Best antivirus without auto-renewal in 2025
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Most antivirus software is subscription-based. This model ensures that you always get the latest virus databases and keep your device protected, and working as efficiently as possible.
However, subscription models can also be frustrating due to their auto-renewals. Not only do they charge your card without warning, but can also come with hidden costs. Companies aren't always transparent about renewal costs, which can turn into a frustrating and large payment really quick.
Luckily, there are a few ways to get around this issue. By choosing the right antivirus, you'll be able to keep your devices safe, without worrying about surprise charges. Along with the Cybernews research team, I thoroughly tested the top antivirus providers on the market. I then picked the ones with transparent billing practices to help you make an informed decision. Keep reading to learn which software I chose as the best antivirus without auto-renewal.
6 best antiviruses without auto-renewal – shortlist
- 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 – renewal-free AV for online browsing
- Malwarebytes – antivirus with customizable subscription plans
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 you figure out how to choose the best antivirus without automatic renewal:
- Check transparency. It's essential to look at the terms of the antivirus subscription first. Trustworthy providers are upfront about conditions regarding long-term commitments. Thus, renewal terms, like pricing, should be stated clearly. It should also let you turn off automatic renewal and disclose how to do it.
- Get a free version. A free antivirus will completely eliminate auto-renewals and automatic payments. However, you need to review the features it provides carefully. Most providers don't offer sufficient protection with its free antivirus versions.
- Evaluate the price. Some antivirus software is costly. So, you need to set a budget and ensure that your chosen provider has an excellent price-to-value ratio.
- Check features. Consider the additional features the software provides. Opting for a full security suite that provides a VPN and a password manager saves you money, as you get everything in one package 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 it meets your needs without losing money.
- Check compatibility. Before committing to subscriptions, ensure the software is compatible with your system.
The best antivirus without auto-renewal in 2025 – detailed list
If you’re looking for an antivirus with flexible subscription terms, I’ve got you covered. After carefully researching providers' policies and conducting in-house testing, I've compiled a list of the best antivirus software without auto-renawal.
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’ll be protected 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 independent laboratory tests, blocking 100% of threats. We received the same result during our in-house testing – the antivirus detected and blocked 10 out of 10 threats.
Apart from phenomenal malware detection, you get plenty of TotalAV security features, like ransomware and real-time protection. What I really like is that it also serves as a performance booster for your device. With the Cloud Scanner, a Disk Cleaner, and optimization tools, I was able to speed up my system by removing startup programs, junk, and duplicate files.
Additionally, you can make use of an efficient ad blocker, which removes pop-ups, banners, and video ads. I like that the software ensures top-notch privacy by removing third-party trackers. Meanwhile, TotalAV also provides a VPN and a password manager to secure your data, such as browsing traffic and login credentials.
TotalAV is the best value provider, with pricing starting at $19.00/year. The most crucial part is that I found it very easy to opt out of auto-renewal.
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. With two-year subscription plans, you can cancel the renewal before the due date, which I found very easy to do. However, it's up to you to ensure uninterrupted protection. That's because Norton doesn’t have a free version to cover you once your subscription ends – it only offers a 30-day free trial and a 60-day money-back guarantee.
Besides being a flexible provider, Norton also comes with top-notch protection. 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 had planted.
As for Norton features, it has a lot to show, too. The provider tops efficient real-time protection with a dark web monitor, which scans the internet's darkest corners to find any data leaks. But Norton doesn't only scan for breaches – it also works to prevent them. I really liked that 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 worrying about forgetting them.
Norton antivirus is a friendly choice for your wallet. Considering that it combines several tools into one, the starting price of $29.99/year makes good sense. If you don't want auto-renewal, opt out the day you purchase the subscription, and you're good to go.
3. Bitdefender – well-performing antivirus with extended plans and no auto-renewal
| Auto-renewal opt-out: | ✅ Yes |
| Free version: | ✅ Yes |
| Platforms: | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Current deal: | Get Bitdefender for up to 78% OFF |
Bitdefender is a well-performing provider that doesn't make you worry about auto-renewal. You can choose up to a 3-year 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, you can test the service risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
I was impressed with Bitdefender’s protection. It nailed independent testing by blocking 100% of threats. During our in-house testing, it only missed 1 threat out of 40. On the other hand, it spotted the other 39 we had planted within 20 seconds.
Bitdefender tops strong 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, I really appreciate Bitdefender’s SafePay feature, which secures your online banking activities. It also provides an efficient VPN service and a password manager to keep your data safe.
Undeniably, Bitdefender is a capable antivirus. If you're eager to get it, expect to pay only $9.99/year for the longest subscription.
4. Surfshark One – well-performing antivirus without auto-renewal
| Auto-renewal opt-out: | ✅ Yes |
| Free version: | ❌ No |
| Platforms: | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Current deal: | Get Surfshark Antivirus - 85% OFF + 3 months FREE |
Surfshark One is a reliable and transparent antivirus provider. It allows you to easily disable automatic payments. In case you forget to opt out, the provider will send a reminder before the next billing period. Although there's no free version to cover you between manual renewals, 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 One doesn't disappoint. It provides a 100% malware detection rate, as proven by independent testing. Yet, our test results snatched 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 performance, which is very useful, especially on less powerful devices. 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.
What I really like about Surfshark One features is that it’s paired with a leading VPN service. This duo guarantees top-notch privacy protection.
If you also need to remove your digital footprints, Incogni will complete the task. This service will contact data brokers and ask them to remove your data from databases on your behalf.
Now, if you want to subscribe to this all-around antivirus suite, you can choose plans starting at $50.85/year and opt out of auto-renewal straight away – I found it incredibly easy.
5. NordVPN Threat Protection Pro – renewal-free antivirus for online browsing
| Auto-renewal opt-out: | ✅ Yes |
| Free version: | ❌ No |
| Platforms: | Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Current deal: | Get NordVPN antivirus with 76% OFF + free gift card |
NordVPN Threat Protection Pro 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. It also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee if you need to test the service before committing.
Besides good subscription terms, NordVPN Threat Protection is also valuable for its protection. During our in-house tests, Threat Protection Pro blocked access to 90% of malware-infected websites. Additionally, the deep scan stopped us from downloading malicious files 9/10 times. Meanwhile, it blocked all ads and trackers.
NordVPN Threat Protection Pro'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 the service works on up to 10 devices simultaneously. So you can enable malware protection on all your and your family members' devices. If you decide to choose NordVPN antivirus to protect your time online, expect to pay from $59.88/year.
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 50% OFF |
If you’re looking for antivirus software that doesn’t require auto-renewal, you should check out Malwarebytes. The excellent security patches contribute to high protection rates against malware, even on the free version.
Malwarebytes is suitable if you’re looking for an antivirus that allows you to opt out of auto-renewal plans. In other words, the app enables you to manage the auto-renewal of your subscription by turning it off in the settings. But that’s not the only thing you’ll get.
Our Malwarebytes review has shown that it will ensure high-end safety for your device thanks to its excellent security measures, like three scan types (Quick Scan, Threat Scan, and Custom Scan). It also offers Browser Guard, Quarantined Files, a built-in VPN, and a Remediation Map, which shows where the antivirus succeeded when others failed in real-time. Honestly, I’m very impressed with this selection of tools.
Setting up Malwarebytes is effortless because it takes only a few minutes, and the installation is straightforward. After that, you can easily find all the security features you need in 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 a premium subscription from $44.99/year and enjoy real-time protection on up to 20 devices.
How we selected and tested these antivirus programs
Together with a research team, I performed extensive antivirus testing to ensure we selected only the most worthy providers. Here are the criteria I used for determining the top providers:
- Subscription terms (30%). I reviewed the providers' subscription policies to see how they handle automatic renewals. I chose only those that provide a long subscription duration or allow easy disabling of the renewal.
- Independent testing (25%). When it comes to antivirus software, transparency is the key to success. Thus, I picked providers that had undergone independent testing to measure their capabilities. As a result, only trustworthy and top-performing providers were included in my list.
- In-house testing (25%). I ran my own tests on the antivirus 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 (20%). Good antivirus software is capable of detecting and removing malware and can also serve as a complete security suite. Paired with a VPN, a password manager, and data leak monitoring, 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, and browser hijackers.
- No more updates. Antivirus software is constantly updated to protect against the newest types of attacks. These updates are also essential to fix bugs and improve the software’s performance.
- 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 less protection and lose critical features.
- No technical support. If you encounter a problem with your antivirus software or have any questions about a particular type of malware you've been affected with, you'll need to renew your antivirus license to get assistance.
Free versions vs multiple-year plans
You might wonder if getting a free antivirus instead of committing to a multi-year subscription is a better deal. 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 has a much bigger range of features, including real-time protection, anti-spam filters, and firewalls. For instance, Bitdefender offers only a basic scanner with its free version.
- No ads. For a user-friendly experience without ads and annoyances, a paid antivirus service 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 ones.
- 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 a few years.
All in all, if you're looking for comprehensive protection, no ads, good usability, 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 turn off auto-renewal. Here's how to disable it if you're using TotalAV antivirus:
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Go to the TotalAV website and log in
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Select the Account tab in the top left corner and click My Billing
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Click on Manage next to your Payment Method
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Open the Manage Billing Preferences in the upper right corner
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Choose 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 wasn’t 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.
You can avoid auto-renewal by using a trustworthy antivirus with an extended subscription plan. My top choice is TotalAV. This provider has several annual subscription options starting at $19.00/month. You can easily 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 a VPN to protect your browsing traffic.
FAQ
Is there an 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 the 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 altogether.
