Although it may not feel like it, your iPhone or iPad device is actually a computer. Sure, it fits in the palm of your hand, and it’s easier to use than a computer, but it’s still a computer. And just like any other computer, you should take measures to protect your iDevice against theft, malicious software, and data loss. The applications in this list should help you to combat all of these threats, and much more. Let’s take a look.
I feel like I should note something before we delve into the nitty-gritty of these applications. It’s impossible for your iPhone or iPad to be afflicted by “viruses” as your desktop computer would be. Unless you have a jailbroken device, it is impossible to run an application on your system that would actually damage it. Applications are the equivalent to .exe files on a computer, and applications are only able to run on you device if they have been pre-approved by Apple. However, there are still several other ways that your security could be compromised while you use your iDevice.
The Best Antivirus Apps for iOS Devices In 2024
Without further ado, let’s take a look at some of these apps.
1. TotalAV
TotalAV is a great option for iOS users. For one thing, it comes with a Data Breach Check feature, which will allow you to check whether or not your personal data has been leaked online. That way, you won’t have to worry about possible identity theft. Not only that but it also comes with System Security features that’ll prevent others from accessing your device.
In addition to that, it comes with a photo manager, a battery monitor, as well as a tool for device location.
And if you opt for a premium option ($19.00/year), you’ll get WebShield, a real-time tool that’ll protect your device from harmful websites and attacks. The best part? It works across all apps on your web browser. You’ll also get a VPN to protect your browsing data.
They also offer a 30-day money-back guarantee so if you’re not satisfied, you can always get your money back. The only thing is that you’ll sometimes get false positives but that’s not uncommon with these types of apps.
2. Norton 360
Norton is one of the biggest names when it comes to online security. Given that, it’s not surprising to know that they offer a feature-rich tool for iPhones and iPads.
Not only is the app easy to use, even for beginners, but it comes with tons of useful features. For example, it’ll automatically filter spam text messages—ones that may contain phishing attempts. That’s not all, the app will also warn you against unsecured wifi networks. It’ll also detect and patch any vulnerabilities on your device.
And like the desktop version, it also comes with a web Protection feature that’ll prevent you from malicious websites. There’s also a Dark Web Monitoring feature for those who want to check whether or not their personal data has been leaked.
It’ll even give you a VPN so that you can browse the internet anonymously (this feature is only available in certain countries).
As far as pricing goes, it’s fairly affordable at $19.99 a year. Not sure if it’s worth the investment? You can always give their free 7-day trial a go. There’s also a 60-day money-back guarantee if you change your mind after subscribing.
3. Avira
Avira is great in that it’s very minimalistic and clean. That is, you won’t have to worry about there being any lag. At the same time, it’s very reliable and offers a variety of security features. For one thing, it comes with the Avira Phantom VPN. Not only will it protect your WiFi network, but it’ll also detect any other devices that are using it.
It also comes with a feature that’ll prevent Siri from logging your commands onto Apple’s servers. If anything, that’s one of the things that sets it apart from other security apps.
On top of all that, the app will automatically update your software on a regular basis in addition to creating a backup of your files. That’ll allow you to recover your iOS device in case anything happens.
The only con is that it’s a little more expensive than some of the other apps listed on this page at $30.99 a year. However, it does come with a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can always try it out and see if you like it. A single Avira account can also be used on multiple iPhones/iPads so it’s easy to get your money’s worth.
4. Bitdefender
Bitdefender is a well-rounded security app for iOS devices. For one thing, it’ll scan your networks and block anything that’s suspicious. It also comes with a free VPN (200MB a day) that you can use for your web browsing (the only drawback is that it’s not possible to turn it off once you’ve turned it on for the day).
That’s not all, you can also check your security status by using its email scanning feature. In just a couple of minutes, it’ll scan your email address for any potential breaches. You can also use it to scan your iOS device against security risks.
And if you opt for the premium plan, you’ll also get real-time web protection. It also comes with the Bitdefender Central Platform, which you can use to view the status of your other iOS devices (given that they’re connected to the same account). It even comes with macOS support.
In terms of price, the premium subscription costs $23.99 a year. There’s also a free 30-day trial so you can try it out first before making the investment.
5. McAfee
McAfee offers an all-round security app for iOS devices. Compared to other antivirus programs, it’s lightweight, minimalistic, and easy to use. While its features may take a little longer to load, they are all solid and reliable.
Take their Real-Time Protection feature, for example, it’ll prevent any online threats from attacking your device. Not only that, but the app will also scan your system regularly to detect network attacks and outdated software
You can even use the app to locate your lost or stolen device by using a GPS tracker. It also comes with a Media Vault feature, which you can use to protect your personal data, such as photos and videos, with a security code. On top of that, it’ll backup your contact details automatically.
And for those who opt for the Premium Plus version, you’ll also get a VPN (no limit) that you can use to browse the web anonymously.
Paid subscriptions start from $39.99 a year and there’s also a free 7-day trial that you can take advantage of.
6. ESET NOD32
ESET NOD32 is a cloud-based software for iPhones and iPads. It features a singular management platform that you can use to manage your endpoint security. Not only that, but it also comes with anti-theft capabilities, whitelisting and blacklisting of software, and web content screening.
If you want, you can also use ESET Mobile Device Management to set up security settings for your device. It’ll allow you to protect your iPhone/iPad remotely; you won’t have to set up the actual app on the device. And everything, including all the data, will be displayed on a consolidated dashboard.
In addition to that, it also prevents targeted attacks and data breaches. Ransomware protection and email security are also included, as is file server protection and disk encryption.
And all you need is one ESET plan—it’ll protect up to 100 devices. Keep in mind, however, that it is a bit costly at $239 a year (or $717 for three years).
7. Trend Micro
Trend Micro is a easy-to-use antivirus software that can be used with iOS 11.0+. Not only will it block ads and personal data trackers, but it’ll also keep your iPhone/iPad safe by blocking potentially harmful websites. On top of that, it’ll help you avoid unsafe networks. It’ll even protect you against excess data usage.
It comes with three scanning modes, quick, full, or custom, that you can use to scan your device for potential malware. There’s also a Folder Shield feature that acts as an extra layer of protection for all your files, including any connected drives.
That’s not all, it also comes with an iMessage Protection feature that’ll automatically filter any text messages that contain suspicious links.
And like most antivirus apps, there’s a free version that you can try. For those who’d like to get the premium option, it starts at $19.95 a year. They also offer a 30-day money-back guarantee so there’s no harm in testing it out.
8. Kaspersky Security Cloud & VPN
Kaspersky offers a variety of security protections for iPhones and iPads. For starters, it comes with a VPN (limit of 300MB) that you can use for encrypted internet access (You can upgrade to get access to unlimited data at any time). That’s not all, you can also use it to scan your device for malware and there are multiple types of scans available: quick scan, full scan, selective scan, background scan, and vulnerability scan.
It also offers parental controls for those who are looking for those types of features. The only thing is that you can’t monitor text messages on iPhones.
There’s also a built-in password manager that you can use to keep your personal data safe. Data breach monitoring is also available through the app for free. They also offer 24/7 chat, phone, and email support.
While there’s a free version, you’ll need a paid subscription to access all of its features. It starts at $29.99 a year and can be used for up to 10 devices, including Macs, PCs, and Android devices. Keep in mind, however, that the prices are frequently discounted.
There’s also Kaspersky Security Cloud for those who are looking for an antivirus app for a single iOS device.
9. Trend Micro Mobile Security
Trend Micro Mobility Security offers a variety of protection features including some anti-phishing tools. If anything, it’s compatible to McAfee, Norton, and some other top competitors.
It also comes with a Wi-Fi scanner that you can use to scan all of the devices that are connected to your home network. It’ll then notify you of any potential threats or attacks. Not only that, but the app also comes with device tracking capabilities, which are super easy to set up. The only drawback is that the browser extension can be a little clunky at times.
Another feature that it offers is iMessage protection. Basically, it’ll automatically filter and place messages with suspicious links into a junk folder. You can also use it to block unwanted calls.
It also comes with parental controls. While it provides decent content filtering, however, it isn’t that much better than the iPhone/iPad’s built-in parental controls.
For single devices, the app is available as an annual subscription for $59.95 a year. You can also get it bundled with their Premium Maximum Security for a better value. The antivirus app also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee if you change your mind afterward.
10. Lookout Mobile Security
Lookout Mobile Security is an iOS app that offers comprehensive security features. Not only will it shield your device from attacks, but it also comes with powerful tools that you can use to check for vulnerabilities. You can also use it to monitor apps for suspect activity and if you connect to a potentially harmful network, it’ll raise an alert.
In addition to that, it also comes with a device location tool as well as an alarm that’ll sound even if your iPhone/iPad is set to silent. If you want, you can also set a custom message on the lock screen.
And if you want more features, you can get the Premium Plus version, which includes a complete identity theft protection service. This includes notifications if your personal data is exposed online, along with social media monitoring. There’s also a lock wallet recovery feature that will help you cancel and reorder your credit cards.
You can get started with a premium subscription for $9.99 a month. Or if you want, you can pay $99.99 annually, which offers a bit of savings. Unlike other security apps, however, they do not have a money-back guarantee policy.
11. F-Secure SAFE
F-Secure SAFE comes with its own web browser, which includes a variety of built-in security features. For starters, its web filtering feature will automatically block access to harmful websites. That way, you won’t have to worry about running into any malicious files.
That’s not all, it also comes with a parental controls system that you can use to filter content by category. You can also use the safe search feature to keep dangerous and dubious websites out of the search results.
In addition to that, it comes with anti-theft features, including an alarm and device locator. Keep in mind, however, that they’re rather basic; there’s no remote device wiping, locking, or anything like that. But the tools that it does come with, work well.
A premium subscription will cost you $69.99 a year (covers up to three devices), however, if you’re in the United States, you can get it discounted to $34.99. For more details, you can visit their website.
All apps are very nice and wonderful to use. But Avast and Quick Heal not mention in this list..