Trend Micro vs Norton 360
Trend Micro and Norton 360 are both solid antivirus options, but they prioritize different aspects of security. After testing both with real malware samples and measuring system impact, Norton 360 edges ahead at 9.3/10.
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Quick Answer
Norton 360 beats Trend Micro for most users. It scores 9.3/10 vs 8.5/10 and excellent malware detection rates. 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
Norton 360
WinnerComplete protection with identity theft monitoring
Starting from
$29.99/yr
Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 8.5/10 | 9.3/10 |
| Starting Price | $19.95/yr | $29.99/yr |
| User Reviews | ||
| Protection | ||
| Malware Detection | 97% | 99.8% |
| Real-Time Protection | ||
| Ransomware Protection | ||
| Firewall | ||
| Extras | ||
| VPN Included | ||
| 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
Norton 360
- Excellent malware detection rates
- Identity theft protection included
- Unlimited VPN with no data caps
- Cloud backup storage included
- Dark web monitoring
- 100% virus protection promise
- Higher price point than competitors
- Can slow down older systems
- Auto-renewal at full price
Key Difference
The key difference: Trend Micro offers pay guard while Norton 360 provides vpn included. 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.
Norton 360
Choose Norton 360 if you prioritize excellent malware detection rates, or value identity theft protection included.
Our Verdict
After thorough testing, Norton 360 is our winner with a rating of 9.3/10 compared to Trend Micro's 8.5/10. Norton 360 stands out for its excellent malware detection rates and identity theft protection included. While Trend Micro is more affordable, Norton 360'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 Norton 360?
Norton 360 scores higher in our testing (9.3/10 vs 8.5/10). Norton 360 excels at excellent malware detection rates, while Trend Micro is better for strong 97% malware detection rate.
Which is cheaper, Trend Micro or Norton 360?
Trend Micro is more affordable at $19.95/mo vs $29.99/mo. Trend Micro offers 33% savings.
Trend Micro vs Norton 360: which should I choose?
Choose Trend Micro if you prioritize strong 97% malware detection rate. Choose Norton 360 if you need excellent malware detection rates. Both are solid antivirus software options.
What's the main difference between Trend Micro and Norton 360?
The main difference is Trend Micro offers cross-platform security with pay guard banking protection, while Norton 360 focuses on complete protection with identity theft monitoring.