Best Android Antivirus: Avast vs. AVG vs. Kaspersky vs. McAfee

When it comes to antivirus software, you don't want some fly-by-night developer having access to the sensitive data that these apps can scan. Luckily, most of the longest-tenured antivirus companies from the realm of desktop computers offer complete security suites for Android these days.

While Android itself has some nice security features baked in, antivirus software gives users a peace of mind that couldn't otherwise be achieved with behind-the-scenes measures such as these. Scheduled app and file scanning ensures that your smartphone's data is safe, and many additional features are available to help keep your digital world secure.

We've whittled down the list of Android antivirus apps to 4 of the most trusted names on the market, and below, I'll outline the pros, cons, and security features of each app. I've also included security scores from AV-Test.org, but know that no antivirus app is completely safe, as there are many hackers trying to sneak their own malware past it.

#1. Avast Mobile Security & Antivirus

First up is the Mobile Security & Antivirus app from Avast. All core antivirus features of this app are free, but a premium subscription ($14.99/year) gets you access to additional functions like app locking and advanced anti-theft.

By default, Avast's virus scanner will comb through your installed apps, system settings, and even files stored on your SD card. Additionally, any apps you install in the future will automatically be scanned for malware upon installation. Avast's basic anti-theft features, while free, do require you to install an additional app.

Avast also includes internet security measures that will notify you when you navigate to a site known for phishing, and deletes malicious cookies during its scans. A firewall feature even allows rooted users to block internet traffic on a per-app basis.

Avast Quick Facts:

• AV Test security score: 99.9% out of 2,741 samples used
• Scheduled virus scanning: Yes
• Automatic scanning upon app installation: Yes
• App scanning: Yes
• Settings scanning: Yes
• File scanning: Yes
• Remote lock and wipe: Additional free app required
• Web security: Yes
• Firewall: Yes (root required)
• Price to unlock all AV features: Free

#2. AVG AntiVirus Security

Next we have the AntiVirus Security app from AVG. Virus scans can be performed either manually or at a set interval, and these will look through your apps, system settings, and storage partitions for potential threats.

As an added bonus, AVG includes a task killer and data usage monitor to help keep your phone running at optimal speeds and prevent you from incurring costly overage charges.

AVG even notifies you when you've navigated to a known phishing site, so your web browsing will be a little safer. While most core antivirus functions are free, additional features such as anti-theft options require a subscription that starts at $14.99 per year.

AVG Quick Facts:

• AV Test security score: 98.2% out of 2,741 samples used
• Scheduled virus scanning: Yes
• Automatic scanning upon app installation: No
• App scanning: Yes
• Settings scanning: Yes
• File scanning: Yes
• Remote lock and wipe: Pro version required
• Web security: Yes
• Firewall: No
• Price to unlock all AV features: $14.99/year

#3. Kaspersky Internet Security

Third on our list (in alphabetical order) comes Kaspersky Internet Security from the Kaspersky Lab. You can schedule virus scans or execute them manually, and all of your apps and files will be screened for malware.

Kaspersky allows you to locate, lock, and wipe your device if it's ever lost or stolen, and this feature is included for free. It even allows you to block calls and texts, but this function is not available in Android 4.4 (KitKat) or higher.

Kaspersky's subscription service will enable additional antivirus features such as real-time app scanning and web security for a cost of $14.95 per year.

Kaspersky Quick Facts:

• AV Test security score: 100% out of 2,741 samples used
• Scheduled virus scanning: Yes
• Automatic scanning upon app installation: Pro version required
• App scanning: Yes
• Settings scanning: No
• File scanning: Yes
• Remote lock and wipe: Yes
• Web security: Pro version required
• Firewall: No
• Price to unlock all AV features: $14.95/year

#4. McAfee Security & Antivirus

Finally, we have the Security & Antivirus app from Intel's security team at McAfee. Web security is included for free, and a "Privacy" feature lists apps that have requested too many permissions.

Virus scanning can be done manually, automatically upon app installation, or on a scheduled basis. A backup feature allows you to save contacts, call logs, and text messages, and the built-in battery optimizer closes apps and turns off settings that are known to drain battery.

All of McAfee's antivirus features are free, which makes the subscription service almost pointless. But for $29.99 per year, you get 2 gigabytes of secure cloud storage and access to McAfee's help hotline.

McAfee Quick Facts:

• AV Test security score: 99.2% out of 2,741 samples used
• Scheduled virus scanning: Yes
• Automatic scanning upon app installation: Yes
• App scanning: Yes
• Settings scanning: Yes
• File scanning: Yes
• Remote lock and wipe: Yes
• Web security: Yes
• Firewall: No
• Price to unlock all AV features: Free

And the Winner Is...

If it's virus scanning that you're after, you can't go wrong with any of these apps. Each company advertises industry-leading scanning technology, and their AV Test scores tend to back up these claims. Subscriptions are similarly priced, so if you're more interested in the full antivirus suite, the playing field is fairly level here.

But two of these apps stand out for the functionality they offer without a subscription—Avast and McAfee. For instance, automatic app scanning is a killer feature, and it's only available for free in these two apps. If you asked me, though, I'd give the edge to Avast due to its firewall feature, 99.9% AV Test score, and nicer interface.

My Winner: Avast Mobile Security & Antivirus

Do you agree? Which app is your go-to antivirus tool on Android? Let us hear your opinions in the comment section below, or drop us a line on Android Hacks' Facebook or Twitter, or Gadget Hacks' Facebook, Google+, or Twitter.