ExpressVPN Aircove Overview: Can It Protect All Your Devices?
Securing every device in your home with a VPN shouldn’t be a headache, but it often is. Installing VPN apps on each gadget is time-consuming, and devices like smart TVs and gaming consoles don’t even support them. Maybe you’ve considered using a VPN with your router, but the setup can be a nightmare — one wrong step, and you’re stuck without internet.
The Aircove router comes preinstalled with ExpressVPN so you can protect your entire home network and all devices connected to it easily — no complex setup, no tech skills required. In this guide, we’ll break down how Aircove works, what it offers, and whether it’s worth your investment. Editor’s Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: ExpressVPN, Cyberghost, Private Internet Access, and Intego. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
What Is Aircove?
Aircove is a smart WiFi 6 router from ExpressVPN that can protect your home network. With ExpressVPN preinstalled, you don’t have to mess with complex setups or risk breaking your connection. Just plug it in, and every device on your network gets instant VPN protection — even ones like smart TVs and gaming consoles that don’t usually support VPNs.
Aircove delivers fast, dual-band WiFi 6 speeds and strong coverage, keeping all your devices connected and secure, even in larger homes. It also blocks malicious websites, cuts out ads, and gives you easy parental controls to manage internet access for specific devices. You can even create profiles to customize settings for groups of devices or users.
Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
How Does Aircove Work?
Aircove makes securing your home network simple by building ExpressVPN directly into the router. As soon as you connect it to your modem, it protects every device in your home with VPN encryption. Everything is secured right from the start, with no extra steps needed.
One of Aircove’s smartest features is how it lets you control VPN settings for specific devices or groups. For example, you can route your streaming devices through a US server to watch American Netflix, while keeping work devices on another server. It’s all done through a user-friendly dashboard that doesn’t require any technical know-how.
Its WiFi 6 technology keeps your internet fast and reliable, even if many people are using it simultaneously. It splits your WiFi into two bands — one for everyday activities like browsing and checking email, and another for high-demand tasks like streaming. This reduces congestion, so everyone in your home gets smooth performance, no matter what they’re doing.
To keep your network safe, Aircove automatically blocks harmful websites and trackers before they can reach your devices. It also updates itself regularly with the latest security fixes and features, so you don’t have to worry about maintaining it. With Aircove, you get a secure, hassle-free setup that keeps your entire home protected.
Aircove Specifications
Aircove packs powerful features into a sleek, easy-to-use router that secures your entire home network. Here’s a complete breakdown of its specs.
WiFi Standards | Dual-band WiFi 6 (IEEE 802.11 g/n/ac/ax) |
Bands | 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz |
Maximum Speeds | 600 Mbps (2.4 GHz), 1,200 Mbps (5 GHz) |
Coverage Area | Up to 1,600 sq. ft. (150 sq. m) |
Processor | 1.2 GHz 64-bit Quad-Core CPU |
Memory | 512 MB RAM |
Storage | 128 MB Flash |
Security Features | Built-in ExpressVPN, Threat Manager, Parental Controls, Ad Blocker, WPA2/WPA3 WiFi Security |
VPN Protocols | Lightway, OpenVPN, IKEv2 |
WAN Connection | DHCP, PPPoE, Static IP |
Ports | 1 WAN Gigabit Ethernet port, 4 LAN Gigabit Ethernet ports |
Physical Dimensions | 210 mm x 120 mm x 36.8 mm |
Weight | 445 grams |
Operating Temperature | 0–40°C (32–104°F) |
Power Input | 12V/1.5A DC input |
Package Contents | Router, Ethernet cable, Two-piece power adapter (U.S., UK, EU, AUS compatible) |
Extra Features | Automatic firmware updates, Custom DNS (for non-VPN use), Easy device grouping |
Differences Between Aircove and Aircove Go
Aircove and Aircove Go are both VPN routers from ExpressVPN, but they’re built for different purposes. Aircove is designed for home use, with larger coverage up to 1,600 sq. ft. and a more stationary setup. It has four external antennas, one WAN port, and four LAN ports, making it ideal for medium-sized homes with multiple wired connections.
Aircove Go, on the other hand, is portable and perfect for travel or small spaces. It covers up to 750 sq. ft., has two antennas, and comes with a USB-C port for power, so you can even use it with a portable power bank. Unlike Aircove, it features WiFi Link, which lets you connect to the internet through another WiFi network instead of Ethernet.
Both routers have ExpressVPN preinstalled and include features like Threat Manager and parental controls. You’ll need an active ExpressVPN subscription, though. Here’s how much ExpressVPN costs — you’ll have to factor this into your router budget.
Pros & Cons of Using ExpressVPN’s Aircove Router
Aircove offers a simple way to secure your entire home network, but it’s not perfect. Here’s a breakdown of its biggest strengths and where it falls short.
Pros
- Quick and easy setup — Aircove comes with ExpressVPN preinstalled, so you don’t need to deal with complicated configurations. Just plug it in and log in, and your entire network will be protected.
- Protects every device — Aircove secures everything on your network, even devices like smart TVs, game consoles, or smart home gadgets that don’t support VPN apps. No extra steps are needed.
- Fast WiFi 6 speeds — With dual-band WiFi 6, you get fast, reliable internet for streaming, gaming, and browsing, even if multiple devices are connected at once.
- Easy to manage — The router’s dashboard lets you manage devices, choose VPN servers for specific groups, and even set up parental controls. The interface is simple, so you’re always in control.
- Unlimited connections — Unlike most VPNs that cap the number of devices you can connect, Aircove works with over 100 devices at once, perfect for busy households.
Cons
- Requires an ExpressVPN subscription — You’ll need an active subscription to unlock the VPN features, which adds to the cost of owning the router.
- Limited availability — Aircove has mainly been available in the US, so international users might find it harder to get.
- Inactive USB port — The router has a USB port, but it doesn’t do anything right now. That means no network storage or other USB-based features.
- No mesh network support — If you have a large home and need multiple routers for extended coverage, Aircove doesn’t currently support mesh networking.
- Web-based management — All settings are managed through a browser, not a mobile app. Some users might prefer app-based control for added convenience.
How to Set Up ExpressVPN’s Aircove Router
Setting up the ExpressVPN Aircove router is straightforward. Follow these steps to secure your entire home network:
- Unbox and connect Aircove — Connect Aircove to your modem with the Ethernet cable, plug in the power adapter, and wait a minute for it to boot. Connect your device to the Aircove network via WiFi or Ethernet.
- Connect your device to Aircove — Open a browser and visit expressvpnrouter.com. Sign in to your ExpressVPN account, then create your WiFi name, password, and admin credentials.
- Complete the setup — Allow Aircove to install updates for the latest features and security. Once done, all connected devices are protected by ExpressVPN automatically.
Troubleshooting Common Problems on Aircove
Unable to Access the Router Dashboard
If you can’t access the Aircove dashboard at expressvpnrouter.com, check your connection and ensure your device is connected to Aircove’s WiFi or plugged into one of its LAN ports. If that doesn’t work, clear your browser cache and cookies, which can sometimes block access. You can also try entering Aircove’s IP address (192.168.42.1) directly into your browser. If the problem persists, restart your router and try again.
VPN Connection Issues
If your VPN isn’t connecting or you’re unable to access certain content, try rebooting your Aircove router. Check the firmware version in the dashboard and update it if needed, as outdated firmware can cause connectivity problems. For better performance, switch to a different VPN server location — some servers may be experiencing heavy traffic. If none of these steps work, contact ExpressVPN’s support team for additional help.
Slow Internet Speeds
When internet speeds slow down, first check how many devices are connected and reduce bandwidth-heavy activities like streaming or downloading. WiFi interference can also be a problem, especially in crowded areas. In the Aircove dashboard, try changing to a less congested WiFi channel and ensure your devices are within range of the router.
Devices Not Connecting to WiFi
If a device doesn’t connect to Aircove, double-check the WiFi password you’re entering. If the password is correct, restart the device to refresh its network settings. Another quick fix is to ‘forget’ the Aircove network on your device, then reconnect by entering the password again. If the issue continues, try rebooting Aircove to reset its connection with your device.
Frequent VPN Disconnections
If your VPN keeps disconnecting, your internet connection might be unstable, causing the VPN to drop. Too many devices connected to Aircove can also strain the network, so disconnect any devices you’re not actively using. Ensure your router runs the latest firmware, as updates often fix stability issues. If none of this resolves the problem, ExpressVPN’s support team can guide you through advanced troubleshooting.
FAQs About ExpressVPN Aircove
How is Aircove different from a regular router?
Is it worth getting Aircove?
Do I need to have an ExpressVPN subscription to use Aircove?
Does Aircove have a USB port?
Should You Get ExpressVPN’s Aircove Router?
If you want an easy way to protect every device on your home network, Aircove is a great choice. It’s perfect for homes with multiple gadgets, including smart TVs and gaming consoles that don’t support VPN apps. The built-in ExpressVPN, simple setup, and features like Threat Manager and parental controls make it convenient and secure.
However, Aircove might not be for you if you only use a VPN occasionally or have just a few devices to protect. Since it requires an ExpressVPN subscription, it’s better suited for those already using or planning to use the service long-term. If hassle-free network-wide VPN protection is your goal, Aircove is worth considering.
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