What makes the ExpressVPN Fortify router stand out?
The Fortify router is a significant advancement over ExpressVPN's previous Aircove routers. It supports dual-band Wi-Fi 6 with an AX6000 rating, delivering up to 1148 Mbps on 2.4GHz and 4804 Mbps on 5GHz, compared to Aircove's AX1800. Thanks to a 4x4 MU-MIMO antenna setup, users experience stronger, more reliable Wi-Fi connections across larger spaces and more devices.
Under the hood, Fortify is powered by a quad-core 2.0GHz processor, 1GB DDR4 RAM, and 8GB eMMC storage, enabling it to handle up to 86 connected devices smoothly. Additionally, it features two 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet ports alongside four Gigabit LAN ports for robust wired network options suitable for high-bandwidth home or office environments.
How does Fortify enhance VPN performance and functionality?
Fortify routes all your supported devices at the router level through ExpressVPN using the WireGuard protocol, which provides improved speed and security. It achieves VPN throughput of up to 900 Mbps—nearly triple what Aircove offered—making it ideal for streaming, gaming, and secure browsing without bottlenecks.
The router uses GL.iNet's Flint 2 platform interface, which includes extra networking tools like Multi-WAN failover to maintain connection stability, Smart Queue Management to reduce lag, and AdGuard Home for blocking ads and trackers network-wide. This integration improves user experience by delivering consistent performance and privacy conveniently managed through a user-friendly interface.
What’s included with the Fortify router purchase?
The $199.99 price includes the Fortify hardware plus 12 months of ExpressVPN's Advanced plan, valued at $119.95. This subscription extends ExpressVPN protection beyond the router to apps on personal devices, enhancing overall security and privacy.
Also bundled are value-added services like ExpressKeys (a password manager), ad and tracker blocking, and ExpressMailGuard for email security. The router’s software and ExpressVPN’s no-logs policy are backed by independent audits, reinforcing trust in user privacy.
What should current Aircove owners know?
ExpressVPN is retiring the Aircove and Aircove Go routers from sale, focusing support on Fortify as the next-generation device. Existing Aircove users will continue to receive critical updates and support until 2027 or 2028 depending on the model.
Moreover, current Aircove and Aircove Go owners can upgrade to Fortify at a discounted rate with a 20% off coupon by contacting ExpressVPN customer support and confirming their previous device ownership.
Key takeaways for users considering Fortify
The Fortify router is a strong choice for users wanting seamless, high-speed VPN protection across multiple devices without managing individual app installations. Its Wi-Fi 6 capabilities enhance wireless performance, and the inclusion of ExpressVPN’s Advanced plan provides comprehensive security and privacy features at a competitive price point.
For those currently using Aircove routers, Fortify presents a compelling upgrade path offering improved speed, capacity, and extended VPN features, while maintaining continued support during the transition. New buyers seeking router-level VPN should find Fortify a practical and future-proof solution for home or small office networks.