Android is now as the most popular mobile operating system all over the world due to user-friendliness, it’s understandable that the vast majority of mobile malware hidden inside bogus apps is starred at Google’s OS. For this reason, by default Android devices only allows installation of software from the officially sanctioned Google Play. Therefore, today we’re going to recommend top 5 of the best Android security apps to secure its products from any threats.
1.Sophos Free Antivirus and Security:
The first best Android security app is Sophos Free Antivirus and Security. In 2015, Sophos’ free antivirus app won the AV-Test award for best protection, which offers many outstanding features and more importantly, scores a 100 percent detection rate for malware in real-time, but the point is it costs absolutely nothing.
Unlike other free scanners, we aren’t annoyed by any adverts.
Apps are scanned for any malware or harmful content when they are installed and Sophos warns us if any sensitive information leaks. Importantly, the antivirus scanner is scheduled to scan files periodically, and the malware database is automatically updated daily.
Sophos includes some QR code scanner to set up secured Wi-Fi connections and an authenticator to generate one-time passwords for two-factor authentication.
Sophos has been a top performer of antivirus and security for years by consistently boasting a 100 percent detection rate for Android malware according to AV-Test and offerring robust scanning covering installation, existing apps, and storage media.
We also get an impressive package of extras such as loss and theft protection, with support for alarm, lock, wipe, locate, and via SMS. Web filtering, password protection for apps, spam blocking, privacy and security advice, and a few other tools are also special features.
Though it’s not the most beautiful app right here, but it performs admirably and effectively with little impact on our phone on networking, processing, and battery life.
Hence, this is really a genuinely app with a solid list of fully accessible features, but with no fee and no any advertising as well.
2.AVL
Another best Android security app for its users is AVL.
AVL is also the winner on the list of the AV-Test award for best protection of mobile devices.
Antivirus database and the scanner of detecting of executable file that make its way onto your device are highly appreciated.
“Anti-phishing” button to stop harmful websites from loading in the first place and “Call blocker” to prevent malicious numbers from contacting us are also the key that make AVL get the high score on AV test.
And finally, the app is designed to be light on resources, which will not affect dramatically the battery life, thus it encourages more users to download.
3. Avast Antivirus & Security:
Free, user-friendly and an impressive range of tools – that is the reason why Avast Antivirus & Security is an increasingly favorable security app, especially for Android users.
It provides antivirus protection and a web shield to scan our apps, then show details on what they are doing.
“Call blocker” for blacklisting numbers, “App Locker” to PIN protect private apps, and “Wi-Fi scanning” options for improved security and speed are the key features.
Since November 2016, according to the latest AV-Test report of 26 popular Android security apps, Avast is a solid option with a detection rate of the latest Android malware in real time of 99.9%, and now rising to 100% for malware discovered in the last four weeks. That makes it near the top of the charts on malware detection, which, combined with more useful functionality, makes it really worth choosing.
A light footprint with no discernible drain on battery life and no impact on general performance and no false positives are also great.
A wide range of features with extra protection for rooted devices will keep us safe from malware. If you are looking for a security solution for your Android smartphone, and your first and foremost concern is safe browsing and malware, this could be the right app.
4. Applock
It is no surprise that Applock is also one of the more usefull Android security apps.
It functions by locking down various apps. Once activated, we have to enter a PIN in order to keep going. This is good for families with kids or nosy friends from goofing around our phone.
Highlights:
- Lock apps individually
- Lock photos and videos
- Different lock profiles
- Time lock
- Location lock
- Security questions
- Power-saving
- Fee: free but ad-supported/ Premium version ($.99/month, $5.99/year, or ad-supported – more features: Photo vault, Video vault, Themes, Fake covers, Customize background, Profiles, easy to change locks, Auto time lock, Auto location lock, Hide applock icon, Random keyboard, Lock switch)
5. Trend Micro Mobile Security & Antivirus
Scoring a 99.9% malware detection rate over the last two years and fresh design, Trend Micro is a consistently solid choice as one of the best Android security apps.
In the latest report by AV test, it got 99.8% for real-time detection and 100% for malware discovered with no false positives or any bad impacts on battery life in the last four weeks.
Highlights:
- Fast scan
- Pre-scans Google Play apps before installation
- Antitheft tools
- Call blocking
- Backup and restore
- SIM card protection
- Facebook privacy scan
- Parental controls
There’s also “Just-a-Phone” feature killing all non-essential background processes.
Fee
There’s a 30-day free trial of the premium features, which include malware blocking and cleaning, anti-theft tools, app locking, call filtering, and more.
At $36/ year, we’re not convinced it’s worth it, but the free version will cover you for malware detection and it already has some handy extras.
These above are 5 best recommended Android security apps, let’s consider and choose the most suitable one for your phone.