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Best Security Suite
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Consistently near-perfect test scores across all third-party testers
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Comprehensive scam protection, including AI-powered Scam Copilot and phishing defense
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Includes extra features like safe banking, VPN, and more
As one of the top-rated antivirus programs we've tested, Bitdefender is the better option over Trend Micro overall. Bitdefender starts at a higher price point of $34.99/first yr, but packs a lot into the price, like a virtual private network (VPN), social network protection, and an anti-tracker feature. Not to mention it also has a free plan for your basic needs.
Trend Micro has a range of products to fit almost any budget, but no free version. Prices start at $24.95/yr for one device, but you’ll get more features like ID theft protection with the higher tier plans.
Keep reading to find out which one of these antivirus programs checks the most boxes for you.
Prices
Features
Test results
Compatibility and customer support
Top alternatives
FAQs
Bitdefender vs. Trend Micro: which is better?
Bitdefender vs. Trend Micro compared
- Bitdefender: Best security suite
- Trend Micro: Best for basic security
![]() Our Pick
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Starting price | ||
Starting price | Starts at $34.99/first yr | Starts at $24.95/yr |
Free version | ||
Max number of protected devices | 25 | 10 |
Real-time protection | ||
Phishing protection | ||
Ransomware protection | ||
Extras | VPN, cryptomining protection, parental controls, webcam protection | Password manager, identity theft protection, VPN |
24/7 customer support | ||
Compatibility | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS |
Learn more | Get Bitdefender | Get Trend Micro |
How we test and rate antivirus software
We use our proprietary grading rubric in all of our testing, which considers ease-of-use, third-party testing scores, internal testing scores, price, compatibility, and features offered, among other metrics.
This means that our testing process is designed to ensure that the product isn't too confusing, protects as it claims, and offers you a lot for a reasonable price. We download and run each program on our own computers on home networks, just like you would. Our ratings reflect the real-world performance of the antivirus product. This ensures that we can recreate a similar experience for you and give our best advice on whether or not it's worthwhile.
To learn more about how we test, check out our full antivirus testing methodology here.
Which antivirus software is the better value?
If you’re on a budget or want to try a free version first, Bitdefender is the better option. It also offers multi-device protection with all plans.
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Price range | $24.99–$64.99/first yr | $24.95–$54.95/yr |
Best value plan | Bitdefender Total Security for $54.99/first yr | Trend Micro Premium Security Suite for $54.95/yr |
Money-back guarantee | Yes, 30 days | Yes, 30 days |
Learn more | Get Bitdefender | Get Trend Micro |
Trend Micro starts at a cheaper price than Bitdefender but the plan is extremely limited. It’s compatible only with Windows and covers only one device. It also costs more than Bitdefender for the highest-tiered plan. If you want more security options, like password protection and macOS coverage, you’ll need to spring for the Maximum Security or Premium Security Suite plans. These cost $49.95/yr to $54.95/yr respectively.
For the best value plan, we typically choose a mid-range option. But if you need an antivirus that includes features like a VPN and identity theft protection, you should get the Premium Security Suite for a few dollars more per year. It covers twice as many devices as the Maximum Security plan, and you get more features, like dark web monitoring.
Bitdefender starts at $34.99/first yr for the Antivirus Plus plan, which covers 1 to 10 PCs. The next tier, Internet Security, gives you more advanced protection, including parental controls, a privacy firewall, and more.
We chose Bitdefender Total Security as the best value because it not only protects up to 10 devices but it provides protection for macOS, Android, and iOS. For a few additional dollars, you get more features like a device optimizer and webcam protection.
Both Bitdefender and Trend Micro offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re not happy with the software, you can get a full refund.
Which antivirus offers the better features?
While both products do their core features well, Bitdefender has a more expansive selection of options that give you far more potential.
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Manual and scheduled scans | ||
Real-time protection | ||
Phishing protection | ||
Ransomware protection | ||
Firewall | ||
Parental controls | ||
Password manager | ||
VPN | ||
Ad blocker | ||
Device optimization tools | ||
Learn more | Get Bitdefender | Get Trend Micro |
Comparing these two products’ features is where the rubber meets the road. Trend Micro has standard antivirus features, such as real-time protection and phishing security. Yet, one of the main drawbacks we found is that Trend Micro doesn’t offer a firewall. A firewall is a great asset for security protection because it prevents unauthorized users from connecting to your device.
Another difference between Bitdefender and Trend Micro is you can only get the VPN if you sign up for Trend Micro’s Premium plan. Bitdefender offers a VPN with all its plans. If you ever need to temporarily turn off either of these antivirus solutions, they both offer the option.
We should point out that both of these products have plenty to offer. Whether it’s optimization features or items like parental controls, Bitdefender and Trend Micro have options for everyone.
Bitdefender vs. Trend Micro test results
When we review antivirus products, we don’t only rely on our thorough testing. To better illustrate how an antivirus performs regarding malware detection and prevention, we turn to third-party test sites for accurate, unbiased results. For this comparison, we used AV-TEST.
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AV-TEST Windows scores | 18/18 | 18/18 |
AV-TEST macOS score | 18/18 | 18/18 |
AV-TEST Android score | 18/18 | 17/18 |
AV-Comparatives malware protection score (Windows) | 99.97% | 98.07% |
SE Labs score | 100% | 95% |
EICAR score | 3/3 | 3/3 |
Learn more | Get Bitdefender | Get Trend Micro |
While both products tested well, Bitdefender did outperform Trend Micro in a number of categories. That could mean the difference between infection and safety, so it's hard not to celebrate the slight edge Bitdefender has overall.
Compatibility and customer support
Both products are easy to use and offer a wealth of customer support options and compatibility.
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Windows | ||
macOS | ||
Android | ||
iOS | ||
Browser extensions | Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera | Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari |
24/7 customer support | ||
Customer support options | Live chat, phone, email, online guides, support forums | Chat, phone, email, support forums, social media |
Learn more | Get Bitdefender | Get Trend Micro |
Bitdefender was easy to use, and we found the menus organized and accessible. Although it has a feature-rich environment, we never felt overwhelmed navigating the interface.
There was no lag time when running scans, even though we gave it a good workout with numerous browser tabs open and streaming video services running. The only tiny fault we might have is that there are two parts to Bitdefender — the antivirus app and Bitdefender Central browser hub. To load the parental controls, you must swap between these two. Otherwise, there’s much more to like about this dashboard than not.
If you’re an Apple user, there are some features you won’t get with Bitdefender. Although this is common with antivirus software, not having the firewall, file shredder, and scheduled scans removes value from the Mac product.
Trend Micro took a bit longer to run the initial scan, but that was because it checked for malware and looked for performance updates. The next scan was faster. You can also customize the scan by choosing the drives and files you want to check. The interface has plenty of features that are easy to find and test.
Top Bitdefender vs. Trend Micro alternatives
There may be instances when neither antivirus option will suffice. You may use macOS to hammer out your work and need a software program more Apple friendly. Maybe you need fewer options or different features. Whatever it is you seek, we have some alternatives in case neither Bitdefender nor Trend Micro is your cup of cybersecurity.
Antivirus | ![]() TotalAV |
![]() McAfee |
![]() Norton 360 |
Star rating | |||
Price | $19.00–$49.00/first yr | $29.99–$249.99/yr | $29.99–$299.99/first yr |
# of devices protected | 4 - 8 | Unlimited | 1 - 10 |
Real-time protection | |||
Malware scans | Manual and scheduled | Manual and scheduled | Manual and scheduled |
Firewall | |||
EICAR test results | 2/3 | 3/3 | 3/3 |
Phishing protection | |||
Compatibility | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Chrome, Edge, Opera | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS |
Extras | Password manager, ad blocker, VPN | Parental controls, performance optimization tools, VPN | Password manager, VPN, dark web monitoring, parental controls, privacy monitor, identity theft protection, cloud backup |
Learn more | Get TotalAV | Get McAfee | Get Norton 360 |
FAQs
Is there a better antivirus than Bitdefender?
While Bitdefender ranks highly among all the antivirus software we've tested, there are a few tools that we rank higher in our best antivirus list.
Can Trend Micro be trusted?
According to the third-party testing scores from sites like AV-TEST as well as our own in-house testing, we feel Trend Micro can be trusted. On top of that, it also has a Trust Center page that provides information about privacy and data protection, which shows clear transparency regarding safety practices.
Are there any disadvantages to using Bitdefender?
You may not consider it a disadvantage, but the antivirus does lack some features if you use macOS. You won’t have access to a firewall and if you want options like the adware blocker, you’ll need to buy the Internet Security or Total Security plan.
Bitdefender vs. Trend Micro: which is better?
Both Bitdefender and Trend Micro offer great features and solid antivirus protection. But based on cost, features, and third-party test results, we do think Bitdefender is better. Trend Micro is a good product, but with higher scoring from AV-TEST and standard features like a firewall and a VPN with all plans, we think Bitdefender has an edge over the competition.
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Value | ||
Features | ||
Test results | ||
Compatibility & customer support | ||
Learn more | Get Bitdefender | Get Trend Micro |
If you want an antivirus that has lots of features and plans to fit most budgets, Bitdefender offers reliable security solutions you can trust. There’s a reason we consider it one of the best antivirus programs on the market, and we think you will, too.
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