I tested and ranked the best free iOS antivirus apps in 2023 and was impressed by a few great free apps that defend against phishing scams, unsafe WiFi networks, theft, and invasive third-party tracking. But no free antivirus is perfect, and even the best have limitations. If you take your iOS data seriously, I recommend a low-cost premium antivirus like Norton Mobile Security. Unlike free apps, Norton provides full-coverage protection against online attacks in real-time with minimal battery drain. It has a 60-day money-back guarantee, so it’s risk-free to try. Try Norton Mobile Security for iOS
Quick Guide: Best Free Antivirus Apps for iPhone and iPad (All iOS Versions)
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The Best Free Antivirus Apps for iPhone and iPad (Tested 2023)
1. Avira Free Security — #1 Free iOS Antivirus With Strong Privacy Features Protect Your Device
Key Features: Avira Free Security is the top free iOS antivirus because of its solid privacy features including anti-theft tools, device updater, VPN, and Privacy Manager. I’m surprised by how many high-quality tools it offers for a completely free app. I’m particularly impressed by Avira’s privacy tools, which are notably lacking from Apple’s in-built features. Avira Free Security comes with:
VPN Privacy Manager Network Scanner Call Blocker Anti-theft protection Device analyzer Photo storage manager Contacts backup iOS updater
During my tests, I found Avira’s VPN easily hid my true location. It has a small daily data limit of 100MB, but I found this was enough to browse, shop, and bank online safely. Avira’s Network Scanner shows you which devices are in your network (public or private) and its Call Blocker stops annoying spam calls. I particularly like the Privacy Manager, a feature I haven’t seen on other iOS antiviruses. This stops your “Hey Siri” conversations from being recorded and sent for analysis. I think this is particularly important in case of accidental Siri activations that could lead to private information being shared with Apple. It takes seconds to download and I could rest assured my conversations would stay private. You don’t need to create an account to use Avira Free Security, just download it from the App Store and it’s ready to go. I wasn’t inundated with ads or constantly prompted to upgrade — and I could see which features were free as premium tools are locked with a small icon. This means I didn’t keep clicking on inaccessible features which made using the app much easier. Avira’s iOS app didn’t ask for invasive permissions either. I had the option to give permission to access my photos and contacts if I wanted to use Avira’s optimization tools or contact backup. The key features Avira Free Security is missing are web and identity protection, so you won’t be safeguarded against phishing scams, malicious websites, or email security breaches. These are some of the biggest threats to iOS security so you may want to upgrade to Avira Mobile Security Pro for full iPhone and iPad protection. However, its free app is enough to give you basic security, so I recommend you download Avira today to keep your iOS device safe. Try Avira Free Security with iOS for free
2. TotalAV — Monitors iOS Updates to Avoid System Security Vulnerabilities
Key Features: TotalAV’s free iOS app provides a great layer of extra security with a range of free tools. This includes:
System Security Data Breach Check Device Locator Photo Manager Battery Monitor Secure Browser
Crucially, all of TotalAV’s tools are easy to use and work well. The System Security tool checks that your software is the latest version and configures your device’s password and face ID. I found it easy to set up a password and facial recognition using the TotalAV app — it’s reassuring to know that TotalAV monitors my iPhone’s security while online and offline. The Data Breach Check is useful as you can enter different email addresses to find out if any accounts linked to them have been compromised. From there, you can click on the account to be taken straight to the site, which makes it easy to change your password. TotalAV’s Device Locator keeps track of your iPhone or iPad in case of loss or theft (you’ll have to set up a free account to use this tool). I also found the Photo Cleaner helpful for clearing duplicate images and unnecessary screenshots from my iPhone — I saved over 1.2GB of space on my device! TotalAV’s free version is missing a web protection feature, so you’re still at risk from malicious links and shady websites. However, the device and account security features it offers are enough to give you a little protection. You can use TotalAV’s secure web browser (powered by DuckDuckGo) to avoid web trackers, but the drawback is you have to use the dedicated web browser — it won’t work with other browsers like Safari or Google Chrome. If you want web protection and VPN encryption, you can easily upgrade to TotalAV’s premium plan from the iOS app. However, I recommend you try TotalAV on your own iOS device for free first. I even didn’t have to create an account to get started — although I recommend it to access additional features like the device locator. Try TotalAV with iOS for free
3. Panda Dome — Strong Anti-Theft Tool Provides Precise iOS Device Location
Key Features: Panda Dome’s free iOS app provides location tracking with its anti-theft tool. When active, you can find your iOS device by logging in to your Panda Dome account on any web browser. While I’d like to see Panda include some additional options (like an alarm or remote data wiping), I was impressed by how precise this tracking was. On the map interface, I could pinpoint my exact location. While this is primarily an anti-theft tool, it could be used as a GPS tracker for your children too. Not many free antivirus apps come with parental controls — but if you just want to know where your kids are, this feature is more than capable of locating them. Panda Dome for iOS comes with a good VPN service, offering a single local server and a daily data cap of 150MB. I found this was suitable for browsing online and checking emails. The VPN is powered by top VPN provider Hotspot Shield, meaning you can rest assured your data is securely encrypted. These are the only 2 features on Panda Dome’s free app. While I’d like to see greater functionality, this does make it a lightweight and low-impact app — less than 33MB in size. If you want to upgrade to Panda Dome’s premium subscription, you get features like an unlimited VPN, password generator, WiFi protection, and more. For full access to the free app’s features you will need to make an account. Luckily, Panda won’t hassle you with ads or upgrades and only asks for permission to install the VPN configurations. You also don’t need to provide any payment details, so you can be sure that Panda Dome is 100% free and risk-free to use. Try Panda Dome with iOS for free
4. Bitdefender Mobile Security — Account Privacy Tool Closely Monitors For Data Breaches on iOS
Key Features: Bitdefender’s Mobile Security iOS app lets you check whether your online accounts have been breached. This saved me time as it meant I didn’t have to visit different websites to check my account security. When I entered an old email address, it brought up an account I’d completely forgotten about — in just a couple of minutes, I was able to change the password and mark the account as “Secured” on Bitdefender’s app. Bitdefender also monitors multiple email addresses and will alert you to new security issues, so you don’t need to keep checking yourself. This free antivirus also includes the following features:
Device security scan VPN WiFi warning (sends a notification when connecting to unsecured WiFi)
In addition to Bitdefender’s iOS app, I appreciate the inclusion of a VPN. Bitdefender’s VPN proved to be highly beneficial for ensuring secure online browsing and accessing my bank account with an encrypted connection. However, it is worth noting that the 200MB daily data allowance, although more generous than most free apps, falls short when it comes to streaming or data-intensive tasks. Additionally, the VPN only permits connections to local servers, restricting access to location-specific content. I found it disheartening that Bitdefender has eliminated the Web Protection feature from its free app. This feature was particularly notable for safeguarding iOS devices against phishing links and fraudulent websites. Presently, the only means to avail Web Protection is by upgrading to Bitdefender’s premium app. Considering the reasonable cost of the iOS app, I suggest opting for the upgrade to ensure enhanced security measures. You don’t need to provide any billing information to download Bitdefender on iOS — although you do need to create an account. Fortunately, there aren’t any ads and you won’t see many annoying prompts to upgrade to the premium version. Try Bitdefender with iOS for free
5. Sophos Intercept X — Protect Your iOS Device on Unsecured WiFi Networks
Key Features: Sophos’ Intercept X for iOS has a strong Network Security tool that constantly monitors your WiFi connection for vulnerabilities or risky networks. Once the “Background Check” feature is active, Sophos will automatically perform safety checks whenever your network changes. I could take my iPhone and iPad out with me and not worry about connecting to public WiFi. Sophos sent me an alert warning me of an unsafe connection so I could switch to a secure network. Other features on Sophos’ Intercept X free iOS app include:
Device Security Monitor Password Manager QR Code Scanner
I like the addition of Sophos’s QR code scanner as these codes can be used as links to phishing websites and other scams. This feature isn’t something I’ve seen on other antivirus apps, and I found it very beneficial when using QR codes. Some of these tools, like the password manager, require setup to work properly and it can be complicated if you’re not tech-minded. However, Sophos provides step-by-step guides on its website. Sophos doesn’t ask you to create an account, and you don’t have to enter payment details either — the app is always free to use, so you can try Sophos risk-free now. It’s a solid choice for securing your network connections and keeping your device up-to-date, but I’d like to see some extra tools (like a VPN or phishing protection) to make it really worth downloading. Sophos does have a premium Endpoint subscription you can try, which includes some extra features, but it’s a much pricier option. Try Sophos with iOS for free
Bonus: Norton Mobile Security — Best Premium iOS Antivirus — Full-Coverage Protection From Web-Based Threats
Norton’s Security for iOS isn’t a free service, but it’s recommended for users who need top-tier protection for iPhone and iPad. Norton’s iOS app is one of the most comprehensive I’ve tested. It includes:
Web Protection WiFi Security Device Security Identity Theft Protection Parental Controls Malicious SMS Filtering Unlimited VPN
While it doesn’t include an anti-theft feature (instead relying on Apple’s in-built option), it provides full coverage security and privacy for every other aspect of your iOS device. Powered by Symantec’s Security Technology and Response engine, Norton can predict and shield you from online threats like man-in-the-middle attacks. In my tests Norton’s Web Protection feature worked excellently, blocking malicious websites and links. This feature is enhanced by Dark Web Monitoring, which will notify you in the event your personal info is leaked. I was also impressed by Norton’s WiFi Security as it automatically scans for security risks and connects to the VPN if the network is compromised. As it’s not a free service, you will need to sign up for one of Norton’s premium plans to get its iOS apps. However, Norton is a reasonably priced option for such high-quality security. If you’d like to try it before you commit to a subscription, Norton gives you 60 days to test the service risk-free. If you change your mind, you can get a full refund with its money-back guarantee.
3 Easy Steps: How to Use a Free Antivirus with iOS
Try Avira Free Security for iOS for free!
Using a Free Antivirus: The Pros and Cons
Using a free antivirus to protect your iOS devices is better than using no protection at all. Services like Avira, TotalAV, and Panda Dome provide top-tier features that protect you from unsecured WiFi networks, boost your device security, and even help you find your iPhone or iPad if it’s lost or stolen. However, free antivirus isn’t going to give you comprehensive iOS security against the latest threats. Free antiviruses deliberately reserve the best features for paying customers — essential features like phishing protection and a VPN with unlimited data are only provided with premium subscriptions. While iOS devices don’t need the same high-level antivirus protection as other platforms, it’s vital to maintain security against phishing scams, data breaches, and other attacks that target iOS users — and these often aren’t covered by free services. Plus, free antiviruses usually only provide coverage for a single device, which isn’t helpful if you want antivirus protection for your Windows PC, Android, and other devices. Ultimately, you’re only going to get complete protection for your iPhone and iPad (and other devices!) if you choose a premium antivirus. A service like Norton has real-time protection from online threats, identity theft protection, an unlimited VPN, device security features, and even more — all in a single subscription that covers multiple devices, so you don’t have to download multiple apps or purchase more than 1 plan. Best of all, you can try Norton risk-free for 60 days and get a full refund if you change your mind about subscribing.
Comparison Table: 2023’s Best Free iOS Antivirus Apps
Avira’s Free Security takes the #1 spot as the best free iOS app for its unique privacy features and strong device security. However, it doesn’t quite provide the top-tier security I want for my iPhone and iPad — the only antivirus to achieve that level of protection is Norton’s Security for iOS.
How I Tested & Ranked the Top Antivirus Apps for iPhone and iPad
No free app is going to provide the level of security you want for your iPhone or iPad — you’re only going to get full-coverage protection from a premium app like Norton Mobile Security for iOS. That being said, these recommended apps offer a level of protection that is far better than not having any at all. I thoroughly tested each antivirus against the following criteria so only the best made it on the list:
100% free — Every antivirus app on this list is completely free for life. While some require you to sign up for an account, you won’t have to enter any payment details to use them. No credit cards, hidden fees, or misleading “free trials.” Good value with premium plans — I made sure to only include antivirus providers that have even better premium versions and affordable plans to choose from if you decide to upgrade. Strong privacy policy — Some free antivirus apps will log and sell your data to make money, but none of the apps on this list will compromise your data security. Dedicated iOS app — Your antivirus should work perfectly on your iOS device, so I avoided software with clunky interfaces or tricky-to-use features. I also looked at apps that improved Apple’s security tools, like device location features that are faster than Apple’s own Find My iPhone tool. Performance — An antivirus needs to always be running in the background to provide constant protection. I looked for apps that had a low impact on my device’s speed and battery life. Multiple device connections — You need security for the other devices in your home too, so I made sure to include antivirus providers that offer coverage for Windows, Mac, and Android devices with a single account.
Avoid These Antivirus Brands!
If you search for free antiviruses on the App Store, you’ll find these popular options that don’t appear on this recommended list. Try Norton Mobile Security risk-free
Trend Micro
Trend Micro is a comprehensive iOS app that covers web-based security threats and monitors your privacy. However, when I tested Trend Micro on my iPhone I found that it only offers a free trial — it’s not completely free. It also has a record of missing malicious trojans, and it often flags safe files as threats. Apple uses “sandboxing” to restrict apps from accessing the files stored by other apps or making changes to your device. So while a malicious app can’t deploy a virus, a legitimate-looking phishing link can still trick you into entering your personal details — so you need the web-based protection an antivirus app provides. Some free plans even come with extra features that go beyond basic security. Avira includes Anti-Theft tools that are a step up from Apple’s built-in “Find My iPhone” feature, which is clunky and limited. It wasn’t easy though — in my research, many free antivirus apps didn’t work or falsely claimed to remove viruses. Some didn’t even take their users’ privacy seriously. For example, the Avast and AVG antivirus apps have 4+ star ratings, but historically logged and shared private user data without their permission. Unfortunately, even the free antiviruses I recommended may not provide the level of coverage you want. If you’re willing to invest in the protection of your iPhone or iPad, I suggest Norton Mobile Security for iOS. It’s a low-cost, full-featured app without the limitations imposed by free services. However, Avira doesn’t have phishing protection so you’re still at risk of malicious links in your emails or on websites. As phishing is one of the most dangerous threats to iOS users, you’ll need an antivirus that defends against it if you want maximum protection. An affordable alternative is Norton Mobile Security for iOS, which is a powerful app that defends against all types of online attacks in real time. Norton also has a 60-day money-back guarantee, so you can test out the features risk-free. Unfortunately, none of the free antiviruses offer phishing protection, but you’ll find some offer WiFi security checks, anti-theft tools that track your device location, and security tools that keep your apps up-to-date. The only way to get all the features your iOS device needs is with a premium antivirus like Norton Mobile Security.
Secure Your iPhone and iPad With a Free Antivirus App
Apple’s built-in security features are pretty good, but they can’t protect you from online threats — phishing links, unsecured WiFi networks, and privacy breaches all threaten your data. A free antivirus app for your iOS will protect you from cyberattacks. Avira Free Security is the best free antivirus iOS app, with a VPN, WiFi scanner, and Privacy Manager at no cost to you. However, even this doesn’t give you the best protection. While Avira is great for a free antivirus, it still doesn’t stand up to the premium options out there. To get comprehensive security with web protection, unlimited VPN encryption, and identity theft protection( and more!) you should take a look at Norton Security for iOS. It’s an affordable alternative that doesn’t compromise your data security — and you can try it risk free for 60 days with its money-back guarantee.
