Antivirus
Top Companies in 2025
PC Matic vs Protegent
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- Generous cloud coverage
- Identity monitoring included in all plans
- Includes automated PC optimization tools
- Supports unlimited devices with top-tier plans
- Strong protection against various cyber threats
- Cloud-based scanning for real-time updates
- Built-in system optimization tools
- Robust parental controls
- 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
- VPN not included
- Limited device coverage on lower plans
- Slower support for lower plans
- Limited third-party test data
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.
Protegent, founded in 2010 and headquartered in India, has quickly established themselves as a prominent provider of antivirus and internet security solutions. Known for their comprehensive suite of features, Protegent offers protection against a wide range of threats, including viruses, malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks. With advanced features such as cloud-based scanning, real-time malware protection, USB threat scanning, and ransomware prevention, Protegent ensures users’ devices remain secure in an ever-evolving digital landscape. Beyond basic protection, Protegent also provides data recovery tools, system optimization features, and robust parental controls, catering to both individual users and businesses. While the company doesn’t have a significant presence in third-party testing, their focus on providing user-friendly, customizable plans makes them an appealing choice for various types of users. Protegent offers flexible subscription plans, allowing customers to select the level of protection that best suits their needs, from basic antivirus to complete security packages. Although there are some limitations regarding support and device coverage on lower-tier plans, Protegent’s features and pricing make them a reliable option for those seeking comprehensive digital security.
- 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
- Security Rating : Good
- VPN : Not included
- Price : Starts at $10 per year
- Customer Experience : Good
- Firewall : Included
- Free Trial : Unavailable
- Trustpilot Score : N/R
- Application allowlisting security model
- SuperShield default-deny engine
- Anti-cryptojacking protection included
- "Crash Proof" feature for data recovery
- Advanced ransomware protection
- Automatic USB scanning
- Adware Removal—Undisclosed
- Anti-Phishing
- Anti-Spam—Undisclosed
- Anti-Theft—Undisclosed
- Anti-Tracking
- Behavior Analysis
- Cloud Scanning
- Dark Web Scanning
- Dedicated Ransomware Protection
- E-mail Scan—Undisclosed
- File Encryption—Undisclosed
- Free Version
- ID Protection
- Intrusion Detection System (IDS)
- Malware Removal
- Mobile App
- On Demand Scan
- Real-Time Protection
- Spyware Removal
- Vulnerability Scanner
- Webcam Protection
- 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
- Webcam Protection
- Boot Time Scans—Undisclosed
- Browser Cleaner
- Disk Cleaner
- Junk Files Removal
- Software/Driver Updater
- Boot Time Scans
- Browser Cleaner
- Disk Cleaner
- Junk Files Removal
- Software/Driver Updater
- Cloud Storage Backup
- Live Updates
- Parental Control—Undisclosed
- Password Manager
- Rescue Mode—Undisclosed
- USB Rescue Toolkit
- USB Vaccination
- Cloud Storage Backup
- Live Updates
- Parental Control
- Password Manager
- Rescue Mode
- USB Rescue Toolkit
- USB Vaccination
- Android
- Browser Plugins—Undisclosed
- ChromeOS
- Fire OS
- iOS
- Linux
- macOS
- Windows
- Android
- Browser Plugins
- ChromeOS
- Fire OS
- iOS
- Linux
- macOS
- Windows
- Community Forum
- —Undisclosed
- FAQs
- Help Guides
- Live Chat
- Phone
- Social Media
- Ticket
- Community Forum
- FAQs
- Help Guides
- Live Chat
- Phone
- Social Media
- Ticket