Best Antivirus for Android in 2025

Your Android isn’t just a phone — it’s your wallet, ID, inbox, and daily assistant. With millions of scam apps and phishing links online, Android is one of the top targets for cybercriminals.

In 2025, a reliable antivirus app isn’t optional — it’s essential.

We tested dozens of Android antivirus apps to find those that effectively protect your phone without draining your battery or inundating you with unnecessary alerts. The best ones offer real-time scanning, VPNs, anti-theft tools, and privacy features — all optimized for mobile use.

The best antivirus for Android in 2025 is TotalAV — fast, lightweight, and includes a VPN. Surfshark Antivirus and Nord Antivirus are also great options for privacy-focused users or those needing cloud-based threat protection.

Best Android Antivirus Apps Compared (2025)

Antivirus	Best For	Free Version	VPN Included	Battery Friendly	Price/year	Rating	CTA
TotalAV	Everyday protection	✅	✅	✅	From $19	9.5	[Try Now]
Surfshark AV	Privacy + all-in-one	❌	✅	✅	From $29.88	9.3	[Try Now]
Nord Antivirus	Cloud-powered defense	❌	✅	✅	From $35.88	9.2	[Try Now]

TotalAV – Best All-Around Antivirus for Android

TotalAV offers everything most Android users need: real-time protection, system cleanup tools, and a built-in VPN — all without draining your battery or cluttering your phone.

Highlights:

• Malware protection with real-time scanning
• Integrated VPN with unlimited data for safe browsing on public Wi-Fi
• App lock and privacy scanner for added security
• Junk cleaner and battery optimizer to boost performance
• Clean, intuitive interface for Android users of all levels

Pros:

• Excellent malware detection rates
• Lightweight app with very low battery consumption
• VPN and optimization tools are included in all premium plans
• Great value for money

Cons:

• Free version lacks real-time protection
• No call or SMS blocking feature

Best for: Android users who want strong protection, extra privacy, and smoother performance — all in one affordable package.

Final Word:

TotalAV delivers top-notch Android protection without compromising on performance. It’s perfect for users who want reliable antivirus, built-in privacy tools, and a better phone experience.

Try TotalAV for Android — secure, fast, and easy to use.

Surfshark Antivirus – Best for Privacy Across Devices

If privacy is your top concern, Surfshark Antivirus is an excellent choice. It’s part of Surfshark One — a full security suite that includes antivirus, a powerful VPN, breach alerts, and tracker blocking — all managed through a sleek Android app.

Highlights:

• Real-time malware protection on Android
• Includes Surfshark VPN with CleanWeb (blocks ads, trackers, and phishing)
• Breach alert system monitors your personal data for leaks
• Works across unlimited devices with a single subscription
• Built-in secure search and cookie pop-up blocker

Pros:

• Strong privacy and identity protection features
• Excellent VPN bundled with antivirus
• One account covers phones, tablets, laptops, and more
• Clean, user-friendly mobile app

Cons:

• No free version available
• Must buy full Surfshark One bundle

Best for: Users seeking an all-in-one mobile security and privacy solution with strong cross-platform coverage.

Final Word:

Surfshark is more than just antivirus — it’s a full privacy-first ecosystem that protects your Android and everything connected to it.

Try Surfshark Antivirus — perfect for secure, private use across all your devices.

Nord Antivirus – Best for Cloud-Based Threat Protection

Nord Antivirus (from the makers of NordVPN) offers powerful, real-time security for Android with cloud-based scanning and a sleek, performance-optimized interface. It’s built for users who want top-tier mobile defense and zero compromise on speed.

Highlights:

• Cloud-based malware detection and prevention
• Integrated NordVPN for private, secure browsing
• Anti-ransomware and web shield features
• Auto-scan for new downloads and unknown apps
• Clean, modern app with dark mode support

Pros:

• Fast and responsive — doesn’t slow down Android devices
• Excellent for detecting new or unknown threats
• Includes NordVPN with global servers
• Reliable performance under heavy usage

Cons:

• No free version
• Premium pricing is slightly higher than others

Best for: Users who want high-level mobile protection, especially those downloading files or working on public networks.

Final Word:

Nord Antivirus combines cloud intelligence with real-time protection and strong VPN support — perfect for staying safe on Android while keeping performance top-notch.

Try Nord Antivirus — secure your phone with smarter, faster protection.

How to Choose the Right Antivirus App for Android

From power users to casual scrollers, every Android user’s digital world looks different, and so do their security needs. Some want full-on protection with anti-theft and VPN features. Others just need a lightweight app that keeps malware at bay without draining battery. Here’s how to find the antivirus that fits your Android lifestyle and device like a glove:

Key Features to Look For:

• Real-time protection: Automatically blocks malware, spyware, and phishing apps.
• Built-in VPN: Keeps your browsing private, especially on public Wi-Fi.
• Battery efficiency: Runs quietly without draining performance or background resources.
• Anti-theft tools: Helps locate or remotely wipe your device if it’s lost or stolen.
• Privacy boosters: Includes app locks, breach alerts, secure search, and tracker blocking.

Match Your Use Case:

• On the go or using public Wi-Fi? Go with TotalAV or Surfshark for strong VPNs.
• Privacy-first or cross-platform user? Choose Surfshark for unlimited device coverage and extra privacy features.
• Power user downloading often or side-loading apps? Opt for Nord Antivirus with cloud-based zero-day threat detection.

Your phone deserves protection that keeps up with your life, not one that slows it down.

How We Tested These Android Antivirus Apps

We didn’t rely solely on lab results. Every antivirus on this list was thoroughly tested hands-on using two Android devices: a Google Pixel (running Android 14) and a Samsung Galaxy A52, over the course of two weeks of daily use.

Our Evaluation Criteria:

• Malware detection: We tested each app against live threats, including fake APKs, phishing pages, and trojan downloads.
• Battery usage: We monitored CPU/battery drain during idle and full scans.
• VPN quality: Evaluated bundled VPNs for connection speed, ease of use, and server stability.
• Ease of use: Reviewed installation, onboarding, and in-app experience.
• Privacy & extras: Checked for breach alerts, app locking, secure search, and tracker blocking.

We simulated real-world conditions, such as installing sketchy apps, switching Wi-Fi networks, and browsing unsecured sites, to assess how well each antivirus performed in the wild.

Final Verdict

Choosing the right antivirus for Android in 2025 depends on what matters most to you — speed, privacy, or all-in-one convenience:

• TotalAV is the best all-around choice — fast, lightweight, and packed with essential tools like a VPN and cleaner. Perfect for most users.
• Surfshark Antivirus is built for privacy lovers. It protects all your devices with one account and includes breach alerts and tracker blockers.
• Nord Antivirus is the go-to for users who sideload apps, handle sensitive data, or want proactive, cloud-powered security.

Not sure which one to pick? Start with TotalAV — affordable, reliable, and ready for anything Android can throw at it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Androids get viruses easily?

Compared to iOS, Android is more vulnerable due to its open ecosystem. While infections from the Play Store are rare, sideloaded apps, phishing links, and unsecured Wi-Fi networks make Android a frequent target. A good antivirus closes those gaps.

Can Trojan virus infect Android?

Yes. Android devices can be infected by trojans, especially when downloading apps from unofficial sources or falling for social engineering scams. Modern antivirus apps detect and block these threats in real-time.

Is Google Play Protect enough in 2025?

Play Protect offers basic scanning for apps from the Play Store, but it doesn’t provide full real-time protection, a VPN, or phishing prevention. It’s a good start, but not enough on its own.

Can antivirus drain my Android battery?

Only if it’s poorly optimized. TotalAV, Surfshark, and Nord Antivirus are all lightweight apps designed to run quietly in the background without draining your battery.

Do I really need antivirus for Android?

Yes. Android is the most targeted mobile OS. From malicious APKs to fake apps and unsecured Wi-Fi, real-time antivirus can stop threats before they do damage.

What’s the best free antivirus for Android?

TotalAV offers a free version with basic scanning. But for real-time protection, VPN, and privacy features, upgrading to the paid version is highly recommended.