NETGEAR is aware of a growing number of phone and online scams. To learn how to stay safe click here.

Forum Discussion

gdborch's avatar
gdborch
Guide
Sep 27, 2024

Netgear armor removes web protection feature for Android in latest release

I have an Orbi RBRE mesh system with Netgear armor running on it. Previously i was using native Bitdefender with a Bitdefender box but the Orbi gives me higher throughput.

The subscription included Netgear armor for multiple android devices (computers, tablets, phones) and provided the same features as the base Bitdefender product including web protection while browsing.

 

With the latest Netgear Armor release web protection has changed. It no longer operates on the device but instead requires each device to route through the Netgear VPN. This has a limited capacity and stops working or is charged for once that usage is exceeded. If turned on it also prevents my normal VPN service from working, making Netgears new approach unworkable on my individual computing devices.

 

Unfortunately, it seems that Netgear has effectively removed a feature i was using without any notice. In effect i am paying Netgear for licenses for individual devices as part of the Armor package which i can't use.

 

While armor is working well on my router it looks like i am going to have to find an additional solution to protect my android devices.

 

has anyone else experience this and found a better solution?

 

5 Replies

Replies have been turned off for this discussion
  • KevinLiT's avatar
    KevinLiT
    NETGEAR Moderator

    Hello gdborch ,

     

    Welcome to the NETGEAR Community!

     

    I understand that you are interested in utilizing the security features of NETGEAR Armor. As mentioned by @FURRYe38 NETGEAR Armor has two tiers. You are currently on the basic tier that allows for 200 MB of NETGEAR VPN use per day. For unlimited use of NETGEAR VPN you would need to upgrade to NETGEAR Armor PLUS.   

     

    Best, 

    Kevin

    Community Team

    • gdborch's avatar
      gdborch
      Guide

      I already have a good VPN solution in place which is rated much better than the Bitdefender / armor VPN and i have no need to use a VPN when i am on my home network - it just slows things down.

       

      I do agree with you that Netgear is effectively forcing me to upgrade to their (not-leading) VPN solution at extra cost for protection that i have already purchased. But that's not really a good solution for me:

      on the plus side - the higher VPN solution from Netgear would give me the same web protection that I previously had with my subscription (not really a plus)

      on the negative side - i would have to use a worse VPN service and pay more money

      • FURRYe38's avatar
        FURRYe38
        Guru - Experienced User

        If you have a working VPN solution then go with that. Use what works for you. 

         

    • gdborch's avatar
      gdborch
      Guide

      that's really my point - i had web protection before but now i need to pay extra for it