If you're not running some kind of anti-malware app on your Android smartphone or tablet, then you're putting yourself at risk of infection from corrupted apps and other kinds of malware.
The good news is that your options are far from limited. The best mobile antivirus apps offer not only top-notch malware detection and prevention, but also a range of privacy and anti-theft features, such as the ability to back up your contacts and other data, track your phone or tablet using its internal GPS chip, or even snap a picture of a phone thief with the device's camera.
Most mobile security apps have both free and paid versions, but not all freemium antivirus products are created equal. We rounded up apps from the biggest names in mobile antivirus protection — Avast, Kaspersky, Lookout, McAfee and Norton — and rated their apps based on setup, interface, usability, extra features and, of course, their anti-malware chops.
To gauge security protection, we used data from AV-Test, which rates most major security apps based on their ability to detect zero-day malware and other recent threats. We also loaded a Galaxy S4 with the EICAR test virus to test each app's anti-malware detection. Last but not least, we used the Geekbench 3 app to measure the impact these security apps have on overall performance.
Which Android antivirus app came out on top? Check out our in-depth reviews.
Avast! Mobile Security & Antivirus
Ranked No. 1
Its anti-malware protection is excellent, but the breadth and scope of extra features in Avast! Mobile Security & Antivirus blew us away. Its free version alone is as comprehensive as some other security apps' paid versions, and Avast's premium version ($15 per year) has everything from a privacy adviser to a customizable blacklist, and even options for rooted phones. The app almost does too much, but the well-organized interface and support keep it user-friendly. Overall, Avast! Mobile Security & Antivirus is our favorite Android security app.Lookout Mobile Security
Ranked No. 2
The sole company on this list that makes only mobile security products, Lookout's focus on smartphones and tablets clearly pays off in its products' excellent performance speed, beautiful interface design — both in its app and its Web portal — and wide range of anti-theft and privacy features. For $3 per month or $30 per year for the premium version, Lookout has everything most users need to feel secure and private on their mobile devices.McAfee Mobile Security for Android
Ranked No. 3
A well-known name in PC anti-virus, McAfee impressed us with its strong mobile-app offering, including exceptional malware detection and a wide range of features that balance functionality with ease of use. We especially like the Data Exposure feature, which helps you keep better tabs on your privacy. McAfee also boasts an excellent interface full of helpful notes that keeps even its more complex features simple and understandable. At $29.99 per year for the premium version, McAfee is easily one of the best mobile security apps for Android.Kaspersky Internet Security for Android
Ranked No. 4
A powerhouse in PC security, Kaspersky brings its excellent malware-detection engine to Android devices with Kaspersky Internet Security for Android, which costs $14.95 per year for the premium version. While we found the app interface somewhat lacking, Kaspersky recovered with a good range of anti-theft and privacy features.Norton Mobile Security
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