Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteiTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Keep Google Play Protect enabled on every Android phone. It is a strong, free baseline against broad malware, but its 53% result in the 2025 AV-Comparatives/EFF stalkerware test shows that it is not enough for people specifically worried about spyware or stalkerware. For that risk, add an app with a dedicated stalkerware record, full-device scanning, real-time monitoring of new installations, clear removal instructions and resistance to interference. In the cited test, Malwarebytes detected all 17 samples; Bitdefender, ESET, Kaspersky and McAfee followed at 94%.
What “spyware protection” means on Android
Spyware is software that collects information without meaningful consent. Stalkerware is a particularly intrusive form: it may monitor location, messages, calls, photos or other activity and is often installed by someone with physical access to the phone. A security app can also encounter ordinary malware, phishing pages and dangerous downloads, but those capabilities do not automatically prove that it will identify stalkerware.
That distinction matters because a product can score perfectly in a broad malware laboratory and still miss specialized surveillance tools. The useful question is not simply “Which antivirus has the highest malware score?” It is “Which product has demonstrated spyware detection and can find, explain and remove a suspicious app without being disabled?”
Stalkerware detection results: the most relevant comparison
AV-Comparatives worked with the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) on a 2025 test of 17 stalkerware cases. The percentages below are detection rates in that named test, not guarantees for every current sample or future app.
#1 Best Overall
- Powerful Turbo Fan:CAGIWIRU Electric Air Duster have reached speed up to 130000RPM,Can efficient remove dust and debris.With LED light and Three Adjustable Speed to meet with different cleaning tasks.
- With Attached USB C Fasting Charging cable.Charing 3 hours,Enjoy up to 240 minutes of use on the lowest setting, For third speed can use for 25mins.with four charging options to meet with your needs.
- Wide Application: attached 5 different nozzles,making it suitable for a variety of scenes, such as car,pet, pc, keyboards, and other electronic devices. It also serves for office and home clean duster.
- Handy Design & Portable:Cordless air duster electric nozzle is Light weight and small size, design and comfortable to hold and space saving, convenient to carry around. You can put it in your room or inside the car without taking up space.
- Economical &Reusable: Built durable materials with a long-lasting battery,our CAGIWIRU air duster it's a sustainable alternative to disposable air cans.
| Android security product | Stalkerware cases detected |
|---|---|
| Malwarebytes | 100% |
| Bitdefender | 94% |
| ESET | 94% |
| Kaspersky | 94% |
| McAfee | 94% |
| Avast | 88% |
| Avira | 88% |
| F-Secure | 88% |
| Norton | 82% |
| Sophos | 82% |
| G DATA | 65% |
| Trend Micro | 59% |
| Google Play Protect | 53% |
On this evidence, Malwarebytes is the strongest choice for the narrow question “Which tested app detected the most stalkerware?” The four products at 94% are credible alternatives, particularly when their broader protection features fit your needs. The lower Play Protect result is not a claim that it is generally ineffective; it shows why a spyware-focused decision must include a dedicated stalkerware test.
AV-Comparatives also cautions in its Mobile Security Review 2025: “The perfect mobile security product for all devices and all users does not exist.” Treat the table as a dated snapshot of particular versions and samples, not a permanent league table.
How the broader Android malware tests change the picture
AV-TEST’s July 2026 product test
AV-TEST tested 12 Android products in July 2026 using current versions and default settings. Each product received separate scores from 0 to 6 for protection, performance and usability, for a maximum of 18 points.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstall| Product | Protection | Performance | Usability | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Google Play Protect | 6 | 6 | 6 | 18 |
| Avast | 6 | 6 | 6 | 18 |
| AVG | 6 | 6 | 6 | 18 |
| Avira | 6 | 6 | 6 | 18 |
| Bitdefender | 6 | 6 | 6 | 18 |
| F-Secure | 6 | 6 | 6 | 18 |
| Kaspersky | 6 | 6 | 6 | 18 |
| McAfee | 6 | 6 | 6 | 18 |
| Norton | 6 | 6 | 6 | 18 |
| TotalAV | 6 | 6 | 6 | 18 |
| Sophos | 6 | 6 | 6 | 18 |
| G DATA | 5.5 | 6 | 5 | 16.5 |
These results establish a useful baseline for general Android security, battery impact and false-positive handling. They do not replace the stalkerware test: several products tied at a perfect 18-point total while their spyware-specific results differed substantially.
Rank #2
- Screen Cleaner is Your Screen’s New Bestfriend! - EVEO is proud to present a screen cleaner that’s perfectly suited for your TV. Meet your new screen cleaner, computer screen cleaner, laptop cleaner, iPad cleaner, Macbook,tv cleaner or any other electronic device. Our screen cleaner spray and wipe along with the included plush microfiber cloth, easily removes dust, fingerprints & other smudges on the screen’s surface. Clean effectively for a streak-free screen
- Gentle on your Screens - Our screen cleaner spray and wipes is compatible to be used even for the most sensitive LCD, LED, CRT, and OLED screens in proper use. Be at ease knowing that this product is compatible with all the major brands: LG, SONY, Samsung, Sharp, iPad, iPhone, Android screens, Kindle, PC monitors - we’ve got you covered! Can be used as LCD screen cleaner, tv cleaner, smart tv screen cleaner, and more
- Premium Super Soft Plush Microfiber Cloth - Included in this efficient screen cleaning kit. This screen cleaner spray and wipe has our signature plush microfiber cloth specially designed to comply with screens and monitors and leave them streak-free. Has been shown to effectively absorbs stubborn stains, zero streaks, and no fiber shedding. Always use this together with our screen cleaner for the best results
- Easy-to-Use Screen Cleaner Kit + microfiber cleaning cloth - The EVEO Screen Cleaning Kit will easily be your new favorite tool when it comes to taking care of the things you love most, quick and easy solution for a streak-free screen. Simply screw on the sprayer gun on the screen cleaner bottle. Spray the cleaning liquid onto the microfiber cloth, then wipe the screen until desired cleanliness & shine is achieved.
- Quality Screen Care Kit Worth Purchasing - Enjoy a convenient Screen Cleaner anytime, anywhere you need it. Your satisfaction is our top priority. We stand behind the quality of our products and that’s why, you shouldn’t be worrying at all. We manufacture the Best Screen Cleaner. and can be used for laptop cleaning kit, laptop screen cleaner, tv screen cleaner for smart tv. MacBook screen cleaner, monitor cleaner or screen cleaner spray for electronic devices with microfiber cleaning cloth
AV-TEST’s July–December 2025 endurance test
In a separate endurance test using more than 18,000 malware samples, Avast, AVG, Avira, Bitdefender, Kaspersky and Norton achieved 100% detection in the reported sets. Google Play Protect detected 99.6% in real-time tests and 99.7% in reference sets. Those figures demonstrate strong broad-malware coverage, while still leaving room for missed threats and offering no direct measure of stalkerware behavior.
What Google Play Protect does—and where it stops
Google Play Protect is integrated into certified Android devices, so it should remain switched on even when another security app is installed. It combines on-device scanning with cloud analysis for apps obtained from Google Play and from third-party sources.
- It automatically scans installed apps once a day.
- You can start a manual scan from the Play Protect screen in the Google Play Store.
- It warns when an app is potentially harmful and can prompt you to remove it.
- It can block a future installation when the detected app is known to be harmful.
Play Protect is therefore a sensible minimum for every user. Its limitation is coverage of the specific stalkerware category: the AV-Comparatives/EFF result was much lower than its broad-malware scores. Someone facing a credible stalking risk should not treat a clean Play Protect scan as proof that no surveillance app is present.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Android itself provides additional clues. In Settings, review an app’s permissions, special access, installation source and resource use. Menu names vary by Android version and manufacturer, but these controls can reveal an unfamiliar app with access that does not fit its stated purpose.
Rank #3
- 【Large size】：Measuring 800 x 300 mm/ 31. 5×12 inches, which is wider and taller than others. Large mouse pad can perfectly fit your keyboard and mouse of any size, and there is also ample space for peripherals such as phones, tablets, etc.
- 【LED backlight mouse pad】：Blade Hawks RGB mouse pad provides 7 static modes and 7 dynamic modes will give you the options you are looking for. Power-off memory function remembers the last lighting mode you selected. The super glow fiber Chroma will give you a colorful gaming setup that you want.
- 【Anti-slip rubber base】：Made from Natural rubber, this gaming mousepad will firmly grip your desktop, allowing you to enjoy the ultimate precision in the games you are most passionate about. It also comes with a texture that enhances this ability even further.
- 【Smooth and waterproof surface】: Micro-textured cloth surface, for extremely precise mouse control and a smooth movement. When liquid splashes on the gaming mouse pad, it forms water droplets and slides down. Will not delay your work or gameplay.
- 【Plug and play】: This mouse and keyboard pad is powered by USB, plug and play, no driver required. One button control light modes. Press one time to change the lighting mode, press twice to change the brightness, press and hold about 3 seconds turn ON/OFF.
Six criteria to use when comparing antivirus apps for spyware
1. A dedicated stalkerware result
Start with a test that actually uses stalkerware samples. A general “malware detected” percentage is useful context, but it cannot answer the spyware question by itself. Check the test date, sample count and whether the figures apply to the Android versions you are considering.
2. Full scan coverage
Look for a scan that examines installed apps and stored installers, not only the app currently being downloaded. Full-device coverage matters when a suspicious package arrived outside Google Play or has been dormant for some time.
3. Real-time monitoring
Real-time protection should inspect newly downloaded and newly installed apps. This reduces the window in which a malicious package can run before a scheduled scan occurs. Confirm what the product monitors and whether monitoring remains active after a phone restart.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
4. Actionable warnings and remediation
A useful alert identifies the app and explains the risk in plain language. It should provide a practical removal path rather than only displaying a detection name. If the product cannot explain what to do next, its detection is less useful to a nontechnical phone owner.
Rank #4
- 【Softer and More Comfortable】Vaydeer wrist rest has unique diamond pattern, which is the combination of softness and aesthetics. The materials of wrist rest are improved into higher quality memory foam and covered with silky smooth lycra. The computer wrist rest makes you as comfortable and cushiony as like rest your wrists on clouds.
- 【Ergonomic Wrist Saver】The wrist rests for keyboard and mouse comes with a 17.32×3.15×0.83 inch keyboard wrist pad and a 5.94×3.15×0.83 inch mouse wrist support. Based on ergonomic design, the unique concave shape is the perfect fit for your wrist joints. The wrist rest pad fits most computer keyboards and laptops, improve hand and wrist posture, release your wrist and arm stress.
- 【Non-Slip Rubber Bottom】Featuring an anti-skid silicone base on the bottom, this wrist keyboard support stays firmly in place on your desk, preventing the padding from sliding around, ensuring stable and consistent wrist support during extended computer sessions.
- 【Better Experience & Pain Relief】Our keyboard arm rest is beneficial to alleviate the soreness caused by direct contact and friction between your arm and a hard desk surface, reducing the risk of wrist fatigue or carpal tunnel. The soft texture of memory foam can evenly distribute the pressure around your wrists and provide good support with just enough give.
- 【Helpful in Multiple Scenarios】Whether you're working, studying, writing, typing, gaming, this keyboard and mouse rest combo is an essential accessory to add comfort and support to your hands and wrists. It’s also a great gift for men, women, family, friend, coworker, gamer, teacher, etc.
5. Resistance to interference
Detection is not enough if the suspected app can disable the scanner. In the 2025 stalkerware test, one sample interfered with Norton’s operation. Compare whether a product reports interference, protects its own operation and still offers a recovery route.
6. Broader protections and usability
Phishing and dangerous-site blocking, permission auditing, anti-theft controls and privacy monitoring can add value, but they address different problems. Use AV-TEST’s standardized protection, performance and usability scores to compare those trade-offs instead of assuming every extra feature improves spyware detection.
Which option fits your situation?
Everyday Android use
Keep Play Protect enabled, install Android and app updates promptly, and avoid installing packages from untrusted sources. For many people this baseline is proportionate, especially when the concern is ordinary malicious downloads rather than targeted surveillance.
Elevated concern about stalkerware
Add a dedicated scanner whose published stalkerware result is strong and whose product documentation promises full scans and real-time monitoring. Malwarebytes had the highest result in the cited 2025 test. Bitdefender, ESET, Kaspersky and McAfee were next in that test and also appear in the strongest broader test group, making them reasonable alternatives when their controls and support suit your device.
Best Value
- 【No Drill Mounted】Cable management tray can be assembled in as little as 3 minutes or less-simply. Side clips easily clampe the edge of desk, pass through the holes on the sides, and secure excess cables with baskets. Desk cable management supports inward or outward installation to meet your needs in different scenarios, and provides you with great convenience when collecting and organizing wires.
- 【Rubber Pad Protects Desk】Wire organizer under desk built-in soft rubber pads on the clamp protect your desk from scratches, so you will not damage your furniture or office.
- 【Sturdy and Beautiful】Cord management under desk is made of high-quality carbon steel and holds about 15 lbs. The wire basket has 2 holes on each side of the tray to enable your cables to pass freely. Cable baskets are suitable for desk thickness use from 0.4" to 2.4".
- 【Space Saving & Keep Organized】Desk cable management tray holds all your power cords, outlet strips, USB hubs and computer transformers hidden from your feet, and the data cables will not enter the vacuum cleaner to keep your desk clean and tidy. Desk wire organizer is also suitable for use in the kitchen and outdoors.
- 【Reduce Safety Risks】Cable tray under desk keeps all plugs away from your kids, no more worry about tripping. Using 2 holes wire tray saves extra space, helps you easily cabling and wire protection. The mesh design is not easy to accumulate dust, but avoids safety accidents caused by messy wires.
Investigating a specific phone
Run a manual scan, then inspect unfamiliar apps and their special access. Record the alert name and the recommended action before removing anything. If the phone may be monitored by a partner, relative or employer, consider personal safety before changing settings: an abrupt removal can reveal that you are checking the device.
A practical Android spyware-check workflow
- Update first. Install available Android and security-app updates, then restart the phone so monitoring services can load normally.
- Verify Play Protect. Open the Google Play Store, select your profile icon, choose Play Protect, review the status and run a scan.
- Run the security app’s full scan. Choose the option that scans installed applications and stored installers, not only a quick or download scan.
- Review every detection. Read the app name, risk explanation and remediation instructions. Do not restore an item that the scanner has quarantined until you understand why it was flagged.
- Audit suspicious apps in Android Settings. Check permissions, special access, installation source and unusual resource use. Revoke access that is not required for the app’s legitimate function.
- Remove or isolate the app using the product’s guidance. If Android refuses removal because the app has elevated access, follow the scanner’s documented steps to disable that access first.
- Scan again after remediation. A second full scan confirms whether the detected package and related installer files are gone.
Labels differ between Samsung, Pixel and other Android interfaces, so use the Settings search field for terms such as “special access,” “device admin apps,” “install unknown apps,” “permissions” and “battery use” when a menu is not in the expected location.
Common mistakes that produce false confidence
- Using a broad score as a spyware score. A perfect general-malware result does not establish stalkerware detection.
- Turning off Play Protect after installing another app. The two layers cover overlapping but different signals; the built-in scanner remains a useful baseline.
- Running only a quick scan. A quick check may not examine stored installers or every installed package.
- Ignoring an app’s privileges. A name that looks harmless can still have unusual special access or a third-party installation source.
- Assuming one clean scan settles the issue. Test results are snapshots, signatures change and a device can be exposed after the scan. Keep real-time monitoring and updates active.
- Removing software without considering safety. If another person may be watching the phone, plan the investigation and recovery steps before triggering an obvious change.
How to read antivirus test claims responsibly
Ask four questions whenever a vendor or article presents a percentage:
- Was the test aimed at stalkerware, or at general Android malware?
- How many samples and which product version were included?
- Were default settings used, and did the test measure performance and false positives?
- Was the result recorded on a particular date?
AV-TEST’s July 2026 comparison and its July–December 2025 endurance test answer those questions for their own samples and procedures. AV-Comparatives and EFF provide the spyware-specific comparison. None predicts every future threat, and no single score measures warning quality, interference resistance and removal guidance at the same time.
Bottom line for Android spyware protection
Use Play Protect as the always-on foundation, not as the entire spyware strategy. If stalkerware is a realistic concern, choose a second app based first on dedicated stalkerware detection, then on full scans, real-time monitoring, understandable remediation and resistance to interference. On the cited 2025 test, Malwarebytes led the field, while Bitdefender, ESET, Kaspersky and McAfee combined a high stalkerware result with strong general-test evidence. Recheck dated test results before choosing, because app versions, signatures and threat samples change.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
