Side by side
AetherAV vs PC Matic
Both stand on antivirus software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan LinuxMacWindows
Pick AetherAV if you want a free, open-source antivirus engine with multiple detection methods and support for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Look elsewhere if you need finished software or kernel-level real-time protection on Windows or macOS today.
Visit AetherAV
Free plan AndroidAPIiPhone+4
PC Matic combines endpoint protection with Windows maintenance and additional consumer plan features. Review the operating-system minimums and the included VPN or identity features when selecting a plan.
Visit PC MaticThe facts
| AetherAV | PC Matic | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | No |
| Runs on | Linux, Mac, Windows | Android, API, iPhone, Linux, Mac, Web, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | PC Matic Privacy: $30 a year |
| Plans published | 1 | 7 |
| Maker | Not published | PC Matic |
| Website | aether.aswss.com | pcmatic.com |
| On antivirus software | #15 of 120 | #11 of 120 |
AetherAV: what it does well
- Free forever, with no paid tier or upsells.
- Open source under the Apache License 2.0.
- Ten independent detection engines are described.
- Aegis-50M runs on CPU without internet or GPU.
- Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, including Intel and ARM.
What to know first
- The project is in early beta and is not finished.
- Windows and macOS kernel-level protection is planned, not available today.
- It is not a drop-in Microsoft Defender replacement.
- Parental controls and password manager are not included.
PC Matic: what it does well
- Default-deny allowlisting blocks unknown applications
- Windows scans can update software and drivers
- Family identity plan lists protection up to $1M
- US-based home technical support available seven days
What to know first
- Antivirus plan costs $60 a year
- Supported operating systems have minimum versions
- Free VPN on Antivirus plan limited to 300 MB daily
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