6 Best (REALLY FREE) Android Antivirus Apps for: I tested dozens of free antivirus apps from the Google Play Store over several weeks, and while most of them were disappointing, I did find a few that can reliably protect Android devices from malware.

Unfortunately, the majority of the free apps I tried were ineffective. Many were overloaded with ads, constantly sent annoying notifications, drained battery life, or requested unnecessary permissions that raised privacy concerns.

That said, a handful of free options stood out. These apps offered solid protection without the usual issues and included features like real-time or on-demand malware scanning, anti-theft tools, and other useful security extras. Still, even the best free options don’t match the quality and protection of top-tier premium antivirus apps.

If you want full protection and advanced features, I strongly recommend going with a premium app—Norton’s Android app, in particular, is outstanding. But for basic protection, a few free apps are definitely worth considering.

Norton offers the best all-around protection for Android — it scans apps before installation, removes threats, and blocks phishing and unsafe links. With features like VPN, Wi-Fi scanning, and dark web monitoring, it’s the most complete mobile security package available. You can buy it standalone or as part of a Norton 360 or LifeLock plan.

Disclaimer

1. Norton — Top-Tier Cybersecurity for Android

Norton Mobile Security is my top choice for Android antivirus in 2025. It offers outstanding malware detection and some of the most advanced internet security tools available — although it’s not free. That said, you can try all of Norton’s features risk-free with a 14-day trial, and depending on your plan, a 60-day money-back guarantee.

Norton proactively scans apps before you download them from the Play Store, alerting you to any threats. It also monitors installed apps for excessive data use, battery drain, and privacy risks. Importantly, Norton does not share your data with third parties — a major plus.

During my tests on a Samsung Galaxy, Norton identified every suspicious app I installed. Its anti-phishing protection also blocked nearly all dangerous links I tried opening in my browser, even catching threats in social media and messaging apps — more than most of the competition.

In addition to excellent malware protection, Norton includes Wi-Fi security features that alert you to unsafe networks, and it comes with a secure VPN. The VPN uses 256-bit AES encryption, maintains fast speeds, and works with most streaming platforms.

I was impressed by how smoothly Norton ran on my device — no noticeable battery drain or performance lag, even while playing games like Genshin Impact. The interface is intuitive and the app keeps interruptions to a minimum.

You can get Norton Mobile Security as a standalone app for INR 1,730/year (covers one Android device), or as part of the Norton 360 Deluxe plan, which protects up to 5 devices across all platforms for just INR 4,320/year — making it the best-value antivirus suite in 2025. All plans come with a free trial or a money-back guarantee.

2. TotalAV — User-Friendly With Solid Data Breach Tools

TotalAV Mobile Security provides a user-friendly app with several handy features in its free version — including a secure browser, Wi-Fi scanner, app lock checker, and data breach monitoring. It’s especially great for beginners thanks to its simple layout.

The included secure browser is powered by Total Search, which blocks trackers and harmful sites, and automatically clears your browsing data. There’s also WebShield for real-time web protection across all browsers, but that requires a premium upgrade.

The data breach scanner worked well — I tested it with my email and discovered it had appeared in a breach. However, Norton’s breach detection is more advanced, scanning for leaked personal info like phone numbers, addresses, IDs, and more.

Performance-wise, TotalAV is fairly light — though not as efficient as Norton, and the free version sends a few too many notifications. I also noticed that the app lock checker gave me incorrect information, mistakenly saying my screen lock was active.

While the free version is decent, the premium version is a much better value. TotalAV Antivirus Pro, which includes the full Android app, VPN, real-time protection, and desktop security, costs just INR 1,640/year. All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

3. Bitdefender — Powerful, Lightweight Malware Scanner

Bitdefender Antivirus is a lightweight, easy-to-use Android app that delivers top-notch malware protection. Its one-tap virus scanner detected and removed almost all malware during my tests.

Bitdefender uses cloud-based scanning to ensure strong malware detection without impacting your device’s performance or battery life. It also doesn’t bombard you with ads or aggressive upgrade prompts like many free antivirus apps.

The free app scans apps and files to keep your Android device secure — but that’s where the free features end.

To unlock more, you’ll need Bitdefender Mobile Security, the premium version. This includes features like App Anomaly Detection, Web Protection, Scam Alert, a basic VPN (200 MB/day), anti-theft tools, smartwatch support, and an app locker.

Even with all these features, Bitdefender is sleek and unobtrusive. Notifications are useful, and performance stays smooth. The only downside is that Bitdefender shares limited data (your user ID) with third parties — a minor concern, but worth noting.

You can buy the mobile app individually or get it through Bitdefender Total Security (INR 4,320/year for all platforms), or the more comprehensive Bitdefender Premium Security (INR 6,910/year for up to 10 devices). All plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

4 Panda Dome — Solid Antivirus Scanning with Excellent Smartwatch Compatibility

Panda Dome offers a reliable free antivirus for Android, providing strong protection against malware, anti-theft features, an app privacy scanner, and a VPN. Impressively, many of these features can be controlled remotely from an Android Wear smartwatch.

However, the free version is ad-supported, although these ads aren’t frequent. On the plus side, Panda doesn’t sell user data like many other free apps.

While Panda’s real-time scanning detects most malware, it didn’t catch as many samples as top competitors like Norton or TotalAV. That said, it successfully identified all ransomware and spyware, and I received notifications on my smartwatch whenever malware was detected.

Panda also offers anti-theft features such as remote tracking, data wiping, and device locking. However, its remote selfie and alarm features are only available in the paid Android app, which is part of Panda’s comprehensive security suites. Even the paid version of Panda’s app lacks features like spam SMS filtering, which Norton offers.

The app’s privacy auditing tool is effective, analyzing app permissions and providing insights into the data each app can access (contacts, location, photos, etc.). I was surprised by how many apps had access to my location, but I was able to revoke some permissions with just one click.

Panda Dome’s free VPN gives you 150 MB per day, which is suitable for light browsing. For unlimited VPN data, parental controls, and an ad-free experience, you’ll need to upgrade to Panda’s Premium suite (INR 5,440/year), which also includes a 30-day risk-free money-back guarantee when purchased via Panda’s website.

5 Avira — Feature-Packed and User-Friendly

Avira Free Security offers excellent virus detection and removal, alongside a solid set of additional features, all wrapped in an easy-to-use interface. The free Android app includes an app privacy scanner, a VPN (1 GB/month), a scam call blocker, and a data breach scanner, among others.

I especially liked the app privacy scanner, which provides a clear overview of what data and system features each app has access to. It was helpful to see which apps were using my contacts, photos, and browsing data.

Avira’s Call Blocker was also effective, allowing me to create blacklists to block unwanted calls from specific numbers. Additionally, the app includes an app locker and a feature that highlights large files taking up space.

Overall, Avira’s free version is impressive, with minimal impact on device performance and few ads or upselling attempts. However, it does share some user data with third parties, which is a drawback. It also lacks anti-phishing protection. To get anti-phishing, a password manager, and microphone/camera protection (not available on Android 10), you’ll need to upgrade to Avira’s premium mobile app. Even then, Avira’s web protections and location tracking are not as robust as those of Norton.

Avira’s premium app is included in the Avira Prime package, which covers up to 25 devices across Android, Windows, macOS, and iOS, costing INR 5,180/year. A 60-day money-back guarantee is available if purchased through Avira’s website.

6 Avast — Basic Android Security with an Encrypted Photo Vault

Avast Antivirus & Security provides a range of useful free features for Android, including malware scanning, Wi-Fi network scanning, data breach alerts, web protection, and an encrypted photo vault. While the protection is solid, it lacks the extensive features of premium competitors like Norton.

The free version of Avast offers effective basic security — its system scan is quick and able to detect malicious apps. I also appreciated the Web Shield feature, which blocked all phishing sites.

However, the free version is ad-supported, and it’s quite aggressive with upselling and notifications.

The Photo Vault feature is a standout, allowing users to store up to 40 photos in an encrypted folder, accessible only through a PIN or biometric login. Avast’s Hack Alerts feature monitors public databases for potential data breaches, but the free version only tracks one email address, which is less comprehensive compared to Norton’s identity protection tools.

Avast’s premium app adds more robust features, including unlimited photo storage in the vault, automatic malware scans, app locking, and a VPN. You can get Avast Premium Security for INR 2,700/year, which comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee when purchased directly from the website.

Testing Methodology: Comparison & Ranking Criteria

To evaluate the various antivirus apps, I followed a well-established testing methodology that was adapted for mobile apps. This approach includes real-world testing scenarios, such as downloading malware and exploring each app’s settings. Every free Android app on this list excelled in these tests and outperformed its competitors. Here’s a breakdown of the key criteria I used for ranking:

1. Malware Detection Capabilities: I assessed each antivirus app’s ability to detect and eliminate malware. This involved downloading a wide range of malicious apps, dangerous .APK files, and other threats onto my Samsung Galaxy device. Then, I ran scans with each antivirus to see how many threats it could find and remove. Products that detected and removed the most threats, like Norton, ranked higher.
2. Ease of Use: Each app had to be easy to set up and navigate, with intuitive settings and customization options. A user-friendly experience was essential, and all apps on this list performed very well in this area, making them simple to use even for beginners.
3. Bonus Features: I took into account additional features beyond basic malware protection. Since many free Android antivirus apps are fairly limited, I gave extra points to apps with useful extras. For example, TotalAV ranked higher partly because of its data breach scanning tool. Other features that earned extra points included Wi-Fi checkers and app privacy scanners.
4. Impact on Phone Performance: I evaluated how each app affected the phone’s performance, including battery consumption and resource usage. I also looked at how each app impacted the overall user experience, particularly in terms of excessive notifications and upselling. I favored apps that didn’t negatively impact the device’s performance.
5. Web Security Features: While not every app includes web security tools, I gave extra points to those with strong protections against phishing and other web-based threats. I tested each app by trying to access dangerous websites and observed how many were blocked and how effectively each app handled these threats.

Risks & Disadvantages of Using a Free Android Antivirus

Android devices are particularly vulnerable to malware and security breaches, which can lead to phishing attacks, ransomware, spyware, unsafe Wi-Fi connections, and more. That’s why relying solely on a free antivirus app is not recommended.

Many free antivirus apps for Android lack essential features, such as web protection. For example, Avira’s free VPN is limited to just 1 GB of data per day, which may not be sufficient to secure your data, especially when using public Wi-Fi networks.

While free antivirus apps are a good starting point, I always recommend investing in a paid antivirus for comprehensive protection. Premium antivirus programs offer a complete suite of security tools, including firewalls, phishing protection, Wi-Fi monitoring, web protection, parental controls, VPNs, password managers, and more. Fortunately, these premium options are affordable. For example, Norton 360’s Deluxe plan costs INR 4,320/year, covers up to 5 devices across all operating systems, and includes a 60-day money-back guarantee.

Free vs. Paid Antiviruses for Android

The best free Android antiviruses provide strong protection against the latest threats, typically including a malware scanner, Wi-Fi scanner, and app privacy tools. However, many of the more essential features are locked behind premium subscriptions. For instance, Avira’s free plan lacks anti-phishing protection and microphone and camera security.

Paid antivirus solutions offer a more complete security package. Norton, for example, not only has an industry-leading malware scanner, a smart firewall, and anti-phishing protection, but also includes extras like parental controls, a VPN with unlimited data, and a password manager. If you opt for one of Norton’s LifeLock plans (available in select countries), you can also get up to $1 million in identity theft reimbursement and credit monitoring from top credit bureaus.

One of the major downsides of free antiviruses is the frequent presence of ads and upsells, which can disrupt your experience and give the impression that the app is more focused on sales than security. Even if you don’t see ads, many free antivirus apps may sell your data.

Paid antivirus services, like Norton, offer more frequent updates to protect against new threats. Free apps often update less regularly, which can leave your device vulnerable for longer periods. Paid options also provide customer support, including 24/7 access via live chat or phone.

Free Android Antiviruses to Avoid

While free antivirus apps may seem like a convenient way to safeguard your Android device from malware, some apps should be avoided. There are even counterfeit antivirus apps that are actually harmful themselves!

Be cautious of the following fake antivirus apps:

• Antivirus, Super Cleaner
• Powerful Cleaner, Antivirus
• Center Security – Antivirus
• Mister Phone Cleaner
• Kylhavy Mobile Security
• Atom Clean-Booster, Antivirus
• Alpha Antivirus, Cleaner

These are just a few examples, and there are likely others out there. Always exercise caution and only download antivirus apps from trusted sources, like the Google Play Store. Be sure to check the app’s ratings and reviews before installing. It’s also wise to use a reliable security solution, such as Norton Mobile Security for Android, to keep your device protected from threats.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are free Android antivirus apps safe?

The antivirus apps listed here are safe and reliable. I’ve thoroughly tested each one, and they all perform as promised. These apps come from reputable brands known for producing excellent cybersecurity solutions. My top pick, Norton Mobile Security, is developed by a company with decades of experience and millions of users worldwide.

Will an Android antivirus drain my battery?

The impact of antivirus apps on battery life varies depending on the software and its settings. Apps like Norton and Bitdefender are known to be energy-efficient and have minimal impact on battery usage, while others may be more resource-intensive and cause quicker battery drain. Features like real-time scanning, cloud-based scanning, and frequent updates can contribute to higher battery consumption.

Do I need an antivirus on my Android phone?

Yes, it’s highly recommended. Compared to iOS, Android is a more vulnerable operating system. The open nature of Android allows for more independent developers and modders, which unfortunately makes it a target for hackers. Malware such as ransomware, spyware, and cryptojacking software frequently targets Android users. Additionally, risks like phishing websites and smishing links are common. If you can’t afford a premium antivirus, a reliable free tool like Bitdefender can still offer important protection.

What kind of features can you get with an Android antivirus app?

Besides detecting and removing malware, a good Android antivirus app can help with:

• Protecting your personal information (I recommend Norton Mobile Security, which also offers a 60-day money-back guarantee).
• Ensuring you’re connected to secure Wi-Fi networks (Norton also provides this feature).
• Preventing device theft or loss (Avira’s free app offers solid anti-theft features).

Many antivirus apps offer paid premium features as well. If your phone holds sensitive data, it’s often worth investing in a low-cost premium option like Norton.

What are the best free antivirus apps for Android?

My top recommendations include Norton Mobile Security (not fully free, but it offers a 60-day money-back guarantee) and TotalAV Mobile Security (which provides a strong range of free features). Norton offers excellent protection with additional features such as dark web monitoring and a fast VPN with unlimited data, while TotalAV includes data breach scanning and a secure browser.

Are free Android antiviruses good?

Some are, but many aren’t. A lot of free apps on the market will either sell your personal data or provide minimal security. Some may even act as spyware themselves. However, there are a few genuinely effective free antivirus apps, like Bitdefender, that don’t share user data and provide solid protection.

Can Android devices be hacked?

Yes, Android devices can be hacked. While Android is designed to be more customizable and flexible than alternatives like iOS, this openness also makes it more vulnerable to hackers and malware. Android’s app stores are often less regulated, which increases the risk. To protect against malicious apps, I recommend Norton Mobile Security, which not only has a powerful malware scanner but also warns you about suspicious apps before you download them.

Can I use a free Android antivirus on a Chromebook?

Yes, you can use a free Android antivirus on a Chromebook. Most Chromebooks have access to the Google Play Store, allowing you to install Android antivirus apps like TotalAV for basic protection. However, free versions may not provide comprehensive coverage against all types of malware or advanced threats.

Can a free antivirus detect and remove malware?

Yes, free antivirus apps can detect and remove various types of malware. For example, Bitdefender performs well in malware detection and removal. However, while free antivirus apps offer a decent level of protection, they often lack the comprehensive features and full protection offered by premium versions. For complete peace of mind, a paid antivirus app is a better option.

Does Android have a built-in antivirus?

Yes, Android includes a built-in system called Google Play Protect. It scans apps on the Google Play Store for malware before you download them and periodically checks your device for harmful apps. However, Google Play Protect doesn’t provide the same level of protection as dedicated antivirus apps like Norton. Its malware detection is less effective, and it lacks important features such as real-time protection, phishing protection, and other security tools. For better protection, I recommend supplementing Google Play Protect with a reliable antivirus app.