ExpressVPN for Routers: Does It Work? 2024 Setup Guide

ExpressVPN advertises itself as one of the best VPNs for routers because it offers full apps with visual interfaces. This is unlike most VPNs, which only provide manual installation options. But, that doesn’t automatically make it the safest or the best option for routers.

My team and I tested ExpressVPN on various routers, including brands like ASUS, Netgear, Linksys, and TP-Link, to determine its quality. We examined its custom firmware's ease of installation and manual setup options. We also examined its connection stability, impact on internet speeds, and reliability on streaming platforms like Netflix.

We found that ExpressVPN delivers impressive results across several router brands. It maintains consistent speeds that make it possible to access popular streaming platforms in HD from anywhere. Plus, it has a user-friendly interface for routers. You can even test ExpressVPN risk-free as it has a 30-day money-back guarantee. Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

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ExpressVPN Router — Intuitive Router Setup Suitable for Beginners

Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

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Tested November 2024

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Installation Options

The easiest way to install ExpressVPN on your router is to use its custom router firmware, which is compatible with several router brands. I haven’t found many other VPNs that offer this feature — you usually have to set up VPNs on routers manually. While testing ExpressVPN, we flashed an ASUS RT-AC87U router in just 10 minutes.

You can also set up ExpressVPN manually if you have a compatible router. This includes routers that support OpenVPN and LT2P protocols, as well as DD-WRT and Tomato-compatible devices. We did so on an Archer C7 TP-Link without problems. ExpressVPN's website offers detailed guides for setting up the VPN on these routers.

If you want a plug-and-play solution, you can order a pre-installed ExpressVPN router online. Many of these routers support WPA3 and WiFi 6 standards and come with high-performing OpenWRT firmware. However, I’d only recommend this if you’re in the market for a new router, given how simple the setup can be (especially with custom firmware).

Ease-Of-Use

Besides the simple installation process, ExpressVPN is very easy to use on routers — this is what makes it one of the best VPNs for routers. The web app interface is intuitive, with a clean design that lets you connect to servers, switch locations, and manage connected devices with a few clicks. I also like the Smart Location feature, which automatically connects you to the fastest server.

ExpressVPN’s step-by-step tutorials for installation and configuration are handy if you’re new to VPNs. Plus, there’s 24/7 live chat support in case you run into any hitches while using the VPN on your router. We tested the chat feature, and a support rep promptly and clearly guided us through the router setup process.

Generally, the VPN can be used on 8 devices simultaneously from a single account. However, you can use ExpressVPN on as many devices as you want after setting it up on your router. The VPN covers any device connected to your home network. Just remember that some routers have maximum device limits.

Device groups make managing multiple device connections effortless. This feature lets you automatically assign devices on your network to specific servers or exclude devices from the VPN. For example, I keep my PS5 connected to the VPN for enhanced security. Meanwhile, I exclude my smartphone, so I can access my food delivery apps with my actual location.

We found the Device Groups feature straightforward, especially as you can drag and drop your devices on the interface to switch locations quickly. Switching locations didn’t interrupt our VPN connection either, which meant our device traffic stayed protected at all times.

Speeds & Connection

ExpressVPN’s router connection is exceptionally fast. The router speeds matched those we got when using the VPN directly on our PCs or smartphones — despite having multiple devices connected to the router. On average, the closest location only reduced our base rates by 4%. This makes ExpressVPN a great VPN for 4K streaming and online gaming.

The connection quality remained stable throughout extended usage periods, with no noticeable drops or interruptions. This stability is crucial for a router-based VPN setup, as it affects all connected devices simultaneously.

The VPN supports P2P file sharing on all servers, so we had no issues downloading large torrent files. ExpressVPN works well with BitTorrent, uTorrent, and other popular torrent clients. Plus, with our connection encrypted, our ISPs couldn’t see our torrenting activities, so we could download files without worrying about speed throttling.

Streaming Capabilities

Servers spread across 105 countries makes it possible to safely access popular streaming platforms from anywhere. Plus, its 3,000+ servers cut down on overcrowding, which can slow down speeds and cause added lag, load times, or lower video quality.

During our tests, we had no problem streaming on platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Max, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Now TV, and ITVX. We rarely encountered buffering and 4K videos usually loaded in a few seconds. In addition, ExpressVPN’s IP addresses are regularly updated to keep them compatible with most streaming services.

Security & Privacy

Every device connected to your router is protected by military-grade encryption (AES 256-bit) and 4096-bit RSA keys, which are nearly impossible to hack. The security is strengthened by the VPN’s Perfect Forward Secrecy technology. This changes your encryption key for each VPN session, further minimizing the chance that anyone can decipher your data.

The VPN provides top-grade tunneling protocols too, including Lightway, OpenVPN, and L2TP/IPsec. I prefer the extra-secure OpenVPN for online banking, while the fast (but still secure) Lightway is the best protocol for uninterrupted streaming or gaming. Older routers can use the relatively fast L2TP/IPsec protocol, though we found it less reliable for streaming.

Network Lock (ExpressVPN’s kill switch) provides 24/7 protection from data leaks. It terminates your internet connection if your router disconnects from the VPN, keeping your IP address hidden. There’s leak protection, too; we didn’t detect any IPv6/DNS/WebRTC leaks on all the routers we tested. That means your real location and identity isn’t at risk of being accidentally exposed.

ExpressVPN’s strict no-logs policy prevents it from collecting or sharing your personal information. Plus, the VPN is located in the British Virgin Islands — beyond the jurisdiction of the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliances (intelligence-sharing pacts). On top of that, ExpressVPN uses TrustedServer tech (RAM-only servers) that erases your browsing data with each reboot.

Price & Money-Back Guarantee

The only thing I was a bit disappointed with is ExpressVPN’s costly subscriptions — the most affordable starts at $4.99/month. However, ExpressVPN regularly offers generous discounts that can significantly cut down the costs. For instance, I got 82% off and 3 extra months free when I bought its longest plan.

If you’re unsatisfied with the VPN’s router app for any reason, getting your money back is easy as ExpressVPN offers a 30-day refund period. I tested this by canceling my subscription via 24/7 live chat, a process that took less than 5 minutes. The support agent approved my request immediately, and I got a full refund on my credit card after 2 days.

ExpressVPN Router Compatibility

Aircove Routers

The ExpressVPN Aircove router is the easiest and most convenient router to use with ExpressVPN. It comes with the VPN pre-configured, providing out-of-the-box security for all devices connected to your network, including those that don't support VPN apps. There’s no setup required — simply connect the router, choose a server, and you’re all set.

This router uses WiFi 6 technology to minimize speed losses when the VPN is active. During our tests, the router consistently maintained high speeds across multiple devices, even when streaming 4K content or engaging in bandwidth-intensive activities, like file-sharing.

Security-wise, the Aircove incorporates all of ExpressVPN's robust security features, including AES-256 encryption, an automatic kill switch, and split-tunneling capabilities. Additionally, the router's regular automatic updates keep you protected against the latest vulnerabilities.

Other ExpressVPN Compatible Routers

How to Setup ExpressVPN on Your Router

Installing ExpressVPN's Custom Router Firmware

Setting up ExpressVPN on your router is simple. Here’s a quick guide to flashing your router with custom ExpressVPN firmware based on the installation process for my Netgear Nighthawk R6400v2:

1. Check compatibility. Ensure your router model is supported by ExpressVPN's custom firmware. You can check the list of supported routers on the ExpressVPN website.
2. Download firmware. Log in to your ExpressVPN account and download the correct firmware file for your router model.
3. Access router settings. Connect to your router's admin panel using its IP address (the default address is 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) in a web browser.
4. Back up current settings. Save your existing router configuration as a precaution.
5. Upload new firmware. Find the firmware or update section in your router's admin panel, select the ExpressVPN firmware file you downloaded, and initiate the update process. Allow the router to complete the firmware installation. Do not interrupt this process.
6. Set up ExpressVPN. Once your router reboots, go to https://www.expressvpnrouter.com and enter your ExpressVPN activation code when prompted. Set up your WiFi network name, password, and other basic settings.
7. Connect to a VPN server. Choose a VPN server location to connect your entire network.
8. Test connection. Verify that your devices are connecting through the VPN by checking your IP address online. You can use an IP checker tool, like vpnMentor's "What Is My IP." If the location matches the server country you connected to, your connection has been successful.

Manually Setting Up ExpressVPN on Your Router

You can also manually connect ExpressVPN to your router by following its official guides. This is how I configured my Archer C7 TP-Link:

1. Check compatibility. Always start by checking whether your router supports VPN connections. Many routers, including Asus, Linksys, and Netgear models, allow manual VPN setup.
2. Find configuration settings. Log in to your ExpressVPN account using your username and password, navigate to the Set up your devices section, select Router as your device type, choose Manual Configuration, and then select OpenVPN.
3. Choose a server location. Select your preferred VPN server location and download the.ovpn file for that server.
4. Configure your router. Access your router's admin panel by entering its IP address in a web browser, locate the VPN client section in your router's settings, and configure the VPN settings according to the information provided in the.ovpn file.
5. Save and apply settings. Save your configuration and apply the changes, then reboot your router.
6. Check your connection. Initiate the VPN connection from your router's interface, connect a device to your router’s WiFi, and check your IP address using an IP Lookup tool. The displayed IP should correspond to the VPN server location, confirming that the connection is successful.

FAQs on ExpressVPN Router Support

Do I need a special router for ExpressVPN?

No, ExpressVPN is compatible with a wide range of routers. It has custom firmware for several popular router models, and you can configure ExpressVPN on many routers that support OpenVPN, LT2P, and DD-WRT.

It’s also possible to buy pre-flashed routers. FlashRouters, for example, provides stock Linksys WRT1200AC and Linksys WRT1900ACS routers with ExpressVPN pre-installed. The VPN also has its own custom VPN router — Aircove — that comes with ExpressVPN built-in. However, given the ease of installation, this option is only necessary if you need a new router.

The ExpressVPN website includes plenty of guides and step-by-step tutorials for router installation. There’s also 24/7 live chat support to help you if you have any questions along the way.

What is the best-reviewed router for ExpressVPN?

The Aircove router is often regarded as the best-reviewed router for ExpressVPN. The Aircove router is known for its ease of use, impressive speeds, and robust security features. It comes pre-configured with the VPN software for seamless setup and optimal performance.

If you prefer a third-party router, models from Asus (like the RT-AC68U or RT-AC87U) and Linksys (like the WRT3200ACM) are also highly rated for their compatibility with ExpressVPN. These routers support ExpressVPN’s custom firmware, providing excellent VPN performance while allowing for advanced features like split tunneling and secure DNS.

Why does my ExpressVPN router keep disconnecting?

If your ExpressVPN router keeps disconnecting, it could be due to several factors. The easiest way to resolve the issue is to switch to another server or reconfigure your router. Here are some common causes and troubleshooting steps:

• Weak internet connection. If your base internet connection is unstable, the VPN connection will also drop. Check your internet service for any interruptions or slow speeds.
• Overloaded router. Routers can disconnect if they are handling too many devices or high data traffic at once. Try disconnecting some devices or limiting bandwidth-heavy activities (like streaming or gaming) to see if it improves stability.
• VPN server issues. Sometimes, the VPN server you're connected to may experience outages or performance issues. Try switching to a different VPN server location through the router’s settings.
• Firmware issues. Outdated or corrupted router firmware may cause instability. Make sure your router’s firmware, whether custom ExpressVPN firmware or the manufacturer’s firmware, is up to date.
• Incorrect VPN configuration. Incorrect setup or configuration settings might cause disconnections. Double-check your VPN configuration settings, especially if you manually installed ExpressVPN.

If the problem persists, contact ExpressVPN’s 24/7 support for further assistance.

Why should I install ExpressVPN on my router?

Installing ExpressVPN on your router protects all devices connected to your home network. This includes devices that don't typically work with VPN apps, such as smart TVs, gaming consoles, and IoT devices. Additionally, setting up ExpressVPN on your router is convenient because you don’t need to install the VPN on every individual device.

Using ExpressVPN on your router also allows you to bypass device limits. This is because router-level VPN installation counts as a single device, allowing you to protect unlimited devices in your home. Thanks to ExpressVPN’s large server network and great streaming compatibility, this also makes it possible to securely access major platforms on all your devices.

Are there routers that come with ExpressVPN preinstalled?

Yes, some routers come with ExpressVPN preinstalled. The most notable is ExpressVPN’s Aircove router. Besides Aircove, ExpressVPN also offers compatibility with several third-party routers, such as those from Linksys, that may come preconfigured with ExpressVPN if purchased through select vendors.

Will installing ExpressVPN on my router void the router warranty?

This depends on your router manufacturer and how you set up the VPN. If you're using a router that officially supports ExpressVPN installations (like the ExpressVPN Aircove), installing ExpressVPN will not void the warranty. Similarly, for routers that allow manual VPN configuration through their standard firmware, installing ExpressVPN typically won't void the warranty.

However, if you need to flash custom firmware (like DD-WRT or Tomato) to install ExpressVPN, this will likely void your router's warranty. Most manufacturers consider modifying the original firmware as grounds for voiding the warranty.

To protect your warranty, always check your router's documentation or contact the manufacturer directly before installation. If warranty coverage is a concern, consider using routers that officially support VPN installations or opt for ExpressVPN's own Aircove router, which is designed for this purpose.

Remember, even if installing ExpressVPN doesn't void your warranty, any damage caused during the installation process might not be covered.

The Bottom Line

After multiple tests, I found that ExpressVPN works reliably on most router brands. Thanks to its custom router firmware, the installation process is also straightforward. Plus, if you have an older router model, ExpressVPN provides detailed guides on manually setting it up.

If you’re unsure whether it’ll work for you, ExpressVPN provides a 30-day money-back guarantee that lets you try it on your router without financial risk. If it doesn’t work as expected, you can contact customer support and get a full refund.

Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.