ExpressVPN just killed a core feature – and it’s costing them customers

In late 2024, ExpressVPN quietly announced the removal of support for non-Aircove routers. The were no PR emails, blog posts, or fanfare. But, as of March 31, 2026, third-party routers are no longer able connect to the dedicated ExpressVPN router app. The only mention of this was in ExpressVPN release notes, and now, you'll need to purchase an Aircove router to continue using ExpressVPN in this way.

As one of the best VPNs, ExpressVPN has a large and dedicated user base. 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. But this mystery update has left many subscribers angry, and may drive them to other more flexible VPNs.

What's more, the lifespan of ExpressVPN's first-party Aircove routers doesn't seem indefinite, either. Support pages show support beginning to end in 2027 – despite the products still being available to purchase on Amazon and the ExpressVPN website – which leads us to question ExpressVPN's long-term commitment to router VPNs.

Users react

ExpressVPN has long been known as a VPN that provided class-leading router support. 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."

However, those days are over. The final cut-off for third-party router support was March 31, 2026, and, predictably, users on Reddit are expressing their disappointment.

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."

Another Reddit user complained of unstable connections and claimed their Aircove purchase was a waste of money.

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.

ExpressVPN confirmed that legacy routers will still be protected by existing firmware, but won't receive updates. While you might still be able to use the VPN, the lack of security updates could lead to unstable connections and, at worst, leave you vulnerable to cyber attacks.

We recommend downloading the latest security updates as they're released for all software and hardware – and this can no longer be done on legacy routers.

Aircove may be next

Some Reddit users praised the "plug-in and go" benefits of ExpressVPN Aircove and its convenience – and now, it's the only supported way to use ExpressVPN on a router without setting up a manual configuration. However, even Aircove's lifespan is 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. For example, the same page states the "minimum pledge" for a number of third-party routers was until 2025. Three months into 2026, and they've been cut off.

Given ExpressVPN's previously strong desire to move users towards Aircove, this is a puzzling revelation. We have approached ExpressVPN to clarify its position on router VPNs and the future of Aircove.

Why has ExpressVPN done this and what can you do?

It isn't clear why ExpressVPN has discontinued support for third-party users. On the surface, it could be argued that it wants to drive users to its own routers – but limited Aircove support doesn't back this up.

You can still 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.