PC Matic review
A free-first antivirus with default-deny controls, ransomware protection, and four-platform coverage.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
PC Matic is antivirus and cybersecurity software for consumers, families, businesses, and government organizations. Its main consumer approach uses application allowlisting and default-deny execution to block unknown files, scripts, macros, and applications. Protection includes real-time coverage for malware, viruses, ransomware, phishing, and scams, alongside malware scanning and removal. PC Matic supports Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS devices, making it a fit for households and individuals who want one security product across multiple device types. The free plan makes the service accessible to users seeking advanced malware controls without starting with a paid subscription.
The paid lineup is straightforward. Antivirus costs $60 per 5 devices per year and includes real-time protection, malware scanning and removal, a performance booster, a free software origin scan, and a VPN limited to 300 MB daily. Antivirus + VPN costs $110 per 5 devices per year and adds unlimited standard VPN access, 25 GB of secure cloud backup, a secure firewall, a file shredder, and malicious ad and scam blocking. Antivirus + VPN + Family Identity Protection costs $210 per 10 devices per year and adds advanced fraud monitoring to the previous plan's features. These tiers suit buyers who want to add privacy, backup, firewall, or identity features alongside antivirus protection.
PC Matic stands out through controls that address unknown and fileless threats, including script controls, ransomware prevention, and automatic patching of common third-party applications. Dark web monitoring and identity protection extend coverage beyond malware, while the narrower VPN allowance on the entry paid plan may matter to users seeking regular private browsing. Choose PC Matic if default-deny protection, cross-platform coverage, and layered household security are priorities. Buyers seeking unlimited VPN access need at least the Antivirus + VPN plan, while organizations needing managed endpoint security should consider PC Matic's separate business products.
PC Matic pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Application allowlisting and default-deny execution block unknown software.
- Protection covers Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS devices.
- Plans add patching, ransomware protection, VPN, backup, and identity monitoring.
- Where it doesn't
- The Antivirus plan's VPN is limited to 300 MB per day.
- Unlimited standard VPN access starts with the $110 annual plan.
- Business products are separate from the consumer plans.
PC Matic fact sheet, pricing and score →
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