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dfndr security vs PC Matic

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Pros
  • Free core protection (virus scanning, anti-phishing) with millions of users
  • Comprehensive feature set (antivirus, anti-theft, cleaning, etc.) in one app
  • Easy to use with decent malware detection scores (AV-TEST certified)
Pros
  • Generous cloud coverage
  • Identity monitoring included in all plans
  • Includes automated PC optimization tools
  • Supports unlimited devices with top-tier plans
Cons
  • Very ad-heavy in free mode
  • Premium version is relatively expensive and Android-only
  • Some features (battery booster, etc.) add little value
  • No live customer support
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

dfndr security, developed by Brazilian cybersecurity firm PSafe, is a well-known antivirus app for Android phones and tablets. Launched in the mid-2010s, they quickly gained popularity, amassing over 100 million downloads on Google Play thanks to their robust free offering. They aim to shield users from mobile threats, scan for malware, block phishing links, and alert users to potential scams, even within messaging apps. Over the years, PSafe has enriched dfndr security with extra features such as phone location tracking for lost devices, an app lock to protect privacy, and data breach monitoring to help users stay ahead of identity thieves. Users of dfndr security praise its ease of use, comprehensive toolkit, and free basic protection. The app’s interface is straightforward, making complex tasks like clearing junk files or securing the device accessible with a single tap. They also enjoy a strong reputation in the antivirus industry’s tests, having achieved perfect scores in some AV-TEST evaluations. However, the free version is known for frequent ads and notifications, which can be intrusive. Customer support is limited to email and online help, reflecting its focus on the mass Android market. Overall, dfndr security stands out as a solid, accessible option for Android users seeking free antivirus tools, though those wanting ad-free use or broader device support may find better value elsewhere.

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 : Good
  • VPN : Not included
  • Price : Free version available (with ads); Pro plan $29.9/year; Ultra plan $69.9/year (approximately, for one device)
  • Customer Experience : Fair
  • Firewall : Not included
  • Free Trial : 3 days
  • Trustpilot Score : N/R
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
  • Real-time scam protection for WhatsApp/SMS messaging specifically
  • Built-in identity theft monitoring for mobile
  • One of the most downloaded antivirus apps globally (200M+ installs)
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
  • Undisclosed
    Anti-Tracking
  • Undisclosed
    Behavior Analysis
  • Undisclosed
    Cloud Scanning
  • Dark Web Scanning
  • Dedicated Ransomware Protection
  • E-mail Scan
  • 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
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
  • Undisclosed
    Boot Time Scans
  • Browser Cleaner
  • Disk Cleaner
  • Undisclosed
    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
  • Parental Control
  • Password Manager
  • Rescue Mode
  • 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
  • ChromeOS
  • Fire OS
  • iOS
  • 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
  • Ticket
Customer Support
  • Community Forum
  • Undisclosed
    Email
  • FAQs
  • Help Guides
  • Live Chat
  • Phone
  • Social Media
  • Ticket