PC Matic vs Webroot
PC Matic and Webroot offer distinct approaches to securing your digital life. PC Matic champions proactive ransomware defense using strict Allowlisting technology. Webroot focuses on light, fast cloud-based antivirus and deep identity monitoring. Both tools, unfortunately, draw critical complaints regarding customer support and billing practices.
Promising security, critical support failures.
We find that PC Matic promises excellent security using effective allowlisting technology and local US-based support. However, user feedback consistently indicates a severe disconnect between these claims and delivery, particularly regarding customer service availability and billing transparency. Overall, we cannot recommend PC Matic until the company addresses its fundamental failures in responsiveness and customer relationship management.
Pros
- Employs Application Allowlisting, a highly effective technology for preventing ransomware.
- One user confirmed success in avoiding viruses and resolving a scam situation.
- Introductory annual pricing is clearly structured based on device count and features.
Cons
- Customer support is widely reported as non-existent; phone support is advertised but often unavailable.
- Users report unauthorized automatic renewals and being charged more than promotional rates.
- Technical issues are sometimes made worse by inexperienced support technicians.
- The software can block legitimate programs, forcing users to manually manage whitelisting.
Effective Security, Difficult Customer Experience
We found Webroot provides robust, cloud-based digital security that keeps devices running remarkably fast. While the core technology excels in speed and offers comprehensive features like identity monitoring, we noted pervasive user dissatisfaction regarding complicated renewals, unresponsive customer support, and extremely difficult uninstallation processes. Overall, Webroot provides powerful defense but struggles significantly with customer operational transparency and service responsiveness.
Pros
- Extremely fast, cloud-based scans ensure the software doesn't slow down the computer.
- Simple user interface is great for users who are new to cybersecurity.
- Available comprehensive protection tiers include VPN, identity monitoring, and fraud reimbursement.
- Reliable, always-on protection against complex threats like viruses and ransomware.
Cons
- Major recurring complaints about non-existent or unresponsive customer support via phone and email.
- Users report high difficulty when trying to delete or uninstall the software from their computer.
- Problems with aggressive auto-renewal charges and confusing renewal prompts were frequently cited.
- Renewal pricing is often significantly higher after the discounted first year.
AboutPC Matic
PC Matic is a comprehensive security solution available in one easy-to-use platform. It's specifically designed to guard your devices and deliver protection online.
This simple platform defends against major issues like ransomware, viruses, and identity theft. Plus, you can trust this digital solution because all PC Matic products are proudly American-made ✅.
AboutWebroot
Webroot provides comprehensive digital life protection. This means keeping all parts of your online world safe. It shields your devices, personal data, privacy, and identity from various online threats. Whether you only need device protection or require comprehensive internet security, Webroot has tailored plans. You can usually find options for every device and every budget. 💡
Highlights
Feature Comparison
Features Overview
We highlight the main differences and pick a winner for each feature.
Ransomware Defense
PC Matic uses proactive Allowlisting; Webroot operates with cloud-based intelligence.
PC Matic's core feature is its strict Application Allowlisting defense technology. This system stops all unknown programs from executing immediately. It is widely considered the most effective prevention against zero-day ransomware attacks. However, this strictness sometimes requires users to manually approve legitimate applications. Webroot relies on rapid, cloud-based threat intelligence to identify and block current malware. It is highly effective but reacts to known threats and signatures. PC Matic provides stronger proactive prevention by defaulting to 'deny' unauthorized software access. Webroot prioritizes speed and global knowledge instead of local lockdown.
System Performance
Webroot is lightning-fast and light; PC Matic demands more local processing.
Webroot is famous for its extremely efficient and speedy cloud-based architecture. It delegates intensive threat intelligence processing to the cloud. This design reduces system resource usage significantly, translating to rapid performance. PC Matic utilizes deep Application Allowlisting, which requires constant local monitoring of operating processes. Scans and continuous oversight generally consume more system resources. Webroot is explicitly designed to maximize speed and minimize drag on your computer. PC Matic sacrifices system lightness for security depth and control. If resource management is key—especially on older devices—Webroot provides a far smoother experience.
Identity Protection
Webroot has robust identity features; PC Matic focuses only on device safety.
Webroot offers a comprehensive identity protection suite in its Premium tiers. This includes active identity monitoring and continuous dark web checks for your personal data. Webroot also offers up to $1M in fraud expense reimbursement coverage. PC Matic focuses primarily on securing the device endpoint from viruses and ransomware. It does not list specialized tools for monitoring leaked personal identity information. Webroot protects the user's personal identity and finances outside the scope of device management. PC Matic provides standard device protection for basic antivirus needs. If securing your financial details is a concern, Webroot provides concrete insurance and expert restoration assistance.
Customer Support
Both services promise support, but reviews highlight extreme difficulty reaching a human.
PC Matic guarantees 100% US-based email support for all subscription tiers. Limited phone support is granted only to Antivirus + VPN users. Many customer reviews cite critical unresponsiveness and ignored financial disputes. Webroot promises professional 24/7 US-based support for Premium and Total Protection users. However, a high volume of complaints mirror PC Matic's issues regarding unresponsive email and phone channels. Despite marketing US-based assistance, users of both PC Matic and Webroot report severe operational failure in support experience. Neither provider delivers reliably responsive customer service. Users should proceed expecting self-service, as neither platform shows reliable post-sales support in user feedback.
Uninstallation Friction
Webroot users report extreme difficulty uninstalling; PC Matic has less recorded friction.
PC Matic’s main friction point is managing the Application Allowlisting feature after installation. There are limited reports of difficulty removing the PC Matic software itself. Webroot receives numerous critical user complaints that the software actively prevents proper uninstallation attempts. Users compare the removal process to dealing with actual malware attempting to remain on the system. Webroot's anti-deletion behavior creates high customer dissatisfaction and trust issues. PC Matic does not exhibit this level of exit hostility. If you plan to switch providers eventually, removing Webroot may require complex technical steps not required by PC Matic.
Advanced Features
Webroot bundles backup, VPN, and parental controls; PC Matic offers only VPN.
Webroot's Total Protection plans include a VPN, parental controls, and cloud backup capabilities. The unlimited cloud backup is specific to only one PC or Mac device. PC Matic's higher tier includes essential VPN service for browsing privacy and encryption. PC Matic does not offer data backup or parental control options. Webroot provides a far more comprehensive suite of digital safety tools for family use. PC Matic keeps its focus narrower on core endpoint security. For a complete safety package covering privacy, backup, and parental oversight, Webroot offers better value in its top plans.
Our Verdict
This decision pits radical ransomware prevention versus speed and comprehensive features. Both PC Matic and Webroot offer powerful fundamentals but critical service flaws. PC Matic’s true superpower is its Application Allowlisting, providing unmatched defense against ransomware. If preventing unauthorized code execution is your top priority, PC Matic is the better security choice. It offers strong core protection for up to 10 devices and is proudly American-made. Webroot wins big on performance due to its efficient cloud-based architecture and lightning-fast scans. Webroot also offers a much deeper feature set, including identity protection, dark web monitoring, and $1M fraud reimbursement. The real deciding factor is managing the friction unique to each tool after installation. PC Matic’s Allowlisting forces you to manually whitelist trusted apps, creating minor inconvenience. Webroot users report extreme difficulty uninstalling the software, making it a major commitment. Choose Webroot if you prioritize speed, identity protection, and bundled features like backup and parental controls. Opt for PC Matic if you need the absolute highest level of proactive ransomware blockage, despite occasional software friction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which software offers better multi-device coverage, PC Matic or Webroot?
Both PC Matic and Webroot offer excellent coverage, capping consumer plans at 10 devices. PC Matic's entry plan covers 5 devices for $50. Webroot starts at $34.99 but covers only one device initially.
Does PC Matic offer better identity protection than Webroot?
No, Webroot provides vastly superior identity protection features. Webroot includes dark web and credit monitoring and up to $1M in fraud reimbursement. PC Matic focuses mainly on device endpoint security.
Which tool is less likely to slow down my computer: PC Matic or Webroot?
Webroot will be significantly faster and consume fewer resources than PC Matic. Webroot uses cloud computing for threat intelligence, minimizing demanding local scans. PC Matic's deep Allowlisting requires more constant system oversight.
Is it easier to cancel a subscription and uninstall PC Matic or Webroot?
PC Matic is likely easier to remove, though both have billing complaints. Webroot receives frequent, severe complaints about being extremely difficult to uninstall. PC Matic explicitly offers a 30-day money-back window.
Which approach is more effective against new ransomware: Webroot or PC Matic?
PC Matic's Application Allowlisting is theoretically more effective against new threats. It proactively blocks unauthorized programs from running by default. Webroot works quickly to detect novel threats but relies on signature updates.
Does Webroot's high-tier plan include unlimited cloud storage like PC Matic?
PC Matic does not offer cloud storage or backup features. Webroot includes unlimited cloud storage, but it is restricted to backing up only one PC or one Mac machine.
Ready to Choose?
Both tools have their strengths. Choose based on your specific needs.