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Android phones don't need antivirus apps for general users

An Engadget article points out that Android's built-in security, Google Play Protect, is enough for most people, except those who frequently install apps from outside the official store.

A question many have long wondered is, "Do Android phones need an antivirus app?" Engadget has recently given a clear answer: for general users, "no," because Android already has comprehensive built-in protection mechanisms.

The main line of defense is Google Play Protect, which runs continuously in the background. According to Google, Play Protect scans apps both before and after installation, including those coming from outside the Play Store. Additionally, Android features App Sandboxing, which isolates each app's operations so one cannot meddle with another's data, along with a Permission system allowing users to control what each app can access.

However, there are exceptions for high-risk groups, such as those who frequently sideload APK files from outside the store, as well as users of older devices that no longer receive security patches. These groups may benefit from an additional antivirus app.

This conclusion aligns with Android Authority, which similarly states that if users only download apps from Google Play and regularly update their system, there is no need to install extra antivirus apps. In fact, many antivirus apps on the Play Store have low effectiveness and duplicate the device's existing built-in systems.

Therefore, instead of wasting money or storage space on virus-scanning apps, the best practices are to download apps only from official stores, keep the system updated, and watch out for apps requesting excessive permissions.