Avast Mobile Security
Avast Mobile Security is one of the most comprehensive Android security apps. It will protect your phone against infected apps, emails, and messages, and it will also alert you when spyware or adware is installed and violates your privacy. It has a detection rate of 99.9 percent for the latest Android malware, and 100 percent for malware detected in the last four weeks.
Features include call blocking, anti-theft, and a photo vault, and it will also work as a virus cleaner, RAM booster, and for internet security. It has an excellent speed booster and power saver, as well as having a VPN mode that keeps browsing private. Avast is free of charge, with a premium version from $12 per month that offers complete security across a range of devices.
Kaspersky Security for Mobile
Protecting Android devices for work tasks without putting sensitive data or essential business processes at risk, Kaspersky offers multilayered protection. This includes application and device controls, anti-malware, anti-spam, anti-theft, and web protection.
This is a great antivirus app with anti-phishing technology that protects financial information when shopping online. It also includes an effective call blocker, an auto-lock, and an unlock system. The free version does not contain advertisements, and the premium version comes at $15 per month.
Norton Mobile Security
Norton Mobile Security offers excellent malware protection for Android devices, and it has tested with a perfect 100 percent in various Android antivirus apps evaluations. Free features include anti-theft, remote lock, locate, capture photos, safe search, and the ability to wipe the device.
The premium version includes a useful app advisor, system advisor, link guard, spam call detection, Wi-Fi security, and privacy report. The security system is powerful with working features, though the premium version is relatively expensive at $29.99.
AppLock
Applock from DoMobile Lab is a simple and useful tool that is popular among Android users. It can be used to prevent unauthorized access and protect passwords on any app used on mobile devices by requiring a pin and pattern for access.
It can also be used to conceal photos and videos in a private vault. The app requires a master pattern lock for every time you use it, and the app icon can be hidden from intruders. You can also set different profiles for different apps, fake covers for certain apps, and use fingerprint recognition. This app is free of charge.
BitDefender Mobile Security
With near-perfect malware protection, a VPN client as well as anti-theft features, BitDefender is an excellent choice for an effective mobile security solution. It also features Android Wear watch integration and tools that include an app lock and a Wi-Fi scanner.
BitDefender also has a very low impact on the performance of a device, efficient and powerful protection, and a range of useful features. Unlike other mobile security apps, there is no free version, though the paid version is only $15 per year.
McAfee Mobile Security
The protection offered by McAfee is impressive, with 99.9 percent of threats detected and 100 percent of Android malware collected in the previous four weeks. Web protection is offered across major browsers.
The free version offers a generous package, including anti-theft features, memory booster, privacy check, storage cleaner, Wi-Fi protection, and smartwatch integration. The premium version includes an app lock, a guest mode, and a VPN, though this is quite costly at $30 per year.
LastPass
LastPass is a leading password manager which allows for passwords, PINs, and other sensitive data to be stored with extra layers of security. All confidential data is encrypted behind a single master password, and the LastPass Authenticator can also be used for additional two-factor authentication.
The free version includes access on all devices, one-to-one sharing, a password generator, and secure notes. With the premium version, emergency access, advanced multi-factor options, 1GB of encrypted file storage, and tech support is available for $2 per month.
Sophos Mobile Security
A powerful antivirus system with 100 percent malware detection, the Sophos app scans existing apps, installed apps, and storage media.
It also features web filtering, spam blocking, and loss and theft protection that can be controlled through remote access, allowing you to lock, wipe, and locate your device. Unlike many free mobile security apps, Sophos doesn’t allow adverts, though it does block websites with spam or dangerous content.
Lookout Security & Antivirus
One of the first Android antivirus solutions, Lookout is easy to use, with a simple interface and a welcome absence of adverts. The free version features phone location tracking with a scream function that sounds an alert, and a system advisor. A premium version that costs $29.99 per year features a privacy advisor, Wi-Fi protection, VPN, and anti-theft protection.
A third tier, Premium Plus, is $99.99 per year and also includes identity restoration and insurance, as well as identity theft protection. Scans using Lookout are not the fastest, and malware detection is not perfect, but its features and usability make it a popular choice.
Qihoo 360 Total Security
Qihoo provides online security and antivirus protection that is actually powered by Avira and BitDefender, who have both received positive reviews from tests. There are three scanning options: a quick scan, a custom scan, and a full system scan.
There is also a Patch Up feature that checks programs for vulnerabilities, a data shredder, a virtual vault, and an app lock. There is a free version available and a premium version for $12. It is straightforward and easy to use, but the free version contains a large number of advertisements.
With a wide selection of security apps for Android devices, users do not need to search far and wide for a suitable service. Deciding on the best product will depend on the security risk and the particular functions required. But with mobile security becoming an increasingly important issue for individuals and organizations, this is a decision we will all be making before long.
