Aircove Router Review: Is Expressvpn’s Hardware Worth It?

If you’ve ever wished your entire home network could automatically run through a VPN without fiddling with individual devices, ExpressVPN’s Aircove router might be the solution. This pre-configured hardware promises one-click encryption for every gadget on your Wi-Fi—from smart TVs to gaming consoles. But does it deliver faster speeds than manual setups? Is the $200 price tag justified? We tested the Aircove for a month to answer these questions and more.

What Is the Aircove Router?

The Aircove is ExpressVPN’s first dedicated Wi-Fi router, designed to simplify VPN protection for households. Unlike standard routers, it comes with ExpressVPN’s software pre-installed—just log in with your account, and all connected devices benefit from encryption. Key specs include:

• Dual-band Wi-Fi 6 (AX1800) for faster speeds
• Coverage for up to 1,600 sq. ft.
• Four Gigabit Ethernet ports
• USB 2.0 port for file sharing

How It Differs From Manual VPN Routers

Most VPN-compatible routers require flashing custom firmware like DD-WRT or AsusWRT, a process that can brick devices if done incorrectly. The Aircove eliminates this risk with plug-and-play setup. It also offers ExpressVPN’s proprietary Lightway protocol (optimized for routers) and automatic updates—features rarely available on third-party hardware.

Setup & Ease of Use

We timed the Aircove’s setup at under 10 minutes:

1. Connect the router to your modem via Ethernet
2. Log into the Aircove admin panel (default IP: 192.168.1.1)
3. Enter your ExpressVPN credentials
4. Select a server location

Unlike manual setups, there’s no need to paste configuration files or tweak encryption settings. The interface even suggests optimal servers based on your location.

Mobile App Control

The ExpressVPN mobile app lets you toggle the VPN on/off for the entire network or exclude specific devices (useful for gaming consoles that might block VPN traffic). However, you can’t set per-device VPN rules—a limitation compared to advanced setups like custom DD-WRT configurations.

Performance & Speed Tests

We tested the Aircove against a Netgear Nighthawk running ExpressVPN manually. Results averaged over 50+ speed tests (500Mbps baseline connection):

The Aircove’s Lightway protocol delivered 52% faster speeds than OpenVPN on equivalent hardware. Streaming 4K content worked flawlessly, though torrenting required enabling port forwarding in settings.

Security & Privacy Features

Beyond standard VPN encryption, the Aircove includes:

• Automatic Threat Blocking: DNS-based ad/tracker blocking (disabled by default)
• No-Logs Assurance: Matches ExpressVPN’s privacy policy
• WPA3 Encryption: Stronger Wi-Fi security than older routers

One gap: Unlike NordVPN’s Meshnet, the Aircove doesn’t support split tunneling for specific apps—it’s all-or-nothing for connected devices.

Is the Aircove Worth It?

Best for: Users who want whole-home VPN protection without technical hassle. The speed boost from Lightway justifies the cost for large households.

Skip if: You need granular control (e.g., per-app rules) or already own a high-end VPN-compatible router.

Considering alternatives? Compare the Aircove to other VPN routers or check our top-rated ExpressVPN deals this month. For homes with multiple streaming devices or remote workers, the Aircove delivers a rare mix of convenience and performance.