Norton vs PC Matic

Norton Antivirus, developed by Gen Digital Inc. (formerly Symantec Corporation), has been a trusted name in cybersecurity since 1991. Headquartered in Tempe, Arizona, Norton offers a comprehensive suite of security tools designed to protect users from malware, phishing attacks, ransomware, and online threats. Their services extend beyond basic antivirus protection, incorporating features like real-time threat detection, a smart firewall, a secure VPN, dark web monitoring, cloud backup, and identity theft protection. With multi-device compatibility, Norton provides security solutions for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS users. Independent security tests consistently rate Norton highly for their malware detection and overall performance, but user feedback is mixed. Customers appreciate their strong protection, ease of use, and frequent updates, while others criticize aggressive upselling, high renewal costs, and occasional performance slowdowns. Norton’s customer support includes 24/7 live chat, phone assistance, and an extensive knowledge base, though some users report difficulties with billing transparency and subscription management.

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.