If your phone is running slowly, overheating, or displaying suspicious ads, it could be a sign that it's infected with viruses or other types of malware. Fortunately, there are free and effective apps available on the Google Play Store and App Store that help detect and remove these threats. Below, you'll find five excellent options that are free to download and offer advanced security and cleaning features to protect your device.

Avast Antivirus & Security

Avast Antivirus & Security is one of the most popular apps for virus and malware protection. Available for Android and iOS, the app offers comprehensive real-time protection and additional privacy and system optimization tools.

It automatically detects malicious apps, dangerous files, and suspicious links, preventing users from falling victim to common scams. Avast also has a smart scanning feature that analyzes the behavior of installed apps, providing an extra layer of security.

It also offers spam call blocking, phishing protection, and even a free VPN with a daily limit, which helps secure your connection on public Wi-Fi networks. Its interface is clear, well-organized, and easy to use, ideal even for those who aren't very tech-savvy.

AVG Antivirus

Another leading name in combating viruses on cell phones is AVG Antivirus. Developed by the same company behind Avast, AVG stands out for its lightweight nature and efficient threat detection. It performs automatic and manual scans in real time, ensuring that any suspicious apps or files are immediately identified and removed.

One of AVG's biggest differentiators is its Anti-Theft feature, which allows you to remotely locate, lock, and even erase your phone's data if it's lost or stolen. The app also protects personal photos and documents with an encrypted vault.

The user experience is fluid, with clear alerts and optimization features that help improve device performance, such as clearing cache, temporary files, and RAM. It's a solid option for those looking for security and convenience in a single app.

Norton 360

Norton 360 goes beyond simple virus removal. It offers a complete digital security suite for your phone. With protection against malware, spyware, adware, and other cyberthreats, the app ensures your smartphone is always protected in real time.

In addition to virus detection, Norton 360 monitors Wi-Fi networks, alerting you to unsafe connections that could compromise your data. Another interesting feature is the "App Advisor," which analyzes apps from the Play Store before they're even downloaded, informing you if they're safe.

For those concerned about privacy, the app offers tools to block online trackers, as well as a secure and unlimited VPN. The modern look and feel are intuitive, making it easy to access all features, even for beginners.

Bitdefender Mobile Security

Bitdefender Mobile Security is a lightweight yet powerful solution that stands out for its accuracy in malware detection. The app performs fast and efficient scans without impacting your phone's performance. It runs in the background and keeps your system protected 24/7.

A unique feature is "Autopilot," which acts as a personal security assistant, recommending actions based on device usage. The app also features account security checks (to determine if your email has been compromised in breaches) and protection against fraudulent websites.

Its clean interface, combined with the reliability of Bitdefender's detection engine—one of the best on the market—makes the app a solid choice for those seeking hassle-free protection.

Malwarebytes Mobile Security

Malwarebytes is a respected name in the cybersecurity world, known for its effectiveness in identifying and eliminating even the most complex malware. The mobile version follows the same line, offering a deep scan that detects Trojans, adware, ransomware, and other types of hidden threats.

The app also blocks malicious links while browsing the internet and checks for abusive app permissions, helping users maintain full control over their privacy.

One positive point is that Malwarebytes consumes few system resources, making it ideal for older phones or those with limited hardware. Navigating the app is simple and straightforward, with clear alerts and personalized security options.

Common and additional application features

The apps mentioned offer a robust set of features to ensure complete phone protection. Some of the most common and useful features include:

• Real-time scanning: Immediate identification of viruses, malware and other threats.
• App and file analysis: Constant checking of everything that is installed or downloaded.
• Integrated VPN: Safe browsing on public Wi-Fi networks (available on Avast, Norton, and Bitdefender).
• Block unwanted calls and SMS: Filter suspicious numbers and spam.
• Secure vaults for photos and files: Password or biometric protection.
• Lost Cell Phone Tracking: Remote location and blocking.
• System cleaning and optimization: Free up space and improve overall performance.
• Navigation protection: Blocking dangerous or fraudulent links.

These features, combined with ease of use and constant improvements from the developers, make these apps indispensable tools for keeping your device clean, fast, and secure.

Conclusion

Having antivirus software on your phone is no longer an option, but a necessity. With the constant increase in digital threats, protecting your smartphone against viruses, malware, and online scams is essential to ensure the security of your data and the performance of your device.

The apps featured in this article are free, reliable, and offer high-level functionality that goes far beyond simple virus removal. They protect your privacy, help optimize your system, and give you peace of mind so you can use your phone without worrying.

Download the one that best suits your profile now and keep your device always protected!