There’s an ever-increasing number of cyber attacks targeting not only computers and tablets, but also smartphones. Now more than ever it’s important to protect our devices against hackers who want to steal the sensitive data we store on them.
Today we’ll make a list of the best mobile security options you can rely on to keep your smartphone safe from cyber crimes. With Android being the most popular operating system these days around the globe, we included the best Android antivirus on the market.
To create our top 7 best Android antivirus list of 2023, we tested seven security solutions for your smartphone. The first three options were Bitdefender Mobile Security, Kaspersky, and Norton Mobile Security. The next three contenders were Avast, McAfee and ESET Mobile Security. The last security tool on our list was BullGuard Antivirus 2023 for Android.
We compiled a table containing all of these products which you’ll see below. They are the most powerful ones of the moment, and they are all sorted by rank. Feel free to take a look at our reviews and decide the most appropriate option for you and your phone.
| Rank | Mobile Security | Rating | Price | Review | Purchase |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | 9.9 | $14.99 Devices: 1 | Quick review | See more details |
| 2 |  | 9.8 | $14.95 Devices: 1 | Quick review | See more details |
| 3 |  | 9.7 | $14.99 Devices: 1 | Quick review | See more details |
| 4 |  | 9.6 | $14.99 Devices: 1 | Quick review | See more details |
| 5 |  | 9.4 | $24.99 Devices: 1 | Quick review | See more details |
| 6 |  | 9.2 | $22.20 Devices: 1 | Quick review | See more details |
| 7 |  | 8.4 | $9.98 Devices: 1 | Quick review | See more details |
How the reviews were performed
Nowadays, smartphones use either Android, iOS, Symbian, and Windows, just to name a few operating systems. This is why it can be difficult to opt for one that will work best with your device.
For today’s top seven list, we measured the performance of more than 10 mobile security products. We did it in the same environment using a couple of smartphones that featured various versions of Android as the main operating system and a few hardware configurations. We used multiple devices running Android Ice Cream Sandwich, Jelly Bean (4.1 – 4.3.1), KitKat (4.4 – 4.4.4), Lollipop (5.0 – 5.1.1), Marshmallow (6.0 – 6.0.1), Nougat (7.0 – 7.1.2) and Oreo (8.0 – 8.1)
To have a better view of how the devices would react to malicious software, we introduced no less than 1,200 mobile threats and malware over the course of ten days.
After doing that, we observed how the smartphones and the mobile security solutions handled these issues. We looked at how slowly or quickly the threats were found by the tested Android antivirus solutions and what happened afterwards. We also verified whether or not the dangerous software we used was quarantined, blocked, or left alone.
During our tests, we checked usability and ease of use for each of these security products. Then we looked at the false detection rate percentage, the impact on the phone’s resources, and the speed of reaction.
Time to take an in-depth look at our top rated mobile security options of 2023. Among other things, you’ll find an in-depth analysis and a conclusion. Let’s begin!
1. Bitdefender Mobile Security 2023
Score: 9.9 / 10
Bitdefender have always come up with some of the best mobile antivirus selections for smartphones everywhere. Independent testing labs, like the popular and reliable AV-TEST, agree that the Bitdefender Mobile Security scores 100% on all the tests you can throw at it. Plus, it has plenty of advantages that work wonders for a phone’s safety.
The 2023 version of this product is very easy to use, especially if you’re a newbie. The installation package is small and the process goes smoothly. There are automatic upgrades included, which means that users will enjoy the latest improved features which help protect their smartphones from malware.
There are also continuous updates made to ensure the safety of a mobile device from the most advanced cyber threats. You’ll get security updates 24/7 and direct access to an excellent Support team.
Among the top features that come with the Bitdefender Mobile Security 2023 are Anti-Theft, Malware Scanner, App Lock, Web Protection, WearOn (a security feature which extends to the smart watch you use daily), and everything else you could think of.
This security solution can be yours for $14.99. If you want to enjoy Premium VPN, the price is $54.98, which is great value for what you get in return.
2. Kaspersky Internet Security for Android
Score: 9.8 / 10
Just like Bitdefender, Kaspersky have a solid reputation when it comes to mobile security. Their latest Internet Security for Android is the premium option for those of you who don’t want to end up with stolen data. For only $14.95, you get top-notch protection for one year if you use just one device. You can also have two devices protected for one year for $19.95, and three devices for one year for $24.95.
Easy to install and use, the Kaspersky Internet Security 2023 is one of the best Android antivirus options for your smartphone. There’s a large selection of great features to enjoy. Just to name a few: Internet Protection, Call & Text Filter, Anti-Theft, and Text Anti-Phishing.
In case a hacker steals your phone, they won’t be able to access your list of private contacts or the messages and calls you’ve received or sent. You’re also offered the possibility to perform manual scans for devices and apps, as well as lock your key apps via a secret code of your choosing.
All confidential data you keep on your smartphone will stay safe once the Kaspersky Internet Security for Android 2023 is installed on your phone. There’s also a free version, but it only delivers basic protection for your tablets and smartphones that run Android.
3. Norton Security for Android 2023
Score: 9.7 / 10
Symantec Corporation is the company behind some of the most reliable security solutions for computers. Norton Antivirus is an antimalware software that finds and deals with viruses like no other. When you say Norton, you say decades of quality in the world of PC security products for device owners around the world.
With so many threats coming from hackers aiming to steal private data from our computers and tablets, the next step for Symantec was to develop the best Android antivirus. Which is the Norton Mobile Security 2023.
It’s an advanced solution that promises lots of useful features and makes good on that. This particular product includes features such as Anti-Theft, Privacy Report, insecure Wi-Fi detection, and an App Advisor. Your phone is going to enjoy superior protection against malware with the Norton Mobile Security 2023.
In terms of installation and usability, this mobile security solution receives great grades. Everything is smooth and user-friendly. Smartphone owners won’t have any trouble navigating this tool. You can try it for free for 30 days and, if you like it, you can register a purchase on the official website.
4. Avast Mobile Security 2023
Score: 9.6 / 10
Avast may not be as popular as Bitdefender, Norton, and Kaspersky, but this Czech company that specializes in cyber security software have never disappointed so far. Their Avast Mobile Security is a top-notch application that you can install on your Android-operating smartphone on the go.
Since it’s not a premium edition, you won’t enjoy a large array of features, but the ones that do come with this product are worth considering. Once it’s safely running in the background, you can do all your favorite things on your phone knowing that you won’t lose anything important. You’ll be able to lock all your apps as well as block calls from unknown and potentially dangerous people.
The Android antivirus app that comes with the Avast Mobile Security does a fine job of keeping your device safe from viruses and malware when you surf the Internet. Shop online, have a Skype chat, check emails, share photos with your friends, and protect your payments in peace.
After the smooth and quick installation is done, you will be welcomed by a friendly user interface and you’ll enjoy protection ASAP.
5. McAfee Mobile Security
Score: 9.4 / 10
Intel Security and their McAfee security solutions are good contenders in the race for the best Android antivirus. The company’s McAfee Mobile Security App 2023 can be downloaded either for free from the official site or you can buy the premium version for only $24.99. The offer is available for one product throughout one year.
From the get-go, you will like the interface for its ease of use and design. You don’t have to be a pro to use it. This product has received good marks from the likes of AV Comparatives and AV-TEST labs. Let’s see what features it delivers. There are four of them and they’re called Privacy, Antivirus, Performance, and Anti-Theft.
The first one lets you share access to apps selectively and decide which ones you want to keep and which ones to delete. The Antivirus protects your smartphone from dangerous websites, spyware and viruses. If you have an Android Wear, the Performance feature lets you locate and then secure your phone on the go. The Battery Optimizer inside this feature helps boost your device.
6. ESET Mobile Security 2023
Score: 9.2 / 10
If you’re looking for strong protection for your phone, ESET have you covered with something called ESET Mobile Security 2023. No matter where you use your Android smartphone, this product will keep it safe from threats.
It offers comprehensive protection for free or you can buy a premium license from the official website. To install the free version, all you need to do is go to Google Play. Once the download starts, you’ll only need to wait a couple of minutes to start enjoying its features. After the ESET Mobile Security has found its way on your mobile device, you can start using it without fear that you won’t understand how it works.
Navigate a bit until you get accustomed to its feel. Then get ready to discover the in-built features. The product has seven of them in its free edition. You will enjoy Tablet Support, Remote Siren, Remote Lock, an antivirus, Activity Log, Security Report, and Real-Time Scanning. Should you opt for the premium version, you’ll get the features from before plus new ones. Such as the following: Automatic update of virus database, Low Battery Alert, Scheduled Scanning, App Lock, Proactive Anti-Theft, and Anti-Phishing.
With the ESET Mobile Security running on your smartphone, you won’t have to worry about malware and other cyber threats anymore. Just use your device like you regularly do and the sensitive data on it will remain as safe as ever.
7. BullGuard Mobile Security
Score: 8.9 / 10
Have you never tried BullGuard before? Admittedly, they’re not as well-known as the other ones we mentioned before, but this Danish company is worth a mention on our list of the best mobile antiviruses.
The BullGuard Mobile Security 2023 comes in two versions: free and paid. The latter costs $9.98 and it’s license is available for one year. Once you pay for it, you can use it to protect three mobile devices. In case you have five mobile devices, you can buy the product for $13.8.
Is it worth the price, you ask? It sure is. The features are only one example of this. The BullGuard Mobile Security is equipped with everything you want in a product of its type. There’s Parental Control, Automatic virus scans, Anti-Theft, Mobile Security Manager, and a reliable antivirus.
That’s not all. This security solution also features SIM protection for data wipe or lockdown and you can block both unwanted SMS messages as well as calls from people you don’t know. The product won’t drain your phone’s battery in the least, but it will do a very crucial thing: backup and restore every important file you keep on it.
If you have any problems with the security solution, you can contact the support team 24/7. The BullGuard Mobile Security features a simple design that makes it very pleasant and easy for newbies to use. Navigation is intuitive and each of the features takes a very short while to be found and opened. The antivirus included in the package is efficient and more than capable to keep malware at bay.
The famed independent AV TEST lab gave it top grades and put it above the Avast Mobile Security product. This security tool is also better than the likes of Comodo, Panda, and Microsoft products.
Conclusion
We reached the end of our top seven best mobile security options of 2023 for your phone. Our tests were performed thoroughly so you can take an informed decision. With the sheer number of malware that try to find its way to your smartphone, it’s imperative to use a strong security solution to keep these threats away.
Updated: January 03, 2023