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PC Matic Review: Is This Antivirus Worth It for Performance?

PC Matic is an Iowa antivirus company that blocks any program not on its allowlist. Plans start at $50 the first year for 5 devices, then $60, and renewals can't be refunded.

By BestGuide Editorial Team is the BestGuide newsroom. Pages without a named reporter were compiled by staff from the sources listed on the page.Published July 2, 2026Updated October 16, 2026This page was compiled from primary sources: company disclosures and terms, the BBB and regulators. Our ratings method is described on the methodology page.
PC MaticThis company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints. BestGuide rating
4.5/5 BestGuide rating: 4.5 out of 5. Set by our editors from reputation, services, transparency, customer satisfaction and scale. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner.

Best for: People who mainly use well-known programs and want inexpensive, low-maintenance protection on several devices.

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Compare antivirus software
On this page14 sections
  1. Ratings and complaints
  2. PC Matic vs. competitors
  3. Pricing
  4. Step by step
  5. PC Matic legitimacy and licensing
  6. PC Matic price and plans
  7. How PC Matic's allowlist works
  8. How PC Matic Works
  9. Cancellation, refunds and auto-renewal
  10. PC Matic complaints and what customers report
  11. Who should skip PC Matic
  12. What customers say
  13. Alternatives
  14. FAQ
Our verdict

PC Matic's SuperShield protection blocks any program not on its known-good list, which scored a full 6 out of 6 for protection and performance in AV-TEST's March to April 2024 test but lost points for blocking legitimate software (usability 4 of 6). It is a legitimate US antivirus company in Sioux City, Iowa, with an A+ BBB rating and its own support team. It hasn't appeared in AV-TEST's home results since then, while Norton, McAfee and Microsoft's free Defender were tested in August 2026. It suits people who mostly run mainstream apps and want flat, low pricing ($50 the first year for 5 devices, $60 after).

Your options

  • PC Matic This company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints. This review People who mainly use well-known programs and want inexpensive, low-maintenance protection on several devices.
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  • TotalAV This company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints. Alternative People who want an easy antivirus app across several phones and computers and will manage the renewal date themselves.
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Price
$50 first year for 5 devices with the site's promo code, then $60 a year; also 2 devices $30, 10 devices $120, 15 devices $180, 25 devices $300 per year (October 2026)2
Renewal
Subscriptions renew automatically for another 1-year term; card statements show HELP.PCMATIC.COM2
Refunds
Full refund within 30 days of the first purchase; renewal orders are final and non-refundable; third-party and app store purchases excluded3
Platforms
Windows 10 and later, macOS 10.12 and later, iOS 13 and later, Android 4.4 and later1
How it protects
SuperShield default-deny allowlisting: unknown programs are blocked until they are reviewed and approved1
Independent lab result
AV-TEST, March to April 2024 (Windows 11): protection 6/6, performance 6/6, usability 4/6; no newer AV-TEST home result listed7
Company
PC Matic, Inc., 2515 W 22nd St, Sioux City, Iowa; business started November 1999 (originally PC Pitstop); CEO Shay Houser4
Add-ons
VPN $30 first year ($50 renewal), identity protection $50 to $100 a year, Delist data removal $60 to $200 a year, Support Unlimited $100 a year11

PC Matic ratings and complaint records

  • BBB A+ PC Matic, Inc., accredited since March 28, 2016; 23 complaints in the last 3 years; 18 customer reviews View source
  • Trustpilot 4.3 out of 5 92 reviews; 69% five star and 30% one star; replies to 90% of negative reviews View source
  • AV-TEST (Mar to Apr 2024) 16 out of 18 Protection 6, performance 6, usability 4; 12 false blockages of legitimate software in April 2024 against an industry average of 1 View source
  • App Store 3.7 out of 5 PC Matic Mobile Security, 121 ratings View source

Pros

  • Low, flat pricing: $50 the first year for 5 devices, $60 after
  • Default-deny allowlist scored full protection marks in AV-TEST's 2024 test
  • US company with an A+ BBB rating, accredited since 2016
  • Works on Windows, Mac, iOS and Android, with free tools including a VPN

Cons

  • Blocks some legitimate software; AV-TEST counted 12 false blockages in April 2024
  • No AV-TEST home result since April 2024, while major rivals are tested every round
  • Renewals auto-charge and are not refundable
  • Identity protection, data removal and premium VPN cost extra

Best for: People who mainly use well-known programs and want inexpensive, low-maintenance protection on several devices.

Skip it if: You install a lot of new or niche software, want current independent lab results, or are happy with Windows' free built-in Defender.

PC Matic vs. competitors

PC Matic compared with competitors
CompanyPriceDevicesMoney-back guaranteeLatest AV-TEST home Windows result (protection, performance, usability)ApproachNext step
PC Matic $50 first year, then $60530 days, first purchase only6, 6, 4 (Mar to Apr 2024)Allowlist, blocks unknown programs Visit site
Norton 360 Deluxe Promotional first-year price; $119.99 listed before discounts560 days6, 6, 6 (Aug 2026)Signature and behavior detection Visit site
Malwarebytes Premium Not verifiedNot verifiedNot verified6, 6, 6 (Aug 2026)Signature and behavior detection Visit site
Microsoft Defender Antivirus Free, built into WindowsEach Windows PCNot applicable6, 5.5, 6 (Aug 2026)Signature, behavior and cloud detection

Antivirus software we reviewed

  1. PC Matic This company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints. This review BestGuide rating: 4.5 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: People who mainly use well-known programs and want inexpensive, low-maintenance protection on several devices.
    Visit site
  2. TotalAV This company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints. BestGuide rating: 4.8 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: People who want an easy antivirus app across several phones and computers and will manage the renewal date themselves.
    Visit site Read review
  3. AVG BestGuide rating: 4.7 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: Windows users who want a free antivirus with strong lab results, or a cheap first year of protection for one PC or a 10-device household.
    Read review
  4. Webroot This company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints. BestGuide rating: 4.7 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: People with older or slower PCs who want light, low-maintenance antivirus across a few devices and will manage renewal themselves.
    Visit site Read review
  5. Malwarebytes This company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints. BestGuide rating: 4.6 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: People who want light, well-tested antivirus with web scam blocking, or a free second-opinion scanner to clean up an infected PC.
    Visit site Read review
  6. ESET This company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints. BestGuide rating: 4.4 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: People who want proven antivirus that stays light on older or lower-powered computers, without paying for a large bundle.
    Visit site Read review
  7. Trend Micro Best for: Families who want scam protection and parental controls across many devices, including Chromebooks.
    Read review
  8. Intego This company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints. BestGuide rating: 4.3 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: Mac owners who want a native antivirus and firewall in one app, especially families covering several Macs.
    Visit site Read review
See all antivirus software, ranked

PC Matic pricing at a glance

PC Matic home antivirus plans, as listed October 20262

Devices Price per year Notes
2 $30 Listed as PC Matic Home Personal at checkout
5 $60 ($50 first year with the site's promo) The plan advertised on the antivirus page
10 $120 Annual, auto-renews
15 $180 Annual, auto-renews
25 $300 Annual, auto-renews

Checkout also offers 2-year and 3-year terms. A lifetime license appears in checkout code, but we could not find its price published. Sales tax may apply. Add-ons such as the VPN, identity protection and Delist are billed separately.

PC Matic, step by step

  1. Try the free tools

    PC Matic's free download includes a malware scan and removal tool, a free VPN for Wi-Fi, a data exposure scan and a software origin scan. It does not include SuperShield real-time protection.

  2. Buy a plan

    Pick the number of devices (2 to 25) and the term at checkout. The 5-device plan is $50 the first year with the site's promo code.

  3. Install and let it learn

    Install on each device. SuperShield blocks programs that aren't on PC Matic's allowlist, so expect to approve or request review for niche or newly released software.

  4. Use the 30-day window

    If it doesn't fit how you use your computer, ask support for a refund within 30 days of the first purchase, with your order number and purchase email.

  5. Manage the renewal

    The plan renews every year automatically, and renewals can't be refunded. Turn off auto-renewal in your account or contact support before the renewal date if you plan to leave.

PC Matic legitimacy and licensing

Yes. PC Matic, Inc. is a real software company at 2515 W 22nd St in Sioux City, Iowa. The BBB lists its business start as November 1999 (it was known as PC Pitstop before), gives it an A+ rating and shows it as accredited since March 2016, with 23 complaints in the last three years. The company says its research, development and support are all based in the United States, and its current CEO is Shay Houser.

Its product is real antivirus, not a scareware cleaner. AV-TEST certified it in March to April 2024 with full scores for protection and performance. The catch is that this is its most recent home-user result on AV-TEST’s site; competitors like Norton, McAfee and Microsoft Defender appear in the August 2026 round and PC Matic does not.

PC Matic price and plans

PC Matic’s antivirus page advertises $50 for the first year with the site’s promo code, for 5 devices. Checkout lists the regular annual prices: $30 for 2 devices, $60 for 5, $120 for 10, $180 for 15 and $300 for 25, with 2-year and 3-year terms also offered. All plans renew automatically for another year.

Extras are sold separately. PC Matic VPN costs $30 the first year and $50 at renewal (the Stealth VPN is $80, then $100). Identity protection through IdentityForce is $50 a year for one adult or $100 for a family, with up to $1 million in identity theft insurance. Delist data-broker removal is $60 or $200 a year, and Support Unlimited tech help for all your devices is $100 a year.

Checked the fees?Visit siteCompare all

How PC Matic's allowlist works

Most antivirus apps let programs run unless they look malicious. PC Matic’s SuperShield does the opposite: it only lets programs run if they are on its global list of known-good software or carry a trusted digital signature, and it blocks everything else. That makes it strong against new Ransomware. Malware that locks or encrypts your files and demands payment to release them. Compare antivirus software, which hasn’t been seen before, and it is why the program uses few resources.

The tradeoff is false blocks. In AV-TEST’s April 2024 test, PC Matic blocked actions from legitimate software 12 times, against an industry average of 1, which cost it two usability points. If you use custom tools, small developers’ apps or brand-new releases, expect to deal with blocked programs. PC Matic also bundles PC maintenance tools that clean junk files, manage startup apps and update drivers on Windows.

Key Takeaway: PC Matic (Expert Score: 4.5/5.0)

PC Matic earns a BestGuide Expert Score of 4.5 out of 5.0, driven by transparent flat-rate pricing and a whitelist-based engine that emphasizes ransomware prevention and low system impact. Its approach means fewer programs run by default, a trade-off that favors proactive blocking over the broad signature detection of traditional antivirus.

PC Matic earns an Expert Score of 4.5 out of 5.0 from BestGuide, and I rate it a strong pick for users who prioritize performance and clear, upfront pricing. This PC Matic review looks at how its allowlist technology works, what it actually costs, and where it fits against traditional antivirus, based on my analysis of independent testing and verified user feedback. You can also compare PC Matic with other antivirus companies to see how it stacks up, and read about how BestGuide calculates Expert Scores.

How PC Matic Works

Allowlist-Based Detection

Unlike traditional antivirus that blacklists known Malware. Any software designed to harm a device or steal data, including viruses, spyware and ransomware. Compare antivirus software, PC Matic uses a default-deny allowlist: only programs on its global known-good list run, and anything unknown is blocked and sent to its US-based research team, typically categorized within 24 hours. This SuperShield approach is built to stop ransomware and zero-day attacks before they execute, rather than waiting for a signature.

Real-Time Protection and PC Optimization

PC Matic monitors activity continuously and checks new files against its allowlist. It also bundles automated maintenance, including registry cleaning, driver and software updates, junk-file removal, and startup management, run during scheduled scans to keep older machines responsive.

Signup and Installation

Installation is quick and needs only an email address; you download the installer and the SuperShield component runs in the background once active. The interface is straightforward, and PC Matic runs on Windows, macOS, and Android, with mobile apps rated around 4.3 on Android and 4.1 on iOS.

What customers say about PC Matic

Recurring themes across the review sites and complaint records listed above, not individual quotes.

Common praise

  • Low price for several devices
  • US-based company and support team
  • Light on system resources
  • Stops unknown programs and scam pop-ups

Common complaints

  • Auto-renewal charges and refund requests after renewal
  • Legitimate programs blocked by the allowlist
  • Slow or hard-to-reach support for some customers
  • Conflicts with other software

Cancellation, refunds and auto-renewal

PC Matic’s refund policy, effective May 13, 2025, gives a full refund on a first-time annual purchase if you ask within 30 days of the purchase date. Renewal orders do not qualify: the policy says renewals are final and non-refundable. Purchases through app stores, retailers or bundled with a new computer are also excluded, and refunds go back to the original payment method only.

Checkout states that every subscription renews automatically for another 1-year term. If you don’t plan to keep it, turn off auto-renewal or contact support before the renewal date. The charge appears on card statements as HELP.PCMATIC.COM with a phone number.

PC Matic complaints and what customers report

PC Matic’s ratings are split. On Trustpilot it has 4.3 out of 5 from 92 reviews, but 30% are one star, and the company replies to most negative reviews. Happy customers mention the price, US-based support and a light footprint. Complaints center on renewal charges and refunds, software being blocked, support that is slow to respond, and conflicts with other programs. The BBB shows 23 complaints in three years, and the iOS Mobile Security app holds 3.7 out of 5 from 121 ratings.

We found no FTC or state attorney general action against PC Matic in our searches.

Who should skip PC Matic

If you run Windows and don’t need extras, Microsoft Defender is free and scored full protection marks in AV-TEST’s August 2026 test. Also skip PC Matic if you regularly install new or niche software, want a product that is tested in every lab round, or want a longer money-back window that covers renewals.

Still deciding?Visit siteCompare all

Alternatives to PC Matic

  • Microsoft Defender Antivirus

    Free and already built into Windows, and it scored full protection marks in AV-TEST's August 2026 test, so many home users don't need to pay at all.

  • Norton BestGuide rating: 4.8 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner.Read review

    Better if you want a suite that is tested every round by AV-TEST and a 60-day money-back guarantee, though renewal prices are much higher.

    Visit site
  • Malwarebytes BestGuide rating: 4.6 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner.Read review

    A traditional detection-based scanner that scored 6, 6, 6 in August 2026 and won't block unfamiliar software by default.

    Visit site

See all antivirus software, ranked

Next steps

This review PC Matic This company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints. Visit site
Alternative TotalAV This company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints. Visit site
Alternative Webroot This company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints. Visit site

PC Matic reviews

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Frequently asked questions

Is PC Matic a legitimate company?

Yes. PC Matic, Inc. is based in Sioux City, Iowa, has operated since 1999 (first as PC Pitstop), and has an A+ BBB rating with accreditation since 2016. Its antivirus was certified by AV-TEST in 2024.

How much does PC Matic cost?

The advertised price is $50 for the first year for 5 devices, then $60 a year. Other plans run $30 a year for 2 devices up to $300 a year for 25 devices, as listed in October 2026.

Does PC Matic auto-renew?

Yes. Checkout states that every subscription automatically renews for another 1-year term. Turn off auto-renewal or contact support before the renewal date if you want to stop.

Can I get a refund from PC Matic?

On a first purchase, yes, if you ask within 30 days. Renewal orders are final and non-refundable under the policy effective May 13, 2025, and purchases through app stores or retailers are excluded.

Is PC Matic better than Windows Defender?

Not clearly. Microsoft Defender is free and scored 6, 5.5 and 6 in AV-TEST's August 2026 test, while PC Matic's latest AV-TEST result is from 2024. PC Matic's allowlist adds a different layer of blocking, which some users want for ransomware protection.

Does PC Matic slow down your computer?

AV-TEST gave it the maximum 6 out of 6 for performance in March to April 2024, meaning little slowdown in daily tasks. It also includes Windows maintenance tools.

Why does PC Matic block my programs?

SuperShield blocks any program that isn't on its allowlist. Legitimate but uncommon software can be blocked until PC Matic reviews it, and AV-TEST counted 12 false blockages in its April 2024 test.

Does PC Matic work on Mac and iPhone?

Yes. PC Matic lists support for Windows 10 and later, macOS 10.12 and later, iOS 13 and later and Android 4.4 and later. The iOS app is rated 3.7 out of 5 on the App Store.

Is there a free version of PC Matic?

Yes, a set of free tools: malware scan and removal, a free Wi-Fi VPN, a personal data exposure scan and a software origin scan. Real-time SuperShield protection requires a paid plan.

Is PC Matic made in the USA?

The company says its research, development and support are all done in the United States, and it is headquartered in Sioux City, Iowa.

Sources (16)

Facts on this page come from company websites, government agencies and regulators, checked on the dates shown. Editorial standards

  1. PC Matic: Antivirus product page (accessed October 12, 2026)
  2. PC Matic: Checkout and automatic renewal terms (accessed October 12, 2026)
  3. PC Matic: Cancellation and refund policy (accessed October 12, 2026)
  4. PC Matic: About (accessed October 12, 2026)
  5. BBB: PC Matic, Inc. profile (accessed October 12, 2026)
  6. Trustpilot: PC Matic reviews (accessed October 12, 2026)
  7. AV-TEST: PC Matic Application Allowlisting 3.0, March to April 2024 (accessed October 12, 2026)
  8. AV-TEST: PC Matic test history (accessed October 12, 2026)
  9. AV-TEST: Home Windows 11 results, August 2026 (accessed October 12, 2026)
  10. Apple App Store: PC Matic Mobile Security (accessed October 12, 2026)
  11. PC Matic: VPN pricing (accessed October 12, 2026)
  12. PC Matic: Identity protection pricing (accessed October 12, 2026)
  13. PC Matic: Delist pricing (accessed October 12, 2026)
  14. PC Matic: Support Unlimited (accessed October 12, 2026)
  15. PC Matic: Free antivirus tools (accessed October 12, 2026)
  16. Norton: Products and plans (accessed October 12, 2026)
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