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Home routers can be an easy target for hackers, who can compromise them and use them as a launch point for attacks on other devices. To mitigate this risk, some manufacturers have implemented security features in their routers. Currently, three major brands integrate built-in antivirus protection: ASUS with AiProtection, TP-Link with HomeShield, and NETGEAR with Armor. This article takes a closer look at each of these solutions.
To start, it’s important to understand the key differences between the security systems offered by ASUS, TP-Link, and NETGEAR. Some manufacturers, like TP-Link and NETGEAR, integrate access control directly into their security suites, while others, like ASUS, handle it separately. This article will also cover built-in access control and how it differs across these brands.
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ASUS AiProtection features
ASUS AiProtection is a built-in security suite available on all ASUS routers and Wi-Fi Mesh systems. Previously, the standard AiProtection lacked a bidirectional Intrusion Prevention System (IPS), which was exclusive to premium models under AiProtection Pro. However, newer entry-level models now also include bidirectional IPS, extending this security feature across a wider range of devices.
The security software is provided by cybersecurity company Trend Micro and is integrated into the Asuswrt firmware at no additional cost. It includes several key features:
- Security Check – A built-in test that runs a series of configuration checks to ensure the router is properly secured.
- Malicious Site Blocking – The router scans all web traffic and blocks access to harmful websites based on Trend Micro’s database.
- Bidirectional IPS – The intrusion prevention system helps protect against unwanted emails, DDoS attacks, and malicious incoming packets. It also safeguards the router from exploits targeting vulnerabilities in the Linux-based firmware.
- Infected Device Detection and Blocking – If a device on the local network becomes infected with malware or a virus and starts transmitting data to the internet or other local devices, the router can automatically detect and block it.
These AiProtection Pro features provide valuable security enhancements, but they are not a replacement for antivirus software on your computer. Instead, they serve as an additional layer of protection to help safeguard your network.
ASUS routers and Wi-Fi Mesh systems come with built-in parental controls, offering several key features:
- Website and App Filtering – Parental controls allow blocking access to specific websites and applications, categorized by content type. To set up filtering, users need to register a device’s MAC address or select it from the network, choose the content category to restrict, and apply the rule. ASUS supports filtering for up to 16 different devices.
- Device Time Blocking – This feature allows users to block all devices from accessing the internet on demand. For optimal performance, it is recommended to disable NAT acceleration, as internet speeds over 600 Mbps may be limited when this option is active.
Some router and Wi-Fi Mesh models, in addition to the access control features, also integrate Adguard DNS functionality. This feature blocks ads and tracking cookies, and allows users to create custom filtering rules to manage web traffic. While Adguard is a paid service, it is not charged directly by ASUS; instead, it is an external service that users can choose to use or not. Additionally, users have the option to install Adguard’s software on other devices.
If you prefer not to pay for the service, you can always set up AdGuard Home within your local network and redirect all DNS requests to this DNS server. However, this requires additional hardware. To install this software locally, you will need a mini-PC or a NAS server where the service can run. Once set up, you can configure the router to use the mini-PC or NAS IP address as the DNS server, allowing for personalized and advanced web filtering for free, without the need for monthly or annual fees. Of course, you’ll still need to cover the cost of the hardware, but if you already own a NAS that supports Docker, the setup should be straightforward.
Additionally, through the ASUS Router app, you can block harmful content and restrict adult content by enabling safe search functionality in browsers and even on YouTube. This feature uses public AdGuard DNS servers to activate safe search where possible. The app, available for both Android and iOS, is highly comprehensive, offering advanced configuration options, especially for managing access control. This makes it ideal for blocking any device at any given time.
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TP-Link HomeShield features
TP-Link’s HomeShield feature offers a wide range of functionalities. Some of these are completely free with the purchase of the equipment, while others are available through a monthly or yearly subscription. Additionally, certain features are part of a larger security package.
The free version of HomeShield includes essential security and access control features, such as:
- Network security: includes a router security scan to check the various settings we have made that may compromise the security of the router. There is also a Wi-Fi security scan where you can see if the Wi-Fi configuration is correct. It is also possible to identify various IoT devices, configure Wi-Fi access control (MAC filtering), as well as security measures for cameras and isolation of these “sensitive” devices.
- Access Control: The free version of HomeShield allows you to create different profiles, set specific age restrictions for allowing or blocking certain websites by URL, and block specific sites. Additionally, you can pause internet access for these devices and set up a “sleep time” schedule for them.
The paid version (Security+ (€5.49 per month or €39.99 per year)) adds the following network protection features:
- Web Protection: Blocks access to malicious websites and prevents the sharing of personal information on sites marked as dangerous.
- Intrusion Prevention: This feature identifies potential threats and helps protect your network from attacks.
- IoT Protection: Blocks external access to IoT devices, preventing hackers from reaching them.
- Full Reports: Allows you to view and download detailed reports to stay informed about the activity in your local network.
The Advanced Parental Controls ( €3.29 per month or €19.99 per year) in TP-Link offer the following options:
- Safe Search: Enables age-restricted searches in major search engines.
- Restricted Access to YouTube: Similar to Safe Search, but specifically for YouTube.
- Time Limits: Allows setting a daily time limit for a specific device.
Total Security Package and Total Parental Control
The Total Security Package includes an antivirus for your PC or smartphone, as well as a VPN service and password manager. This functionality is not part of the router itself, but is an additional application for an endpoint device such as a PC or mobile phone. The Full Access Control Package includes the KidShield App, which is an iPhone and Android app with integrated access control.
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NETGEAR Armor features
NETGEAR has partnered with the cybersecurity company Bitdefender to secure devices connected to their routers and Wi-Fi Mesh systems. This security system is pre-installed by default on Nighthawk routers and Orbi mesh systems, though it is always available via subscription through NETGEAR’s official apps.
The main features of this security system:
- Protects devices on your home network, including IoT devices, phones, and cameras.
- When you subscribe to Armor, you can install Bitdefender Security on various personal devices, with no limit on the number of devices.
- Includes a VPN service for secure Internet connection when we are away from home, with 200 MB of data traffic daily.
- Detection of threats such as viruses, spyware, ransomware, and detection of navigation on malicious websites.
- With built-in device tracking in Bitdefender Security, you can find out where your Android and Windows devices are.
- Web protection to detect malicious sites.
- Instant notifications on our mobile device when threats are detected and blocked.
- Security scan of the router for weak settings, both in the wired network and Wi-Fi. Also provides security recommendations.
- Anomaly detection, protection against DoS attacks if someone tries to log in to our router multiple times, as well as exploit prevention and intrusion detection.
The cost of the NETGEAR Armor service, which includes the installation of the Bitdefender Security package, is €99.99 per year. It’s important to note that this price covers not only the features integrated into the router but also software for an unlimited number of devices.
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Which is the best?
As you can see, each manufacturer has included different features in their devices. Some, like ASUS, offer all the features for free without any subscription, while TP-Link provides basic features for free, but you’ll need a subscription for access to advanced options. NETGEAR offers all features through an annual Armor subscription, but this subscription also includes all Bitdefender Security services, which is something to consider.
If you’re looking for antivirus software integrated into your router along with advanced access control, ASUS offers the most comprehensive solution. Additionally, users can take advantage of these services without needing a subscription by purchasing the router.
Compared to TP-Link, which offers most services for free, except for the full access control package (a mobile app) and the complete network security suite, ASUS stands out with its more comprehensive offerings. The option to integrate AdGuard (though it is a paid external service) is also quite appealing if you want to enhance access control further. If you’re looking for antivirus protection on your PC and mobile devices, NETGEAR’s solution might be worth considering, as it allows you to install Bitdefender on all devices in your home.
Remember that the antivirus in your router does not replace the antivirus on your PC.
Finally, TP-Link sits somewhere in the middle, offering many useful options for free that will benefit most users. However, if you want advanced features, you’ll need to pay for them, whether it’s for additional network security functions, such as the VPN service and other features, or for expanded access control options, as mentioned earlier.
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