StrongVPN Review: Does it Provide Enough Security and Privacy?

Ali Qamar  - Cybersecurity Analyst
Last updated: October 15, 2023
Read time: 26 minutes
Facts checked by Ali Qamar
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A secure and easy-to-use VPN but has some serious work to do.

Surprisingly, some of the oldest VPNs in the industry, such as StrongVPN, have a low profile.

Unfortunately, that status as a relative unknown is enough of itself to make any new prospective new user doubt a little.

StrongVPN’s history in the digital space is twice as long as the average. Consequently, you’d expect their product to be twice as good, wouldn’t you? Well, that logic doesn’t always hold, as you will see in this review.

StrongVPN has undoubtedly improved over the years, but it’s still not perfect, and some issues remain that could be (or not) a deal-breaker depending on your user type. Thus, I’d recommend getting a premium VPN like ExpressVPN instead, as that will prove to be a better choice in every aspect (more on it later).

In this article, I will review StrongVPN in full detail. Speed, customer service, unique features, compatibility, and other things with one sole goal in mind: I want you, the reader, to be able to answer the question “How strong is StrongVPN, in the end?” so that you can make an informed choice, guided by the bare facts.

StrongVPN key features at a glance

Servers950 in 30+ countries
No-logs policyYes
TorrentingYes
Kill switchYes
Price2.13 USD/month for one year plan
Country-basedUnited States
Simultaneous devices12
Customer support24/7 live chat support
Money-back guarantee30 days

StrongVPN pros and cons

Pros
  • StrongVPN proved to be reliable, as we never encountered any blocking issues
  • We consistently experienced solid connection speeds on most StrongVPN servers
  • StrongVPN successfully passed all of our leak tests, ensuring sufficient protection
  • StrongVPN maintains a strict no-logging policy, meaning none of your personally identifiable information is recorded
  • You can confidently download torrents using any of StrongVPN’s servers
  • Native apps are available for all major operating systems, making connecting and using StrongVPN on various devices easy
Cons
  • Despite having many IP addresses, StrongVPN falls short in terms of server coverage compared to other VPN providers
  • StrongVPN’s short-term subscription plans are costly and lack a money-back guarantee

StrongVPN overview

StrongVPN offers a wide range of apps, including MacOS, Windows, iOS, Android, and Amazon Fire TV users. Additionally, it provides a browser extension for Google Chrome and is regarded as a reliable Linux VPN, with comprehensive setup tutorials accessible on its website. The versatility extends further, allowing you to install the VPN on your router, safeguarding the traffic of all connected devices.

A notable StrongVPN feature is the WireGuard protocol support, ensuring breakneck speeds, paired with AES-256 encryption for robust security. While the desktop apps for macOS and Windows include a kill switch, this feature is absent from the mobile apps.

Although not overflowing with features, StrongVPN is suitable for torrenting and unblocking geo-restricted content on platforms like Netflix and Disney+. However, it falls short of unblocking Amazon Prime or BBC iPlayer.

When choosing a plan, you can either have a monthly or yearly subscription, but no free trial is available. Opting for the annual plan comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, providing a safety net in case the VPN service doesn’t meet your expectations.

Furthermore, subscribing to the StrongVPN premium plan has additional features, including StrongDNS, SmartDNS service, and 250GB of SugarSync cloud storage. Additionally, they offer 24/7 customer support, ensuring assistance is available whenever needed.

Another key feature is the strict no-logs policy, which means the provider doesn’t store your online activities. However, it retains some account-related information. However, since StrongVPN operates in Florida, United States, this data might be shared with law enforcement because the US is privacy-unfriendly and part of the 5 Eyes surveillance alliance. In this review, we’ll look under StrongVPN’s skin to see what it offers.

Background

StrongVPN featured image

The international nature of the internet and the ability to connect to websites and servers scattered worldwide in a heartbeat could lead you to believe that local conditions are not very important in internet services. You’d be right, for the most part too. But not when it comes to VPNs. Privacy laws vary significantly between jurisdictions, and the domestic legal environment surrounding your provider could affect you in the long run, so where a VPN is headquartered matters.

Strong Technology LLC. was incorporated in 2005. The VPN is headquartered in Lake Tahoe, which is probably the last place you’d choose to base a VPN. Yet, it’s been there for more than two decades.

It’s inside the U.S.A., whose government’s lack of regard for citizens’ privacy was very well-known even before Edward Snowden brought it to the world’s attention.

The provider recently combined forces with another VPN named Encrypt.me. Both of the providers claim the merger aims to bring users superior features and VPN service. Existing Encrypt.me service customers can log in on the same domain, but new users looking to get a VPN service will need to register at the StrongVPN website.

StrongVPN server locations

StrongVPN has over 950 servers in 42 countries and 59 cities. Its IP addresses are estimated to be over 59,500. Compared to other top VPNs, this is a small coverage. We would like to see the provider expand its server network to suit the needs of most users. 

 StrongVPN’s server coverage can be categorized as follows:

ContinentNumber of countries
Europe 30
Asia 23
North America 3
South America5
Oceania2
Africa2

Dedicated IP address

Previously, StrongVPN used to provide dedicated IP addresses. However, it has discontinued this feature. Now, the provider employs shared IPs, where multiple users utilize the same anonymous IP address. This shift has actually improved security since the anonymous IP cannot be linked back to any individual user.

With a dedicated IP, you were assigned a unique anonymous IP address exclusively for your use and not shared with other users. Whenever you connected to the VPN service, you consistently had that same dedicated IP address to conceal your original IP.


The server roulette

Server assignment in StrongVPN is, inexplicably, random. No other VPN in the market assigns servers in this way for good reasons.

We detailed earlier in this StrongVPN review how the VPN’s performance depends entirely on the server you’re using. So if Lady Luck decides that you deserve a sound server for today, everything will be peachy. Tomorrow, however, she could change her mind and assign you to a node in the network where your service will barely work.

So it’s not the random element in server selection that is the problem. It’s that the quality is inconsistent from server to server to such a high degree that even downloading a small pdf file becomes impossible on the worst servers.


Streaming- Does StrongVPN unblock streaming services

StrongVPN was highly effective in unblocking every streaming service we tested, especially when using the WireGuard protocol. Moreover, StrongVPN goes the extra mile with its Scramble option, incorporating obfuscation into the OpenVPN protocol to bypass VPN blocks seamlessly. 

Although StrongVPN lacks streaming-optimized servers, it compensates with its StrongDNS service, which impressively works with over 140 streaming sites. While these platforms are primarily accessible on desktop devices, you can enjoy them on mobile devices. 

In fact, you can stream some platforms by setting up StrongDNS on routers, gaming consoles, or smart TVs, broadening the options for streaming convenience. However, it’s crucial to remember that the smart DNS feature solely facilitates access to streaming services and does not provide added security to your connection.

Unblocked: Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max, and ESPN

StrongVPN successfully unblocked the Netflix library in many locations, including the US, the UK, Japan, Germany, Australia, France, Sweden, etc. 

Additionally, the VPN flawlessly granted us access to Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and ESPN without any hassle. We were pleasantly surprised by the seamless functionality of these services, with only minor troubleshooting issues, like having to switch browsers

The streaming speed was also remarkable, allowing us to watch HBO Max without any buffering issues. In particular, Amazon Prime Video is notorious for advanced blocking measures, but StrongVPN effortlessly managed to bypass its restrictions without any problems. Unlike previous attempts where we encountered blocks, we didn’t receive a single error screen this time.

Additionally, the convenience of using StrongDNS for free with the VPN subscription made it even better, providing easy access to new content on smart TVs or game consoles. Overall, our streaming experience with StrongVPN was seamless.


Does StrongVPN support torrenting?

StrongVPN supports P2P connections on all of its servers. Given its strict no-logs policy, robust security features, and its impressive speeds, we confidently recommend it as an excellent option for torrenting.  To give you an idea of the download speed, we downloaded a 2GB file in approximately 3 minutes without being connected to a VPN.

When using StrongVPN, the download time increased slightly to about 5 minutes. This is fine because of the extra encryption process and redirecting your traffic through a subsidiary server.  A key factor to remember is that torrents themselves are legal in most countries.

However, downloading copyrighted files without authorization is illegal. To stay on the right side of the law, ensure you only access torrents that fall within the public domain and don’t involve copyrighted content.

Does StrongVPN bypass censorship? 

StrongVPN is an outstanding choice for effectively bypassing aggressive web blocks, especially in highly censored countries like China, Iran, Turkey, and the UAE. In fact, it holds the impressive title of being the second-best VPN for China. Our comprehensive tests found that StrongVPN’s servers in Mexico and South Korea displayed the highest reliability when connecting from within China. If you manage to access the website, StrongVPN recommends utilizing its San Francisco server as an efficient method to circumvent China’s firewall.

Useful scramble feature 

One of StrongVPN’s standout features is its scramble capability, which effectively disguises your online traffic to resemble the usual unencrypted traffic. This advanced feature makes it exceptionally difficult to detect any VPN activity. You can enjoy the benefits of the scramble feature on macOS, Windows, Android, and routers that use StrongVPN’s auto installers, such as Sabai routers and DD-WRT. However, this feature is exclusively compatible with OpenVPN, ensuring seamless functionality and enhanced privacy.


Speed- Is StrongVPN fast?

StrongVPN delivers excellent speeds on most nearby servers, as well as on the majority of long-distance servers. However, a few servers were a bit slow and stubborn. To ensure fair and accurate results while testing a VPN’s speed, we conducted all tests from the same location, utilizing the same connection. 

This approach enables us to make better comparisons between different VPN services. We put each server through at least 10 tests before calculating averages to assess StrongVPN’s speeds comprehensively. The evaluation primarily focused on the following factors:

  • Download speed: This measures the time information takes to reach your device. A low download speed can cause buffering and slows down file downloads. It is typically measured in Megabytes per second (Mbps). 
  • Upload speed: Similar to download speed, upload speed is measured in Mbps and represents the time data takes to migrate from your device, such as video upload or sending an attachment via email. 
  • Ping: This factor holds particular significance for online gaming. It is measured in milliseconds (ms) and shows how fast a system responds to commands, greatly impacting the gaming experience. 
ServerDownload speed (Mbps)% DownloadUpload speed (Mbps)% UploadPing (ms)
Not connected95.3410047.921006
UK 68.8570.2238.2180.19108
US66.4268.5335.8773.63121
Switzerland69.9371.2439.1380.8379
Australia 69.0172.9138.8278.2186
Singapore70.1572.3736.4475.24118
India 78.9372.9540.0382.9687

One remarkable StrongVPN feature is its ‘Best Available’ option, which automatically connects you to the fastest server based on your location. Interestingly, it might not connect you to the nearest server, which is the fastest because your traffic travels a shorter distance. For instance, during our speed tests in London, the United Kingdom, the VPN connected us to a France server instead of a local one. So, we had to opt for a London server which offered better speed. 

All of the speed tests mentioned above were carried out using the WireGuard protocol, known for its speed and efficiency. However, if you opt for the OpenVPN protocol, especially with the Scramble feature enabled, you may experience slower results. 

While there might be VPNs with even faster speeds in the market, we were impressed with StrongVPN’s overall performance. It consistently provided some of the swiftest speeds on nearby servers we’ve ever encountered. It’s common to encounter a few slower servers on any VPN, often due to overcrowding or other factors. Nevertheless, with just a few additional tweaks and improvements, StrongVPN has the potential to become one of the fastest VPN options available.

Does StrongVPN offer enough speed for gaming?

StrongVPN offers fast speed for gaming without experiencing lag. When it comes to gaming, one of the crucial factors is the ping rate. If the ping is too high, there will be a delay in your character’s response to your commands, which can diminish the game’s enjoyment. 

Ideally, a ping rate below 84 ms is recommended to avoid lag. We achieved a ping rate below 66ms on servers located in the US, despite being approximately 7,000 km away from our London location. This suggests that you can find a server that provides smooth gaming experiences, regardless of the distance.

While installing the VPN directly on gaming consoles is impossible, you can configure it on your router. Additionally, StrongVPN offers the option to configure StrongDNS specifically for gaming consoles, including PlayStation and Xbox. Overall, StrongVPN excels in this category, and there is little room for improvement. It is undoubtedly one of the best VPNs for gaming.


Security- Is StrongVPN Safe?

StrongVPN is a reliable provider, although it may not offer as many security features as some top VPN services. Nevertheless, it employs robust measures like diverse security protocols and military-grade encryption. Also, the Scramble feature allows you to obfuscate your traffic to add an extra layer of protection and circumvent strict firewalls or VPN blocks

Furthermore, StrongVPN offers an automatic kill switch that disconnects your internet if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly. Additionally, the DNS leak protection ensures your ISP cannot track the websites you visit. 

Moreover, the VPN uses split tunneling, empowering you to choose which apps utilize the VPN while permitting others to access the internet directly. For versatility, StrongVPN supports multiple VPN protocols, such as WireGuard, IKEv2, OpenVPN (UDP and TCP), and L2TP, each catering to distinct security and encryption requirements. While it lacks an ad blocker and multihop features, which would be beneficial additions, they are not imperative to ensuring your safety.

Military-grade encryption

StrongVPN uses AES 256-bit encryption to improve your security, which is standard among government agencies and the military. This encryption protocol is the most secure in the market, guaranteeing the utmost protection of your confidential data.


Kill switch

The automatic kill switch button is crucial for your internet usage as it ensures you’re disconnected from the web if your VPN connection drops. StrongVPN offers this feature on desktop apps but is unavailable on smartphones. 

Always turn on this feature manually to ensure you remain private since StrongVPN doesn’t enable it by default.


Protocols

We’ve already covered the encryption algorithm available in StrongVPN. Let’s look further under the hood at the protocols available for StrongVPN’s users.

IKEv2

The Internet Key Exchange v2 protocol automatically reconnects you to your VPN if you lose your internet connection. It’s more helpful if you frequently switch between Wi-Fi and mobile hotspots, which is unavoidable when you’re in public places.

OpenVPN

OpenVPN is the cornerstone technology in most VPNs. It’s an open-source project that combines speed, security, and high performance. As a result, a VPN built around OpenVPN is always a better option than one that’s built around proprietary software.

SSTP

Secure Socket Tunneling gives you high speed and good performance, and every Windows system supports it. In addition, this protocol facilitates bypassing firewalls, and it’s very secure.

L2TP

The Layer 2 Tunneling protocol works in tandem with IPSEC to build a very safe VPN client. The first establishes the tunnel; the second manages the encryption and ensures data integrity.

PPTP

Point-to-Point Tunneling is a protocol that creates tunnels encapsulating data packets. Unfortunately, it’s more than three decades old, and it’s not the best protocol when it comes to security.


Privacy- Is StrongVPN trustworthy 

StrongVPN is arguably one of the most reliable VPNs in the market to protect your privacy. Despite being situated in the United States, a member of the 5/9/11 Alliance, the VPN checks most boxes of what makes a VPN private. For instance, it boasts a strong no-logging policy to protect your private information.  

StrongVPN was started in 2005 by Strong Technology, LLC, whose parent company Ziff Davis, owns and controls PCMag and IPVanish. The VPN was later acquired by J2 Global in 2012. The company later split into Ziff Davis and Consensus Cloud Solutions. Despite its change in ownership, we still believe the VPN hasn’t changed its privacy policy

Data typeLogged by StrongVPN
Device information No 
Browsing activity No 
Bandwidth usageNo 
DNS queriesNo 
Connection timestampsNo 
ISPNo
Account information Yes
Number of simultaneous connections No 
VPN server IPNo
Originating IP addressNo 
VPN server location No 
Date of last connection No 

Based in the privacy-unfriendly region (US)

StrongVPN falls under the jurisdiction of the United States, known as one of the least privacy-friendly locations globally. Being a part of the Five Eyes international intelligence-sharing alliance, the US government can compel companies to hand over surveillance data and share it with intelligence agencies without your awareness. 

While the VPN service claims to adhere to valid subpoena requests, it’s worth noting that StrongVPN doesn’t maintain any customer activity logs. Consequently, there is no way to associate specific web activities with individual users, as it uses shared IP addresses.


Logging policy

After analyzing StrongVPN’s privacy policy, we found that it doesn’t keep any browsing activity logs. When signing up, the VPN only asks for basic information, such as payment method and email address. If you opt to use a credit card for billing, you must submit your billing address, full name, and credit card.


StrongVPN hasn’t been independently audited

Our primary issue is that StrongVPN hasn’t conducted any external audit to substantiate their no-logs policy claims. Some premium VPN services have been independently audited by more than one reputable firm to confirm their zero-logging assertions.

Also, it would be reassuring to have a warrant canary. It signals to users that the company has received a subpoena and might be compelled to share user data. Without such measures, the company may have no means of informing its users if it has been requested to disclose data to the government.


StrongVPN device compatibility 

StrongVPN is compatible with almost all operating systems, as shown in the table below, including some of the crucial features. Also, it is compatible with many router brands. 

PlatformProtocolKill switchSplit tunnelingProxy
Windows WireGuard, OpenVPN, SSTP, IKEv2, L2TPYesNoYes 
MacOSIPSec, WireGuard, IKEv2YesNoYes 
Ios IPSec, IKEv2, WireGuardNoNo No 
AndroidWireGuard, IKEv2, OpenVPNNoYes No 
Fire TV WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2No Yes No 

Apps 

StrongVPN offers custom apps for all popular devices. Moreover, the website provides helpful manual setup guides for various devices, platforms, and software such as Linux, Amazon Kindle, and Kodi.

Furthermore, StrongVPN offers step-by-step instructions on how to set up the VPN on your router manually. This ensures comprehensive protection for all internet traffic within your home, guaranteeing your online security and privacy are well-taken care of. 

Moreover, a single subscription allows you to connect up to twelve simultaneous devices, which is exceptionally generous. This is one of the highest connection limits we’ve come across among VPN providers. This flexibility allows you to connect numerous devices simultaneously without compromising performance or convenience.


Games consoles and streaming devices

Most gaming consoles and streaming devices don’t support VPNs. However, you can use the manual installation instructions on StrongVPN’s website to configure them on your home router. While there is a user-friendly native app for Amazon Fire TV devices, it might not match the performance of some of the best VPNs for Fire TV Stick. It’s important to note that the StrongVPN app only supports Amazon Fire TV devices released after 2016 onwards.


Router compatibility 

Setting up the VPN on your router is a great option for a more seamless experience across multiple devices. This way, you won’t have to connect on each device individually; worry about potential vulnerabilities with smart home devices that don’t support VPNs or the risk of forgetting to connect to the VPN. 

StrongVPN offers a range of options tailored to both novice and experienced customers. Its website provides a comprehensive list of over 125 compatible routers, conveniently divided into useful categories. Beginners can purchase StrongVPN preloaded routers powered by Sabai OS, such as the VPN Accelerator, Asus RT-N12, Linksys E2500, and Netgear Nighthawk X6 R8000. On the other hand, experienced users can manually set up StrongVPN on routers from manufacturers like;

  • Asus 
  • Belkin
  • Buffalo
  • D-Link
  • GL.iNet
  • Linksys
  • Netgear
  • TP-Link

Browser extensions 

StrongVPN’s proxy service cannot unblock geo-restricted streaming services like BBC iPlayer and Netflix, making it somewhat ineffective. Moreover, the proxy service is exclusively available to customers with an active StrongVPN subscription. 

A key point to note is that proxies differ from VPNs in terms of security. For example, they do not encrypt your data and web activity, leaving you vulnerable to attacks or exposure. 

Thankfully, StrongVPN’s browser extension offers access to 14 server locations, including New York, Tokyo, Sweden, and London, which is considered above average in terms of available locations for browsing.


Ease of use

StrongVPN’s Windows and macOS versions have the ‘Best Available’ option, automatically connecting you to the server closest to your location for quick and convenient access. In the desktop apps, the servers are sorted alphabetically by country and city without any further categorization by region or specialization since no specialized servers are available. Desktop users can benefit from the proxy browser extension, providing access to 14 server locations. However, it’s worth noting that this extension may be unable to unblock streaming services. 

Comparatively, the mobile client offers a superior experience, allowing you to sort servers by city or country, offering more flexibility in selecting the desired location. Both desktop and mobile clients have a search bar feature to find specific locations quickly.

Desktop and Laptop: Windows and Mac

StrongVPN desktop app’s main screen is minimalist, displaying essential connection details, such as the current IP address, the time elapsed since the connection, visible location, and the VPN status. The Windows and Mac apps maintain a minimalist style, with a range of settings accessible through the cog icon at the top of the app.

Though there aren’t numerous options, the essential features include a functional kill switch and the ability to reconnect automatically. Furthermore, unlike the Windows version, the macOS client supports IPV6 Leak Protection. Notably, the network kill switch only supports OpenVPN or L2TP protocols.

To ensure your real IP address remains hidden, you should stick with the OpenVPN protocol. Regarding design, the macOS version stands out with its sleek, minimalist white background, whereas the Windows version features a navy and black theme. Ultimately, your preference comes down to personal taste and aesthetics.


Mobile: Android and iOS

StrongVPN’s mobile apps maintain differing color schemes and features similar to their desktop counterparts. The iOS design aligns with the macOS client, sporting a modern and minimalist appearance with a white background. However, it is disheartening to discover that neither the Android nor the iOS versions offer a kill switch, which is a dealbreaker for frequent mobile VPN users. This feature is essential to ensure data protection and privacy in case of unexpected disconnections.

Furthermore, the split tunneling feature, a valuable functionality that allows routing specific apps through the VPN while bypassing others, is only available on Android. It supports WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 protocols, but you should use WireGuard or OpenVPN for optimal performance and security. 

The in-app customer support chat feature is commendable, allowing users to connect with a real person promptly. However, the mobile app’s split tunneling section seems to lack optimization for TV usage. Also, the absence of highlighting when hovering over apps on the screen makes the experience less user-friendly.


Fire TV

StrongVPN’s Fire TV app performs well in unblocking US Netflix and BBC iPlayer, although it occasionally faces challenges with the latter. In contrast, Windscribe offers access to 30 Netflix libraries and consistently works with BBC iPlayer, providing a more robust streaming experience.

One of StrongVPN’s strengths is the ability to choose between the WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 protocols, with WireGuard being the default option due to its fast and secure nature. However, the lack of a kill switch in the Fire TV app is a concern, as it leaves your IP address vulnerable if the internet connection drops.


StrongVPN customer support 

Customer supportAvailable in StrongVPN
24/7 Email support No 
24/7 live chat supportYes 
Email No 
Chatbot No
Tutorial videosNo
Email support via an online form No
Online resourcesYes 

Although live chat support is advertised as available 24/7, the sales agents seemed to rely heavily on copying and pasting answers from the FAQs section. This proved to be a bit underwhelming.

However, whenever they couldn’t resolve our concerns, they promptly forwarded our details to the tech team, who responded quickly and efficiently. 

Extensive and useful knowledge base 

The official StrongVPN website boasts an extensive and easily searchable knowledge base, which is invaluable when setting up various devices. It offers many setup guides accompanied by helpful video tutorials and screenshots. Additionally, StrongVPN goes the extra mile to cater to Chinese users by providing some articles written in Mandarin.

The guiding articles are sorted using these categories:

  • MacOS
  • Android
  • Ios
  • Windows
  • Amazon devices
  • Linux 
  • Routers
  • Network issues 
  • Connectivity
  • Legacy app troubleshooting
  • App and OS general troubleshooting
  • China

With the abundant resources available on the official website, you can find comprehensive assistance for setting up any device. Furthermore, StrongVPN offers 24/7 live support for sales, billing, and technical inquiries. However, while the live agents are available round the clock, there may be instances where they lack in-depth knowledge or expertise, which can pose a challenge in resolving certain issues.


StrongVPN pricing 

StrongVPN provides customers with two pricing plans, both of which offer the same features. However, opting for a longer subscription comes with a significant discount. 

The first option is the monthly plan, priced at $10.99. However, by committing to an annual plan, you can enjoy a substantial 67% discount, bringing the cost down to $3.66 monthly. On a positive note, StrongVPN offers a comprehensive package with a StrongDNS service and online storage. 

Both subscription plans offer 250GB of free cloud storage through SugarSync. It’s important to note that if you decide to switch to a different VPN service, you will no longer have access to this storage. 

Payment and refund options 

StrongVPN accepts most standard methods, including PayPal, credit and debit cards, and Alipay. However, StrongVPN doesn’t support cryptocurrency options for anonymous transactions. 

The annual subscription offers a 30-day money-back guarantee instead of a traditional VPN free trial. Unfortunately, this guarantee does not apply to monthly subscriptions, which means you could potentially lose the $10.99 if you’re unsatisfied with the service. 

During the 30-day refund period, no hidden restrictions or data caps are in place, ensuring a transparent experience for customers less confident with the StrongVPN service.


ExpressVPN vs. StrongVPN

StrongVPN’s pricing plans are the same as those in the best VPN services. So if the prices are similar, are the services also comparable? In other words, will the money you spend on StrongVPN give you the same bang for the buck you can get from a trusted service? In this section, I answer this question by comparing StrongVPN with ExpressVPN.

The first thing to know is that ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands, a location much more friendly to privacy than the U.S.A. – which is the world’s worst. So the first point goes to ExpressVPN.

One of the few genuine advantages StrongVPN offers is its compatibility with Netflix, so how does it compare in that regard with ExpressVPN? Poorly, it turns out. ExpressVPN can also unlock Netflix. It’s also faster, and it does the trick on every platform. StrongVPN, on the other hand, lets you use Netflix only with desktop browsers.

The other best thing about StrongVPN is its customer support. ExpressVPN’s customer service is available 24/7 and is widely considered the best in the business.

The last remarkable feature of StrongVPN is its zero logs policy which is also ExpressVPN’s policy. Still, it’s more credible in a business that is based outside all the Eyes alliances.

So when you look at the best that StrongVPN has to offer, it turns out that ExpressVPN provides similar features, only better.

What about other features?

ExpressVPN boasts more than three thousand servers in 94 countries which is way more than StrongVPN. This makes server availability in ExpressVPN way better. You can choose servers instead of relying on random assignation. The quality across servers is even, unlike StrongVPN’s insane quality fluctuations between different servers.

Then we consider speeds. ExpressVPN’s speed rates are much higher than StrongVPN’s. You can barely notice the reduced performance when you are streaming or gaming. Gaming is a non-option in StrongVPN because of the low speeds.

The security features and the kill switch are similar in both services, and neither has ad blockers.

So how similar are both VPNs? Well, not very. ExpressVPN is much better in almost any regard.

And you can get all those great things about ExpressVPN for 8.32 USD monthly (if you go with the yearly plan, $12.99 in case of a monthly subscription).

Is there anything in StrongVPN that you can really consider worthy of a premium VPN service? Yes. The price. In every other regard, it’s an inferior service.

Should you use StrongVPN?

No, we’ve mentioned that every aspect of StrongVPN’s functionality has recently improved dramatically. And it’s true. But it’s still not a good service overall.

This VPN has three remarkable things: Netflix compatibility, excellent customer service, and zero log-keeping. But those advantages do not compensate for the terrible speeds, frustrating interface, and relatively high prices.

The final analysis comes down to this: ten bucks will buy you a genuinely premium VPN service with many providers like ExpressVPN or NordVPN. Unfortunately, StrongVPN is not one of those. It is the weaker choice if you’re looking for a robust Virtual Private Network.

FAQs

Absolutely. StrongVPN unblocks Netflix libraries, including Japan, the UK, and the US.

Not possible. You need to subscribe to one of their premium plans. However, you will enjoy a money-back guarantee on the annual plan and ask for a refund if you’re unsatisfied with the service.

Sure thing. It offers top-level security features, including military-grade encryption, OpenVPN & WireGuard protocols, DNS leak protection, a strict no-logs policy, and an automatic network kill switch.

A highly secure VPN in Florida offers over 900 servers in 40 countries. It is stable, fast, and highly reliable for different uses, such as unblocking streaming platforms and torrenting.

StrongVPN is relatively good. It checks out key boxes that make a VPN worth investing in. However, its jurisdiction is a major concern.

Yes, sure. It can unblock Hulu and other platforms as well.