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Trend Micro Antivirus+ Security Review

The plus stands for a raft of bonus security features

3.5

Good

By Neil J. Rubenking

Updated September 18, 2020

THE BOTTOM LINE

In addition to malware protection for a single Windows computer, Trend Micro Antivirus+ Security offers layered protection against ransomware, a firewall booster, protection for online banking, and more.

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PROS

• Very good scores in our antiphishing and malicious URL blocking tests
• Multilayered ransomware protection
• Pay Guard protects online transactions
• Many bonus features

CONS

• Poor score in our hands-on malware protection test
• Some poor scores in independent lab tests
• Social network link protection choices dated
• No multi-device volume licensing

TREND MICRO ANTIVIRUS+ SECURITY SPECS

On-Demand Malware Scan	Yes
On-Access Malware Scan	Yes
Website Rating	Yes
Malicious URL Blocking	Yes
Phishing Protection	Yes
Behavior-Based Detection	Yes
Vulnerability Scan	No
Firewall	No

ALL SPECS 

To even be considered a full-scale antivirus, a program must sweep away all existing malware infestations and protect the system against new attacks. That’s the minimum. Trend Micro Antivirus+ Security goes way beyond that minimum. The "plus" in its name refers to a wealth of bonus features, among them a firewall booster, layered ransomware protection, and a hardened browser for online banking. Add those to an effective core antivirus system and you've got a product that's well worth a look.

How Much Does Trend Micro Antivirus+ Security Cost?

For $39.95 per year, you can protect one PC with Trend Micro. That's a normal price for a single license; Bitdefender, Kaspersky, and Webroot (among others) come in on or about this price point. McAfee AntiVirus Plus costs $59.99 per year, but that lets you protect all your Windows, Android, iOS, and macOS devices, not just one PC.

Unlike most competitors, Trend Micro doesn't offer a three- or five-device antivirus subscription. If you want a volume discount, you must upgrade to Trend Micro Internet Security, which lists for $79.95 per year for three licenses that you can use on Windows or macOS devices. At the highest level, Trend Micro Maximum Security comes in five- and 10-license packs, and offers protection for devices running Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.

The installer performs a check for active malware, just in case, and asks for your license key. To complete installation, you create or log into an online account. And you get a chance to enable Trend Micro's Folder Shield ransomware protection (more about that below).