Keeping Your Cellphone Safe
The need for reliable antivirus software for mobile phones has become very important. The security of your mobile device is crucial to stop viruses that slow down your phone. In this article, we look at and compare five popular antivirus for phone applications. Keep reading if you’re concerned about identity theft, and you’ve been looking for free mobile antivirus apps.
1. Bitdefender Mobile Security
Bitdefender Mobile Security is available for iOS and Android and is considered the best antivirus app for Android devices in 2023. The app comes with a plethora of features, such as a malware scanner, app lock and anti-phishing protection. Bitdefender Mobile Security offers real-time protection against all kinds of malware, and it also comes with anti-theft features, which can help you locate your phone if it's lost or stolen.
Pros:
- Excellent malware detection rate.
- Real-time protection.
- Anti-theft features.
- User-friendly interface.
- Least expensive subscription (first year).
Cons:
- No parental control features.
- App lock and account privacy are only available on Android.
Pricing
The first-year subscription to Bitdefender will cost $14.99 at the time of writing but may change due to promotions. It makes it the cheapest option for a premium subscription.
2. TotalAV
TotalAV is another popular free antivirus app available for both iOS and Android that offers real-time protection against viruses and malware. It has a user-friendly interface and comes with a variety of features such as a malware scanner, anti-phishing protection and safe browsing. The app also has a system boost feature that can help improve your device's performance.
Pros:
- Real-time protection.
- User-friendly interface.
- System boost feature.
Cons:
- Limited customer support.
Pricing
The first year of TotalAV will cost $19.00, but it also offers a free version which sets it apart from most offerings.
3. Norton Mobile Security
Norton Mobile Security is an antivirus for phone application available for both iOS and Android and offers comprehensive protection against viruses and malware. The app comes with a malware scanner, anti-phishing protection and a feature called Advisor, which provides recommendations on how to improve your device's security. Norton Mobile Security also offers anti-theft features, which can help you locate your phone if it's lost or stolen.
Pros:
- Comprehensive protection.
- Anti-theft features.
- Advisor feature.
- Includes VPN.
Cons:
- No free version.
Pricing
Norton’s offering costs $19.99 for a first-year subscription, which is typical. Norton has been in the antivirus space longer than some of the other offerings, which may make it worth a little extra to some users.
4. Surfshark Antivirus
Surfshark Antivirus, available on both iOS and Android, is an intuitive application, and, as expected, offers real-time protection against viruses and malware. The app comes with a malware scanner, anti-phishing protection and a feature called CleanWeb, which blocks ads and trackers. Surfshark Antivirus also has a feature called Alert, which notifies you if your email or password has been compromised.
Pros:
- Real-time protection.
- CleanWeb feature.
- Alert feature.
- Includes VPN.
Cons:
- Limited features compared to other options.
- No parental control features.
- No free version.
Pricing
At $2.39 a month for the first two years, Surfshark is on the low end of the price range but also offers a slightly less impressive feature set. It includes the VPN service as part of the package, making it a good value.
5. NordVPN Threat Protection
NordVPN Threat Protection offers the typical comprehensive protection against viruses and malware. The app comes with a malware scanner, anti-phishing protection, and a feature called Network Protection, which protects your device from network attacks. NordVPN Threat Protection also offers anti-theft features, which can help you locate your phone if it's lost or stolen.
Pros:
- Comprehensive protection.
- Anti-theft features.
- Network Protection feature.
- Includes VPN.
Cons:
- No free version.
- Limited customer support.
Pricing
NordVPN includes threat protection along with its VPN subscription, which is typically available for around $3.29 a month for the first two years. Your favorite content creator may also have a promo code available to use to get yourself a few extra free months.
Security to Protect Your Phone from Viruses
With the rise of smartphone usage, the risk of malware and viruses infecting our phones has also increased. These malicious programs can cause our phones to slow down or even crash, resulting in a significant loss of productivity and personal data. Therefore, it's crucial to have proper security measures in place to protect our phones from these threats. This includes installing antivirus software, regularly updating our phone's operating system, avoiding suspicious links and downloads and being cautious while using public Wi-Fi networks. By taking these precautions, we can ensure the optimal functioning of our phones and keep our sensitive information safe from potential cyber attacks.
These five best cell phone antivirus apps provide excellent protection against viruses and malware. However, depending on your specific needs, you may prefer one over the other. For Android, Bitdefender Mobile Security is considered the best antivirus for phone applications. TotalAV is an excellent option for those looking for a free antivirus app, while Norton Mobile Security is ideal for those looking for advisor features. Surfshark and NordVPN offer excellent options for users that already use their other offerings, such as VPNs and password managers. Your favorite content creator on YouTube probably has a promo code for either NordVPN or Surfshark as well.