Avast Free Antivirus vs PC Matic

Avast Free Antivirus provides antivirus protection and is now part of the Avast One app. Its free protection detects, blocks, and removes malware, including viruses, adware, spyware, and Trojans, with real-time detection and PC scanning. Web Guard helps block scam websites, phishing links in email, and malicious downloads. On PC, File Shield scans files as they are added or opened, while Behavior Shield warns about suspicious app behavior. Mail Shield flags potentially malicious email attachments, and Ransomware Shield helps stop untrusted applications from changing or encrypting personal files. Network Inspector helps protect Wi-Fi networks from intruders; Firewall monitors traffic to help block malicious intrusions. Hack Alerts notify users if Avast detects that email passwords appeared in a leak or hack, while Avast Assistant offers guidance on whether online messages or offers may be scams. The free plan costs nothing for 1 device. Avast specifies Windows 7 or later and macOS 10.14 or later; automatic updates require internet access. Protection can continue indefinitely after activation, though the app may prompt for reactivation after 12 months.

PC Matic provides antivirus and endpoint security for home and business users on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. Its SuperShield protection uses real-time application allowlisting and a default-deny approach that blocks unknown applications. PC Matic says this can stop ransomware before execution; it also describes using heuristics to block malicious scripts that call tools such as PowerShell. On Windows PCs, scans can run maintenance including software and driver updates, junk-file removal, and fixes for software vulnerabilities. Consumer plans list malicious ad and scam blocking and dark web monitoring; the family identity plan adds identity theft insurance and stolen funds reimbursement, each up to $1M. PC Matic Pro applies default-deny allowlisting to applications, scripts, and processes, and can sit alongside other endpoint security solutions. The consumer page lists a free plan and free trial. Paid annual options include Antivirus at $60 a year, Antivirus + VPN at $110 a year, and Antivirus + VPN + Family Identity Protection at $210 a year.