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Because they are known for being some of the safest devices on the market, Apple iPhones have always made me feel safe when I use them. That being said, it’s important to remember that even though the device is naturally safe, threats like ransomware or phishing attacks can still make it less safe overall. And because of this, I think it’s important to think about extra safety measures, especially antivirus software.
There aren’t any real antivirus programmes for iOS, even though the title of this article makes it sound like there are. They’re more like the ones that come with Windows and other operating systems. Sandboxing is used by the iOS operating system to keep apps separate from each other and from private user data. Antivirus programmes usually need a lot of system permissions to do their normal jobs, like full system scans. This design makes it hard for those programmes to do their normal jobs.
To deal with this unique environment, big antivirus companies like Avast and McAfee have changed by making mobile security apps that work only with iOS. There are some differences between these apps and regular antivirus program, and they do more than just find viruses. According to my experience, these apps work more like all-purpose tools because they have features like VPNs, password managers, and safe web browsers.
Best Antivirus Apps for iPhones Comparison Table
You may already know that iOS, the operating system that comes with your iPhone or iPad, is one of the safest mainstream OSes out there. Only Linux is safer. There are, however, viruses and other bad software for iOS, which is why you need to use an antivirus. Online threats like phishing emails, malicious ads, and other threats are some of the most common threats to iPhone and iPad. Putting the best antivirus software on your iOS device will protect it from all known and unknown online threats and make it run faster.
Malware Protection | Phishing Protection | Ransomware Protection | VPN | Performance Impact | Platforms | Additional Features | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sophos Intercept X for Mobile | Excellent | Good | Excellent | Yes (paid plan) | Low | Android, iOS | Web protection, app lock, call blocker, anti-theft |
Kaspersky Antivirus plus VPN | Excellent | Good | Good | Yes | Moderate | Android, iOS | Web protection, call blocker, anti-theft, identity protection |
Norton 360 | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Yes | Moderate | Android, iOS, Windows, macOS | Web protection, call blocker, anti-theft, parental controls |
Avira Mobile Security | Good | Good | Good | No | Low | Android, iOS | Web protection, app lock, call blocker, privacy advisor |
Bitdefender Mobile Security | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Yes | Low | Android, iOS | Web protection, app lock, call blocker, anti-theft, ID theft protection |
Best Antivirus Apps for iPhones
However, it is unfortunate that not all highly rated antivirus applications are as effective for Apple devices as they claim to be. It was for this reason that we put each service provider through our own set of tests to guarantee that our list would only include those that offered comprehensive security tools and features for iPhone.
Sophos Intercept X for Mobile

Feature | Description |
---|---|
Advanced Threat Protection | Guards against malware, ransomware, and phishing |
Secure QR Code Scanner | Scans QR codes for potential security risks |
Web Protection | Blocks malicious websites and unsafe content |
Privacy Advisor | Monitors and alerts on privacy risks in apps |
App Store |
Based on my own experience with Sophos Intercept X for Mobile, I can confirm that it lives up to its great reputation as an advanced anti-malware solution. In addition to its main purpose, Intercept X stands out because it has powerful web filtering features that keep you safe online. It also has privacy features that add an extra layer of protection, and the built-in call blocker has been very helpful in reducing distractions, making the overall mobile security experience better.
The Good
- Robust threat protection against a wide range of mobile threats
- Secure QR code scanning enhances user safety
- Real-time web protection for safer browsing
- Privacy Advisor provides insights into potential privacy risks
The Bad
- Some advanced features may require a premium subscription
- Availability of certain features may vary across platforms
Kaspersky Antivirus plus VPN

Feature | Description |
---|---|
Antivirus Protection | Detects and removes viruses, malware, and spyware |
VPN (Virtual Private Network) | Ensures secure and private online connections |
Safe Money Technology | Adds an extra layer of security for online banking |
Webcam Protection | Safeguards against unauthorized access to the webcam |
The fact that Kaspersky Antivirus plus VPN has won awards has always impressed me. The standard antivirus shield isn’t the only thing this solution does. It also includes a secure VPN, which makes online activities safer. Notable features like app lock and anti-theft mechanisms add an extra layer of security, keeping the device and sensitive data safe and helping to create a safe and complete digital world.
The Good
- Comprehensive antivirus protection
- Inclusion of VPN for enhanced online privacy
- Safe Money Technology for secure online transactions
- Webcam protection for added security against privacy breaches
The Bad
- Full functionality requires a subscription
- VPN usage may impact internet speed
Norton 360

Feature | Description |
---|---|
Multi-Layered Protection | Defends against viruses, malware, and online threats |
Secure VPN | Encrypts your online activity for enhanced privacy |
Dark Web Monitoring | Alerts for potential identity theft on the dark web |
Password Manager | Helps secure and manage your passwords |
Based on my own experiences, Norton 360 has become a complete security suite that is better than most antivirus programmes. Its multifaceted approach includes not only protection against malware, but also monitoring of the dark web and identity theft. Norton 360 is a reliable and easy-to-use choice for complete digital security. Its user-friendly interface and extra features like a password manager make it so popular.
The Good
- Comprehensive multi-layered protection
- Inclusive secure VPN for private browsing
- Dark Web Monitoring adds an extra layer of identity protection
- Password Manager simplifies and secures password management
The Bad
- Some features may require additional setup
- The full suite may be resource-intensive on older devices
Avira Mobile Security

Feature | Description |
---|---|
Antivirus Protection | Detects and removes malware and other threats |
Privacy Advisor | Monitors apps for potential privacy risks |
Identity Safeguard | Alerts for potential breaches of personal information |
Anti-Theft Functionality | Helps locate and secure a lost or stolen device |
Avira Mobile Security has stood out to me as a solution that is both light and strong in my search for a good balance between ease of use and strong security. Even though this app is small, it has important security features like antivirus, anti-theft, and call blocking. Its sleek design and focus on simplicity and ease of use make it a great choice for people who want simple protection without extra hassle.
The Good
- Efficient antivirus protection for mobile devices
- Privacy Advisor enhances user awareness of app-related risks
- Identity Safeguard provides timely alerts for potential breaches
- Anti-theft features contribute to device security
The Bad
- Some advanced features may require a premium subscription
- Limited additional features compared to more comprehensive suites
Bitdefender Mobile Security

Feature | Description |
---|---|
Malware Detection | Protects against viruses, malware, and ransomware |
Web Protection | Blocks malicious websites and phishing attempts |
Anti-Theft Functionality | Helps locate, lock, or wipe a lost or stolen device |
App Lock | Adds an extra layer of security to individual apps |
Because real-time protection is so important in today’s digital world, Bitdefender Mobile Security has been a reliable choice for me when it comes to protecting my devices. Bitdefender’s web protection and features like app lock and vulnerability scanning, along with its strong antivirus and anti-malware defences, show that it is dedicated to protecting all of your devices and data. Bitdefender is a great choice for people who want a security solution that is both vigilant and responsive because it focuses on performance and real-time protection.
The Good
- Efficient antivirus protection for mobile devices
- Privacy Advisor enhances user awareness of app-related risks
- Identity Safeguard provides timely alerts for potential breaches
- Anti-theft features contribute to device security
The Bad
- Some advanced features may require a premium subscription
- Limited additional features compared to more comprehensive suites
Why Do iPhones Need Antivirus Protection?
Most iPhones have strong security, and compared to other platforms, the chance of getting malware is pretty low. In spite of this, there are some iPhone users who choose to protect their phones with antivirus software:
- Apps that do harm: The App Store has strict rules about what apps can and can’t do, but sometimes bad apps get through. By checking apps for possible threats, antivirus apps can add an extra layer of protection.
- Attacks with phishing: Phishing attacks can be made less likely with antivirus software on an iPhone. In these attacks, people pretend to be a trustworthy entity to get people to give up private information. A lot of antivirus programmes have features that can spot and stop phishing attempts.
- Problems with security: iOS, which runs on iPhones, is known for having security features. However, no system is completely safe from flaws. By finding and fixing holes in security before they are used, antivirus software can help lower risks.
- Keeping private information safe: A lot of personal information is stored on iPhones, like contacts, messages, photos, and more. Antivirus software can help keep this private data safe by finding and stopping data breaches and unauthorised access.
- Wi-Fi Safety: A lot of antivirus apps have features that can help keep your connection safe when you’re on a public Wi-Fi network. There are some security risks that can come from public Wi-Fi, and some antivirus programmes may have VPN (Virtual Private Network) features that can help you protect your internet connection.
- Tracking devices and stopping theft: Some antivirus apps have anti-theft features that let you find out where your lost or stolen iPhone is, lock it from afar, or delete all of its data.
- Defence Across Platforms: Having antivirus protection on your iPhone can help you stay safe if you use a lot of devices, even ones that aren’t made by Apple. In this way, it helps protect your whole digital world.
- Customisation and Extra Features: A lot of antivirus apps come with extra security features like safe browsing, identity protection, and security settings that you can change. These features can help make your system safer overall.
Questions and Answers
Is it necessary for my iPhone to have antivirus software? The answer, in a nutshell, is “no.” The iOS operating system developed by Apple is designed to make it extremely challenging for malicious software and computer viruses to successfully infect your device.
The best way to determine whether or not you have an iPhone virus is to look for the following symptoms: apps that are unfamiliar to you or that crash frequently, a large number of Safari pop-ups, unusual charges or data usage, a battery that drains quickly, or a phone that is consistently hot at all times. Depending on how old your device is, you might experience a decrease in speed or a shorter battery life.