Quick answer: The Best Antivirus for iPhone & iOS in 2024 is Norton!
Android users have been nagging iOS users over the limitations imposed by Apple when it comes to security, considering it a huge disadvantage, from the dawn of time.
But are those limitations really a disadvantage? From the perspective of Apple fans, they are not, and for good reason. After all, it’s because of them that Apple’s iOS devices are unlikely to get infected by malware compared to other operating systems.
That said, iPhones and other iOS devices aren’t completely immune, as they’re still prone to the dangers of malicious websites, web trackers, annoying ads, local snoopers, and everything in between.
For the average user, all of that can be super dangerous, which is why the best iOS antivirus apps exist. Although not all antivirus apps deliver on their promises, we took the liberty of researching the market and finding the best ones out there.
So, without further ado, here are the best antivirus apps for iPhone and other iOS devices!
List of the best Antivirus for iPhone & iOS in April 2024
1. Norton Security for iOS – Best Antivirus for iPhone & iOS
Norton Security for iPhone and iOS devices is a highly regarded antivirus solution for several compelling reasons, making it a strong choice for users who prioritize both security and a user-friendly experience:
User-Friendly Interface: Norton’s iOS app offers a visually appealing and well-organized dashboard, making it exceptionally easy to use. This clean and intuitive interface is particularly appealing to users who value a seamless and enjoyable user experience.
Comprehensive Security Features: Despite its user-friendly interface, Norton Security for iOS doesn’t compromise on features. It provides a range of robust security measures, including:
Wi-Fi Security: This feature ensures that any network your iOS device connects to has a clean reputation. It actively scans the network for malicious hardware attempting to compromise encryption, and it takes immediate action if any suspicious activity is detected. This is especially important for safeguarding your device while using public Wi-Fi networks.
Web Protection: Norton’s Web Protection feature prevents your device’s browser from loading unsafe or malicious websites. It accomplishes this by comparing website URLs to Norton 360’s anti-phishing database, offering real-time protection against phishing attempts and potentially harmful websites.
Device Security: The app provides alerts and notifications when your iOS operating system requires an update. Keeping your device’s OS up to date is essential for security, as updates often contain critical patches to address vulnerabilities.
Affordable Pricing: Norton Security for iOS offers both free and paid tiers. The paid subscription, priced at only $14.99 per year, is a cost-effective choice for users seeking premium security features without a hefty price tag.
Cross-Platform Compatibility: Norton’s security solutions often extend beyond iOS devices, providing compatibility with other platforms and operating systems. This can be advantageous for users with multiple devices, ensuring consistent security across all of them.
In summary, Norton Security for iPhone and iOS is a solid antivirus solution that excels in providing a user-friendly experience while offering comprehensive security features. Its clean interface, real-time security checks, and affordable pricing make it a compelling choice for iOS users looking to protect their devices from online threats. Users should also consider Norton’s solutions for other platforms if they require a holistic security approach across multiple devices.
McAfee Mobile Security is a highly regarded antivirus and security app for iPhones and iOS devices, offering a range of features that contribute to its effectiveness in protecting iOS users:
Threat Scan Feature: McAfee Mobile Security provides a Threat Scan feature that actively scans Wi-Fi hotspots, especially useful when connecting to public or unsecured networks. This proactive scanning helps identify potential security risks and protects your device from threats while on the go.
Security Updates Alerts: The app monitors the status of your iOS device and notifies you when your device is out of date. This is a crucial feature as keeping your iOS device up to date with the latest security patches and updates is essential for safeguarding it against vulnerabilities.
Media Vault: McAfee offers a Media Vault that enables users to securely hide their private media files, including photos and videos. Access to the vault is protected by a PIN code, Touch ID, or Face ID. This feature enhances privacy by preventing unauthorized access to sensitive content.
Find Phone Feature: In addition to Apple’s Find My Device feature, McAfee Mobile Security includes a Find Phone feature that uses GPS tracking to pinpoint the precise location of your iPhone or iOS device. Even if the device’s battery runs out, the app saves its last known location, increasing the chances of locating a lost or stolen device.
CaptureCam Feature: The CaptureCam feature is a security measure that captures a silent photo using the front camera if someone enters an incorrect PIN. It then sends the captured photo, along with the device’s location, to the device owner via email. This feature can assist in identifying unauthorized access attempts.
Comprehensive Antivirus Protection: Beyond the mentioned features, McAfee Mobile Security offers standard antivirus protection for iOS devices. This includes safe web alerts, contacts backup, phishing protection, and more, ensuring a well-rounded security solution.
Affordable Pricing: The app is reasonably priced at $29.99 per year, which is considered fair for the level of advanced, multi-layered protection it provides.
While McAfee Mobile Security is primarily designed for mobile devices and iOS, it focuses on enhancing the security and privacy aspects of iPhones and iOS devices. It offers a comprehensive set of features that prioritize user privacy, device location tracking, and protection against a range of potential threats, making it a valuable antivirus solution for iOS users.
Avira Mobile Security for iPhone and iOS stands out as a top choice for antivirus protection due to its comprehensive suite of features that prioritize security and privacy:
Secure VPN with No-log Policy: One of the standout features of Avira Mobile Security is its secure VPN. This feature ensures that all user data is transmitted through a secure connection, enhancing privacy and security. Avira’s commitment to user privacy is further underscored by its no-log policy, meaning the company doesn’t store logs on its servers, offering peace of mind to users concerned about privacy.
Robust Web Protection: Avira’s antivirus for iOS includes effective Web Protection that identifies and blocks various online threats, including malware, phishing, and fraud attempts. This feature is particularly valuable for safely conducting banking and other sensitive web activities on a mobile device.
Identity Safeguard: This feature provides an additional layer of security by scanning your email against a database of compromised emails. It alerts you if your email address has been leaked in the past. Moreover, it allows scanning the emails of your contacts to inform them about potential compromises, thus enhancing overall security within your network.
Anti-theft Feature (Avira Connect): Similar to McAfee, Avira offers an anti-theft feature called Avira Connect. This allows users to track their phone’s location and trigger an alarm to locate it, adding an essential layer of security against physical loss or theft of the device.
Call Blocker: The Call Blocker feature enhances privacy by allowing users to blacklist spam and unwanted contacts. This not only protects against spam but also contributes to overall digital wellness by reducing unwanted interruptions.
Affordability and Pricing Tiers: Avira Mobile Security for iOS offers a basic app free of charge, making it accessible to a broad user base. For those seeking more comprehensive features, Avira provides paid plans, including “Identity & Web Protection” for $5.49 and “Ultimate Security – Pro + VPN” for $22.99. This tiered pricing strategy makes it flexible for users to choose a level of protection that suits their needs and budget.
In conclusion, Avira Mobile Security for iPhone and iOS is an excellent antivirus choice due to its multifaceted approach to security, focusing on privacy protection, web safety, anti-theft features, and call blocking capabilities, all offered with a flexible pricing strategy.
Bitdefender Mobile Security stands out as a solid choice for iPhone and iOS users, offering a range of features that enhance security and privacy on these devices. Here are the reasons why Bitdefender Mobile Security is a good antivirus for iPhone and iOS:
Smooth Performance and Minimal Resource Usage: Bitdefender’s iOS app is designed to run seamlessly in the background without significantly impacting the device’s performance. It operates quietly and efficiently, ensuring that users can enjoy a smooth and uninterrupted iOS experience.
Non-Intrusive User Experience: Unlike some antivirus apps that bombard users with notifications and pop-ups, Bitdefender Mobile Security takes a user-friendly approach. It doesn’t send annoying alerts, preserving a hassle-free user experience.
Anti-Theft Feature: One of the standout functionalities of the app is its anti-theft feature. In the unfortunate event that your iOS device is lost or stolen, Bitdefender allows you to remotely lock and wipe your device. This provides peace of mind that your private data and documents will remain secure, even in such situations.
Vulnerability Detection: Bitdefender Mobile Security actively scans for vulnerabilities whenever you validate your email address. It will promptly notify you if it detects any potential security risks, prompting you to take necessary action such as changing your password. This proactive approach helps prevent unauthorized access to your accounts.
Account Privacy: The app includes an Account Privacy feature that, combined with the built-in VPN, ensures your browsing is private and secure at all times. This safeguards your online activities and helps prevent data leaks, enhancing your digital privacy.
Cost-Effective Premium Features: While the basic version of Bitdefender Mobile Security is free, users can enjoy premium features by opting for one of Bitdefender’s paid plans. These plans include:
Web Protection Plan: Priced at $1.49 per month or $14.99 per year, this plan enhances web security.
Premium VPN Plan: Available for $6.99 per month or $39.99 per year, this plan offers the added benefits of a virtual private network for secure and private browsing.
In summary, Bitdefender Mobile Security is a valuable antivirus solution for iPhone and iOS users who prioritize a smooth and non-intrusive user experience, while also seeking robust security features such as anti-theft protection, vulnerability detection, and account privacy. The availability of both free and cost-effective premium plans makes it accessible to a wide range of users looking to enhance their iOS device’s security and privacy.
Trend Micro Mobile Security is a valuable antivirus solution for iPhone and iOS devices, despite the robust built-in security features of these devices. Here are the reasons why Trend Micro Mobile Security is a good choice for iOS:
Protection from Online Threats: While iOS devices are generally well-protected, they are not immune to online threats, such as phishing attacks, malicious websites, and privacy concerns. Trend Micro Mobile Security provides an additional layer of protection against these threats, ensuring a safer online experience.
Social Network Privacy: One standout feature of Trend Micro is its Social Network Privacy scanning. It reviews the privacy settings of your social media accounts, such as Facebook and Twitter, to identify and alert you to potential privacy risks. This proactive approach helps you maintain control over your online presence.
Web Filtering: The antivirus app includes built-in web filtering, which blocks access to malicious websites on Safari and other browsers. This feature helps prevent users from inadvertently visiting harmful sites that could compromise their device’s security.
Ad and Tracker Blocking: Trend Micro Mobile Security incorporates an integrated ad and tracker blocker. Not only does this protect your privacy while browsing the web by blocking unwanted trackers, but it also reduces data usage, leading to a smoother online experience.
Safe Surfing: For enhanced security, Trend Micro offers a secure browser called Safe Surfing. This browser includes a private surfing mode and other useful features, such as a reading mode. It provides users with a safer and more private browsing experience.
Comprehensive Security Features: The antivirus app offers a wide range of security features, including Wi-Fi scanning, anti-theft protection, and more. These features help safeguard your iOS device and protect your data from potential threats.
Affordable Pricing: Trend Micro Mobile Security is reasonably priced at $4.99 per month or $19.99 per year. This cost-effective subscription provides access to a suite of security features, making it an attractive choice for iOS users looking to enhance their device’s security.
In summary, while iOS devices have robust security measures in place, Trend Micro Mobile Security offers valuable additional protection against online threats, privacy concerns on social media, and intrusive ads and trackers. Its affordable pricing and comprehensive security features make it a good antivirus solution for iPhone and iOS users who prioritize online safety and privacy.
Avast Security and Privacy for iPhone and iOS devices is a reputable antivirus and security solution that offers several compelling features, making it a good choice for users who seek robust protection for their mobile devices. Here are the key reasons why Avast Security and Privacy is considered a valuable antivirus for iOS:
Trusted Name in Security: Avast is well-known in the field of desktop security and anti-malware protection. The mobile app from Avast upholds the company’s reputation for delivering trustworthy and effective security solutions.
Real-Time Protection and Scanning: Avast Security and Privacy for iOS provides real-time protection and scanning for your device. This means it actively monitors your device for potential threats and takes immediate action to mitigate risks.
Blocking Unsafe Wi-Fi Networks: The app includes a feature that blocks unsafe Wi-Fi networks, helping to safeguard your device while connected to public or unsecured networks. This is particularly important for preventing potential security breaches on public Wi-Fi.
Website Malware Detection: Avast’s antivirus for iOS also checks websites for malicious and dangerous content. It prevents your device from accessing websites that could potentially harm your device or compromise your security.
Security Settings Optimization: The app ensures that you are using the optimum security settings on your iOS device, helping you maximize your protection against threats.
Software Update Checks: Avast checks whether your device’s software is up to date or not. Keeping your iOS and app software updated is essential for security, as updates often include fixes for vulnerabilities.
Premium Options: Avast offers a paid version for $4.99 per month or $19.99 per year, which includes premium features like Photo Vault, Online Identity Checker, VPN, and more. These additional features enhance your device’s security and privacy.
Cons to Consider:
Missing Features: Avast Security and Privacy for iOS lacks certain important features, such as theft protection and alarm, as well as parental control. Users with specific security needs may find these omissions limiting.
Data Protection Concerns: Avast has faced scrutiny over its data protection practices in the past. Some users may have concerns about how the app handles their data and may be hesitant to use it due to these practices.
In conclusion, Avast Security and Privacy for iPhone and iOS devices offers solid antivirus and security features, making it a reliable choice for users seeking protection for their mobile devices. Its real-time scanning, Wi-Fi network blocking, and website malware detection enhance device security. However, potential users should consider their specific security requirements and any concerns related to data privacy before deciding to use this app.
Lookout Mobile Security stands out as a comprehensive antivirus solution for iPhone and iOS devices for several reasons:
Complete Security Suite: Lookout offers a range of standard security features common in antivirus apps, ensuring a solid foundation for device protection.
Advanced Anti-Theft Protection: It provides exceptional anti-theft features. For example, there’s a loud alarm that functions even when the device is set to silent, enhancing the ability to locate a lost or stolen device.
Identity Theft Insurance: Unique to Lookout’s Premium Plus package is the Identity Theft Insurance. This insurance covers up to $1 million in expenses related to identity theft, including lost wages, legal fees, and costs associated with refiling for credit. This feature significantly elevates its value, especially in today’s digital age where identity theft is a growing concern.
Additional Anti-Theft Tools: Beyond the loud alarm, Lookout allows users to display a custom message on the lock screen. This can aid in the recovery of the device by providing contact information or other relevant details to whoever finds the device.
Affordable Premium Options: Lookout offers its Premium plan at $2.99/month and the more comprehensive Premium Plus package at $9.99/month. These plans unlock additional features like social media monitoring, lost wallet recovery, and data breach alerts, providing extensive security coverage at a reasonable cost.
In summary, Lookout Mobile Security for iPhone and iOS devices excels due to its blend of standard antivirus features with advanced anti-theft tools, the unique offering of Identity Theft Insurance, and affordable premium options that cater to a broad range of security needs.
F-Secure SAFE stands out as a robust antivirus choice for iPhone and iOS users for several reasons, emphasizing web safety, parental controls, and basic theft protection features:
Custom Browser with Enhanced Web Safety: F-Secure SAFE’s unique selling point is its custom browser. This browser is designed to enhance your online security in multiple ways. It includes web filtering technology that blocks dangerous sites, reducing the risk of your device being exposed to malware. This is particularly relevant as while most malicious files might not directly infect an iPhone, they could pose a threat if the device is connected to other systems, like a computer.
Trusted Website Verification for Banking and Shopping: The SAFE browser also plays a crucial role in verifying the trustworthiness of websites, especially for sensitive activities like online banking and shopping. By ensuring that each site you visit is on a trusted list, F-Secure SAFE minimizes the risk of fraudulent activities, thereby making your online financial transactions much safer.
Parental Control System: For parents, the parental control features in F-Secure SAFE are a significant advantage. The software allows for filtering of web traffic by category, enforces safe search protocols, and enables the setting of surfing time limits. However, it’s important to note that these controls are specific to the SAFE browser and do not extend to other apps on the device.
Basic Theft Protection Features: F-Secure SAFE includes fundamental theft protection features such as a device tracker and an alarm. While these features may not be as comprehensive as some other antivirus solutions, they still provide a basic level of security against the physical theft or loss of your device.
Affordable Pricing: The pricing structure of F-Secure SAFE is competitive. It costs $13.99 per year for a single device and $54.99 per year for a package that covers up to three devices. This pricing makes it an affordable option for individual users as well as small families.
In summary, F-Secure SAFE is a strong antivirus option for iPhone and iOS users, especially for those who prioritize safe web browsing and parental controls. While its theft protection features are basic, they are complemented by a strong focus on preventing web-based threats and ensuring safe online transactions, all at an affordable price point.
Fyde Mobile Security & Access, while not a traditional antivirus, offers several compelling features that make it a good choice for iPhone and iOS users concerned about their digital security and privacy:
Identity and Privacy Protection: In an era where digital threats are increasingly sophisticated, Fyde focuses on safeguarding your identity and privacy. This is particularly relevant given the growing concerns about data breaches and identity theft.
Ease of Use: The app is user-friendly, with straightforward installation and setup processes. This accessibility is crucial for users who may not be tech-savvy but still require robust digital protection.
Efficient Operation: Fyde operates unobtrusively in the background, scanning for threats like rogue Wi-Fi networks and phishing websites. Importantly, it does so without significantly impacting your device’s performance or battery life, a common issue with many other security apps.
Data Privacy: The app itself does not collect user data, aligning with its privacy-focused ethos. Users have the option to contribute to the community by sending anonymous reports of attacks, which helps improve the service.
Community Feedback and Improvement: This feature of sending anonymous reports not only enhances the app’s effectiveness but also fosters a community-driven approach to security, leveraging collective experiences to strengthen defenses.
Cost-Effectiveness: Fyde is offered free of charge, making it an accessible option for all users. This removes the barrier of cost, which can be a significant factor in choosing security software.
Focused Protection: While it may not offer the comprehensive level of protection that some other apps do, Fyde delivers on its promises in its specialized areas of security and privacy.
In summary, Fyde Mobile Security & Access is a valuable tool for iPhone and iOS users seeking a lightweight, efficient, and privacy-oriented solution to protect their digital identity and personal information. Its user-friendly design, coupled with its focus on essential security features and community-driven improvements, make it a noteworthy option, especially considering it is available at no cost.
Here’s why you need an antivirus for iPhone and iOS
Compared to other mobile operating systems, such as Android, iOS is pretty much immune to traditional hacking attempts, all thanks to Apple’s built-in security features. That said, the user is still prone to a helluva lot of threats and dangers, such as phishing sites, privacy concerns, compromised credentials, outdated software, unsafe Wi-Fi networks, local snoopers, and many more.
That’s where antivirus apps for iOS come in to compliment the built-in security features and offer all-around protection. So, to answer your question, although antivirus apps aren’t mandatory for iOS devices, they can come in handy and add some extra layers of protection in a lot of situations and scenarios.
Best Antivirus for iPhone and iOS – Frequently Asked Questions
Will my iOS antivirus scan my files for viruses?
No, antiviruses for iPhone and iOS cannot scan your files for viruses because of the limitations imposed by Apple’s security system for their phone operating system. That said, such pieces of software still do their job of protecting the user’s data through other features, such as VPN, safe browsing, data leak alerts, etc.
Will an antivirus let me know if my iPhone has been hacked?
As mentioned above, an antivirus cannot scan your iPhone’s files for viruses, so, technically, it cannot tell if you’ve been hacked or not. That said, you’ll still get warned through other signs, such as credential leak alerts and Wi+-Fi scanning.
There are many free antiviruses for iPhone and iOS, so why should I get a paid one?
Free iOS antiviruses do offer a certain level of protection, but only when you pay will you get advanced security features, such as VPN, and get rid of annoying ads and limited functionality.
Will my iOS antivirus drain my device’s battery?
iOS antiviruses constantly in the background, which means that they will drain your iPhone’s battery just like any similar piece of software would. That said, several security apps use minimal resources to preserve your battery, which is the case for Norton, McAfee, and Fyde.
Verdict
However secure they may be, iOS devices are still prone to online threats, especially those that are due to the user’s misunderstanding. That’s why it’s always a good idea to have an antivirus app in place, specifically one of our aforementioned recommendations.
Marcus is a cybersecurity analyst with a focus on VPN and proxy services. As the founder and driving force behind a prominent VPN and proxy website, Private Proxy Guide, Marcus has emerged as a trusted authority in the digital realm. With a passion for staying ahead of evolving cyber threats, he has played a pivotal role in educating and empowering individuals and businesses to safeguard their online presence.
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