Trend Micro Review 2025: A Full Security Suite That May Surprise You

Whether you’re looking for an antivirus product that will run quietly in the background or a blanket of security for the entire family, Trend Micro’s full suite of security features will keep you protected.

Trend Micro is a solid antivirus program that consistently scans quickly and blocks cyberthreats. It also has a lower starting price than most of its competitors while including ransomware protection and advanced AI learning. 

We wish Trend Micro had a firewall, but it does boost Microsoft Defender, at least. Learn more about how Trend Micro stacks up against the best antivirus

Pros
  • More affordable than Norton, McAfee, Bitdefender, and more
  • Aced all of our internal tests and recent third-party tests
  • 30-day free trial, no credit card required
Cons
  • No firewall, only boosts Microsoft Defender
  • Two lowest tiers are only available for Windows
In this article
At a glance
Our experience
Who is Trend Micro best for?
Prices and subscriptions
Security features
Test results
Compatibility
Customer support
Alternatives
FAQs
Bottom line

At a glance

Price $19.95–$54.95/yr
Free plan No
# of devices protected 1 - 10
Malware scans Manual and scheduled
Real-time protection Yes
EICAR test results 3/3
Firewall No
Phishing protection Yes
Compatibility Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
Extras Password manager, identity theft protection, VPN
24/7 support Only with Premium Security Suite
Learn more 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.

We last tested Trend Micro on May 27, 2025.

4.7
Editorial Rating
Learn More
On Trend Micro's website
Antivirus Software
Trend Micro
  • More affordable than Norton, McAfee, Bitdefender, and more top providers
  • Aced all internal tests and recent third-party tests
  • No firewall, only boosts Microsoft Defender

Our experience

We tested Trend Micro Maximum Security on a laptop running Windows 11. While we do test antivirus for Mac and mobile devices, we decided to focus this Trend Micro antivirus review on the Windows product.

We had no issues downloading the free trial and were impressed to see there was no credit card needed to begin the trial. This means we didn’t have to worry about forgetting to cancel and getting charged later for a subscription. 

Our first quick scan was done before we knew it, only taking about 32 seconds. Our full scan only ran over eight minutes and had little effect on our performance. 

Trend Micro in the process of a quick scan

Once we were done scanning our computer, we began testing the rest of the features. There were a lot of different things to play with on Trend Micro’s dashboard. 

Our favorites were the data theft prevention features. We liked that we could input pieces of our geographic and financial information to allow Trend Micro’s intuitive AI to scan the web for misuse. 

If you have kids, this feature will help keep them safe by watching to see if they share their home address. This is achieved by entering bits of personal information so the intuitive AI can monitor the data being sent. 

Overall, Trend Micro offers a lot of nice features we don’t see often when testing antivirus products.

Trend Micro setup complete page

Who is Trend Micro best for?

  • Recommended for anyone looking for comprehensive cybersecurity protection

Trend Micro has a lot going on. It’s a feature-rich antivirus program that not only promises to protect you from viruses and ransomware but also wants to help stop phishing attempts and protect your financial transactions. 

Add in online child protection, device optimization, and a password manager, and you have a comprehensive protection product. If you aren’t sure how antivirus software works, this is definitely more than what you usually get.

This is a solid choice for anyone wanting their cybersecurity product to work on a variety of levels. The features are enough to keep you protected, and the extras enhance your experience. If you’re looking for something with a lot of bells and whistles, Trend Micro might be for you.

Trend Micro cost

Trend Micro's price ranges from $19.95–$54.95/yr. There are four tiers to choose from that vary depending on features, device count, and compatibility: Antivirus + Security, Internet Security, Maximum Security, and Premium Security Suite.

If you want the most out of your Trend Micro subscription, the Maximum Security product is the one to get. It's the first tier with compatibility with more than just Windows and it includes some extras like a password manager and dark web monitoring.

While the Antivirus + Security tier is a great pricing option at $19.95/yr, we feel like you get the most value for your money with the Maximum Security for $49.95/yr 

Even at that price, Trend Micro comes in at the lower end of pricing when you factor in features. Competitors like McAfee, Norton, and Bitdefender are all comparable but might not be as feature-rich at the same price point. 

Trend Micro actually has the lowest starting price of the three; McAfee starts at $35.99/first yr, Norton starts at $29.99/first yr, and Bitdefender starts at $29.99/first yr.  

Trend MicroAntivirus + Security Trend MicroInternet Security Trend Micro Maximum Security Trend Micro Premium Security Suite
Price for first year $19.95/yr $39.95/yr $49.95/yr $54.95/yr
# devices supported 1 3 5 10
Compatible with Windows Windows Windows, iOS, macOS, Android, Chromebook Windows, iOS, macOS, Android, Chromebook
Manual and auto scan
Phishing protection
Firewall
Real-time protection
Ransomware protection
Parental controls
Performance optimization tools
Password manager
VPN
Learn more View plan View plan View plan View plan

Trend Micro offers a 30-day free trial as well as a 30-day money-back guarantee. There’s no need to enter a credit card when downloading the trial, which means you can test it without worrying you’ll forget to cancel.

Trend Micro features

Trend Micro Internet Security’s features include malware protection, defense from vulnerabilities, protection for online banking, and privacy settings that bring ease of use to your online browsing experience. From social network monitoring to mobile apps, the virus and malware detection offered can bring you peace of mind while online.

Trend Micro isn’t just a cybersecurity product. It also comes with device optimization, anti-fraud protection, and parental controls in addition to other features like Mute mode, which allows you to work uninterrupted. But don’t worry, the antivirus and anti-malware features are just as robust as the extras.

Malware and antivirus scan

The trojan, malware, and antivirus scans from Trend Micro are pretty standard for security software. You have the ability to run a quick scan, full scan, or custom scan. 

The first full scan you run might take a while (ours clocked in at around eight minutes), but subsequent scans shouldn’t need that much time. There were no issues with the scans, and we were comfortable with the antivirus protection results, given Trend Micro uses advanced AI learning to improve its product.

Trend Micro dashboard with drop-down list of scan types open

Phishing protection

Phishing protection comes in the form of the Trend Micro toolbar extension on your browser. While we didn’t find any suspicious links while testing, in theory the toolbar will notify you if something looks malicious.

When you’re searching online, it can be frustrating to have a tool like this block the site you’re trying to access. Remember, however, that if the toolbar is flagging it as malicious, it’ll likely cause you more problems than just finding another site.

Trend Micro Toolbar extension

Firewall

Trend Micro doesn’t include an actual firewall in its product, but it does contain a firewall booster to enhance Windows’ firewall functionality. When you install Trend Micro, the booster is automatically turned on to enhance protection. 

If you aren’t currently running the Windows firewall, you’ll need to turn it on for Trend Micro’s firewall booster to work. The booster will activate automatically whether or not the Windows firewall is active.

Network protection

Considering Trend Micro doesn't have its own firewall, there isn't much it has to offer for network protection. However, you can enable Trend Micro to warn you when you're connecting to potentially unsafe networks or hotspots. 

Trend Micro's protection settings on network tab

Real-time protection

It’s important to keep your Trend Micro product running in the background so you get full access to real-time protection. As files execute on your hard drive, Trend Micro analyzes and scans each one for anything potentially dangerous. 

That way, you can open attachments, download programs, and install new software without worrying that something is infected with a virus or malware. And it isn't exclusive to downloads and email; real-time protection means Trend Micro is analyzing every aspect of your browsing experience. 

If you happen to come across a website with malicious scripting encoded into its content, Trend Micro’s real-time protection will recognize it and block it from executing on your device. This is true for computers, tablets, mobile phones, and anything that can access the internet.

Trend Micro open on Device > Security Settings

Ransomware protection

One of the first actions Trend Micro took after the download was setting up the Folder Shield. It's a feature that protects your device from ransomware by protecting specific folders from these cyberthreats. 

Trend Micro automatically protected our Documents, Pictures, and OneDrive folders, but you can add additional folders to protect. 

Trend Micro pop-up explaining the Folder Shield feature.

Anti-fraud protection

The anti-fraud tools are interesting and pretty intuitive. Most come already activated, like the Privacy Scanner, but you have the option to get more granular with Data Theft Prevention. Trend Micro allows you to add parts of account numbers to your financial accounts so its smart tools can recognize an attempt to steal credentials matching them.

You can also list your geographic information, like your city or address, and the intuitive AI will use it to recognize if your child is sharing sensitive information online. Add Social Networking Protection and Pay Guard, and you have comprehensive anti-fraud tools at your disposal.

Trend Micro open on the Privacy tab

Bonus features

In addition to cybersecurity tools, you’ll enjoy a password manager, device optimization, a file shredder, Mute Mode, and other features meant to make your online experience more enjoyable.

  • PC Health Checkup: This is integrated with a full scan but can also be run on its own any time you think your computer may be running slowly. 
  • Secure Erase: This option is integrated into your Trend Micro product. It allows you to delete a file completely so it cannot be recovered.
  • Mute Mode: This mode allows you to mute notifications on your desktop so you can work or game undisturbed.
  • Password manager: This comes standard on the Premium  Security tier. It stores your passwords so you don’t risk exposing or forgetting them.
  • VPN: Although a virtual private network (VPN) doesn’t come with most tiers, it is included with the Trend Micro Premium Security Suite.

Trend Micro test results

We run three types of tests with every antivirus product we review:

  • Scan tests: Measure how long it takes to run various types of scans
  • EICAR tests: Download and open malicious test files to see if they're blocked or quarantined
  • Third-party tests: Review results from the most prominent independent organizations like AV-TEST

Scan speed

  • Result: Fast

Trend Micro has quick, custom, and full scan tests available. The quick and full scans were completed within our preferred averages, with the quick scan taking under one minute and the full scan taking under 10 minutes. Plus, we were able to browse without Trend Micro impacting our device performance. 

Scan type Time spent
Quick scan 32 seconds
Full scan 8 minutes, 17 seconds

Trend Micro will also scan your device's performance and provide an Optimization Level. Trend Micro will make suggestions on how to speed up our computer startup time. 

EICAR test results

  • Result: 3/3

EICAR stands for the European Institute for Computer Antivirus Research. It has a database of test files that mimic malware, phishing links, and other cyberthreats so you can safely test antivirus programs without downloading real malware.

Test Trend Micro score
Malware detection Pass
Drive-by malware downloads Pass
Phishing pages detection Pass

Test results as of 05/27/2025.

Trend Micro passed all three tests with ease. The malware test files were detected and removed during scans. 

Trend Micro full scan results (2 threats found and removed)

As for the phishing pages, the Trend Micro browser extension instantly blocked us from loading the page and displayed a warning. 

Trend Micro malicious phishing page warning.

AV-TEST results

  • Result: Trend Micro had perfect scores for Windows and macOS, but had minor performance issues on Android.

AV-TEST is one of the most trusted third-party review sites on the internet. It independently tests security products for their ability to protect your device from malware, have minimal impact on your device performance, and accurately assess cyberthreats.

Test type Windows score macOS score Android score
Protection 6/6 6/6 6/6
Performance 6/6 6/6 6/6
Usability 6/6 6/6 5/6
Total 18/18 18/18 17/18
Date February 2025 March 2025 March 2024
Link to test Link Link Link 

Once again, Trend Micro received perfect AV-TEST scores with its Windows and macOS platforms. This time, the Android app had issues with the performance tests. 

The Trend Micro app detected one false positive while installing and using legitimate apps from the Google Play Store. Although the industry average was zero false positives, we don't think the single false positive is enough to dissuade you from adding Trend Micro to your phone.

AV-Comparatives test results

  • Result: Trend Micro was frequently at the back of the pack, but still performed decently.

AV-Comparatives is another independent organization that test security software. For antivirus programs, it runs real-world protection, malware protection, and performance impact tests. It also reviews antivirus mobile apps for their protection abilities.

Test type Mobile security Real-world protection Malware protection Performance impact (Lower is better)
Score 100% 99.1% 98.07% 12.8
Platform Android Windows Windows Windows
Date May - June 2023 February - March 2025 March 2025 September - October 2024
Link Link Link Link Link

In the real world protection test, Trend Micro detected 22 false positives, while Microsoft Defender detected zero and Bitdefender detected only one. However, it was not far behind antiviruses like AVG and Avast, which had the highest protection rate at 99.5%.

In the malware protection test, Trend Micro came in last place with a 98.07% detection rate and 194 compromised files. For reference, Kaspersky came in first with a 100% detection rate and no compromised files. 

For the performance impact score, it was in the middle of the pack with a 12.8. For reference, McAfee received a 2.6, which was the best score.

However, the Trend Micro Android app did receive a perfect score from AV-Comparatives alongside Bitdefender, ESET, and Kaspersky.

SE Labs results

  • Result: 95%

The final third-party tester we rely on is SE Labs. It has quarterly reports that compare various antivirus programs based on protection accuracy and legitimate accuracy, which add up to the total accuracy percentage.

Protection accuracy calculates how well an antivirus program either neutralizes or blocks cyberthreats. Legitimate accuracy calculates how accurately an antivirus program detects legitimate apps and URLs, rather than classifying them as false positives. 

Test type Home Anti-Malware Protection
Protection accuracy rating 95%
Legitimate accuracy rating 96%
Total accuracy rating 95%
Date 2021 Q1
Link Link

Trend Micro received a 95% protection accuracy rating and 96% legitimate accuracy rating at the time. It was the third from the bottom out of 15 antivirus programs. 

Note that Trend Micro actually hasn't submitted itself for testing to SE Labs since 2021, so these results are outdated. 

Trend Micro compatibility

Trend Micro is available for a variety of devices and even includes a Chrome browser extension to help protect you from phishing and nefarious sites. While most products tend to forget macOS and iOS, Trend Micro not only includes compatibility for both, but it has also tested well on macOS based on AV-TEST.

Trend Micro is compatible with the following operating systems:

  • Windows 10+
  • macOS 13+
  • Android 5.0+
  • iOS 13.0+
  • Chromebook

The Trend Micro Toolbar extension is available to download for the following browsers:

  • Google Chrome
  • Mozilla Firefox
  • Microsoft Edge

Trend Micro customer support

Trend Micro offers live chat and email support, but its hours are limited. You can contact them Monday through Friday, 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. PST. Around the clock support, and phone support, is only available with the Premium Security Suite plan.

When we visited the Help Center. It might be one of the best tech support centers we’ve seen. You can choose what kind of support you need directly from the dashboard. Once you’re at the Help Center, there is an entire library of helpful information. 

Top alternatives

Trend Micro is an affordable and high-performing antivirus, but are you still wondering what else is out there? Take a look at some of our favorite antivirus programs:

Antivirus
Star rating
4.7
4.7
5.0
Price $29.00–$49.00/yr (first year only) $29.99–$249.99/yr $29.99–$299.99/first yr
# of devices protected 4 - 8 Unlimited 1 - 10
Malware scans Manual and scheduled Manual and scheduled Manual and scheduled
Real-time protection
EICAR test results 2/3 3/3 3/3
Firewall
Phishing protection
Compatibility Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Chrome, Edge, Opera, Safari Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge Windows, Mac, 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
24/7 customer support
Learn more Get TotalAV Get McAfee Get Norton 360

FAQs

What is Trend Micro?<

Trend Micro is a company that specializes in security products for homes and businesses. The company offers security, privacy protection, performance and utility, scam protection, and family protection products. 

The business products are geared toward companies looking to cover a large number of computers, servers, mobile phones, tablets, and other devices.

How trustworthy is Trend Micro?

Trend Micro is a trustworthy program, having been rated highly by third-party independent testers like AV-TEST as well as having established itself in the industry as a leader in cybersecurity. 

In addition, the company believes in transparency and trust, leading it to create a Trust Center page where you can read about the practices they use to ensure a secure and trustworthy product.

Is Trend Micro as good as McAfee?

Comparatively speaking, Trend Micro and McAfee are very similar. However, Trend Micro is more affordable while McAfee is a more comprehensive security suite. 

How does Trend Micro protect your data?

Trend Micro has a bevy of products available for data protection, including ID protection to help protect against identity theft, a VPN, a password manager, and an ad blocker. 

As far as data sharing is concerned, Trend Micro’s privacy policy states it only shares information with necessary services, like the credit card processing service they use to process your payment, and it requires all contractors to keep the information confidential and secure.

Bottom line: Is Trend Micro good?

Yes, we feel that Trend Micro is a great security product for home users for various budgets and needs. Whether you’re looking for simple protection or a robust security suite, Trend Micro delivers for a fair price. 

If you’re still not sure, check out our guide on the best antivirus programs. You can also see how Trend Micro compares to the following providers:

4.7
Editorial Rating
Learn More
On Trend Micro's website
Antivirus Software
Trend Micro
  • More affordable than Norton, McAfee, Bitdefender, and more top providers
  • Aced all internal tests and recent third-party tests
  • No firewall, only boosts Microsoft Defender
Author Details
Mary is a seasoned cybersecurity writer with over seven years of experience. With a B.S. in Liberal Arts from Clarion University and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from Point Park University, she educates audiences on scams, antivirus software, and more. Her passion lies in educating audiences on helpful ways to protect their data.