StrongVPN Review: Is StrongVPN a Good VPN?
StrongVPN has been around for over a decade in the VPN industry, but it is still unknown. In general, this fact may be the reason that many consumers choose or not.
As a matter of fact, StrongVPN has been optimizing its product and making many much-needed improvements in 2018 to improve user experience.
Is StrongVPN a Good VPN?
To help you know more about StrongVPN, we’ve reviewed StrongVPN in great detail, covering everything from speed to customer service to competitive features and compatibility to answer your wondering questions.
Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links that I receive a small commission for at no cost to you. You can read my full affiliate disclaimer in the footer.
StrongVPN Reviews Overview
StrongVPN Key Summary
Logging Policy | Zero-Logs |
IP, DNS or WebRTC Leaks | No |
Jurisdiction | US (5-Eyes Member) |
Servers | 950+ |
IP Addresses | undisclosed |
Countries | 59,500+ |
Simultaneous device | 12 |
Unblock US Netflix | Yes |
Dedicated IP | Yes |
Torrenting | Unlimited |
Works in China | Yes |
Support | 24/7 Live Chat & Phone Help |
Free Trial | No |
The Cheapest Price | $5.83/mo over 12 Months |
Refund Policy | 30-day money-back guarantee |
Official Website | strongvpn.com |
Coupons&Deals | Save 50% Now |
StrongVPN Pros & Cons
Pros
- Good speed, reliable connection
- Bypass China’s Great Firewall
- WireGuard, L2TP, SSTP, OpenVPN, IPSec, and IKEv2 protocols
- Secure Cloud Storage + VPN Protection
- Zero logging of connections and activity
- 59,500 VPN IPs, 950+ servers in 35 countries and 59 cities
- Up to 12 simultaneous connections
- Apps for iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, and more
- Risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Small server network
- A bit pricy
What is StrongVPN?
StrongVPN service was launched in 2005, but it began as a small company in South Lake Tahoe, California, in 1994.
After a long period of development, StrongVPN has expanded the network to over 950 servers worldwide and gained the favor of consumers in over 30 countries because of its privacy service.
StrongVPN team comprises over 60 people located worldwide, including the U.S., France, Australia, Japan, and Malaysia. StrongVPN claims that they aim to deliver honest VPN security to keep people safe and private online. To achieve this shared mission, StrongVPN has many experts who focus on Linux, macOS, Windows, and routers.
Logging Policy
StrongVPN is one of the few zero-logging VPNs. Its mission is to provide people with a private and safe internet experience.
StrongVPN can promise zero-logging means it does not track or store your data while connected to VPN service, let alone share your private information or activity with any third parties.
Additionally, StrongVPN will help you browse anonymously, primarily hide your real IP address, and prevent third-party spying.
Like every premium online service, StrongVPN needs some necessary information from you to maintenance service like below:
- An email address
- A payment method
- A full name
- A credit card
- A billing address
StrongVPN Speed Test
StrongVPN is really fast and stable. We have no issues while streaming videos online in 1080P. Lower latency and higher download speeds are ideal for gamer and more torrent.
We mostly pick various servers that span different distances to test. Here are the average results from our physical location in Seattle, US.
- Short-distance servers (US, CA)
- Long-distance servers (UK, JP, AU, TW, SG)
Here is the speed test result comparison:
For short-distance servers, the US server is a little better than CA. They have almost the same network latency, but the download speed is 61% faster than the CA server. However, you can watch Netflix and BBC iPlayer in HD without any issues.
For long-distance servers, StrongVPN is pretty good in the UK and AU, whether it’s network latency or download speeds. It performs poorly in some Asian countries, even if you could connect and use them usually.
StrongVPN Server Locations
StrongVPN global network has spanned 950+ VPN servers in over 30 countries and 46 cities. No matter where you’re located in the world, you can also find the servers that are next to you.
With StrongVPN 59,500 VPN IPs, you can easily access geo-locked content and protect against localized censorship and website roadblocks.
StrongVPN offers more optimized servers in popular countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Brazil, and Australia. With ‘Best Available Location’ feature, it’s easy to experience the fastest speeds with the best server.
Moreover, StrongVPN also provides more city-level servers to minimizes network congestion. You can choose city-level servers in the following cities:
- US – 15 cities
- UK – 7 cities
- Germany – 2 cities
- Canada – 3 cities
- Brazil – 2 cities
- Australia – 2 cities
In fact, StrongVPN global network has you covered. No matter where you are in the world, you also can use StrongVPN to securely enjoy an unrestricted internet.
Apps, Extensions, and Compatibility
Apps
StrongVPN offers dedicated apps that supported the most common systems and devices.
- Windows
- macOS
- Android
- IOS
Not surprisingly, you maybe don’t find the StrongVPN app for your system or devices. But StrongVPN provides step-by-step guides in great detail like:
- Linux
- Ubuntu Linux
- Synology NAS
- Kodi
- Amazon Kindle
- Chromium OS / Google Chrome OS
- Nokia Maemo (Legacy Tutorial)
- Nokia Symbian (Legacy Tutorial)
- HP WebOS (Legacy Tutorial)
Keep in mind that you can connect up to 12 devices simultaneously. It’s no matter what your systems or devices are.
Apps for Games Consoles & Streaming Devices
Unfortunately, StrongVPN doesn’t have an app for game consoles like Xbox or PlayStation, but you can manually set up the VPN connection. StrongVPN can only send your server info. There are no instructions.
It’s pretty good that StrongVPN developed an APP for Amazon Fire TV and Fire Stick.
We recommend using a VPN router to get StrongVPN on these devices, including your streaming devices.
- ASUS Router OS
- Sabai Router OS
- Tomato Router OS
- DD-WRT Router OS
- Mikrotik Router OS
Browser Extensions
StrongVPN does have an extension for Chrome. It is available for free with StrongVPN packages.
StrongVPN works with Netflix, BBC iPlayer & torrenting?
StrongVPN claims it’s the best streaming VPN on the official website, meantime, the StrongVPN website lists some popular streaming services online like:
- ABC
- Channel4
- Crunchyroll
- HBO
- Fire TV
- Hulu
- IPTV
- ITV
- Kodi
- SkyGO
- Netflix
- SlingTV
- Spotify
- TVPlayer
- YouTube
BBC iPlayer wasn’t on the list, but our testing shows that it works well with StrongVPN’s UK servers.
Why can StrongVPN bypass censorship and access geo-blocked content? Because it integrates the powerful DNS service called “StrongDNS.”
The StrongDNS service will unblock quite a few Netflix content libraries and currently only support the US and Japan. And we can stream Netflix content in HD without any buffering.
It’s not fair that it will only provide Netflix access to computers using a web browser to access Netflix content.
Only a web browser.
This is where StrongVPN needs to be improved and optimized.
Torrenting
StrongVPN speeds testing has proved that the download speeds are pretty fast. However, it’s unacceptable for StrongVPN to sacrifice speed for security.
With StrongVPN, you can enjoy high connection speeds with P2P optimized servers, all while keeping your online activity anonymous.
StrongVPN Works in China, UAE & more?
StrongVPN really works well in China, and the speed test about StrongVPN servers we did was in our China physical location.
With the ‘Best Available Server’ feature, StrongVPN will pick up the best performance servers based on your location. We highly recommend connecting to Korea and US servers to get the fast and download speeds in China.
StrongVPN Speed Test in China
As usual, We choose different servers depending on the distance from China. In terms of the test results, the TW server is the best one that works in China. And other servers have the same problem of high network latency.
This is the speed test result comparison:
Nevertheless, we highly recommend TW, US, and UK servers.
Also, we find that OpenVPN is the best protocol with port 443 that works in China, although it may be slower than other protocols due to its more robust security. But if you use macOS, we highly recommend the IEKv2 protocol.
Of course, you can choose other protocols like IKEv2, L2TP, or IPSec. If they are not available because of firewall restrictions, OpenVPN with a changeable port is the right choice.
StrongVPN Encryption & Security
Protocols
- L2TP/IPSec
- IKEv2
- OpenVPN (TCP/UDP)
- PPTP
- WireGuard®
Encryption
- 2048-bit encryption
Security
- DNS Leak Blocking
- StrongDNS
- IPV6 Leak Protection
- Supports TCP Port 443
- VPN Kill Switch
Advanced features
- VPN Auto Reconnect
- Diagnostics
Indeed, StrongVPN supports a wide variety of VPN connection protocols to make StrongVPN service accessible to everyone. But it’s not suitable for every system or device, you can choose different types by what you are using.
- L2TP – macOS, Windows
- IPSec – macOS, IOS
- IKEv2 – Windows, macOS, IOS
- OpenVPN (TCP/UDP) – macOS, Windows, Android
- SSTP – Windows
- WireGuard® – Windows, macOS, IOS, Android
Which protocol should you pick up? Please check the explanation.
StrongVPN also 2048-bit encryption to keep your complete online security. But beyond that, your online privacy and activity will be protected with DNS Leak Blocking, IPV6 Leak Protection, and StrongDNS service.
When your connection suddenly dropped out, you will automatically disconnect with the VPN Kill Switch feature. If you want to connect again without manual adjustment, you can turn VPN Auto Reconnect on.
StrongVPN specially launched a Diagnostics feature to help you solve VPN connectivity and performance issues as soon as possible. The StrongVPN support team will quickly apply for a medicine according to indications with more details about problems.
Bear in mind, the advanced mode may contain personally identifiable information and should only be enabled when engaging with StrongVPN support.
StrongVPN Supports Ad Blocker?
No, the Adblocker has not yet been launched.
If you really want to enjoy the internet without annoying ads, you can choose NordVPN or VyprVPN.
StrongVPN Offers Static or Dedicated IP Addresses?
StrongVPN does offer static IPs, but it’s shared, not private. And StrongVPN doesn’t provide dedicated IP service now.
StrongVPN Customer Support
If you have any issue with installation or connection problems, you can quickly get help via online setup guides, FAQ, email support, or 7/24 live chat service. According to our experience, StrongVPN 7/24 live chat is fast and responsive.
If you’re really in a hurry or have an urgent problem, StrongVPN 7/24 phone line (+1-800-755-8001) is ready for you. That’s really a significant competitive advantage.
We have never seen a VPN provider supports a 7/24 phone line like StrongVPN by our VPN reviews.
StrongVPN is easy to use?
How to Install & Set Up StrongVPN
StrongVPN is easy to download, install, and get started, even though there are many how-to tutorials on the StrongVPN help center.
With the ‘Best Available Servers’ feature, you can automatically connect to the best server.
StrongVPN old version APP is really out of date, but it has changed to the most popular UI design style and greatly improved the user experience.
StrongVPN Pricing Plans & Refund Options
StrongVPN Coupon
StrongVPN is currently offering a 50% off deal for new users, here is the latest StrongVPN coupon code for 2020 below.
StrongVPN Coupon Special offer
30-day money-back guarantee
Save 50%
Coupon applied automatically
StrongVPN Pricing Plan
StrongVPN’s price is a bit expensive when comparing with other equivalent competitors. But when you subscribe to StrongVPN service, you can get the secure cloud storage bonus, 250 GB SugarSync® Cloud Storage.
StrongVPN is partnering with SugarSync, a secure cloud service that offers file storage, syncing, and encrypted backup.
StrongVPN offers two pricing plans, monthly and yearly. We recommend you pick a 12-months plan with a 42% discount.
1 Month | 12 Months | |
---|---|---|
Price | $ 10.00/mo | $ 2.19/mo |
Simultaneous device | 12 | 12 |
24/7 live chat | Yes | Yes |
Get it Now | Save 50% Now |
Payment & Refund Options
- Credit Card(Visa, MasterCard, American Express)
- PayPal
- AliPay
StrongVPN accepts standard payments like Visa, MasterCard, and PayPal. Furthermore, StrongVPN primarily supports Alipay, which is a popular Chinese payment.
But there is no cryptocurrency payment available in consideration of privacy.
StrongVPN doesn’t offer free trials to have complete access to all of its’ features, but it has a risk-Free 30-day money-back guarantee. It means that if you are not satisfied with StrongVPN service, you can get a full refund subject to:
- The request is made within thirty (30) days from the date of the initial purchase.
- Subscriptions purchased via the iTunes/App Store are subject to Apple’s refund policies.
StrongVPN’s 30-day money-back guarantee is like ExpressVPN, no question asked, no no strings attached. Once you submit your refund request, it typically takes between 24 and 48 hours to process.
So you can utilize the 30-day to test StrongVPN in all aspects, including server speeds, streaming service, VPN protocols, and so on. All in all, make sure it’s perfect for you before you decide to subscribe.
How to Download StrongVPN?
It’s simple to stay private online, and it starts with StrongVPN.
StrongVPN offers dedicated app clients for the most common systems and devices. Even better, StrongVPN has offered setup guides to help you quickly get started. By the way, you can Click Here to Get a 50% Discount.
Afterward, you can go to StrongVPN official website and click on VPN apps on the top menu bar. StrongVPN will detect your system or device and display the corresponding client download link.
If you want to install StrongVPN on other uncommon devices or systems, you can check out the manual setup guide.
StrongVPN FAQs
Where is StrongVPN based?
StrongVPN is located in Los Angeles, US. And it began as a small company in South Lake Tahoe, California, in 1994.
Is Strong VPN free?
No, StrongVPN is a paid service. It doesn’t offer a free trial or free plan for users. But you can enjoy all StrongVPN premium features with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
StrongVPN works in China?
Yes, it works. You can easily bypass the GFW with StrongVPN, even if you want to unblock Netflix or other streaming services. After our testing, we highly recommend IEKv2 and OpenVPN protocol.
Does StrongVPN work with Netflix?
Yes. StrongVPN can bypass censorship and access geo-blocked content with its powerful StrongDNS service. The StrongDNS service will unblock quite a few Netflix content libraries and currently only support the US and Japan.
How much does StrongVPN cost?
StrongVPN has two different pricing plans, $10 monthly, and $69.99 annually. What’s more, no matter which pricing plan you choose, you’ll get an extra 250GB of SugarSync Cloud Storage for free.
StrongVPN Alternatives
StrongVPN VS Surfshark VPN
If you’re more concerned about your privacy and security, StrongVPN may not be your best option because it’s located in the United States, a member of Five Eyes. So we highly recommend Surfshark VPN. Surfshark is based in the British Virgin Islands. It’s an ideal place for privacy. Click Here to Visit Surfshark or Read Surfshark VPN Review.
StrongVPN VS ExpressVPN
StrongVPN still needs to optimize and improve its servers to close the gap with the top-tier VPN providers. If you are looking for an extensive and fast server network, ExpressVPN is the best alternative. Click here to Visit ExpressVPN or Read ExpressVPN Review.
The Bottom Line
StrongVPN Review Summary
Summary
After our StrongVPN in-depth review, StrongVPN is definitely worth your consideration.
StrongVPN is so easy to use, and the speeds are reliable and good enough for most users. Maybe StrongVPN is a bit pricy, but you will get a 250 GB SugarSync® Cloud Storage bonus and simultaneously protect up to 12 devices.
But if you are more concerned about dedicated IPs and unblock more Netflix content libraries or a wider choice of countries, then StrongVPN may not be the best choice for you. And if so, ExpressVPN may be what you want.
If you have used StrongVPN, please share your honest review (good or bad).