Certo AntiSpy

Certo AntiSpy is a security app that scans Android devices for spyware, stalkerware, viruses, trojans, keyloggers, suspicious administrator privileges, rooting, and apps that may monitor activity through accessibility features. Most threats it detects can be removed with one tap; the app provides instructions when manual removal is needed. It can alert users to attempted device access, sound an alarm, or take an intruder photo. A privacy audit identifies apps using permissions such as camera, microphone, and location. The app also offers a breach check for accounts or passwords that may have appeared in data breaches. Premium Plus includes Certo Secure VPN. Certo says scan analysis takes place locally and that removal requires user approval, while its privacy policy says the software may collect device and usage data, including scan results. The Android app works on phones and tablets running Android 7.0 or later and does not require a computer to scan. Plans include a free option and a 7-day trial. Monthly Premium costs $4.99 a month; Premium Plus costs $8.99 a month. Yearly Premium costs $27.99 a year. The maker was founded in 2015 and is based in Basingstoke, United Kingdom.

Certo AntiSpy combines malware scanning with privacy auditing and options for intruder alerts and breach checks. The free plan covers core detection and removal; paid plans add more features at listed monthly or yearly prices.

It suits Android phone and tablet users looking for spyware checks, threat removal, and a permissions audit. Users seeking additional intruder alerts, breach checking, or VPN features can consider the paid tiers.

Certo AntiSpy is an Android security app that scans for spyware and other threats, then helps remove most of what it finds. It suits Android users who want a free scanner with privacy checks, especially those concerned about stalkerware or unwanted access to their device. The free tier covers the essentials; paid tiers add ongoing protection and extras, with monthly and yearly prices for some plans.

Overview

The free plan combines threat detection, removal and a privacy audit, giving users a way to act on findings without paying for the basic scan. Certo says scan analysis happens on the device, files and app data are not uploaded to its servers, and removal requires the user’s approval. Its privacy policy also says the software may collect device and usage data, including operating system details and scan results, to improve products and troubleshoot. That distinction matters to privacy-conscious users: local scan processing does not mean the software collects no usage data.

Most detected threats can be removed with one tap; cases that require manual action come with instructions. The app works directly on a phone or tablet, with no computer needed for scanning. Certo offers a full refund when requested within 30 days of purchase, and directs users to its Help Center for guides, tutorials and team support.

Key features

• Broad threat checks: Scans for spyware, stalkerware, viruses, trojans and keyloggers, and flags rooting, suspicious device administrator privileges and apps using accessibility features to monitor activity. This breadth is useful for investigating several kinds of unwanted monitoring, not just conventional malware.
• Threat removal: One-tap removal for most findings makes it easier to respond immediately; manual cases still require the user to follow instructions.
• Intruder alerts: Paid Premium adds intruder detection, with alerts, an alarm or a concealed intruder photo. These options suit someone concerned about another person trying to access their device.
• Privacy audit: Identifies apps accessing the camera, microphone, location and other permissions, so users can revoke access they consider invasive. It gives users a way to review permissions alongside malware checks.
• Breach Check: Premium checks the dark web for accounts or passwords that may have appeared in data breaches, extending coverage to exposed credentials.
• Secure VPN: Premium Plus includes Certo Secure VPN, which encrypts browsing connections, including on public Wi-Fi.

Pricing

AntiSpy Free costs nothing and includes spyware detection, threat removal and the privacy audit. It is the clearest fit for users who want on-demand checks and permission reviews without paying. The free plan does not include the real-time protection, intruder detection or breach check that come with Premium.

AntiSpy Premium (monthly) costs $4.99 a month, billed $4.99 /month. It includes all free features, real-time protection, Stop Intruders and Breach Check. The subscription renews automatically, though it can be canceled anytime. This is the paid option for users who want those additional protections without committing to yearly billing.

AntiSpy Premium (yearly) costs $27.99 a year, billed $27.99 /year, and includes the same features as monthly Premium. Yearly billing saves 53%, but requires paying for the year upfront; it also renews automatically and can be canceled anytime. Choose it if Premium is a continuing need and the upfront term suits you.

AntiSpy Premium Plus (monthly) costs $8.99 a month, billed $8.99 /month. It includes all Premium features and Certo Secure VPN, with automatic renewal and cancellation anytime. It fits users who want the VPN bundled with the security features; otherwise, monthly Premium costs less. Premium, Premium Plus and the separate Certo AntiSpy plan for 3 devices also appear without a published price, so those options require custom pricing. The pricing note also mentions a 7-day trial, but gives no further terms for it.

Platforms

Certo lists support for Android, iOS, Windows and macOS. Its Android app supports phones and tablets running Android 7.0 and above, and Certo says support was last verified on Android 17. The app scans on the device itself, without requiring a computer.

Who it's for

Choose Certo AntiSpy if you use Android and want a no-cost way to check for spyware, stalkerware and other threats, remove most findings, and review sensitive app permissions. Premium is more relevant if you want real-time protection, intruder alerts or breach checks; Premium Plus makes sense when an encrypted browsing connection is also a priority. Certo joined the Coalition Against Stalkerware, an initiative focused on combating non-consensual tracking and supporting survivors of tech abuse.

Look elsewhere if you need a confirmed price before choosing a paid tier, or if you need a free plan with the paid protections. The product’s detailed detection and standalone scanning are Android-focused, so users should confirm that the supported platform and capabilities meet their needs before choosing it for another listed platform.

Pros and cons

• Pros: The free plan includes detection, removal and privacy auditing, rather than stopping at scan results.
• Pros: Detection covers stalkerware and suspicious monitoring routes such as accessibility features and device administrator privileges.
• Pros: Local scan analysis, user-approved removal and an Android app that runs without a computer give users direct control over scanning and cleanup.
• Cons: Free lacks real-time protection, intruder detection and breach checks, so users seeking those safeguards need a paid plan.
• Cons: Premium Plus is the only plan described with a VPN, and its monthly price is higher than Premium.
• Cons: Several paid options have custom pricing, making their cost difficult to compare in advance.

Alternatives

For a free Android option with basic features for a lifetime, ESET Mobile Security for Android is an alternative; its free plan does not include the premium features offered in its paid tier.

BitNinja is another freemium option, with a free VPS plan limited to 2 vCPU, 2 GB RAM and up to 10 hosted users, and a VPS 6 plan priced at $6 a month.

Malwarebytes Premium is another freemium product, with support across Android, iOS, macOS, Windows and browser extensions.

For readers comparing broader software categories, see Malware Removal Software or Antivirus software. Other listed alternatives include Dr.Web CureNet!, Comodo Internet Security, Dr.Web CureIt!, Microsoft Quick Assist and Spybot – Search & Destroy.

Verdict

Certo AntiSpy is a strong fit for Android users who want free spyware detection, practical removal help and a permission audit in one app. Its strongest reason to choose it is that useful detection and cleanup are included without a subscription. Look elsewhere if you need paid features at a clearly published price or want real-time protection, intruder detection or breach checks at no cost.