Norton vs. Trend Micro 2024: Norton Has the Inside Track
Norton and Trend Micro provide a robust suite of trustworthy security features, but Norton edges ahead because of its VPN and firewall.
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Last updated Jun 7, 2024
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Best for Comprehensive Antivirus
/images/2023/03/03/logo-norton-large.png){kind=logo}
Editorial Rating
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On Norton 360 Antivirus's website
Norton 360 Antivirus
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4 plans available, all including antivirus, malware, ransomware, and hacking protection, Cloud backup, and a secure password manager
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Option to add VPN connection, dark web monitoring, privacy monitoring, and more
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Compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS on up to 10 devices depending on plan
4 plans available, all including antivirus, malware, ransomware, and hacking protection, Cloud backup, and a secure password manager
Best for a la Carte Antivirus
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Editorial Rating
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On Trend Micro's website
Trend Micro
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Comprehensive security
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30-day no-commitment free trial
Norton and Trend Micro are two of the most well-known antivirus products on the market. Norton offers comprehensive security suites, with features ranging from antivirus to parental controls to identity protection. On the other hand, Trend Micro is best if you need only antivirus protection.
In our comparative review of Norton vs. Trend Micro, we review pricing, third-party test results, and essential features to help you determine which antivirus software best meets your needs.
In this article
OverviewPrices
Features
Test results
Compatibility and customer support
FAQs
Norton vs. Trend Micro: Which is better?
Norton vs. Trend Micro overview
Choosing the right antivirus product that fits your budget and protects your device from malware can feel overwhelming. Norton and Trend Micro are two antivirus programs that provide comprehensive cybersecurity protection.
Norton is one of the most recognizable names for antivirus and malware protection. It offers several plans at different price points and protects against malware, ransomware, and other cyberthreats. We like that all of its Norton 360 plans — from Standard to Deluxe — include parental controls and a firewall for advanced protection.
Trend Micro has many features, but the Maximum Security plan offers the most bang for your buck. It’s the most expensive, but it comes with performance optimization, a password manager, and more compatibility options. However, Trend Micro doesn’t offer a firewall with any plan.
- Norton: Best for a comprehensive antivirus program
- Trend Micro: Best for a la carte antivirus protection
Norton vs. Trend Micro compared
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| Starting price | Starts at $29.99/yr (first year only) | Starts at $19.95/yr |
| Free version | ||
| Max number of protected devices | Unlimited | 10 |
| 24/7 customer support | ||
| Compatibility | Android, iOS, Windows, macOS | Android, iOS, Windows, macOS |
| Real-time protection | ||
| Phishing protection | ||
| Ransomware protection | ||
| Learn more | Get Norton | Get Trend Micro |
Norton vs. Trend Micro: prices
Our Pick
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| Price range | $29.99–$99.99/first yr | $19.95–$54.95/yr |
| Best value plan | Norton 360 Deluxe for $49.99/yr (first year only) | Trend Micro Maximum Security for $49.95/yr |
| Money-back guarantee | Yes — 60 days | Yes — 30 days |
| Learn more | Get Norton | Get Trend Micro |
Norton 360 Deluxe has the best value, supporting up to five devices, and includes features like a VPN, dark web monitoring, parental controls, and privacy monitoring for $49.99/yr (first year only). Its lowest tier Antivirus Plus plan at $29.99/yr (first year only) provides only cloud backup and a password manager as extra features.
Norton 360 Standard, priced at $39.99/yr (first year only), has similar benefits as 360 Deluxe, but it lacks parental controls and privacy monitoring. If you don’t need parental controls, you may want to consider the Norton 360 Standard plan to save money.
The most expensive plan, Norton 360 Select with LifeLock, costs $99.99/yr (first year only), protects 10 devices, and includes LifeLock identity theft protection.
Trend Micro offers four plans. Although the Maximum Security plan is priced higher, we think it’s the best value for your money.
The Maximum Security plan protects up to five devices and is compatible with Windows, iOS, macOS, Android, and Chromebook. It comes with all essential antivirus protections, plus performance optimization, mobile device security, and dark web monitoring.
Trend Micro’s basic plan costs $19.95/yr, secures one device, and is only Windows compatible. It comes with basic antivirus protection.
Norton 360 offers a 7-day free trial and a 60-day money-back guarantee for annual plans. Trend Micro has an impressive 30-day risk-free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Trend Micro doesn’t require a credit card for the free trial, so you can test it without worrying about canceling.
Winner: Norton wins for overall value. Norton 360 Deluxe will protect your devices with enhanced security features like a firewall, a VPN, 50 GB of cloud storage, and more.
Norton vs. Trend Micro: features
| Feature | Our Pick
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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 Norton | Get Trend Micro |
Norton and Trend Micro offer many of the same security and protection features, such as ransomware and malware protection, phishing protection, a password manager, parental controls, and more. However, while they offer similar benefits, there are a few key differences to note.
Norton embeds firewall protection in its software, a key differentiator between the two products. Trend Micro has a firewall booster to enhance Windows’ firewall functionality. If Trend Micro isn't running, you must turn on the Windows firewall for the booster to work.
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Unfortunately, Trend Micro doesn’t come with a VPN; it’s offered at an additional cost. Norton 360 Standard, Deluxe, and Select with LifeLock all come with Norton Secure VPN.
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Winner: Norton edges out Trend Micro. Norton’s enhanced VPN and firewall features are important for added security protection.
Norton vs. Trend Micro: test results
Third-party testing is a rigorous and reliable tool for evaluating the performance of antivirus software. It pushes the software to its maximum limits to validate the product's claims.
We use AV-TEST as an independent, unbiased third-party review site. AV-TEST assigns scores from 0 to 6 in three categories — protection, performance, and usability. The maximum number of total points a product can receive is 18. At 10 points or higher, the product gets the AV-TEST approval seal, a sign of certified security.
Norton vs. Trend Micro malware protection scores
| Feature |
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Our Pick
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| AV-TEST Windows score | 16.5/18.0 | 17.5/18.0 |
| AV-TEST macOS score | 18.0/18.0 | 18.0/18.0 |
| AV-TEST Android score | 18.0/18.0 | 18.0/18.0 |
| Learn more | Get Norton | Get Trend Micro |
Most recent Windows scores are from Mar-Apr/2024.
Most recent macOS scores are from Mar/2024.
Most recent Android scores are from Mar/2024.
Norton and Trend Micro both received perfect scores on their AV-TESTs for macOS and Android. However, the Windows platforms were docked points.
Norton received a 5.0 for performance and a 5.5 for protection. Compared to the industry average, Norton significantly slowed down computer speeds when launching popular websites, launching standard software, and installing frequently used apps. Norton also had two false positives while working with legitimate software compared to the industry average of 0.
Trend Micro received a 5.5 for performance, but that was its only markdown. Compared to the industry average, Trend Micro slowed down computer speeds when launching popular sites and installing frequently used apps.
Winner: Trend Micro wins. It was one point ahead of Norton on its Windows AV-TEST results.
Norton vs. Trend Micro: compatibility and customer support
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| Windows | ||
| macOS | ||
| Android | ||
| iOS | ||
| Browser extensions | Yes — Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Safari | Yes — Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, Safari |
| 24/7 customer support | ||
| Customer support options | Live chat, phone, online guides, forums, social media | Live chat, phone, email, online guides |
| Learn more | Get Norton | Get Trend Micro |
When testing Norton, we didn’t have difficulty using or navigating any of the features. There were no scanning issues or lags with running programs during scans.
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While Norton is compatible with macOS, some security features aren’t available for Macs. This includes the Power Eraser and Proactive Exploit Protection (PEP).
Trend Micro’s interface is easy to use. Some initial scans took longer because they checked for malware, but the following scan was faster. You can also customize the files and drives you want scanned.
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Norton and Trend Micro provide 24/7 customer support. Norton is available 24/7 via phone and live chat, while Trend Micro is available 24/7 via phone (premium plans only). Norton has a help center and a community forum. You can message its team on Facebook or Twitter with questions, and the chatbot and phone support are available 24/7.
We were impressed by Trend Micro’s help center. The dashboard is intuitive and easy to navigate, with a complete library of information. You can also connect with its support team via phone, email, chatbot, and Messenger.
Winner: This is a draw. Norton and Trend Micro have intuitive interfaces and superior customer support. Trend Micro may have better compatibility with macOS, but both Norton and Trend Micro received high scores in all categories for compatibility.
FAQs
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Is there better virus protection than Norton?
We listed Norton as one of the best antivirus programs for its bundled services. However, there are other trusted and tested antivirus products that may be more economical or have higher AV-TEST scores, like Trend Micro.
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Can I trust Trend Micro?
Yes, you can trust Trend Micro. The independent AV-TEST results prove that Trend Micro is safe and trustworthy and protects against malware.
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What are Norton Antivirus’ disadvantages?
Norton makes a highly regarded antivirus software. The primary disadvantage to using Norton is if you’re a dedicated Apple user, as some of the security tools aren’t available for macOS.
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Does Trend Micro slow down your computer?
According to AV-TEST, Trend Micro’s Windows app slowed down computer speeds in some instances, like launching popular sites. However, it received only a half point deduction for this and it received a perfect performance score for macOS and Android.
Norton vs. Trend Micro: Which is better?
Both Norton and Trend Micro are reliable antivirus programs. Trend Micro is improving its third-party testing and reviews. Norton is an OG in the antivirus software market and continues to adapt to the ever-changing security threats.
It’s a close call between the two, but Norton is our preferred pick. Norton’s features, such as a secure VPN, a firewall, and dark web monitoring, wrapped into their Standard and Deluxe plans, make it stand out from the competition.
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Norton 360 Antivirus
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4 plans available, all including antivirus, malware, ransomware, and hacking protection, Cloud backup, and a secure password manager
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Option to add VPN connection, dark web monitoring, privacy monitoring, and more
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Compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS on up to 10 devices depending on plan
Norton vs. Trend Micro alternatives
Even though Norton and Trend Micro offer a full suite of security features and pricing plans, they may not meet your needs. We’ve thoroughly tested and reviewed three other alternatives for you to consider.
| Antivirus | 
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| Best for | Overall protection | Parental controls | Phishing protection |
| Starting price | Starts at $29.00/yr (first year only) | Starts at $39.99/yr (first year only) | Starts at $29.99/yr (first year only) |
| Additional features | Password manager, ad blocker, a VPN, device optimization tools | Identity and credit monitoring, a VPN, file shredder, parental controls | Password manager, a VPN, parental controls, safe online banking |
| Learn more | Get TotalAV | Get McAfee | Get Bitdefender |
Norton 360 Antivirus
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4 plans available, all including antivirus, malware, ransomware, and hacking protection, Cloud backup, and a secure password manager
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Option to add VPN connection, dark web monitoring, privacy monitoring, and more
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Compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS on up to 10 devices depending on plan
Author Details
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Callander Turner is a seasoned writer with more than a decade of writing experience. Holding a B.A. in English from the College of William and Mary, she began her career in tech policy and specializes in topics such as hacking, antivirus software, and password managers.
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