Trend Micro vs Bitdefender - The Ultimate Comparison

Choosing the best antivirus solution with little impact on your system can be hard to find. There are so many options, and it can take some research to find what you need. This Trend Micro vs Bitdefender comparison will help you make a good decision. 

Overall Comparison

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When we compared these two antivirus solutions, it was clear that Bitdefender offers more protection-related features and extra utility tools in its security suites than Trend Micro. The tests that were done by the third-party platform, AV-Test, proved that Bitdefender is far better than Trend Micro in terms of both malware protection and the impact on system performance.

Key Features 

Both companies provide a wide range of features and extras that either come with the original software or can be added to meet your needs. 

Here is a list of the most-searched-for features for both antivirus brands throughout all their plans.

Key Features Compared 

Trend Micro and Bitdefender are very close when it comes to comparing the features they offer. 

Trend Micro lacks firewall protection, and the VPN forms part of a separate subscription. 

Bitdefender has a VPN included, but it is limited; this might be the only downfall of Bitdefender.

When it comes to malware- and browser protection, both brands are sufficient.

Trend Micro Features;

Bitdefender Features;

Malware Protection Capabilities

Malware protection is one of the most important protections you need when browsing the internet or working on networks. Both Bitdefender and Trend Micro have a comprehensive directory and the ability to detect old and new threats. 

To be sure which antivirus solution is the best, we looked at third-party testing done by AV-Test.

Trend Micro Results;

Trend Micro scored a 5.5 out of 6 because it detected 97.9% of the zero-day malware samples in March and only 99,3% in April.

Bitdefender Results;

Bitdefender detected all malware samples in the test. 

System Performance

Antivirus programs can have positive and negative effects on your operating system. Most software packages come with a cleanup tool to help your system function at its fullest potential. Unfortunately, they also have the nasty side effect of taking up a lot of RAM and slowing down your operating system. 

To find out which antivirus solution wins in this regard, we look at third-party tests by AV-Test again.

Trend Micro Results;

Bitdefender Results;

To improve the performance of your device, Bitdefender has a tune-up tool, called OneClick Optimizer that also focuses on streamlining your device’s memory, privacy, and registry to give you even more speed. 

Although Bitdefender scored a 6 out of 6, it had a bigger impact on systems.

Pricing

Both brands have a tiered pricing system, but only Bitdefender has a free version. 

Let's take a look at the pricing options;

Bitdefender pricing;

The Personal Plan costs $89.99 a year but is discounted at $39.98 for the first year. You can cover up to five devices at once, but you miss out on digital identity protection, unlimited VPN traffic, and parental controls.

The Family Plan protects up to fifteen devices at once and costs $119.99 per year, but $49.99 for the first year. You get parental controls but don’t receive unlimited VPN traffic or digital identity protection. 

The Unlimited Plan costs $199.99 a year, but only $99.98 for the first year. You can protect up to 20 devices and complete digital identity protection and unlimited VPN traffic. Bitdefender claims that its VPN and digital identity features are worth $130, making this plan a deal.

Trend Micro pricing;

Antivirus for Mac is $ 29.95/year for 1 Mac, Antivirus+ Security is $ 29.95/year for 1 Windows Device, Internet Security is $ 39.95/year for 3 Windows Devices, Maximum Security s $ 39.95/year for 5 Devices, and Premium Security Suite is $ 69.95/year for 10 Devices.

Ease Of Use And User Friendliness

Trend Micro and Bitdefender have gone in opposite directions when it comes to the interface. 

Bitdefender has opted for a full screen with many options to toggle and move. It means you can customize your interface by grouping functions together according to your personal preference.  

Bitdefender Interface;

Trend Micro offers a simplistic and intuitive interface that takes up a small part of your screen and has one-touch navigation. 

Trend Micro Interface;

This splits the users of antivirus programs into two camps: those who prefer customization will lean toward Bitdefender, and those who love simplicity might be drawn to Trend Micro.

Customer Support

No one wants to run into trouble and struggle to reach the people who sold you the product. So, who has the best customer support? 

Trend Micro has a list of ways in which you can contact them, from the traditional phone, email, and webform to Facebook Messenger and Live Chat. The phone line is only available from 9:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Pacific Time on Mondays to Fridays.

Bitdefender offers 24/7 support. If you want to phone them and speak to a consultant, they don’t have just one number -- they have 17 different numbers depending on what country you are calling from, including the U.S., the UK, Australia, Japan, France, Germany, and Brazil. Bitdefender also has a Live Chat function and email support. 

Conclusion

It is safe to say that Bitdefender is the clear winner between the two antivirus solutions. The margin might be small, but Bitdefender edged out Trend Micro on almost all the categories reviewed.

Which antivirus do you think is for you? Choose Now!