ExpressVPN Router Review – Aircove Wi-Fi 6 Router

The brand-new ExpressVPN Router is finally here and ready to be purchased. It’s called the ExpressVPN Aircove Router. It boasts some very impressive specs, and our upcoming unbiased review will examine all the details.

I purchased the Aircove Router from Amazon on September 22nd. It’s scheduled to arrive on Saturday. I plan to put this new VPN router through its paces. My goal is to publish my unbiased review by next week.

ExpressVPN is setting a trend as the first major VPN provider to introduce its own router. We hope that other VPN providers follow suit.

Aircove is a Wi-Fi 6 router with built-in VPN capabilities by default. It offers a user interface designed for network security. This allows easy management of the protection status of particular devices connected to your network. This implies that users can selectively enable protection only on devices they choose. This is easily controlled through the ExpressVPN router’s user-friendly interface.

ExpressVPN’s standard service usually limits protection to five devices concurrently. However, the ExpressVPN router offers a clever workaround. It allows you to secure every device on your home network while only counting as a single device against your limit. This makes it a great value for larger households.

It’s certainly possible to set up a VPN on any router. But, this often involves the somewhat complicated process of installing custom firmware. This is unless your router happens to come equipped with VPN capabilities out of the box.

The reality is that the majority of routers lack the processing power to effectively run a VPN. The overhead required to operate a VPN can be quite demanding. Running a VPN on a router necessitates a robust processor, which many routers simply don’t possess. I’ve noticed some complaints surfacing about the cost of this device. But, those individuals likely don’t grasp that a VPN won’t perform optimally on a budget-friendly $50 router. It requires a more specialized piece of hardware.

It’s really important to understand that you’ll need an active ExpressVPN subscription in order to utilize this new router. It won’t function without an active subscription to their service.

I’m really looking forward to testing out the ExpressVPN router over the weekend. I’ll be sure to share my experiences and findings in my upcoming review. Stay tuned for that!

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 simultaneously. This feature opens up a lot of possibilities. You can create a group for family or friends, another specifically for all the TVs in your home set to a UK location, or group all the gaming consoles and connect them to a server in Japan. You also have the flexibility to create a group that isn’t routed through the VPN at all. This lets you customize which devices utilize the VPN connection.

Maximum flexibility

Organize your devices into up to five separate groups. Each group can then be assigned its own dedicated VPN location. This allows for a high level of customization in how your devices connect to the internet. You also have the following options for each group, providing even greater control.

Smart Location: This feature intelligently selects the optimal server location for you. It takes into account network conditions and other factors to ensure a smooth and efficient connection.
No VPN: This option is useful for situations where you want a device to access the internet directly without utilizing the VPN connection. This can be helpful for devices that don’t require the added security or privacy of a VPN.
No internet: This feature provides the ability to completely block individual devices from accessing the internet. This can be a great way to manage internet usage for certain devices or for specific members of your household.

Dual-band WiFi 6

Enjoy more than enough bandwidth for even a large number of devices. Everyone in your home can stay connected and protected simultaneously without experiencing slowdowns.

WPA3 Encryption

Devices that support it will benefit from the highest level of Wi-Fi security currently available: WPA3 encryption. This ensures that your network traffic is secure and shielded from prying eyes.

Bandwidth Efficiency

Aircove leverages OFDMA, a cutting-edge Wi-Fi 6 technology, to optimize bandwidth usage. It efficiently assigns channels and establishes communication with multiple devices at the same time. This results in a more stable and efficient network overall.

Gigabit Ethernet

Connect your computers, gaming consoles, streaming devices, and more using the lightning-fast gigabit Ethernet ports. You’ll have a total of five ports at your disposal to ensure all your wired devices can enjoy top speeds.

Aircove Promo Video

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RgY9FTz3UI[/embedyt]

ExpressVPN Router Specs (Aircove)

Wi-Fi standard

Dual-band Wi-Fi capabilities (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz). AX1800 MU-MIMO technology. Additionally supports the latest Wi-Fi 6 standard (IEEE 802.11 b/g/n/ac/ax).

Wi-Fi speed and coverage*

Experience speeds of up to 600 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band and up to 1,200 Mbps on the 5 GHz band.
Offers coverage for areas up to 1,600 square feet, ensuring a strong signal throughout your home.

Processor, memory, and storage

Equipped with a powerful 1.2 GHz 64-bit Quad-Core CPU. Includes 512 MB of RAM for smooth operation and 128 MB of flash storage for firmware and settings.

Security features

Comes standard with built-in ExpressVPN protection for enhanced security.
Offers WPA2/3 WiFi security protocols for robust encryption.
Includes automatic updates to ensure your router always has the latest features and security patches.

Dimensions

Measures 210 mm x 120 mm x 36.8 mm. Weighs 445 g.

Interface

Provides 1 WAN Ethernet port for connecting to your modem.
Includes 4 LAN Ethernet ports for wired devices.
Features 1 LED indicator light.
Has 1 reset button for troubleshooting.
Includes a 12V/1.5A DC power input.
Equipped with 4 external antennas for optimal Wi-Fi coverage.

Package contents

The package includes the ExpressVPN Aircove router itself.
You’ll also find a two-piece power adapter for connecting to an electrical outlet.
And finally, it comes with an Ethernet cable for wired connections.

Operating requirements

The router is designed to operate within a temperature range of 0–40°C (32–104°F).
Requires a 12V/1.5A DC power input for operation.

ExpressVPN Router Images

Honestly, I’m a Bit Skeptical

Based on the website’s images, it seems like they might be using the same firmware they’ve always offered for router installations.
In the past, this setup involved flashing the firmware onto a router you already owned.

I’ve tried this firmware before, and I encountered a couple of major issues.

There was no kill-switch and no Wireguard VPN protocol.

I really hope they’ve included those features now, but I’m not getting my hopes up.

Seriously, what’s the point of a VPN router if it doesn’t have a kill-switch?

Wireguard is essential for decent speeds when using a VPN on a router. Routers often struggle to achieve good speeds with an active VPN. A good protocol like Wireguard is crucial.

When I tested ExpressVPN’s firmware on a router previously, the best download speeds I could get were around 40 to 50 Mbps.
Hopefully, this router performs much better.