Ending your Avast membership made easy

About Avast

Avast Software s.r.o., trading as Avast in the United Kingdom, constitutes a cybersecurity software provider offering antivirus and internet security solutions to both consumer and business markets. The company operates under the jurisdiction of UK consumer protection legislation, notwithstanding its Czech parent company structure. In accordance with the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013, Avast maintains contractual obligations to UK-based subscribers that must be honoured throughout the duration of any service agreement.

The service portfolio encompasses various subscription-based products, including antivirus protection, VPN services, password management tools, and comprehensive security suites. Furthermore, Avast operates on an automatic renewal model, whereby subscriptions continue indefinitely unless the consumer exercises their contractual right to terminate the agreement. This business model, whilst legally permissible, necessitates that consumers maintain awareness of their cancellation rights and the procedural requirements for exercising such rights effectively.

Avast's UK operations are registered at 110 High Holborn, London, WC1V 6JS, which serves as the official correspondence address for contractual matters. Consequently, any formal notices of cancellation should be directed to this registered office to ensure compliance with proper legal procedure. The company processes millions of subscriptions globally, with a significant proportion of UK-based customers subject to domestic consumer protection frameworks that afford substantial rights regarding contract termination.

Membership options and costs

Avast structures its service offerings through tiered subscription models, each conferring different levels of protection and additional features. The pricing architecture reflects industry-standard practices within the cybersecurity sector, with variations based upon the number of devices covered, subscription duration, and feature complexity. Understanding the specific terms of your subscription agreement is paramount when considering cancellation, as different product tiers may be subject to varying contractual conditions.

Primary subscription tiers

The company offers several distinct product lines, each with corresponding pricing structures. Avast Free Antivirus provides basic protection without charge, though it operates under a different contractual framework than paid subscriptions. The premium offerings include Avast Premium Security, Avast Ultimate, and Avast One, each commanding different price points and contractual obligations.

Contractual duration and renewal terms

Subscriptions typically operate on annual contracts, though monthly options may be available for certain products at higher per-month rates. The contractual terms explicitly state that subscriptions will automatically renew at the end of each term unless the subscriber provides notice of cancellation in accordance with the specified procedures. This automatic renewal mechanism constitutes a material term of the contract, and failure to cancel prior to the renewal date results in a binding obligation for the subsequent subscription period.

Furthermore, pricing for renewal periods may differ from introductory rates, as promotional discounts frequently apply only to initial subscription terms. Consequently, subscribers should review their original contract documentation to ascertain the applicable renewal rate and ensure accurate financial planning. The company typically sends renewal notifications via email, though contractual liability for payment persists regardless of whether such notifications are received or reviewed by the subscriber.

Understanding your cancellation rights

UK consumer law provides robust protections regarding contract cancellation, particularly for agreements concluded remotely or off-premises. The Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013 establish a statutory cooling-off period and impose specific information requirements upon traders. Nevertheless, these rights operate within defined parameters, and understanding the applicable legal framework is essential for effective contract termination.

Statutory cooling-off period

In accordance with the aforementioned Regulations, consumers possess an unconditional right to cancel within 14 days of contract conclusion for distance and off-premises contracts. This cooling-off period commences on the day after the contract is concluded or, for service contracts where the service has begun, from the day after the consumer receives confirmation of the contract. During this period, cancellation may be exercised without providing justification and without incurring penalties, subject to certain exceptions for services already fully performed at the consumer's express request.

However, where a consumer requests that digital content or services commence immediately during the cooling-off period, they may forfeit the right to cancel if the service has been fully performed. Consequently, subscribers who activate and utilise Avast software immediately upon purchase may find their statutory cancellation rights modified or extinguished, depending upon the extent of service provision. This legal principle underscores the importance of reviewing contractual terms before activating services.

Cancellation beyond the cooling-off period

After expiration of the statutory cooling-off period, cancellation rights are governed by the contract terms rather than statutory entitlement. Avast's terms and conditions typically permit cancellation at any time, though the company's refund policy distinguishes between cancellations made shortly after purchase and those made later in the subscription period. Generally, refunds are not provided for cancellations made after 30 days from purchase or renewal, though the subscription will not renew for the subsequent term if cancelled before the renewal date.

Furthermore, subscribers should note that cancellation must occur sufficiently in advance of the renewal date to prevent automatic renewal. The precise notice period required should be specified in the contract terms, though best practice dictates providing notice at least 7-14 days before renewal to ensure processing occurs before the renewal transaction. Failure to provide adequate notice may result in charges for the subsequent subscription period, even where cancellation intent was communicated.

Legal basis for postal cancellation

Whilst the Regulations do not mandate any specific cancellation method, they require that cancellation be made \