Smartphones are highly personal devices that contain a lot of your private data. So, naturally, it is necessary to take steps towards making these devices safe and secure.Antivirus apps are your first line of defense against hacking and virus attacks. However, these apps are usually paid or lite versions of the paid version. And, unfortunately, the free apps don't always work as promised.So, here are some handpicked antivirus apps that are free to use and pretty effective.

1. Bitdefender Antivirus Free

Bitdefender Antivirus Free is a fast, light, and powerful antivirus app that protects your phone using cloud scanning technology without slowing down your device.

It automatically scans any new apps you download and catches a high percentage of malware. This app keeps running in the background and helps run scans without interfering with normal mobile functioning.

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The malware scanner on the app checks all the apps you install and repairs all the risks automatically. The best part about Bitdefender Antivirus Free is that it's completely secure and asks for permissions at every step saving you from any mishap.

Download: Bitdefender Antivirus Free (Free)

2. Sophos Intercept X

Sophos is one of the leading malware protection apps which keeps your phone safe from virus threats. This app has persistently achieved an impressive protection percentage in AV Tests compared to the rest of the best Android security tools.

Sophos gives its full features for free without ads, and without impacting the performance and battery of your device.

It offers malware protection, web filtering, and a link checker, and it automatically blocks malicious content. Moreover, this app provides high protection for your passwords, gives security advice, and performs security checks for QR codes.

Sophos seeks permission to monitor the incoming data and to detect and stop threats. Another helpful feature of this app is its Wi-Fi security that intercepts new Wi-Fi connections on your phone and runs security checks in the background.

Download: Sophos Intercept X (Free)

3. Antivirus Mobile

The Antivirus Mobile app provides professional-quality deep scans. It has a simple interface and a light but strong antivirus engine that keeps your phone safe. It also offers to clean up your phone's memory and has a powerful junk cleaner as well.

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One of the most common kinds of viruses is the Trojan Horse, especially for those who install apps from outside the Play Store. It can affect Android devices and is challenging to remove. Antivirus Mobile detects and removes this type of virus with its robust cleaning system.

It also offers real-time protection by providing a secure firewall to detect the latest threats and remove malware, adware, and viruses.

Download: Antivirus Mobile (Free)

4. Antivirus

The Antivirus app promises comprehensive protection against malware, Trojan, and other viruses. It is fast at detecting risks, viruses, spyware, and unprotected apps that can cause potential harm by stealing your personal information.

The app has real-time protection functionality which helps protect your Android phone at all times. It notifies you in case you install a malicious app and offers to remove and block the app. This antivirus app protects your privacy by locking your apps through a PIN lock, pattern, and fingerprints.

The Antivirus app also functions as a device cleaning app that releases memory and optimizes the phone, although not all these features may actually help.

Moreover, this app also monitors the temperature of the device and alerts you if the device ever gets too hot.

Download: Antivirus (Free)

5. Traced Mobile Security

Traced Mobile Security provides you with malware detection, anti-phishing protection, and an app privacy scanner. This app needs no tracking for scanning and is ad-free. In addition, it keeps your private and business data secure.

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The app provides full phone security by detecting malicious apps, unsafe Wi-Fi networks, phishing links, vulnerable software, and any problems with your device's configuration.

Traced has the feature to detect stalker ware, spyware, and any other apps that might compromise your security without your knowledge.

Download: Traced Mobile Security (Free)

6. Security Antivirus

Security Antivirus helps you stay safe and protects your privacy by warning about suspicions and cleaning viruses, spyware, and Trojans. It analyses mobile security, Wi-Fi security, and browser security to detect any invasion.

This app has the additional feature of protecting your private data, including bank account information and photos, keeping your device safe and protected. It provides both local antivirus security and cloud security support.

The app has additional device-cleaning features and will delete junk files, residual files, unused apps, and caches.

Download: Security Antivirus (Free)

7. Smart Security

Smart Security is another useful antivirus app for Android devices that provides mobile protection as well as cleaning your phone. Its defender scans and detects different viruses on your Android device, and constantly monitors the phone vulnerabilities and potential threats even when the app is closed.

The app offers a mobile booster feature that cleans junk files, cache, and other unwanted stuff on your phone. Its CPU cooler helps remove the apps, tasks, or processes that might be hogging the phone.

Download: Smart Security (Free)

Protect Your Android Phone With These Free Antivirus Apps

Although smartphones have become pretty secure lately, there is still a risk of getting hit by malware and spyware. Many apps and web pages come with malicious content that may harm your device and affect its performance.

The antivirus apps mentioned above reduce these risks and boost the speed of your device. And by constantly monitoring your phone, these apps decrease the chances of security breaches and or becoming infected with malware.

However, no matter how good an antivirus app is, it is always good to stay away from all unknown websites and apps and never open a link unless you are sure it's completely safe and secure. This precaution will save your device from all kinds of threats.