Best Security Apps for Android

Your guide to the latest and best security software of 2018 in the UK and US. Check out our latest review and buyer's guide on the top antivirus programs for your Android.

Norton Security and Antivirus Review

Norton Security and Antivirus is a free app for Android which lets you stay protected against viruses, malware, and spyware. The app offers you the privacy you need by protecting you from malicious apps, websites that steal your info, and of course from the usual viruses, malware, and spyware. 

It also gives you battery and data uses to determine excessive use or intrusive behaviors of apps, plus it helps you against theft of your smartphone  by first triggering a loud alarm, saves its location automatically, wipe all device information remotely, automatically locks the device after 10 failed attempts to unlock, locks your phone when the sim card is removed and finds the device on a map to locate it remotely.

Kaspersky Mobile Antivirus

Kaspersky Internet Security for Android offers excellent malware-detection and anti-theft features but has a clunky interface and few extra features. The mobile app has the same excellent malware protection as Kaspersky's desktop products, has a very light system impact and runs on Android Wear smartwatches.

But Kaspersky Internet Security for Android lacks some of its competitors' useful extra features, and the interface feels dated and clunky. We can recommend the free version, but the premium product doesn't do enough to justify its $15 yearly subscription price.

Avast Mobile Security

Antivirus giant, Avast, has used its considerable skills to create an app which goes above and beyond a mundane scanner. Extra features in the free version include a call blocker, firewall and even an anti-theft measure allowing you to remotely lock or wipe your Android device if it goes missing.

The app used to be paid but is now free, supported by ads. You can pay a small monthly or yearly premium to remove these. Another very useful premium feature is ‘in-app locking’ whereby your device will ask for a PIN before opening certain apps. This prevents malware from launching apps such as internet banking automatically.

AVL

Antiy AVL is a former winner of the AV-Test (a well-respected independent antivirus testing outfit) award for best protection of mobile devices. Its features include not only an antivirus database (of course) but a scanner capable of detecting any kind of executable file making its way onto your device.

Other handy features include a call blocker to prevent malicious numbers from contacting you, as well as an anti-phishing feature to stop harmful websites from loading in the first place. The app is also designed to be light on resources, which is always handy when you’re struggling for battery life.

Your Favorite?

If we missed any great antivirus Android apps, tell us about them in the comments! You can also check out our latest Android app and game lists on the website!