Best antivirus without auto-renewal: no subscription needed

Antivirus software is essential for protecting your devices from malware, phishing, and cyberattacks. However, many antivirus providers include auto-renewal features in their subscriptions, which can lead to unexpected charges on your credit card. These charges often come without prior notifications, and the pricing structures can be unclear, thus leaving users frustrated and overcharged.

The best way to avoid this issue is to choose antivirus software without auto-renewal. After extensive testing, I found that TotalAV, Norton, and Bitdefender offer excellent one-time purchase options that eliminate the hassle of automatic renewals. For those seeking alternatives, Surfshark Antivirus and Nord Threat Protection Pro also provide reliable security solutions while ensuring transparent payment practices.

How I selected the best antivirus software without auto-renewal?

When selecting the best antivirus software without auto-renewal, performance and the ability to protect various devices from malware and other cyber threats were my primary considerations. To narrow down the best no-subscription antivirus options, I focused on five key criteria:

• Auto-renewal policy. A clear, transparent payment model was essential. Antivirus software that offers one-time purchase or non-subscription antivirus ensures users aren’t surprised by unexpected charges. TotalAV and Bitdefender stood out for offering clear, upfront pricing without auto-renewal.
• Protection. While testing, the antivirus had to effectively guard against malware, phishing, and ransomware. Top performers like Norton and Bitdefender offered robust malware detection rates (over 95%) to ensure your devices stay secure.
• Speed. A fast, efficient antivirus to ensure minimal impact on system performance. TotalAV was exceptional in this area, providing strong protection without slowing down the device.
• Compatibility. To meet the needs of all users, the software had to be compatible with a range of devices and operating systems. All my selected antivirus software options offer excellent compatibility, covering Windows, Mac, and mobile devices.
• Price and money-back guarantee. Affordable pricing and flexible refund policies were also key. All my shortlisted antivirus providers have competitive pricing and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

These factors combined ensure that the selected antivirus options offer top-tier protection without the hassle of recurring charges or unclear pricing structure.

Top 5 best one-time purchase antivirus without auto renewal

1. TotalAV

   reliable antivirus software without auto-renewal
   9.7
2. Norton Antivirus

   advanced antivirus software without recurring payments
   9.1
3. Bitdefender Antivirus

   high-level non-subscription antivirus software
   9.4
4. Surfshark Antivirus

   efficient and affordable one-time antivirus purchase
   8.8
5. Nordantivirus

   budget-friendly antivirus software with no subscription
   0.0

While testing over 20 antivirus programs, I used a range of testing methods to evaluate their performance, including real-world malware protection tests, system performance impact assessments, and compatibility checks across multiple devices. All tests were conducted on Windows 10, Windows 11, MacOS, and Android devices to ensure great compatibility and effectiveness. Below are the top 5 antivirus software providers that stood out for offering one-time purchase antivirus solutions without auto-renewal:

1. TotalAV - best antivirus without auto-renewal in 2024

TotalAV stands out as the best antivirus software without auto-renewal in 2024. Offering a one-time purchase option, TotalAV ensures you won’t face any unexpected charges once your subscription ends. Even after it expires, the free version of TotalAV continues to offer basic protection, though with fewer features and no access to premium services, such as real-time protection and advanced security tools.

Note: TotalAV auto-renewal is enabled by default, but you can disable it easily. Log in to your account, go to the ‘Subscription’ or ‘Billing’ section, and toggle off the auto-renewal option. Do this before your trial or billing period ends to avoid charges.

During in-house testing, TotalAV proved to be highly effective, with a malware detection rate of 92.7%. It successfully blocked over 139/150 threats during testing, including phishing attempts and ransomware attacks. The full scan (around 526K files) was completed in just under 10 minutes, during which the system's CPU usage remained truly low, averaging around 8%. The software uses advanced real-time protection and heuristic scanning to detect both known and emerging threats. Additionally, it features a secure VPN, a disk cleaner, and an ad blocker, ensuring a comprehensive approach to online security.

What I liked most about TotalAV was its user-friendly interface and excellent protection without slowing down the system. However, the free version of TotalAV lacked some of the advanced features found in the premium version. For more information, you can read our TotalAV review.

TotalAV is available for a one-time payment and offers various plans starting at 2.42/year for the first year, as well as a 30-day money-back guarantee. There’s also a free version available, but, as mentioned, it comes with limited features compared.

2. Norton - feature-rich antivirus without a subscription option

Norton is a highly feature-rich antivirus without a subscription, offering a one-time purchase option for users who want robust protection without the worry of auto-renewals. Even after your subscription ends, Norton provides the free version, which continues to offer basic malware protection, even though it lacks premium features like a firewall and advanced threat protection.

Note: To avoid being charged automatically, ensure you disable auto-renewal before your trial or subscription period ends. Log in to your Norton account, navigate to the ‘Subscription’ or ‘Billing’ section, locate the auto-renewal option, and turn it off.

During in-house testing, Norton delivered excellent results, achieving a malware detection rate of 95.3%. While testing, it blocked 143/150 threats, including ransomware, phishing attacks, and malicious websites Norton antivirus completed a full system scan in approximately 12 minutes, scanning over 1 million items. During the scan, CPU usage averaged between 8-10%, with occasional spikes reaching nearly 20%. Detected malware samples were immediately removed, ensuring quick protection without requiring user action.

Norton’s advanced protection tools include real-time scanning, an intelligent firewall, and a VPN for added online privacy. These features work together to ensure strong security against both known and new threats.

Its intuitive interface and effective detection capabilities are some of its strongest points. However, the free version has limited functionality compared to the premium one, which offers more comprehensive features, such as a password manager and backup storage.

Norton has a one-time purchase option with plans starting at only $2.50/year for the first year, all of which include a 30-day money-back guarantee. It also offers a free version, although it comes with limited features compared to the premium options. For more information, read our comprehensive Norton review.

3. Bitdefender - one-time purchase antivirus for complete internet security

Bitdefender is a strong contender for the best one-time purchase antivirus thanks to its unparalleled security and user-friendly options for avoiding auto-renewals. Even after the subscription expires, Bitdefeder’s free version continues to offer basic protection, although it doesn’t include real-time scanning or advanced features like ransomware remediation.

Note: Bitdefender auto-renewal is enabled by default for active subscriptions, so it’s important to disable it early to avoid unexpected charges. To turn off auto-renewal, log in to your Bitdefender Central account, navigate to the "My Subscriptions" tab, find your active subscription, click "Manage," and disable the auto-renewal option.

During in-house testing, Bitdefender achieved a malware detection rate of 95.3%, identifying and blocking 143/150 threats, including zero-day attacks. Bitdefender antivirus took the longest to scan the macOS device, with the process taking approximately 25 minutes. During the scan, around 865K files were analyzed, and CPU usage fluctuated between 13-20%. Despite the longer scan time, malware detection was highly effective, and threats were removed instantly upon detection.

Its standout features include multi-layer ransomware protection, a vulnerability scanner, and an anti-tracker tool that improves privacy by blocking data collectors. The parental controls and secure VPN add to its versatility, making it a great choice for families or multi-user households.

What sets Bitdefender apart is its ability to combine advanced security with minimal system impact, ensuring fast and smooth device performance. However, the rich interface and variety of features may feel overly complex for users who need basic protection.

Bitdefender offers a one-time purchase option with plans, much like its competitors, starting at just $0.83/year for the first year. The provider also has a 30-day money-back guarantee and a free trial. Bitdefender’s pricing is competitive, particularly considering the range of features included in premium plans. For a more detailed description, read our Bitdefender review.

4. Surfshark antivirus - efficient antivirus software without auto renewal

Surfshark stands out as highly effective antivirus software without auto-renewal, designed for users who value simplicity and cost-effective security. While it doesn’t offer a free version after the subscription ends, its paid plans are budget-friendly and deliver excellent protection against malware and phishing attacks.

Unlike many competitors, Surfshark does not automatically enroll users into recurring payments, eliminating the need to cancel auto-renewal manually. You simply make a one-time payment for the subscription, ensuring full control over your renewal decisions.

During in-house testing, Surfshark detected and neutralized an impressive 90.7% of malware threats, blocking 136/150 malicious attempts. Surfshark antivirus completed the system scan the fastest, taking around 8 minutes. However, it had the highest CPU usage, fluctuating between 30-40%. While 926K files were scanned, and all threats were instantly removed upon detection.

Surfshark combines antivirus protection with an integrated VPN, ensuring secure browsing and safeguarding against trackers and online surveillance. Additional tools like Surfshark Alert (data breach detection) and Surfshark Search (private browsing) add further value.

What I appreciated most about Surfshark was its seamless integration of antivirus and VPN capabilities, making it an excellent all-in-one solution. However, users seeking more robust standalone antivirus features may find it slightly lacking compared to other providers.

The provider offers competitive pricing with a one-time payment option and a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing users to test its capabilities risk-free. However, it’s only available as part of the Surfshark One or Surfshark One+ bundles, which also include a VPN, Alert, and Search with prices starting at $2.19/month (with a 2-year plan). To find out more details on Surfshark Antivirus read our full review.

5. Nord Threat Protection Pro - cheapest antivirus with no subscription needed

Nord Threat Protection is a top choice for users seeking the cheapest antivirus with no subscription while still benefiting from effective protection.

Nord Threat ProtectionPro is the only antivirus among the top 5 that doesn’t require any steps to cancel auto-renewal. Once your plan ends, you won’t be charged unless you manually renew the service.

Nord's Threat Protection Pro is only available on Nord’s ‘Plus’ and ‘Complete’ plans, which currently cost $3.89-$4.89/month and come with an extra 3 months for free when purchased as a 2-year subscription. Although it might seem a little expensive, it actually offers a great value/price ratio, as you not only get reliable antivirus protection, but also an industry-leading VPN, password manager, and generous cloud storage as a bundle. Though it doesn’t offer a free version post-subscription, its affordable pricing and straightforward approach to online security make it an excellent option for cost-conscious users.

During in-house real-time testing, Nord Threat Protection Pro detected 9 out of 10 malicious URLs, scored 80/100 on AdBlock Tester for Chrome and Firefox, effectively blocking the majority of ads, provided robust protection against web tracking, particularly on Firefox, and blocked all YouTube ads on Chrome, Firefox, Opera, and Edge.

Its standout features include real-time scanning, anti-phishing alerts, and ad blocker tools, ensuring a safe and distraction-free online experience. Additionally, its lightweight design keeps your devices running effectively without slowing them down.

Nord Threat Protection is available at a one-time payment and includes a 30-day money-back guarantee, making it risk-free to try.

Comparison of the best antivirus software without auto-renewal

When deciding on the best antivirus without auto-renewal, comparing the key features of each option can help you make an informed choice. Below, I’ve outlined the top providers, including their virus detection test scores, supported devices, pricing, and whether they offer a free version. This table ensures you can quickly find the antivirus that meets your security needs without the hassle of recurring subscriptions.

How do I stop my antivirus software from charging my credit card?

Most antivirus providers offer their services as automatically renewing subscriptions to ensure uninterrupted protection for their users. This approach eliminates the need to monitor expiration dates, ensuring your devices are continuously shielded from malware, phishing attempts, and other threats. While auto-renewal can be convenient, it’s also important to know how to disable it if needed.

From the antivirus programs listed above, TotalAV, Norton, and Bitdefender activate auto-renewal by default after purchase. To stop your antivirus software from charging your credit card, follow these steps using TotalAV as an example:

1. Log in to your TotalAV account at their official website.
2. Navigate to the “My Account” section.
3. Locate your active subscription and click “Manage Subscriptions.”
4. Toggle the auto-renewal switch to the “Disable” position.
5. Confirm your selection in the pop-up window, and you will receive an email confirmation.

To turn off auto-renewal for Norton or Bitdefender you simply need to log in to your account, navigate to ‘My Subscriptions’ tab, select the active plan and click ‘Manage Settings’. In such way you’ll be able to disable the auto-renewal option and confirm the changes.

Taking these steps ensures you have full control over your antivirus subscription while still enjoying the benefits of premium security.

If you want to avoid auto-renewal altogether, you can opt for Surfshark or Nord Threat Protection Pro, as they offer one-time purchase subscriptions. However, keep in mind that:

• Surfshark Antivirus is bundled with a VPN and other tools, making it an all-in-one solution, but it lacks some standalone antivirus features.
• Nord threat Protection Pro is affordable and lightweight but doesn’t include advanced features like ransomware protection or a firewall.

For a balanced option that combines affordability, reliability, and comprehensive features, I recommend TotalAV. It provides excellent malware protection, flexible subscription options, and is easy to manage.

Why it's worth considering premium antivirus software with auto-renewal?

Using antivirus software is no longer optional - it’s essential for protecting your devices and personal data in an era where cyber threats are constantly evolving. Malicious software, phishing attacks, ransomware, and spyware are just a few examples of the risks that can compromise sensitive information or disrupt your everyday online activities.

According to the most recent cybersecurity statistics:

• Over 560,000 new malware instances are detected daily.
• Ransomware attacks increased by 92% between 2022 and 2024, targeting both individuals and businesses.
• Phishing campaigns account for more than 90% of cyber breaches globally.

Having continuous protection through auto-renewing antivirus software ensures your devices stay protected without gaps, even as threats become more sophisticated. Below is a breakdown of antivirus types and why they are necessary for specific devices or activities:

Therefore, investing in premium antivirus software with auto-renewal ensures uninterrupted protection tailored to your devices and activities, safeguarding you against both common and advanced cyber threats.

Visit TotalAV

Free vs lifetime antivirus: which one is better?

When it comes to choosing between free and lifetime antivirus software, neither is typically the best option for long-term protection. Free antivirus programs may seem appealing, but they often come with limited features, a lack of real-time protection, and frequent pop-up ads. While they might block some threats, they often fail to provide comprehensive security against newer, more sophisticated malware.

On the other hand, lifetime antivirus solutions may sound like ​a great deal, but they can be costly upfront, and many do not offer consistent updates. Cyber threats are constantly evolving, and without regular updates, your antivirus may become ineffective over time.

Therefore, instead, opting for premium antivirus software with an annual subscription is a more balanced choice. It allows you to access the latest features and updates, ensuring your devices remain secure against emerging threats. Plus, you can always disable the auto-renewal feature at any time, which gives you flexibility without the risk of unexpected charges.

Ultimately, while free and lifetime options might appear cost-effective initially, investing in a quality annual subscription, such as TotalAV or Norton, is a more reliable way to protect your devices and data in the long run.

Final thoughts: is it worth buying a non-subscription antivirus in 2024?

In 2024, using antivirus software is more critical than ever, as cyber threats continue to evolve. However, many users face the issue of unwanted auto-renewals or overpriced lifetime options, both of which can be frustrating. A non-subscription antivirus might seem like a solution, but it often lacks the ongoing updates necessary to protect against new threats.

The best way to avoid these issues is to opt for premium antivirus software with an annual subscription. TotalAV stands out as one of the best antiviruses without auto-renewal, offering excellent malware protection, a user-friendly interface, and impressive customer support. If you’re looking for a reliable solution to safeguard your devices without worrying about recurring charges, TotalAV is the ideal choice.

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FAQ

Can I just buy Norton instead of renewing?

Yes, you can buy Norton without opting for auto-renewal. Once your subscription ends, you can purchase a new one without the auto-renewal feature enabled. This allows you to avoid being charged automatically for the next cycle. Be sure to disable auto-renewal in your account settings to ensure no unexpected charges​.

Can I get a refund on my Norton automatic renewal?

Yes, you can get a refund on your Norton automatic renewal if requested within a certain period, typically within 60 days of the charge. To claim a refund, you'll need to contact Norton’s customer support team. Be aware that the specific terms may vary depending on your region, so it’s advisable to check the refund policy for your location​. In the meantime, ensure not to remain unprotected - I recommend getting the best antivirus software available, TotalAV.

Is there any antivirus without a subscription?

Yes, some antivirus software options are available without a subscription, typically offered as lifetime licenses. However, these might not provide consistent updates or protection against new threats. It’s often better to choose a reliable antivirus with an annual subscription that allows for continuous updates and improvements.

Is there any lifetime antivirus?

Yes, there are lifetime antivirus options, but they come with certain drawbacks. These products require a significant upfront cost, and their effectiveness may decrease over time as they lack regular updates. It's usually better to opt for premium antivirus software with an annual subscription for more reliable, up-to-date protection​.