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ManageEngine Endpoint Central vs PC Matic

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Pros
  • Unified platform combining endpoint management and next-gen security in one
  • Advanced AI-driven antivirus with behavioral malware detection and ransomware rollback
  • Excellent patch management and software deployment features
  • Free edition for up to 25 devices and affordable scaling
  • Strong customer support and documentation
Pros
  • Generous cloud coverage
  • Identity monitoring included in all plans
  • Includes automated PC optimization tools
  • Supports unlimited devices with top-tier plans
Cons
  • Lacks an integrated firewall module
  • Complex interface with a learning curve
  • Some advanced security features require additional licenses or higher-tier plans
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

ManageEngine Endpoint Central (formerly Desktop Central) is an endpoint management software suite that now also serves as a security solution. Developed by ManageEngine – the enterprise IT division of Zoho Corporation – Endpoint Central has been in the market for years as a tool to manage desktops, servers, and mobile devices from a central location. In 2023, it added a Next-Gen Antivirus (NGAV) module, transforming into a unified endpoint security platform. This NGAV uses machine learning and behavior analysis to detect malware, including emerging threats and fileless attacks. The platform’s key features span multiple categories: patch management, software deployment, remote troubleshooting, asset inventory, ransomware protection, device control (USB and peripherals), compliance reporting, and more – all accessible through a single web console. Endpoint Central has earned recognition from industry analysts (appearing in Gartner’s UEM reports and winning user choice awards ) and garners positive customer reviews for its rich feature set and value. Users particularly appreciate the combination of automated patching and robust security policies (like application whitelisting and browser security) that reduce risk preemptively. While its antivirus capability is new and still gaining trust, the overall package makes Endpoint Central a holistic endpoint defense and management solution. It’s especially well-regarded by small to mid-sized businesses and IT service providers, thanks to a free edition for up to 25 devices and flexible pricing that undercuts many competitors. In short, ManageEngine Endpoint Central provides a centralized way to keep your endpoints updated, compliant, and secure against modern threats – all in one unified platform.

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 : Fair (New NGAV feature; not yet certified by independent labs)
  • VPN : Not available (no VPN included)
  • Price : Starts around $795/year (50 endpoints, Professional edition)
  • Customer Experience : Excellent
  • Firewall : No built-in firewall (manages OS firewall settings only)
  • Free Trial : 30 days full-featured
  • 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
  • All-in-one endpoint solution
  • AI-powered threat detection
  • Ransomware protection and file recovery
  • Free and flexible licensing
  • Single agent, single console
Selling Points
  • Application allowlisting security model
  • SuperShield default-deny engine
  • Anti-cryptojacking protection included
General Features & Perks
  • Adware Removal
  • Undisclosed
    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
  • Undisclosed
    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
  • 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