mobile Security for Android: $29.99/year for one device.
- McAfee Total Protection: $34.99/year for up to five devices, plus antivirus for Windows, Mac, and iOS, and more features.
Pros:
- Good malware detection rate.
- Colorful and customizable interface.
- 7-day free trial.
- Wi-Fi security and app privacy features.
Cons:
- Not free.
- Moderate system impact.
McAfee Mobile Security: Official website | Google Play Store
4. TotalAV Mobile Security
TotalAV Mobile Security is a powerful and comprehensive antivirus app for Android. It has a decent malware detection rate, according to AV-TEST, and a low system impact, according to PCMag. It also has a modern and intuitive interface and a 7-day free trial.
Some of the features that TotalAV Mobile Security offers are:
- Malware scanner: Scans your device for malware and removes it with one tap.
- VPN: Encrypts your internet traffic and hides your IP address, location, and online activity from third parties (unlimited with the premium plan).
- Safe browsing: Blocks phishing websites and malicious links that try to steal your personal or financial information.
- Photo vault: Hides your private photos and videos behind a PIN or fingerprint.
- Junk cleaner: Removes unnecessary files and cache that slow down your device and free up storage space.
TotalAV Mobile Security is not free, but it has a 7-day free trial that lets you try all of its premium features. After the trial, you can choose from two subscription plans:
- TotalAV Mobile Security for Android: $19.99/year for one device.
- TotalAV Antivirus Pro: $29.99/year for up to three devices, plus antivirus for Windows, Mac, and iOS, and more features.
Pros:
- Decent malware detection rate.
- Low system impact.
- Modern and intuitive interface.
- 7-day free trial.
- VPN and photo vault features.
Cons:
- Not free.
- No anti-theft or app lock features.
TotalAV Mobile Security: Official website | Google Play Store
5. Kaspersky Internet Security for Android
Kaspersky Internet Security for Android is a well-known and respected antivirus app for Android. It has a high malware detection rate, according to AV-TEST, and a low system impact, according to PCMag. It also has a sleek and minimalist interface and a 30-day free trial.
Some of the features that Kaspersky Internet Security for Android offers are:
- Malware scanner: Scans your device for malware and removes it with one tap.
- Anti-phishing protection: Blocks phishing websites and malicious links that try to steal your personal or financial information.
- Anti-theft: Locates, locks, wipes, or triggers an alarm on your lost or stolen device remotely.
- App lock: Protects your sensitive apps with a PIN or fingerprint.
- Call and SMS filter: Blocks unwanted calls and messages from unknown or spam numbers.
Kaspersky Internet Security for Android is not free, but it has a 30-day free trial that lets you try all of its premium features. After the trial, you can choose from two subscription plans:
- Kaspersky Internet Security for Android: $14.99/year for one device.
- Kaspersky Total Security: $49.99/year for up to five devices, plus antivirus for Windows, Mac, and iOS, and more features.
Pros:
- High malware detection rate.
- Low system impact.
- Sleek and minimalist interface.
- 30-day free trial.
- Call and SMS filter feature.
Cons:
- Not free.
- No VPN or Wi-Fi security features.
Kaspersky Internet Security for Android: Official website | Google Play Store
6. Avast Mobile Security
Avast Mobile Security is a popular and versatile antivirus app for Android. It has a good malware detection rate, according to AV-TEST, and a moderate system impact, according to PCMag. It also has a colorful and user-friendly interface and a 14-day free trial.
Some of the features that Avast Mobile Security offers are:
- Malware scanner: Scans your device for malware and removes it with one tap.
- VPN: Encrypts your internet traffic and hides your IP address, location, and online activity from third parties (unlimited with the premium plan).
- Wi-Fi security: Scans Wi-Fi networks for vulnerabilities and protects your online activity from hackers and snoopers.
- App insights: Shows you how much time, data, and battery your apps consume and helps you optimize them.
- Anti-theft: Locates, locks, wipes, or triggers an alarm on your lost or stolen device remotely.
Avast Mobile Security is not free, but it has a 14-day free trial that lets you try all of its premium features. After the trial, you can choose from two subscription plans:
- Avast Mobile Security for Android: $23.99/year for one device.
- Avast Ultimate: $59.99/year for up to five devices, plus antivirus for Windows, Mac, and iOS, and more features.
Pros:
- Good malware detection rate.
- Colorful and user-friendly interface.
- 14-day free trial.
- VPN and Wi-Fi security features.
- App insights feature.
Cons:
- Not free.
- Moderate system impact.
Avast Mobile Security: Official website | Google Play Store
7. AVG Antivirus
AVG Antivirus is a reliable and feature-rich antivirus app for Android. It has a good malware detection rate, according to AV-TEST, and a moderate system impact, according to PCMag. It also has a dark and elegant interface and a 14-day free trial.
Some of the features that AVG Antivirus offers are:
- Malware scanner: Scans your device for malware and removes it with one tap.
- VPN: Encrypts your internet traffic and hides your IP address, location, and online activity from third parties (unlimited with the premium plan).
- Photo vault: Hides your private photos and videos behind a PIN or fingerprint.
- Wi-Fi security: Scans Wi-Fi networks for vulnerabilities and protects your online activity from hackers and snoopers.
- Anti-theft: Locates, locks, wipes, or triggers an alarm on your lost or stolen device remotely.
AVG Antivirus is not free, but it has a 14-day free trial that lets you try all of its premium features. After the trial, you can choose from two subscription plans:
- AVG Antivirus for Android: $11.99/year for one device.
- AVG Ultimate: $59.99/year for up to five devices, plus antivirus for Windows, Mac, and iOS, and more features.
Pros:
- Good malware detection rate.
- Dark and elegant interface.
- 14-day free trial.
- VPN and photo vault features.
- Wi-Fi security feature.
Cons:
- Not free.
- Moderate system impact.
AVG Antivirus: Official website | Google Play Store
8. ESET Mobile Security
ESET Mobile Security is a solid and lightweight antivirus app for Android. It has a high malware detection rate, according to AV-TEST, and a low system impact, according to PCMag. It also has a simple and clean interface and a 30-day free trial.
Some of the features that ESET Mobile Security offers are:
- Malware scanner: Scans your device for malware and removes it with one tap.
- Anti-phishing protection: Blocks phishing websites and malicious links that try to steal your personal or financial information.
- Anti-theft: Locates, locks, wipes, or triggers an alarm on your lost or stolen device remotely.
- Payment protection: Protects your online payments and banking transactions from hackers and snoopers.
- App lock: Protects your sensitive apps with a PIN or fingerprint.
ESET Mobile Security is not free, but it has a 30-day free trial that lets you try all of its premium features. After the trial, you can choose from two subscription plans:
- ESET Mobile Security for Android: $14.99/year for one device.
- ESET Smart Security Premium: $49.99/year for up to five devices, plus antivirus for Windows, Mac, and Linux, and more features.
Pros:
- High malware detection rate.
- Low system impact.
- Simple and clean interface.
- 30-day free trial.
- Payment protection feature.
Cons:
- Not free.
- No VPN or Wi-Fi security features.
ESET Mobile Security: Official website | Google Play Store
9. Sophos Intercept X for Mobile
Sophos Intercept X for Mobile is a unique and innovative antivirus app for Android. It has a high malware detection rate, according to AV-TEST, and a low system impact, according to PCMag. It also has a modern and intuitive interface and a 30-day free trial.
Some of the features that Sophos Intercept X for Mobile offers are:
- Malware scanner: Scans your device for malware and removes it with one tap.
- Web protection: Blocks phishing websites and malicious links that try to steal your personal or financial information.
- Anti-ransomware protection: Prevents ransomware from encrypting your files and demands a ransom to unlock them.
- Password manager: Stores and manages your passwords securely and autofills them on websites and apps.
- Authenticator: Generates and manages one-time passwords for two-factor authentication.
Sophos Intercept X for Mobile is free for personal use, but it has a 30-day free trial that lets you try all of its premium features. After the trial, you can choose from two subscription plans:
- Sophos Intercept X for Mobile: $24.99/year for one device.
- Sophos Home Premium: $59.99/year for up to 10 devices, plus antivirus for Windows and Mac, and more features.
Pros:
- High malware detection rate.
- Low system impact.
- Modern and intuitive interface.
- Free for personal use.
- Anti-ransomware and password manager features.
Cons:
- No VPN or Wi-Fi security features.
- No anti-theft or app lock features.
Sophos Intercept X for Mobile: Official website | Google Play Store
10. Trend Micro Mobile Security
Trend Micro Mobile Security is a comprehensive and reliable antivirus app for Android. It has a high malware detection rate, according to AV-TEST, and a low system impact, according to PCMag. It also has a neat and functional interface and a 7-day free trial.
Some of the features that Trend Micro Mobile Security offers are:
- Malware scanner: Scans your device for malware and removes it with one tap.
- Web protection: Blocks phishing websites and malicious links that try to steal your personal or financial information.
- Wi-Fi security: Scans Wi-Fi networks for vulnerabilities and protects your online activity from hackers and snoopers.
- App lock: Protects your sensitive apps with a PIN or fingerprint.
- Parental controls: Allows you to monitor and limit your child's screen time, app usage, and web access.
Trend Micro Mobile Security is not free, but it has a 7-day free trial that lets you try all of its premium features. After the trial, you can choose from two subscription plans:
- Trend Micro Mobile Security for Android: $19.99/year for one device.
- Trend Micro Maximum Security: $39.95/year for up to five devices, plus antivirus for Windows, Mac, and iOS, and more features.
Pros:
- High malware detection rate.
- Low system impact.
- Neat and functional interface.
- 7-day free trial.
- Parental controls feature.
Cons:
- Not free.
- No VPN or anti-ransomware features.
Trend Micro Mobile Security: Official website | Google Play Store
How to Optimize Your Android Device and Keep It Safe from Malware
Choosing the best antivirus app for Android is not enough to keep your device safe and fast. You also need to follow some best practices and tips to optimize your Android device and prevent malware infections. Here are some of them:
- Update your device and apps regularly: Updates often contain security patches and bug fixes that can improve your device's performance and security. Check for updates in your device's settings and in the Google Play Store, and install them as soon as possible.
- Avoid downloading apps from unknown sources: Only download apps from the official Google Play Store or other trusted sources. Avoid downloading apps from third-party websites, links, or messages, as they may contain malware or spyware. Also, check the app's ratings, reviews, and permissions before installing it, and delete any apps that you don't use or trust.
- Use a strong password or biometric authentication: Lock your device with a strong password, PIN, pattern, or fingerprint. This will prevent unauthorized access to your device and your data. Also, use different passwords for different accounts and apps, and change them regularly. You can use a password manager app to store and manage your passwords securely and conveniently.
- Backup your data: Backup your important files, photos, videos, and contacts to a cloud service or an external storage device. This will help you recover your data in case of a device loss, theft, or damage, or a ransomware attack. You can use a backup app or the built-in backup feature in your device's settings to backup your data automatically or manually.
- Use a VPN when using public Wi-Fi: Public Wi-Fi networks are often insecure and vulnerable to hackers and snoopers. They can intercept your online activity and steal your personal or financial information. To protect your privacy and security, use a VPN app when using public Wi-Fi. A VPN will encrypt your internet traffic and hide your IP address, location, and online activity from third parties.
Conclusion
I hope you found this article helpful and informative. If you did, please share it with your friends and family, and leave a comment below. Also, don't forget to visit my website for more useful and interesting articles on technology, security, and more.
Thank you for reading and have a great day!

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