ExpressVPN has launched Fortify (GL-MT6000), a Wi‑Fi 6 VPN router built on GL.iNet’s Flint 2 platform, as it retires its Aircove and Aircove Go routers from sale.
The company said existing Aircove customers will continue to receive critical security updates and customer support through 2027, while Aircove Go will be supported through 2028. ExpressVPN said it will not produce additional units of either model.
Fortify is positioned as a hardware upgrade over Aircove, with ExpressVPN citing Wi‑Fi 6 AX6000, 4×4 MU‑MIMO, a quad-core 2.0GHz processor, 1GB DDR4 memory, 8GB eMMC storage, Multi‑Gig connectivity, and support for up to 86 concurrent devices. The companies also claim VPN speeds of up to 900 Mbps using WireGuard, compared with up to 330 Mbps on Aircove, noting that actual performance will vary by network conditions.
The product reflects a shift in ExpressVPN’s router approach, with GL.iNet providing the specialist router hardware, firmware and platform, while ExpressVPN provides VPN and privacy technology. ExpressVPN said it first introduced dedicated router firmware in 2016 and later launched Aircove as a purpose-built VPN router.
At launch, Fortify connects to ExpressVPN using WireGuard, with configuration and management handled through GL.iNet’s router interface. The router also supports GL.iNet’s networking features, including multi-WAN failover, smart queue management, and AdGuard Home support for network-level ad and tracker blocking.
Fortify includes 12 months of the ExpressVPN Advanced plan for new and returning users, which can also be used via ExpressVPN apps when devices leave the home. ExpressVPN said Advanced plan features include ExpressKeys (a zero-knowledge password manager), Advanced Protection (ad, tracker and malicious site blocking, plus parental controls), and ExpressMailGuard for email privacy, delivered through the apps rather than the router interface.
In a statement, Zac Eller, GM of Global Partnerships at ExpressVPN, said: “Fortify gives customers a significantly more capable router while allowing both companies to focus on what they do best: GL.iNet on networking hardware and ExpressVPN on VPN and privacy technology,” adding that the launch is intended to start a longer-term router partnership between the companies.
GL.iNet co-founder and COO Alfie Zhao said: “At GL.iNet, we are deeply committed to engineering refined networking solutions that prioritise seamless integration and user experience. ExpressVPN is a recognised leader in the VPN industry, and we greatly appreciate the high level of professionalism and dedication their team brought to this collaboration. Fortify reflects our joint effort to make home-network VPN management intuitive, powerful, and accessible right out of the box.”
ExpressVPN said existing Aircove and Aircove Go owners will be eligible for a discount on Fortify, with customers directed to contact ExpressVPN Customer Support to confirm ownership and obtain a discount code.
Fortify is available from the GL.iNet website from September 16 at an MSRP of US$199.99, with Amazon availability expected to follow. Regional pricing and availability will be announced separately.
