ExpressVPN Launches Fortify Router With 1-Year Advanced Plan

ExpressVPN has introduced Fortify, a new secure wireless router designed to replace its Aircove and Aircove Go models. Developed in partnership with networking hardware company GL.iNet, Fortify is built on the Flint 2 hardware platform and combines upgraded networking capabilities with ExpressVPN’s VPN and privacy technology. The router launches September 16, 2026, at $199.99 and includes a 12-month ExpressVPN Advanced subscription.

ExpressVPN first introduced dedicated router firmware in 2016, allowing users to run VPN protection across an entire network rather than relying on individual devices. That approach later led to Aircove, the company’s first Wi-Fi router with ExpressVPN integrated directly into the device. Fortify represents the next generation of that product line.

For the new router, ExpressVPN partnered with GL.iNet instead of developing another hardware platform from the ground up. Fortify uses GL.iNet’s Flint 2 platform, with GL.iNet responsible for the hardware, firmware, router interface and networking platform, while ExpressVPN provides the VPN service, privacy technology and global infrastructure.

Existing Aircove and Aircove Go customers can continue using their current routers and will receive critical security updates and customer support according to ExpressVPN’s published support timelines. Those customers will also receive a 20% discount if they choose to upgrade to Fortify.

Fortify brings a significant hardware upgrade, featuring dual-band Wi-Fi 6 AX6000, 4×4 MU-MIMO and Multi-Gig connectivity. It can handle up to 86 devices simultaneously. ExpressVPN says VPN performance can reach up to 900Mbps using WireGuard and up to 880Mbps with OpenVPN DCO, compared with up to 330Mbps on Aircove and Aircove Go.

The router is powered by a 2GHz quad-core processor with 1GB of DDR4 memory and 8GB of eMMC storage. Wired connectivity includes two 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet ports and four Gigabit Ethernet ports. Its Wi-Fi performance reaches up to 1,148Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 4,804Mbps on 5GHz.

Fortify also adds Multi-WAN failover, Smart Queue Management for managing latency on busy networks and AdGuard Home for network-level ad and tracker blocking. The router runs on GL.iNet’s OpenWrt-based platform, giving users greater visibility and control over network software while supporting additional networking functionality.

At launch, Fortify supports ExpressVPN through WireGuard and OpenVPN DCO, with VPN settings managed through GL.iNet’s router interface. ExpressVPN plans to add support for its Lightway protocol through a future firmware update. The companies also describe Fortify as the first product under a longer-term router partnership, although they have not committed to specific future products.

Running ExpressVPN directly at the router level allows supported devices without native VPN applications to use the service through the network. These can include smart TVs, streaming devices, game consoles, smart speakers, security cameras and other connected or IoT products. Users can select their VPN location and manage the connection through the Fortify interface while connected devices continue operating normally.

Fortify also comes with one year of ExpressVPN’s Advanced subscription for new and returning users. The subscription covers VPN service through the router during the first year and can also be used with ExpressVPN applications on personal devices outside the home.

The Advanced plan includes ExpressKeys, ExpressVPN’s zero-knowledge password manager, as well as Advanced Protection, which blocks ads, trackers and malicious websites and provides parental controls for adult content. It also includes ExpressMailGuard, which is designed to help users keep their real email addresses private when registering for online services.

The 12-month Advanced subscription also provides up to three days of eSIM data through holiday.com. U.S. customers additionally receive Identity Defender, which offers monitoring and tools intended to help when personal information is misused. These Advanced features are available through ExpressVPN’s apps rather than the Fortify router interface.

ExpressVPN says its VPN infrastructure operates under a no-logs policy that has been independently audited and verified. The company provides the privacy technology and VPN infrastructure, while GL.iNet’s OpenWrt-based platform provides the networking foundation for Fortify.

The Fortify router is available through the official GL.iNet website from September 16, 2026, for $199.99, with Amazon availability expected shortly after launch. Existing Aircove and Aircove Go owners are eligible for the 20% upgrade discount.