Security is no joke, especially when it comes to smartphones: a report McAfee's report indicates that criminals are increasingly sophisticated in applying scams and infecting devices. Because of this, a good antivirus solution is essential, regardless of your operating system (Android or iOS). 

Even Apple devices are not immune to cyberattacks: no one is 100% safe when connected to the internet. You can never be too careful, and this statement is not exaggerated: in 2022, security company Norton pointed out that 841% of Brazilians think their cell phones have been hacked.

The problem doesn't stop there: 38% of respondents have no idea how to protect their devices against viruses and malware! But don’t worry – this post will help you keep your data safe and private.

Check out some of the most robust antivirus security options on the market and protect your devices today!

Kaspersky Security & VPN (Android/iOS)

Image: Kaspersky.com

Considered by many experts to be the best security application in the world, Kaspersky is one of the most downloaded (over 100 million downloads) and best rated.

Its comprehensive protection is compatible with Android and iOS, offering several features to protect data and privacy:

• Antivirus and antimalware protection: Kaspersky Mobile maintains an always-updated database to detect threats before they wreak havoc on devices;
• Theft protection: Has your device been stolen or misplaced? You can track it in real time, record the screen, take photos and erase your most important data remotely;
• Greater privacy: Use Kaspersky Mobile Password Manager to protect your access to websites and apps. Contacts and photos are also encrypted to prevent exposure;
• Protection against unknown applications: Do you like installing apps outside of your smartphone’s official store? That’s always a risk – and Kaspersky can protect you against malicious apps.

The application has a free version, but all its features are unlocked through an annual subscription.

Avira Security Antivirus & VPN (Android)

Image: Malavida

Avira is one of the oldest (founded in 1988) and most renowned companies in the world when it comes to antivirus and antimalware: its Android app is very easy to use, lightweight and has several interesting features.

This is perhaps the best free solution of all: without paying anything, you have access to several scanning and privacy tools while browsing the web. 

Check out some of its main features:

• Smart Scan: Check your device for security, privacy, and performance issues and fix them with just a few taps;
• Web Protection: Automatically block malicious or phishing websites;
• Privacy Tools: Call blocker, identity protection, VPN, microphone protection, permission manager, app lock and password manager;
• Optimizer: Keep your smartphone not only virus-free, but running better and faster.

An interesting difference with Avira Security Antivirus & VPN is that it is one of the only ones that offers a monthly subscription option – and the price is very low, considering the many features it offers!

If you're looking for one of the best antivirus and antimalware solutions on the market and want to spend very little (or perhaps nothing), Avira should be on your radar!

Bitdefender Mobile Security (Android)

Image: bitdefender.com

Lightweight and simple to use, Bitdefender has always stood out on computers as a very solid antivirus and antimalware solution – and the same can be seen in its mobile version.

Its malware detection is one of the most accurate in the world, with a 100% detection rate in some security tests. In addition, the app adapts to your system so that it does not consume excessive resources in the background. 

In addition to antivirus and antimalware protection, Bitdefender has the following features:

• Anti-theft control: Track the criminal who stole or robbed your device in real time;
• Integrated VPN: Browse with complete privacy and security when shopping online or transmitting sensitive data;
• Application protection: Bitdefender allows you to block any unknown applications.

Users interested in subscribing to the Premium version usually have great discounts for the first year.

McAfee Security (Android/iOS)

Image: Google Play/McAfee

The controversial John McAfee created one of the most popular antivirus programs of all time. It is compatible with all major mobile operating systems, has a very clean interface and is effective in detecting threats.

It offers basically the same solutions as its main competitors, such as antivirus/antimalware protection, built-in VPN, web protection, and some robust privacy tools.

However, it has some differences:

• File Remover: Delete files permanently, with no chance of them being recovered by bad actors;
• Autopilot: Using Artificial Intelligence (AI), McAfee Security understands how the user uses their smartphone and recommends specific security actions;
• App Lock: Lock certain apps using an additional PIN or password.

Avast Security (Android)

Image: TechTudo

Users from the 1990s have certainly heard of (and are still traumatized by the sounds of program updates) Avast: it is one of the most complete and affordable security solutions on the market.

In addition to all the basic features that a mobile security software should have, Avast has a few things that not all others offer:

• Protection against calls and SMS: This feature protects your device from receiving potentially malicious calls or messages;
• Fraud Protection: Are you starting to venture into unknown lands on the web? Avast Security warns you about potential online scams;
• Vulnerability analysis: How compromised is your smartphone? This tool helps you understand the current scenario and resolves each issue automatically.

Its free version offers plenty of security features for your device; however, if the features of the Premium version caught your attention, here's some good news: in addition to being extremely efficient, it's one of the cheapest options.

Do you have any antivirus software installed on your smartphone that is not on this list? Leave your suggestion in the comments!