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We look at the best antivirus apps available right now: what is the best security app for mobile? Read on to find out.

By Christopher Minasians | 03 Jul 2017

Like Windows before it, the 'open' and widely popular Android system from Google has a weak security system that makes it prone to infection from dangerous malware (more than it affects iOS users). We reveal the best antivirus apps for both Android and iOS.

If you're looking for antivirus for your PC, visit best antivirus 2017.

The idea of installing security software on a smartphone might seem like overkill, but there are plenty of good reasons to consider doing so.

Anyone fraudsters included can submit apps to the Google Play Store without pre-approval, and apps can also be downloaded and installed from a wide range of other sources.

That means Android users face a greater element of risk than those with iPhones or Windows Phone handsets, who can only install apps that have been properly pre-vetted for safety.

Nevertheless, every user is at potential risk from malware and physing emails and ads - so no matter the platform you're on, it's good to have a mobile antivirus program installed.

The more open nature of the Android operating system makes it more susceptible to the kind of malware that we've grown accustomed to dealing with on Windows PCs. Although the scale of the Android malware problem isn't yet as bad as it is on Windows PCs, it remains a threat all the same.

The security software test lab Av-Test, has millions of different pieces of Android malware in itsdatabase malware that is typically used to steal your valuable personal data from your phone without your knowledge.

Anti-theft

Yet, even if you're careful about what apps you install or which websites you visit, there are other strong motives for installing a security suite. Such security apps routinely include anti-theft features, for example.

Contrary to the name, they won't prevent theft but they may allow you to lock or wipe the data from your stolen handset. Some even include features that allow you to take photos or audio recordings of the thieves.

If you've merely left the phone lying in a bar or restaurant, the anti-theft features can be used to locate your handset, and display a message on the lost phone's screen, providing instructions on how to contact you, in order to return the handset.

Call blocking

Another useful feature commonly found in security suites is call blocking. If your mobile is constantly plagued by nuisance calls or spam texts, you might be able to block the callers so that they don't interrupt your day. But this won't work when you're being plagued by pre-recorded calls hawking PPI refunds and the like, when the caller number is Unknown or Withheld.

Some apps include schedulers in their call-blocking facilities, so you can divert all calls from the office to voicemail at evenings and weekends, for example.

App managers

Some suites also include app managers that allow you to password protect access to the web browser invaluable for parents who routinely hand their phone over to children to play games and worry that they might stumble into something they shouldn't, or run up horrendous bills by purchasing apps.

Backup facilities

Less useful are the backup facilities found in many of these suites. Some merely back up contacts, which certainappsalready support the feature when you sign in with your Google or Apple account, while others only offer a tiny amount of space to store your photos and files.

Price: 9.99

Available with a 14 day free trial, BitDefender Mobile Security scored a full 100 percent in both real-time malware and discovery of malware on Android platforms during AV-Tests May 2017 test.

It has anti-theft features, works with wearable devices, gives you web security alongside a privacy advisor and most importantly has a very effective malware scanner.

However, you won't be able to block calls, backup data or have any parental controls.

BitDefender is our pick of the best Windows antivirus and best Mac antivirus.

Price: Free trial from the Play Store

The app has a grace period of ten days, where you will be able to trial the full functionalities before purchasing it.

AhnLab V3 is well received and offers anti-malware, call blocking, privacy features (such as a history cleaner for your browser), a speed booster (to increase the responsiveness of your phone), a way of hiding photos from your gallery and offers anti-theft features.

In Av-Test's benchmarks, the app scores a solid 100 percent score 99.8 in 'detection of the latest Android malware in real-time' and 'detection of the latest Android malware discovered in the last 4 weeks'.

AhnLab V3 has a small footprint on your device, while providing the necessary security.

However, it doesn't feature a backup of personal data, parental controls nor a message filter for spam messages.

Price: Free version available

Third in our overall antivirus charts is Kaspersky, which offers great mobile antivirus too. It scored just below 100 percent in AV-Test, at 99.8%.

It offers a huge range of features in addition to the antivirus itself, including has find my phone, anti-theft, anti-phishing, call blocker and a web filter too.

A free version is available with limited features, and the premium version is 9.99 for the whole package.

Price: 24.99

The app comes with a free 30 day trial period. After the trial has expired you will still be protected, but won't benefit from its premium features.

The app scores a full 100 percent in both real-time malware and discovery in its Av-Test benchmarks.

It features a call blocker, safe browsing and a means of backing up personal data. However, it doesn't have parental controls or a message filter.

Price: Free version available

Another Android antivirus that very nearly scored top marks in AV-Test's benchmarks is McAfee, which doesn't quite have as big a range of features as Kaspersky, but does offer solid antivirus and anti-theft protection.

There's also a battery optimiser built in to help you boost the performance of your phone, and there's support for Android Wear.

There are also privacy settings that can be tailored on an app-by-app basis.

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Best Android antivirus 2017 - Tech Advisor (registration)