ExpressVPN launches first portable Wi-Fi router with built-in VPN

ExpressVPN has been making impressive moves in the hardware space since the introduction of the Aircove router in 2022. Today, the popular virtual private network provider is expanding its lineup by launching a new portable Wi-Fi 6 router with built-in VPN protection. Meet Aircove Go.

Citing a recent study by Forbes, 40% of surveyed users have had their personal information compromised while using public Wi-Fi, with most incidents occurring in airports, restaurants, and cafes. It’s here connections are often unsecured, leaving users vulnerable to attack. The launch of ExpressVPN’s Aircove Go aims to help close the gap between data privacy gap and the good ol’ convenience of free Wi-Fi.

“While useful, the nature of public Wi-Fi networks is such that they’re open to anybody to use. As a result, they’re typically less secure and private than your home network, says David Gilbert, staff product manager of Aircove, in a press release.

“We built Aircove Go to solve for that; so that you can take your home network on the road, and safeguard your online activities no matter where you are, even on public Wi-Fi. Think of Aircove Go as your digital security companion: You can use it in a home office, entertainment room, hotel, co-working space, and more.”

Step-by-step: Aircove Go’s one-time setup process

With an easy one-time setup, ExpressVPN says users only need to connect individual devices to the Aircove Go once. After that, at each new location, users only need to connect the Aircove Go to public Wi-Fi, and every remembered device will connect automatically—no need to sign in on each device one by one.

Unlike the Aircove home router, which requires Ethernet, Aircove Go touts a new feature in AircoveOS called Wi-Fi Link that helps users get online by connecting to local Wi-Fi. No cables are required, well, except the USB-C one for power.

Using Wi-Fi Link to connect Aircove Go to an existing Wi-Fi network without an Ethernet cable

With coverage up to 750 square feet, Aircove Go can support unlimited devices, including smart home appliances and other tech that aren’t able to install VPN software. The palm-size router also gets Wi-Fi speeds up to 600 Mbps for 2.4 GHz bands and up to 1,200 Mbps for 5 GHz. It packs a 1.2 GHz 64-bit Quad-Core CPU, 512 MB RAM, and 128 MB flash storage. In addition, Aircove Go has Threat Manager, parental controls, ad-blocking protection features, and automatic updates.

Pricing: Aircove Go is available on Amazon for $169.90, with a 1-year warranty. A subscription to ExpressVPN is required. New users get a 30-day free trial with purchase.

Full tech specs:

Wi-Fi: 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: Up to 600 Mbps (2.4GHz), up to 1,200 Mbps (5GHz)

Interface: 1 x WAN Ethernet port, 2 x LAN Ethernet ports, 1 x LED, 1 x reset button, 1 x USB Type-C power input, 2 x external antennas

Coverage: 750 sq. ft. / 70 sq. m

Processor, memory, and storage: 1.2 GHz 64-bit Quad-Core CPU, 512 MB RAM, 128 MB flash storage

Ethernet connectivity: DHCP, PPPoE, Static IP

Security features: Built-in ExpressVPN protection, WPA2/3 Wi-Fi security, Automatic updates

Advanced protection features: Threat Manager, parental controls, and ad blocking

Dimensions: 125 mm x 82 mm x 36 mm

Weight: 245g