Protecting your Android devices against viruses and other harmful malware is incredibly important and luckily, there are quite a few genuinely safe and reliable pieces of antivirus software out there which are available to download completely for free.
Antity AVL
Previously named the best protection for mobile devices by well-respected review site AV-Test, AVL’s free antivirus software has been specifically designed to quickly and efficiently deal with any incoming threats while using up as little of your battery life as possible.
An impressively vast antivirus database sits alongside a very competent scanner which works to detect all kinds of harmful executable files and automatically checks any newly downloaded apps for infections.
AVL also comes with a call-blocker so you can bar malicious numbers from contacting you and useful anti-phishing feature which prevents any harmful webpages or links from opening on your device.
Download it here.
Bit Defender
Like AVL, Bit Defender's antivirus software received high praise for both the considerable speed at which it's able to neutralize both brand-new and older viruses whilst barely affecting your device's battery life or performance.
Bit Defender requires no configuration beyond simply downloading the app and it uses an in-the-cloud service to stay up-to-date with the latest safeguards. It's one of the more fully comphrensive options on the list featuring excellent anti-theft protection and support for Android Watch.
Its effective anti-phishing software acts to protect you within your device's web browser and although its auto-pilot feature automatically scans newly downloaded apps, you’ll have to carry out a manual scan in order to check anything else.
Download it here.
Kaspersky Mobile Antivirus and AppLock
An AV-Test trial last November saw Kaspersky’s anti-virus software achieve a very impressive detection rate of 99.9% when it came to identifying malware on Android devices meaning you can be sure you're receiving high-quality protection.
Newly downloaded apps and any files you’ve been sent are automatically scanned for threats and quickly quarantined for removal if anything is found. If a site or link is deemed to be dangerous you’ll be prevented from even clicking through to it greatly reducing your chance of infection.
Numbers which send you infected messages can be prevented from contacting you and its wealth of brilliant anti-theft features, like the ability to remotely snap a picture of the thief, make Kaspersky a great choice for anyone who has important data they’d like to keep safe.
Download it here.
McAfee Security and Power Booster Free
The free edition of McAfee's antivirus software is virtually the same as its paid one giving you full protection against the latest, ever-evolving forms of malware, viruses and spyware.
An optimization module works to streamline your devices performance and an effective virus scanner possesses the ability to check whether or not an app leaking private information and then lock it if necessary.
McAfee will also block access to any malicious content you might stumble across in your device's online browser and prevent you from joining any unsecure wi-fi connections.
Download it here.
Avira Antivirus Security
Along with the usual ability to scan newly downloaded apps and files for malware and spyware and notifying you before you access a dodgy site or link, Avira antivirus software possess a few other nifty extras which help set it apart from its competitors.
External storage like SD cards and any new app updates are all automatically scanned for threats and its anti-ransom software prevents ransomware from taking your phone hostage. Avira rates all of your apps in terms of privacy so you can decide whether or not to use them and prevents them from accessing one another without permission.
Going to Avira's online portal will allow you to access your other Android devices and remotely carry out the above protective measures, providing that device has also downloaded Avira's app, so you don't have to worry about them becoming infected while you’re away.
Download it here.
