ExpressVPN's Aircove update brings faster speeds and UI improvements

ExpressVPN Aircove router on a brown table, next to smartphone and laptop with the ExpressVPN app open

(Image credit: ExpressVPN)

ExpressVPN, one of the best VPNs, has released a significant update to its Aircove Wi-Fi routers. The upgrades include speed improvements, and a more intuitive UI and dashboard experience, cementing the provider's status as the best router VPN.

Installing a VPN on your Wi-Fi router is an ideal way of protecting a household's worth of devices, and allows smart devices that don't have native VPN apps to connect to a VPN-protected network.

ExpressVPN: the best router VPN
ExpressVPN is the best router VPN out there. It's super simple to use, and its Aircove router means there's no complex set up. There's lightning fast speeds thanks to Lightway Turbo and ExpressVPN has adopted post-quantum encryption across the board. You'll need an active ExpressVPN subscription and the 2-year deal works out at $4.99 per month ($139.72 up front). Including the four months free, that gets you 28 months of protection and there's a 30-day money-back guarantee as well.

Redesigned dashboard

You can now set a VPN location when creating a device group. Simply adjust your advanced protection settings, choose your server location, and connect. Devices can then be added to the group.

Horizontal scrolling is no longer required on the dashboard. Its layout has been optimized so you can now see all five device groups at a glance on most screens.

ExpressVPN updated Aircove dashboard, with five device categories — (Image credit: ExpressVPN)

Drag-and-drop has been improved, but moving devices between groups has become simpler. A dropdown menu has been added, meaning you can quickly change a device's group – something that is particularly useful on smartphones and tablets.

AircoveOS v5.3 Device Management - YouTube

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Smoother connection transitions and animations have also been added, along with helpful tips. First-time users will now see guidance on router setup, connecting to Wi-Fi, and device organization.

Stability and reliability improvements

ExpressVPN has made some system-level updates to Aircove. Improving stability and reliability was the goal, especially for Wi-Fi and streaming.

Key system components, including Linux kernel and Wi-Fi drivers, have been updated. This aims to reduce dropped connections and improve overall stability.

Non-VPN traffic should now run faster and more efficiently, while internal hardware component management has been improved. A rare issue with long-running VPN connections has also been fixed.

ExpressVPN has said it is already working on the next update to Aircove. Enhancements to Wi-Fi Link and parental controls are both coming soon.

Disclaimer

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.

George is a Staff Writer at Tom's Guide, covering VPN, privacy, and cybersecurity news. He is especially interested in digital rights and censorship, and its interplay with politics. Outside of work, George is passionate about music, Star Wars, and Karate.

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Redesigned dashboard

Stability and reliability improvements