ExpressVPN Router Review – Aircove Wi-Fi 6 Router
The new ExpressVPN Router is now available for purchase. The ExpressVPN Aircove Router touts some impressive specs and our upcoming unbiased review will cover everything.
I placed my purchase for the Aircove Router on September 22nd through Amazon and I’m set to receive it on Saturday. I will thoroughly test this new VPN router and send out my unbiased review next week.
ExpressVPN is the first major VPN company to launch their own router and hopefully others follow suit.
Aircove is a Wi-Fi 6 router that comes with a built-in VPN by default and a user interface designed to protect chosen devices connected to a single network. With Aircove router, users can enjoy protection on every device or selected devices defined through the ExpressVPN router interface.
ExpressVPN service only allows for protection on 5 devices simultaneously. But, with the ExpressVPN router users can protect all devices on their home network and the router will count as only one device.
It’s possible to install a VPN on a router but that usually comes with the hassle of flashing custom firmware unless the router comes with VPN capabilities.
Most routers aren’t capable of running a VPN due to the overhead required to power the VPN. Running a VPN on a router requires strong processing power which most don’t have. I’ve already seen complaints about the price of this gadget but these people probably don’t understand that a VPN won’t run well on a $50 router.
It’s important to note that users must have an active ExpressVPN account to use this new router.
I’m excited to review the ExpressVPN router this coming weekend and report back on what I find.
Click Here to Purchase ExpressVPN Router (Aircove)
ExpressVPN Router Key Features
One router, up to five VPN locations
Connect to as many as five VPN locations at the same time. Create one group for family or friends, move all the TVs into a UK group, or set all the game consoles to Japan. You can even designate a group to exclude from the VPN altogether.
Maximum flexibility
Sort your devices into as many as five groups, each with its own VPN location. For each group, you can also choose:
Smart Location, which selects the best location for you based on network conditions
No VPN, for when you want a device connected to the internet but not using VPN
No internet, for when you want to block individual devices from accessing the internet
Dual-band WiFi 6
More than enough bandwidth for dozens of devices. Everyone’s connected—and protected.
WPA3 Encryption
Supported devices enjoy WPA3 encryption—the highest Wi-Fi security standard available.
Bandwidth Efficiency
OFDMA, a Wi-Fi 6 technology, assigns channels effectively and communicates with multiple devices simultaneously.
Gigabit Ethernet
Connect computers, game consoles, streaming boxes, and more with blazing-fast gigabit Ethernet—five ports in all.
Aircove Promo Video
ExpressVPN Router Specs (Aircove)
Wi-Fi standard
Dual-band (2.4 GHz/5 GHz) Wi-Fi, AX1800 MU-MIMO,
Wi-Fi 6 (IEEE 802.11 b/g/n/ac/ax)
Wi-Fi speed and coverage*
Enables up to 600 Mbps (2.4GHz), up to 1,200 Mbps (5GHz)
Up to 1,600 sq. ft.
Processor, memory, and storage
1.2 GHz 64-bit Quad-Core CPU, 512 MB RAM, 128 MB flash storage
Security features
Built-in ExpressVPN protection
WPA2/3 WiFi security
Automatic updates
Dimensions
210 mm x 120 mm x 36.8 mm, 445 g
Interface
1 x WAN Ethernet port
4 x LAN Ethernet ports
1 x LED
1 x reset button
1 x 12V/1.5A DC input
4 x external antennas
Package contents
1 x ExpressVPN Aircove router
1 x two-piece power adapter
1 x Ethernet cable
Operating requirements
Working temperature: 0–40°C (32–104°F)
Power input: 12V/1.5A DC input
ExpressVPN Router Images
I’m Skeptical
From the looks of the images on their website, it appears that they might be using the same firmware that they’ve always offered for installation on routers.
This type of setup in the past required flashing the firmware onto an existing router.
I’ve tested this firmware in the past and I had two big problems with it.
No kill-switch and no Wireguard VPN protocol.
I sure hope that both of these options are available but I’m not holding my breath.
What good is a VPN router without a kill-switch?
Wireguard is extremely important so we can enjoy fast speeds when connected to the VPN on a router. Routers already have a hard time achieving good speeds when a VPN is active and a good protocol such as Wireguard is a must.
When testing ExpressVPN firmware on a router in the past, the best download speeds that I could achieve was 40 to 50 Mbps. Let’s hope this router does better than that!
ExpressVPN Router Specs (Aircove)
Wi-Fi standard
Dual-band (2.4 GHz/5 GHz) Wi-Fi, ??AX1800 MU-MIMO,
Wi-Fi 6 (IEEE 802.11 b/g/n/ac/ax)
Wi-Fi speed and coverage*
Enables up to 600 Mbps (2.4GHz), up to 1,200 Mbps (5GHz)
Up to 1,600 sq. ft.
Processor, memory, and storage
1.2 GHz 64-bit Quad-Core CPU, 512 MB RAM, 128 MB flash storage
Security features
Built-in ExpressVPN protection
WPA2/3 WiFi security
Automatic updates
Dimensions
210 mm x 120 mm x 36.8 mm, 445 g
Interface
1 x WAN Ethernet port
4 x LAN Ethernet ports
1 x LED
1 x reset button
1 x 12V/1.5A DC input
4 x external antennas
Package contents
1 x ExpressVPN Aircove router
1 x two-piece power adapter
1 x Ethernet cable
Operating requirements
Working temperature: 0–40°C (32–104°F)
Power input: 12V/1.5A DC input
ExpressVPN Router Images
Click Here to Purchase ExpressVPN Router (Aircove)
My in-depth unbiased review for the ExpressVPN Router will be available next week.