Trend Micro vs ESET
Trend Micro and ESET are both solid antivirus options, but they prioritize different aspects of security. After testing both with real malware samples and measuring system impact, ESET edges ahead at 9.2/10.
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Quick Answer
ESET beats Trend Micro for most users. It scores 9.2/10 vs 8.5/10 and av-comparatives product of the year 2024. Choose Trend Micro if you need strong 97% malware detection rate.
Trend Micro
Cross-platform security with Pay Guard banking protection
Starting from
$19.95/yr
ESET
WinnerAward-winning protection with minimal system impact
Starting from
$49.99/yr
Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 |
| Starting Price | $19.95/yr | $49.99/yr |
| User Reviews | ||
| Protection | ||
| Malware Detection | 97% | 100% |
| Real-Time Protection | ||
| Ransomware Protection | ||
| Firewall | ||
| Extras | ||
| VPN Included | Ultimate only | |
| Password Manager | ||
| Parental Controls | ||
| Coverage | ||
| Devices | Up to 10 | Up to 10 |
| Gaming Mode | ||
| Webcam Protection | ||
Pros & Cons Breakdown
Trend Micro
- Strong 97% malware detection rate
- Pay Guard secure browser for online banking
- Excellent anti-phishing protection
- Supports 5 platforms including Chromebook
- $1M identity theft insurance (US only)
- No auto-renewal requirement
- Scans can slow system performance
- Higher false positive rates than competitors
- Limited VPN features compared to rivals
- Renewal prices nearly double after first year
ESET
- AV-Comparatives Product of the Year 2024
- Perfect 6/6 AV-TEST scores across all categories
- Extremely lightweight - minimal system resource usage
- Multi-platform support (Windows, macOS, Android)
- Advanced threat detection with low false positives
- 30-day money-back guarantee and free trial
- No iOS support available
- VPN only included in Ultimate tier
- Interface less modern than some competitors
- Identity protection requires Ultimate plan
Key Difference
The key difference: Trend Micro offers parental controls while ESET provides banking protection. This fundamental distinction shapes who each product serves best.
Which Should You Choose?
Trend Micro
Choose Trend Micro if you prioritize strong 97% malware detection rate, or value pay guard secure browser for online banking.
ESET
Choose ESET if you prioritize av-comparatives product of the year 2024, or value perfect 6/6 av-test scores across all categories.
Our Verdict
After thorough testing, ESET is our winner with a rating of 9.2/10 compared to Trend Micro's 8.5/10. ESET stands out for its av-comparatives product of the year 2024 and perfect 6/6 av-test scores across all categories. While Trend Micro is more affordable, ESET's advantages justify the price difference for most users. However, Trend Micro remains an excellent choice if strong 97% malware detection rate is your priority. There's no universally "wrong" choice here - both are quality options that serve their target audiences well.
Thinking of Switching?
Consider the migration effort before switching. Most services offer data export, but rebuilding workflows and configurations takes time. Evaluate whether the benefits outweigh the switching costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Trend Micro better than ESET?
ESET scores higher in our testing (9.2/10 vs 8.5/10). ESET excels at av-comparatives product of the year 2024, while Trend Micro is better for strong 97% malware detection rate.
Which is cheaper, Trend Micro or ESET?
Trend Micro is more affordable at $19.95/mo vs $49.99/mo. Trend Micro offers 60% savings.
Trend Micro vs ESET: which should I choose?
Choose Trend Micro if you prioritize strong 97% malware detection rate. Choose ESET if you need av-comparatives product of the year 2024. Both are solid antivirus software options.
What's the main difference between Trend Micro and ESET?
The main difference is Trend Micro offers cross-platform security with pay guard banking protection, while ESET focuses on award-winning protection with minimal system impact.