Android: How to Choose Antivirus Apps

In general, people think Android is safer than Windows. It's based on the assumption that all Android apps are downloaded from Google Play, which will reject anything with viruses or malware. However, no one can guarantee everything from Google play, and even Google can't ensure to block any Android virus. So, for Android, it's safer but still needs antivirus software.

Android's chief tech executive once said you don't need antivirus as in Windows if you get all apps from Google Play or any other trusted Android store. The point is Google Play or any Android store should scan all apps to ensure they are virus-free.

If you always download apps from this source, you shouldn't encounter virus risks. Even if a few apps may hide from virus checking at the start, and unfortunately, you download that app. As long as the store recognizes the risk, it will remove related apps and terminate their running. It is why we usually say Android is relatively safer than Windows.

However, everything has an exception. Although app stores have their security mechanism, they cannot offer 100 percent confidence to block all viruses for the first time. In other words, the virus still has a chance to get your device. Besides, in some cases, you may install apps from non-store resources that will bring a more significant risk of getting infected with the virus.

Antivirus apps are developed for these situations. If you are an aggressive user and always like to try the latest apps from various resources, we strongly recommend installing an antivirus app to enhance protection.

You usually consider usability, protection, and performance when selecting an antivirus app. Because the antivirus app isn't essential for ordinary Android users who only get apps from Google Play, we assume you are very familiar with your device and powerful enough. If so, usability and performance aren't the core issue to count on. It will help if you put the protection in the primary place. In addition to antivirus, you may also need anti-malware and even an Internet security suite.

Therefore pure or simple antivirus products in the Android market are very few; some apps called antivirus more or less have extra features and are more like Internet security suite.