The Best Security Apps for Android: Privacy Apps and More

The best security apps for Android include antivirus, VPN, and password protection: AVG (free antivirus), NordVPN (VPN), and NordPass (password manager) are our top picks. Android's built-in tools, like passcodes, Google Play Protect, and app permissions, aren't enough on their own to protect against malware, phishing, and spyware, so the right app for security fills that gap.

Below, we break down the best antivirus software for Android, plus the top VPN, password manager, secure messaging, and browsing tools for your device.

10 best Android apps for digital privacy overview

Here are the types of security apps available on Android and the top recommendations for each category.

• Best Android VPN app:
• Best Android antivirus app: AVG Antivirus & Security
• Best password manager app for Android: NordPass
• Best secure messaging app for Android: Signal Private Messenger
• Best Android email app: Proton Mail
• Best private Android browser: Brave

Because you may have different needs, additional options are listed below.

VPN apps for Android

We don't recommend using free VPN apps. As with all free software, you should be wary of how it uses your data and who gets access to it. Often, data is shared with third parties for advertising purposes. But setting up a secure VPN on Android is crucial for encrypting your traffic and data. This protects your information from hackers. 

When choosing the best VPN for you, you'll want to consider the number of servers, connection speed, and ease of use. Below are some of the best VPNs for Android phones.

1. NordVPN

With 9,300+ servers in 130+ countries, NordVPN offers the most international server options. It's also fairly easy to use. With a tap of a button, you can connect to the fastest server near you or in a specific country. There are also options to automatically connect to a VPN or to temporarily disconnect from it.

NordVPN also has a few additional security features, such as malware protection to block access to malicious websites and to block you from accidentally joining a botnet. Each account can connect up to 10 devices, making it ideal for households with limited devices. It also comes with NordVPN Threat Protection, one of the best ad blocking apps for Android. 

2. Proton VPN

Proton VPN is our top pick for privacy-focused VPNs. Proton VPN is open-source software that publicly shares its third-party audits, so we know it doesn't log. It's also headquartered in Switzerland (which has iron-clad data privacy laws), operates a secure network of Secure Core servers that route through privacy-forward countries, and boasts a proprietary Stealth protocol, which means your VPN usage is under the radar. 

The cherry on top is that Proton VPN even includes a free Proton Mail account, which helps keep your emails private with end-to-end encryption.

Like NordVPN, Proton includes an ad blocker and anti-malware software with Proton VPN Netshield. However, it doesn't block ads as effectively as dedicated ad blockers because it relies on DNS-based filtering. That means some content will be removed, but others, like banner ads and YouTube video ads, can still slip past.

Antivirus apps for Android

When it comes to antivirus software, it's important to choose an application that can scan your Android device for potentially malicious apps, downloads, and links. There are several options to choose from — some are even free.

If you're comparing the best cell phone security app options overall, AVG and Avast are the two strongest all-around picks.

3. AVG AntiVirus & Security

AVG AntiVirus & Security comes in with a strong 4.6 rating on the Google Play Store. AVG includes all the basic antivirus security features, but it also includes Malware Force Uninstaller. 

This makes it a top contender for the best antivirus, as it can remove malware from your Android device. It also has security features such as anti-theft protection, password leak notifications, app lock, and a blocker against dangerous websites.

Although this is a free antivirus app, AVG does share device IDs and other identifiers with third parties for advertising and marketing purposes. You can sign up for the premium version to remove the ads from the app. In fact, we recommend AVG Premium as one of the best antivirus apps for mobile devices based on in-house and third-party testing. 

4. Avast Antivirus & Security

With more than 100 million downloads and a 4.6 rating, Avast is a popular antivirus app for mobile devices. Not only is it free, but it also features robust real-time protection tools that scan for malware, analyze suspicious files or Wi-Fi networks, and quarantine potentially harmful threats before you even open the file. 

Note that the free version contains ads, and the app does share personal data with third parties for advertising and marketing purposes.

Beyond antivirus protection, Avast offers additional security features, including hiding personal photos, tracking app usage online, locating a lost or stolen phone, avoiding online scams, and deleting junk files.

Password manager apps for Android

Password managers are useful for generating unique passwords for every account you create while keeping them safely secured. Although your browser may include a password manager, it may not always be the most secure option. Explore a couple of popular password managers to see how they can help keep your accounts safe.

5. NordPass

NordPass is a trustworthy password manager by Nord Security, a top name in digital protection. And the best part is that NordPass is more than an add-on with NordVPN. It's a comprehensive and user-friendly password manager that stands on its own. Free and premium plans include xChaCha20 encryption, automatic syncing, a password generator, and multi-factor authentication. 

However, like most free software, usage is limited to one device. If you're looking to add more devices to your account, you'll need to upgrade to a paid plan starting at $1.49/mo. NordPass is compatible across operating systems and browsers, so you can use it on any device.

6. Keeper Password Manager

If you're looking for a premium password manager, then you may want to consider Keeper. It lets you connect an unlimited number of devices, offers the option to use biometrics to log in, and sets up emergency access so others can open your account. At roughly $3.58/mo, it's fairly affordable.

You can get a 30-day trial before financially committing to the app. There is a free plan, but it's pretty limited because you can only link to one mobile device. It also won't come with any additional features beyond password management.

Secure messaging apps for Android

When you send a message, you may only want you and the recipient to access it. Sometimes it doesn't work out that way, though. You could opt to use secure messaging apps to ensure your messages are protected from outside parties. Here are a couple of choices you may want to consider.

7. Signal Private Messenger

Signal is run by an independent nonprofit organization and is funded purely by grants and donations from users. This means Signal doesn't need to use ads or trackers to fund itself, and no data is shared with third parties. Signal can't even read or hear any messages sent on its app.

The messaging app has end-to-end encryption, disappearing messages, and free voice or video calls. It's one of the most secure messaging apps available on Android.

8. Proton Mail

Your current email provider doesn't always guarantee email encryption. That's why an app such as Proton Mail can be useful. It comes with end-to-end encryption and zero-access encryption. This means not even Proton can read your emails. In fact, we think Proton Mail is one of the safest email providers available.

There's also no data shared with third parties, and it doesn't read your emails to create personalized ads. Another benefit of using Proton Mail is that the company is based in Switzerland and follows Swiss privacy laws and neutrality. There are also free and paid plans, so you can choose if you need basic or advanced email features.

Safe browsing tools for Android

Your web browser uses cookies, history, and trackers to personalize your browsing experience, including intrusive ads. You may want to consider using a private browser to gain more control over how your data is used and for better internet security.

9. Brave Private Fast Web Browser

Brave can block ads, trackers, and cookies. But what makes it unique is how it lets you control your advertising experience. Opting into Brave Rewards lets you earn tokens for allowing first-party ads. Tokens can then be exchanged for cash-value gift cards.

Another unique feature of Brave is that it lets you tip websites and content creators. Many of these people rely on ad revenue for a living, o this tip feature lets you directly support creators without compromising your privacy.

10. DuckDuckGo Private Browser

DuckDuckGo ticks all of the boxes for a private browsing experience: no trackers, no data shared with third parties, and no data collected. It even blocks hidden trackers on sites. This means you can search the internet anonymously.

That's not to say you will have a completely ad-free experience. DuckDuckGo shows ads, but they're based on your current search, not a profile built from your search history. For example, if you are searching for camping gear, you may get ads in that category.

Bottom line

Finding the right security and privacy apps for your Android phone can vary from person to person. But having a strong defense system with VPNs, password managers, and more can make it easier to protect your device and data.

For added Android security, adjust your privacy settings, don't use rooted devices, and only download apps from the Google Play Store.

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