Trend Micro’s Premium Security Suite has garnered attention for its robust features and competitive pricing, making it a noteworthy player in the antivirus market. With a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of 9.95, this suite promises comprehensive protection for users navigating the complexities of online threats.
<blockquote class="b-reviewquote”>
“Trend Micro antivirus has a great track record of defending against online threats and offers several affordable price tiers.”
<ul class="b-reviewlist-inner”>
<ul class="b-reviewlist-inner”>
As cyber threats evolve, so too does Trend Micro, which has recently enhanced its antivirus offerings with innovative features such as AI app safeguards and browser notification scam protection. A thorough evaluation of the latest version reveals how it stacks up against other leading antivirus solutions.
Tiers and pricing
Trend Micro provides a range of pricing tiers, starting at an appealing per year for the basic Antivirus+ subscription, which covers one device. This entry-level option is notably more affordable than many competitors, including Avast. It effectively scans for malware, blocks website threats, and alerts users to potential scams.
For those with multiple devices, the Internet Security plan offers coverage for three devices, while the Maximum Security plan extends protection to five devices. The premium offering, the Premium Security Suite, is available for annually and safeguards up to ten devices, featuring a VPN, million in identity theft insurance, and round-the-clock support.
Trend Micro also provides 30-day free trials across all subscription tiers, allowing users to assess the service before making a commitment. Additionally, HouseCall, a free virus scanner, can identify and eliminate existing malware, though it lacks the proactive protection of a full antivirus solution.
Design
The installation process for Trend Micro on Windows is swift and user-friendly, guiding users to download the mobile app via a QR code. Upon launching the application, users are greeted with a reassuring green checkmark, indicating active malware protection. A quick scan confirms the absence of threats on the system.
The dashboard is designed with clarity in mind, featuring easy navigation through tabs for device options, privacy checks, data protection, and parental controls. The intuitive layout ensures that users can access help and account settings with ease, enhancing the overall user experience.
Features
Trend Micro excels in threat detection, boasting an impressive record in independent evaluations conducted by AV-Test. Over 11 years, it achieved a near-perfect score, with only ten misses attributed to zero-day attacks—an expected challenge in the cybersecurity landscape.
In practical tests, Trend Micro’s Premium Security Suite effectively blocked all malware attempts during evaluations on Wicar.org, showcasing its reliability. The suite includes a premium VPN, which performed admirably with a download speed of 343Mbps, rivaling dedicated streaming VPNs.
Furthermore, the integration of AI app protection and the ability to block malicious browser notifications enhance the suite’s overall effectiveness, addressing a broad spectrum of security concerns.
Support
Customer support is a strong suit for Trend Micro, offering phone support for all users and 24/7 live chat for Premium subscribers. In testing the chat feature, the AI provided prompt and relevant information, and a seamless transition to a live agent demonstrated the company’s commitment to customer service.
Privacy and security
With a longstanding reputation in cybersecurity, Trend Micro prioritizes user privacy. Its terms indicate that data usage is limited to providing the services paid for, although certain features may require access to personal data for optimal functionality. A minor data breach in 2019, affecting less than 1% of customers, serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance in data security.
Is Trend Micro right for you?
With a variety of protection tiers, Trend Micro stands out as a formidable antivirus solution. Its Premium Security Suite, characterized by ease of use and a comprehensive feature set, represents a valuable investment for those seeking robust malware prevention. Despite its high level of protection, it remains competitively priced, making it an attractive option for consumers looking for quality antivirus software.
