Kape Technologies’ ExpressVPN launches first ever Wi-Fi 6 router with built-in VPN protection

Leading cybersecurity company Kape Technologies’ (LSE: KAPE) subsidiary ExpressVPN has announced the launch of the first Wi-Fi 6 router with built-in VPN protection, called Aircove.

The Aircove router marks the first of ExpressVPN’s hardware releases, aiming to protect customers’ devices at home including computer and laptops, smart TVs and other internet of things (IoT) devices.

With faster and more reliable wireless connections enabled by Wi-Fi 6, Aircove can reach speeds of up to 1,200 megabits per second (Mbps) on 5GHz and 600Mbps for 2.4GHz.

ExpressVPN vice president Harold Li said Aircove will assist US households in managing their growing collection of devices.

“From laptops to smart TVs, things add up quickly and it becomes more difficult to keep track and know that every device is protected,” he said.

“That’s why we built Aircove, to provide users with simple, flexible VPN-protected internet connection across every room, on every device, for every household member.”

Aircove has become available in the US on Amazon at a limited launch release price of US$169, which will eventually be boosted up to $189.90, following the limited-time offer.

Kape agreed to buy leading virtual private network (VPN) provider ExpressVPN in September 2021, for an estimated worth of $936 million – bolstering its cybersecurity company’s customer base and expand its tools for private web surfing.

Aircove enables easier holistic home security

ExpressVPN says its Aircove router prioritises user privacy and security – allowing users to enjoy holistic home security easily, with VPN protection straight out of the box.

Set up is possible in a matter of minutes, and offers protection across smart TVs, voice assistants, and other IoT devices that aren’t usually compatible with VPN software.

Mr Li said the average US household today has 25 devices connected to a home network, making the need for greater protection more important than ever.

According to a recent study, 98% of all IoT device traffic is unencrypted, potentially allowing attackers to easily extract personal and confidential data.

Aircove offers users varying safety advantages including sharing home Wi-Fi with guests through a simple QR code, and eliminating the risk associated with sharing a password.

The router is also equipped with an auto-update feature, keeping the technology current with the latest updates and modifications.

Router undergoes pre-launch external testing

Prior to launching Aircove, ExpressVPN sought out Germany-based cybersecurity company Cure53 to test the hardware.

The German company said it was generally pleased with its first impressions of the hardware product.

“Cure53 is pleased to report that the ExpressVPN team has established a first-rate security level for the components in focus following the completion of this audit,” it said.

“Overall, the code organisation and quality garnered a positive impression, indicating that security was a high priority during development and a substantial aspect of the software’s life cycle.”

The testing was carried out in June and July 2022.

Aircove offers a more affordable security solution

ExpressVPN said the Aircove experience is unmatched with competitors through the offering of VPN protect straight out of the box.

The price of Aircove trumps rivals, as its revealed one-in-three of ExpressVPN’s router app users spend at least US$250 on a VPN-compatible router.

Vilfo costs $399 for the hardware, then $59 for an annual subscription of the Home plan, or $99 per year for Home Pro.

An annual ExpressVPN subscription costs $99.95, which is needed in addition to the router, but considered to be more affordable than its competitors.

Aircove is available at a more accessible price than other competing products.

“We are reinventing digital home protection with Aircove’s plug-and-play simplicity,” Mr Li said.

“It delivers our award-winning software in an easy-to-use router device, and we’re excited to provide users with another way to leverage the best of ExpressVPN for their entire