“Safely” and Easily Access the Internet On the Go
Digital privacy and security are more important than ever, especially when travelling or living in smaller spaces. The Aircove Go by ExpressVPN is designed to offer robust VPN protection wherever you are. But is it worth it for those in New Zealand? Well… yes and no!
Confused? We’ve got you covered! In this review, we take a closer look at the Aircove Go by ExpressVPN, a portable VPN router designed to keep your internet connection secure and private no matter where you are so you can make up your mind and see for yourself this compact device is the right fit for your digital security needs.
Table of Contents
Is a VPN Router Better Than Using WiFi Hotspotting from Your Phone?
When it comes to securing your internet connection, a VPN router like the Aircove Go offers several advantages over using WiFi hotspotting from your phone:
Firstly, a VPN router provides network-wide protection, ensuring that all devices connected to it benefit from the robust security features of ExpressVPN. This is particularly useful for travellers with devices that don’t natively support VPN software, such as e-readers and portable media players. Moreover, with the ability to sort devices into groups and assign different VPN locations, the Aircove Go allows greater flexibility and personalised protection tailored to your needs.
On the other hand, while WiFi hotspotting from your phone is convenient, it has its limitations:
Hotspotting can quickly drain your phone’s battery and may not support multiple devices efficiently, especially if you’re streaming or performing data-intensive tasks. Additionally, mobile data connections can be less stable and secure compared to a dedicated VPN router. The Aircove Go, with its high-speed WiFi 6 technology and advanced security features, ensures a more reliable and secure connection, making it a superior choice for those who prioritise digital privacy and seamless connectivity.
By the way, if you want to know more about accessing the internet in New Zealand, check out How to Get Internet and WiFi in New Zealand.
© NZPocketGuide.comWhat is a VPN Router?
A VPN router is a device that integrates VPN (Virtual Private Network) functionality directly into the router itself. Unlike traditional routers, a VPN router encrypts all internet traffic passing through it, providing a secure connection for all devices connected to the network. This ensures that your data remains private and protected from potential cyber threats, even when using public WiFi networks.
VPN routers, such as the Aircove Go by ExpressVPN, offer an added layer of security and privacy, making them ideal for travellers. By setting up a VPN connection at the router level, you can ensure that every device—from laptops and smartphones to e-readers and portable media players—benefits from the same robust security features without needing to install VPN software on each device individually. This makes staying secure and maintaining privacy on the go simpler and more efficient.
Now remember that VPN routers only work with an active VPN subscription. Without this subscription, the router functions like any other portable router you could buy for NZ$40. To fully utilise the security and privacy benefits, you need to maintain an active subscription with a VPN provider like ExpressVPN in this example.
In short, VPN routers like the Aircove Go offer a secure and private internet connection on the road, much like what you’ll experience at home. We think of it as a home-away-from-home digital security solution!
© NZPocketGuide.comHow to Set Up a VPN Router
While setting up a VPN router like the Aircove Go by ExpressVPN may not be as simple as turning on your phone’s WiFi hotspot, it’s still straightforward and only needs to be done once. Once set up, you can enjoy secure internet access wherever you are. Let’s go over a step-by-step set-up of the Aircove Go as it is our example of choice for this article:
Connecting to Power
Firstly, you’ll need to power your Aircove Go. This device is powered by a 5V USB-C, which means you can connect it to any standard power outlet using a USB-C adapter. If you’re on the go, you can also use a portable power bank or a USB-C port in your vehicle. Keep in mind that the device needs a stable power source to function effectively. This is the main drawback of the device, but we’ll get to that later.
Connecting to the Internet
Next, you’ll need to connect the Aircove Go to the internet. This can be done wirelessly using its WiFi Link feature. Just scan the QR code at the back of the device to connect to the Aircove Go. Then simply connect the Aircove Go to an existing WiFi network nearby. There’s no need for an ethernet cable, making it ideal for use in places like hotels, Airbnbs, or even coffee shops. Once powered on, it takes 1.5 to 2 minutes for the router to boot up and establish a connection.
A quick note about your initial setup: You will need to skip some of the initial set-up parts on your Aircove Go if you are planning on using WiFi only and it can be confusing. We connected to the ExpressVPN live chat and they walked us through the whole process. There is also a full guide to connect Aircove Go via WiFi only available on their website.
Configuring the VPN
To set up the VPN, open a web browser and visit expressvpnrouter.com. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the initial setup process. You’ll need to log in with your ExpressVPN account to activate the VPN features. Remember, as I mentioned above, an active VPN subscription is required to use the Aircove Go as a VPN router.
Connecting Your Devices
Much like connecting to your home modem, find the “WiFi Name” and “WiFi Password” printed on a label attached to your Aircove Go. It might be on the bottom of the device if you can’t find it. But if you are just connecting your phone, again, the QR code is the way to go. Finally, connect your devices using these credentials, and you’re all set to enjoy secure and private internet access.
It’s as easy as that. We were surprised!
© NZPocketGuide.comHow Much Does a VPN Router Cost?
When considering a VPN router, you need to account for the cost of the device itself, the VPN subscription, and any additional accessories or shipping fees.
The Cost of a VPN Subscription
To fully utilise the Aircove Go, you’ll need an active VPN subscription with ExpressVPN. Here’s a breakdown of the costs:
- Monthly Plan: NZ$19.99/month
- 6-Month Plan: NZ$15.99/month, billed every six months at NZ$95.94
- 12-Month Plan: NZ$12.99/month, billed annually at NZ$155.88
These plans provide access to ExpressVPN’s full suite of features, including high-speed servers, robust security, and 24/7 customer support. This means that you can use those services on other devices too. At the time of writing eight devices can be connected at once on the same subscription and from our understanding the Aircove Go only counts as one device.
Router Cost
Investing in the Aircove Go will cost you approximately NZ$312. This is for the portable “Go” version of the modem. Shipping costs are around NZ$16.95. Check prices in your own country as they may vary depending on where you are based.
Additional Accessories
While the Aircove Go comes with a standard USB-C power adapter, you might want to purchase a portable power bank for added convenience, especially when travelling. Prices for a good quality power bank range from NZ$50 to NZ$150, depending on the capacity and brand. Make sure that the power bank you choose provides consistent 5V power – see some of our recommendations in the 65 Genius Travel Gadgets & Accessories.
In short, investing in a VPN router like the Aircove Go by ExpressVPN involves the initial cost of the device and the ongoing VPN subscription. So while not a cheap option, it offers unparalleled security and convenience for your digital needs.
For costs to consider for a trip around Aotearoa, check out How Much Does a Trip to New Zealand Cost?
© NZPocketGuide.comPros and Cons of the Aircove Go by ExpressVPN
The Aircove Go by ExpressVPN offers easy setup, fast internet speeds, and the ability to connect multiple devices with a single connection, all in a compact size. However, it is pricey, requires a subscription, and needs to be constantly plugged into a power source due to the lack of a built-in battery, which can be inconvenient for travellers.
Pros
- Easy Setup: Setting up the Aircove Go was easier than expected. The straightforward setup process means you can get it up and running in no time.
- Regular ExpressVPN Subscription: It works with a normal ExpressVPN subscription, so if you already have one, you don’t have to pay a premium.
- Fast Internet Speeds: Internet speeds were almost as fast as normal, providing a seamless browsing experience.
- Multiple Device Connectivity: In our opinion, the standout feature is the ability to connect multiple devices to public WiFi by just connecting the router once. Your laptop and phones will automatically connect since they recognise the Aircove Go. That’s by far what we liked the most about the device!
- Compact Size: The Aircove Go is quite small, making it easy to carry around and perfect for travel.
Cons
- Pricey: The device is on the expensive side, making it a significant investment.
- Requires Subscription: While a subscription is necessary, having a VPN is highly recommended when travelling, so this might not be a major drawback.
- Needs to be Plugged In: The main drawback is that, for a portable travel device, it requires a constant power source. There is no built-in battery, which is a significant inconvenience for airport use or similar situations. While most airports, coffee shops, and hotels have plugs available, it can be a hassle to hunt for one. Most power banks don’t deliver 5V power consistently, and if they do, most will disconnect for a second if you plug or unplug another device, forcing a full reboot of the router. So those photos of the AirCove by the lake or at a campsite are kind of misleading.
In short, we found that the Aircove Go by ExpressVPN offers excellent security and convenience but comes with a few limitations that might be significant for some users.
More About Accessing the Internet On the Go in New Zealand
That’s it for our guide on VPN routers for New Zealand. For more internet and New Zealand travel tips, check out more of our helpful guides:
- How to Get Internet and WiFi in New Zealand
- 10 Free WiFi Spots in New Zealand Where You’ll Actually Have a Good Connection
- 21 Essentials to Pack for a New Zealand Campervan Trip
Finally, plan your whole life on the road using How to Plan a Campervan Trip in New Zealand.
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
- Immigration New Zealand (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2025])
- New Zealand Customs Service (Customs and Biosecurity - Updated [2025])
- New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD online platform - Updated [2025])
- Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2025])
- Safe Travel (NZ travel advisories - Updated [2025])
- Stats NZ (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2025])
- Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (Road and transport tips - Updated [2025])
- DriveSafe (Road safety - Updated [2025])
- Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2025])
- AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2025])
Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
