6 Best (REALLY FREE) iPad & iPhone Antivirus Apps in: iOS “antivirus” apps don’t work the same way as traditional antivirus software. That’s because iPhones and iPads are built with a security system called sandboxing, which stops apps from interfering with other apps, files, or system processes. This makes traditional virus scanning unnecessary—and impossible—on iOS.

When people talk about “iOS antivirus,” they’re really referring to security apps designed for iPhones and iPads. These tools offer features like phishing protection, scam SMS detection, Wi-Fi network scanning, and even integration with Apple devices like the Apple Watch.

I’ve tested 6 iOS security apps that include free features or offer extended free trials for their premium tools. Just keep in mind that no free app includes all the important security features—and some may even collect and sell your personal data. If you value your privacy, a low-cost app like Norton’s iOS security tool or one of the top premium options is a much safer bet.

If you choose a premium app, use the links provided on this page—these often include better discounts and money-back guarantees than what you’ll find in the App Store.

1. Norton Mobile Security — Best Premium iOS Security App in 2025

Norton Mobile Security is my top recommendation for iPhone and iPad users in 2025. While it isn’t free, it comes with an impressive 60-day money-back guarantee on annual plans—longer than any other option on this list—so you can try it completely risk-free for two months.

Disclaimer

Norton’s phishing protection is the best I’ve seen—it identifies more fake, malicious, and risky sites than any other iOS security app. Its Safe Web feature doesn’t just protect you while browsing—it also scans links in emails, texts, social media apps, and calendar invites. I particularly appreciate the community-based site ratings, which help you quickly tell if a website is trustworthy—something Apple’s built-in features and other competitors like TotalAV or Bitdefender don’t offer.

I’m also very impressed with Norton’s identity theft monitoring. Unlike most apps that only check if your email was leaked in a data breach, Norton scans for a wide range of personal info, including credit card numbers, insurance info, bank credentials, driver’s license details, and even your mother’s maiden name—commonly used in security questions. Note: These features are available only in select countries and on Norton’s higher-tier 360 with LifeLock plans.

The included VPN is another standout. It’s fast, secure, feature-rich, and works with streaming services like Netflix without lag. Unlike many competitors such as Bitdefender and Panda Dome, Norton gives you unlimited data across all plans, so you don’t have to worry about usage limits. In short, Norton Mobile Security delivers premium protection and outstanding value—making it the best all-around choice for iOS security in 2025.

2. TotalAV Mobile Security — Intuitive iOS App with Smart Scanning & Useful Tools

TotalAV Mobile Security is a well-designed security app for iOS that offers a range of helpful features—even on its free plan. You’ll get access to tools like a data breach scanner, smart system scanner, and a calendar cleaner. Plus, when you sign up, you can try the premium version for free for 7 days, unlocking features such as a VPN, web protection, and a duplicate photo/video finder. One of the things I love most about TotalAV is its user-friendly interface. It’s the easiest app to navigate on this list. I tested it on an iPhone 14, and it worked flawlessly. Even when running it on an older iPhone 9, the performance was smooth and lag-free.

The Breach Scan tool is especially handy. It checks massive breach databases for any compromised email addresses. You can input any email, and TotalAV will show you which breaches it’s been involved in, what information was exposed, and what steps to take. While I think Norton offers more in-depth breach monitoring, TotalAV’s tool still provides excellent transparency.

The Smart Scan is another solid feature. It reviews your device to make sure iOS is up to date, confirms security essentials like Face ID and a passcode are enabled, and checks whether your web protection (a premium option) is active.

I also really liked the Calendar Cleaner, which let me delete thousands of outdated calendar events in seconds with just a few taps.

Upgrading to TotalAV Mobile Security Premium adds a lot of value with features such as:

• Anti-phishing web protection
• Unlimited-data VPN
• Device cleanup and optimization tools
• SMS spam filtering
• Secure QR code scanner

While it doesn’t include as many extras as Norton, TotalAV still covers all the essential bases. Its VPN, in particular, is the best bundled with any antivirus app, and the device cleanup tools worked impressively—deleting over 500 junk photos and videos and removing 300 duplicate contacts in seconds during my tests.

3. Bitdefender Mobile Security — Solid Web Protection & Reliable Free VPN

Bitdefender offers a solid set of free features for iOS, and they all function well. One standout is its free device security scanner, which checks your device’s overall safety. It ensures that your iOS version is up to date and reviews your device access settings for potential security gaps.

Additionally, it performs a Wi-Fi security check to identify unsafe networks that could expose your personal data. After scanning, Bitdefender provides an easy-to-understand report with actionable steps to enhance your security.

The VPN is another useful tool, though the free version only offers 200 MB of daily data and doesn’t allow server selection. Despite this, it’s fast and dependable. Even the premium version of Bitdefender’s VPN lacks some of the advanced features found in Norton’s VPN.

Bitdefender also provides data breach alerts that work similarly to other apps on this list, notifying you of any breached information via email, and you can receive these alerts directly on your Apple Watch.

For paid plans, there’s a scam alert feature that scans your messages and emails for suspicious links. If any are found, they are automatically moved to your junk folder, helping to keep you safe from phishing attempts.

Bitdefender’s paid plans offer great value. The Mobile Security plan provides web protection and a more advanced VPN. Alternatively, you can upgrade to Total Security (INR 4,750/year), which covers 5 devices across all platforms, or Premium Security (INR 5,610/year), which includes coverage for 10 devices and unlimited VPN data.

4. Panda Dome for iOS — GPS Tracking & Anti-Theft Features

Panda Dome for iOS combines three key features into one free app: a VPN (150 MB/day), parental controls, and anti-theft protection. I found that each feature performed well on both my iPhone and iPad, enhancing the security that Apple’s native tools provide.

Panda’s anti-theft features are similar to Apple’s Find My iPhone functionality, but they add extra convenience. The GPS tracker is highly accurate, making it easy to locate a lost or stolen device, and it also serves as a helpful tool for parents monitoring their children’s devices.

The VPN included in the free version offers a single server and a daily data cap of 150 MB. While it’s better than nothing, it may not be sufficient for most users’ needs.

Overall, Panda Dome’s free features are limited compared to others on this list. It’s a good choice if you’re looking for a simple, lightweight security app for your iPad or iPhone (though it doesn’t support Apple Watch).

Upgrading to a premium plan provides more features, including coverage for up to 5 devices across various operating systems starting at INR 1,950/year. You’ll get additional server locations, unlimited VPN traffic, and advanced parental controls—though Norton offers more robust parental control features. Panda’s paid plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

5. Avast Security & Privacy for iOS — Basic Network Scanner & Encrypted Photo Vault

Avast Security & Privacy for iOS is a straightforward security tool that offers a free set of features like a Wi-Fi network scanner, data breach alerts, web protection, and a secure photo vault. While these features work well, they’re not as comprehensive as those offered by more advanced mobile security apps like Norton or TotalAV.

The Network Inspector is a helpful feature that scans public Wi-Fi networks for issues like weak passwords, intruders, and other vulnerabilities. It works smoothly, doesn’t strain your system, and will notify you about unsafe networks. It also alerts you if your Apple Watch connects to a potentially dangerous Wi-Fi network, which is a nice touch.

Avast’s Data Breach Monitoring feature offers basic alerts for any compromised email accounts. It monitors public databases for your email addresses and informs you if your passwords have been leaked. However, to get unlimited data breach alerts for multiple email addresses, you’ll need to upgrade to a paid plan.

The Web Shield protects you from visiting harmful websites while using mobile browsers. It blocks dangerous links and downloads, and it worked effectively on both my iPhone and iPad. This protection is enabled through a built-in VPN when you allow the necessary permissions in the Avast app.

The Photo Vault lets you securely store up to 40 photos, keeping them private with encryption. Access is protected by a PIN or biometric login, ensuring no one can view your photos even if they get hold of your device. If you need unlimited storage, you’ll have to upgrade to Avast’s Premium plan.

While Avast faced past concerns about data collection, the company has since shut down the problematic subsidiary and earned certifications from privacy advisors, restoring its reputation.

For users opting for Avast Premium Security, the plan includes unlimited email monitoring, photo storage, a VPN, ransomware protection, and support for multiple devices across various platforms (iOS, Mac, Android, and Windows) for INR 2,700/year. A 14-day free trial is available, and all plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

6. AVG Mobile Security — Simple App with Data Breach Alerts & Wi-Fi Protection

AVG Mobile Security is a free app developed by Avast Software, which explains its similar features to Avast’s app.

Like Avast Security & Privacy, AVG offers several basic features for free, including a network scanner, data breach alerts, web protection, and a photo vault. The network scanner will notify you if your Apple Watch connects to an unsafe Wi-Fi network, just like Avast’s app. However, the list of free features is modest compared to top-tier competitors such as Norton and TotalAV.

The data breach scanner, called Identity Guard, checks for leaks and compromises but only monitors one email address on the free plan. The Photo Vault allows you to store up to 40 photos, and you can protect them with a PIN or biometric login.

The app itself is user-friendly with a sleek, modern design that is quite similar to Avast’s interface, with only minor color differences.

AVG shares the same data privacy history as Avast but, like its counterpart, has undergone audits and now only collects data to enhance its own services.

Upgrading to AVG’s Ultimate plan (INR 2,590/year) gives you unlimited photo storage, monitoring for unlimited email addresses, and an unlimited-data VPN for private browsing. The paid plan also includes a 14-day free trial for annual subscriptions and a 7-day free trial for monthly subscriptions.

Bottom Line: AVG Mobile Security is a simple and effective app for basic security needs, offering features like a network scanner, data breach alerts, web protection, and a photo vault. The free version is useful, but upgrading to the Ultimate plan gives you unlimited storage, email monitoring, and an unlimited-data VPN.

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Testing Methodology: Comparison & Ranking Criteria

To identify the best free antivirus apps of 2025, I followed a comprehensive testing methodology.

Free Access: I prioritized apps that offer free plans, free trials, or money-back guarantees. This gives you the opportunity to test the features before committing to a subscription. While some free antivirus apps for iOS are decent, premium options generally offer better protection. That’s why I included Norton on this list. Although it doesn’t have a free version, it offers a generous money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free.

Useful Features: I evaluated the range of features each antivirus app offers. In today’s market, many internet security suites include a lot of features, but their usefulness can vary significantly. I focused on apps with genuinely effective and helpful tools. I also considered the value of the premium plans, as they often include a wealth of valuable features that make them well worth the price.

Data Privacy: I thoroughly examined each app’s data privacy policy. Some free antivirus apps are known to collect and sell user data, which raises concerns about privacy. All the apps listed here protect user data, with some going the extra mile to provide additional privacy tools to keep your sensitive information safe.

Ease of Use: I believe that antivirus apps should be user-friendly, with no steep learning curve. The apps on this list are all designed with convenience in mind and feature intuitive interfaces. Norton and TotalAV stood out for their ease of use, making them great choices for both beginners and advanced users who need more customization options.

Efficiency: I tested each app to ensure that it doesn’t negatively impact the performance or battery life of my devices. After installing these apps on my iPhone and iPad, I made sure that they run smoothly without causing slowdowns or excessive battery drain.

Do I Really Need an Antivirus for My iPhone?

Yes, I highly recommend using an antivirus on your iPhone. While the apps on this list aren’t traditional antiviruses in the strictest sense, they are comprehensive security tools designed to enhance your overall protection and maintain your privacy online. If safeguarding your personal data matters to you (and it definitely should), using one of these apps is a smart move. Here’s what these tools can do for you:

• Protects Against Unauthorized Access: If your iPhone is lost or stolen, there’s a risk of someone accessing your personal information. An antivirus with anti-theft features can help you remotely track, lock, or erase your device to prevent unauthorized access. While Apple’s Find My iPhone feature offers similar functionality, using an antivirus can add an extra layer of protection, especially if your iCloud account is compromised.
• Ensures Optimal Device Settings: While iOS has robust built-in security, certain settings can be accidentally changed, weakening protection. A good security app ensures your iPhone is configured correctly, minimizing potential vulnerabilities.
• Keeps Your Internet Usage Private: If you’re worried about online privacy, using a VPN is the best way to secure your internet traffic. Free apps like Bitdefender include an iOS VPN, which encrypts your data and protects your privacy when browsing the web.
• Shields Against Web-Based Threats: While iPhones are less likely to get viruses, they can still be vulnerable to threats like phishing sites. Using a security tool can help protect you from unknowingly sharing personal information with cybercriminals.
• Ensures You Stay Updated: The iOS operating system isn’t immune to security flaws. Apple regularly releases updates to fix vulnerabilities, but if you neglect updates, your device could become exposed. A good security app can help ensure your device is always running the latest version of iOS.
• Alerts You to Dangerous Networks: Unsecure networks pose a risk to your devices. A quality iOS security app like Norton will notify you whenever you connect to a potentially unsafe Wi-Fi network, keeping your data secure.
• Protects Against Spam and SMS Scams: Spam texts (robotexts) can be not only annoying but also dangerous. These messages often attempt to steal your personal information. A solid antivirus app will block these threats, helping keep your private data secure.
• Secures Your Personal Information: Some iOS security apps include password managers, which securely store and manage your passwords. This ensures that your passwords are both strong and protected from unauthorized access.
• Notifies You of Data Breaches: If your personal information has been compromised in a data breach, it’s crucial to be alerted quickly. These apps monitor potential breaches and notify you immediately, allowing you to take swift action.
• Monitors App Permissions: Antivirus apps can track the permissions requested by other apps on your device, alerting you if an app asks for access to data or features it doesn’t need. This helps protect your privacy and reduces the risk of data leakage.
• Provides Safe Browsing Tools: Many antivirus apps offer safe browsing features that warn you before visiting suspicious websites, protecting you from phishing attempts, malicious downloads, and other online threats.
• Secures Online Shopping and Banking: If you frequently use your iPhone for shopping or banking, a security app can help ensure your financial transactions are safe. These apps protect you from phishing and other threats aimed at your financial information.

In short, an antivirus app for your iPhone can significantly enhance your security, keeping your personal data, privacy, and financial transactions safe.

Risks & Disadvantages of Using a Free iOS Antivirus

It’s generally better to avoid relying on free antivirus software. While free options offer basic protection, advanced features are often restricted to premium versions. While a free antivirus is certainly better than having none, a paid plan provides more comprehensive security. Additionally, many free antivirus apps collect and share your data for advertising purposes or sell it to third parties.

Unlike Windows or Android devices, iOS devices come with strong built-in security, thanks to Apple’s design. Apps on iOS run in isolated environments, preventing them from interfering with each other or your device’s system. As a result, traditional malware is less of a concern for iOS. However, iOS users still face other risks, such as phishing attacks and unsecured Wi-Fi networks.

If you want to fully secure your devices and online identity, a paid antivirus option is generally the way to go. Some free iOS antiviruses provide useful tools like VPNs, password managers, and anti-phishing features, but these are often limited. For complete protection, it’s worth investing in a premium plan that covers all your devices. Many top antivirus options are affordable and include money-back guarantees. For example, Norton 360 Deluxe covers five devices for INR4,320 per year and comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee.

Free vs. Paid Antiviruses for iOS

Free antivirus apps can help protect against common online security threats, such as attacks from unsecured Wi-Fi networks or compromised data. However, free versions often keep their most useful features behind a paywall — for instance, TotalAV’s anti-phishing protection and unlimited VPN data are only available in the paid plan.

Typically, free antivirus apps only cover a single device and user. In contrast, paid plans often offer coverage for multiple devices, giving you broader protection across all your devices and better overall value.

Top-tier antivirus solutions, like Norton, offer comprehensive internet security suites that include advanced features such as password managers, VPNs, and device optimization tools — tools you might otherwise need to subscribe to separately.

In general, I recommend opting for a paid plan. While free iOS antiviruses can be a good starting point, if you truly want to protect yourself from online threats, there are several great-value premium options available.

Free iOS Antiviruses to Avoid

Though Apple does a good job of screening apps for security, some malicious or poorly functioning apps still manage to slip through. These include fake security apps and those that don’t offer effective protection. Here are a few to be cautious of:

• Mobile Protection: Clean & Security VPN: Promised VPN services but charged users exorbitant amounts after a short trial period.
• Anti-Virus Detective: Falsely claimed to scan iPhones for malware and was eventually removed by Apple. If you come across it, be sure to delete it.
• Mobile Security: Offered a VPN and supposedly safe browsing features but had high monthly fees after a 3-day trial, costing more than many top-tier iOS antivirus apps.

Always be careful when downloading free antivirus apps and make sure you’re choosing one that offers legitimate protection.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best free antivirus for iPhone and iPad?

TotalAV Mobile Security is the top free antivirus app for iPhones and iPads. It has a user-friendly interface and includes essential security tools like a system scanner and data breach checker.
That said, free antivirus apps — including TotalAV’s — don’t provide full protection. Key features such as anti-phishing are only available in the paid version. If you’re looking for complete protection, consider a premium option like Norton Mobile Security, which includes a broader set of advanced features to protect against all types of online threats.

What can a free iOS antivirus actually do?

Each app offers something a little different, but the best free iOS antivirus apps usually include tools like phishing protection and VPNs. While iPhones are generally secure, phishing sites and unsafe networks are still major threats. A good security app can detect fake websites and encrypt your browsing with a VPN to protect your data.
Still, free versions usually have limited features. Norton, for example, only allows free access as a trial. While basic protection is better than none, premium antivirus apps offer far more complete security.

Is it safe to use a free antivirus on my iPhone or iPad?

Yes — as long as you download it from a reputable developer. All of the apps we’ve recommended come from trustworthy brands and are safe to use.
However, free antivirus apps don’t include advanced protections like real-time anti-phishing, full VPN access, or extensive data breach monitoring. Without these, you could still be vulnerable, so it’s worth considering a paid antivirus like Norton for stronger protection.

Do free antivirus apps collect your data?

Some do. Many free antivirus providers collect user data to support their business model — whether it’s for improving the app, showing you ads, or selling it to third parties.
Always review the app’s privacy policy before downloading, and pay attention to any permissions it requests. Stick with trusted companies that are known for prioritizing user privacy and look for brands that publish third-party audits or transparency reports.

Will antivirus apps for iPhone also work on iPad?

In most cases, yes. Security apps like Norton and Bitdefender support both iPhones and iPads. However, some features might be tailored for phones, so it’s best to double-check the app’s description to make sure it offers the protection you want on your iPad.

What antivirus features do I actually need?

To stay fully protected on iOS, look for security apps with the following features:

• Phishing protection
• Wi-Fi security alerts
• Spam text/call blocking
• Data breach notifications
• VPN for secure browsing
• Anti-theft tools
  Premium apps like Norton 360 offer all of these and more. While it’s not free, it’s the most complete iOS security solution available — and well worth it for the peace of mind.\