PC Matic VPN is the VPN offering within the PC Matic security suite, a U.S.-based antivirus and optimization software. Aiming for simplicity and seamless integration, it’s designed for users who want dependable protection on public Wi-Fi and everyday browsing. In this review, we’ll break down how it performs in security, speed, usability, and whether it delivers solid value.
Pros
- Rapid speeds with minimal slowdown (8% loss claimed)
- Simple, clean interface suitable for VPN newbies
- Cross-platform support (Windows, Mac, iOS, Android)
- Attractive pricing for first-year users
- Unlimited device connections
Cons
- U.S. jurisdiction may concern privacy-focused users
- No independent privacy audits have been published.
- Mixed user reviews, especially regarding iOS stability
- VPN is only available through higher-tier plans
- Limited advanced features like split tunneling, multi-hop, or mesh networks
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Security & Privacy
PC Matic uses AES-256 encryption, the industry standard for secure VPNs. They also assert a strict no-logs policy and claim to employ anti-surveillance technologies to protect user privacy.
That said, their service is U.S.-based, which places them in a jurisdiction subject to surveillance alliances like Five Eyes, something privacy purists might find concerning. PC Matic hasn’t published independent audits verifying its privacy claims.
Performance Metrics
PC Matic claims impressively low speed loss. Only around 8%, compared to NordVPN’s 12%, ExpressVPN’s 18%, and even higher losses by others.
A third-party evaluation found connections from Madrid and Bordeaux offered strong performance (download speeds over 560 Mbps, low latency), though Los Angeles showed larger speed drops due to distance.
AV‑Test’s 2023 report praised the VPN for stable connections, enabling smooth streaming, gaming, and data transfers with minimal degradation.
Usability & Features
PC Matic VPN is available on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. The interface is described as beginner-friendly, featuring one-click connection and server load info to aid customization.
Configuration options in the Windows app include Quick Connect, manual server selection, adjustable protocols, and toggles for kill switch, DNS, and IPv6 leak protection.
Customer sentiment is mixed. The iOS app review on the App Store hit a hard sentiment:
Pricing & Value
PC Matic promotes value with a competitive pricing model: $30 for the first year, then $80/year. Per their comparison, that includes 91 server locations, unlimited active connections, strict no-logs, and torrent support.
However, the VPN is not available with standalone lifetime plans and requires purchasing the advanced antivirus plan or above.
Final Verdict
PC Matic VPN is ideal for users already part of the PC Matic ecosystem seeking straightforward VPN protection that prioritizes speed and usability for basic secure browsing, public Wi-Fi protection, and geo-unblocking. It is not ideal for privacy purists who need audited no-log assurances or RAM-only servers, users requiring advanced VPN functionalities or consistently high streaming performance, or anyone who relies heavily on mobile clients, particularly on iOS, due to noted reliability issues.
Our Overall Rating: 7.2/10
Category | Score |
Security & Privacy | 7.5/10 |
Performance | 8.0/10 |
Usability & Features | 7.0/10 |
Pricing & Value | 6.5/10 |
StageSeat's Top 5 VPNs of 2025
| Best For | VPN | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Proton VPN | 9/10 |
| Best for Unlimited Devices | Surfshark | 8.7/10 |
| Best for Reliability | ExpressVPN | 9/10 |
| Best for Advanced Security | NordVPN | 8.5/10 |
| Best for Value | CyberGhost | 8.3/10 |
Frequently asked questions
Find answers to common questions about PC Matic.
Yes, PC Matic is secure. It uses AES-256 encryption and claims a no-logs policy, though it’s U.S.-based and lacks independent audits.
PC Matic is very fast according to their testing. Only ~8% speed loss, and backed by third-party reports of high throughput.
Yes, PC Matic offers unlimited active connections under its VPN-capable plans.
PC Matic users have reported smooth streaming and low latency, particularly from optimally located servers like Madrid.
If you’re already invested in PC Matic and need a fundamental, fast, and easy VPN, it’s a reasonable choice. But if advanced features, jurisdiction-neutral privacy, or standalone offerings matter, you may find better alignment with providers like Surfshark or NordVPN.
