StrongVPN Review

When evaluating a VPN service, StrongVPN may be appealing due to its competitive pricing and effective streaming capabilities for popular platforms.

However, several factors should be considered beyond its cost-effectiveness and streaming features. StrongVPN offers a user-friendly interface and includes generous cloud storage, but it lacks advanced features such as multi-hop connections, which may be important for users prioritizing enhanced security.

Additionally, privacy-conscious users might be concerned about StrongVPN’s U.S. jurisdiction and the absence of independent audits, which could impact their decision.

It is important to assess these factors to determine if StrongVPN aligns with your specific needs or if alternative options might be more suitable.

Key Takeaways

StrongVPN offers a monthly fee of $10.99, higher than the industry average, with a first-year annual plan discounted to $43.99.
It supports up to 12 simultaneous connections and provides 250 GB of SugarSync cloud storage at no additional cost.
Operates over 950 servers in 30 countries, with 80% owned by StrongVPN, but lacks advanced features like multi-hop connections.
Adheres to a no-logging policy with AES-256 encryption, but operates under U.S. jurisdiction, raising privacy concerns.
Streaming capability is effective for US Netflix and Disney+, but limitations exist with BBC iPlayer and other Netflix libraries.

Pricing and Plans

StrongVPN’s pricing and plans may be of interest if you’re evaluating VPN services. Their monthly subscription cost is $10.99, which is somewhat higher than the industry’s average.

For those considering long-term use, their annual plan is priced at $79.99, initially above average. However, the first-year discounted rate of $43.99 might make it a more cost-effective option for users willing to commit annually.

The service includes a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing users to test the VPN without financial commitment. This offers a degree of assurance while assessing the service.

In terms of payment, StrongVPN accepts major credit cards, PayPal, and AliPay, though it currently doesn’t support cryptocurrency.

A notable feature of StrongVPN’s subscription is the inclusion of 250 GB of SugarSync cloud storage at no additional cost. This could be beneficial for users in need of cloud storage, adding a practical element to their plans.

Features

StrongVPN offers a range of features that meet the needs of many users. It supports up to 12 simultaneous connections, making it a practical option for families or individuals with multiple devices. The service operates over 950 servers located in 30 countries, offering a variety of server locations. While this is slightly below the industry average, 80% of these servers are owned and managed by StrongVPN, which can contribute to enhanced control and reliability.

Key features include a Kill Switch and DNS leak protection, both of which are important for maintaining user privacy. However, it doesn’t offer more advanced options such as multi-hop connections or Tor access.

For VPN protocols, StrongVPN primarily uses WireGuard, recognized for its speed and efficiency, and also provides OpenVPN on all platforms except iOS, allowing for flexibility in connection preferences.

Additionally, StrongVPN subscriptions come with 250GB of cloud storage through SugarSync, adding a useful feature for file storage. While the privacy policy isn’t covered here, these features contribute to a comprehensive online experience, positioning StrongVPN as a viable option in the VPN market.

Privacy and Security

Privacy and security remain pivotal considerations for many users when evaluating a VPN service like StrongVPN. The company adheres to a no-logging policy, aimed at keeping user online activity private. They collect only essential information needed for account setup, such as an email address and payment details.

While this policy is designed to build user trust, it’s important to highlight that there haven’t been independent audits to verify these claims. Therefore, users must rely on the company’s stated commitments.

StrongVPN provides security through AES-256 encryption, a widely recognized standard for data protection. This is complemented by protocols such as IKEv2 and IPsec, which contribute to safeguarding user data.

The inclusion of a kill switch feature is a significant measure to prevent data exposure during unexpected disconnections. However, it should be noted that this feature isn’t available on mobile devices, which might be a limitation for users who primarily access the internet via smartphones.

StrongVPN operates under U.S. jurisdiction, which may present privacy concerns due to the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance. While the company’s privacy policies appear reassuring, the absence of independent audits and potential implications of its jurisdiction necessitate careful consideration of one’s privacy and security requirements.

Streaming and Torrenting

For individuals interested in streaming and torrenting, StrongVPN presents a blend of features and performance levels. It effectively accesses popular streaming platforms such as US Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video, offering a generally smooth viewing experience with load times ranging from 5 to 10 seconds for movies.

However, users might face challenges when trying to access BBC iPlayer or different Netflix libraries. Performance evaluations indicate that StrongVPN maintains sufficient speeds for streaming, though users might experience slight reductions in download speeds during operation.

Regarding torrenting, StrongVPN supports P2P activities, making it a suitable option for downloading torrents.

Nonetheless, users may encounter restrictions with certain streaming services, which could be a disadvantage for those seeking a VPN with extensive access options. The service received a streaming capability score of 6.0, highlighting its limitations relative to competitors in offering a diverse range of streaming content.

User Experience and Apps

Navigating StrongVPN’s user interface can be challenging, which may affect the overall user experience, despite the straightforward installation process across various platforms.

The StrongVPN app is available on major operating systems, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and routers, offering flexibility in device usage. The app supports up to 12 simultaneous connections per subscription, accommodating households with multiple users or devices.

However, the mobile app doesn’t have a kill switch, which could be a concern for those focused on maintaining privacy during unexpected disconnections.

For devices not directly compatible with VPNs, StrongVPN provides a Smart DNS feature. This allows for connections without encryption, which can be beneficial for streaming purposes but doesn’t offer the same level of security.

StrongVPN’s no-logging policies are in place to protect user privacy.

Customer support is accessible 24/7 via live chat and email, ensuring assistance is available when needed. Despite this, the user interface may still present some difficulties in navigation.

StrongVPN aims to balance features with user experience, but there’s potential for improvement in app navigation.

Customer Support

StrongVPN’s interface may present some difficulties for users, but their customer support is available to assist with any issues. They offer 24/7 support through live chat and email, along with phone support on weekdays, aiming to resolve concerns promptly.

Nonetheless, user feedback is varied. While some users commend the service, others report dissatisfaction, with approximately 25% of Amazon reviews being one-star. The overall Amazon rating is 3.6 out of 5 from around 45 reviews, indicating there’s potential for improvement, particularly in terms of response times.

For enhanced accessibility, integrating a live chat feature within StrongVPN’s mobile apps could benefit users who require assistance while away from their computers.

Despite some areas needing improvement, the StrongVPN support site is a useful resource, providing detailed installation guides and troubleshooting articles that contribute to a generally satisfactory user experience.

While StrongVPN’s customer support may not be perfect, the availability of assistance and the quality of their support documentation help mitigate some of the reported issues. If you experience any challenges, the combination of live chat support and a well-organized support site with practical guides can be helpful.

Consider these factors when assessing your overall experience with StrongVPN.

Comparison with Competitors

When comparing StrongVPN to its competitors, several aspects highlight where it may not meet market standards. StrongVPN’s monthly fee of $10.99 is above the industry average of $10.55. In contrast, ProtonVPN offers a free tier, and Surfshark allows for unlimited device connections, presenting more economical options.

StrongVPN manages over 950 servers across 30 countries, which is below the industry average of 53 countries, thereby restricting its global accessibility. Competitors like NordVPN have a larger server network, facilitating better worldwide access.

In terms of features, StrongVPN provides basic services and doesn’t include advanced functionalities such as multi-hop connections and split tunneling, which are available from providers like ExpressVPN and Surfshark.

The user interface has received varied reviews, with some describing it as cumbersome, unlike the modern and user-friendly interfaces of NordVPN and ProtonVPN.

Privacy is another consideration, as StrongVPN is based in the United States and doesn’t conduct third-party audits, unlike Mullvad VPN, which offers transparency through robust no-logging policies.

These limitations, coupled with a smaller server network and higher costs, render StrongVPN less competitive in the VPN market, particularly for users prioritizing extensive features and privacy.

Conclusion

If you’re a casual user looking for a straightforward VPN, StrongVPN offers a decent service with affordable pricing, especially with its annual plan. While it streams well on popular platforms, it lacks advanced features like multi-hop connections and a mobile kill switch, which might disappoint power users. Privacy concerns stem from its U.S. jurisdiction and lack of independent audits. Compared to competitors, it’s reliable for basic needs but not ideal for those prioritizing top-notch security.