If you want to protect your Android device from any malicious attack, then take the assistance of an antivirus tool. Over the last few years, the frequency of cyber attacks on Android devices has been increased exponentially. Therefore, it is recommended to take the assistance of free antivirus for Android to keep it safe. In this informative post, we will make you familiar with the pros and cons of various freely available antivirus apps that you can use to protect your device.
Why do we need Antivirus for Android?
Even though antivirus and anti-malware tools have been around for years, their usage has now become pretty evident. A virus is a malicious threat that tampers with the ideal functioning of a device by propagating rapidly and corrupting it. Antivirus is software that identifies this threat and takes added measures to protect your device from it.
We usually get a malware from unknown sources while using our Android device. After installing antivirus software on it, you can simply create a wall and protect your Android device from the attack of these malicious threats. Most of the Android antivirus tools can identify the threat and will ask you to manually remove it. Though, not all antivirus apps work the same way. Thankfully, most of them are freely available on Google Play Store.
10 Free Antivirus apps for Android
Now when you know the importance of an antivirus tool, let’s proceed and learn more about some of the best and freely available applications that every Android users should be familiar with. Here we list top 10 free Antivirus apps for Android for you to help you secure your device:
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AVG Antivirus
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Avast Antivirus & Security
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Clean Master
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Kaspersky Mobile Antivirus
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Norton Security and Antivirus
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Quick Heal Antivirus
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360 Security
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Avira Antivirus Security
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McAfee Mobile Security
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Hi Security Virus Cleaner
1. AVG Antivirus
AVG has one of the best and freely available antivirus apps out there. Already used by millions of users the world over, it can protect your device from virus, malware, or spyware attacks. Additionally, it also safeguards your device against several phishing techniques. You can also use the tool to kill various apps and boost the processing speed of your device.
Pros
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Monitors battery consumption (with a power saving mode)
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Optimize storage space on the device and kills unused apps
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It has an inbuilt anti-theft tool
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Protects your privacy with an added vault
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Scans websites and WiFi networks
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Defends against almost every possible malware, virus, or phishing attack
Cons
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Even though it is freely available, it has in-app ads
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Premium features are locked (in-app purchase support)
2. Avast Antivirus & Security
Attain a complete and high-level protection for your device with this free antivirus for Android. Besides protecting your device from virus or malware attack, it has added features like call blocker, web shield, WiFi security, app locker, and more.
Pros
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Extremely reliable and easy to use
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Protects an Android device from every major malware and virus
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It has an inbuilt anti-theft tool
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App locking and call blocking feature
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Scans WiFi and websites on a real-time basis
Cons
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Most of the premium features are paid
3. Clean Master
A freely available antivirus tool, it is essentially used to clean up the empty space on your device while protecting it from virus. It can be used to optimize the RAM and free up more space on your device to boost its processing speed. It also has added features like app locker, battery saver, notification cleaner, and more.
Pros
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It has multiple features like CPU cooler, battery saver, phone booster, etc.
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Can clean junk files and increase the overall efficiency of your device
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All the features are freely available
Cons
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The anti-virus tool is not as effective as its counterparts
4. Kaspersky Mobile Antivirus
Not only the app has a reliable reputation among Android users, it is extremely efficient as well. The Kaspersky mobile antivirus tool is available for free and comes with a wide range of features. All of this will certainly let you have a seamless smartphone experience.
Pros
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Anti-theft and anti-phishing inbuilt tools
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Background checker to protect your device against Trojans, viruses, and every major malware
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Find my phone feature to track your device
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Protects from online attacks through its web filter
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App locker and call blocker features
Cons
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In-app purchases for the premium features
5. Norton Security and Antivirus
Norton is one of the most reliable names when it comes to cyber security. With its dedicated free antivirus for Android, you are sure to keep your device safe. Besides protecting your device from any malware attack, it can also be used to safeguard your privacy. Even though the app has a 30-day free trial, you would be needed to get in-app purchases to enjoy its premium feature.
Pros
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Extremely reliable when it comes to malware and virus protection
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Can be used to protect your privacy
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Has an alarming feature to find a missing device
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Can be synced with other devices
Cons
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After completing the free trial, users need to pay for the premium features
6. Quick Heal Antivirus
Quick Heal has come up with a dedicated antivirus tool for Android users and have made it freely available as well. It has plenty of high-end features like intruder detection or call block filter besides the antivirus application.
Pros
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Real-time vulnerability scanner
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Anti-theft feature
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Call blocking and call forwarding option
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Highly effective in nature
Cons
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Consumes a significant amount of battery
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Yields unexpected results with a few Android versions (like Android 5.0)
7. 360 Security
Used by over 200 million users, 360 Security antivirus tool is an all-in-one application that comes with plenty of features. With it, you can clean your phone and get added space, optimize your device’s battery, and keep it safe from any malware attack on a real-time basis.
Pros
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Protects Android device from virus, Trojan, and every possible malware attack
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Battery optimizer and storage cleaner applications
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Anti-theft features and real-time protection of privacy
Cons
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The free version contains in-app ads
8. Avira Antivirus Security
Not just antivirus and malware, this extremely reliable application can also protect your device from a spyware or ransomware. Protect your data from any attack and keep your device safe with its anti-theft properties.
Pros
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Anti-theft and recovery tool
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Privacy protection with call blacklist feature
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Web management portal available
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Anti ransomware and spyware tool
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Multiple languages supported
Cons
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The free version contains in-app ads
9. McAfee Mobile Security
McAfee is known to be one of the most widely used antivirus tools not just for smartphones, but for PC and Mac systems as well. Its free antivirus for Android has basic features and will certainly keep your device safe from a malware attack.
Pros
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Simple and easy to use with all the essential features
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Boost the efficiency of your device while protecting your privacy
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Can be synced with other devices
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Can locate your phone
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Web-based real-time protection
Cons
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Its free version has limited features (with in-app ads)
10. Hi Security Virus Cleaner
This free antivirus for Android will be of a great help to you and keep your device safe from any malware or virus attack. It can also be used to improve the overall efficiency of your device while optimizing its storage.
Pros
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App cleaner and battery booster application
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Deep cleaning of the device with real-time protection
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Scans website and WiFi networks for added security
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Call blocking feature to protect your privacy
Cons
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The free version contains advertisements
We recommend backing up your Android data to protect it from the loss. Wondershare TunesGo is great tool to help you backup your contacts, photos, call logs, music, apps and more files from Android to PC with one click.
One Stop Solution to Backup & Restore Android Devices
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Backup your music, photos, videos, contacts, SMS, Apps etc. to computer and restore them easily.
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Manage, export/import your music, photos, videos, contacts, SMS, Apps etc.
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Phone to Phone Transfer - Transfer everything between two mobiles.
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Highlighted features such as 1-click root, gif maker, ringtone maker.
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Fully compatible with 3000+ Android devices (Android 2.2 - Android 8.0) from Samsung, LG, HTC, Huawei, Motorola, Sony etc.
Security Verified, 4,105,610 people have downloaded it
Now when you know about some of the best antivirus apps for Android, you can easily download the one that would suit your requirements. We have also listed the pros and cons of these popular apps to make things easier for you. Go ahead and download the best free antivirus for Android and let us know about your experience in the comments below.
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