Android users have suffered numerous attacks and security breaches because of the system’s open-source nature. Thankfully, the Google Play Store offers plenty of antiviruses for smartphones and tablets.
Most of these apps feature common specs such as junk file scanners, background app management, and memory boosters. However, these three security apps are currently leading the market, and although they are very similar, each one offers unique aspects related to design, thread detection, and anti-theft options.
According to Forbes, 97% of all mobile malware targets Android. That fact is especially
360 Mobile Security (free)
Chinese internet security company, Qihoo 360, launched a mobile version of its antivirus in June 2013. The 360 security series gained recognition for scoring a 99.9% detection rate in AV-Test’s, according to its November 2015 report.
With a minimalistic design and intuitive interface, this app features a real-time thread scanner that eliminates malware, spyware, adware and trojan viruses very quick.
Also, the 360 mobile includes a memory booster, a power saver to extend battery life, and an anti-theft option that lets the user erase a device’s data or locate it via the app’s main website. The antivirus has over 100 million downloads at the Google Play store.
Avast! Mobile Security & Antivirus (free / $1.99 a month / $14.99 a year)
Avast Software is a well-known security developer from the Czech Republic. The Avast Antivirus currently protects more than 30% of PCs in the world outside China, according to a company report.
Although the software scored a lesser detection rate on the AV-Test compared to the 360 – 98.1% -, the mobile version stands out for its anti-theft feature.
This option remains hidden and enables the user to control a device, wipe its data, locate it, or even make a smartphone play a siren, all of it via SMS, and free of charge. The Avast Mobile has become a favorite among consumers with a 4.5 Google Play qualification.
ESET Mobile Security & Antivirus (free / $9.99 a year)
Last but not least, Slovak Company, ESET, introduced its mobile antivirus to the Android OS in 2011.
The app comes with a simple design and offers similar options to both the Avast and the 360, and more standard specs for this type of apps like automatic download scans.
However, the ESET Mobile currently holds the detection rate record, with a perfect 100.00% score on the latest AV-Test. Another important feature of the software is a tablet-friendly interface that lets the user navigate more fluently, a unique aspect of the antivirus. Google Play rated the ESET Mobile with a 4.6, the best score out of the three apps.
Source: Android Authority