StrongVPN review

In this review, we take a closer look at StrongVPN, a US-based VPN that has been around since 2005, but struggles to keep up with the best VPNs on the market.

On the plus side, StrongVPN allows 12 simultaneous connections, offers speeds fast enough for torrenting and gaming, can stream US Netflix and other popular streaming platforms, and it even makes a dedicated app for Amazon Fire TV. StrongVPN offers WireGuard, OpenVPN, and AES-256 encryption. Its no-logs policy is good, and its desktop app obfuscation feature helps users connect in China.

On the downside, the interface lacks many advanced features found in more popular alternatives, and it charges a higher monthly subscription fee (starting at $3.97 per month). Its privacy protections may not suit users with an elevated threat model, and others may not be comfortable with its US-based jurisdiction. It has a smaller network than top providers, with servers in just 30 countries. Admittedly, some of these are in underrepresented regions, such as South America and Africa, but the network still feels small for the price point.

Overall, my review of StrongVPN was mixed. The 24/7 live chat support was a touch unresponsive, and the VPN feels dated and overpriced. It’s pretty good for streaming, but speeds were a touch inconsistent. Read on to learn why StrongVPN needs to up its game.

StrongVPN key data

* Velocità media rilevata in diverse nazioni e basata su vari test di velocità realizzati più volte al giorno.

StrongVPN pros and cons

If you’re looking for a VPN with decent speeds and support for consecutive connections, StrongVPN covers the basics well. Below, I’ve summarized the top pros and cons based on my hands-on testing and policy analysis. I’ll go into more detail about each area later in the review.

Do I recommend StrongVPN?

StrongVPN fails to compete with the best VPNs. The interface is dated and a touch unattractive, and the server network is small compared to competitors like CyberGhost, Proton VPN, and NordVPN. The VPN lacks features, which contributes to the sense that it’s overpriced.

The StrongVPN 12 simultaneous connection allowance is decent, making it suitable for families or individuals who own multiple devices. However, alternatives like Surfshark, IPVanish, and PIA offer lower costs and allow unlimited connections.

If you need a VPN for Firestick, the StrongVPN app for Amazon Fire TV is available directly in the Amazon App Store. The VPN works to unblock streaming platforms like Hulu, HBO Max, and Prime Video. It can access US Netflix.

The apps come with a choice of secure VPN protocols, including WireGuard and OpenVPN. They prevent online tracking by local networks and ISPs. Security features include a kill switch and DNS leak protection.

The downside? Feature availability differs across the apps. Split tunneling is available for Android only. And obfuscation (StrongVPN Scramble) is limited to Windows and Mac.

The VPN has a no-logs policy but is based in the USA, which is home to the NSA, warrants, and gag orders. Privacy-focused users may prefer to shop elsewhere.

P2P connections are allowed throughout its network, but there’s no port forwarding. Speeds were fast enough for intensive gaming sessions and HD streaming. The live chat support was a bit iffy, though ultimately helpful.

The VPN is functional, and there is a 30-day money-back guarantee to test it yourself. Overall, StrongVPN is hard to recommend over its main competitors. And it no longer includes SugarSync cloud storage with subscriptions.

Features

StrongVPN is a no-frills VPN with a basic feature set. The VPN does not have any advanced bundles, so you can’t purchase the VPN alongside extras like antivirus, password manager, cloud storage, or identity protection tools. If you want this kind of bundle, you will need to opt for a competitor like Surfshark, NordVPN, or Total VPN.

On the plus side, you don’t get hit with adverts or messages upselling extras. The apps are clutter-free and easy to use. The Settings menu is minimal, which is largely due to the lack of features. It has everything you need for basic VPN use, including a kill switch for Windows, Mac, and Android. But for the cost, it is low on features. All you get is server selection, protocol switching, and a Best Available Location button.

One advantage of StrongVPN is its 12 simultaneous connection allowance. This is above average and makes it a decent choice for families or people who own many devices.

StrongVPN also supports OpenVPN-compatible routers, and it offers manual setup guides for a wide range of router models. If you’d rather not configure it yourself, you can buy a pre-flashed router from FlashRouters.com. Some compatible router brands include ASUS, Belkin, Buffalo, D-Link, GL.iNet, Linksys, Netgear, TP-Link,  and Sabai.

Below, I’ve broken down every feature included with StrongVPN:

Core VPN Features

StrongVPN has custom apps for all major platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, ChromeOS, and Amazon Fire TV. The interface is basic, but it has all the primary VPN features average users need, including server selection, protocol switching, and auto-connect.

You can use the “Best Available Location” button to connect to the fastest server for your location. Servers are also searchable by country or city, and StrongVPN has servers in 59 cities across 30 countries. These include servers in 15 different US cities.

StrongVPN claims that all servers are physical servers (no virtual servers) and they’re all self-owned, which gives the provider greater control over security and performance.

In terms of protocols, WireGuard and IKEv2 are available in all the apps. OpenVPN (UDP and TCP) is available on all platforms except for iOS. These are reliable protocols for privacy and security. WireGuard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN all use AES-256 encryption by default.

SSTP, L2TP, and IKEv2/IPSec are available in some of the apps. Mac users get an auto-connect feature that connects the VPN if they join an untrusted or unprotected network (labeled  “Connect on Demand” mode in the macOS and iOS apps).

The Desktop apps come with a kill switch and an auto-reconnect feature. These prevent you from leaking data outside of the VPN tunnel.

Split tunneling is available on Android only. The desktop apps can be set to connect on startup. LAN access controls can bypass the VPN for using printers and other local devices.

The downside? 

StrongVPN for iOS does not have a kill switch. However, Android leverages the operating system’s Always-On VPN mode, which creates a highly reliable kill switch.

You will not find any advanced features such as port forwarding, multi-hop, or Tor over VPN. If you want these features, I advise opting for an alternate provider.

StrongVPN’s features differ between devices. Be sure it has the features you need for your device prior to subscribing.

Advanced Security & Privacy Features

• No-logs policy: Does not collect your IP address, bandwidth usage, or browsing activity.
• DNS leak protection: The VPN passed all IP and DNS leak tests.
• Scramble obfuscation for Windows/macOS (OpenVPN only). Bypasses VPN blocks in China and other censorship-heavy countries like the UAE, Iran, and Egypt.
• WebRTC leak protection included.
• IPv6 leak protection is available on macOS.
• Connect on Demand is available on macOS and iOS for IKEv2/IPSec connections (auto-connect).
• Smart DNS feature included for free to help change your IP on non-VPN compatible devices.
• Supports torrenting and P2P traffic on all servers.
• Owns and operates its network infrastructure, with no rented or virtual servers.

Additional Features

• 24/7 live chat and email support.
• Chrome extension (proxy only).
• Amazon Fire TV app is available via the Amazon Appstore.
• APK download available on its website for sideloading to Android devices.
• OpenVPN config files available on its website for use with third-party clients or routers.
• Set up guides for OpenVPN and WireGuard-compatible routers.
• Comprehensive support section with FAQs, guides, and troubleshooting.
• Blog with VPN tutorials, feature updates, and privacy guides.
• 30-day money-back guarantee (only for annual plans; no refunds on monthly subscriptions).

StrongVPN price and plans

StrongVPN has a simple subscription model with just two options. You can get either a monthly plan or an annual plan with a reduced rate. Both plans include all of StrongVPN’s features, making it easy to pick your subscription plan compared to many of its competitors.

StrongVPN used to come with 500GB of cloud storage (provided by SugarSync) for free, but this is no longer available.

Overall, StrongVPN is a basic VPN service that is relatively expensive for what you get. That said, it has most of the features average home users need, and you can get a decent discount when you use our link to choose the annual plan. (More on this discounted price below.)

Price breakdown

StrongVPN costs $11.99 per month if you don’t want to commit long-term. This is on par with many of its competitors. However, it is expensive considering that you can get an alternative like ProtonVPN with a much more comprehensive feature set for $9.99.

The annual plan costs $47.69 for the first year when using our exclusive discount link. This brings the cost down to about $3.97 per month. Your account will auto-renew if you don’t cancel. In the second year, your plan will increase to  $89.99 annually, which works out to $7.49 per month.

Competitors like Surfshark and NordVPN offer much better discounts and additional features, so StrongVPN feels overpriced.

Add-ons

StrongVPN does not offer any extras or bundles. You cannot opt to add on dedicated IPs, password managers, malware protection, or any other extras. The benefit of this is that the VPN does not bombard you with upgrade offers and ads.

However, users who want a VPN that comes bundled with other security features and tools, as is the case with TotalVPN, Surfshark, NordVPN, and IPVanish, should check out those reviews to see what is on offer.

Discounts

We have agreed on an exclusive discount for our readers. When you follow our StrongVPN link, you will get a 66% discount on the first year of StrongVPN. This automatic coupon drops the annual plan to just $47.69, which makes it much more affordable as long as you don’t mind committing long-term.

This is currently the only deal available for StrongVPN, and this VPN rarely offers seasonal discounts. That said, it is always worth checking back during holidays or Black Friday to see if we have managed to add an even better discount to our direct link.

Payments and refunds

StrongVPN accepts a variety of payment methods:

• Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express)
• PayPal
• Alipay
• Apple Pay
• Bitcoin (via BitPay)

These options make it easy for anybody to get a subscription. You could even sign up using Bitcoin, a burner email, and a fake name for maximum privacy and anonymity.

Testing the money-back guarantee

StrongVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. However, this refund is only available on its annual plans. So, if you want to try the VPN risk-free, you will need to pay for an annual subscription up front. The fact that the monthly subscription does not qualify for a refund is less generous than many of its competitors, which is a shame.

To test the refund process, I signed up for a one-year subscription using a debit card.

After testing the VPN for three weeks, I contacted the VPN via email to request a refund. The support responded within 24 hours and approved my refund. The money was returned to my account within five working days.

Later, I found out that I could have also asked for a refund via live chat (the bot initially told me this was not possible, which is why I sent an email). However, once I found the live chat window with a human agent, I learned that these agents can issue a refund:

Does StrongVPN offer value for money?

StrongVPN is a bit pricey. Due to its lack of features, it’s hard to consider it good value for money since many competitors offer a better VPN service for a lower price point.

The StrongVPN apps not only lack features but also differ too much across platforms. This can lead to frustrations.

StrongVPN does own its network, and it doesn’t use any virtual locations that are provided using Smart DNS. However, since it’s based in the US, those privacy benefits are offset by drawbacks that may put privacy advocates off.

Ultimately, I can’t help feeling that most people will be better off subscribing to another VPN. After all, it seems silly to pay more for a VPN that does less.

Speed: Is StrongVPN fast?

Most consumers want a VPN that won’t negatively affect their internet speeds. The good news is that in my tests, StrongVPN proved to be fast enough for data-intensive tasks like streaming, torrenting, and gaming.

For a VPN to work, it must encrypt your internet traffic and route it through a secure server. With many VPNs, this can lead to significant speed reductions. StrongVPN minimizes this speed drop thanks to its proprietary network of servers and the WireGuard protocol.

Below, you can see the results of my detailed speed tests. However, first, I have explained the step-by-step process I used to evaluate StrongVPN’s real-world performance.

How I tested StrongVPN speeds:

• I used a dedicated Windows test machine
• I tested connections in the morning, afternoon, and evening to account for traffic variations.
• I selected three global locations for testing: New York, London, and Hong Kong.
• I ran all tests using the standalone Speed Test by Ookla desktop app.

You can see the results from these tests below.

Speed test results

I used the results of my tests to arrive at local and global averages. This provides the info you need to see exactly how the VPN performs when using servers located closer and further away, and at different times of day (to check for server congestion during peak hours).

As you can see, StrongVPN boasts excellent speeds on the WireGuard protocol. Most of my test results were above 100 Mbps, with a global average of 156 Mbps. Also, other than one UK test, the results were consistent, which is what we like to see.

I retested the UK server three times on the occasion when it was slow, to check that it wasn’t a testing error: it wasn’t. The London server (which incidentally was the closest one to our test server in Manchester) went from 200 Mbps in the afternoon to 75.66 Mbps in the evening.

This is quite a large fluctuation, which is far from ideal. Whether this was caused by server load or some other issue is unknown. However, in general, network consistency was great, and 75 Mbps is still fast enough for HD streaming.

Decent speeds over longer distances

The servers located further away in Hong Kong and New York suffered a minimal drop-off in speed. This is normal because of the distances involved. And to be fair, the Asian server was more consistent than the one in the UK, which is impressive.

I found that the VPN offers great performance for home broadband users wanting to do data-intensive tasks such as streaming, torrenting, and gaming.

I was also happy with the real-world test results conducted on my ASUS laptop. The VPN connects to servers quickly, which makes the app feel snappy. And I had no buffering issues when watching HD content on Netflix and YouTube.

Overall, StrongVPN proved capable of maintaining stable and reliable connections during my tests. It was consistent throughout the day. StrongVPN is a good fit for users who prefer a straightforward VPN with quicker speeds than average.

Device compatibility (VPN apps)

StrongVPN has custom apps for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, ChromeOS, and Amazon Fire TV. It also allows manual setup via OpenVPN on Linux. One subscription supports up to 12 simultaneous device connections, which is more than average across the VPN industry.

The Amazon Fire TV app is available directly from the Amazon Appstore, and it includes split tunneling, a kill switch, and robust encryption. A ChromeOS app is also available.

StrongVPN is compatible with various routers. Installing a VPN on a router ensures all devices in your home are protected behind the VPN. The benefit of this setup is that it only counts as a single device connection. The VPN can spoof your IP address on smart TVs, game consoles, and other devices that won’t let you install a VPN directly.

The VPN is compatible with routers from leading brands like Asus, Netgear, Belkin, D-Link, and Linksys. The VPN has setup guides for setting up the router using the OpenVPN config files available in the member’s area of its website.

Platform-specific details

Windows

Android

Mac

iOS

Linux

While StrongVPN doesn’t offer a GUI for Linux, users can manually connect using OpenVPN. This makes it a good option for Linux users who are comfortable with command-line interfaces.

Browser extensions

StrongVPN offers a Chrome browser extension only. There are no extensions for Firefox, Edge, or Safari.

This extension provides users with an HTTP proxy rather than a full VPN. It does not offer the same level of protection as the full VPN client.

The extension can be used to connect to an IP address in 14 server locations (half of which are in the US). This comes in handy for users wanting to switch their IP address in the browser without launching the VPN.

It is also a useful extra for people who want to spoof their location on a device that won’t let them install a full VPN client, such as a Chromebook or work computer with limited installation permissions.

Ease of use

I tested StrongVPN on a Windows laptop, a Samsung Android tablet, and an iPad to see how well it performs during day-to-day use. The desktop apps are available in the members’ area of the website, and mobile apps are located in your usual app store (Google Play or Apple App Store). I found the installation process simple on every platform.

The User Experience was pretty decent (with some minor quirks on desktop), and the apps performed without any bugs. The apps were also pretty consistent in terms of looks. However, they had different features, which made the experience less seamless.

Below, you can see more details about my experience on Windows and Android:

StrongVPN for Windows

Setting up the StrongVPN app for Windows took just a couple of minutes and only required a few clicks. The installer provides all the drivers you need without requiring you to do anything technical.

While some reviewers have previously claimed that the app interface is awkward or hard to use, I find this claim to be somewhat overstated. In reality, this VPN is so low on features that it’s hard to go wrong. Its biggest issue is that it feels quite dated compared to competitors.

The main screen has two buttons: one to connect, and one labeled “Best Available Location.” It also has a world map that displays a flag when it connects.

Unlike some VPNs, you can’t use the map to pick a server location – it’s just a snazzy visual.

Server selection

Navigating the app is pretty straightforward. To access the full server list, click on the current server on the main screen (this shows as the best available server when you first install it).

This can, admittedly, feel a bit confusing the first time you use the VPN. You may think clicking on “Best Available” will connect you to that server. That isn’t the case. To connect to the best server, you click the green connect button below it. This is the UI quirk that has led to complaints about it being awkward, but it’s not that hard to figure out.

Once you have clicked on the server location label, you will see the full server list. You can choose to scroll through the options or search by country and city. When you find the server you want, double-click to select it.

To head back to the main screen of the application, hit the Cancel button. Click Save to select the server you want (or just double click on the server, which is faster).

No server statistics

Unlike my favorite VPNs, StrongVPN gives you no indication of ping, server load, or any other technical connection information. This type of data makes it much easier to pick the best server for your VPN session.

There is no night mode or other visual theme settings. However, StrongVPN’s choice of a dark theme from the get-go makes the VPN comfortable to use at any time of day. This is a plus during late-night browsing or streaming sessions.

Settings

The settings menu can easily be found by clicking the gear icon in the upper-right corner of the app.

The features you are likely to need are located in the first two tabs: Options and Protocol.

In the Options menu, you can toggle on the Kill Switch and enable Auto Reconnect. You can also set the VPN to launch when Windows starts, and to connect to the last server when you launch the app.

Obfuscation

Toggle on the setting labeled Optimize the VPN for China to enable obfuscation (scramble).

When this setting is turned on, you will have fewer options in the protocol tab. This is because Scramble is available on OpenVPN only. You can still choose between UDP and TCP.

If you prefer to use WireGuard, IKEv2, SSTP, or L2TP/IPsec, then you need to turn Optimize for China off. Once it is switched off, you will see all available protocols in the Protocol menu.

I like that each protocol is accompanied by a description. This is helpful for beginners, who may not know which protocol to select. Generally speaking, I advise WireGuard for both speed and security.

The other settings tabs are less important. You can click Information to see your account information directly in the app.  Diagnostics is there in case you have any issues using the VPN (the support agent may ask you for this information to help you fix the VPN). And use the Update tab to check whether there is a newer version of the app.

Other than that, there is nothing to do or learn. StrongVPN is suitable for beginners. That said, the reason for its simplicity is that it lacks useful features.

You won’t find split tunneling, auto-connect for public wifi and untrusted networks, multi-hop, Tor over VPN, ad blocking, tracker blocking, port forwarding, or dedicated servers for streaming or torrenting. If you want these features, shop elsewhere.

There’s also no opportunity to save your favorite servers, so you will have to search every time you want to change.

Did StrongVPN for Windows work as advertised?

Yes. In terms of core functionality, StrongVPN works as advertised.

Despite the clunky interface and lack of features, StrongVPN’s Windows app gets the job done. It changed my IP successfully, passed all my DNS leak tests, and worked to stream Netflix US without any issues.

Speed performance was excellent across all my tests, and the kill switch worked exactly as it should. I ran a forced drop test using a live IP-checking tool and confirmed that the app blocked traffic immediately, with no leaks.

There’s no escaping the fact that the app is visually dated, missing many useful features, and not especially intuitive to use.

StrongVPN for Android

Next, I tested the StrongVPN app on Android. I downloaded the app from the Play Store, and it installed in less than a minute.

To make it easier for users in restrictive countries to get hold of the app, the VPN also provides access to the APK file on its website. This allows you to sideload the app even if it has been blocked in your local app store.

Other than the color scheme, which is blue rather than dark navy, the app is very similar to its desktop counterpart. That said, it is a bit less clunky. The app makes it much clearer how to switch servers by labelling the button Select Location.

The app has an animated world map with a flag that moves when you connect to a server. I preferred the look of the Android version over the Windows and iOS versions. It’s clean, modern, and suited to a mobile experience.

Searchable locations

You can pick a server either by scrolling or using the search bar. The server list is in reverse alphabetical order, which makes it run from the US down to Australia. I found this to be a fairly intuitive decision, because it is nice to have all the US cities at the top of the menu rather than the bottom.

Once you’ve found the location you need, simply hit the Connect button at the bottom, and the VPN will protect you.

The settings menu is available by clicking the cog symbol in the top right of the main screen. And unlike the Windows version, there are no tabs. Instead, you get a single menu with all the options, which I found much easier to navigate.

You can pick between various protocols and enable Optimize for China (scramble for obfuscation).

The main caveat? There is no setting for the kill switch. StrongVPN works with the Always-on VPN function native to Android. This is a decent kill switch, but the app does not make it clear that it is even available. This is a drawback for beginners.

I’d prefer the app to link to Android settings directly from the app. This would make it easier for beginners to turn on or off the kill switch. Other popular VPNs that leverage Android Always-on VPN have this shortcut.

Did StrongVPN for Android work as advertised?

Yes. The app performed reliably during all of my tests. It connected quickly, held the connection without drops, and didn’t leak any data. Speeds were fast enough for streaming and general browsing. I was able to stream content on YouTube and Twitch without any buffering.

I ran DNS and IP leak tests, and everything worked as expected. Split tunneling also worked well. I set my Chrome browser to run outside the VPN tunnel while keeping Firefox secured. The IP checks validated that it was working properly. This feature alone makes StrongVPN better for Android users than users on other devices. To be clear, split tunneling is for Android only.

Still, I would have liked to see a shortcut to the Android kill switch settings, and maybe a few more features (favorite server, listed streaming servers, etc). But if all you need is a straightforward mobile VPN for Android, StrongVPN is a decent choice.

It will prevent ISP snooping, protect you when using public wifi, bypass blocks at work, change your IP address, and access streaming services.

Server Network

StrongVPN offers a reliable network of self-owned servers. The network is relatively small compared to its main competitors. This gives you less global IP coverage.

That said, it still provides access to all of the countries that average home users need. These include 15 servers in the US, ideal for accessing state-level services, such as gambling sites. It also makes it a decent option for bypassing blackout restrictions on services like ESPN, FOX, NBC Sports, MLB.TV, NFL Game Pass, NHL TV, and NBA League Pass.

During testing, I checked a bunch of regions for IP leaks, and I was happy to find that the VPN always gave me an IP address in the required region, with no sign of IP, DNS, or WebRTC leaks. Below, you can see the results of my leak tests on the France/Paris server:

One advantage of the VPN is that all its servers are physical. It does not use any virtual servers. This is good in terms of privacy because you always know that your data is being processed in the jurisdiction you select within the app.

However, unlike some leading alternatives (NordVPN, Surfshark), it does not utilize diskless servers. Servers that run in RAM add an extra layer of privacy, so if you want these, then you should consider an alternate provider.

Server metrics

• Server Count: Over 950 servers
• Country Coverage: 30 countries
• City-Level Coverage: 59 cities worldwide
• US Cities: 15 (including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, and Seattle)
• UK Cities: 4 (including London and Manchester)
• Australia: 4 cities
• Canada: 3 cities
• France: 3 cities
• Mexico: 2 cities
• All other countries: 1 city each
• Server Type: All servers are physical; no virtual locations used

Comparison with competitors

StrongVPN has fewer servers than many popular VPNs nowadays. However, it has a self-owned network that offers fantastic speeds for streaming.

One minor drawback is that the VPN does not have any labeled servers for streaming, torrenting, gaming, or other use cases. You may need to use trial and error to find a server that works with the streaming platform you are interested in.

StrongVPN lacks specialty servers (such as Double VPN or Tor over VPN). However, for day-to-day browsing, streaming, and location spoofing, it’s still a great option for most home internet users’ needs.

The table below shows how it compares to some leading VPNs:

Unique or rare locations

Despite its smaller footprint, StrongVPN has servers in some less common locations:

• South America: Brazil (1 city)
• Africa: South Africa (1 city)
• Asia: Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong
• Middle East: Israel

You’ll also find coverage in countries like the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and New Zealand, which aren’t always available with other VPNs.

Check the server list on its website or test it using the money-back guarantee to ensure it has servers where you need them before subscribing long-term.

Does StrongVPN work in China?

Yes. StrongVPN can obfuscate your connection using its custom Scramble feature. This is designed to bypass deep packet inspection and help users connect in China and other countries with strict censorship.

StrongVPN does not disclose the technical details of how Scramble is implemented. This is intentional, as keeping its obfuscation method secret can help it evade firewalls like the Great Firewall of China.

While StrongVPN has a reputation for working in China reliably, it is important to remember that success can vary depending on your location and the blocks imposed by local ISPs.

We recommend installing and setting up StrongVPN before entering China. Then you don’t have to worry about its website being blocked once you’re inside the country.

Streaming and unblocking

StrongVPN has improved its streaming capabilities over the last few years. It can access a wide choice of streaming platforms from around the world.

StrongVPN is particularly good when it comes to unblocking US streaming services, and, thanks to its fast self-owned servers, it is an excellent option for streaming in HD or 4K without buffering.

Streaming overview

StrongVPN does not offer streaming-optimized servers. This means you must rely on trial and error to find a server that works with streaming services. That frustration aside, StrongVPN performed superbly.

• It worked with many US and international streaming services, but I could not get it to work with ABC Network.
• The UK servers worked with BBC iPlayer and Channel 4, but not with ITVX.
• It worked with nearly every international streaming platform I tested it with (France, Germany, UK, Canada, Brazil, and Australia).

Its servers are fast, which helps to maintain reliable streaming performance throughout. In my real-world tests using a 50 Mbps connection in the UK, I could watch live TV and on-demand videos in HD on YouTube and Netflix without buffering.

Streaming service compatibility

Netflix

StrongVPN works seamlessly to watch US Netflix and a number of other international catalogs.

It might not be the best, but Strong is definitely in the top echelon of Netflix VPNs. This is a big change from the last time we tested it. Thus, we can say with confidence that the VPN has put in a big effort to improve its ability to access streaming platforms, which is great news for subscribers.

Does StrongVPN work with international streaming platforms?

At Comparitech, we want to ensure that the VPNs we review cater to a global user base. To verify this, I tested the VPN to access various free streaming services from around the world. Below, you can see the results of those tests:

• Germany: I watched Dar Erste on ARD Mediathek while connected to the StrongVPN Germany server.
• France: I tested StrongVPN to watch France.tv. I used the Paris server to watch France 2, and it worked without buffering.
• Brazil: I connected to the Brazil server in São Paulo. GloboPlay Brazil worked to stream for free and without issues, which is very rare!
• Canada: I connected to StrongVPN’s Canada Toronto server. I could watch live TV (the UK’s Coronation Street) and on-demand content (Schitt’s Creek) on CBC Gem.
• Australia: Finally, I tested the Australian server to access 10Play. I tested every location: Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth. Unfortunately, none of the StrongVPN servers worked with 10Play. However, it did work with 7Plus using the Melbourne server.

Does StrongVPN allow torrenting?

StrongVPN allows P2P connections throughout its network. Unlike some VPNs, it does not offer specialized P2P servers. You can pick any server from its network and use it to download torrents. This flexibility is useful. However, StrongVPN’s lack of server statistics (such as ping and server load) makes it hard to know which server will give you the best download speed.

StrongVPN uses military-grade AES-256 encryption, and the platform is leak-free. You can torrent privately and without exposing your IP address to the swarm. Even without server stats, most locations performed well for file sharing, with average speeds well over 100 Mbps

That said, StrongVPN is lacking some features that are popular with people who torrent regularly. It does not support port forwarding, and split tunneling is only available on Android and Firestick devices.

This makes it less desirable for people who torrent on a desktop computer or laptop, because it’s harder to multitask while keeping your torrents protected inside the VPN tunnel.

Overall, I found the StrongVPN network to work well for occasional torrenting. It delivered good speeds, kept my traffic private, and maintained stable connections. However, more serious torrenters, especially those who need port forwarding, may prefer alternatives like ProtonVPN or PureVPN.

Is StrongVPN safe?

StrongVPN offers all the core protections you would expect from a reputable VPN service. However, StrongVPN is based in the US, a member of the 5 Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance that is known for invasive surveillance practices.

Although StrongVPN claims to enforce a strict no-logs policy, its US jurisdiction means that authorities could compel it to hand over user information using a warrant or gag order.

In addition, StrongVPN has not published any independent audits to back its privacy claims yet. You have to trust that the VPN is working as advertised. Users with an elevated threat model may prefer an alternate VPN not based in America.

That said, StrongVPN provides reliable protection for everyday home users who need a VPN for streaming, gaming, torrenting, and basic online privacy. The encryption is strong, which means that VPN is completely effective for preventing tracking by ISPs and local networks. It prevents tracking on public wifi and protects against hackers and Evil Twin hotspots.

Below, you can see the results of our leak tests and learn more about its logging policy, encryption standards, and any controversies.

Security Features

StrongVPN offers a solid set of core security features:

• Kill Switch: Available on Windows and macOS, it blocks internet traffic if the VPN disconnects unexpectedly. I tested the kill switch and found that it worked at the system level.
• DNS and WebRTC Leak Protection: My tests revealed no IP, DNS, or WebRTC leaks.
• AES-256 Encryption:  This is a future-proof encryption standard.
• Scramble Obfuscation: Helps hide VPN traffic when using OpenVPN, useful for bypassing censorship in countries like China and the UAE. It can also help to connect on networks that block ports commonly associated with VPNs.
• Multiple Protocols: Supports WireGuard, OpenVPN (UDP/TCP), IKEv2, SSTP, and L2TP.
• Owned Infrastructure: 80% of its servers are owned outright. The rest are rented, but the entire network is physical (no virtual locations are provided using DNS routing.)
• Full Disk Encryption: Server hard drives are encrypted to protect against physical compromise.

Leak Test Results

I ran StrongVPN through a full set of IP, DNS, and WebRTC leak tests while connected to a server in Germany. I detected no leaks, which means that the VPN works as advertised to prevent tracking by local networks, ISPs, government agencies, and other data snoops.

Logging policy

I checked StrongVPN’s policy carefully and was happy to find that it enforces a robust zero-logging policy. The privacy policy states that the company does not collect or log VPN traffic, IP addresses, connection timestamps, or user activity.

The only information collected is an email address and payment information for account creation.

That said, there are some things worth noting:

• No Independent Audit: StrongVPN has not yet undergone a third-party audit to verify its no-logs policy.
• US Jurisdiction: Being based in the US means StrongVPN could theoretically be compelled to hand over information under a gag order. It could hypothetically be forced to start logging in secret, and nobody would know.
• Lack of Transparency Reports: StrongVPN does not publish transparency reports or a warrant canary. It’s impossible for users to know if it has been served a warrant that may put their privacy at risk.
• Diagnostic Logs: Diagnostic logs (containing limited metadata) can be created and submitted voluntarily by users seeking support. These are user-controlled, which means your data is only provided to StrongVPN with your express permission.

Overall, I found the policy to be written to a high standard, but the VPN still has too many drawbacks to be considered one of the best VPNs for privacy.

Encryption protocols

StrongVPN supports a range of protocols:

• WireGuard (default protocol): Offers excellent speeds and modern security.
• OpenVPN (UDP/TCP): Secured with AES-256-CBC encryption with SHA-256 for authentication and 2048-bit RSA keys for key exchange. Perfect Forward Secrecy is supported.
• IKEv2: Fast and reliable, especially for mobile devices.
• SSTP and L2TP/IPSec: Provided mostly for legacy support. Not recommended for privacy purposes, but may come in handy for location spoofing.

WireGuard and IKEv2 are available across all apps, while OpenVPN is available on all platforms except iOS. The protocol selection ensures that StrongVPN can meet a wide range of security needs, even though it lacks some of the more advanced options seen with premium VPNs.

Controversies

StrongVPN does not have a history of controversies related to data leaks, breaches, or unwanted logging practices. However, there are a few things worth knowing:

• Jurisdiction: StrongVPN is based in New York City, USA. The US is part of the 5/9/14 Eyes alliances, and due to the presence of the NSA, warrants, and gag orders, it is often considered one of the worst jurisdictions for privacy services to be based.
• Ownership Changes: StrongVPN is now part of Ziff Davis, which also owns IPVanish and Encrypt.me. There’s no evidence of privacy violations or any conflicts of interest, and the VPN remains independently managed.
• Lack of Independent Audit: Unlike some of its main competitors, StrongVPN has not completed any third-party audits. You have to take the service at its word when it comes to how its network is set up and the veracity of its apps for privacy purposes. During testing, the VPN worked as advertised. However, without reliable independent audits, it is impossible to know exactly what is happening server-side. Users with an elevated threat model may find this a deal breaker, especially considering it is based in the US.

Customer support

StrongVPN provides a variety of ways for subscribers to get support, including 24/7 live chat, email, and limited weekday phone support (US only). You can also contact them directly through the Android and iOS apps to make things faster on mobile.

The main chat box on its website is a bot, and you cannot ask it to pass you to a human agent directly. Instead, the bot provides a link to get to the human agent (which is hidden in an article called How Can I Contact StrongVPN Customer Support?).

Why StrongVPN has buried its human support is a mystery. I also found the bot to be buggy. At times, the chat window failed to load properly and looked half-broken, which didn’t instill much confidence.

Once I got through to a human agent, the experience was better. Although the agents sometimes disappeared to figure out an answer, they usually came back after just a minute or two.

They did use quite a few canned responses. And a few of these were oddly worded or had bad grammar, which felt odd for a VPN based in the US. This gripe aside, the agents were polite and usually gave me the answers I needed.

StrongVPN also has FAQs, setup guides, billing help, and other troubleshooting resources on its website. These guides are clear, searchable, and include screenshots. Overall, I found these resources plentiful and well-written. They also provide something for agents to link you to during conversations, which helps speed things up.

Overall, StrongVPN’s support was fine but not as good as competitors like NordVPN and Surfshark. Some room for improvement, but better than the vast majority of mid-tier VPNs.

Conclusion: Should you use StrongVPN?

StrongVPN is a mid-tier VPN that is good for streaming. The network covers most popular locations, but is very small compared to its competitors, some of which you can get at a cheaper price. Overall, the apps are functional and easy to navigate, but they feel outdated.

To speak to its positives: StrongVPN is fast and employs solid encryption. It allows up to 12 simultaneous connections, so it’s an attractive option for families. However, some competitors like IPVanish and Surfshark offer unlimited connections.

StrongVPN works to watch US Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and Prime Video in HD. Torrenting is permitted throughout its network. It’s a safe option for casual file sharers. However, feature inconsistency across apps and the lack of port forwarding will put some people off.

The lack of an independent audit, combined with StrongVPN’s US jurisdiction, might put some privacy-conscious users off. On the plus side, obfuscation is available to bypass censorship in countries like China, and its leak protection worked flawlessly during my tests. Despite these positives, the VPN still feels overpriced.

If you want a simple VPN to stream Netflix, browse securely, and use public wifi without being tracked, then StrongVPN will get the job done (make sure you use our link to access the best deal). However, if you prefer to get something that offers better value for money, stronger privacy, and more advanced features, I’d recommend looking at one of the alternatives below.

What are the best alternatives to StrongVPN?

If you want a VPN that offers better features and value for money, there are numerous competitors that we prefer over StrongVPN.

NordVPN is our top recommendation for home users seeking an impressive all-rounder. It’s more affordable than StrongVPN and provides better features. Subscribers get robust security, a fully audited privacy policy and apps, fast speed, and excellent user-friendliness. NordVPN works with every major streaming platform, has 24/7 live chat support, and has features like Double VPN, Threat Protection, and obfuscated servers. Plus, it works with more streaming platforms.

Surfshark is perfect for anybody looking for a highly robust budget VPN. Despite being cheaper than Strong, it beats it in every area that we test. It comes with unlimited device connections, great apps for all devices, WireGuard support, blazing-fast speeds, and a huge server network. Surfshark excels at unblocking international streaming services, making it perfect for streaming on a budget.

Finally, TotalVPN is perfect for users who want a great value VPN that comes bundled with bonus features, including Total Adblock and antivirus tools like malware scanning and real-time protection.