On Android, pretty much everything is an app, even your dialer, messaging, and a lot of the system itself. This means the main way your device can get a virus is if you download an app from an untrusted source or if an app has been tampered with. Even though Google scans apps, millions are uploaded every day, so sometimes a harmful one slips through.
That’s why users need to trust the best antivirus for Android. A good antivirus helps keep everything safe, even if you accidentally install a harmful app. There are many antivirus options available, so you just need to pick the one that best suits your needs.
Top Rated Antivirus for Android UK
When you search for antivirus apps, you’ll find way too many options, and almost all of them claim to be the best. That marketing hype can make the decision even more confusing for users. To make it easier, here’s a list of the best Android antivirus apps along with their key features.
Best Paid Android Antivirus Software
First, let’s take a look at the paid options, as choosing a premium antivirus provides your Android device with stronger, more advanced protection.
Bitdefender Mobile Security (Android)
Bitdefender Mobile Security is one of the best Android antivirus apps for malware detection, known for its minimal impact on device performance. It also includes extra tools such as web protection and anti‑theft features that keep your phone safe under any circumstance.
Pricing Plans of Bitdefender:
-
Free Trial: A 14‑day free trial is usually offered before you buy.
-
Basic Paid Plan: Around £14.49–£14.99 per year for 1 device / 1-year subscription.
-
Multi‑Device Options: About £19.99 per year for a 3‑device licence.
Bitdefender
Protect your Android phone with Bitdefender, one of the best antivirus apps in the UK for fast, lightweight, and powerful mobile security.
It often offers discounts for new users or seasonal promotions.
Benefits of Bitdefender For Android Users:
-
Strong real‑time protection against viruses and malware.
-
Includes anti‑theft, app lock, and phishing defenses.
-
Doesn’t slow down your phone noticeably.
Who Should Use Bitdefender on Android?
If you’re looking for excellent malware protection and an antivirus for PC that won’t slow down your device, Bitdefender is an excellent choice. It’s also ideal for those on a reasonable budget, offering premium features that you won’t find in most free antivirus apps.
Norton 360 (Mobile Security)
Norton 360 for Android is a strong protection best Chrome antivirus software security app with top‑tier protection from unsafe apps. It’s known for its user‑friendly setup and additional tools like Wi‑Fi security with safer browsing.
Pricing Plans of Norton:
-
Norton 360 Standard: Costs £24.99 for the first year and protects 1 device.
-
Norton 360 Deluxe: Priced at £89.99 for 1 year, this plan covers up to 5 devices.
-
Norton 360 Advanced: Available for £149.99 for 1 year, this plan protects up to 10 devices.
Norton 360 (Mobile Security)
Secure your Android phone with Norton 360 Mobile Security, one of the best antivirus solutions in the UK for complete mobile protection.
Benefits of Norton For Android Users:
-
Excellent real‑time malware protection.
-
App Advisor warns before installing risky apps.
-
Wi‑Fi and web protection for safer browsing.
Who Should Use Norton on Android?
Best for someone who uses one device, mainly an Android phone. If you browse frequently, use public Wi-Fi, or shop online, the Standard plan may be sufficient. It also falls into the best cheap antivirus software category, making it a good option if you’re on a reasonable budget.
Best Free Android Antivirus Software
Now, for those who still want security and protection but prefer a free version, there are free options available as well.
Avast Mobile Security
Avast Mobile Security is one of the most popular and powerful free virus protection for Android. Even as a free app, it offers paid plans that provide excellent protection, along with extra tools such as Wi‑Fi security checks and a web guard.
Pricing Plans of Avast:
-
The free version offers basic protection at no cost.
-
The paid premium plan typically costs around £39.99 per year for one device in the UK, unlocking extra features like app locking, photo vault, network inspector, and more.
Avast
Avast Free Mobile Security is one of the best free antivirus apps for Android in the UK, offering real time threat detection and privacy features.
Benefits for Avast For Android Users:
-
Better malware scanning, even on the free plan.
-
Added tools like network security checks and privacy scanners.
-
Helps protect against unsafe links and downloads.
Who Should Use Avast on Android?
While Avast offers strong malware detection and basic protection, the free version does not include an unlimited VPN, which requires upgrading to Avast One. Overall, Avast is a great choice for users seeking free protection against risky links and various types of phishing attacks.
Sophos Intercept X for Mobile
Sophos Intercept X for Mobile is the best AI antivirus app with enterprise‑grade protection. It blocks malware and suspicious apps, and also includes security tools like QR code scanning and Wi‑Fi checks.
Pricing Plans of Sophos:
-
Completely free: No ads or paid tiers; all features are available at no cost.
-
It’s designed for users who want strong security without subscriptions.
Benefits for Sophos For Android Users:
-
Great malware protection with extra tools.
-
No cost, completely free.
-
Includes privacy tools like secure QR scanning.
Who Should Use Sophos on Android?
For those who want protection from cyber threats on Android without paying, Sophos Intercept X for Mobile is one of the best free antivirus for android on the market. While its protection is more basic compared to premium options, it’s ad-free and gets the job done.
FAQs
Will Having an Antivirus on Android Slow Down My Device?
No, with well-optimized tools like Bitdefender, it won’t slow your phone down. Choosing a reliable and lightweight antivirus ensures smooth performance.
Why is Downloading From the Play Store Safer Than Sideloading on Android?
Downloading from the Play Store lowers the risk of malware, but Android can still be affected. A reliable antivirus helps provide extra protection.
Do I Need Antivirus on My Android Tablet?
The need for antivirus software on Android is clear, whether you use a tablet, phone, or even an Android-based laptop. Having an antivirus for Android adds extra layers of protection.
How to Disable an Antivirus on Android Phones?
Disabling antivirus on Android is simple. Just open the app, go to the settings, and turn off real-time protection. If you want to remove it completely, you can uninstall the app.
While Android was once considered largely safe from viruses, in today’s reality its different. Even apps from the Google Play Store are not guaranteed to be malware-free, and there have been cases of infected apps slipping through before Google could act. This makes having a reliable antivirus for Android on your device more important than ever to stay protected from cyber threats.
Your security increases many times over when you use a good antivirus with a password manager and VPN. However, some Mac users get confused and should look for a built-in antivirus for Mac. The same goes for the best free antivirus for mobile phones and laptops; choosing the right one for each device makes a big difference in overall protection.
Better protection means better tools. Not only for Android, but in general, there are many software options available that protect you from different types of threats. These include AI security tools, SaaS security tools, and even specialized options like ManageEngine threat protection tools designed to handle specific types of threats.
Stay tuned to Virtual Codes Vault for more information on the best Android antivirus software.
