Club Benefits
This article has been updated to include responses from ExpressVPN. It has said non-Aircove routers will still be able to connect to ExpressVPN.
In late 2024, ExpressVPN messaging seemed to announce the removal of support for non-Aircove routers. Contact was shared with users that stated third-party routers would no longer connect to the dedicated ExpressVPN router app after March 31, 2026 – leaving many users angry.
We still have questions about the exact level of that support and we've contacting ExpressVPN for clarification.
As for its own $200 Aircove router, ExpressVPN's current pages state that firmware updates will continue for the device until next year. The more mobile Aircove Go is listed as supported until 2028.
This may be reviewed, and therefore extended, but it does leave ExpressVPN's long-term commitment to router VPNs unclear.
Why were users angry?
As one of the best VPNs, ExpressVPN has a large and dedicated user base. It's long been known as a VPN that provided class-leading router support. In fact, we've even gone so far as to consider it one of the best router VPNs thanks to its native Aircove router and, historically, a dedicated app for a number of specific router models.
So, it's been of little surprise that users have been upset.
Instead of relying on manual configurations like most other VPNs, ExpressVPN offered custom firmware that could be installed on routers, and subsequently be controlled by a graphical interface, accessible by visiting "expressvpnrouters.com."
Original messaging indicated that all support for third-party routers would be ending, and that users would need to purchase a $200 Aircove to continue using ExpressVPN on their router – and many were not happy about this.
Thanks, but no thanks...goodbye Express VPN (I don't want your Aircove) from r/Express_VPN
In a post dated April 12, 2026, one user said they had been an ExpressVPN subscriber for almost 15 years but wouldn't be renewing their current subscription upon expiration.
They objected to being forced to purchase an ExpressVPN Aircove router. The user said they'd be "selecting a new [VPN] provider that doesn't alienate and/or unnecessarily force an unwanted product on its long-time loyal customer base."
In an older Reddit post, referring to the end of support for legacy routers, a user said this was the sign they'd been waiting for to drop ExpressVPN. They expressed frustration at having bought a router two years before, only to find its support now being dropped.
What has ExpressVPN said?
Tom's Guide reached out to ExpressVPN to query this end of life messaging. The VPN company confirmed that "non-Aircove routers are still able to connect to ExpressVPN."
Its knowledge hub page has now been updated to reflect this. It says "you can manually configure ExpressVPN on these routers which do not support the ExpressVPN app." The routers listed are:
- DD-WRT
- D-Link
- Netduma
- Sabai
- Tomato
- TP-Link
ExpressVPN said: "We’ve continued to support a number of legacy devices beyond their original manufacturer lifecycle, and users who update to the latest firmware can still connect as normal."
What isn't clear however, is whether these third-party routers will continue to receive security and firmware updates in the future. We have asked ExpressVPN to clarify this.
A lack of security updates could lead to unstable connections and, at worst, leave you vulnerable to cyber attacks.
Could Aircove be next?
Reddit users have praised the "plug-in and go" benefits of ExpressVPN Aircove and its convenience. However, even Aircove's lifespan looks to be limited.
According to a 2024 blog post, ExpressVPN's standard Aircove router will stop receiving software security updates in 2027, and Aircove Go will receive support until 2028.
At the time, ExpressVPN said these dates were a "minimum pledge" to users and it may decide to continue support – but this is not guaranteed.
ExpressVPN said these dates relate "to ongoing firmware updates, security updates and maintenance." It added that, for now, this is its "current plan." But it said it will "continue to review and evolve support over time."
What can you do?
The future of ExpressVPN's router support isn't 100% certain. For now, you can still manually configure an ExpressVPN connection and the ExpressVPN router app remains supported on Aircove routers.
You also have the option to manually install another VPN on your router, and the best router VPNs are all compatible with most major routers.
A router VPN provides VPN protection at source, rather than on your device. When you connect to a VPN on your computer or smartphone, that device is protected when connected to Wi-Fi – but only that device.
With a router VPN, every device on your network is protected by a VPN because that protection begins at the router itself. This means smart devices that don't traditionally support VPN connections, such as appliances or speakers, will have their data protected.
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
