The short answer is probably not, but it depends on how you use your device. Modern Android smartphones don’t really need an extra app, because the OS ships with built‑in security. That said, the level of protection you get varies with your habits and the devices you use.

Android defends against most malware. Google Play Protect scans every app at install and in background, blocking or removing threats. In 2025 it stopped 27 million new malicious apps. Sandbox isolation and an opt‑in permission model protect data, while regular OS patches close gaps.

Some risks stay outside antivirus reach. Fake push notifications, phishing texts, and public Wi‑Fi interception rely on social engineering, not code. A VPN protects on open networks, and Android’s upcoming AI tweaks aim to spot spoofed calls and suspicious SMS forwarding. Sideloading apps can bypass Play Protect, so users who do that may benefit from an extra scan.

If you rarely sideload, keep Play Protect on, and avoid risky sites, a third‑party AV is usually unnecessary. However, high‑risk users, older devices lacking updates, or signs of infection—pop‑ups, battery drain, slow performance—might justify a reputable AV like Norton. In most cases, education and cautious behavior provide the best defense.