Our comprehensive 2026 Android security showdown tested 15 apps against 5,000 Android malware samples. Google Play Protect detected 78.3% — significantly better than early years but trailing dedicated apps. Bitdefender Mobile Security achieved 99.6% with lightest battery impact at just 1.2% daily. Norton Mobile Security reached 99.4% with excellent web protection. Kaspersky Mobile Security delivered 99.1% with strong anti-theft features. Avast Mobile Security achieved 98.4% for free. Trend Micro Mobile Security reached 99.2% with exceptional social media privacy monitoring. Our comparison table includes detection rates, battery impact, features, and value scores.