Best Anti-Spy Apps for Android

How anti-spyware apps work

Antispyware apps generally work by scanning your device for malicious software or tracking tools that may be collecting your personal information without your knowledge or consent.

These apps will detect and remove spyware, adware, trojans, and other potentially harmful programs that can compromise your safety and security. In addition to spyware scans, anti-spy apps provide other essential services, like breach monitors and VPNs.

For example, when you install Clario Anti Spy on your device, it can scan for hidden spyware and suspicious apps that might be tracking you. It detects malicious software, checks app permissions to see what they’re accessing, and monitors for data breaches that could expose your personal information.

You’ll also get access to security experts who can help you remove any threats they find. This gives you better control over who can access your private data, keeping you safe from trackers.

How to choose the best anti-spy apps for Android

To choose the best spy app, there are a few things you need to consider:

1. Ease of use
2. Customer support
3. Main features
4. Ensuring security

1. Ease of use

When choosing an anti-spy app for your Android device, the first thing to look at is how easy it is to use. The app should have a user-friendly interface that’s easy to learn and navigate. It should also be easy to install and configure, with clear instructions on running scans and removing spyware that gets detected.

The more seamless the user experience, the more you’ll be equipped to protect your device without experiencing technical difficulties.

2. Customer support

Another essential factor to consider is the quality of customer support that the app developers provide. Try to choose an app that offers responsive and reliable customer support through either email, live chat, or phone support. Some apps even offer 24/7 support, though this may come at a higher cost.

If you encounter any issues with the app or have trouble removing stubborn spyware, good customer support might be the difference between resolving your issues or not.

3. Main features

Before choosing an anti-spy app, you need to evaluate its features and ensure that it has everything you need to protect your device. Look for features like real-time scanning, automatic updates, scheduled scans, and the ability to remove all types of spyware from Android devices.

Further features like firewalls, anti-phishing protection, and secure browsing can also increase the overall security of your Android device.

4. Ensuring security

This might sound obvious, but when choosing an anti-spy app, you should choose an app that clearly prioritizes security and data protection. The company should include a strong privacy policy that protects your personal data from being compromised.

By prioritizing spyware removal for Android, you can be sure that your device and data are safe from both malicious spyware attacks and unauthorized access.

Top 6 anti-spy apps for Android

With that out of the way, it’s time to dive into the 6 best anti-spy apps for Android. Here they are:

1. Clario Anti Spy
2. McAfee Security: Antivirus VPN
3. ProtectStar: Anti Spy Android
4. Norton 360 for Mobile
5. Certo AntiSpy
6. Malwarebytes for Android

1. Clario Anti Spy

Clario Anti Spy finds and removes spyware from your Android device. Unlike generic antivirus apps, it focuses entirely on detecting tracking software, hidden surveillance apps, and privacy threats. The app works on both iOS and Android.

Clario stands out with comprehensive anti-surveillance features:

• Anti-spy setup: Detailed walkthrough guides help you lock down your device's privacy settings. This includes preventing location tracking, securing your microphone and camera access, and blocking apps from reading your messages without permission.
• Hidden app detection: Scans your device for potentially unwanted apps and reveals the full list of permissions each app has access to. You can then revoke suspicious permissions or remove dangerous apps entirely.
• Virtual location tool: Masks your real GPS location with a fake one, letting you appear to be somewhere else entirely. This keeps stalkers from tracking your real movements.
• Data breach monitoring: Continuously checks if your passwords, credit card details, or personal information have been leaked online. You get alerts about breaches before criminals can exploit your data.
• Device system check: If your device has been rooted or jailbroken, there’s a good chance someone has done it to install spyware to track you. Clario Anti Spy scans your device for any signs of tampering.
• Unlock catcher: Clario Anti Spy takes photos of anyone who unlocks your phone, letting you see whether people are accessing your device without your consent.
• Spy cam detector: You can use Clario Anti Spy to see if any spy device is transmitting data through your Wi-Fi network or the network you’re currently connected to. This will help you determine if someone has been watching you.
• 24/7 expert support: Direct access to cybersecurity professionals who can guide you through removing threats, securing accounts, or recovering from identity theft.

Pricing: $14.99 for one month, $34.99 for a three-month package, and $49.99 for a six-month package.

1.1 Pros of Clario Anti Spy

What really sets Clario apart is its laser focus on anti-spyware, combined with the fact that you get 24/7 access to real cybersecurity experts. They can help you with everything from removing a threat to recovering from identity theft.

Here’s what Clario's support looks like in action. A customer reached out to our support agent, Fane, in a distressed state, believing she was being stalked. She expressed an urgent need for guidance on how to protect herself and her digital privacy.

Our team provided a calm and structured response, advising her to immediately block the suspect across all messaging and social media platforms. We then provided a detailed set of instructions on how to inspect her device for spyware and secure it from unauthorized access. The customer later expressed sincere gratitude for the support, noting that the assistance had brought her a much-needed sense of relief and peace of mind.

1.2 Cons of Clario

Clario Anti Spy is a fully-featured anti-spyware app that can help protect you from surveillance and tracking. However, to access Clario Anti Spy’s tools, you’ll need to pay for a subscription.

Let’s take a quick sneak peek at the app. Here is how to use Clario Anti Spy’s Unlock catcher:

1. Download Clario Anti Spy and create an account.
2. Toggle the switch next to Unlock catcher. Now, Clario will take a photo of anyone trying to guess your passcode.

2. McAfee Security: Antivirus VPN

McAfee Security: Antivirus VPN is a mobile cybersecurity app that provides a range of features to protect your Android from viruses and spyware. The app includes virus scanning, VPN service, identity monitoring, and new Scam Detection tools.

McAfee Security is a decent security app if you want all-around privacy and identity protection. It provides the following key features:

• Identity monitoring
• Secure VPN
• Antivirus software
• Wi-Fi scan feature
• Scam detection

Pricing: McAfee plans require a subscription. Pricing starts at $29.99 for the first year.

2.1 Pros of McAfee Security: Antivirus VPN

McAfee offers a comprehensive suite of features, including antivirus protection, a secure VPN, and identity monitoring. It is a solid option if you want a well-known brand with this approach.

2.2 Cons of McAfee Security: Antivirus VPN

Users report that McAfee can use significant system resources, potentially affecting battery life on some devices. And, with so many features packed into one app, it can feel overwhelming for users who just want basic spyware protection. Also, many advanced features like identity monitoring and VPN are locked behind paid subscription plans.

3. ProtectStar: Anti Spy Android

ProtectStar uses intelligent technology to detect fake and hidden apps that might be spying on you. It has a clean, simple interface that’s easy to navigate. It’s available as “Anti Spy App - Anti Spy Ware” on Google Play.

ProtectStar offers strong features. Some benefits of this app include:

• AV-TEST certified: Tested by the independent IT security institute AV-TEST, with a 99.87% malware detection rate.
• Clean interface: Nice interface that's easy to navigate and understand.
• Hidden app detection: Finds fake and hidden apps that might be hacking you.

Pricing: A free version with basic scanning is available. Premium features require a subscription, which costs $6.95 for one month at a minimum.

3.1 Pros of ProtectStar: Anti Spy Android

This app is certified by a top IT security institute, so you can trust its ability to find threats. The interface is clean and easy to use, and it’s specifically designed to hunt down fake and hidden apps that might be spying on you.

3.2 Cons of ProtectStar: Anti Spy Android

ProtectStar focuses specifically on Android spyware detection without offering broader cybersecurity features like VPN or identity monitoring that some users might want. The app also requires a subscription for automated real-time protection, with the free version limited to manual scanning.

4. Norton 360 for Mobile

Norton 360 for Mobile combines antivirus protection with anti-theft features and VPN service. While it's primarily an antivirus app, it includes tools that help detect spyware and tracking threats.

Norton 360 for Mobile is compatible with both Android and iOS.

Norton’s mobile security app has a few great features, including:

• App Advisor: Recommends changes you can make to your smartphone to protect it against malware, ransomware, adware, and privacy leaks.
• Wi-Fi Security: This feature lets you know if the network you’re connected to is dangerous or under attack.
• Device security: Alerts you to operating system vulnerabilities so that you can update your device and keep it secure.

Pricing: Norton 360’s plan starts at $29.99 per year. The lowest price for Dark Web monitoring and Secure VPN is $64.99 per year, and the top plan is $149.99 per year.

4.1 Pros of Norton 360 for Mobile

Norton is a trusted name in cybersecurity, and its mobile app brings that same level of protection. The app offers an all-in-one package that includes an antivirus, a VPN, and helpful features like App Advisor, which helps you make changes to secure your device against threats.

4.2 Cons of Norton 360 for Mobile

Norton Mobile Security for Android is an all-around antivirus and cybersecurity app, but it doesn't have many features specifically targeted toward spyware detection compared to specialized anti-spy apps.

The app often produces false positives that can result in you deleting apps that aren't actually dangerous. Additionally, many advanced features require annual subscriptions, and the VPN service has limitations in certain countries.

5. Certo AntiSpy

Certo is a spyware scanner that detects stalkerware, viruses, and trojans. Certo also provides users with an operating system integrity check feature and a data breach monitoring feature that helps see whether their accounts or passwords have been compromised.

In addition to these features, Certo provides auto scan and intruder detection features in their Premium plan, as well as priority customer support.

Certo's anti-spyware app has some useful features, including:

• Spyware and antivirus scanner: Scans your device for spyware, viruses, and other malicious threats.
• Remote intruder detection: Takes a secret photo or sounds an alarm if someone tries to access your phone.
• Privacy audit: Checks which apps have access to your microphone, camera, and other permissions so you can take back control of your privacy.

Pricing: The standard plan includes real-time protection, intruder detection, and breach check and costs $4.99 per month or $35.88 per year. Premium Plus costs $59.88 per year.

5.1 Pros of Certo AntiSpy

Certo is a solid option for anti-spyware. Features like remote intruder detection provide an extra layer of security, letting you know if someone is trying to access your phone without your permission.

5.2 Cons of Certo AntiSpy

While Certo is effective for spyware detection, it’s not a complete cybersecurity solution. The free version doesn’t have many advanced features. The initial scan can be slow and may pause if you leave the app or if your screen turns off. Some users have also noted that many of the security tips it provides are common sense.

6. Malwarebytes for Android

Malwarebytes for Android offers a range of features to protect your device from online threats. It focuses on detecting and removing malware with a useful scanner.

Malwarebytes offers several key features:

• Antimalware scanner: Finds and removes malware, adware, and ransomware from your device.
• Real-time protection: Blocks new threats from infecting your device before they can cause damage.
• Privacy Audit: Provides a detailed list of what permissions each app has on your phone so you can control your data.

Pricing: The free version offers a simple scanner to clean existing infections, while the standard subscription provides real-time protection and advanced features for a yearly cost of $39.99. The Plus plan is $59.99 per year.

6.1 Pros of Malwarebytes for Android

Malwarebytes’ free version is useful for cleaning up an existing infection, and the premium version provides real-time protection to stop threats before they can cause any damage. It’s a reliable choice for effective malware and spyware removal.

6.2 Cons of Malwarebytes for Android

The free version of Malwarebytes lacks real-time protection, and many of its advanced security features are only available with a premium subscription that isn’t very cheap. While its scanner is effective, it might have inconsistent results in malware detection compared to other top-tier antivirus apps. Additionally, Malwarebytes for Android does not include an ad blocker, a common feature in many competing apps.

Can spyware be detected on Android?

Yes. Spyware can be detected on Android devices. While spyware is designed to be stealthy, a dedicated anti-spyware app like Clario Anti Spy can scan your device's files and apps to find and remove malicious software.

Do I need an anti-spyware app for my Android devices?

With cyber threats like spyware and trackers on the rise, having an anti-spyware app is a proactive way to protect your privacy and data. Although Android has built-in security features, a dedicated app provides a deeper level of protection and can help you identify and remove threats that might otherwise go unnoticed.

What is the best spyware detector for Android?

There are many effective options available. For a simple and direct approach, apps like Certo AntiSpy or Norton Mobile Security can detect and remove spyware. For more comprehensive protection with additional security features and an intuitive interface, Clario Anti Spy is a top choice.

What app blocks spyware on Android?

Several apps can detect and block spyware on Android. We’ve covered some of the best choices in our review, which include apps that offer real-time protection to prevent spyware from being installed on your device in the first place.

Does Android spy on you?

Does Android spy on you? It’s nuanced. While Android is not actively spying on you in a malicious way, the operating system and many of the apps you install collect a significant amount of your data. This data is often used for targeted advertising. Dedicated spyware is different as it secretly monitors your activity and steals your personal information.

What is the best anti-spyware for Android phones?

The best anti-spyware for your Android is one that can detect and remove any spyware while providing other cybersecurity features to protect your privacy and security. Clario Anti Spy achieves all this and more. With 24/7 support, an easy-to-use app, and cutting-edge security features, you’ll never have to worry about spyware again.