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StrongVPN Review
Privacy & Logging Policy
No-logs But Hasn’t Been Audited
| Data Type | Logged by StrongVPN |
|---|---|
| Account Information | Yes |
| Browsing Activity | No |
| Date of Last Connection | No |
| Device Information | No |
| DNS Queries | No |
| Individual Bandwidth Usage | No |
| Individual Connection Timestamps | No |
| ISP | No |
| Number of Simultaneous Connections | No |
| Originating IP Address | No |
| VPN Server IP | No |
| VPN Server Location | No |
You can read StrongVPN’s full privacy policy on its website.
StrongVPN was launched in 2005 by Strong Technology, LLC. It has changed hands a number of times over the years. In 2019 it was acquired by J2 Global, an American technology company.
In October 2021 J2 Global split in two as a company, becoming Consensus Cloud Solutions, Inc. and Ziff Davis. Its VPN properties now fall under ownership of Ziff Davis, a conglomerate digital media, affiliate marketing and technology company.
Despite this confusing latest change of ownership, we’ve seen no reason to believe that StrongVPN has changed as a service.
Based in Privacy-Unfriendly US
StrongVPN operates under US jurisdiction, which is one of the least privacy-friendly locations in the world. The US is a member of the Five Eyes international intelligence-sharing alliance. This means the government can demand surveillance data from companies and share it with an intelligence agency without your knowledge.
The VPN service states that it will comply with valid subpoena requests. But because StrongVPN doesn’t collect any customer activity logs, there’s no way of tying down any web activity to an individual user. It cannot submit information that’s already been deleted.
Logging Policy
We analyzed StrongVPN’s privacy policy in detail and found it to be zero-logs. It clearly states:
StrongVPN’s Privacy Policy confirms it does not log your web browsing activity.
To summarize, it doesn’t collect any data about its customers’ use of its VPN service. This includes even basic connection metadata such as timestamps, chosen server or bandwidth consumed.
StrongVPN Hasn’t Been Independently Audited
Our main concern about StrongVPN’s logging policy is its lack of external audit, which would verify the no-logs claim.
We would also like to see a warrant canary or official statement on the website. A warrant canary is published on a website to warn users that a company has been served a subpoena, and that the company may have to share your data.
Without this, the company might have no way of communicating to users if it has been asked to share data with the government.
Speed
Fast International Speeds & Low Latency
Here’s a table showing StrongVPN’s international speed test results on a 100Mbps internet connection:
These results show that StrongVPN’s download speeds almost catch up to the fastest VPN available, Hotspot Shield, and even outperforms IPVanish and NordVPN on international speed stability. Though, it doesn’t perform as well when comparing upload speeds with other top-tier VPNs.
Lowest Latency Recorded
In our 2024 speed tests, we found that StrongVPN has the lowest local ping times out of all the 62 VPNs we’ve reviewed.
At just 4ms, it beats other top-tier VPNs like NordVPN and Hide.me. Using StrongVPN, we’re able to play fast-paced online games, like CS:GO and PUBG, without lagging and connection drops.
Here’s a table comparing ping times between top VPNs:
Ping times refer to the time it takes for data to be transmitted from your device to a server and back again. A lower ping time (or latency) is one of the most important features to a good gaming VPN because it reduces the amount of lag you experience gaming online.
Server Locations
59 Locations Across 42 Countries
Here’s a breakdown of StrongVPN’s server coverage:
| Continent | Number of Countries |
|---|---|
| Europe | 30 |
| Asia | 23 |
| South America | 5 |
| North America | 3 |
| Africa | 2 |
| Oceania | 2 |
StrongVPN’s coverage is slightly on the smaller side, with around 950 servers spread across over 42 countries. We’d like to see StrongVPN serve more countries – ideally 50 or more – with better coverage of Africa and specific countries like New Zealand.
StrongVPN’s server list on iOS.
First-Party Server Ownership
StrongVPN owns and operates all of its own servers, just like its ‘sister’ VPN, IPVanish.
Ownership of its “infrastructure of global servers” is one of StrongVPN’s best selling points because it eliminates the risks associated with rental servers. It guarantees there is no “third-party meddling with [its] users’ activity,” and only trusted employees have access to the physical servers.
Lots of City-Level Servers
StrongVPN offers city-specific servers in 59 cities. Of these 59, 25% are based in the US. This is usual for VPNs, which often have a concentration of servers in the US and EU.
A list of available servers on StrongVPN.
Multi-city servers can be found in:
- Australia (4 cities)
- Canada (3)
- France (3)
- UK (6)
- US (15)
In the last few months, StrongVPN has brought down the number of servers in Germany and Brazil. The number of servers in Australia has increased from two cities to four.
There is good server coverage in Asia with servers located in Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan. South America counts servers in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Colombia.
However, there are only two servers in Africa, both located in Johannesburg, and one in India, Mumbai. If there are only a couple servers in your continent, we recommend checking out a better alternative. In comparison, ExpressVPN has servers in four African countries (South Africa, Egypt, Kenya, and Algeria), and three in India (Mumbai and Chennai).
On the plus-side, StrongVPN does make a very high number of IP addresses available to its customers – almost 60,000 – which is great for maintaining high speeds.
Streaming
Good VPN for Streaming US Netflix
| Streaming Platform | Works with StrongVPN |
|---|---|
| Amazon Prime Video | Yes |
| BBC iPlayer | Yes |
| Channel 4 | Yes |
| Disney+ | Yes |
| Hotstar India | No |
| Hulu | Yes |
| ITVX | No |
| Max | Yes |
| Netflix US | Yes |
StrongVPN recently started working again with US Netflix on several of its US servers, after weeks of being completely blocked.
There are no dedicated streaming servers, though, which makes the task trickier. While it’s not too hard to find a working server, CyberGhost’s dedicated streaming servers deliver a far better user experience.
StrongVPN’s Chicago server unblocked US Netflix.
While we could stream US Netflix content in HD quality, we couldn’t unblock any other Netflix region. We tested over 10 libraries, with no success.
In comparison, NordVPN unblocks 17 Netflix regions, including Germany and the UK.
StrongVPN’s inconsistent access to BBC iPlayer
Streaming BBC iPlayer is a different story. StrongVPN unblocks iPlayer inconsistently, working on some days but not others.
StrongVPN’s London server unblocked BBC iPlayer.
Here’s a list of StrongVPN’s UK servers, and whether they currently work with BBC iPlayer:
If you want greater reliability, there are more reliable VPNs for BBC iPlayer.
StrongVPN is one of the best VPNs for unblocking Channel 4 (All 4), either through its VPN servers or StrongDNS.
StrongVPN works with most streaming platforms
StrongVPN unblocked most other US content platforms we tested. It worked with Hulu, HBO Max, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video USA.
Similarly to its issues with BBC iPlayer, StrongVPN doesn’t always work with other platforms, though. If a US server stops streaming, you’ll have to try different ones until you find one that works.
Torrenting
StrongVPN Allows Torrenting on All Servers
Here’s how StrongVPN performed in our torrenting tests:
| Torrenting Attribute | Result |
|---|---|
| Average Download Bitrate | 9.7MiB/s |
| No. of P2P Servers | 950 |
| Logging Policy | No Logs |
| Kill Switch | Yes |
| Port Forwarding | No |
StrongVPN allows torrenting and P2P activity on all servers. This is unlike other VPNs which usually feature specialized servers just for torrenting.
Torrenting with StrongVPN, connected to a UK server.
In our latest P2P speed tests, StrongVPN registered an impressive average bitrate of 9.7MiB/s. This is just a small drop from the 10.0MiB/s without a VPN.
A strict no-logs policy means all your online activity remains private – which is great for anonymous file-sharing. This and AES-256 encryption has you covered for torrenting.
Dependable Kill Switch
StrongVPN’s kill switch is easy to find in settings.
What’s more, StrongVPN also has a VPN kill switch and we didn’t detect any IP, DNS, or WebRTC leaks in our latest round of testing (more on this below).
No Port Forwarding
Port forwarding speed ups file seeding, and is a feature keen torrenters often look out for in a VPN.
StrongVPN no longer sells dedicated IP addresses, which made port forwarding available. This is because all of StrongVPN’s servers now use shared IP addresses.
StrongVPN’s Kodi Add-on
StrongVPN also has a Kodi add-on that supports LibreELEC, OpenELEC, and XBMC. There’s a helpful setup guide on StrongVPN’s official website.
Bypassing Web Censorship
StrongVPN Works in Highly Censored Regions
StrongVPN is an good option for bypassing aggressive web blocks in highly censored countries like Russia, Turkey and the UAE.
But recently, it hasn’t been so effective in bypassing the Great Firewall of China. It’s actually recently been removed from our list ofrecommended VPNs for China.
In our tests, StrongVPN’s Mexico and South Korea servers are the most reliable for bypassing censorship. If you are able to access the website, StrongVPN gives useful advice about connecting in China:
StrongVPN recommends using its San Francisco server to bypass China’s firewall.
EXPERT ADVICE: We recommend opting for another VPN like Astrill VPN or Hide.me if you need to circumvent web censorship.
Scramble Feature for Obfuscation
The scramble feature “disguises [your] traffic to look like regular unencrypted traffic,” making it hard to detect.
Select Scramble on the macOS client to obfuscate your traffic.
It’s available on Windows, macOS, Android, and routers running on StrongVPN auto installers (e.g. DD-WRT and Sabai routers). The feature is also only compatible with OpenVPN.
Security & Technical Features
Strong Encryption and Secure DNS Servers
| Protocols | Available in StrongVPN |
|---|---|
| IKEv2/IPSec | Yes |
| L2TP/IPSec | Yes |
| OpenVPN (TCP/UDP) | Yes |
| PPTP | Yes |
| SSTP | Yes |
| WireGuard | Yes |
| Encryption | Available in StrongVPN |
|---|---|
| AES-128 | No |
| AES-192 | No |
| AES-256 | Yes |
| Blowfish | No |
| ChaCha20 | Yes |
| Security | Available in StrongVPN |
|---|---|
| Diskless Servers | No |
| DNS Leak Blocking | Yes |
| First-party DNS | Yes |
| IPv6 Leak Blocking | Yes |
| Supports TCP Port 443 | Yes |
| VPN Kill Switch | Yes |
| WebRTC Leak Blocking | No |
| Advanced Features | Available in StrongVPN |
|---|---|
| Ad Blocker | No |
| Dedicated IP | No |
| Double VPN | No |
| SOCKS | No |
| Split Tunneling | No |
| Static IP | No |
| Tor over VPN Server | No |
| Tracker Blocker | No |
StrongVPN has a kill switch that prevents your true IP address from being exposed. It uses AES-256 encryption and it operates its own DNS servers, meaning none of your web traffic will be routed through third-party servers.
StrongVPN offers multiple secure protocols on desktop and mobile.
StrongVPN also supports WireGuard on all its apps – an alternative to OpenVPN which is looking more and more likely to become the fastest option.
Despite StrongVPN’s website saying that many servers are only compatible with insecure PPTP connections, this is incorrect.
We got in touch with a customer service agent to find out more. They clarified that you can choose between 6 protocols on all servers, including trusted OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols.
StrongVPN passed our leak tests.
We were also pleased to detect no DNS or IP leaks in our latest tests.
Device & OS Compatibility
Works with All Popular Devices Plus Routers
You can have up to 12 simultaneous connections with one StrongVPN subscription. It’s a very generous offer and should be more than enough for the average household. If that’s not enough for you, though, you can also install StrongVPN on your router to protect all of your devices at once.
There are key differences between StrongVPN’s apps. Here’s a table of features available on each platform:
Apps
StrongVPN can be used on the following platforms:
Windows
Mac
iOS
Android
Linux
Router
StrongVPN provides custom VPN apps for all popular devices.
On its website, you’ll find manual setup guides for other types of devices, platforms and software like Linux, Amazon Kindle and Kodi.
StrongVPN also provides step-by-step instructions on how to manually set up the VPN on your router to protect all internet traffic in your home.
StrongVPN’s 12 simultaneous connection limit is very generous and one of the highest we’ve seen.
Games Consoles & Streaming Devices
Apple TV
Amazon Fire TV
Chromecast
Nintendo
PlayStation
Roku
Xbox
StrongVPN can be used with consoles and streaming devices by following the manual configuration instructions for installing StrongVPN on your home router.
There’s also a user-friendly native app for Amazon Fire TV devices, but it’s just not as good as some of the best VPNs for Fire TV Stick available.
EXPERT ADVICE: The StrongVPN app is only compatible on Amazon Fire TV devices released from 2016 onwards.
Router Compatibility
Setting up a VPN on your router saves you from having to reconnect each time on every device. It’s a great option if you don’t want to worry about being hacked through smart home devices or worry about forgetting to connect your VPN.
StrongVPN offers great options for both novice and experienced customers. There’s a full list of over 125 compatible routers on StrongVPN’s website, split into useful categories.
For beginners, here’s a list of preloaded routers available, all powered by Sabai OS:
- VPN Accelerator
- Linksys E2500
- Asus RT-N12
- Netgear Nighthawk X6 R8000
For confident users, you can set up StrongVPN manually on devices from these manufacturers:
- Asus
- Belkin
- Buffallo
- D-Link
- GL.iNet
- Linksys
- Netgear
- TP-Link
If you’re interested, check out our guide to installing a VPN on your router to protect all your devices at once.
Browser Extensions
Chrome
The StrongVPN proxy failed to unblock geo-restricted streaming services like BBC iPlayer and Netflix, meaning it’s basically useless. It’s also only available to customers with a StrongVPN subscription.
Proxies aren’t the same as a VPN. They don’t encrypt your data and web activity, making it vulnerable to attack or exposure.
In our tests, StrongVPN’s web proxy did not unblock US Netflix.
StrongVPN’s browser extension gives you access to 14 server locations, including New York, London, Tokyo, and Sweden, which is above average.
Ease of Use
Easy-to-use Apps on All Major Platforms
On both the Windows and the macOS versions, the default server is the Best Available option, which is the server closest to your location. It’s a convenient feature if you just want to quickly connect to a nearby server.
On both desktop apps, the servers are sorted alphabetically by country and then city. There’s no further categorization by region or server specialization, since there aren’t any specialized servers.
Desktop users also have the benefit of a proxy browser extension that has 14 server locations — though it wasn’t able to access US Netflix or BBC iPlayer.
In comparison, the mobile client offers a superior experience because you can sort servers by city or country. On the plus side, you can use the search bar on both desktop and mobile clients to find a specific location.
Desktop & Laptop: Windows & Mac
StrongVPN’s main screen on dekstop is very stripped back, displaying only the important connection details: current IP address, time elapsed since connection, visible location, whether you’re connected to the VPN.
A range of settings can be found behind the cog icon along the top of the app. There aren’t a lot of options, but the essentials are covered, such as a functional kill switch and the option to reconnect automatically. The macOS client offers IPV6 Leak Protection, which the Windows doesn’t have.
Importantly, the kill switch is only compatible with OpenVPN or L2TP – we recommend sticking to the former to ensure your real IP address is not exposed.
In terms of design, the macOS version is much sleeker than Windows. It has a minimalist white background, instead of navy and black, and you can’t switch to navy or black. Which one you might prefer comes down to your own personal preference.
Mobile: Android & iOS
Similar to its desktop apps, StrongVPN’s mobile apps have differing color schemes and features. StrongVPN’s iOS design is consistent with the macOS client. The background color is white and gives the app a modern, minimalist look.
We’re extremely disappointed to see the VPN service does not offer a kill switch on either Android or iOS, which should be a dealbreaker for frequent mobile VPN users.
We’re disappointed to see StrongVPN’s split tunneling feature is only available on Android. The feature is compatible with Wireguard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2, but we recommend just sticking to WireGuard or OpenVPN.
When you open the split tunneling feature, the apps are sorted alphabetically by default. They are sorted into categories such as “Recommended” and “User Apps.” You can also “Select all” and “Deselect all” in the hamburger menu.
StrongVPN has a great customer support chat feature in-app. If you’d like to talk to a real person straight away, click Chat with an agent. We were able to speak to someone in less than five minutes.
Fire TV
StrongVPN has a good Fire TV app that unblocks US Netflix and BBC iPlayer – though it sometimes struggles with the latter. In comparison, Windscribe gives you access to 32 Netflix libraries and consistently works with BBC iPlayer.
On StrongVPN, you can choose between WireGuard, OpenVPN and IKEv2 protocols. WireGuard is the default, which is great since it’s fast and secure.
You can split tunnel specific apps on your Fire TV with StrongVPN.
Split tunneling is a great feature that lets you route certain apps through a VPN connection and not others. This part of the app wasn’t optimized for TV though. When scrolling through the apps, it didn’t highlight which we were hovering over on the screen.
It’s a shame the Fire TV app doesn’t have a kill switch. Without it, your IP address could be exposed if your internet were to drop.
Customer Support
Fast Response Time But Some Confusing Advice
| Customer Support | Available in StrongVPN |
|---|---|
| 24/7 Email Support | No |
| 24/7 Live Chat Support | Yes |
| Chatbot | No |
| No | |
| Email Support via Online Form | No |
| Online Resources | Yes |
| Tutorial Videos | No |
Live chat is available 24/7, but most of the time we just ended up talking to a sales agent who copied and pasted answers from the FAQs section.
This was a little disappointing, but whenever they couldn’t solve our problems they did forward our details on to the tech team, who were always quick to respond.
The official StrongVPN website provides a great range of setup manuals for many different devices, including video tutorials and screenshots.
For basic instructions, the FAQ section should do the job, but for anything beyond simple help you’ll have to contact their customer support team.
Extensive & Useful Knowledge Base
The official StrongVPN website offers an extensive searchable knowledge base.
It’s full of setup guides for different devices, including video tutorials and screenshots. There’s even a couple articles written in Mandarin for Chinese users.
An article written in Mandarin, showing you how to change your password if you can’t login.
Articles in the knowledge base are sorted into the following categories:
- Android
- iOS
- macOS
- Windows
- Linux
- Routers
- Amazon devices
- Network issues
- China
- Connectivity
- App and operating system general troubleshooting
- Legacy app troubleshooting
Overall, the resources on the official website are more than enough to help you set up any device. You have access to 24/7 live sales, billing, and technical support. But you may encounter some issues with live agents who aren’t as knowledgeable.
Price & Value
Affordable VPN on Long Term Plan
StrongVPN offers two pricing plans: a monthly plan and an annual plan. They have the exact same features, but you get a significant discount with the longer subscription.
The priciest option is the single month plan at $11.99. This is reduced to a very affordable $3.97 if you sign up to an annual plan.
However, StrongVPN’s $47.69 one-year plan renews at a much higher price of $89.99. IPVanish has a similar pricing plan and renewal price, but it’s one of the best VPNs on the market, compared to StrongVPN which ranks #11.
On the plus side, StrongVPN offers a bundle deal, with a StrongDNS service and online storage. Both subscription plans include 250GB of free cloud storage with SugarSync. If you decide to switch VPN service, you will lose this storage.
Overall, StrongVPN’s initial annual year plan is great value, but you might want to switch to a service like Surfshark after, which only increases from $47.88 to $59.76 after the initial year.
Payment & Refund Options
American Express
Mastercard
PayPalVisa
StrongVPN accepts the majority of standard payment options including most major credit and debit cards, PayPal and Alipay.
It’s disappointing to see a lack of cryptocurrency or other anonymous payment methods, however.
The VPN service also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee for annual subscriptions, in place of a true VPN free trial. It doesn’t apply to monthly subscriptions though, meaning you could lose out on the $10.99 you paid.
This is for customers who are “less than 100% satisfied with the StrongVPN service.” There are no hidden restrictions or data caps during the 30-day refund period.
