Top & Best Antivirus apps for Android in 2013

Just like desktop/laptop operating systems require antivirus to tackle malicious programs, the mobile OS is always under the threat of a virus/Trojan attacks. Android phones are especially susceptible to malwares. Every year thousands of new malwares appear in the form of apps and make their way into users’ phones. Few of these malicious apps even manage to land in Google Play Store and that is a matter of concern for any Android user. Fortunately, we have a number of efficient antivirus apps present that can effectively counter the threat of malwares. Some of them are free and others are paid, but they are best in the business. Here is a list of the best antivirus apps for Android in 2013.

Avast! Mobile Security

It is a free app that includes antivirus along with an app manager, a USSD blocker, a privacy scanner and a web shield. The shield allows the app to warn you about any malware affected website. Then there is a good number of anti-theft options like controlling phone via SMS, phone lock and siren activation. Upon installation, the first thing that the app does is scanning the whole device for malware and then switching to the protective mode. 

AVG

It is available in two versions – free app and premier PRO version. Apart from being an antivirus, AVG boasts of a task killer, a battery optimizer, web shield and anti-theft service. The free version allows the user 14 days of access to the PRO features. AVG doesn't start scanning the device automatically post installation and running, instead you have to start it manually.

Bitdefender

It offers both antivirus app and mobile security. The app is absolutely free, though the user needs to log in through a Bitdefender account or Gmail account when the app is run for the first time. The free version will give an access to the PRO features like anti-theft service and web browsing protection. To use full features of Bitdefender, the user needs to shell out $9.95 each year. Upon installation the app prompts you to scan the device first and then goes for real time protection.

Dr. Web Antivirus Light

It is another free app for Android, but unlike the ones mentioned above, Dr. Web doesn't offer the user additional security features in the free version. So a user will need to pay around $ 13 each year to download and install the full version which offers features like anti-theft, anti-spam and URL checking. The user also needs to update the definitions, manually scan the device and then activate the app for real time protection.

Ikarus

Ikarus is a comparatively new antivirus app and has been developed by an Austrian company. Its full version, IKARUS mobile security 2013, is little expensive for a smartphone or tab at $26. The free version automatically updates its database post installation and begins scanning the device. It also has a USSD blocker. Features like anti-theft, phone location and SMS black listing are available in full version only.

Kaspersky Mobile Security Lite

It is again a free version and lacks anti-theft protection, call & SMS filtering as well as privacy features. In comparison to the apps discussed above, Kaspersky’s free version is very much limited and there is no option for performing the scan on the device post installation.

NQ Mobile Security & Antivirus

It is again a free antivirus app with an option to upgrade to the premium version which costs $19.99 per year. The free version includes tools like an app manager, a network manager and access to the Internet protection subsystem. The app automatically updates the virus definitions and scans the device post updating. The real time protection is enabled after scanning.

Zoner AntiVrus Free

This free antivirus app includes features like permissions checker, missing device service and SIM protection. On running for the first time it gives a number of choices to the user. A user can go for scanning the device or go for enabling phone filtering. In addition, encrypted messages can be sent through this app to those having the same app installed.