Aircove | Wi-Fi 6 VPN Router for Home | Protect Unlimited Devices | Free 30-Day ExpressVPN Trial | International Version
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AI Verdict
This Wi-Fi 6 dual-band router delivers whole-home ExpressVPN protection for unlimited devices, but expect VPN-active speeds around 120-250 Mbps.
This router is a strong fit if you're an ExpressVPN subscriber prioritizing easy, whole-home VPN coverage for devices that can't run VPN apps. It sacrifices raw router performance and advanced features for this specific VPN integration.
If raw throughput and advanced network controls are more important than integrated VPN, look for routers with higher AX ratings (e.g., AX3000, AX5400) and more extensive software features.
Regret Score™
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Critically weak dimension
Amazon rating vs actual quality
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Pros
- Provides built-in ExpressVPN protection for every connected device, including smart home gadgets not typically compatible with VPN software.
- Allows grouping devices to connect to different VPN locations simultaneously, or to bypass the VPN entirely.
- Includes parental controls, ad blocking, and threat protection features that work even without an active VPN connection.
- Offers dual-band Wi-Fi 6 with speeds up to 1200 Mbps on the 5 GHz band and 600 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band.
- Features a straightforward setup process, with users reporting installation in under five minutes.
- Covers up to 1600 sq. ft. of whole-home coverage, with reports of full strength in a 1400 sq. ft. townhome.
Cons
- VPN usage can reduce internet speeds significantly, with some users reporting speeds dropping by half.
- Exclusively supports ExpressVPN, meaning you cannot use other VPN providers with this router.
- Lacks advanced router features found in similarly priced competitors, making it a basic router without the VPN.
- Does not offer a dedicated mobile application for configuration or management.
- Non-VPN performance maxed out at 312 Mbps in tests, which is below similarly priced mesh systems averaging over 600 Mbps.
Dimension Scores
Non-VPN speeds maxed out at 312 Mbps, which is below the 600 Mbps average of similarly priced mesh systems, and VPN speeds drop further to 120-250 Mbps.
The Wi-Fi 6 network connectivity is reported as stable even with many devices, and the router features an automatic restart option to prevent common issues.
Setup is quick, often completed in under five minutes, and the web-based UI makes managing VPN connections and device groups straightforward.
It offers built-in ExpressVPN protection for all devices, parental controls, ad blocking, and threat protection, making it a highly secure networking device.
Best For
- Households with many smart devices (like TVs, game consoles, smart home appliances) that need VPN protection.
- Users who want a simple, set-it-and-forget-it solution for whole-home VPN coverage.
- Individuals looking to easily access geo-restricted content on multiple devices simultaneously.
Not Recommended For
- Power users requiring advanced network configurations, extensive router features, or multi-gigabit speeds.
- Anyone not planning to use or subscribe to ExpressVPN.
- Users expecting seamless streaming across all services while the VPN is active, as some services may glitch or refuse to work.
Watch Out For
- Amazon sometimes flags this product as a 'frequently returned item,' which could indicate recurring user dissatisfaction.
- Activating the VPN can cut your internet speed by as much as 50%, reducing a 312 Mbps baseline to around 140 Mbps.
- Streaming services like Amazon Prime Video and HBO Max have been reported to glitch or completely stop working when connected through the VPN.
- The router's feature set is basic; if you're into networking or run a home server, you'll find it lacking compared to other routers in its price range.
- You're locked into ExpressVPN; there's no option to configure it with another VPN service.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B0BV39GR2S |
| Brand | ExpressVPN |
| Color | Black |
| Model Name | ExpressVPN Aircove (UK, EU, AU, & NZ Version) |
| Item Weight | 1.94 pounds |
| Manufacturer | ExpressVPN |
| Special Feature | Built-in VPN protection |
| Item model number | Aircove-AX1800 |
| Compatible Devices | Personal Computer |
| Product Dimensions | 9.72 x 8.15 x 2.28 inches |
| Included Components | Ethernet Cable, Power Adapter, Router |
| Frequency Band Class | Dual-Band |
| Connectivity Technology | Wi-Fi |
| Recommended Uses For Product | Business, Home |
| Wireless Communication Standard | 802.11ac, 802.11ax, 802.11g, 802.11n |
What Buyers Say
What's wild is how much this router is *just* about the VPN, almost to a fault. People are picking it up because it makes getting ExpressVPN on everything, even your smart fridge, super easy. But then they hit the wall with internet speeds dropping by half when the VPN is on, and some streaming apps just refusing to play ball. It's not a powerhouse router on its own, and if you're not all-in on ExpressVPN, you'll probably feel like you're missing out on features other routers in this price range offer. The Amazon 'frequently returned' warning is definitely something to pay attention to.
“Look, I bought this thing 'cause I wanted my whole house on VPN without messing with every single device, and it does that. But man, the speed hit is real, and Netflix gets weird sometimes. I wish it was faster without the VPN on, too.”
Common Praise
- Automatically protects all connected devices with ExpressVPN, even those without native VPN app support.
- The ability to group devices and assign different VPN locations or no VPN is super convenient.
- Setup is genuinely fast and simple, often taking less than five minutes.
- Includes parental controls and ad blocking that work independently of the VPN.
- Provides stable Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, even when many devices are connected.
Common Complaints
- Significant speed reduction when the VPN is active, sometimes cutting speeds by 50%.
- Certain streaming services glitch or won't work at all when connected through the VPN.
- The router's core features are pretty basic compared to other Wi-Fi 6 routers in the same price bracket.
- You're locked into using ExpressVPN; no other VPN services are supported.
- There's no mobile app for managing settings, which feels dated.
Ownership Tips
- You absolutely need an active ExpressVPN subscription for the main VPN features; the router itself isn't a standalone VPN solution.
- Be prepared to create a 'no VPN' group for devices like smart TVs or streaming sticks if you want reliable access to all streaming services.
- If you're used to advanced router settings or custom firmware, this will feel very restrictive and basic.
- The automatic nightly restart feature is actually pretty useful for maintaining consistent performance without manual intervention.
- Even without the VPN, the raw internet speed isn't top-tier for its price, so don't expect a speed demon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Aircove router include an ExpressVPN subscription?
No, the ExpressVPN subscription is sold separately. However, new ExpressVPN users get a 30-day free trial with the Aircove.
Can I use other VPN services with the Aircove?
No, the Aircove router is designed exclusively for use with ExpressVPN and does not support other VPN providers.
What kind of Wi-Fi speeds can I expect?
The router supports Wi-Fi 6 with theoretical speeds up to 1200 Mbps on the 5 GHz band and 600 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band. Without VPN, tested speeds reached 312 Mbps.
Will using the VPN slow down my internet connection?
Yes, users have reported that activating the VPN can cause internet speeds to drop by up to half, with VPN-active speeds ranging from 120-250 Mbps depending on the location and protocol.
What is the Wi-Fi coverage area of the Aircove?
The Aircove provides whole-home coverage up to 1600 sq. ft. Users have reported full signal strength throughout a 1400 sq. ft. townhome.
Can I control which devices use the VPN?
Yes, you can organize your devices into groups and assign each group a different VPN location, or set some devices to use no VPN at all.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at a router like the Aircove, you need to understand it's a specialized tool. It's not just a Wi-Fi broadcaster; it's primarily a hardware appliance for ExpressVPN. This means you're buying it because you want every single device on your home network, even those that can't install a VPN app, to be protected by ExpressVPN. Think of it as a VPN gateway for your entire home, rather than just a regular router with some VPN features tacked on.
Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
This is the current Wi-Fi standard, meaning it's designed to handle more devices simultaneously and offer better efficiency than older Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac). It's like upgrading from a single-lane road to a multi-lane highway for your wireless devices.
Dual-Band (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz)
This means the router broadcasts two separate Wi-Fi networks. The 2.4 GHz band offers wider coverage and better penetration through walls but is slower. The 5 GHz band is faster but has a shorter range. It's like having a long-range, slower delivery truck and a short-range, faster sports car for your data.
VPN Speed (e.g., 200 Mbps)
This tells you the actual internet speed you can expect when the VPN is active. It's almost always lower than your raw internet speed because encrypting and routing traffic through a VPN server takes extra processing power. If your internet plan is 500 Mbps, but the VPN speed is 200 Mbps, you'll only get 200 Mbps when the VPN is on.
Alternatives
If you need higher raw internet speeds, more advanced network customization options, or the flexibility to use different VPN providers, look for routers with higher AX ratings (e.g., AX3000 or AX5400) and open-source firmware support or built-in VPN client options that aren't tied to a single service.
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