Reviewers report mixed experiences with NordVPN’s Next-gen antivirus feature, with a strong negative trend dominating overall sentiment. Out of 160 mentions, 133 are negative and only 18 are positive, indicating that most users are dissatisfied. The feature has seen a consistent decline in ratings over time, with the lowest scores in early 2026, particularly a 1.25-star average in May 2026 and 1.5-star in June. Despite some recent improvements, such as a 5-star review in April 2026, the overall pattern shows growing frustration. Many users cite issues like excessive blocking of legitimate websites, poor app performance, and unreliable connectivity. A few positive reviews highlight functionality and ease of use, but these are outweighed by complaints about usability, battery drain, and technical failures.

What customers praise

Some users appreciate the core functionality of the next-gen antivirus, noting it works well most of the time and offers strong security features. A few reviewers praise the integration of multiple protections into a single app, calling it efficient and comprehensive. Positive feedback also includes quick resolution of issues through live chat support and the re-addition of previously missing features in the app. One user specifically highlighted that the antivirus effectively blocks ads and prevents security breaches.

What customers said:

  • „works great most the time“ - Google Play · 3★ ·
  • „the live chat my issues were resolved quickly and professionally“ - Trustpilot · 5★ ·
  • „Very functional, very nice next-gen antivirus features.“ - Google Play · 5★ ·

Common complaints

The most frequent complaints center on the antivirus incorrectly blocking legitimate websites and apps, including official banking sites and essential work tools. Users report that the app slows down devices, drains battery quickly, and causes connection failures. Many also criticize the app’s user interface, citing poor navigation, hidden settings, and a lack of control over which sites are blocked. Some mention that the app interferes with messaging services like RCS, leading to missed texts, and that technical support is unhelpful or nonexistent.

What customers said:

  • „after a few attempts the service blocks you, citing a 10-session limit. But that's not…“ - Google Play · 5★ ·
    „after a few attempts the service blocks you, citing a 10-session limit. But that's not true“
  • „Certain functions that we use and need are simply blocked by the device while we are…“ - Google Play · 3★ · · translated · Portuguese
    „Certain functions that we use and need are simply blocked by the device while we are using it.“

    Original„certas funções que agente usa e precisa quando estamos usando ele simplesmente o aparelho ele bloqueia“

  • „Apart from the usage of a different Internet Service Provider, there is nothing else I…“ - Trustpilot · 1★ ·
    „Apart from the usage of a different Internet Service Provider, there is nothing else I can offer you.“

How it has changed over time

The feature’s performance has declined significantly since early 2026, with ratings dropping to as low as 1 star in several months. This suggests a regression in stability or compatibility, possibly due to recent updates. However, there were brief improvements, such as a 5-star review in April 2026 and the re-addition of a missing feature, indicating some efforts to fix issues. Despite these small gains, the overall trend remains negative, with users reporting persistent problems even after updates. The inconsistency in performance, where the app works well one moment and fails the next, has become a recurring theme.

What customers said:

  • „The VPN component is unusable“ - Trustpilot · 1★ ·
  • „Now this is not a toggle.“ - Apple App Store · 1★ ·
  • „vpn fails on unblocking streaming apps mainly 1 or 2 apps in Google Chromecast or phone“ - Google Play · 1★ ·

Practical takeaways

Users should be cautious when relying on NordVPN’s next-gen antivirus for daily use, especially if they need access to specific websites or apps. The feature often blocks legitimate content, which can disrupt work or personal tasks. Battery drain and connection instability are notable risks, particularly on mobile devices. While some improvements have been made, such as restoring features and better support, the core issues remain unresolved. If you depend on consistent access to online services, consider testing the antivirus in a limited capacity before relying on it fully.

What customers said:

  • „Browser add-on haven't option for selection location and store it for every site“ - Google Play · 5★ ·
  • „technical support is non existent“ - Trustpilot · 1★ ·
  • „The system or online help is completely useless.“ - Google Play · 1★ · · translated · German
    „The system or online help is completely useless.“

    Original„die Hilfe vom System oder online kann man direkt in die Tonne kloppen“

Over time

Rating trend: 1.0 in 2025-08 to 2.1 in 2026-08.1.01.52.02.53.03.54.04.55.02025-082026-022026-08
Rating trend: 1.0 in 2025-08 to 2.1 in 2026-08.
Data as table
Monthly average rating
MonthAvg. ratingCount
2025-081.001
2025-093.333
2025-102.001
2025-121.001
2026-011.605
2026-023.001
2026-031.502
2026-045.001
2026-051.254
2026-061.5012
2026-072.229
2026-082.1526

Customer voices

Short excerpts - full reviews are available at the original source.

„one minute it works and the next, dial up would be faster“

„My device has the latest Android, but it blocks my connection when I am using the app.“

★★★☆☆Google PlayTranslated· PortugueseOriginal
„meu aparelho ele tem o Android mais atual ele bloqueia minha conexão quando estou usando oh app“

„Expensive and blocks too many sites“

„blocks too many sites that are needed for work“

„the idea is good but it doesn't know the difference between fake sites with links and genuine sites it blocks all“

„It blocks my internet when I'm on Wi-Fi.“

★☆☆☆☆Google PlayTranslated· GermanOriginal
„es blockiert mein Internet, wenn ich im WLAN bin“

„I am completely unable to use the service, yet my subscription does not expire until May of next year“

„Next time tell its not free before installing“

What Reddit users discuss

Below are extracts from Reddit which discuss Next-gen antivirus in more detail - each linked to the original thread.

„NordVPN is not a full antivirus replacement.“

Cite this page

Citatio (2026). NordVPN Next-gen antivirus: customer reviews 2026. Retrieved 1 September 2026 from https://citatio.ai/nordvpn-reviews/products/next-gen-antivirus/

Data verifiable via our public audit log: Methodology · Transparency