Installing Antivirus apps on your phone might seem a bit too much, but it’s a necessary step to take. Like any other Operating System, Android does have its weaknesses that are normally exploited by hackers and other people.
These anti-virus programs will also normally come with other features (such as the Anti-theft feature) that can add value and help keep your phone safe. There are also some malware scams that pop up here and there on the play store itself thus making protection a necessity. Enough talking or in our case typing, let’s introduce the top 5 best antivirus apps for android.
#1. Norton
Norton Antivirus is mostly known for being used on many laptops, but did you know that they also have a smartphone version. This app serves as a mobile security as well as antivirus and malware solution. The app does provide the user with a free 30-day trial in which the user will experience the premium features. After that, you’ll still be protected, but will lose the premium features if you don’t pay. Here are some of the features you can expect with the app.
Features
- Anti-theft features like a remote lock. Find lost device and many more
- Contact syncing and sharing across multiple devices
- Safe search
- Malware inspection while browsing
- Block unwanted calls
- Sneak peek 3 that uses the front camera to take pictures of people using the phone when reported as lost or stolen.
The premium features that you get are safe web filtering and app advisory. The former does the job of preventing fraudulent websites from accessing your personal information and the later observes apps for any high-risk behaviors such as background data usage, high battery usage or intrusive behavior.
#2. CM Security
Here we have an award-winning security app that has shown that it can provide some of the best malware protection on the platform. The platform is made by Cheetah Mobile that is known for their research and reports on the state of the Android platform.
They are also known for their collaboration with Cubot to jointly make Cubot Cheetah Mobile. Here are some of the features you can expect with this application.
Features
- App lock with fingerprint support on certain devices
- The ability to snap photos of people snooping on your phone
- Lock screen customization
- Safe browsing
- Anti- Theft
- Caller ID and blocking
#3. 360 Security
This application was formerly known as Qihoo and is one of the might I say older apps in this category. This application acts like a taskmaster as well as anti-virus. It will scan your apps when downloaded and also provides power saving features among many other things. Here are some of the features that this app provides.
Features
- Junk File Cleaner
- Power saving
- Memory Boost
- Real-time protection
- App Lock and Privacy
#4. Malware Bytes
Here’s an antivirus program that has thought ahead. This application has been made to integrate with Android Device Manager. For those that wonder why this is a big deal, well many anti-virus software tend to offer anti-theft features.
These features are normally offered by the Android Device Manager as well. This kind of causes a conflict of interest, but it’s no longer an issue when you choose this application. In addition, Malware Bytes has still maintained its reputation as a lightweight program, which is great for those with memory problems.
Features
- Protection from Malware
- Application tracking
- App Vault
- Privacy Manager
- Application manager
#5. Kaspersky Internet Security
The last on this list is Kaspersky Internet Security, a security suite that has won its fair share of accolades in the PC world. This program seeks to do the same in the mobile world as well. The basic program offers anti-malware protection as well as anti-virus protection. An upgrade to the premium version can also get you anti-phishing protection, cloud protection as well as protection when surfing the web.
Features
- Antivirus protection
- Call and SMS blocking
- Compatibility with Android Wear
- Find My Lost Phone feature
Many of the apps listed above are from well-established brands that have been in business for quite some time. An anti-virus might be overkill for some, but considering how important our phones are in our lives, it’s definitely important to consider placing some sort of protection on it as well.