What Android already does
Android has built-in protections, including app sandboxing and Google Play Protect, which scans apps from Google Play and on your device.
Where extra protection can help
- If you install apps from outside Google Play.
- If you receive APK files over WhatsApp or SMS.
- If you share a phone, or worry about stalkerware.
- If your phone no longer gets security updates.
- If you want to see which apps have risky permission combinations.
Where antivirus does not help
No app can stop you from giving away an OTP or paying a scammer. Good habits matter more than any single app.
What to look for
- It should not contain ads or sell your data.
- It should explain which permissions it needs and why.
- It should be light on battery and memory.
That is the thinking behind Psylinks AV, which is in beta for Android 7.0 and up.
Frequently asked questions
Is Google Play Protect enough?
For many people who only install from Google Play, it is a good baseline. An additional app is most useful if you sideload apps.
Will antivirus slow my phone?
A badly built one can. This is why we focus on being light on memory and battery.
Psylinks AV is in beta. A private, lightweight antivirus for Android with no ads. First year free. Join the beta.