Disclosure: VPNFin is reader-supported. If you buy a VPN through links on this page, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This never affects our ratings — here’s our full disclosure.
Putting ExpressVPN on a router changed in September 2026. ExpressVPN retired its Aircove and Aircove Go routers from sale and launched Fortify, a router built with GL.iNet on its Flint 2 platform, priced at $199.99 and sold through GL.iNet’s store from 16 September. Separately, ExpressVPN’s support pages now say security updates have ended for its firmware on every compatible Asus, Linksys and Netgear model.
So the old advice, to flash ExpressVPN’s firmware onto an Asus or Linksys router, now means running software that will not be patched. This guide covers what the routes are today: Fortify, existing Aircove units, and manual OpenVPN on other routers.
ExpressVPN on a Router: The Short Answer
Buying new? The router is Fortify. It includes 12 months of ExpressVPN’s Advanced plan, which ExpressVPN values at $119.95, and connects over WireGuard or OpenVPN DCO at launch. ExpressVPN says Lightway support will follow in a firmware update.
Own an Aircove? Keep using it: ExpressVPN says Aircove gets critical security updates and support through 2027, and Aircove Go through 2028. Owners get 20% off Fortify.
Running ExpressVPN firmware on an Asus, Linksys or Netgear router? It still works, but receives no new security fixes. Our ExpressVPN review covers the service.
Your Options in 2026
| Route | Status | Protocol |
|---|---|---|
| Fortify (GL.iNet) | On sale since 16 September 2026 | WireGuard, OpenVPN DCO; Lightway later |
| Aircove | Retired from sale; supported to 2027 | Lightway |
| Aircove Go | Retired from sale; supported to 2028 | Lightway |
| ExpressVPN firmware on Asus, Linksys, Netgear | No more security updates | As installed |
| Manual OpenVPN on other routers | Available | OpenVPN |
Fortify is a big step up on paper. ExpressVPN claims up to 900 Mbps over WireGuard, against up to 330 Mbps on Aircove. It also cites capacity for 86 concurrent connections on the home network, a router figure rather than a subscription limit. Those are best-case figures under controlled conditions, as Digital Reviews Network notes.
Setting Up Fortify
Fortify is set up through GL.iNet’s router interface, not an ExpressVPN app, according to the launch coverage. The included Advanced plan covers the router and ExpressVPN’s apps on your own devices; features such as the password manager and ExpressMailGuard work through those apps rather than the router.
WireGuard is the protocol for ExpressVPN on a router like Fortify at launch. It is a good fit for router hardware, as our WireGuard and OpenVPN comparison explains. Surfshark’s router route also runs on WireGuard, as our Surfshark on a router guide shows; Surfshark and NordVPN share a parent, Nord Security.
Manual OpenVPN on Other Routers
This is the route for any router with an OpenVPN client. ExpressVPN publishes manual guides for Asus, DD-WRT, pfSense, Tomato and others, using manual configuration credentials from your account.
ExpressVPN lists the limits itself. Its Asus guide warns that not every location is available through manual configuration, that it lacks the security and privacy benefits of the app, and that routers without AES-NI support may see speed problems. In heavily censored countries, it recommends the app instead. Our router setup guide covers the general process, and our NordVPN on a router guide shows how another provider handles it.
What Breaks, and How to Fix It
Your router firmware stopped updating. ExpressVPN ended security updates for its firmware on Asus, Linksys and Netgear models. Until you replace it, consider running ExpressVPN’s apps on devices that support them; a plan covers up to 14, as our multi-device guide explains. Move to Fortify, another supported router, or apps on each device.
A location is missing on a manual setup. ExpressVPN says not all locations are available that way; use a nearby alternative or the app. For streaming, our ExpressVPN and Netflix page covers which locations tested well.
Speeds are low on an older router. ExpressVPN points to missing AES-NI support; a newer router helps. Our speed guide explains why.
Consoles and TVs. A router is still the way to cover devices without apps, as our PS5 guide and our smart TV guide explain.
Check it after setup. Confirm the new address from any device with our guide to checking a VPN, and see our guide to turning off a router VPN if you need to bypass it.
How We Research
The Fortify details come from ExpressVPN’s announcement, GL.iNet’s launch post and coverage by Trusted Reviews, Forbes and Digital Reviews Network. The firmware and manual setup limits come from ExpressVPN’s own support pages. We name each source where used; all were read on 26 September 2026. We have not tested Fortify ourselves. Our full approach lives on the About Us page.
ExpressVPN on a Router FAQ
No. ExpressVPN retired Aircove and Aircove Go from sale in September 2026. Its new router is Fortify, built with GL.iNet.
ExpressVPN says Aircove gets critical security updates and support through 2027, and Aircove Go through 2028.
Not at launch. Fortify connects over WireGuard and OpenVPN DCO, and ExpressVPN plans to add Lightway in a future update.
It still works, but ExpressVPN has ended security updates for its firmware on all compatible Asus, Linksys and Netgear models.
On routers with an OpenVPN client, yes. ExpressVPN notes manual setups do not offer every location or all the app’s protections.
The Verdict
ExpressVPN on a router now means Fortify for new buyers, Aircove for existing owners until support ends, or manual OpenVPN elsewhere.
If you run ExpressVPN’s firmware on an older Asus, Linksys or Netgear router, plan a move: it no longer receives security fixes. The service belongs to Kape Technologies.