Netgear hardware is sold as a standalone product. You pay for the physical box, plug it in, and it routes your internet. However, advanced cybersecurity and parental control features require ongoing cloud databases. To cover these costs, Netgear offers these features via subscription.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes. Product features and subscription policies are subject to change by Netgear Inc. Always refer to the official Netgear documentation for the most current firmware instructions.