ExpressVPN has announced Fortify, a next-generation Wi-Fi 6 router that succeeds the company’s previous Aircove line. The shift represents a major hardware upgrade and marks a new partnership between ExpressVPN and GL.iNet, a networking specialist that supplies the router platform. For consumers deciding whether to upgrade or considering a VPN-protected home network for the first time, understanding the differences and what the transition means is essential.

What Changed: Fortify Specs vs Aircove

The jump from Aircove to Fortify is substantial on paper. Fortify is a dual-band Wi-Fi 6 AX6000 router, nearly four times faster than Aircove’s AX1800 rating. The hardware uses a 4×4 MU-MIMO antenna layout instead of 2×2, translating to better performance across multiple devices. Top speeds reach 1148 Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 4804 Mbps on 5GHz. Inside, a quad-core 2.0GHz processor, 1GB of DDR4 memory, and 8GB of storage power the device. For home networks requiring high-speed connections, two 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet ports and four standard Gigabit LAN ports provide flexible connectivity options.

The most compelling upgrade for VPN users is speed. Fortify handles VPN throughput of up to 900 Mbps on WireGuard, nearly triple Aircove’s maximum of 330 Mbps. This matters if you stream, game, or work from home while routing traffic through the VPN. Fortify also supports up to 86 connected devices simultaneously, making it practical for households with multiple phones, tablets, smart home gadgets, and computers.

How It Works and What You Get

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Photo by Compare Fibre

Fortify operates like Aircove did: it runs the VPN at the router level, meaning every device on your network can connect through ExpressVPN automatically, including smart TVs, game consoles, and security cameras that cannot install VPN apps directly. The connection uses WireGuard protocol and is managed through GL.iNet’s router interface, which includes networking tools like Multi-WAN failover, Smart Queue Management, and AdGuard Home for blocking ads and trackers across your entire network.

Pricing starts at $199.99 with 12 months of ExpressVPN’s Advanced plan included. That subscription covers both the router’s VPN access and ExpressVPN’s apps for your personal devices. The bundle also includes the ExpressKeys password manager, ad and tracker blocking, ExpressMailGuard, and other privacy tools. ExpressVPN backs its service with a no-logs policy and RAM-only infrastructure independently audited by firms like PwC, Cure53, and KPMG, addressing consumer concerns about trust and data security.

What This Means for Different Shoppers

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Photo by James Yarema

For new buyers, Fortify represents a solid entry point into router-level VPN protection at a reasonable price. If you’ve been hesitant about VPN performance affecting your home network speed, the jump to Wi-Fi 6 and faster VPN throughput should ease those concerns. When comparing options, keep in mind that other premium routers in this price range may not include VPN services, so the bundled subscription adds genuine value.

Current Aircove owners face a decision. ExpressVPN is retiring both the original Aircove and the portable Aircove Go from production, but existing units continue to work. The company guarantees security updates and support through 2027 for Aircove and 2028 for Aircove Go. If your current router still meets your needs, you can keep using it without immediate pressure to upgrade. However, if you want better performance or need to support more devices, existing owners qualify for 20 percent off Fortify. Contact ExpressVPN customer support with proof of ownership to claim the discount code.

What Shoppers Should Consider

Before purchasing, evaluate whether a VPN router fits your household. If everyone in your home should have VPN protection by default, or if you have connected devices that cannot run VPN software independently, a dedicated VPN router streamlines management. The performance metrics suggest Fortify handles real-world usage well, though actual speeds depend on your internet service provider’s connection and network conditions.

As Wi-Fi technology continues advancing, Wi-Fi 6 remains current and capable for most households. Fortify represents a stable, feature-rich option rather than an obsolete purchase. The partnership between ExpressVPN and GL.iNet positions this product as a long-term commitment from both companies, which matters for ongoing software updates and customer service reliability. Sales begin September 16 through GL.iNet’s website.