What Is Trend Micro?
Trend Micro made it to our list of best antivirus software providers for its ability to protect your devices against spam, phishing and several types of viruses. Its basic plan costs $19.95 per year and provides antivirus security for one Windows device. However, you can choose from other Trend Micro security plans to enable multiple device protection.
You’ll enjoy the following features and more:
- Ransomware protection
- Advanced artificial intelligence (AI) learning
- Anti-spam protection for emails
- Prevention against internet scams
- Social media privacy protection
- Password protection and management
- Parental control
Trend Micro offers a 30-day money-back guarantee to allow you to check the relevance and effectiveness of the above features. You’ll get a refund if you don’t like how it performs. You can also download some of its protection tools for free.
What Sets Trend Micro Apart?
Trend Micro does not stop at deleting malware or preventing threats from infesting your device; it also provides other security functions, such as protected banking, safe social media use and a firewall booster to fight against network and data infiltration. The antivirus also has minimal impact on your system’s performance.
Unique features you’ll get from Trend Micro include free security tools, identity protection and more.
Free Security Tools
Trend Micro allows you to download tools for detecting and fixing malicious threats on your devices and identifying and eliminating risks on devices connected to your Wi-Fi for free. Without paying any money, you’ll access helpful resources for optimizing your systems and preventing access to fake websites. You can also clean your device for free.
Identity Protection
Trend Micro regularly scans the dark web to check whether sensitive data, such as your email address, passwords, banking details and credit card number, are exposed. It will alert you if it finds anything, so you can protect or retrieve such data. There are also identity theft restoration specialists available to Trend Micro users around the clock to guide you through identity theft issues. They’ll help with lost wallet assistance, freeze assistance and law enforcement engagement.
Also, cover up to $1 million of out-of-pocket expenses through Trend Micro’s identity fraud insurance program. This benefit is available for customers within the U.S. who subscribe to the Premium Trend Micro plan.
VPN
Trend Micro offers its Premium Security Suite subscribers a virtual private network (VPN) that encrypts your online activities and blocks malicious websites to enhance your privacy. Trend Micro VPN hides your IP address and encrypts your data so no one can track you. This feature ensures that both your data and activities are free from interference.
Parental Control
With this Trend Micro feature, you can safeguard your kids by choosing the content they access and how long they can access it. Content filtering allows you to block inappropriate content, while the Time Limits feature helps you control how long they can spend online. You’ll also receive alerts when they use an inappropriate app.
Pros
Trend Micro offers antivirus features, including anti-phishing and anti-spam protection for your website and email activities. It also runs scans that diagnose and fix threats lurking on your device. We love that using this antivirus tool leaves minimal impact on your system performance.
You’ll also enjoy enhanced security through dark web scans and other off-line and online detection. You’ll even receive identity protection and restoration from Trend Micro.
Cons
While Trend Micro protects devices from viruses that can damage their data, it didn’t do so well in testing. It snagged 97.19% in online detection but a low mark of 60.9% for off-line detection, where 90% is considered middle-of-the-road at best. Also, its nonstop add-on offers and pop-ups were quite annoying. We even received an offer for its browser protection add-on when opening our browser.
There’s no option to add devices to your purchase, so you’ll need to purchase individual licenses for any other devices you want to protect, making it less ideal for small businesses that need to protect a handful of devices.
Trend Micro Core Features
The main antivirus features Trend Micro Antivirus offers its users are web and email protection, firewalls and more.
Web and Email Protection
Trend Micro uses machine learning and layered protection guards to prevent attacks from different types of malware. The antivirus software scans files before downloading them to your device. It also filters zero-day (new or hidden) malware to prevent data exploitation. Trend Micro enhances your data privacy by blocking suspicious websites so they can’t steal your data. Trend Micro also flags malicious emails to help you avoid scams.
Firewall
Trend Micro is automated to provide additional network-level protection with its network virus scans and anti-botnet functions. This antivirus software works with third-party firewalls to provide advanced security against spyware, viruses and any other cyber threat from finding its way to your network, let alone your devices or data. It will notify you when a new device attempts to connect to your network. You can also disconnect the internet connection with unknown or unwanted devices.
Password Protection
Trend Micro protects your privacy and secures your data through its password manager. With it, you can identify and change weak passwords to secure ones that are tough to hack. Also, there is no need to remember all your passwords, since your passwords are encrypted in one place—only remember your master password. The Password Manager Cloud Sync feature also allows you to log in freely on different devices.
Online Banking Protection
Trend Micro provides its users with a Pay Guard to secure online shopping and banking. Whenever you visit a banking or shopping site, the software opens a secure version of your browser. That way, you remain on a legitimate financial site, and no fraudulent website can steal your data or threaten your identity.
Folder Protection
Folder Shield is Trend Micro’s anti-ransomware layer, preventing attackers from encrypting your files and requesting ransom to release your data. This feature keeps track of your folders, files, OneDrive and connected USB drives to alert you about modification attempts and stop malicious processes.
Trend Micro Pricing and Plans
Pricing and Features | Antivirus+ Security | Internet Security | Maximum Security | Premium Security Suite |
---|---|---|---|---|
Annual Pricing | $19.95 | $39.95 | $49.95 | $54.95 |
Number of Devices | One | Three | Five | 10 |
Support Devices | Windows | Windows | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Chromebook | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Chromebook |
Ransomware Protection | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Email Protection | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Password Management | X | X | ✓ | ✓ |
Banking Protection | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Personal VPN | X | X | X | ✓ |
Remote Diagnosis | X | X | X | ✓ |
Dark Web Monitoring | X | X | X | ✓ |
Identity Fraud Insurance | X | X | X | ✓ |
24/7 Customer Support | X | X | X | ✓ |
Trend Micro provides antivirus features and more cybersecurity features through its package plans. However, note the device support and multi-platform support of each plan. For example, Trend Micro’s basic Antivirus+ Security plan only protects Windows devices. Also, you can only subscribe annually, and there are no discounts for multi-year plans.
Trend Micro won’t allow you to add more devices to your package. You’ll need to pay for an additional license to add more devices after the maximum device limit. However, you’ll get 30 days to try any of its packages for free. There’s also a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can always ask for a refund if the antivirus software doesn’t meet your needs.
Trend Micro Security and Privacy
Trend Micro protects your devices from antivirus and provides security features, such as multifactor authentication to ensure no one accesses your data through your account. It also has anti-spam measures and prevents infiltration via your website visits.
Also, there’s a VPN available for Trend Micro Premium Security users. Trend Micro’s ransomware, social media and banking protection features all work together to enhance your privacy and security.
Should You Trust Trend Micro Antivirus?
Trend Micro offers a cloud-based AI technology that delivers proactive and effective protection against ever-evolving malware infections that can destroy your data or expose you to scammers, identity thieves or keyloggers. Trend Micro also schedules weekly scans to check the state of your devices. You can also conduct quick and full scans or customize how and when you want it to detect and fix threats.
You can trust Trend Micro to protect you against known and new attacks, whether you want to protect your pictures and documents or complete your transactions safely, with its multiple layers of protection. However, remember that Trend Micro did not do well in our AV tests compared to its antivirus competitors.
Trend Micro Device Compatibility
Trend Micro can help protect your Windows computers, MacBooks, Android phones, iPhones and even Chromebooks. However, note that you can only cover these device types by subscribing to its higher tiers, Maximum Security or Premium Security Suite—the lower plans only secure Windows devices.
Also, you can only add devices within what your plan license permits. Antivirus+ Security supports one Windows device, and Internet Security allows three Windows computers. Trend Micro’s Maximum Security plan permits up to five devices, including Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, AndroidOS and iOS devices, while its Premium Security Suite allows you to connect up to 10 of these devices.
Below are the system requirements to enjoy Trend Micro Antivirus features.
- Windows: Windows 8.1 and above (note that those in S Mode or with ARM processor require at least Windows 10 and can only use Trend Micro Security on Microsoft Edge add-ons)
- macOS: iOS 10.14 or later
- ChromeOS: Chrome OS 79 or later
- AndroidOS: Android 5.0 or later
- iOS: iOS 11.0 or later (note that the latest antivirus version works only on 64-bit devices)
Trend Micro Alternatives and How They Compare
Pricing and Features | Trend Micro | AVG | Avast | ESET Antivirus |
---|---|---|---|---|
Forbes Advisor Rating | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
Starting Price | $19.95 per year | $46.68 per year (for the first year) | $49.99 per year (for the first year) | $39.99 per year (for the first year) |
Free Version | A few free tools are available | Available | Available for iOS devices | No |
Money-Back Guarantee | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days |
Firewall | Yes | Available for premium users | Available for premium users | Not available on its lowest plan |
Web and Email Protection | Yes | Available for premium users | Available for premium users | Yes |
Password Manager | Available for higher plans | Available for premium users | Available for premium users | Only available for ESET’s highest-plan users |
Supported Devices | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS and ChromeOS, depending on your plan | Windows, macOS, Android and iOS devices | Windows, macOS, Android and iOS devices (no ChromeOS) | Windows, macOS and Android, depending on your plan |
Multi-Platform support | Up to 10 devices, depending on your plan | Up to 10 devices | Up to 10 devices, depending on your plan | One device per subscription (additional device costs $5 extra) |
VPN Included | Available on its highest plan | Available on its highest plan | Available for Avast One Individual/ Family plan | No |
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Trend Micro vs. AVG
Trend Micro and AVG provide premium users with web and email protection and firewalls. Trend Micro offers free cybersecurity tools, and AVG provides a free version, but you can’t trust free antivirus features. For instance, you won’t get email and web protection or firewall functions from AVG’s free version.
However, AVG beats Trend Micro regarding multi-platform support, number of devices supported, customization options and how well it performs to protect you from viruses. Also, AVG ranked near the top during independent reviews from AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives, while Trend Micro did poorly. However, AVG scans are quite slow and can slow down your system.
Trend Micro vs. Avast
Both antivirus platforms won’t slow down your system performance, but Avast is preferred because of its solid security features. Its functions include file encryption, Wi-Fi network scanning, webcam protection and an advanced firewall, where Trend Micro only enhances the Windows firewall.
Trend Micro appears to cost less, but its lowest plan lacks a few cybersecurity features and only works on one Windows device. Avast’s least-premium plans support five to 10 devices, while Trend Micro requires individual license purchases for your devices. However, Trend Micro offers free tools for different devices, while Avast has a free version for iOS devices.
Trend Micro vs. ESET
While Trend Micro and ESET provide web and email protection and have a firewall and other security features available to their users, they differ in their offerings. Trend Micro costs lower yearly, especially since ESET will cost more than $39.99 in subsequent years. It also provides a VPN for those using its highest plan, and specific tools are available for free. None of these are available to ESET users.
Trend Micro also supports iOS and ChromeOS devices, whereas ESET Antivirus does not. We also noticed a minimal impact on device performance when testing Trend Micro. ESET users should prepare for a noticeable performance decline, especially during scanning. However, ESET performed well in independent testing, snagging top positions for AV-Comparatives, where Trend Micro ranked last in AV-Comparatives’ March 2023 Malware Protection scoring.
Also, you can add more devices to your ESET package at $5 per device, while you’ll need a new license to connect more devices on Trend Micro. Both antivirus platforms offer 30 days of free trial and a money-back guarantee, so you can see how they perform before parting with your money.
Who Is Trend Micro Best For?
Trend Micro is best for those seeking affordable antivirus software with solid malware and phishing protection.
Trend Micro for Personal Use
If you need an antivirus tool that offers different plans with specific features instead of a complex one with several functions you don’t need, this antivirus is for you. Trend Micro is even better, if you’re a freelancer or solo entrepreneur looking to protect your device and data (belonging to several clients and projects) from attacks or avoid downloading files that can damage them.
Trend Micro for Business Use
Trend Micro’s antivirus and security plans won’t allow you to purchase licenses for multiple devices, meaning you need to pay individual licenses for any device you want to use with the antivirus software. That makes Trend Micro pricing plans less than ideal for businesses with several employees using different devices. However, Trend Micro offers business-focused cybersecurity options with antivirus features. You can contact the team for pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does Trend Micro slow down your computer?
When we tested Trend Micro, we found it to leave minimal impact on system performance. Trend Micro even gives users tips on how to speed up Windows PCs. So rest assured, you can carry on your usual activities without experiencing significant slowing down, even with the antivirus tool working in the background. However, the software’s constant add-on offers and pop-ups can be annoying and often require a few clicks to close them.
Is Trend Micro really free?
While Trend Micro does not offer a free version, a few free tools are available to perform privacy protection and scam detection functions. You’ll access antivirus, VPN and password management features, but bear in mind that you won’t enjoy advanced privacy protection or get to protect all types of devices with Trend Micro free tools. At best, you’ll protect two types of devices. For premium antivirus features, hop on Trend Micro’s 30-day free trial or money-back guarantee.
Is Trend Micro better than McAfee?
McAfee edges out Trend Micro regarding its solid protection, clean interface and impressive user ratings. However, it’s important to note that we noticed significant slowdowns, long scan times and a few performance issues when testing McAfee Antivirus. Also, its renewal cost is high. While first-time users get to pay $29.99, you’ll need to renew at $89.99 per year.