Your smartphone is a highly personalized device loaded with private data such as images, videos, contacts, text messages, chats and even emails. These smart devices, however, are susceptible to attacks from viruses, malware and spyware.
No wonder then that making smartphones more secure has been on top of the technological advancement agenda lately. Installing an effective mobile phone security app is a basic yet one-stop solution to keep your privacy intact.
McAfee
All-in-one security app
Pros
- Secure VPN
- Multiple device protection
Cons
- Not-so-good UI
F-Secure
A popular choice
Pros
- Browsing protection
- Protection for safe banking
Cons
- Expensive subscription
Lookout
Advanced security app
Pros
- All-in-one security app
- Timely alerts for data breach
Cons
- Expensive
The Problem
- How to protect my smartphone from viruses or malware?
- What are the best mobile security apps?
The Solution
- Mobile security apps provide protection against viruses and malware along with secured browsing.
- Here are the best security apps for Android and iOS.
Best Mobile Antivirus Apps for Android and iPhone
Here is a list of five reliable smartphone security apps that will do the trick for you. This list is not just limited to antivirus for Android or iOS.
Security Features Considered for Choosing These Apps
These apps are carefully selected considering the complete mobile security solutions they offer, including:
- Antivirus and Antimalware
- Secure VPN
- Safe banking
- Identity Protection
- Browsing protection
- parental control
Now, let’s check out these five best mobile security apps.
1. McAfee Mobile Security
The revamped version of the mobile security app from McAfee, McAfee Mobile Security, is as aggressive in terms of virus detection and alerts as its desktop counterpart. Besides offering protection against viruses, spyware and phishing programs, the security app also provides app protection, web protection, anti-theft features, and protection against adware.
The app also supports online management of smartphone devices through features such as remote lock, wipe, and backup and restore.
Pros
- Secure VPN
- Wi-Fi security scan
- All-in-one mobile security app
- Multiple device protection
Cons
- Expensive
- Not-so-good UI
Price: Free (In-app purchases starting from $0.99)
Download
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2. F-Secure SAFE
This is a top of the line anti-virus app available for smartphones today. Besides offering protection against virus and malware infestation in your smartphone device, the app also offers features such as parental control, app and contact blacklisting feature, and content filters.
While in most other apps, these additional features are offered as add-ons that need to be downloaded separately, F-Secure has it all integrated into one place, which makes it more appealing to smartphone users.
Pros
- Browsing protection
- One subscription for multiple devices
- Protection for safe banking
Cons
- Expensive subscription
- Annoying notifications
Price: Free (In-app purchases starting from $17.99)
Download
3. Lookout Mobile Security
This is an all-in-one mobile security app that includes mobile security, antivirus and identity theft protection features. Lookout Mobile Security is considered the most advanced mobile security app in the world.
Its predictive security features detect and stop threats before they cause any harm. It alerts you if a Wi-Fi connection is safe or dangerous. It also keeps your personal information protected by showing the apps that can access your contacts, location, messages, etc.
With this app, you can safely browse the internet without worrying about personal data getting stolen. It also includes theft protection that allows the device to send an email with the photo and location of your device.
Pros
- All-in-one security app
- Device theft protection
- Timely alerts for data breach
- System advisor making sure operating system is healthy
Cons
- VPN connection is not smooth
- Expensive
Price: Free (In-app purchases starting from $0.99)
Download
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4. Folder Lock
Also, you can protect your smartphone using a third-party app. For instance, Folder Lock is a name known for dependable mobile security. It offers password protection for files and folders along with cloud backup if you are running out of space. It’s obvious that no matter how large storage space we have, cloud backup is a necessity.
In addition, Apps however shouldn’t be rendered helpless and a layer of protection on them makes your life quite easier. You can use all these features using folder lock.
Pros
- Hide private photos and videos
- secret Contact Groups
- Privacy enabled browser
Cons
- Ads in the app
- UI needs improvement
- some features are not working properly
Price: Free (In-app purchases starting from $1.99)
Download
5. AT&T ActiveArmor
No matter, where you are, AT&T ActiveArmor is there to protect you 24/7. Built-in network security features ensure wireless protection both at home and work. Not only that, but you can also control who can connect to your Wi-Fi network.
It also blocks fraud and fake calls efficiently. It allows you to report unwanted calls and texts, so other users can benefit from it. Aside from that, it lets you know if a Wi-Fi network is safe to connect to. This free mobile security app can safeguard your fiber, wireless, and internet devices and data.
Pros
- Many security features are available for free
- Blocks unwanted calls and texts
- Reverse Number Lookup
- Affordable plans
Cons
- App performance needs improvement
- Some security features are not working properly
Price: Free (In-app purchases starting from $3.99)
Download
We’re working on adding more security apps to this list. You can also send us your suggestions in the comments below.
Stay safe!
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