Netgear and Bitdefender review: Router internet security

I have a Netgear Nighthawk RAX80 router and a Netgear Nighthawk EAX80 Mesh Extender. The RAX80 has ARMOR by Bitdefender embedded in its firmware and Netgear pushes that product to several of their products. I accepted the offer in September 2022 and all went well for a few months.

In late December, I noticed in my mobile app Netgear Nighthawk that Security was 'updating Armor'. When I clicked on it I received a message "We're sorry. Something went wrong with the Armor subscription status update. We keep track of these errors, but feel free to contact us at [protected] (Netgear support) (Code: ARM-PYMT-EXP).

Calling that number in early January 2023 began one of the longest 'ping pong' matches any customer should have to endure! First at 888-638 — 4327 with many calls and promises by Netgear to correct this - then I was told I needed to go to Armor/Bitdefender. Many calls and promises by Bitdefender and no support I was sent back to Netgear.

Through all of this from day 1- Netgear and Armor/Bitdefender all acknowledged my subscription, in fact, was active until August 31, 2023 and was fully paid (they did ask me to provide such proof of payment but once I did that they all acknowledged it was paid in full and valid till August 31, 2023).

In discussions we agreed what I needed was a new Activation Code, more promises, and no action.

So what I have is a paid in full subscription to Armor valid until August 31, 2023, but no access to internet security at all! As I look at the Netgear Community chats on their web site - MANY other people are having similar issues and messages re: ARM-PYMT-EXP and seem to be getting support?

Having a 'vendor - Armor/Bitdefender - embedded in your firmware with neither side taking responsibility to solve these problems leads to extreme frustration for the customer!