What is the best antivirus for smartphones?
In summary: what is the best antivirus for smartphones?
The best antivirus for smartphones depends on the operating system. For Android, McAfee+ Premium is the top choice: an all-in-one app with protection against malware, phishing, identity theft and more. For iOS, we recommend McAfee Total Protection combined with Jottacloud, offering both security and automatic backups without relying on iCloud. Both solutions are user-friendly and provide effective protection against the most common mobile risks.
Do you use your smartphone daily for online banking, email, social media or work? Then it’s important to think about the security of your device. Many people assume their phone is automatically well protected, but that’s not always the case. Phishing, data breaches and malicious apps are more common than you might think, even on iPhones and Android devices.
So, what really is the best antivirus for smartphones? And what should you look for when choosing a mobile security app?
In this blog, we explain which features truly matter, which problems they solve, and which solutions our experts recommend for both Android and iOS. We’ll also link you to our dedicated blogs for each operating system.
Why do you need antivirus for your smartphone?
Smartphones are essentially small computers packed with personal data. Think of photos, messages, passwords, banking apps and work emails. Unfortunately, they’re also a popular target for cybercriminals. The risks differ per operating system, but often come down to the same threats:
- Phishing via SMS, WhatsApp or email.
- Unsecured Wi-Fi networks in public places.
- Data breaches from apps or online services.
- Spyware and malware (especially on Android).
- Identity theft through leaked data.
Both iPhone and Android users are at risk. Strengthening your mobile security with a reliable antivirus app is therefore essential.
Key features of a good mobile antivirus
Not every antivirus app offers the same level of protection for mobile devices. Pay attention to these features and especially how well they work together in one app:
VPN (Virtual Private Network)
Creates an encrypted connection on public Wi-Fi networks. This prevents hackers from snooping on your activity. Particularly useful in cafés, hotels or at the station.
Identity Protection
Alerts you if your personal data, like emails or passwords, have been found in a data breach. A must-have if you take privacy seriously.
Web protection
Shields you from dangerous websites, phishing links and fake online shops. Essential when shopping or banking on your phone.
Real-time virus protection
Especially vital for Android devices. This scans apps for malware before you install them.
Password manager
Helps you create and store strong, unique passwords securely without having to memorise them all yourself.
Best antivirus for Android
For Android users, McAfee+ Premium is the best choice. This app offers complete protection in one clear package, including:
- Real-time virus protection.
- Identity protection with breach monitoring.
- VPN, firewall and browser protection.
- Password manager.
What sets McAfee+ Premium apart is how user-friendly it is, bringing everything together in a single app. You don’t need to be a tech expert to properly secure your phone. Want to know more? Read the full blog on the best antivirus for Android.
Best antivirus for iPhone
On iOS, viruses are less of an issue, but risks like phishing and data breaches remain. That’s why we recommend a combination of McAfee Total Protection + Jottacloud:
- McAfee protects against phishing, unsafe Wi-Fi and identity theft.
- Jottacloud automatically backs up your photos and videos.
- You save storage space and rely less on iCloud.
This combination is especially handy for people who take lots of photos or want to free up their iPhone without losing data. Read our blog on the best antivirus for iOS for more details.
Conclusion: what is the best antivirus for smartphones?
There’s no single answer for everyone, since iPhone and Android require slightly different approaches. Our recommendations:
- Android: McAfee+ Premium – all-in-one security that’s easy to use.
- iPhone: McAfee Total Protection + Jottacloud – strong protection plus smart storage.
What do these solutions have in common? They deliver reliable protection, are simple to use, and fit what you really need on your mobile.
Honest advice from Antivirus.eu
At Antivirus.eu, you’ll always get honest, independent advice tailored to your needs. All our recommendations are based on thorough testing and real customer experiences. Do you have questions or need help? Our experts are here to help you personally, without hassle.
