Best antivirus without auto-renewal in 2024
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Andželika Jasevičiūtė
Writer
These days, most antivirus software is subscription-based. It helps to guarantee the continued protection of your device. With a subscription, you'll also get all the crucial updates that maintain software performance.
However, most subscriptions come with a problematic feature – automatic renewal. Not only does it charge your credit card with no prior warning, but it can also come with shady pricing. Companies aren't always clear about how much the subscription renewal costs, which result in bigger payment than anticipated.
Fortunately, there's a solution. You can choose between antivirus software programs that offer long subscriptions or get a freemium antivirus. We researched the best-performing providers on the market to help pick the right one for the job.
Continue reading for the shortlist of the best antivirus without auto-renewal.
Top 6 best antiviruses without auto-renewal
- TotalAV – best overall antivirus without auto-renewal
- Norton 360 – feature-rich and renewal-free antivirus
- Bitdefender – efficient AV with extended subscription plans
- Surfshark Antivirus – well-performing antivirus without auto-renewal
- NordVPN Threat Protection – best renewal-free AV for online browsing
- Malwarebytes – antivirus with no auto-renewal
How to choose the best antivirus without automatic renewal?
The antivirus market is enormous. But a wide selection of providers doesn't make it easier to pick the right one for your needs. Here are some tips to help figure out how to choose the best antivirus without automatic renewal:
- Transparency. It’s important to take a peek at the antivirus subscription terms. Trustworthy providers are upfront about conditions regarding long-term commitments. Thus, terms of renewal, including the price and other conditions, should be stated clearly. The companies should also allow to disable automatic renewal and disclose how to do it.
- Free version. Getting a free antivirus will completely get rid of auto-renewals and automatic payments. However, you need to review the feature it provides carefully. Most providers don't offer sufficient protection with their free antivirus versions.
- Price. Some antivirus software is extremely expensive. So, you need to set a budget and ensure that the provider you choose has excellent value and price ratio.
- Features. Consider the additional features the software provides. Getting a full security suite that provides a VPN, password manager, and other features, allows you to save money by getting one tool instead of many.
- Test the software. Take advantage of a free trial and a money-back guarantee to test the software. This way, you'll ensure that it meets your needs without losing money.
- Compatibility. Before committing to subscriptions, ensure the software is compatible with your system.
The best antivirus without auto-renewal of 2024
We have you covered if you're looking for an antivirus that comes with flexible subscription terms. After careful research of the provider's policies as well as in-house testing, we provide you with the list of the best antiviruses without auto-renewal:
1. TotalAV – best overall antivirus without auto-renewal
| Auto Renewal Opt-Out: | Yes |
| Free version: | Yes |
| Platforms: | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android |
| Current deal: | Get TotalAV, now 80% OFF! |
TotalAV is the best choice when you need an auto-renewal-free service. The provider has annual subscription plans and allows you to opt out of auto-renewal.
Furthermore, you will have protection even when your subscription ends, as TotalAV comes with a free version.
On top of flexible subscription terms, TotalAV delivers excellent protection. The provider has nailed the independent laboratory tests, blocking 100% of threats. We received the same result during in-house testing – the antivirus blocked 10 out of 10 threats.
Apart from phenomenal malware detection, TotalAV has plenty of security features under its belt. This goes without saying – TotalAV is not just a mere antivirus software. It also serves as a performance booster for your device. With the Cloud Scanner, a Disk Cleaner, and optimization tools, you'll be able to speed up your system by removing startup programs, junk, and duplicate files.
Additionally, you'll get an efficient ad blocker, which removes pop-ups, banners, and video ads. The software also ensures top-notch privacy by removing third-party trackers. Meanwhile, to secure your data, such as browsing traffic and login credentials, TotalAV provides a VPN and a password manager.
You might be wondering how much will all of this cost. TotalAV is the best value provider, with pricing starting at $19.00/year.
To find all features of this product, visit our TotalAV review.
2. Norton 360 Antivirus – efficient and renewal-free antivirus with great features
| Auto Renewal Opt-Out: | Yes |
| Free version: | No |
| Platforms: | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android |
| Current deal: | Get up to 58% OFF Norton Antivirus |
Norton is another secure and well-performing antivirus with flexible renewal options. By delivering two-year subscription plans, all you have to do is cancel the renewal before the due date.
However, it's up to you to ensure uninterrupted protection. That's because Norton offers a 30 free trial and a 60-day money-back guarantee instead of a free version.
Besides being a flexible provider, Norton also comes with military-grade protection. The independent testing results show a 100% success rate at blocking threats. Our in-house tests were the same – the system scan found all the malicious files we planted.
As for features, Norton has a lot to show for it, too. The provider tops efficient real-time protection with a dark web monitor. The feature scans the internet's darkest corners to find any comprised data leaks.
But Norton doesn't only scan for breaches – it also works to prevent them. Your browsing traffic is protected with a VPN service. Meanwhile, your login credentials are secured with a password manager, allowing you to use only the most secure passwords without the worry of forgetting them.
Norton is a great choice for your wallet. Considering that it comprises several tools into one, the starting price of $29.99/month makes good sense.
To find all features of this product, visit our Norton 360 Antivirus review.
3. Bitdefender – well-performing antivirus with extended plans and no auto-renewal
| Auto Renewal Opt-Out: | Yes |
| Free version: | Yes |
| Platforms: | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux |
| Current deal: | Get Bitdefender for up to 78% OFF! |
Bitdefender is a well-performing provider that doesn't make you sweat over auto-renewal. You can choose up to a 3-year-long subscription and disable the renewal on the spot.
The provider comes with a free version, so you can resubscribe whenever you want without compromising protection. On top of that, it lets you test the service risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
This flexible provider comes with impressive protection. Bitdefender nailed independent testing by blocking 100% of threats. During the in-house testing, it only missed 1 threat. On the other hand, it spotted the other 9 we planted within 20 seconds.
Bitdefender tops the great malware detection with a wide range of features. For instance, it can protect you from typical malware infections and unauthorized access to your webcam and microphone.
Apart from that, Bitdefender is notable for SafePay, which secures your online banking activities. On top of that, it provides an efficient VPN service and a password manager to keep your data safe.
Undeniably, Bitdefender is a great antivirus. If you're eager to get it, expect to pay $9.99/year.
To find all features of this product, visit our Bitdefender review.
4. Surfshark Antivirus – well-performing antivirus without auto-renewal
| Auto Renewal Opt-Out: | Yes |
| Free version: | No |
| Platforms: | Windows, macOS, Android |
| Current deal: | Get Surfshark Antivirus - 79% OFF + 3 months FREE! |
Surfshark Antivirus is a reliable and transparent provider. It allows you to disable automatic payments easily. In case you forget to opt out, the provider will send a reminder before the next billing period.
Unfortunately, there's no free version to cover you between manual renewals, but if you're eager to try out Surfshark Antivirus, you'll get a free 7-day trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
When it comes to protection, Surfshark Antivirus doesn't disappoint. It provides a 100% score at malware detection rates, as proven by independent testing. Yet, our test results snatch 10% of this score since the antivirus found 9 out of 10 malicious files. On the flip side, the scan didn't visibly affect the overall device's performance, which is a neat benefit. It's worth noting that Surfshark’s consistent performance has earned it the AV-TEST "Top Product" award, underscoring its effectiveness and reliability in cybersecurity.
Now, what should you expect from Surfshark in terms of features? As you may already know, the antivirus is paired with a leading VPN service. This duo guarantees top-notch privacy protection.
But if you also need to remove your digital footprints, Incogni will complete the task. This service will contact data brokers, asking them to remove your data from databases on your behalf.
Now, if you want to subscribe to this all-rounded antivirus suite, you can choose plans starting at $50.85/year.
To find all features of this product, visit our Surfshark Antivirus review.
5. NordVPN Threat Protection – best renewal-free antivirus for online browsing
| Auto Renewal Opt-Out: | Yes |
| Free version: | No |
| Platforms: | Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Current deal: | Now up to 74% OFF + 3 months for free! |
NordVPN Threat Protection is another reliable choice when you need efficient protection on your own terms. It allows you to disable automatic renewals immediately after purchasing a one or two-year subscription.
By the way, it also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee in case you need to test out the service before committing.
Other than good subscription terms, NordVPN Threat Protection is also valuable for its protection. During our in-house tests, Threat Protection blocked access to 90% of malware-infected websites. Additionally, the deep scan has stopped us from downloading malicious files 9/10 times. Meanwhile, it blocked all ads and tackers.
NordVPN's biggest asset is, of course, the VPN service. It comes with advanced encryption and fast tunneling protocols. Not only does it protect your browsing traffic, but it also provides access to geo-restricted streaming services.
The best part is that Threat Protection works on up to 6 devices simultaneously. So you'll be able to enable malware protection on all your and your family members' devices.
If you decide to choose NordVPN to protect your time online, expect to pay from $3.99/month.
Read more about this product in our NordVPN review.
6. Malwarebytes – antivirus program with customizable subscription plans
| Auto Renewal Opt-Out: | Yes |
| Free version: | Yes |
| Platforms: | Windows, Android, macOS, ChromeOS, iOS |
| Current deal: | Get Malwarebytes, now 25% OFF |
If you’re looking for an antivirus software that doesn’t require auto-renewal, then you should check out Malwarebytes. The amazing security patches contribute to high rates of protection against malware, even on the free version.
Malwarebytes is pretty suitable if you’re looking for an antivirus that gives you the option to opt out of auto-renewal plans. In other words, the app allows you to manage the auto-renewal of your subscription by turning off this option in the settings. But that’s not the only thing you’ll get.
Malwarebytes will ensure high-end safety for your device thanks to the excellent security measures, like four scan types: Browser Guard, Quarantine files, the built-in VPN, and Remediation Map, which shows where the antivirus succeeded when others failed in real-time.
Setting up Malwarebytes is super easy because it takes a few minutes, and the installation is very simple. After that, you can easily find all of the security features that you’re interested in checking out because it has a clean and well-organized dashboard.
Malwarebytes allows you to use it for free. However, its performance is a bit limited if you use the free version. Therefore, you can get the premium subscription from $44.99/year and enjoy real-time protection on up to 20 devices.
Find out more in our Malwarebytes review.
How we selected and tested these antiviruses
We performed extensive testing to ensure we selected only the most worthy providers. Here are the criteria we used for determining the top providers:
- Subscription terms. We looked through the providers' subscription policies to see how they deal with automatic renewals. We only choose the providers that provide long subscription duration or allow disabling the renewal.
- Independent testing. When it comes to antivirus software, transparency is the key to success. Thus, we picked providers that had undergone independent testing to measure their capabilities. As a result, only trustworthy and top-performing providers were included in our list.
- In-house testing. We decided to run our own tests on the providers to diminish any doubts. Not only do these tests allow us to see how efficient the software is, but also how easy it is to use.
- Additional features. Good antivirus software is capable of not only detecting and removing malware. It can serve as a complete security suite. Paired with a VPN, password manager, data leak monitoring, and many other features, it guarantees well-rounded protection.
What happens if I don't renew my antivirus?
Renewing your antivirus subscription is essential for several reasons, such as ensuring uninterrupted protection of your device. But what is the worst that can happen if you choose not to renew your subscription? Let's take a look at several consequences:
- Disabled protection against threats. Renewing your antivirus software protects you against various security threats, such as ransomware, viruses, keyloggers, browser hijackers, and many other types of malware.
- No more updates. Antivirus software is updated constantly to protect against the newest types of attacks. These updates are also essential to fix bugs and improve the performance of the software.
- Disabled access. Some providers may immediately cut off access when you fail to renew your antivirus subscription, rendering the software useless.
- Loss of features. You may be downgraded to a free version of the antivirus software. This often means you'll get a much lower level of protection and lose critical features.
- No technical support. Let's say you encounter a problem with your antivirus software or maybe even have questions about a particular type of malware you've encountered. Well, to get assistance, you'll need to renew your antivirus license.
Free versions vs multiple-year plans
You might wonder why not get a free antivirus instead of committing to a multi-year subscription. While both of these will help forgo the hassle of auto-renewals, paid antivirus is considered better than free antivirus for several reasons:
- Comprehensive protection. Paid antivirus comes with a much bigger range of features, including real-time protection, anti-spam filters, firewalls, and more. For instance, Bitdefender offers only a basic scanner with its free version.
- No ads. For a user-friendly experience without ads and annoyances, paid antivirus is the way to go.
- Frequent updates. Updates are crucial to the performance of antivirus software. Unsurprisingly, paid versions are updated much faster and more frequently than free versions.
- More reliable. By getting a several-year subscription, you won't need to worry about any threats harming your device. Meanwhile, the free version may not even exist after several years.
All in all, if you're looking for comprehensive protection, no ads, and good usability, as well as frequent updates and reliability, get a multiple-year antivirus plan. It will remove the hassle of auto-renewal while keeping your device safe.
How do I turn off auto-renewal?
Reliable and transparent providers make it easy for you to disable auto-renewal. Here's how to disable it if you're using TotalAV antivirus:
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First, go to the TotalAV website and log in.
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Then, hover on the Account tab on the left top corner and click Billing.
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There, you need to click on Manage next to your Payment method.
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Click on Manage Billing Preferences in the upper right corner.
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Lastly, click on the Disable button and confirm.
Is antivirus without auto-renewal worth it?
Auto-renewal is necessary to ensure the uninterrupted protection of your device. By preventing the subscription from lapsing, the feature keeps you protected at all times.
However, it has some serious drawbacks. For instance, subscription renewal may come with a higher price that was not clearly stated beforehand. You may also not want the provider to charge your credit card without prior authorization. Furthermore, you may get stuck with an unwanted provider if you forget to cancel your subscription.
Your best bet to avoid auto-renewal is to use a trustworthy antivirus with an extended subscription plan. Our top choice is TotalAV. This provider has several annual subscription options starting at $19.00/month You can opt out of auto-renewal immediately after purchase.
The best thing about TotalAV is the impressive protection rate it provides. The software managed to nail both independent and in-house tests. On top of that, it comes with tools to optimize your system, an ad blocker, and VPN to protect your browsing traffic.
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FAQ
Is there any antivirus without a subscription?
Yes, there are several free antivirus software options that you can use without buying a subscription plan. For example, you can try a leading antivirus provider TotalAV. Another option is Bitdefender. Both of these providers offer free protection for your device.
Can I buy Norton without auto-renewal?
Yes, you can buy Norton antivirus without automatic renewal. You can choose between a one-time purchase and an annual subscription option. While annual plans have auto-renewal on by default, you can turn it off immediately after purchase.
Does antivirus still work after expiry?
It depends on the specific provider. Sometimes, you'll have the option of using a free version once your subscription expires. On the other hand, some providers may disable the antivirus completely.
