The other day a friend of mine who had recently purchased an iPhone asked me – “Apple’s defenses against malicious threats are known to be strong, so, should I get an Antivirus for my iPhone?” I replied “Of course yes!
Quite recently researchers found a way using which an attacker can exploit Apple’s Find My feature and track down the location even when it is powered down. (source: https://www.wired.com/story/iphone-find-my-malware-attack-vulnerability/ )
That’s just one of the incidents. To steer clear or at least keep your iPhone ready, it is important to have a security app on your iPhone. In this post we’ll not just be looking at some of the best Antivirus for iPhones, but, we’ll even quickly ponder upon the question my friend asked i.e. why do you need to install an Antivirus on your iPhone?
Does an iPhone Need Antivirus Protection?
Before we get down to the list of best Antivirus software for iPhone, let’s address a question that often comes to the mind of both iPhone and non-iPhone users – Do I need an Antivirus for iPhone? Or, to put it in other terms can an iPhone get viruses or any malicious threat for that matter?
Although the chances that an iPhone will get involved in a virus attack are less, it is still not an impossible situation.
Let’s first quickly have a look at situations when your iPhone might get a virus –
- You have installed apps from a malicious website other than the App Store
- You opened a suspicious attachment and fell prey to malware
- You had recently jailbroken your iPhone and bypassed Apple’s built-in security measures
- You visited an unsecured website and malware has crept inside your iPhone
To cut the long story short, it is highly advisable to have an Antivirus app on your iPhone. And, for that, we are going to enlist some of the best Antivirus for iPhone.
Best Antivirus Apps for iPhone
1. AVG Mobile Security
Rating on App Store – 4.8
AVG Mobile Security offers the best-in-class iOS security and kicks in even when Apple’s defenses don’t. It stays on guard 24/7 so that your iPhone stays protected.
Features
- Analyze Wi-Fi security automatically
- Check if your password is stolen
- Ascertain if your email is involved in a data leak
- Conceal IP address using a VPN
- Comes with an encrypted photo vault
Pros
- Detailed web security
- Comprehensive Wi-Fi security
- Email Protection feature
- Unlimited identity protection
Cons
- Some users have reported that apps have slowed down
Price: Free
2. McAfee Security: VPN & Privacy
Rating on App Store: 4.7
Looking for an all-in-one Antivirus app for iPhone that can protect you against malicious threats, and guard your device and the personal data inside? McAfee Security could be the answer you are looking for. It comes with bank-grade Wi-Fi encryption and the VPN inside keeps your location private.
Features
- Comprehensive Wi-Fi and system scanner
- Safe browsing feature to block malicious websites and get alerted when you are about to fall prey to phishing scams and the likes
- Review safety measures and know how you can stay away from data breaches via Protection Score
- Identity protection
- Secure VPN to stay protected when on unsecured Wi-Fi networks
Pros
- Allows you to watch streaming videos
- Multi-device protection
- Scan if your credentials are on the dark web
- VPN available
- Check Wi-Fi vulnerabilities
Cons
- On a pricier end
Price: Monthly subscription starts at $2.99
3. Norton 360: Mobile Security
Rating on App Store: 4.7
When you hear the brand name “Norton”, you know that your device is in safe hands. The security app for iPhone provides layers of protection that can’t be penetrated by malicious threats. Its various features are capable of warding off threats such as malware, ransomware, spyware, and other threats.
Features
- Suspicious network detection
- Get notified about those Wi-Fi networks which are under attack
- Filter spammy SMS text messages
- VPN that keeps you protected both in your home as well as public Wi-Fi
- Dark web monitoring for personal information
Pros
- Effective malware detection
- Speed scanning
- App advisor with which you can check apps being installed
- LifeLock ID protection
Cons
- Lacks anti-theft capabilities
Price: Starts at $14.99
4. Avast Security & Privacy
Rating on App Store: 4.7
Avast is yet another renowned and credible name when it comes to securing devices such as the iPhone. To ascertain its credibility, it is already trusted by over 435 million users across the globe. Regardless of what your goal is – staying safe on Wi-Fi, protecting online accounts, safe web surfing, or just protecting devices from malicious threats, Avast Security & Privacy is an option to consider.
Features
- Free Wi-Fi security to keep away from unsafe networks
- The identity protection feature keeps an eye if your details are stolen
- Encrypted photo vault
- Guided steps to set up a device for high-end security
- A smart scan can help you check for any potential vulnerabilities
Pros
- Simple interface
- Comprehensive dashboard and inclusive stats
- You can see if your email is involved in a data leak
- VPN included
Cons
- Avast has been accused of stealing user data
Price: Monthly plan starts at $4.99
5. Kaspersky Security & VPN
Rating on App Store: 4.7
Another name that often pops up when talking of device security is Kaspersky and this holds true for iPhone as well. Kaspersky Security is a feature-rich Antivirus utility for iPhone that scans your device for any traces of malicious threats whether they have pounced on your device via the online route or the offline route. Although most features are subscription based, the investment is worth every buck spent.
Features
- Data leak checker to tell you if your data is involved in a breach
- Jailbreak detection if your device is jailbroken
- Protection against websites and emails that are known for phishing attacks
- Unlimited VPN to keep you safe while you use public Wi-Fi or any Wi-Fi for that matter
- Unlimited account check
Pros
- Data leak detection
- Protect browser from being tracked
- Includes VPN
- Create strong and robust passwords
Cons
- Some users have complained of network issues
Price: Starts at $9.99
6. Clario: Privacy & Security
Rating on App Store: 4.7
When it comes to protecting your iPhone from viruses, ID theft, unsecured Wi-Fi connections, hacking, and several other cybersecurity dangers, Clario is one Antivirus app for iPhone to consider. It also comes with 24/7 assistance using which you can enhance your iPhone’s security even further.
Features
- Robust Wi-Fi security
- Fraud link checking
- VPN
- Check iPhone if it is involved in a data breach
- Data breach monitor
Pros
- Comes with an inbuilt ad blocker
- Monitor for personal detail leaks such as social security number, credit card, phone number, etc
- Prompt notifications to alert you
- 24/7 expert assistance
Cons
- On a pricier end for the features, it offers on iOS
7. TotalAV
Rating on App Store: 4.6
Perceiving that cybersecurity threats are on the rise, TotatAV has in place tools that can guard you against anti-fraud, data breaches, and various other such cybersecurity threats. It even comes with a VPN that can help conceal your IP address while you are surfing the web.
Features
- Check if your email is involved in a data breach
- A device location tracker can help track your device in case it is lost
- Block dangerous websites (premium feature)
- VPN to stay safe on a public Wi-Fi (premium feature)
- Ensure that your system is locked and no unauthorized access can barge into your device
- Photo manager
Pros
- Antitheft capability
- You can check if your email is leaked
- Keeps an eye on online fraud
- Comes with website filters
Cons
- On the Pricier end
Price: Monthly subscription starts at $7.99
8. Bitdefender Mobile Security
Rating on App Store: 4.5
Keeping aside the paid VPN, Bitdefender Mobile Security is often hailed as one of the best free Antivirus for iPhone. At its core, it protects your sensitive and crucial data from all malicious dangers that lurk online. It also prevents your data such as addresses, passwords, and other information from being exposed while you are surfing the web.
Features
- Web protection keeps all your traffic protected
- Security scans help find out any misconfigured settings that may make your iPhone vulnerable to attacks
- Alerts to keep you posted on times when the device is protected
- Know when your email is about to get compromised
- Free VPN gives you 200 MB of traffic per day
Pros
- Get security tips from a virtual assistant
- Decent web protection
- Device security scanner to check Wi-Fi security
- Check whether online accounts are breached
Cons
- Unlimited VPN is payable
Price: Monthly web protection is priced at $1.49
9. Avira Mobile Security
Rating on App Store: 4.2
As one of the best Antivirus for iPhone, Avira Mobile Security comes across as a no-nonsense Antivirus app that aims at keeping your data safe and anonymous. Alongside, it even lets you check if your personal information is leaked or if you are about to stumble on an unsafe website.
Features
- Track your stolen phone
- Check if your email or contacts are involved in a data breach
- Categorize and block malware, phishing, spam, and others while surfing the web safely
- Block spam and wanted calls and texts
- Backup contacts
Pros
- Masks Siri searches
- Protect identity and email address
- Activity log gives you information on previous security history
- Rapid scanning feature
Cons
- Web protection is available as paid feature
Pricing: Starts at $5.49
10. Sophos Intercept X for Mobile
Rating on App Store: 4.0
Being one of the best free Antivirus apps for iPhone, Sophos X packs inside everything that can enhance the security of your iPhone. From tracking down malicious Wi-Fi connections to providing a secure QR code scanner to read deceptive URLs and others, the Antivirus app for iPhone does a fair job of protecting your device.
Features
- High Wi-Fi security that can protect you from man-in-the-middle attacks
- Password-safe to store all your account data
- Generate OTPs to login into accounts that use multi-factor authentication
- Managed mode to let your organization monitor your device’s compliance status
- Web filtering
Pros
- The strong network security tool
- Device security monitor to check for software updates
- A scanner that checks the QR code
- Password-safe
Cons
- Users have reported false notifications of risk on Wi-Fi
Price: Free
Wrapping Up
Which of the above Antivirus for iPhone is your pick? Do let us know in the comments section below. And, if your favorite didn’t make it to the list, do let us know that as well. We regularly come up with listicles, troubleshooting guides, and other interesting tech-related content, so stay tuned for more. You can also find us on Facebook, Pinterest, Flipboard, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.