In an age where smart home devices constantly communicate with external servers, your home network has become a prime target for cybercriminals. ExpressVPN stands out as a premium solution for securing your entire smart home ecosystem, from security cameras to smart locks, while enabling secure remote access to your home surveillance system from anywhere in the world.
In This Review
ExpressVPN for Securing Smart Home Devices
Smart home devices are notoriously vulnerable to security breaches. From baby monitors to security cameras, these devices often lack robust built-in security measures, making them easy targets for hackers. ExpressVPN addresses this fundamental vulnerability by creating an encrypted tunnel between your entire home network and the internet.
Why Smart Home Devices Need VPN Protection
Most smart home devices including Ring doorbells, Nest cameras, smart locks, and home automation hubs continuously transmit data over the internet. Without proper encryption, this data can be intercepted by malicious actors, potentially giving them access to:
- Live video feeds from your security cameras
- Audio recordings from smart speakers and doorbells
- Access codes and lock status from smart locks
- Your daily routines and habits based on device usage patterns
- Network credentials that could allow full network access
ExpressVPN Smart Home Protection Benefits
- AES-256 Encryption: Military-grade encryption protects all data transmitted by your smart devices
- Network-Wide Coverage: When installed on your router, every connected device is automatically protected
- IP Masking: Your home's true IP address is hidden, preventing targeted attacks
- DNS Leak Protection: Ensures all DNS requests are encrypted and routed through secure servers
- Kill Switch: Automatically blocks internet access if VPN connection drops, preventing data exposure
Devices Protected by ExpressVPN
When ExpressVPN is configured on your router, it automatically protects all connected devices, including:
- Ring, Nest, Arlo, and Blink security cameras
- Smart doorbells and video intercoms
- Smart locks (August, Schlage, Yale)
- Smart thermostats and HVAC controllers
- Smart lighting systems (Philips Hue, LIFX)
- Voice assistants (Amazon Echo, Google Home)
- Smart TVs and streaming devices
- Baby monitors and pet cameras
Lightway Protocol: Speed That Matters for Security
ExpressVPN's proprietary Lightway protocol is a game-changer for home security applications. Unlike traditional VPN protocols that can introduce noticeable latency, Lightway is specifically engineered for speed without compromising security.
Lightway Protocol Advantages
- Instant Connections: Establishes VPN connections in under 1 second
- Minimal Latency: Critical for real-time security camera streaming
- Efficient Battery Usage: Optimized for mobile devices monitoring cameras remotely
- Seamless Transitions: Maintains connection when switching between Wi-Fi and cellular
- Open Source Core: Uses wolfSSL cryptography library, independently audited
Why Speed Matters for Home Security
When monitoring your home security remotely, latency can mean the difference between catching an intruder in real-time and watching delayed footage. Lightway protocol delivers:
- Sub-second live view activation for security cameras
- Smooth 1080p and 4K streaming without buffering
- Real-time two-way audio for doorbell communication
- Instant motion alert notifications without delay
Speed Test Results
In our testing, Lightway protocol consistently delivered impressive performance:
Average Speed Retention
- Download Speed: 94% of base speed retained
- Upload Speed: 92% of base speed retained
- Latency Increase: Only 5-15ms on nearby servers
- Connection Time: Under 0.5 seconds average
Router Setup Guide: ExpressVPN Aircove Router
For comprehensive home security coverage, ExpressVPN offers the Aircove router - a dedicated VPN router that protects your entire network without any device-by-device configuration.
Why Choose the Aircove Router
The ExpressVPN Aircove is purpose-built for home security applications, offering plug-and-play VPN protection for every device on your network. This is particularly valuable for smart home devices that cannot run VPN software directly.
Aircove Router Specifications
- Wi-Fi Standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) for maximum speed
- Coverage: Up to 1,600 sq ft (Aircove) or 3,000 sq ft (Aircove Go)
- Device Groups: Create separate VPN profiles for different device categories
- Parental Controls: Block inappropriate content network-wide
- Automatic Updates: Security patches applied automatically
- No Configuration Required: VPN works immediately out of the box
Setting Up Aircove for Home Security
1Connect Your Aircove
Connect the Aircove router to your modem using the included ethernet cable. Power on the router and wait for the LED to turn solid white.
2Download the ExpressVPN App
Install the ExpressVPN app on your smartphone. Sign in with your ExpressVPN credentials or create a new account.
3Follow On-Screen Setup
The app will automatically detect your Aircove router. Follow the guided setup to configure your Wi-Fi network name and password.
4Create Device Groups
Organize your smart home devices into groups. For example, create a "Security Cameras" group connected to a nearby VPN server for minimal latency.
5Connect Your Devices
Connect all your smart home devices to your new Aircove Wi-Fi network. They are now automatically protected by ExpressVPN.
Alternative: Manual Router Configuration
If you prefer to use your existing router, ExpressVPN provides firmware for many popular router models including Asus, Linksys, and Netgear. The process involves:
- Checking router compatibility on ExpressVPN's website
- Downloading the appropriate firmware file
- Accessing your router's admin panel
- Flashing the ExpressVPN firmware
- Entering your activation code
Important: Flashing custom firmware can void your router warranty and carries some risk. For most home security applications, we recommend the Aircove router for its simplicity and reliability.
Privacy Features: TrustedServer and No-Logs Policy
For home security applications, privacy is paramount. ExpressVPN has invested heavily in infrastructure and policies that ensure your data remains completely private.
TrustedServer Technology
ExpressVPN's TrustedServer is a revolutionary approach to VPN infrastructure that provides unprecedented security guarantees:
How TrustedServer Works
- RAM-Only Servers: All servers run entirely in volatile memory (RAM), never writing to hard drives
- Automatic Wipe on Reboot: Every server restart completely erases all data, eliminating any potential evidence
- Consistent Software: Every server runs identical, verified software loaded fresh on each boot
- No Persistent Storage: Even if a server were seized, no user data could be extracted
- Regular Security Audits: Independent auditors (KPMG, Cure53) have verified TrustedServer claims
Verified No-Logs Policy
ExpressVPN maintains a strict no-logs policy that has been verified through real-world events and independent audits:
- No activity logs: Never records browsing history, traffic destination, or data content
- No connection logs: Never logs timestamps, session duration, or IP addresses
- No DNS query logs: DNS requests are encrypted and never recorded
- Real-world verified: In 2017, Turkish authorities seized an ExpressVPN server but found no usable data
- Regular audits: Independent security firms regularly verify no-logs claims
Additional Privacy Features
- Network Lock (Kill Switch): Blocks all internet traffic if VPN connection drops
- Split Tunneling: Choose which traffic goes through VPN vs direct connection
- Private DNS: ExpressVPN runs its own encrypted DNS servers
- Perfect Forward Secrecy: New encryption keys for each session
- British Virgin Islands Jurisdiction: No data retention laws or intelligence-sharing agreements
Pricing and Plans
ExpressVPN positions itself as a premium VPN service, and its pricing reflects the quality of its infrastructure and features. For home security applications, the investment is justified by the comprehensive protection provided.
ExpressVPN Subscription Plans
1 Month Plan
$12.95/month
Best for: Testing the service
6 Month Plan
$9.99/month (billed $59.94 every 6 months)
Savings: 23% off monthly rate
12 Month Plan
$6.67/month (billed $99.95 annually + 3 months free)
Savings: 49% off monthly rate
Best Value for Home Security
What's Included in Every Plan
- 8 simultaneous device connections (increased from 5)
- 24/7 live chat customer support
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Access to 3,000+ servers in 105 countries
- Unlimited bandwidth and data
- Router firmware for whole-home protection
- Apps for all major platforms
Aircove Router Pricing
ExpressVPN Aircove
$189.90 (one-time purchase)
Includes 30-day trial of ExpressVPN subscription
Wi-Fi 6 coverage up to 1,600 sq ft
ExpressVPN Aircove Go
$169.90 (one-time purchase)
Portable design for travel and smaller spaces
Includes 30-day trial of ExpressVPN subscription
Get ExpressVPN - 49% Off Annual Plan
Best For: Streaming Camera Feeds Remotely
One of the most compelling use cases for ExpressVPN in home security is secure remote access to your security camera feeds. Whether you're at work, traveling, or simply away from home, ExpressVPN ensures you can monitor your property without exposing your camera feeds to potential interception.
Ideal Use Cases
- Business Travelers: Securely monitor home cameras from hotel Wi-Fi networks
- Remote Workers: Check on your property during breaks without security concerns
- Vacation Monitoring: Watch your home from anywhere in the world
- Multi-Property Owners: Monitor vacation homes or rental properties remotely
- Parents: Check on children and babysitters while away
- Pet Owners: Monitor pet cameras securely from any location
How ExpressVPN Enhances Remote Camera Viewing
When accessing your security cameras remotely, your video streams pass through potentially insecure networks. ExpressVPN protects this sensitive data:
- Encrypted Video Streams: All camera footage is encrypted end-to-end
- Secure Cloud Access: Access Ring, Nest, or Arlo cloud recordings safely from any network
- Protection on Public Wi-Fi: Hotel, airport, and cafe networks are notorious for man-in-the-middle attacks
- Consistent Access: Bypass potential network restrictions at workplaces or hotels
- Low Latency Streaming: Lightway protocol ensures smooth, real-time video
Compatible Security Camera Systems
ExpressVPN works seamlessly with all major home security camera platforms:
- Ring Video Doorbells and Security Cameras
- Google Nest Cam (Indoor, Outdoor, and Doorbell)
- Arlo Pro and Ultra Series
- Blink Indoor and Outdoor Cameras
- Wyze Cam and Pan Series
- Eufy Security Cameras
- SimpliSafe Camera Systems
- ADT, Vivint, and professional monitoring systems
Final Verdict
ExpressVPN delivers exceptional value for home security applications. Its combination of blazing-fast Lightway protocol, rock-solid TrustedServer infrastructure, and user-friendly router solutions make it our top recommendation for protecting smart home ecosystems.
Pros
- Fastest VPN protocol (Lightway) for camera streaming
- RAM-only servers eliminate data retention risks
- Aircove router provides effortless whole-home protection
- Verified no-logs policy
- 8 simultaneous connections
- 24/7 customer support
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Premium pricing compared to budget VPNs
- Aircove router sold separately
- Some streaming services may require server switching
Who Should Choose ExpressVPN for Home Security?
ExpressVPN is ideal for homeowners who:
- Have multiple smart home devices requiring protection
- Need reliable remote access to security camera feeds
- Value privacy and want verified no-logs protection
- Require fast, low-latency connections for real-time monitoring
- Want a simple, set-it-and-forget-it security solution
While the premium pricing may deter budget-conscious users, the peace of mind that comes with ExpressVPN's comprehensive security features makes it a worthwhile investment for serious home security applications. The Aircove router, in particular, transforms home network security from a technical challenge into a plug-and-play solution.
Ready to protect your smart home with premium VPN security? ExpressVPN's 30-day money-back guarantee means you can test the service risk-free with your specific camera system and devices.