The best Android antivirus apps of 2025: Expert tested

Bitdefender Mobile Security is our top choice for the best Android antivirus app. During testing, I was impressed with the app’s functionality, and I liked the initial scan prompt to check how clean my Android handset was from the start. However, if you’re hoping to take advantage of the inbuilt mobile Virtual Private Network (VPN), I think the 200MB/day limit on the app’s VPN is far too low. 

The app’s interface is pretty 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. 

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

You can opt for Bitdefender’s free version, although if you want more advanced scam prevention and the use of a VPN, you’ll need to subscribe. Yearly subscriptions cost $14.99. 

Customers say they like how user-friendly this app is and that it is not too resource-heavy for smartphone use.

Bitdefender Mobile Security features: Web protection | Anti-theft | Advanced scam prevention | VPN | Paid subscriptions (14-day free trial) | Free option | Google Play: 4.6 star, 432K reviews

Sophos Intercept is a decent option for a free Android antivirus app. While the Sophos Intercept X user interface on Android is bland, it is clean. Upon installation, the app will automatically run a scan to check your device’s health. You can also use the app for securely managing passwords — including one-time passwords (OTP) — QR code scanning, link checking, web filtering, and more.

However, 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, and this may put off some users who just want an app that quietly protects them in the background. 

Also: The best antivirus software and apps you can buy

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.

Sophos Intercept X features: Threat scanning | App protection | Authenticator | Password vault | Privacy advisor | Free option | Google Play: 4.0 star, 46.9K reviews

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

Unfortunately, to use this app and receive the first level of protection for free, you must agree to view adverts — and in my opinion, they are obtrusive. 

There are two paid plans to choose from, Ultimate and Premium, which cost around $3/month and $2/month, respectively. The difference is that the premium provides additional security features, including phishing protection and customer support, whereas Avast’s VPN and financial protections are only available with the Ultimate subscription.

Many customers like the core features of this antivirus app, although some complain of resource hogging. 

However, there is a caveat. In February 2025, the US FTC 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.

Avast Security & Virus Cleaner features: Web shield | Threat scanning | IP masking | Junk removal | VPN | Speed checker | Paid plans | Free version available | Google Play: 4.6 star, 7.3M reviews

Malwarebytes Mobile Security has certainly changed throughout the years, but it’s still a good option if you prize quick checks and simplicity. 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. But pay this no mind as you’ll never receive the full 100 marks without a subscription. 

It’s great for running quick scans, a benefit I took advantage of for years on previous handsets. Another thing I like in the newest version of the app is the beta 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

The free version of Malwarebytes is suitable for casual scans and use, but if you’d rather opt for a paid model, you can subscribe to Malwarebytes Standard, which includes 24/7 protection and safer browsing, for around $1 – $2/month. Plus, which costs roughly $3 – $4/month, also comes with a mobile VPN.

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. However, some do not like the optional VPN functionality. 

Malwarebytes Mobile Security features: Threat scanning | 24/7 protection | Suspicious text alerts | Phishing website protection | Digital footprint checker | Paid options (7-day free trial) | Free version available | Google Play: 4.7 star, 464K reviews

Norton is a reputable antivirus provider known for its robust security practices and excellent protection. 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 comes with a VPN (from 360 for Mobile onwards, $30/year), which, during my tests, is 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 does work well enough. 

Many customers applaud the security of Norton products, but they dislike the firm’s approach to upselling and notifications. 

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

Norton360 Virus Scanner & VPN features: Robust antivirus protection | Scam protection | Cloud backup | VPN | Paid plans | Google Play: 4.6 star, 1.89M reviews