The answer is yes, although it depends on your situation. Nowadays, installing an antivirus on your phone is still necessary. While iPhones have greater natural protection, Android devices are more exposed to threats such as malware, malicious apps, and phishing attacks.
Android phones already have a built-in antivirus, Google Play Protect. Play Protect serves as a line of defense against known malware, but this isn't always sufficient for all users. If you download apps from unknown sources, frequently use public Wi-Fi, or store sensitive information, you need additional protection.
The Best Antivirus for Cell Phones
#1: Norton 360 Mobile Security – The Absolute Leader
Why Norton Is The Best?
Norton 360 continues to lead the way as a top-tier antivirus solution, offering robust protection for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. Its comprehensive suite includes exceptional malware defense, an intelligent firewall, VPN, and identity theft protection.
Norton 360 offers the best antivirus protection of 2025. It's one of the most powerful security packages on the market, providing comprehensive protection against all types of threats.
Key Features of Norton Mobile
Complete Protection Norton Mobile Security protects both Android and iPhone, although at different levels depending on the operating system.
For Android includes:
- Real-time antimalware protection
- App scanner before installing
- Protection against dangerous websites
- WiFi Security that analyzes public networks
- Anti-theft with device location
For iPhone includes:
- Norton 360 is one of the most veteran antivirus programs on the market. Its iPhone version includes protection against malware and phishing, Wi-Fi network monitoring, and a powerful VPN for secure browsing.
Unlimited VPN Included Norton is the most comprehensive antivirus in 2025 when it comes to extra features. In addition to the basics, you get VPN (with unlimited data). This VPN protects you when you use public WiFi in cafes, airports or hotels.
Password Manager It includes a secure manager that generates unique passwords for each account and stores them encrypted.
How to Use Norton Step by Step:
Application
Information on size, installation and warranty may vary as updates are made in official stores.
- First, download Norton Mobile Security from the official store
- After, create your Norton account with email and password
- Then, run the first full scan of the device
- Also, activate real-time protection
- Finally, configure security alerts
Norton Prices
- Free basic version: Limited functions
- Norton 360 Deluxe: $49.99/year (covers 5 devices)
- Norton 360 Premium: $99.99/year (covers 10 devices)
- Offers a 60-day money-back guarantee with an annual subscription
Norton Download Links
#2: Bitdefender Mobile Security – Smart Protection
Why is Bitdefender Excellent?
Bitdefender has proven to be one of the most effective antivirus programs in independent tests. Bitdefender blocked 99.8% of threats in all tests, with three false positives in the most recent tests by specialized organizations.
Bitdefender Mobile Features
Advanced Protection
- Malware detection with artificial intelligence
- Web scanner that blocks dangerous sites
- Protection against malicious apps
- Anti-phishing for emails and messages
For Android:
- Automatic antimalware scanner
- Real-time web protection
- App Privacy (control permissions)
- Anti-theft with remote locking
- VPN included (200MB/day free)
For iPhone:
- Web Protection against malicious sites
- System vulnerability scan
- VPN for protection on public WiFi
- Account Privacy (data breach monitoring)
Minimum Battery Usage An important advantage of Bitdefender is that it consumes very few system resources, maintaining the speed of your phone without affecting battery life.
How to Configure Bitdefender:
Bitdefender Mobile Security
★ 4.6Information on size, installation and warranty may vary as updates are made in official stores.
- First of all, download the official app
- After, register with your email
- Then, allows the necessary permissions for protection
- Also, activate automatic web protection
- Finally, schedule weekly scans
Bitdefender Pricing
- Free version: Basic protection for Android
- Bitdefender Mobile Security: $14.99/year
- Bitdefender Total Security: $39.99/year (includes up to 5 devices)
Bitdefender Download Links
- Android: Bitdefender Mobile Security on Google Play
- iPhone: Bitdefender Mobile Security on the App Store
Direct Comparison: Norton vs Bitdefender
Which One to Choose According to Your Needs?
Choose Norton If:
- You want the most comprehensive protection available
- You use multiple devices (Windows, Mac, mobile)
- You need unlimited VPN included
- You value 24/7 customer service
- You don't mind paying more for premium features
Choose Bitdefender If:
- Looking for excellent protection at a lower price?
- You want minimal impact on performance
- You prefer a simpler interface
- You focus primarily on basic anti-malware protection
- You mainly use Android devices
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Norton 360 | Bitdefender |
|---|---|---|
| Malware detection | 98.5% | 99.8% |
| VPN included | Unlimited | 200MB/day |
| Password manager | ✓ Complete | ✗ Basic only |
| 24/7 Support | ✓ Yes | ✓ Limited |
| Annual price | $49.99+ | $14.99+ |
| Impact on battery | Moderate | Minimum |
Differences between Android and iPhone
Protection on Android
Why Does Android Need More Protection?
- More open system allows more threats
- Downloading apps from unofficial sources
- Greater variety of manufacturers and versions
- Google Play Protect is sufficient for most users, but not for all.
Common Threats on Android:
- Malicious apps that steal data
- Banking malware
- Mobile ransomware
- Aggressive adware
- Hidden Spyware
Protection on iPhone
Do iPhones Need Antivirus? Technically, iOS is more secure by design, but iPhones are much more secure than you might imagine, so it may be wise to give your phone an extra layer of protection.
For iPhone they focus on:
- Web protection against phishing
- VPN for public WiFi
- Data breach monitoring
- Privacy Protection
- Parental controls
Key Features Your Antivirus Should Have
Essential Functions
Real-Time Protection
Why it is important: Detects threats while you browse or download apps, not just during scheduled scans.
Web Protection
What are you doing: Blocks malicious websites before they load, protecting against phishing and dangerous downloads.
WiFi Security
What is it for?: Scans public Wi-Fi networks and alerts you if they're unsafe. Especially important in airports, cafes, and hotels.
Anti-Theft
Features include:
- GPS location of the lost device
- Remote blocking by SMS or web
- Remote deletion of sensitive data
- Audible alarm even if silent
- Photo of the thief if someone tries to unlock it
Valuable Premium Features
Integrated VPN
Main benefits:
- Encrypt your internet connection
- Protect on public WiFi
- Hide your real location
- Access geo-blocked content
Password Manager
Why you need it:
- Generate unique and secure passwords
- Stores them encrypted
- Autocomplete in apps and websites
- Synchronization between devices
Parental Control
Typical functions:
- Inappropriate content filter
- Time limits of use
- Online activity monitoring
- Blocking specific apps
How to Keep Your Cell Phone Safe
Basic Safety Tips
Download Only from Official Stores
- Google Play Store for Android
- App Store for iPhone
- Avoid APKs from unknown sites
- Read reviews before downloading
Keep the System Updated
Why it is critical:
- Updates include security patches
- Discovered vulnerabilities are corrected
- Improve overall system protection
- Also, activate automatic updates
Use WiFi Smartly
Best practices:
- First, avoid public WiFi for banking
- After, check the exact name of the network
- Then, use VPN when necessary
- Finally, forget about networks you don't use regularly
Signs That Your Cell Phone Is Infected
Common Symptoms
- Battery drains very quickly without intensive use
- Apps open by themselves or they work slowly
- Mobile data is consumed excessively
- Apps appear that you don't remember installing
- Constant pop-ups with annoying advertising
What to Do If You Suspect Infection
- Immediately, disconnect WiFi and mobile data
- After, run a full scan with your antivirus
- Then, check recently installed apps
- Also, change important passwords
- Finally, consider resetting the device if it is serious
Free vs Premium Antivirus
When Is the Free Version Enough?
Basic User Profile
Choose free version if:
- You use your cell phone mainly for calls and messages.
- You only browse known and safe sites
- You do not store banking or sensitive information
- Download few apps and only from official stores
Limitations of the Free Versions
- Basic functions: Basic antimalware only
- Advertising: In-app ads
- Limited support: No premium customer service
- Without VPN: Or with very limited data
- Limited scans: Less frequent or complete
When Is It Worth Paying?
Advanced User Profile
Choose premium version if:
- You use mobile banking frequently
- You connect to public WiFi regularly
- You save photos, documents or important data
- You travel frequently
- You work from your mobile
Benefits of Premium Versions
- Unlimited VPN: Complete protection on public WiFi
- 24/7 Support: Help when you need it most
- Advanced Features: Parental control, password manager
- Multi-device protection: Covers computer and tablet too
- No ads: Clean and professional experience
Performance and Impact on Battery
How Antiviruses Affect Your Cell Phone
Typical Resource Consumption
Factors affecting performance:
- Constant real-time scanning
- Updating malware databases
- Monitoring network connections
- Analyzing running apps
Impact Comparison
Norton Mobile Security:
- Battery consumption: Moderate (5-8% daily)
- RAM usage: 150-200MB average
- Speed impact: Minimal on modern devices
Bitdefender Mobile:
- Battery consumption: Low (2-4% daily)
- RAM usage: 80-120MB average
- Impact on speed: Virtually imperceptible
Performance Optimization
Recommended Configurations
To maximize battery life:
- Program scans during overnight charging
- Adjust the frequency automatic updates
- Disables functions that you don't use (parental controls if you don't have children)
- Use economy mode if available
Future of Mobile Security
Emerging Trends in 2025
Advanced Artificial Intelligence
New capabilities:
- Predictive threat detection
- More accurate app behavior analysis
- Reduction of false positives
- Automatic incident response
Protection Against Deepfakes
New threats require new protection:
- AI-generated content detection
- Media authenticity verification
- Protection against voice and image impersonation
Zero Trust Security
Modern approach:
- Does not trust any connection by default
- Constant verification of all access
- Granular protection per application
- Continuous activity monitoring
Mobile Threats of the Future
New Attack Vectors
What's coming:
- Malware that exploits 5G
- Attacks on connected IoT devices
- Augmented Reality Manipulation
- Quantum attacks (long term)
Conclusion: Which Is Really the Best?
After extensively analyzing the available options, Norton 360 emerges as the absolute leader for most users. Norton 360 emerges as the preferred choice over Bitdefender, supported by comprehensive research showing its effectiveness in 2025.
Why is Norton superior?
- More complete protection: Covers all current and future threats
- Unlimited VPN included: Significant added value
- Exceptional technical support: Available 24/7 in Spanish
- Superior user experience: Intuitive and functional interface
- Universal compatibility: Works perfect on Android and iPhone
However, Bitdefender is still an excellent choice if:
- Your budget is more limited
- You prioritize device performance
- You are looking for anti-malware protection specifically
- You don't need premium features like Unlimited VPN
For most users, the recommendation is clear: Norton 360 offers the best value for money in the market in 2025. Its investment is fully justified considering the potential cost of a successful attack on your device.
Your mobile security is an investment, not an expense.In a world where our cell phones contain virtually our entire digital life, protecting them properly is essential.
