Top 5 Mobile Security Apps for Your Smartphone

Mobile security apps are available for smartphones. It can be difficult to choose one due to the different features, interfaces, and compatibility of mobile operating systems.

This article contains a list of some of the best apps for mobile security based on user interface, security, and reputation. Let’s take a look at them.

Note This post is about cross-platform mobile security. You may find that your favorite feature on your platform of choice is not available.

1. Avast Antivirus

Avast Antivirus offers a mobile security solution that is renowned for its security and performance. According to AV-TEST it surpasses the industry standard with a malware detection rate of 99.8% on Android.

The app offers a wide range of features for free, despite its premium version. The Junk Cleaner, for example, effectively removes residual files, cache, and trash to increase storage space. Power Save is a battery optimization tool that manages Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and other usage in order to save battery life.

Apps with premium features include Camera Trap which is a tool that captures audio and video from potential thieves or intruders. App Lock allows users to lock apps using a password. This provides an additional layer of security for private apps like messaging.

The Last Known Location can be extremely useful if you lose your device or it runs out of battery power.

PROS

• Photo Vault protects your photos and videos from prying eyes by encrypting them with fingerprints or passwords.
• App Insights is a feature similar to Digital Wellbeing in Android 9. which provides detailed information about the apps you use.
• Wi-Fi Security protects you against potential malware and Trojan attacks by scanning public wireless networks.
• VPNs allow you to remain anonymous online by masking your presence on the web and changing your location in order to access streaming services.

CONS

• Only rooted devices can use the firewall.
• Some users have reported that the battery drains after installing an app.
• Many users have complained of receiving too many annoying notifications.

Also read: Why do Scammers Use Smartphones to Access Your Data? | Ways to Protect Yourself

2. Kaspersky Antivirus

Kaspersky has a great track record and is a well-known antivirus software. According to AV-TEST, it exceeds the industry average in malware detection rate – its rate of 100% is slightly better than Avast.

Kaspersky’s free edition offers a limited set of features compared to Avast. The Anti-Theft function allows you to wipe the device if lost or stolen. Find My Phone helps you find your phone in case it is lost or stolen. It’s also a simple application to use, thanks in part to its intuitive features and straightforward interface.

PROS

• Web Filter protects your browsing experience from malicious links, websites that spread malware, and other harmful content.
• App Lock lets you secure apps, sensitive data, photos, and videos with a passcode.
• Find My Phone allows you to locate and lock your device if it is lost or stolen.

CONS

• The free version of the app doesn’t include a background scanning feature. You have to initiate scans manually, unlike Avast.
• App Lock is somewhat buggy -. It locks an app even when it’s rotated or switched quickly, according to some reviews.
• This product lacks advanced features such as VPN and Camera Trap, unlike Avast.

3. Norton Mobile Security

Norton is a giant in the security industry. It offers a malware detection service that is second to none. In tests conducted by AV-Test it achieved a 100% detection rate, surpassing the average industry standard.

Safe Search is one of its most important features, as it flags links and websites that are suspicious in the search results. Its anti-theft functions help you track down lost or stolen devices, by showing their last known location.

PROS

• Call blocking allows you to block unwanted callers and automatically blocks and alerts you when you receive calls from spam numbers or fraud callers.
  Wi-Fi scanning protects against potential malware threats that may be exposed by hotspot networks found in public places, such as libraries or cafes.
• App Advisor checks apps for unwanted behavior, battery consumption, and other possible risks to your device’s health.
• Sneak Peek captures pictures of the intruder or thief using your phone’s camera if you report the phone as lost or stolen.

CONS

• Its free tier offers just a few features and lacks some essential features like App Advisor and Web Protection, similar to Kaspersky Antivirus.
• A few users have reported heavy battery drainage, similar to Avast Antivirus.

4. McAfee Mobile Security

McAfee is another great security product that is known for its anti-virus and malware protection. It has a lower detection rate of malware, 99.1% according to AV-TEST than some of its competitors like Kaspersky or Norton. It compensates for the difference in rate by offering a variety of features.

The free version of the app includes many features that make it highly competitive against other solutions. Its Anti-Theft feature, for example, locks the device down after three failed attempts at a passcode. Anti-Theft Uninstall Prevention prevents thieves from removing the device to bypass its safeguards.

PROS

• The performance features of the phone help to boost memory, remove junk files and stop resource-hungry applications from hindering performance.
• Safe WiFi Scanner protects your data when using hotspots that are not secured.
• WiFi Guard VPN encrypts all your internet traffic, preventing prying eyes from gaining access to your personal information and online activities.
• App Privacy Check is a service that investigates and reports apps that may collect or leak crucial data to harm or misuse your personal data.
• App Lock and Guest mode protect sensitive apps and data against guest users. This allows you to use your device without worry.

CONS

• Some users have reported battery drain issues similar to those experienced by users of Avast Antivirus or Norton Mobile Security.
• Several users reported a bug involving their paid subscription. When you purchase the application, it does not automatically upgrade you to a paid subscription.

Also read: How to Remove Ads from Your Smartphone?

5. MalwareBytes Security

MalwareBytes has fewer features than other solutions, especially when compared with Avast and Kaspersky Antivirus. It prioritizes doing a single job well over offering a wide range of half-baked but interesting features.

MalwareBytes has no ads, and that makes it stand out from the other solutions. It does have a premium subscription that offers additional features. In addition, the free version includes features such as malware detection and privacy audits.

PROS

• Similar to the other apps in this list, it detects and combats many types of malware. These include adware and ransomware.
• This app has a privacy audit that checks for unwanted or suspicious activity and reports it to protect your data.
• It helps you avoid phishing links and other malicious content by alerting you and detecting them.

CONS

• According to AV-Test, this app has the least-effective anti-malware engine on the list. It detects malware at just 98.4%.
• It lacks common features like an app lock, a call-blocking tool, or similar tools.

Final Thoughts — Top Mobile Security Apps

Mobile security apps are essential for protecting your device and personal information from threats like malware, phishing, and data breaches. With features such as antivirus scans, app permissions monitoring, and secure browsing, these apps provide a necessary layer of protection for your mobile device.