


Most of the free Android antivirus apps I tested were ineffective against malware, filled with annoying ads, or falsely advertised as free - a lot of “free” apps are really just free trials or very limited versions of the premium apps. I tested all of the free antivirus apps in the Google Play Store - after weeks of testing, I only found a few products which I’m confident can keep Androids well-protected against malware.

Get 2023’s best Android security app here (up to 60 days risk-free).It’s not 100% free, but it has a 14-day free trial, and if you get it as part of Norton’s multi-device plans, you can try it for 60 days risk-free. It’s the best Android antivirus on the market - detecting and removing all Android malware and sketchy apps, blocking phishing sites, and offering extras like Wi-Fi monitoring, a VPN, and identity theft protection. Don't download from shady websites, try to avoid tapping on ads, and keep an eye on app permissions.Short on time? Here’s the best free Android antivirus in 2023: Like on other platforms, common sense will help you avoid a virus. But those are separate concerns from Android viruses. Scam apps might take your money for nothing, and many free apps abuse phone permissions to steal your data. However, this doesn't mean every app on Google Play is beneficial. If you chose to sideload apps, make certain that you trust the location you download them from. Downloading apps from random websites, especially "cracked" apps (paid offerings illegally provided for free), is a great way to pick up malware. Recently, apps downloaded from the third-party app store 9Apps proved to be the source of the Agent Smith malware.

Installing from other sources is entirely different. While some slip through the cracks, you're very unlikely to install a virus app from the Play Store. Google scans all apps added to Google Play for malicious behavior and removes offenders. If you only install apps from Google Play, the chances of you picking up a phone virus are slim to none.
