The Best Android Apps – 25 System Watchdogs in an Endurance Test

Increased risk due to porous security in Android

Since the first Android version, it's a fact that security gaps are also continuously found in Google's operating system. If the system is somewhat up to date, there is often an update for it from Google. But that still doesn't mean that the manufacturers of mobile devices, such as Samsung, LG or HTC, will indeed incorporate the update and offer it to their customers. In most cases, there are no longer any updates for old Android versions, and users are left to fend for themselves. Those who want to test their existing Android version can do so with the free app "VTS for Android" (fromGitHub). Google surprisingly removed the app from the store, citing security issues as the reason. Perhaps the tool is also somewhat too direct for Google. After all, it identifies all the security gaps in the existing Android system and corresponding CVEs – Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures. While a protection app cannot close the gaps, it can at least intercept and liquidate apps that are infiltrating the system via the vulnerability.

25 apps in an endurance test and many high scores

The 25 apps evaluated in the endurance test were required to detect infected apps, document their usability and demonstrate their extra features. And not only once but in three successive tests over several months.

The most important test area is the detection of apps infected with malware. The laboratory divided this segment into the steps real-time test and reference set. For the first segment, each security solution was loaded onto a smart phone Android 5.1.1 and left in its default configuration. Then, several thousands of infected apps were installed on each of the 25 identical test devices simultaneously (hence, real-time), all of which originated directly from the Internet. Some of the apps had only been in circulation for a few hours. During the test with the reference set, up to four-week old malware apps were copied onto the test devices.

The result then emerged throughout all 3 tests. The 4 apps from Bitdefender, ESET, Qihoo 360 and Sophos each achieved a 100 percent malware detection rate in both test segments – real-time test and reference set. The apps from Avira, Baidu, Kaspersky, Symantec and Trend Micro missed the top score by only a tenth of a percentage point. Also following extremely closely behind were the apps from AhnLab, Antiy and G Data.

Lots of security in the background

As previously mentioned, security apps are often reputed as draining the battery or putting the brakes on the system. In order to examine this phenomenon, the laboratory measured the CPU and the battery load exerted by the protection apps. Moreover, it was examined whether the system protectors in the background moved lots of data, thus eating into the user's monthly data allotment. Under this test item "usability", the laboratory also counts alarms occurring due to false positive detection of an app. In order to test this, just under 9,000 apps from the Google store and other reliable sources were installed; for each of the 25 security solutions. The result is outstanding: 24 apps received 5.5 points for their excellent performance or the perfect score of 6 points. Only the app from Ikarus achieved a mere 4.7 points, as it frequently exhibited too high a battery load.

A wild assortment of extra features

In the test, only one additional point is awarded for extra features, as they are not security relevant. What's more, some users find many extra features annoying, whereas other users welcome them.

The so-called anti-theft functions are naturally very helpful. They allow the device to be located and remotely locked, or you can purge the data on the device. The only apps not offering these functions are Antiy, Cheetah Mobile (Clean Master), NSHC and Tencent. Additional interesting extras, for example, are call blocking, filtering of messages, a safe browsing function, parental controls, backup or encryption. No app offers a vast number of extra features. Rather, there is a varied mix of features offered. Individual products also offer special functions for safe payment on the Internet, tools for system optimization or, for example, for the protection of personal user data.

For purchase apps, some additional functions are only activated if the license has been purchased. Otherwise, these premium functions shut down after the test period. The security functions are naturally not affected by this.

Secure partners for Android devices

Each app was able to achieve a maximum of 13 points. The 7 apps from Baidu, Bitdefender, Cheetah Mobile (Clean Master), G Data, Qihoo 360, Symantec and Trend Micro attained this top score in the endurance test. This is closely followed by nine additional apps with 12.5 to 12.8 points. Many of the best apps are even free of charge.

The users now have the choice of which protection program they like the most. In case security is the sole criterion, 11 apps with top scores are available. A total of six can be used free of charge.

The notion that watchdogs for Android put a burden on the system is totally groundless. The endurance test proves that even apps with the best security performance work inconspicuously in the background and do not put a burden on either the processor or the battery. Users who have gone without the use of a protection app based on groundless prejudices ought to immediately perform the installation after all. They have enough to choose from.