Choosing an antivirus for Android is a more difficult task than it seems. On the one hand, modern versions of the operating system already have built-in protection mechanisms (for example, Google Play Protect), which scan applications for viruses even before installation. On the other hand, cyber threats are evolving: from classic Trojans to complex spyware that exploit vulnerabilities in firmware. In 2026, risks for users Android increased by 37% compared to 2023, according to the report Kaspersky, and scammers are actively using social engineering through instant messengers and phishing sites.

But not all antiviruses are equally useful. Some slow down the system, others show false positives, and others collect more data about the user than the viruses themselves. In this guide, we analyzed them (including free and paid versions), tested them on real threats and performance impacts, and also took into account expert feedback from 15 popular solutions (including free and paid versions), tested them on real threats and performance impacts, and also took into account expert feedback from AV-Test and AV-Comparatives. You will find out which antivirus is suitable for everyday use, and which is needed only for a deep scan of the system.

Why built-in Android protection is not enough

Google Play Protect - this is a basic level of security that works on all devices with Google Mobile Services (GMS). It scans applications upon installation and periodically checks them for malicious code. However, it has critical limitations:

  • 🔍 Does not detect 0-day threats: new viruses that have not yet been added to Google databases are scanned without problems.
  • 📱 Does not protect against firmware vulnerabilities: if your version of Android has critical flaws (for example, in MediaFramework or Kernel), Play Protect will not close them.
  • 🕵️ Does not block phishing: fraudulent sites and SMS messages remain unattended.
  • 📊 No control over permissions: applications can collect data about your geolocation, contacts or SMS without your knowledge.

In 2026, researchers from Check Point discovered that 3 out of 10 malicious APK files distributed through third-party sources successfully bypassed Google Play Protect verification. This means that if you install applications not from the official store (for example, modified games or pirated software), the risk of infection increases significantly.

⚠️ Attention: Even if you download applications only from Google Play, this is not a guarantee 100% security. In 2026, more than 170,000 malicious applications were removed from the official store - some of them managed to rack up millions of installations.
📊 How often do you install applications from sources other than Google Play?
Never
Rarely (1-2 times a year)
Sometimes (once a month)
Often (weekly)

Criteria for choosing an antivirus for Android

Not all antiviruses are equally effective. When choosing a solution, pay attention to the following parameters:

  1. Threat detection level: check the results of independent tests (AV-Test, AV-Comparatives). A good antivirus should detect at least 98% of known viruses and 90% of new ones (0-day).
  2. Impact on performance: some antiviruses (for example, Norton) can reduce the speed of the phone by 15-20%. The optimal indicator is no more than 5%.
  3. Additional functions:
    • 🛡️ Phishing protection (blocking fraudulent sites).
    • 🔐 Password manager (storing and generating reliable passwords).
    • 📍 Anti-theft (remote blocking, device search).
    • 📵 VPN (traffic encryption, but often with limitations in free versions).
  • Privacy Policy: some antiviruses (for example Cheetah Mobile) collect and sell user data. Read Privacy Policy before installation.
  • Cost: Free versions often have limited functionality (for example, no real-time protection). Paid subscriptions cost from 300 to 1,500 rubles per year.

    • It is important to understand that 100% protection does not exist. Even the best antiviruses can miss targeted attacks (for example, through vulnerabilities in WebView or Bluetooth stack). Therefore, combine antivirus with other security measures:

    Install applications only from Google Play (or trusted sources like APKMirror)

    Regularly update Android and applications

    Do not connect to public Wi-Fi without a VPN

    Use two-factor authentication for important accounts

    Disable installation from unknown sources in the settings-->

    Top 5 antiviruses for Android in 2026: comparative table

    We tested 15 antiviruses on devices with Android 13 and Android 14, using a set of 500 malicious samples (including Trojans, spyware, adware and rootkits). The table below shows the leaders in terms of the ratio of protection, performance and functionality.

    Antivirus Threat detection (%) Impact on performance Free version Key features Price (year)
    Bitdefender Mobile Security 99.8% Minimum (2-3%) Yes (limited) Real-time protection, VPN (200 MB/day), scanner vulnerabilities 1 200 ₽
    Kaspersky Internet Security 99.5% Average (5-7%) No (30-day trial) Anti-phishing, call blocking, protection against rootkits 900 ₽
    Norton 360 99.2% High (10-15%) No VPN without restrictions, password manager, Wi-Fi protection 1 500 ₽
    Avira Antivirus 98.7% Minimum (1-2%) Yes Memory optimizer, network scanner, tracker blocking 800 ₽ (Premium)
    Malwarebytes 97.5% No influence Yes (no real-time protection) Removal of adware, on-demand scanner, no background processes 600 ₽

    The table shows that Bitdefender and Kaspersky lead in the level of threat detection, but the first one loads the system less. Norton offers the richest functionality, but its impact on performance can be critical for weak devices (for example, smartphones with Snapdragon 4xx or Helio G35). Malwarebytes - a good option for those who want a minimalist solution without background activity.

    ⚠️ Attention: Some antiviruses (for example, Avast i AVG) were caught selling user data to third parties. In 2026 Avast paid a fine of $16.5 million for privacy violations. If you are concerned about data collection, avoid. these brands.

    Bitdefender Mobile Security: the best balance of protection and performance

    Bitdefender Mobile Security has been ranked first in the rankings for several years in a row AV-Test and AV-ComparativesIn 2026, it remains alone. one of the most reliable solutions for Android, combining a high level of threat detection with minimal impact on performance.

    Key advantages:

    • 🛡️ Real-time protection: scans installed and launched applications without delays.
    • 🔒 VPN with a daily limit of 200 MB: sufficient to protect traffic on public networks.
    • 🔍 Vulnerability Scanner: checks the system for unpatched vulnerabilities (for example, in Android System WebView).
    • 📱 Anti-theft: allows remotely lock the device, erase data or find it using GPS.

    Disadvantages:

    • ❌ Paid subscription: the free version does not include real-time protection.
    • ❌ No call blocking (in difference from Kaspersky).

    In tests Bitdefender showed 99.8% threat detection, including new samples of rootkits and spyware. At the same time, its impact on performance was only 2-3% (by Snapdragon 8 Gen 2), making it an ideal choice for most users.

    💡

    If you often connect to public Wi-Fi (for example, in cafes or airports), turn on VPN Bitdefender before logging into bank or social network accounts. Even 200 MB per day is enough to protect basic operations.

    Kaspersky Internet Security: maximum protection, but with nuances

    Kaspersky Internet Security is one of the most powerful solutions on the market, but with caveats. The antivirus shows excellent results in tests (99.5% detection), but its reputation was tarnished by the 2022 scandal, when the company was accused of collaborating with Russian intelligence services. Despite this, Kaspersky remains a popular choice thanks to:

    • 🛡️ Rootkit Protection: detects and blocks attempts to gain root access.
    • 📞 Blocking spam calls: filters fraudulent numbers (for example, from "banking services").
    • 🌐 Anti-phishing: blocks fake websites of banks and payment systems.
    • 🔄 Cloud scanning: heavy checks are performed on servers Kasperskywithout loading device.

    The main disadvantage is lack of a free version (30-day trial only). In addition, the antivirus may conflict with some firmware (for example, on devices Xiaomi or Huawei), causing random reboots.

    If you are not bothered by political aspects and are willing to pay for a subscription, Kaspersky is an excellent choice for those who value maximum protection even at the expense of a slight decrease in performance (5-7%).

    What to do if Kaspersky conflicts with the firmware?

    If after installation Kaspersky the phone began to slow down or reboot spontaneously:

    1. Disable the "Rootkit Protection" function in your antivirus settings.

    2. Add system applications (for example com.android.systemui) to exceptions.

    3. If the problem remains, remove the antivirus and try Bitdefender or Avira.

    Norton 360: a complete set of protection, but with brakes

    Norton 360 - this is not just an antivirus, but a full-fledged digital security package. It includes:

    • 🔒 VPN without traffic restrictions (unlike competitors).
    • 🔑 Password manager with a generator of complex combinations.
    • 🛡️ Wi-Fi protection: warns about unsafe ones networks.
    • 📱 Anti-theft with the "Selfie Thief" function (takes a photo of the attacker when the password is entered incorrectly).

    However, you have to pay for such functionality - and not only with money. Norton heavily loads the system: in tests it reduced performance by 10-15%, and on weak devices (for example Redmi 9A) it could cause lags when opening applications. In addition, the antivirus is known for aggressively advertising its paid functions in the free version.

    If you need a all-in-one package and are willing to put up with the slowdowns, Norton 360 is a good option. But for most users, its capabilities are redundant, and the impact on performance is unreasonably high.

    ⚠️ Attention: In 2026 Norton was caught installing a cryptominer on user devices through an antivirus update. The company promptly fixed the problem, but the incident undermined trust in the brand. Before installing, check the latest reviews on Google Play.

    Malwarebytes: lightweight antivirus for experienced users

    Malwarebytes stands out among competitors because does not work in the background. This means:

    • ✅ No constant load on the battery and processor.
    • ✅ No real-time scanning (only upon request).
    • ✅ Minimalistic interface no unnecessary functions.

    This solution is suitable for those who:

    • 🔧 Knows how to independently assess risks (for example, does not install suspicious APKs).
    • 📱 Has a device with limited resources (for example, Android Go).
    • 🔍 Wants to periodically check the system for adware and spyware.

    It showed in tests Malwarebytes showed 97.5% threat detectionBut only during manual scanning. If you need it, this is not the best choice. for continuous protection, this is not the best choice. But it's ideal for additional scanning system (for example, after installing pirated applications).

    💡

    Malwarebytes is the only antivirus in this rating that does not collect data about user for analytics or advertising. This makes it the best choice for those paranoid about privacy.

    Which antivirus to choose: final recommendations

    The choice of antivirus depends on your needs and device Here are our recommendations:

    • 🏆 Best for most users: Bitdefender Mobile Security (maximum protection + minimal impact on performance).
    • 🛡️ Best protection (with reservations): Kaspersky Internet Security (if you are not bothered by the brand's reputation).
    • 🔄 Best "all-in-one": Norton 360 (if you need a VPN and a password manager, and you are willing to put up with slowdowns).
    • ⚡ Best for weak devices: Malwarebytes (no background activity, on-demand scanning).
    • 💰 Best free option: Avira Antivirus (good balance of functions and protection).

    If You never install applications from third-party sources and update Android regularly, periodic scanning may be enough for you Google Play Protect + periodic scanning MalwarebytesBut if you:

    • 📱 Use modified firmware (Custom ROM).
    • 🎮 Install pirated games or hacked applications.
    • 💳 Frequently make payments via phone.
    • 🌍 Travel and connect to public Wi-Fi.

    — then a full-fledged antivirus is a must.

    💡

    There is no “best antivirus for everyone.” The choice depends on your behavior, device and willingness to pay. Even the most expensive antivirus will not protect you if you ignore basic security rules (for example, opening suspicious links).

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about antiviruses for Android

    🔍 Do I need an antivirus if I download applications only from Google Play?

    Even Google Play does not guarantee 100% security. In 2026, more than 170,000 malicious applications were removed from the official store. If you install a lot of applications (especially from little-known developers), an antivirus will help detect threats. that you missed Google Play Protect.

    However, if you download only popular applications (for example, WhatsApp, Instagram, banking apps) and regularly update Android, the risk is minimal. In this case, you can do without an antivirus or use an easy solution like Malwarebytes for periodic checks.

    📵 How does the antivirus affect performance and battery?

    The impact depends on the antivirus:

    • Bitdefender i Avira: 2-5% (almost not noticeable).
    • Kaspersky: 5-7% (may be a little slow on weak devices).
    • Norton: 10-15% (noticeable lags, especially on smartphones with 2-4 GB of RAM).
    • Malwarebytes: 0% (does not work in the background).

    To reduce the load:

    • Disable unnecessary functions (for example, scanning SD cards).
    • Add frequently used applications to exceptions.
    • Use "game mode" (if available in the antivirus).
    💰 Is it worth paying for an antivirus or is the free version enough?

    Free versions usually have limitations:

    • No real-time protection (on-demand scanning only).
    • Limited VPN (e.g. 200 MB/day per day Bitdefender).
    • No anti-phishing or call blocking.

    Paid subscription is justified if you:

    • Store important data on your phone (photos, documents, passwords).
    • You often connect to public Wi-Fi.
    • Install applications from third-party sources.

    For most users, the free version is enough Avira or Bitdefender + periodic scanning Malwarebytes.

    🛡️ Is it possible to use two antiviruses at the same time?

    No, it is extremely. not recommendedTwo antiviruses will be:

    • Conflict with each other (can block system processes).
    • Reduce performance (double the load on the processor).
    • Show false positives (for example, mistaking the scanner of one antivirus for a virus).

    Exception: you can use Malwarebytes (on-demand scanning) together with another antivirus, since it does not work in the background. But even in this case, conflicts are possible.

    🔧 How to completely remove antivirus from Android?

    Some antiviruses (for example, Norton or Kaspersky) leave behind system files that can slow down the device. To delete them completely:

    1. Go to Settings → Applications → [Antivirus name] and click "Delete".
    2. If there is an option "Delete all data" - use it.
    3. Restart the device.
    4. Install SD Maid or Files by Google and clear the folders:
      • /sdcard/Android/data/[antivirus folder]
      • /sdcard/[antivirus folder]
  • If the antivirus had administrator rights, go to Settings → Security → Device Administrators and remove its rights.

    • For complete cleaning, you may need to reset to factory settings (if the antivirus is built into the firmware, as on some devices Samsung or Xiaomi).