safe-reliable-apps

Purpose

This research identifies the best, safest, and most reliable apps for detecting and removing spyware and stalkerware from Android devices in 2025. It covers both free and paid options, manual detection methods, and critical safety considerations.

Top Recommended Apps (2025)

1. Clario Anti Spy

Focus: Specialized spyware detection

Unlike generic antivirus apps, focuses entirely on detecting tracking software, hidden surveillance apps, and privacy threats
Comprehensive spyware detection capabilities
Best for users specifically concerned about surveillance and privacy threats

2. Norton Mobile Security / Norton 360

Focus: Comprehensive security with spyware protection

Best overall Android antivirus on the market
Detects and removes all Android malware and sketchy apps
Blocks phishing sites
Includes Wi-Fi monitoring, VPN, and identity theft protection
App Advisor checks apps before download
Cost: Premium (14-day trial + 60-day money-back guarantee available)
Protects up to 5 devices simultaneously with Norton 360 Deluxe

3. ProtectStar Anti Spy

Focus: Large signature database

Over 80 million spyware & malware signatures for complete detection
Detects backdoors, keyloggers, commercial spyware, trojans, adware & ransomware
Well-designed and simple to use
Detects industry-recognized EICAR test virus

4. Bitdefender Mobile Security

Focus: Top-rated protection

Top marks in latest AV-Test roundup
99.9% protection rate (AV-Comparatives)
Anti-theft measures
Top-notch antivirus capabilities
Cost: $25/year (considered a bargain)
Lacks unlimited VPN

5. Malwarebytes

Focus: Malware and ransomware removal

Finds and removes malware, adware, and ransomware
Real-time protection blocks new threats before they cause damage
Free version: Scanner to clean existing infections
Paid version: Real-time protection and advanced features ($39.99/year)

6. Incognito Spyware Detector

Focus: Privacy-respecting detection

Identifies and helps safely delete surveillance and monitoring apps
Does NOT collect personal data or share with third parties
Scans stay private, data stays local
Drawback: Free version contains many ads (forced video ads)

7. AVG AntiVirus

Focus: Hidden threat detection

Scans for hidden threats on phone
Malware Force Uninstaller removes persistent threats
Good for stubborn malware

Best Free Options

TotalAV (Best Free Overall)

Best free Android antivirus currently available
Exceptional threat detection rates
Detected 10/10 test malware files in independent tests
100% zero-day threat blocking (AV-Test, September 2025)
No performance impact

Avast Mobile Security

Large suite of features for free app
Wi-Fi speed test
Hack alerts for leaked credentials
Good for users wanting multiple security features

AVG Antivirus Free

One of the best free antiviruses for Android
Protects against viruses, malware, spyware, unsafe apps
Unwanted caller protection
Good for users on budget

Panda Dome

Good antivirus protection
Anti-theft features
App privacy scanner
VPN included
Identified all ransomware and spyware apps in testing

Kaspersky

Detects spy apps and anti-stalkerware
Privacy protection
Stops spyware from monitoring texts, locations, and calls
Strong spyware-specific protection

Manual Detection Methods

Signs of Spyware/Stalkerware

Watch for these indicators:

Unusually high battery usage
Unusually high data usage
Device running noticeably hot
Phone acting unusually slow
Large amounts of network data usage when not actively using phone

Detection Steps

1. Check Accessibility Settings

Go to Settings → Accessibility
Look for unfamiliar downloaded services
Common disguise names: “Accessibility,” “Device Health,” “System Service”
Switch off and remove any unrecognized apps

2. Review Notification Access

Navigate to Settings → Special app access → Notification access
Check which apps have notification access
Stalkerware apps can monitor all notification contents including messages
Remove access for unrecognized apps

3. Check Device Admin Settings

Go to Settings → Security → Device Admin (or Advanced)
Most personal phones won’t have device admin apps
Look for obscure names: “System Service,” “Device Health,” “Device Admin”
Remove unrecognized device admin apps

4. Verify Google Play Protect

Open Google Play Store
Tap profile icon (top right)
Go to “Play Protect” → “Settings”
Check if app scanning and alerts are enabled
Stalkerware installers often disable Play Protect first

5. Check Downloads Folder

Launch “My Files” or “Files” app (in safe mode if possible)
Review downloads for suspicious files you didn’t download
Look for APK files or unfamiliar installers

Critical Safety Warning

⚠️ DANGER: Most stalkerware notifies the abuser immediately when uninstalled or stopped.

If you are in a volatile or abusive relationship:

DO NOT remove the stalkerware immediately
Removal could escalate danger
Contact National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) from a safe, non-monitored device first
NNEDV advocates understand stalkerware threats and can guide safety planning
Only remove after proper safety planning

Removal Steps

Standard Removal

Navigate to Settings → Apps
Find suspicious app
Uninstall

If App Has Device Administrator Permissions

Go to Settings → Security → Advanced → Device Administrators
Deactivate the app’s device admin permissions
Return to Settings → Apps
Uninstall the app

For Severe Compromise

Factory reset device
Clean start without sideloading old apps
Reinstall only trusted apps from Google Play
In serious cases, contact support services or law enforcement

Important Considerations

Free vs. Paid Differences

Free antivirus limitations:

Usually lacks real-time protection (only scans when you initiate)
Limited web protection
May not protect against phishing or malware-filled websites

Paid antivirus advantages:

Immediate malware detection
Real-time protection
Advanced web protection
Regular updates
Better customer support

Google Play Protect

Google Play Protect is one of the best safeguards:

Screens apps downloaded from Google Play and outside sources
Detects potentially malicious activity
Make sure it’s enabled (protection stops when switched off)

EICAR Detection

When choosing anti-spyware apps, look for ones that detect EICAR (European Institute for Computer Antivirus Research test):

Universal malware detection test
Indicates better protection capabilities
ProtectStar Anti Spy and several others detect EICAR

2025 Stalkerware Landscape

Recent developments:

Spyzie, Cocospy, and Spyic were compromised in early/mid-2025
Data leaks affected millions (including victim data)
Some services went offline after compromises
31,000+ confirmed mobile victims worldwide in 2024
Attempted spyware installs rose 6% in early 2025

Recommendations

For general spyware protection:

Best overall: Norton Mobile Security (premium but comprehensive)
Best free: TotalAV (excellent detection, no performance impact)
Budget-friendly paid: Bitdefender Mobile Security ($25/year)

For stalkerware-specific concerns:

Best dedicated: Clario Anti Spy (focuses entirely on surveillance)
Best privacy-respecting free: Incognito Spyware Detector (data stays local)
Best for hidden threat detection: Kaspersky (strong anti-stalkerware)

For maximum protection:

Use a reputable anti-spyware app
Keep Google Play Protect enabled
Regularly check accessibility, notification, and device admin settings
Only install apps from Google Play Store
Review app permissions regularly
Watch for unusual battery, data, or performance issues