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Trend Micro Review: Comprehensive Antivirus Protection

Trend Micro's home antivirus line, including Maximum Security and ScamCheck, now sits under TrendLife, the consumer brand Trend Micro launched in April 2026. Suites list from $59.95 to $109.95 for the first year.

Changed: Trend Micro

Trend Micro's home products are now TrendLife

On April 15, 2026 Trend Micro moved its consumer security products to a new brand, TrendLife. The products are still sold. Our review below covers what changed and current pricing.

Checked October 13, 2026.

Trend Micro Comprehensive Antivirus Protection BestGuide rating

No current rating: see the status note above.

On this page14 sections
  1. Ratings and complaints
  2. Trend Micro vs. competitors
  3. Pricing
  4. Step by step
  5. Trend Micro legitimacy and licensing
  6. Trend Micro pricing and renewal
  7. How well Trend Micro protects you
  8. What you get in each suite
  9. Trend Micro complaints
  10. How to cancel Trend Micro and get a refund
  11. Who should skip Trend Micro
  12. What customers say
  13. Alternatives
  14. FAQ
Our verdict

Trend Micro's suites suit households that want scam and banking protection, parental controls and, on the top plan, a VPN and identity theft help. It is a legitimate, long-established security company, publicly traded in Tokyo, and its home products are now sold under the TrendLife consumer brand. The tradeoffs: its 2026 AV-TEST protection scores slipped below the top products (4.5 and 5 out of 6, certified but not Top Product), plans renew at a higher regular price, and Trustpilot reviewers describe trouble cancelling auto-renewals. Compare it with Norton or Bitdefender, and with Microsoft Defender, which is free.

Your options

  • TotalAV This company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints. Alternative People who want an easy antivirus app across several phones and computers and will manage the renewal date themselves.
  • Webroot This company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints. Alternative People with older or slower PCs who want light, low-maintenance antivirus across a few devices and will manage renewal themselves.
Company
Trend Micro Incorporated (Tokyo Stock Exchange: 4704); consumer business rebranded TrendLife on April 15, 20261
Suites
Internet Security $59.95 (3 devices), Maximum Security $74.95 (5), Premium Security Suite $109.95 (10), introductory prices as listed October 20262
Regular prices
$83.95, $104.95 and $154.95; plans renew at the then-current renewal price2
Money-back guarantee
30 days on purchases from Trend Micro's online store only, minus shipping4
Auto-renewal
On by default for online store purchases; charged up to 15 days before expiry5
Lab results
AV-TEST June 2026: certified, protection 5, performance 6, usability 6 (Internet Security 17.9)3
BBB
A+, not accredited; 28 complaints in the last 3 years (Irving, Texas)7
Free tools
HouseCall online scanner for Windows and Deepfake Inspector for PC8

Trend Micro ratings and complaint records

  • AV-TEST (Windows) Certified June 2026: protection 5, performance 6, usability 6; February 2026: 4.5, 6, 6. Last Top Product award was April 2025 View source
  • AV-Comparatives Below ADVANCED+ Trend Micro Internet Security was tested in the February to May 2026 real-world test but was not among the 7 ADVANCED+ products View source
  • BBB A+ Trend Micro Incorporated, Irving, TX; not accredited; 28 complaints in the last 3 years; 7 customer reviews View source
  • Trustpilot 1.4 out of 5 138 reviews, 70% one star; unclaimed profile; complaints center on renewals and cancellation View source
  • App Store 4.7 out of 5 Trend Micro Mobile Security, about 28,700 ratings; ScamCheck 4.6 from about 2,300 ratings (US) View source

Pros

  • Established, publicly traded security company
  • Strong focus on scams, phishing and online banking
  • Premium Security Suite covers up to 10 devices with a VPN and ID theft help
  • Chromebook support on every suite
  • Free HouseCall scanner and Deepfake Inspector

Cons

  • AV-TEST protection scores dropped below the top products in 2026
  • Not among AV-Comparatives' top-rated products in the February to May 2026 test
  • Plans renew at a higher regular price
  • Money-back guarantee only on official online store purchases
  • Trustpilot complaints about cancelling auto-renewal

Best for: Families who want scam protection and parental controls across many devices, including Chromebooks.

Skip it if: Top lab scores matter most to you, or you only need protection on one Windows PC.

Trend Micro vs. competitors

Trend Micro compared with competitors
Company5-device plan, first yearRenewalMoney-backRecent AV-TEST (protection, performance, usability)Next step
Trend Micro Maximum Security $74.95$104.95 regular price30 days, online store only5, 6, 6 (June 2026, certified)
Norton 360 Deluxe $49.99$124.9960 days6, 6, 6 (August 2026) Visit site
Bitdefender Total Security $59.99Not listed on the plan page30 days6, 6, 6 (August 2026) Read review
Microsoft Defender Antivirus Free, built into WindowsFreeNot applicable6, 5.5, 6 (August 2026)

Antivirus software we reviewed

  1. Trend Micro This review Best for: Families who want scam protection and parental controls across many devices, including Chromebooks.
  2. TotalAV This company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints. BestGuide rating: 4.8 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: People who want an easy antivirus app across several phones and computers and will manage the renewal date themselves.
  3. AVG BestGuide rating: 4.7 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: Windows users who want a free antivirus with strong lab results, or a cheap first year of protection for one PC or a 10-device household.
  4. Webroot This company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints. BestGuide rating: 4.7 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: People with older or slower PCs who want light, low-maintenance antivirus across a few devices and will manage renewal themselves.
  5. Malwarebytes This company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints. BestGuide rating: 4.6 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: People who want light, well-tested antivirus with web scam blocking, or a free second-opinion scanner to clean up an infected PC.
  6. PC Matic This company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints. BestGuide rating: 4.5 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: People who mainly use well-known programs and want inexpensive, low-maintenance protection on several devices.
  7. ESET This company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints. BestGuide rating: 4.4 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: People who want proven antivirus that stays light on older or lower-powered computers, without paying for a large bundle.
  8. Intego This company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints. BestGuide rating: 4.3 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: Mac owners who want a native antivirus and firewall in one app, especially families covering several Macs.
See all antivirus software, ranked

Trend Micro pricing at a glance

Trend Micro (TrendLife) home security suites, 1-year prices as listed October 20262

Plan Introductory price Regular price Devices Platforms Adds
Internet Security $59.95 $83.95 3 Windows, Mac, Chromebook Scam, ransomware and banking protection, parental controls
Maximum Security $74.95 $104.95 5 Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Chromebook Password manager, mobile security, dark web monitoring
Premium Security Suite $109.95 $154.95 10 Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Chromebook VPN, up to $1 million identity fraud insurance (U.S.), ID theft restoration

The page shows two prices per plan without labels; the lower one is the introductory price for the first term. Plans renew each year at the then-current renewal price. Other term and device options are offered at checkout.

Trend Micro, step by step

  1. Choose a suite

    Pick by device count and whether you need phone coverage, a password manager or the VPN and identity services.

  2. Buy from the official store

    Only purchases from Trend Micro's online store get the 30-day money-back guarantee. Retail, reseller and app store purchases follow other rules.

  3. Install and sign in

    Install on each device and link it to your Trend Micro account to manage licenses.

  4. Watch the renewal email

    Auto-renewal is on by default and can charge up to 15 days before expiry. The renewal email shows the amount and has a link to cancel.

  5. Cancel or request a refund

    Turn off auto-renewal in your account or from the renewal email. Request a refund through the help center's refund form within 30 days.

Trend Micro legitimacy and licensing

Yes. Trend Micro Incorporated is a large cybersecurity company listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (4704), with its U.S. office in Irving, Texas. On April 15, 2026 it moved its consumer business to a new brand, TrendLife, and introduced Kaleida, an AI assistant for families that is in early access. Its existing products, including Maximum Security, ID Protection, Trend Micro VPN and ScamCheck, are still sold, now through TrendLife’s site and help center.

The BBB rates Trend Micro Incorporated A+ (not accredited) with 28 complaints in three years. Reuters reported in 2025 that private equity firms were interested in buying the company; we found no completed sale.

Trend Micro pricing and renewal

For one year, Trend Micro lists Internet Security at $59.95 for 3 devices, Maximum Security at $74.95 for 5 devices and Premium Security Suite at $109.95 for 10 devices. Their regular prices are $83.95, $104.95 and $154.95. The introductory price only applies to your first term, and each plan renews at the then-current renewal price.

Auto-renewal is turned on when you buy from the online store, and Trend Micro can charge up to 15 days before your subscription expires. You’ll get an email with the amount and date and a link to cancel.

Alternative: TotalAVVisit siteCompare all

How well Trend Micro protects you

Lab results have slipped. In AV-TEST’s Windows tests, Trend Micro Internet Security earned Top Product through April 2025, but in February 2026 it scored 4.5 out of 6 for protection and in June 2026 it scored 5, enough for certification but below the 6 that Norton, Bitdefender and Microsoft Defender earned in August 2026. In AV-Comparatives’ February to May 2026 real-world test, it was not among the seven products that earned the top ADVANCED+ award.

Performance and usability scores stayed at 6, so it remains light on your PC. If you want the strongest Malware. Any software designed to harm a device or steal data, including viruses, spyware and Ransomware. Malware that locks or encrypts your files and demands payment to release them. Compare antivirus software. Compare antivirus software protection scores, the products above did better this year.

What customers say about Trend Micro

Recurring themes across the review sites and complaint records listed above, not individual quotes.

Common praise

  • Core protection works quietly for many users
  • Strong scam and phishing focus, including ScamCheck for phones
  • Well-rated mobile apps

Common complaints

  • Charges after cancelling or auto-renewal that couldn't be turned off
  • Refunds refused outside the 30-day window
  • Hard-to-reach phone support
  • Pop-ups and alerts that push upgrades

What you get in each suite

Internet Security covers Windows, Mac and Chromebook with ransomware, scam and banking protection, parental controls, privacy tools and PC optimization. Maximum Security adds Android and iOS, a password manager and dark web monitoring. Premium Security Suite adds a personal VPN, up to $1 million in identity fraud insurance for U.S. customers, 24/7 identity theft resolution help, and credit freeze and lost wallet assistance. ScamCheck, sold for Android and iOS, checks texts, calls, websites and video calls for scams.

Trend Micro complaints

Trustpilot shows 1.4 out of 5 from 138 reviews on an unclaimed profile. The main complaints are charges after cancelling, auto-renewals that were hard to turn off, refunds refused after 30 days, phone support that is hard to reach and pop-ups promoting upgrades. The BBB lists 28 complaints in three years.

Search results also show unofficial pages listing “Trend Micro support” phone numbers. Use only the help center linked from Trend Micro or TrendLife’s own site; the FTC warns that real companies won’t ask you to call a number from a pop-up.

How to cancel Trend Micro and get a refund

Turn off auto-renewal in your Trend Micro account or with the link in the renewal email, then check that the status changed. For a refund, use the refund request form in the help center, choose “Refund a Recent Purchase” and select the online channel. The 30-day money-back guarantee covers only purchases from Trend Micro’s online stores, minus shipping; if you bought through a retailer, app store or bundled offer, request a refund from that seller. If you’re charged after cancelling, a card dispute is your backstop.

Who should skip Trend Micro

If you have one Windows PC, Microsoft Defender is free and scored higher for protection in AV-TEST’s August 2026 test. If you want the best lab results at a similar price, Bitdefender and Norton led 2026 tests. Trend Micro still makes sense for families with Chromebooks and phones who value its scam tools and parental controls.

Alternative: TotalAVVisit siteCompare all

Alternatives to Trend Micro

  • Microsoft Defender Antivirus

    Free on Windows 10 and 11, with higher AV-TEST protection scores in 2026 than Trend Micro's suite.

  • Bitdefender BestGuide rating: 4.1 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner.

    A lower first-year price for 5 devices and top AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives results in 2026.

  • Norton BestGuide rating: 4.8 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner.Read review

    Includes a VPN on a 5-device plan and offers a 60-day refund window.

  • TotalAV BestGuide rating: 4.8 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner.Read review

    Earned AV-TEST Top Product and AV-Comparatives ADVANCED+ in 2026, if you watch its renewal pricing.

See all antivirus software, ranked

Next steps

Alternative TotalAV This company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints. Visit site
Alternative Webroot This company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints. Visit site
Alternative Malwarebytes This company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints. Visit site

Trend Micro reviews

Written by readers, read by our moderators, never edited by the company.

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Frequently asked questions

Is Trend Micro still a good antivirus?

It's legitimate and light on system performance, but its AV-TEST protection scores fell to 4.5 and 5 out of 6 in 2026, below Norton, Bitdefender and Microsoft Defender. Its scam and family features are its main strengths.

What is TrendLife?

TrendLife is the consumer brand Trend Micro launched on April 15, 2026 for its home products, along with an AI family assistant called Kaleida that is in early access. Products like Maximum Security and ScamCheck are still sold.

How much does Trend Micro cost?

First-year prices listed in October 2026 are $59.95 for Internet Security, $74.95 for Maximum Security and $109.95 for Premium Security Suite. Regular prices are $83.95, $104.95 and $154.95.

Does Trend Micro auto-renew?

Yes. Online store purchases are set to auto-renew and can be charged up to 15 days before expiry, at the then-current renewal price.

How do I cancel Trend Micro auto-renewal?

Turn it off in your Trend Micro account or use the cancel link in the renewal email. Confirm the change and keep the confirmation.

Does Trend Micro have a money-back guarantee?

Yes, 30 days, but only for purchases from Trend Micro's official online stores, minus shipping. Request it through the help center refund form.

Does Trend Micro include a VPN?

Only the Premium Security Suite includes the personal VPN. It's also sold on its own as Trend Micro VPN.

Is Trend Micro better than Norton?

On 2026 lab results, Norton scored higher for protection (6 out of 6 in AV-TEST's August test versus Trend Micro's 5 in June). Norton also offers a 60-day refund window versus Trend Micro's 30 days.

Is Trend Micro ScamCheck free?

Trend Micro's product page doesn't describe it as free. Check the App Store or Google Play listing for current pricing before you subscribe.

Who owns Trend Micro?

Trend Micro Incorporated is a public company traded on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. Reuters reported buyout interest in 2025, but we found no completed sale.

Sources (13)

Facts on this page come from company websites, government agencies and regulators, checked on the dates shown. Editorial standards

  1. Trend Micro newsroom: Trend Micro introduces TrendLife for families in the AI era (April 15, 2026) (accessed October 13, 2026)
  2. Trend Micro: Maximum Security and suite pricing (accessed October 13, 2026)
  3. AV-TEST: Trend Micro Windows results (accessed October 13, 2026)
  4. TrendLife Help Center: 30-day money-back guarantee (TMKA-14487) (accessed October 13, 2026)
  5. Trend Micro Help Center: Trend Micro account and auto-renewal (accessed October 13, 2026)
  6. AV-Comparatives: Consumer Real-World Protection Test February to May 2026 (accessed October 13, 2026)
  7. BBB: Trend Micro Incorporated profile (accessed October 13, 2026)
  8. Trend Micro: Home products (accessed October 13, 2026)
  9. Trustpilot: Trend Micro reviews (accessed October 13, 2026)
  10. TrendLife: Home page (accessed October 13, 2026)
  11. SiliconANGLE: Private equity firms reportedly competing to buy Trend Micro (February 13, 2025) (accessed October 13, 2026)
  12. FTC Consumer Advice: How to spot, avoid and report tech support scams (accessed October 13, 2026)
  13. Apple App Store: Trend Micro Mobile Security (accessed October 13, 2026)
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