About Antivirus – Cleaner + VPN
I downloaded Antivirus – Cleaner + VPN from the Google Play Store because my phone, a two-year-old mid-range model, was starting to feel sluggish. I was skeptical of “all-in-one” apps, but the 4.7 rating and the fact it was free convinced me to give TarrySoft’s app a shot. My main goal was to clear out junk files and see if the VPN was actually usable without a subscription. After installing it, I ran the first scan right away, and I was surprised by what it found.
Features & Highlights
The app bundles three main tools. The cleaner is what I use most; it digs up cache from apps I forgot I had, like old game installs and social media temp files. I freed up over 3GB on my first deep clean. The antivirus scanner runs quickly and flagged a dodgy APK I’d downloaded from a third-party site a while back, which was a relief. The VPN is the standout for a free tool. I get servers in about five countries, including the US and Japan. I use it mostly to check regional news sites or when I’m on public Wi-Fi at the coffee shop. It’s not the fastest for streaming 4K video, but for browsing and checking email, it holds up well without constant disconnects.
User Experience
Opening the app is straightforward. The main dashboard shows three big buttons for Clean, Scan, and VPN. I tapped ‘Clean,’ and within seconds it showed a list of junk files categorized by type—cache, residual files, ad junk. I remember thinking, “Oh, so that’s where all my storage went,” when I saw the breakdown. Tapping the VPN button connects you to the fastest server automatically, which I like for quick tasks. The one hiccup I had was with a full device scan; it took about 8 minutes, and my phone got noticeably warm, but it didn’t slow down other apps I had open. The interface is simple, with no confusing menus, which I appreciate.
Pricing
The app is genuinely free. There’s no premium tier or subscription nagging you every time you open it. The VPN has a daily data limit (I’ve hit it once after a long browsing session), but it resets every 24 hours. For the core features—cleaning and antivirus—there are no restrictions. You don’t need to pay to remove malware or delete junk files. For a free app, the value is excellent. If you need unlimited, high-speed VPN for heavy-duty use, you’d look elsewhere, but for the average user wanting a performance boost and basic privacy, the price is perfect.
Updates & Support
I’ve seen two minor updates in the month I’ve had it installed, mostly for bug fixes and performance improvements. The update notes in the Play Store are brief but clear. I haven’t needed to contact support directly, but the in-app FAQ section covers common issues like VPN connection problems or scan errors. It’s not a sprawling knowledge base, but the answers I found were practical and solved my question about clearing the app’s own cache. The developer, TarrySoft, seems active, which is a good sign for an app handling security.
Security & Privacy
I downloaded it directly from the official Google Play Store. The app requests pretty standard permissions for its functions—storage access for the cleaner, network access for the VPN. I didn’t see any unusual permission requests. During my testing, I didn’t encounter any pop-up ads within the app itself, which is rare for a free utility. Their privacy policy states they don’t sell personal data, and the VPN claims a no-logs policy. For a free app, it feels less intrusive than many others. I’m comfortable with the trade-off for the functionality I’m getting.
What features does Antivirus – Cleaner + VPN include?
The app bundles a junk cleaner, an antivirus scanner, and a free VPN. The cleaner can free up several gigabytes by removing cache and residual files, the antivirus can flag suspicious APKs, and the VPN offers servers in about five countries for secure browsing.
How does the VPN work without a subscription?
The VPN is genuinely free with no premium tier or subscription required, giving you access to servers in countries like the US and Japan. It's not fast enough for 4K streaming but works well for browsing, checking email, and using public Wi-Fi without constant disconnects.
Why did my phone get warm during a full scan?
A full device scan can take about 8 minutes and may cause your phone to warm up noticeably, especially on mid-range or older devices. This is normal for a thorough scan, and it shouldn't slow down other apps you have open.
What should I do if the cleaner doesn't free up as much space as expected?
Make sure you run a 'deep clean' rather than a quick scan, as the deep clean digs into cache from old games and social media apps. The app categorizes junk by type, so you can review what's being removed and select more items if needed.
How does this app compare to Norton 360 for mobile?
Antivirus – Cleaner + VPN is completely free with no subscription, while Norton 360 requires a paid plan for full features. However, Norton offers stronger malware protection and faster VPN speeds for streaming, whereas this app is better for basic cleaning and casual VPN use.
