The Lightest Av for Android

[Ink]

Why would anyone prefer "lightest" over "best protection:?

Because it's an Android Phone, not a High-End Windows Gaming PC plugged into Mains Power 24/7. You have to consider:
- high battery drain
- permissions access (privacy)
- possible heat-related issues (shut downs)

And it's not as if Android has zero protection against threats;
- Google Play Protect
- Phishing/Malicious site protection - Chrome / Supported browsers
- Changing your DNS on supported devices
- Android One
- Monthly OS updates on supported devices

What would you say is the lightest AV in terms of CPU and RAM for Android v7.0.

I just want good protection and no bells whistles. Also that it is freeware.

For lightest*, the built-in Play Protect is a start.

Spoiler: The Read More(s)

"Play Protect surely has the potential to become better in the future, as Google has the data and resources to improve its algorithms and systems, as Microsoft did with its Windows Defender."

Read more: Spotlight on Security: why the claims of Google Play Protect are misleading | AV-Comparatives

"This looks like a ML algorithms to me that tries to make decisions - before opening app and if app was rarely seen in ecosystem."

Google Enhances Google Play Protect on Android, but Is It Enough?

Alternatively, this 3rd party App: Bitdefender Antivirus Free for Android


* assumption based on minimal features, usage and new updates.

 

[Paul.R]

I don't recommend Avast, WTF 13 trackers , 59 permissions , data mining app.

I recommend Bitdefender or ESET

Avast trackers:

• AppsFlyer
• Facebook Ads
• Facebook Analytics
• Facebook Login
• Facebook Share
• Google Ads
• Google Analytics
• Google CrashLytics
• Google DoubleClick
• Google Firebase Analytics
• Inmobi
• Moat
• Twitter MoPub

 

[AriDfoix]

com.funnycat.virustotal

 

[uninfected1]

Having sung its praises on other threads here in the past, I've had to uninstall Sophos because it has slowed my (not very powerful) tablet to virtually a standstill. It's a shame because in other respects It's outstanding, especially for a free product, but its new Intercept X incarnation seems to be rather more resource heavy than its predecessors. I see that some here recommend Bitdefender but I found that just as tough a load as Sophos, plus it has ads. Avast is even worse.

So it's back to the search for a light AV for me too, and the two lightest by some distance I've been trying are Panda (OK, not much love for it amongst the MT faithful) and Eset. Even the paid version of Eset with web protection is pretty darn light, but like some have already mentioned, I'm not convinced that feature is necessary with Android.

So I suggest either of the free Panda or Eset versions.

 

[ForgottenSeer 823865]

Lightest AV on android? NO AV. Just stop installing crap apps.

 

[woodrowbone]

Having sung its praises on other threads here in the past, I've had to uninstall Sophos because it has slowed my (not very powerful) tablet to virtually a standstill. It's a shame because in other respects It's outstanding, especially for a free product, but its new Intercept X incarnation seems to be rather more resource heavy than its predecessors. I see that some here recommend Bitdefender but I found that just as tough a load as Sophos, plus it has ads. Avast is even worse.

So it's back to the search for a light AV for me too, and the two lightest by some distance I've been trying are Panda (OK, not much love for it amongst the MT faithful) and Eset. Even the paid version of Eset with web protection is pretty darn light, but like some have already mentioned, I'm not convinced that feature is necessary with Android.

So I suggest either of the free Panda or Eset versions.

Did you really installed Bitdefender free? I see no slowdowns or ads here, and never had...
I also recommend Blockada Adblocker, not just for the purpose of removing ads in almost every app I use, but also because you can change your DNS to a more security oriented one with ease.

/W

 

[oldschool]

Did you really installed Bitdefender free? I see no slowdowns or ads here, and never had...

Same here, except for BD's own "Tap for Advanced Protection" when the app is open. Otherwise it's completely non-intrusive, without ads or nagging.

 

[ForgottenSeer 85179]

Related: Q&A - Do we really need AV on Android?

I also recommend Blockada Adblocker, not just for the purpose of removing ads in almost every app I use, but also because you can change your DNS to a more security oriented one with ease.

Blokada slow down your device and doesn't work corectly anymore if too much hosts are used.
Also changing DNS is possible in Android 9+ (DoT - DNS over TLS)