Starting with SoundToys v5.3.0, the plug-ins may be activated with an Activation Code and no iLok account. See http://support.soundtoys....-need-an-ilok-account-
 
Update: Sorry for the confusion, SoundToys still uses iLok copy protection.
 

Thanks scook, good news.

That's great news. And just in time for Black Friday deals.

After some clarification by Soundtoys, the plugins DO still use ilok (which has to be installed) but you don't have to have an ilok account.
 

Just tried to open an account, but it wouldn't let me do it without an iLok ID.
 
That's a shame. I already had two items in my shopping cart. Sorry, SoundToys, but back you go onto the naughty list.

SmokeyJ628
After some clarification by Soundtoys, the plugins DO still use ilok (which has to be installed) but you don't have to have an ilok account.
 

I'll take your word for it and have modified the OP accordingly. It is very confusing. SoundToys support has added a page for using an Activation Code which indicates no iLok is necessaryhttp://support.soundtoys.com/customer/en/portal/articles/2961252-how-to-redeem-an-activation-code but as pointed out above, their account creation screen still requires an iLok ID. AFAIK, one cannot get an iLok ID without creating an iLok account.

Post over at KVR: 
 
"Hey, Vito from Soundtoys support here!

We're still using PACE iLok authorization in our software, but we wanted to make it easier for newer customers who are wary about making iLok accounts or have experienced trouble doing so.

For new purchases from Soundtoys.com (with the exclusion of upgrades and Academic Bundle purchases) we are issuing Activation Codes. After installing the software, you can redeem your code in the activation window that will pop up when you open your DAW. You will also have the option to log into an iLokaccount, or continue with the activation without an iLok account.

If you later decide that you want to manage or upgrade that license, you can follow some steps in the iLok License Manager to add the license to your account:
http://support.soundtoys.com/customer/e ... se-manager

You will still need the iLok software installed on your computer, but one of our most common issues was users having multiple iLok accounts by accident and either logging into the wrong one, or purchasing it to the wrong iLok account.

For purchases from dealers, like Sweetwater or Plugin Boutique, we distribute serial numbers, which can be added to your Soundtoys account / iLok account via https://www.soundtoys.com/authorize(https://www.soundtoys.com/authorize).

For upgrades and Academic Bundle purchases, licenses are deposited directly into iLok accounts (for the time being).

So, in conclusion, this only affects plug-in purchases from our own webstore, and allows for users to activate plug-ins without thinking about iLok accounts, unless you want to think about iLok accounts.

We know that existing users might have some questions with this new method, but we're hoping that this makes for a smoother experience in the long run. Any existing licenses will not change, so long-time users need not worry about anything changing (except for a more reliable installer downloading experience). 

Our support box is always open and we're happy to help suss out your activation problems as soon as we can!"

"We're still using PACE iLok authorization in our software, but we wanted to make it easier for newer customers who are wary about making iLok accounts or have experienced trouble doing so.

For new purchases from Soundtoys.com (with the exclusion of upgrades and Academic Bundle purchases) we are issuing Activation Codes. After installing the software, you can redeem your code in the activation window that will pop up when you open your DAW. You will also have the option to log into an iLok account, or continue with the activation without an iLok account.

If you later decide that you want to manage or upgrade that license, you can follow some steps in the iLok License Manager to add the license to your account:
http://support.soundtoys.com/customer/e ... se-manager (http://support.soundtoys....-ilok-license-manager)

You will still need the iLok software installed on your computer, but one of our most common issues was users having multiple iLok accounts by accident and either logging into the wrong one, or purchasing it to the wrong iLok account.

For purchases from dealers, like Sweetwater or Plugin Boutique, we distribute serial numbers, which can be added to your Soundtoys account / iLok account via https://www.soundtoys.com/authorize (https://www.soundtoys.com/authorize).

For upgrades and Academic Bundle purchases, licenses are deposited directly into iLok accounts (for the time being).

So, in conclusion, this only affects plug-in purchases from our own webstore, and allows for users to activate plug-ins without thinking about iLok accounts, unless you want to think about iLok accounts.

We know that existing users might have some questions with this new method, but we're hoping that this makes for a smoother experience in the long run. Any existing licenses will not change, so long-time users need not worry about anything changing (except for a more reliable installer downloading experience).

Our support box is always open and we're happy to help suss out your activation problems as soon as we can!"
 
https://www.kvraudio.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=439075&p=7223677#top

Sounds like they are making it more difficult!!
 
After reading the support guys explanation, it sounds like the only people who are affected are people that have multiple iLock accounts and don't know which one to use!!

I found it confusing. Had something like the post from KVR been prominently posted on the SoundToys site, I would not have created this thread.