Best Antivirus for Android 2026: 6 Tested (Do You Need One?)
Play Protect catches only 84% of threats. Bitdefender scores 99.9% with minimal battery drain. We tested 6 apps—here's what actually works.
We test antivirus software against real malware, measure performance impact, and evaluate security features to help you find the best protection.
Looking for the best antivirus? Our team has tested 20+ security suites using real-world malware samples, performance benchmarks, and feature analysis.
Based on real-world malware testing and performance analysis
Top-rated malware detection with minimal system impact
$30/yr (then $60/yr)
Complete protection with VPN, dark web monitoring & cloud backup
$50/yr (then $120/yr)
Unlimited devices with identity theft protection
$40/yr (then $120/yr)
Play Protect catches only 84% of threats. Bitdefender scores 99.9% with minimal battery drain. We tested 6 apps—here's what actually works.
iPhones can't run antivirus—so what do security apps actually do? VPN, identity monitoring, phishing protection. We tested 5 from $15-$100/yr.
Mac malware up 400% since 2019. Intego scores 99.4%, Bitdefender 99.9%. We tested 5 apps on M2 MacBooks—here's what actually works.
Windows Defender scores 99.2%, Bitdefender Free hits 99.8%. We tested 5 free options—no trials, no tricks. Here's what actually protects you.
Windows Defender scores 99.4% but lacks VPN and ransomware recovery. Bitdefender hits 99.8% from $20/yr. We tested gaming impact too.
Bitdefender and Norton score 100% detection. McAfee offers unlimited devices. We tested 7 options—see pricing, performance, and our top pick.
Norton 360 scores 6/6 on AV-TEST with unlimited VPN and 50GB backup. $50 first year, then $120/yr renewal. 90-day test results.