5 Best Antiviruses for iOS in 2024: Protect iPhones & iPads

Osama Zahid
Last Updated by Osama Zahid on January 10, 2024 Fact-checked by Justyn Newman Fact-checked by Justyn Newman

In a Rush? Here’s the Best Antivirus for iOS in 2024

Norton is the best iOS antivirus with web protection, WiFi scanning, SMS protection, a built-in VPN, and more. Best of all, you can try Norton risk-free on iOS with its 60-day money-back guarantee.

iOS is among the most secure mobile operating systems because of its “sandboxed” apps. However, you should know that iOS devices are still vulnerable to online threats like phishing, email scams, pop-up ads, and offline threats like theft.

Ensuring the protection of your devices from these potential threats holds utmost importance. That’s why I’ve taken the time to choose the top iOS antivirus solutions. I’ve conducted thorough assessments of various security apps available on Apple’s app store. Each of these choices offers essential safety features, including web protection, SMS security, and more, all aimed at safeguarding your device.

Overall, Norton Mobile Security is the best iOS antivirus with its excellent web protection, built-in VPN, and best-in-class customer support. Also, you can try Norton on iOS risk-free because it’s backed by a generous 60-day money-back guarantee.

Try Norton risk-free on iOS

Quick Guide: 5 Best Antiviruses for iPhone and iPad

  1. Norton — #1 iOS antivirus that protects your devices from all cyber threats. Try Norton risk-free.
  2. TotalAV — Includes a VPN to improve online security but doesn’t offer SMS protection.
  3. McAfee — Has a WiFi scanner to check whether you’re connected to a safe network, but it’s not as user-friendly as Norton.
  4. Bitdefender — Offers excellent web protection to safeguard against dangerous websites, but its VPN is limited to 200MB/day on most plans.
  5. Avira — Provides useful anti-theft tools to track stolen devices but doesn’t have a WiFi scanner.

The Best iOS Antivirus Apps for iPhone and iPad – Fully Tested in 2024

1. Norton — The Best iOS Antivirus With Advanced Protection Against All Cyber Threats

Key Features:

  • Offers effective web protection to defend against online threats.
  • Includes WiFi security and a VPN with AES 256-bit encryption.
  • Has 24/7 live chat and phone support.
  • Works on iOS 14.0 and above (iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch).
  • Offers a 60-day money-back guarantee.

Norton Mobile Security is the best iOS antivirus and delivers excellent security against all online threats. It has several tools for safety and a highly intuitive app that anyone can easily use to safeguard their iOS devices.

During tests, Norton’s web protection defended me against all unsafe websites. I tried loading various websites known to contain malware, and Norton’s web protection showed a warning before loading them. On the other hand, Safari allowed access to some of these websites, meaning Norton is more reliable than Apple’s built-in safety sometimes.

Norton Mobile Security blocks malicious websites screenshot

Norton’s web protection blocked all my attempts to access unsafe websites.

Norton also includes an excellent built-in VPN with servers across 25+ locations. My colleagues and I could use it to access Netflix in our home regions, which included Netflix US. Also, Norton’s VPN provides fast connection speeds, thus ensuring you can surf the web smoothly and stream in UHD without buffering or lag.

Besides the above features, Norton has the following tools for added iOS security:

  • SMS and Call Protection — blocks unwanted calls and malicious links in text messages.
  • Security Scan — checks your device to ensure your OS and apps are up-to-date.
  • Data Breach Check — lets you check whether your passwords or credentials were leaked online.
  • Ad and Tracker Blocker — works with the VPN to block cookies, trackers, and other files that can monitor your online activity.

I also found that Norton’s lightweight app doesn’t impact battery life, even while running constantly in the background. Plus, it’s just over 100MB, meaning it’s smaller than other iOS antiviruses.

Norton also provides excellent customer support via live chat, phone support, and its online knowledge base. I connected to a live chat agent within minutes whenever I needed help, and the agents always provided helpful answers to my questions.

You can get Norton on iOS with the Norton Mobile Security plan that covers 1 device. However, Norton’s 360 Deluxe plan delivers the best value. It costs just $49.99/year and lets you protect up to 5 devices while offering additional features like parental controls and a password manager.

Whichever subscription you get, you can try Norton completely risk-free because it’s backed by a 60-day money-back guarantee. I even tested its refund policy and had my money back within 5 days when I requested a refund after my tests.

2. TotalAV — Helps Optimize Your iOS Device While Securing It Against Online Threats

Key Features:

  • Offers a built-in VPN to encrypt and safeguard your online activity.
  • Provides optimization tools to free up space on your iOS device.
  • Defends against dangerous websites with its WebShield.
  • Protects iOS 11.0 and above (iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch).
  • Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Besides providing reliable safety for iOS devices, TotalAV includes useful optimization features. I especially liked its Photo Manager, which checked over 5GB of photos on my iPhone in 10 seconds. Afterward, it picked over 500 unnecessary photos I could delete to free 1.2GB of space on my device.

TotalAV freed up more spaces screenshot

TotalAV’s optimization tools are great for freeing up space

TotalAV also has a Smart Scan to check your iOS device for vulnerabilities. It takes under a minute to complete and highlights whether your OS or any apps must be updated to fix vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit.

There’s also a unique QR code checker in TotalAV that blocks malicious sites hidden behind QR codes. Phishing sites nowadays use QR codes to trick you into opening them, but TotalAV checks these codes and blocks any dangerous sites they attempt to open.

It’s not as feature-rich as Norton, but TotalAV also has the following tools for improved iOS security:

  • WebShield — stops you from opening unsafe websites that may have infections.
  • Built-in VPN — uses industry-standard AES 256-bit encryption to safeguard your online activity.
  • Data Breach Check — checks whether your passwords were leaked in data breaches.

There’s a Mobile Security plan for 1 iOS device, but I suggest you get TotalAV’s Total Security plan if you want the best value. It protects up to 6 devices and includes all of TotalAV’s key security features. Also, you can try TotalAV risk-free for 30 days, and it’s easy to claim a refund if you’re unsatisfied. I had my money back within a week of my refund request.

3. McAfee — Provides a Protection Score to Help Track Device Safety

Key Features:

  • Has a WiFi scanner and web protection to keep you safe online.
  • Offers ID protection to check for leaked passwords and information.
  • Includes a built-in VPN with AES 256-bit encryption.
  • Secures devices on iOS 14.0 and above (iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch).
  • Provides a 30-day money-back guarantee.

McAfee provides excellent security on iOS devices thanks to its various safety features. However, one of McAfee’s standout aspects is that it displays a protection score out of 1000 that lets you know how safe your device is. If your score is low, it even gives you tips to improve it.

The Safe Browsing feature in McAfee helps you avoid unsafe websites. In my tests, McAfee blocked all malicious sites I tried to open. Plus, there’s a built-in VPN to encrypt your traffic and a WiFi scanner that checks your network and ensures you’re safe from intruders.

You’ll also get the following features in McAfee’s iOS app for added safety:

  • System Scan — checks your device for OS and app updates to protect against vulnerabilities.
  • ID Monitoring — monitors up to 10 email addresses for breaches and informs you about security issues.

McAfee’s app is intuitive, but it’s a little more difficult to navigate than Norton’s, so finding the features you’re looking for may take longer. However, it’s lightweight, doesn’t increase battery drain, and is reliable.

McAfee navigation through Services screenshot

It’s easy to use the various features in McAfee’s iOS app

You can protect a single iOS device with the McAfee Mobile Security subscription. However, McAfee’s Total Protection Plus plan delivers better value by offering more features and letting you protect up to 5 devices simultaneously at just $39.99/year.

There’s also a 30-day money-back guarantee that lets you try McAfee risk-free on your iOS devices. If unsatisfied, you can easily claim a refund by contacting McAfee’s support via phone call. I had my money back within 7 days of requesting a refund after my tests.

4. Bitdefender — Protects Your Privacy by Helping You Check Whether Your Personal Information Was Leaked in Data Breaches

Key Features:

  • Lets you check for compromised accounts and information leaked in data breaches.
  • Offers a security scan that provides tips to increase device security.
  • Has a built-in VPN with AES 256-bit encryption.
  • Works on iOS 12.0 and above (iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch).
  • Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Bitdefender includes several tools to protect iOS devices. Among its best features is the Account Privacy tool, which lets you check if any of your data was leaked in breaches. I also like that this tool lets you use multiple email addresses, thus letting you ensure all your emails are safe and secure.

I also found that Bitdefender’s VPN delivered reliable safety throughout my tests. I tested multiple servers, and Bitdefender kept me safe by ensuring my IP address or other identifying information didn’t leak.

Bitdefender secure IP address screenshot

Bitdefender’s VPN keeps your identifying information from leaking online

Unfortunately, most plans limit the VPN to 200MB/day, which adds up to 6GB/month. This is plenty for most people, but apps like Norton offer unlimited VPNs.

You’ll also get the following iOS safety features with Bitdefender’s app:

  • Web Protection — stops you from opening unsafe websites carrying malware.
  • Security Scan — checks your device and provides tips to improve security.

While the Mobile Security plan lets you protect 1 device, you should get Bitdefender’s Total Security plan for the best value. It secures up to 5 iOS devices and offers Bitdefender’s essential features at just $49.99/year.

You can try Bitdefender risk-free for 30 days with its money-back guarantee. You can easily claim refunds by contacting support if you’re unsatisfied, and I had my money back within 5 days of my refund request.

5. Avira — Provides Reliable Anti-theft Tools to Help Recover Stolen iOS Devices

Key Features:

  • Helps locate stolen devices with its reliable anti-theft features.
  • Offers a reliable VPN and web protection to safeguard your online activity.
  • Lets you block all unwanted calls and texts.
  • Safeguards devices on iOS 12.0 and above (iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch).
  • Has a 60-day money-back guarantee.

Avira Mobile Security is a feature-rich antivirus for iOS. It has several functions to enhance iOS protection, but its anti-theft is among its best tools. Anti-theft lets you track your device, trigger an alarm, and even remotely wipe your data in case of theft.

I was pleased to see that Avira’s reliable web protection stopped me from opening malicious websites in my tests. Besides this, there’s a built-in VPN with AES 256-bit encryption, thus ensuring airtight security while surfing the web. You’ll also get the following features for added protection:

  • Data Breach Monitor — checks if your accounts were leaked in data breaches.
  • Call Blocker — blocks unwanted calls and spam text messages.
  • Device Analyzer — scans your device and suggests various optimizations.
  • Privacy Manager — prevents unwanted logging and analysis of your Siri conversation data.

While it’s a good overall antivirus, Avira’s customer support is poor. It lacks live chat, and email support often takes more than a day to respond. In contrast, you can instantly contact Norton’s live chat anytime you need help.

Avira’s Mobile Security plan only protects 1 iOS device, so you should get Avira’s Prime plan for the best value. It simultaneously defends up to 5 devices for just $59.99/year.

Of course, you can try Avira risk-free with its 60-day money-back guarantee, and you can easily request a refund by emailing Avira’s support if you’re unsatisfied. I had my money back within 24 hours of confirming my refund.

2 Antivirus Brands That Didn’t Make the Cut

1. Intego

I was surprised to see that Intego doesn’t have an iOS app, despite being the best antivirus for macOS. So, you can’t use it to secure your iOS devices.

2. iolo

iolo is an excellent antivirus with reliable virus scans and other safety and optimization features. Unfortunately, it’s a Windows-only antivirus with no iOS apps, meaning you can’t use it to secure your iPhones or iPads.

Quick Comparison Table: 2024’s Best Antivirus Software for iOS and iPads

Web Protection VPN WiFi Protection SMS Protection Money-Back Guarantee
Norton 60 days
TotalAV 30 days
McAfee 30 days
Bitdefender 30 days
Avira 60 days

5 Easy Steps: How to Install an Antivirus on iOS

  1. Subscribe to an iOS-compatible plan. Subscribe to any iOS-compatible plan for the antivirus you prefer. I suggest you get Norton to secure your iOS devices because of its excellent security features.
    Screenshot showing how to subscribe to Norton Mobile Security
  2. Download the antivirus to your iOS device. Navigate to Apple’s app store and download the app you subscribed to.
    Screenshot showing how to install Norton on iOS devices
  3. Login using your credentials. Log into the app using the credentials you used when subscribing.
    Screenshot showing how to log into Norton's mobile app
  4. Access the Security menu. Tap the Security button to access the various safety features.
    Screenshot showing how to access Norton's security features on iOS
  5. Protect your iOS device. Use the device scan and other features to safeguard your iPhones and iPads.
    Screenshot of Norton's various security features

How I Tested and Ranked the Best Antivirus for iOS

I looked at all the best antiviruses in 2024 for iOS devices and tested them on my iPhone 13 Pro running iOS 16. I used the following criteria to rank the best choices:

  • Online and web protection — I chose antiviruses with effective web protection and online security, as web-based attacks are the biggest threats to iOS devices.
  • Extra features — I picked apps with security features like built-in VPNs, WiFi scanning, and more to add extra layers of safety.
  • Multiple devices — I prioritized antiviruses you can use on multiple devices simultaneously with a single subscription.
  • Ease of use — I chose antiviruses that are intuitive and beginner-friendly.
  • Customer support — I picked apps with responsive customer support available to help whenever needed.
  • Value for money — I chose antiviruses that deliver excellent value with their price plans.
  • Money-back guarantee — I selected antiviruses with money-back guarantees that let you test their features risk-free.

FAQs on Antiviruses for iOS (iPhone and iPad)

Does my iPhone or iPad really need antivirus?

Yes, iOS isn’t immune to online threats, so you need a high-quality iOS antivirus to stay safe. Apple’s “sandbox” approach to apps ensures they can’t infiltrate other apps to deploy viruses, but phishing websites, adware, spyware, and unsafe WiFi networks are still threats to iOS devices.

How can I scan my iPhone or iPad for viruses?

You can’t scan your iOS devices for viruses because iOS “sandboxes” each app and ensures they can’t interact with others. So, the best iOS antiviruses work by protecting your devices against phishing scams, unsafe WiFi networks, and theft. This creates an entry barrier from hackers and cyber threats, which makes scanning unnecessary.

What’s the best iOS antivirus app?

I consider Norton the best iOS antivirus. It offers a built-in VPN, web protection, WiFi scanning, SMS protection, and more. Plus, it has a generous 60-day money-back guarantee that lets you test all its features risk-free.

Can I use a free iOS antivirus instead?

You can, but I don’t recommend it. Unlike the best premium antiviruses, free iOS antiviruses don’t have many security features, and they often have cluttered apps with lots of annoying ads.

While there are some effective free iOS antiviruses you can try, you’ll get the best security with a top premium security app.

Fully Protect Your iOS Devices With the Best Antivirus Software

Even though iOS devices are inherently secure because of Apple’s “sandboxing” approach, you still need an antivirus to ensure comprehensive protection. Without one, you’re at risk of threats like phishing scams, privacy breaches, and device theft.

Thankfully, the top antiviruses listed here secure your iOS devices with features like web protection, built-in VPNs, privacy protection, and more. These features offer comprehensive security for your iPhone or iPad.

Each antivirus is reliable, but I consider Norton the best overall choice. With its feature-rich app, lightweight design, excellent value for money, and best-in-class support, Norton stands out as the top iOS antivirus. Also, you can try Norton risk-free on iOS with its generous 60-day money-back guarantee.


Summary — Best Antiviruses for iOS in 2024

Top Ranked Top Choice
Norton
$29.99 / year Save 58%
TotalAV
$19.00 / year Save 84%
McAfee
$39.99 / year Save 69%
Bitdefender
$29.99 / year Save 50%
Avira
$26.99 / year Save 43%

We rank vendors based on rigorous testing and research, but also take into account your feedback and our commercial agreements with providers. This page contains affiliate links.

Did you like this article? Rate it!
I hated it I don't really like it It was ok Pretty good! Loved it!
4.00 Voted by 3 users
Title
Comment
Thanks for your feedback