Most VPNs protect one device at a time. The ExpressVPN Aircove router protects your entire home network — every phone, laptop, smart TV, and gaming console gets VPN coverage automatically, without installing any apps. If you want whole-home protection with zero hassle, this is how you get it.
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What Is the Aircove Router?
VPN protection built into your router
The Aircove is a Wi-Fi 6 router with ExpressVPN built in. Instead of installing VPN apps on each device, every device that connects to your Wi-Fi is automatically protected. It’s pre-configured — no manual VPN setup or firmware flashing needed.
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Wi-Fi standard | Wi-Fi 6 (up to 1,200 Mbps) |
| Bands | Dual-band (2.4GHz + 5GHz) |
| VPN protocol | Lightway (built-in) |
| Device groups | Up to 5 customizable groups |
| Threat protection | Built-in malware/phishing blocking |
| Parental controls | ✅ |
| Guest network | ✅ (with separate VPN config) |
Key Features
What makes Aircove different
| Feature | What it does |
|---|---|
| Device Groups | Assign different VPN locations to different devices (up to 5 groups) |
| Auto-connect | Every device on your Wi-Fi is protected automatically |
| No app needed | Devices that can’t run VPN apps (smart TVs, consoles) get covered |
| Smart Location | Automatically picks the fastest server for you |
| QoS controls | Prioritize bandwidth for gaming, video calls, etc. |
| Guest network | Separate network for visitors with its own VPN settings |
The Device Groups feature is the standout. You can route your work laptop through one server location, your smart TV through another, and let your gaming console connect without VPN — all from one router.
How to Set Up
Simple 5-minute setup
- Plug in the Aircove and connect it to your modem
- Connect to the Aircove Wi-Fi from any device
- Open the setup wizard in your browser
- Log in with your ExpressVPN account
- Choose your VPN location — you’re protected
No firmware flashing, no manual configuration. The router handles everything automatically, including server selection and protocol optimization.
Aircove vs Installing VPN Apps on Each Device
Router approach vs app approach
| Aspect | Aircove Router | VPN Apps |
|---|---|---|
| Devices covered | All on your network | Only devices with the app installed |
| Smart TVs / consoles | ✅ Protected automatically | ❌ Can’t install VPN apps on most |
| Setup per device | None needed | Install + configure each device |
| Flexibility | Device groups with different locations | Each device controlled independently |
| Extra hardware cost | Yes (router purchase) | No |
| Works outside home | ❌ Home network only | ✅ Anywhere |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I still need an ExpressVPN subscription?
Yes. The Aircove router is the hardware — you still need an active ExpressVPN subscription ($8.32/month on the annual plan) for the VPN service to work.
How many devices can connect?
There’s no device limit on the router itself. Every device on your Wi-Fi is covered. The limit is only your router’s Wi-Fi capacity, which handles typical households easily.
Does it slow down my internet?
With Wi-Fi 6 and the Lightway protocol, speed impact is minimal. The Aircove can handle up to 1,200 Mbps — more than enough for most home internet plans.
Is a VPN router worth the extra cost?
If you have devices that can’t run VPN apps (smart TVs, game consoles, IoT devices), a VPN router is the only way to protect them. If you only need VPN on your phone and laptop, individual apps are simpler and cheaper.
Conclusion
The ExpressVPN Aircove is the easiest way to get whole-home VPN protection — especially for devices that can’t run VPN apps. The Device Groups feature and simple setup make it genuinely user-friendly. The downside is the extra hardware cost plus ExpressVPN’s premium subscription price. If budget matters, NordVPN’s app-based approach covers most needs at a much lower cost ($3.39/month), though it can’t protect devices that don’t support VPN apps.
