StrongVPN : Full Review, Testing, and Presentation (2024)

What is StrongVPN?

StrongVPN is a VPN provider (virtual private network) located in the United States.

It has 950 servers in more than 35 countries around the world.

Let's be clear, StrongVPN is not among the top-rated VPN providers on the market for several reasons that we'll detail later.

However, a recent update has brought significant improvements not only in terms of performance, but also in terms of design and support for a greater number of platforms.

While StrongVPN still has some work to do when it comes to its server network, price/performance ratio, and a number of features, it seems to be moving in the right direction.

Features

StrongVPN is a virtual private network (VPN) service that is known for its combination of enhanced security, high speed, and ease of use. It offers users protection of their online privacy and secure access to an unrestricted internet. Here's a detailed review of StrongVPN's core features, with a critical conclusion for each.

1. Advanced Encryption

StrongVPN uses cutting-edge encryption protocols to secure users' internet connections, protecting their data from interception.

• Security Protocols: Includes IKEv2, Wireguard Protocol, IPSec, and OpenVPN, giving users multiple options for balancing speed and security.
• Data Encryption: Uses AES-256 bit encryption, the industry standard for data security against hackers.

StrongVPN's strength lies in its commitment to the security of user data through advanced encryption. However, selecting the optimal protocol may require technical understanding for those looking to customize their security level.

2. Server location

StrongVPN has a vast network of servers spread across numerous countries, allowing users to bypass censorship and access geo-restricted content.

• Global coverage: Over 950 servers in over 30 countries, offering great flexibility in choosing the virtual location.
• Access to Blocked Content: Allows users to access websites and online services that may be blocked in their region.

The large server network is a major asset for those looking to access a free and open internet. However, performance may vary depending on server location and network load.

3. Log Non-Retention Policy

The StrongVPN virtual private network is committed to not keeping the activity or connection logs of its users, thus strengthening the protection of their privacy.

• User Privacy: No data collection on visited websites, downloaded data, or search queries.
• Transparency: The policy of not keeping logs is clearly communicated to users.

StrongVPN's no-log policy is essential for users who care about their online privacy. This approach builds trust, although privacy assurance also depends on the legislation in force in the country where the VPN operates.

4. Cross-platform compatibility

StrongVPN offers dedicated applications for a wide range of devices and operating systems, ensuring a consistent user experience.

• Dedicated Apps: Available on Windows, macOS, macOS, iOS, Android, and more.
• Simultaneous connection: Allows multiple devices to connect to the VPN at the same time on a single account.

Cross-platform compatibility and the possibility of simultaneous connections make StrongVPN extremely convenient for families or individuals with multiple devices. However, the quality of the user experience may vary by device and operating system.

5. Torrenting support

StrongVPN allows torrenting on its network, giving users a secure way to share and download P2P files.

• Network Optimized for P2P: Some servers are optimized for peer-to-peer file sharing, ensuring high download speeds and connection stability.
• Enhanced Security: Advanced encryption and a no-log policy ensure torrenting activities remain private and secure.

Torrenting support is a significant advantage for StrongVPN users, allowing for secure and efficient file sharing. However, it is important for users to ensure that they comply with copyright laws and local regulations regarding torrenting.

6. Streaming Optimization

StrongVPN is also optimized for streaming, allowing users to access geo-restricted content and enjoy a high-quality viewing experience without interruption.

• Access to Geo-restricted Content: Bypass geographic restrictions to access popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.
• High Streaming Quality: Optimized servers reduce buffering and ensure consistent streaming quality, even in high definition.

Optimizing for streaming makes StrongVPN an attractive option for movie lovers and TV fans who want to access a wide range of online content. However, performance may vary depending on the distance from the servers and the ability of the servers to bypass blocking measures taken by some streaming services.

7. StrongVPN compatible devices

StrongVPN offers a wide range of platforms, but it's unfortunate that browser extensions aren't available.

• Windows
• macos
• linux
• android
• ios
• Amazon Kindle
• Kodi
• Wireless router

Customer Support

StrongVPN provides 24/7 customer support to help users resolve any technical issues or questions regarding the service.

• Support Channels: Includes live chat, email, and a self-help knowledge base.
• Responsiveness: The support team is praised for their speed and efficiency in resolving user issues.

24/7 customer support is a crucial part of maintaining a positive user experience, especially for those who are not technically savvy. While support is generally effective, the experience may vary depending on the complexity of the request.

Pricing

2 different choices available, all with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

• 1-month subscription: $11.99
• 1-year subscription: $3.97
• 30-day money back guarantee

The methods available are as follows:

• Credit cards
• PayPal
• Alipay

StrongVPN does not allow bitcoin payments.

Confidentiality

StrongVPN claims that it does not keep logs of your online activities, but encourages you to check its site regularly as its privacy policy may change from time to time.

Additionally, StrongVPN fails to mention that its headquarters are based in the United States.

Finally, a large number of servers still use the PPTP protocol, which is not very secure and outdated.

How to connect with StrongVPN

StrongVPN recently updated all of its applications, making them much more accessible to inexperienced users. The main screen is very basic and only shows essential connection details. A limited range of settings can be found at the top of the app.

The mobile applications are also of good quality and simple to use.

Connecting to a server

1. Your new IP address will be shown here once you connect to the server.
2. Shows you if you are connected and for how long.
3. Indicates the country where the server is located.
4. Shows you which server you are connected to or the best server to connect to.

Server selection or to a city of your choice:

1. Type in the search bar the country or city where you want to connect.
2. Display the list of servers available in the selected country.
3. Rank the server according to its city.
4. Choose the city or click on “Best Availability” to automatically connect to one of the 3 fastest servers.
5. Click “save” to complete the server change.

Alternatives to StrongVPN

Let's explore alternatives to StrongVPN, a VPN service known for its robust security, speed, and ability to unblock geo-restricted content.

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is crucial for protecting online privacy, securing Internet connections, and accessing content without geographic restrictions. Here are three relevant StrongVPN alternatives, focusing on their features, pricing, and a critical conclusion for each service:

1. NordVPN

NordVPN is one of the most recognized VPN services, offering advanced security, high connection speed, and a large network of servers around the world.

Features

• Double VPN: Route traffic through two VPN servers for added security.
• Specialized servers: Offers servers optimized for P2P, double VPN, and anti-DDoS.
• Strict no-log policy: Ensures total privacy without tracking online activities.
• Ad and malware blocker: CyberSec blocks dangerous websites and intrusive ads.

Pricing

• Subscriptions: Plans start at around $3.71/month for a two-year commitment.

NordVPN stands out for its advanced security features and its strict no-log policy, offering one of the best protections on the market. Compared to StrongVPN, NordVPN might be preferred for users looking for enhanced security and a vast selection of servers.

2. Surfshark

Surfshark is a relatively new VPN service that has quickly become popular for its affordability, solid security, and unlimited connected devices policy.

Features

• Unlimited simultaneous connections: A single subscription covers all your devices.
• Camouflage mode: Hide the use of VPNs to look like regular internet traffic.
• Whitelister: Allows you to select applications and websites to be excluded from the VPN.
• NoBorders Mode: Allows you to use Surfshark in restricted regions.

Pricing

• Subscriptions: Plans start at $2.49/month for a two-year commitment.

Surfshark stands out for its exceptional offer of unlimited simultaneous connections and its value for money.

For users looking for a cost-effective option without compromising security or functionality, Surfshark presents an attractive alternative to StrongVPN, especially for households or small businesses with numerous devices.

3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is renowned for its high speeds, reliability, and support for a wide range of devices and platforms.

Features

• Split Tunneling: Allows you to route part of the internet traffic through the VPN while accessing the internet directly for other applications.
• Servers in 94 countries: Broad global coverage guaranteeing access to international content.
• Advanced Encryption: Uses AES-256 encryption to secure data.
• 24/7 customer support: Support available anytime via live chat.

Pricing

• Subscriptions: Plans start at $6.67/month for a one-year subscription with three months free.

ExpressVPN excels at providing high speeds and extensive server coverage, making it ideal for streaming and downloading geo-restricted content. Although slightly more expensive, ExpressVPN offers a superior user experience and could be the best option for those who value speed and overall access over StrongVPN.

Final Verdict

StrongVPN suffers from a rather poor quality-price ratio. It's only slightly cheaper than the market leaders for a one-month subscription, but it doesn't offer all the guarantees, features, or performance.

The fact that it is located in the United States raises serious doubts about data privacy, even though it claims to keep no records of your online activities.

To conclude, StrongVPN has improved a lot recently. The performance of its servers has been much better since the complete overhaul of their software.

We will continue to closely follow this provider which seems to be on the right track even though it still has a lot of work to do to be able to claim to be among the best VPN providers.