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ESET vs PC Matic

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Pros
  • Multi-device compatibility
  • Customizable plans
  • Comprehensive ransomware protection
  • Real-time malware protection
Pros
  • Generous cloud coverage
  • Identity monitoring included in all plans
  • Includes automated PC optimization tools
  • Supports unlimited devices with top-tier plans
Cons
  • Limited mobile support
  • Lacks extra privacy features
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

Established in 1992 and headquartered in Bratislava, Slovakia, ESET has become a key player in cybersecurity, providing reliable, fast, and efficient protection for individuals and businesses worldwide. Known for their innovative approach to security, ESET delivers a range of products tailored to different needs, from basic antivirus software to complete security suites. At the heart of their offerings is ESET NOD32 Antivirus, a standout solution praised for its minimal system impact and multi-layered protection. NOD32 leverages cutting-edge technologies like AI-powered threat detection and ransomware shielding to safeguard users from a wide range of threats. It’s designed for users who need reliable protection without compromising system performance, especially in high-demand scenarios like gaming or streaming. Over the years, ESET has earned industry credentials, including an impressive track record in independent testing, with their products consistently scoring high for protection and performance. While ESET offers a variety of products to suit both home and business users, NOD32 remains a popular choice for individuals seeking efficient, real-time antivirus defense.

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 : Unavailable
  • Price : Starts at $39.99 per year
  • Customer Experience : Fair
  • Firewall : Available
  • Free Trial : 30 days
  • Trustpilot Score : 4.3 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
  • AI-powered detection
  • Minimal system resource usage
  • 30-day free trial
  • Exploit blocker and script protection
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
  • 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
  • Undisclosed
    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
  • Undisclosed
    Password Manager
  • Undisclosed
    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