Avira Free Security vs PC Matic
Avira Free Security
avira.com
PC Matic
pcmatic.comSide by side
| Figure | Avira Free Security | PC Matic |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | $2.50/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 2 | 16 |
| Spec score · Antivirus for Mac | 9.0 (#2) | 8.7 (#6) |
| Spec score · Antivirus software | 8.9 (#16) | 9.0 (#11) |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile requirements | The official requirements list Android 9 or later with 50 MB free space and iOS 13 or later. | The published requirements support Android 4.4 or newer and iOS/iPadOS 13 or newer; the Android app requires at least 1 GB free space. |
| Protection scope | internet security | complete security |
| Ransomware protection | Yes | Yes |
| Rating on Apple App Store | 4.3 out of 5 from 4.7K ratings for Avira Mobile Security. | 3.7 out of 5 from 121 ratings. |
| Rating on G2 | 4.7 out of 5 from 26 reviews; reviewers commonly praise real-time protection, ease of use, simple installation and low resource impact. | 5.0 out of 5 from 1 review. |
| Rating on GetApp | 4.5 out of 5 from 77 reviews. | 5.0 out of 5 from 3 reviews. |
| Rating on Google Play | 4.7 out of 5 from 735,000 reviews for Avira Security Antivirus & VPN. | 4.1 out of 5 from about 2.26K reviews. |
| Rating on Software Advice | 4.5 out of 5 from 77 reviews. | 5.0 out of 5 from 3 reviews. |
| Rating on Trustpilot | 4.6 out of 5 from 32,646 reviews. | 4.2 out of 5 from 81 reviews. |
| Support | Free users can ask experienced users for help in Avira’s community; an Avira license is required to make a support request to Avira. | Home support channels include email, phone, chat and remote assistance depending on subscription tier; the company states US-based support is available seven days a week. |
| Supported platforms | Windows,macOS,Android,iOS | Windows,macOS,Android,iOS |
| System requirements | Avira Free Security supports Windows 7 SP1 through Windows 11, needs a 1 GHz processor, 2 GB RAM on Windows 10/11 and 1.8 GB free disk space. | Windows support requires Windows 10 or newer, a 1 GHz processor, 4 GB RAM, 10 GB free disk space and 5 Mbps down/1 Mbps up internet. |
Plans
PC Matic
- Antivirus$60 a year
- Antivirus + VPN$110 a year
- Antivirus + VPN + Family Identity Protection$210 a year
- PC Matic Privacy$30 a year
- PC Matic Privacy$30 a year
- Antivirus$50 a year
- Antivirus$50 a year
- PC Matic PRO Basic$50 a year
- PC Matic Delist$60 a year
- PC Matic Delist$60 a year
In their own words
Avira Free Security
Avira Free Security is an internet security product for Windows, macOS, Android and iOS, with a free plan priced at free. Its cloud-based real-time protection monitors a device and analyzes suspicious files in Avira’s Protection Cloud. Smart Scan checks for security, privacy and performance issues, including malware, network threats, outdated software, tracking cookies and unnecessary files.
A browser safety extension blocks unsafe and phishing sites and malicious downloads, and includes ad blocking and anti-tracking. The free VPN allows 500 MB of data per month. Windows users also get a software updater for programs and drivers, privacy settings and tune-up tools; the Mac version includes a junk cleaner. The Android app includes antivirus protection, a VPN with 100 MB of data per day, and storage and performance tools. The iOS app includes a VPN and protection features. A password manager and ransomware protection are listed; parental controls are not.
PC Matic
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.