“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 give your devices an extra layer of VPN protection wherever you are, whether you’re connecting from a hotel, Airbnb, airport, cafe or campervan.
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 make secure and private internet browsing easier across multiple devices. We’ll go through what it does, how it works, what it costs and whether this compact device is the right fit for your digital security needs.
Just remember: a VPN router is not a magic shield for everything you do online. You should still use strong passwords, two-factor authentication, secure websites, updated devices and common sense when browsing the internet.
Table of Contents
Is a VPN Router Better Than Using WiFi Hotspotting from Your Phone?
A VPN router like the Aircove Go is not always “better” than hotspotting from your phone; it depends on how you travel and how many devices you need to connect.
If you have a reliable mobile plan in New Zealand and only need to connect one or two devices, phone hotspotting can be the simplest option. It avoids the need to connect to public WiFi altogether and works well for checking maps, emails, messages and doing light browsing.
However, hotspotting can quickly drain your phone battery, use up mobile data and become less convenient when you need to connect laptops, tablets, e-readers, streaming devices or other gadgets.
There’s also an important New Zealand update to keep in mind: 3G networks have now been switched off across the country. If you plan to use phone hotspotting in New Zealand, make sure your phone and SIM support 4G or 5G. Some older or imported devices may no longer be able to call, text, use mobile data or make emergency calls to 111 if they relied on 3G.
This is where a VPN router like the Aircove Go becomes useful. Instead of setting up a VPN on every device individually, you connect the Aircove Go to the internet, then connect your devices to the Aircove Go. This gives all connected devices the benefit of VPN protection, including some devices that don’t easily support VPN apps, such as certain e-readers, media players and smart devices.
For travellers, digital nomads or anyone using a lot of public WiFi, this makes it a more flexible and convenient option than relying on a phone hotspot all the time.
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 router with VPN functionality built into the device itself. Instead of installing a VPN app on every phone, laptop or tablet, you connect your devices to the router and the router handles the VPN connection.
This means that the internet traffic from connected devices can be routed through a VPN, helping to hide your IP address and add a layer of privacy when browsing. This can be especially useful when using public WiFi networks in places like hotels, airports, libraries, cafes and co-working spaces.
VPN routers, such as the Aircove Go by ExpressVPN, are particularly useful for travellers who carry multiple devices. By setting up the VPN connection at router level, your laptop, smartphone, tablet, e-reader, portable media player and other devices can all connect through the same protected network without needing a separate setup on each one.
That said, remember that the VPN features only work with an active VPN subscription. Aircove Go comes with ExpressVPN built in, but you still need an ongoing ExpressVPN subscription to use it as a VPN router. Without an active subscription, the device can still perform standard WiFi and network functions, while some built-in protection features may still operate, but you won’t get the full VPN benefits.
In short, a VPN router like the Aircove Go is a home-away-from-home digital privacy solution. It is not essential for every traveller, but it can be very useful if you often connect multiple devices to public WiFi and want a more convenient way to manage your VPN connection.
© NZPocketGuide.comHow to Set Up a VPN Router
While setting up a VPN router like the Aircove Go by ExpressVPN is not quite as simple as turning on your phone’s WiFi hotspot, it is still straightforward and only needs to be done once. Once set up, you can enjoy secure internet access wherever you are, provided you have a suitable internet connection.
Let’s go over a step-by-step setup 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. The device is powered by a 5V/4A USB-C input and comes with a power adapter, so you can connect it to a standard power outlet.
If you’re on the go, you may also be able to use a suitable power bank or USB-C power source, provided it can deliver the required output consistently. This is worth checking before you travel, as the Aircove Go does not have a built-in battery. It needs to stay plugged in to work, which is one of the main drawbacks 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 by ethernet where available, or wirelessly using its WiFi Link feature.
For travel, WiFi Link is one of the Aircove Go’s most useful features. It allows the router to connect to an existing WiFi network nearby, such as hotel, Airbnb, cafe or airport WiFi. You then connect your own devices to the Aircove Go, instead of connecting each device directly to the public WiFi network.
To get started, connect your phone or laptop to the Aircove Go using the WiFi details or QR code printed on the device. From there, you can select the existing WiFi network you want the Aircove Go to use. If the network has a sign-in page, such as many hotels and airports do, you may need to complete that login process before the connection works.
A quick note about initial setup: if you’re planning to use WiFi only, some of the setup steps can be a little confusing the first time. We connected to 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 mentioned above, an active ExpressVPN 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 password printed on the label attached to your Aircove Go. It is usually on the bottom of the device. If you’re connecting your phone, the QR code is the quickest way to join the network.
Once your devices are connected to the Aircove Go, they should remember the network and reconnect automatically in future. This is one of the best things about the device: when you arrive at a new hotel, holiday rental or workspace, you only need to connect the Aircove Go to the local WiFi, and your own devices can continue connecting to the same familiar router network.
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.
ExpressVPN now offers three plan tiers, so the cost and number of simultaneous VPN connections depend on the plan you choose:
- 2-Year Plans: Advanced – NZ$5.22/mo, Basic – NZ$4.35/mo, Express Pro – NZ$9.69/mo
- 12-Month Plan: Advanced – NZ$8.72/mo, Basic – NZ$6.97/mo, Express Pro – NZ$12.21/mo
- 1-Month Plan: NZ$29.68/mo, Basic – NZ$27.94/mo, Express Pro – NZ$40.17/mo
The “Basic” plan covers up to 10 devices, the “Advanced” plan covers up to 12 devices and the “Express Pro” plan covers up to 14 devices.
Keep in mind that these are promotional long-term prices and may be billed upfront for the full subscription period. Prices subject to change.
Router Cost
Investing in the Aircove Go will cost you approximately NZ$296. This is for the portable “Go” version of the modem. Shipping costs are around NZ$16. 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 can provide the required power output consistently, as the Aircove Go does not have a built-in battery and needs to stay plugged in to work – 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 can be inconvenient for airports, campsites or situations where plugs are limited. You can use a suitable power bank, but it needs to provide the required power output consistently. Otherwise, the router may disconnect or reboot.
- Not Always Better Than Phone Hotspotting: If you only need to connect one phone and one laptop, and you already have a good 4G/5G data plan in New Zealand, hotspotting from your phone may be simpler. The Aircove Go becomes more useful when you are regularly using public WiFi or connecting several devices at once.
- Can Be Confusing the First Time: The setup is not difficult, but using WiFi Link and getting through hotel or airport login pages can take a little figuring out the first time.
In short, we found that the Aircove Go by ExpressVPN offers excellent convenience and an added layer of privacy for travellers, especially those using multiple devices. However, the price, subscription requirement and lack of built-in battery mean it won’t be necessary for everyone.
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.
