Best antivirus apps for Android
Antivirus apps scan installed apps, downloads and files for malicious code, and many flag phishing links and spam messages before they can do harm.
28 apps ranked · How we rank
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A well-rounded security app whose best features sit in the paid tiers, best for people who want one service covering devices, messages and identity.
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A broad, free-to-install Android security suite that suits anyone wanting scanning, app locking and scam filtering in one place, with ads and optional purchases.
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A wide-ranging free security suite whose call, SMS and email guards are part of Scam Guardian Pro.
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A broad, mature security suite that suits anyone wanting antivirus, scam filtering and a VPN under one annual subscription.
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Number 5: Cleaner Antivirus VPN Cleaner
Cleaner + Antivirus + VPN company
4.8 out of 5 (678.9K) 10M+ installs
A free all-in-one maintenance app for Android users who want scanning, cleaning, a VPN and file management in one install.
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A well-established, ad-free security bundle for Android 10 and up.
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A free, ad-free mix of malware scanning and everyday device tools that suits anyone who wants maintenance handled in one place.
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A broad, free Android security app that suits users who want antivirus, anti-theft and breach alerts in one place.
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A free, ad-supported security and cleanup tool that suits casual phone maintenance rather than advanced protection.
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A free, ad-supported all-in-one Android cleaner and scanner that suits routine phone housekeeping rather than deep security work.
More of the best antivirus apps
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11
Microsoft Defender: Antivirus
Microsoft Corporation
4.4
10M+
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12
AT&T ActiveArmor®
AT&T Services, Inc.
4.2
50M+
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13
Permission Guard
VY Technology Services
4.7
1M+
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14
Shield: Antivirus Home Screen
Bacchus Media
4.4
5M+
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15
TotalAV Antivirus & Security
Total Security Limited
4.2
10M+
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16
Camera Blocker: Anti Spy Guard
BytePioneers s. r. o.
4.4
1M+
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17
Guardio - Mobile Security
Guardio
4.4
1M+
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18
Antivirus Flux
Leslies Gaming
4.1
10M+
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19
Easy Antivirus - clean virus
TAICHI
4.3
1M+
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20
Safe Cleaner - Antivirus
kaeyyqq aoops
4.3
500K+
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21
Security Phone Cleaner
NGAT-NGAT
4.6
1M+
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22
Cyber Guard Antivirus
medonia ltd
4.5
100K+
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23
Antivirus Expert: Junk Cleaner
Synastry Limited
3.6
1M+
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24
Phone Cleaner AI & Antivirus
Global Antivirus Security
4.0
10M+
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25
ViruSweep - Antivirus & Clean
Kadara Systems
3.6
1M+
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26
Antivirus Deep
Secret Notes
4.0
100K+
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27
MiraClean - File Manager
NOVAGE DEV
3.7
10M+
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28
iVerify Basic
iVerify
2.9
10K+
About antivirus apps
They add a second layer of inspection for sideloaded packages, malicious ads and fake update prompts that can slip past the safeguards built into Android. They suit people who install software from outside Google Play, get unfamiliar links by message or email, or want a simple way to check a device on demand. They vary in how deeply they inspect files, how much background monitoring they run and how much of the interface goes to extras such as privacy audits or app locking. Some scan now and then and stay out of the way, while others stay active and watch network traffic and messages continuously.
What to look for
- Check whether the app scans on demand only or also monitors new installs and downloads in the background, since continuous checking catches threats earlier but uses more battery and memory.
- Look at how phishing and spam protection works, because link and message filtering is often the feature that matters most on a phone.
- Find out what data the app collects and whether scan results or device details leave the phone, as security tools often request broad permissions.
- See how the app is paid for, whether through ads, a one-time purchase, or a subscription that unlocks real-time protection.
- Confirm that core scanning works without an account or network connection, so the app stays useful when you are offline.
How we rank
Apps are ranked by their Google Play rating (weighted by how many people rated them), their number of installs, how recently they were updated and how closely they fit the category. Only apps we've reviewed are included.