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Avira vs PC Matic

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Pros
  • Cloud-based scanning technology for efficient and non-intrusive threat detection
  • High malware detection scores by independent testing organizations
  • Lightweight performance with minimal impact on system resources
  • Integrated privacy tools, including VPN and password manager
  • Comprehensive system optimization tools like junk cleaner and driver updater
  • User-friendly interface suitable for both beginners and advanced users
Pros
  • Generous cloud coverage
  • Identity monitoring included in all plans
  • Includes automated PC optimization tools
  • Supports unlimited devices with top-tier plans
Cons
  • Limited features in the free version
  • Frequent upselling and ads, even for paid users
  • Occasional performance impact on older or less powerful systems
  • Complex plan tiers can be confusing to navigate
  • No dedicated firewall for macOS users
Cons
  • No free version or trial available
  • Full support requires an extra paid subscription
  • May block safe programs due to allowlist model
  • Entry-level plan lacks privacy tools like VPN and backup
Summary

Founded in 1986 in Tettnang, Germany, Avira is a leading cybersecurity company known for its advanced antivirus and security solutions. They offer a range of products for individual users and businesses, providing comprehensive protection for various devices and operating systems. Avira's cloud-based antivirus technology, user privacy commitment, and a suite of security features make it a reliable choice. They offer advanced system optimization tools for Windows and focus on real-time malware protection for Mac. Mobile versions provide basic antivirus scanning and VPN services. They enable users to make payments using major credit cards and PayPal. Their paid plans can be tried for free for 30 days and come with a 60-day money-back guarantee for annual plans, or 14 days for monthly subscriptions. Avira has a strong reputation for high detection rates and minimal system impact, recognized by independent testing organizations. While not accredited by the BBB, the company has earned numerous awards, including Best Protection and Advanced+ ratings, and mostly positive customer reviews.

Summary

PC Matic is a U.S. cybersecurity company founded in 1999 and headquartered in Sioux City, Iowa. They began as a diagnostic software provider and have since evolved into an antivirus company offering protection across Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS devices. Their standout feature is application allowlisting, a prevention-based approach that blocks unknown programs by default, setting them apart from other providers. They offer several tiered plans that scale by features and device limits, with options like VPN access, cloud backup, and identity monitoring. While standard support is limited, users can add 24/7 access through a separate subscription.
They’ve earned solid marks from AV-TEST for protection and performance, but aren’t broadly evaluated by other major testing labs. Customer feedback varies, with some users appreciating their simple setup and lightweight design, while others report issues with false positives or difficulty accessing support without add-ons. This review explores their strengths, limitations, and overall value to help you determine whether their model fits your needs. Whether you’re interested in a more proactive defense or just weighing your antivirus options, read on to see where they stand.

Quick Stats
  • Security Rating : Excellent
  • VPN : Yes
  • Price : Starting at $5.99/month or $26.99/year
  • Customer Experience : Excellent
  • Firewall : Available for Windows
  • Free Trial : 30 days
  • Trustpilot Score : 3.9 out of 5
Quick Stats
  • Security Rating : Fair
  • VPN : Available
  • Price : Starts at $50 per year
  • Customer Experience : Fair
  • Firewall : Available
  • Free Trial : Unavailable
  • Trustpilot Score : 2.2 out of 5
Selling Points
  • 60-day money-back guarantee on annual subscriptions
  • Commitment to user privacy with a strict no-logging policy for the VPN
  • Smart Scan feature that combines malware detection with system and privacy optimization
  • Versatile protection across multiple devices and platforms
Selling Points
  • Application allowlisting security model
  • SuperShield default-deny engine
  • Anti-cryptojacking protection included
General Features & Perks
  • Adware Removal
  • Anti-Phishing
  • Anti-Spam
  • Anti-Theft
  • Anti-Tracking
  • Behavior Analysis
  • Cloud Scanning
  • Dark Web Scanning
  • Dedicated Ransomware Protection
  • E-mail Scan
  • File Encryption
  • Free Version
  • ID Protection
  • Undisclosed
    Intrusion Detection System (IDS)
  • Malware Removal
  • Mobile App
  • On Demand Scan
  • Real-Time Protection
  • Spyware Removal
  • Vulnerability Scanner
  • Undisclosed
    Webcam Protection
General Features & Perks
  • Undisclosed
    Adware Removal
  • Anti-Phishing
  • Undisclosed
    Anti-Spam
  • Undisclosed
    Anti-Theft
  • Anti-Tracking
  • Behavior Analysis
  • Cloud Scanning
  • Dark Web Scanning
  • Dedicated Ransomware Protection
  • Undisclosed
    E-mail Scan
  • Undisclosed
    File Encryption
  • Free Version
  • ID Protection
  • Intrusion Detection System (IDS)
  • Malware Removal
  • Mobile App
  • On Demand Scan
  • Real-Time Protection
  • Spyware Removal
  • Vulnerability Scanner
  • Webcam Protection
System Optimization & Performance
  • Boot Time Scans
  • Browser Cleaner
  • Disk Cleaner
  • Junk Files Removal
  • Software/Driver Updater
System Optimization & Performance
  • Undisclosed
    Boot Time Scans
  • Browser Cleaner
  • Disk Cleaner
  • Junk Files Removal
  • Software/Driver Updater
Additional Perks
  • Cloud Storage Backup
  • Live Updates
  • Undisclosed
    Parental Control
  • Password Manager
  • Rescue Mode
  • Undisclosed
    USB Rescue Toolkit
  • USB Vaccination
Additional Perks
  • Cloud Storage Backup
  • Live Updates
  • Undisclosed
    Parental Control
  • Password Manager
  • Undisclosed
    Rescue Mode
  • USB Rescue Toolkit
  • USB Vaccination
Device Compatibility
  • Android
  • Browser Plugins
  • Undisclosed
    ChromeOS
  • Undisclosed
    Fire OS
  • iOS
  • Undisclosed
    Linux
  • macOS
  • Windows
Device Compatibility
  • Android
  • Undisclosed
    Browser Plugins
  • ChromeOS
  • Fire OS
  • iOS
  • Linux
  • macOS
  • Windows
Customer Support
  • Community Forum
  • Email
  • FAQs
  • Help Guides
  • Live Chat
  • Phone
  • Social Media
  • Undisclosed
    Ticket
Customer Support
  • Community Forum
  • Undisclosed
    Email
  • FAQs
  • Help Guides
  • Live Chat
  • Phone
  • Social Media
  • Ticket