Yes. NETGEAR routers include several layers of built-in security, including WPA3 encryption to help secure your Wi-Fi, automatic firmware updates to patch vulnerabilities once they’re discovered, and Advanced Router Protection that goes beyond industry standards to deliver enterprise-grade advanced threat protection for your router itself. But as the number of devices in a typical home grows, so does the number of potential entry points for hackers. NETGEAR Armor adds an extra layer of protection on top, monitoring your network and your devices for threats your router's built-in defenses aren't designed to catch.

Traditional antivirus software only protects the single device it's installed on, and it can't be installed at all on smart gadgets like cameras, TVs, and baby monitors,. NETGEAR Armor works at two levels: it's built into your router to help protect unlimited devices on your home network, and the Armor app extends antivirus, scam protection, and privacy tools to your phones, laptops, and tablets when you're away from home. One subscription covers both, so you're not managing separate tools for separate devices.

On your home network, Armor helps protect unlimited devices, including phones, laptops, tablets, and connected home devices like cameras, TVs, smart locks, and baby monitors that can't run traditional antivirus software. The Armor app also provides antivirus and scam protection for phones, laptops, and tablets on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, with coverage for up to 50 devices on the move under one subscription.

Yes. The NETGEAR Armor app extends protection beyond your home Wi-Fi, helping to keep your devices safer on public networks and unfamiliar networks, like at a coffee shop, school, or airport. It includes antivirus protection, scam protection, dangerous link blocking, vulnerability scanning, and a built-in VPN to help keep your activity private on any network.

No. NETGEAR Armor is built directly into your router, so your home network is protected as soon as Armor is activated — no additional hardware or installation required. For device protection away from home, you can download the Armor app on your phone, laptop, or tablet.

NETGEAR Armor is available as an annual subscription and comes with a time-limited free trial on compatible routers so you can try it before committing. It includes whole-home network protection for unlimited devices, antivirus and scam protection for up to 50 devices on the move, dangerous link and malware blocking, vulnerability scanning, data breach alerts, and a built-in VPN. Current pricing is available in the comparison table above.

NETGEAR Armor is available on most Nighthawk routers and Orbi mesh systems. If you're shopping for a new router, Armor will be called out on the product page of any compatible model. If you already own a NETGEAR router, open the Nighthawk or Orbi app and tap the Security and Support tile to subscribe to the service.

No. Because Armor runs on your router rather than on your individual devices, it doesn't consume processing power on your phone or laptop the way traditional antivirus software can. Most users notice no difference in speed. Armor works quietly in the background. You'll only hear from it when there's something worth knowing.

You'll receive an alert through the Armor app letting you know what was detected and what action was taken. In most cases Armor blocks the threat automatically, and you don't need to do anything. The app also gives you a running view of your network's security status, as well as proactive recommendations to improve your online security overall.

No, though Armor does include a VPN as one of its privacy tools. A standalone VPN only masks your internet activity, it doesn't scan for malware, block scams and dangerous links, check your devices for vulnerabilities, or monitor your home network for threats. NETGEAR Armor combines all of those into a single subscription, so you're not piecing together separate tools to stay protected.