StrongVPN: A Reliable Alternative With Unique Features

StrongVPN at a Glance

Originally a small operation focused on offering internet security tools, the company has grown significantly, serving a diverse audience that includes privacy-conscious individuals, frequent travelers, remote workers, and streaming enthusiasts. Now owned by Ziff Davis, a reputable digital media and internet services company, StrongVPN has the backing of a well-established parent organization, ensuring stability and continued innovation. With a user base spanning multiple countries, they aim to provide secure and unrestricted access to the internet.

The company offers a range of features designed to prioritize both performance and security. Their network includes over 950 servers in 30+ countries, supporting access to global content and bypassing geo-restrictions. They enable users to connect on up to 12 devices simultaneously, catering to households and professionals with multiple devices. The inclusion of StrongDNS, a Smart DNS service bundled with all subscriptions, is a unique offering that provides faster, encryption-free access for streaming content.

Privacy and security are central to StrongVPN’s services. They use AES-256-bit encryption combined with modern protocols such as WireGuard and OpenVPN to ensure fast and secure connections. A strict no-logs policy guarantees that user data is not tracked or stored by any third parties. StrongVPN also offers additional features like a kill switch to protect user privacy. While they do not provide a free trial, they offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing users to test the service risk-free.

StrongVPN's Features & Services

• Global server network: With over 950 servers in 30+ countries, StrongVPN provides users access to a robust network for bypassing geo-restrictions and ensuring a reliable connection anywhere in the world
• StrongDNS integration: All plans include StrongDNS, a Smart DNS service that allows users to access geo-restricted content at faster speeds by bypassing encryption. This feature is particularly useful for streaming content seamlessly
• 12 simultaneous device connections: Users can connect up to 12 devices simultaneously under one account, accommodating households or professionals with multiple devices
• Optimized for streaming: StrongVPN is compatible with popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu, enabling users to enjoy content from different regions without buffering issues
• Kill switch: The kill switch feature automatically blocks internet traffic if the VPN connection drops, ensuring no data leaks and maintaining user privacy
• Legacy protocol support: StrongVPN supports older VPN protocols like SSTP and L2TP, making it suitable for users with older devices or specific network requirements
• Router compatibility: Users can set up StrongVPN on their routers to secure their entire network, and pre-configured router options are available for convenience
• P2P and torrenting support: They allow peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing and torrenting on their network, providing fast and secure connections for these activities
• Device compatibility: StrongVPN works across a wide range of platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and routers, ensuring flexibility and ease of use
• 30-day money-back guarantee: While StrongVPN does not offer a free trial, their money-back guarantee gives users an opportunity to try the service risk-free

Protocols and speeds

• WireGuard Protocol: Known for its efficiency, WireGuard offers faster connection speeds and improved performance compared to older protocols like OpenVPN. It’s particularly suited for streaming, gaming, and other high-bandwidth activities
• OpenVPN Protocol: A highly reliable protocol that balances security and performance, making it a versatile choice for most users
• IKEv2 Protocol: Offers fast reconnections and is ideal for mobile users who frequently switch between networks, such as Wi-Fi and cellular data
• SSTP and L2TP: These legacy protocols are still supported for users who require compatibility with older devices or networks

Security & Privacy

• AES-256 encryption: StrongVPN employs Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) with 256-bit keys, recognized as the gold standard in encryption, to safeguard user data against unauthorized access
• No-logs policy: The company maintains a strict zero-logging policy, ensuring that it does not track or store users’ online activities, thereby enhancing privacy
• Kill switch: Their service includes a kill switch feature that automatically disconnects the internet connection if the VPN drops, preventing data leaks and maintaining user anonymity
• Split tunneling: Available on Android devices, this feature allows users to route specific app traffic through the VPN while other traffic accesses the internet directly, offering flexibility in managing online activities
• Advanced protocols: StrongVPN supports multiple VPN protocols, including OpenVPN, IKEv2, and the modern WireGuard protocol, providing users with options to balance speed and security according to their needs
• StrongDNS integration: Included with all subscriptions, StrongDNS allows users to bypass geo-restrictions without encryption, facilitating faster access to streaming services while maintaining privacy

Plans & Prices

StrongVPN offers two straightforward subscription plans, both providing the same set of features, with pricing varying based on the subscription length:

Monthly Plan

Cost: $11.99 per month.

Features:

• Access to all features, including 950+ servers across 30+ countries
• Up to 12 simultaneous device connections
• 250 GB of secure cloud storage through SugarSync
• 24/7 customer support

Annual Plan

Cost: $3.97 per month, billed annually at $47.69 for the first year.

Features:

• Includes all features of the Monthly Plan
• 30-day money-back guarantee

It’s important to note that the annual plan’s pricing is an introductory offer. After the first year, the renewal rate increases to $89.99 per year.

Both plans are all-inclusive, meaning there are no additional fees for features like StrongDNS integration, multiple device connections, or secure cloud storage. This simplicity ensures users receive a comprehensive VPN service without the need for add-ons or hidden costs.

While StrongVPN does not offer a free trial, the annual plan’s 30-day money-back guarantee allows users to test the service risk-free. Additionally, both plans enable users to connect up to 12 devices simultaneously, making it a cost-effective option for individuals and families with multiple devices.

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Advantages & Disadvantages

Pros

Free StrongDNS for enhanced streaming speeds
Unlike many VPNs that charge extra for Smart DNS services, StrongVPN includes StrongDNS for free with all plans. This smart DNS feature allows users to bypass geo-restrictions on streaming platforms without encryption, ensuring faster speeds. For customers who prioritize streaming and want minimal buffering, this is a valuable addition that sets StrongVPN apart.

Support for 12 simultaneous devices
StrongVPN allows up to 12 devices to connect at the same time under one account, exceeding the industry standard of 5-7 devices. This makes it ideal for families or individuals with multiple devices, saving customers the hassle and expense of purchasing additional subscriptions.

Wide protocol variety, including WireGuard
StrongVPN offers a broad range of protocols, including the modern and efficient WireGuard, which delivers faster speeds and improved performance compared to older protocols like OpenVPN. This flexibility ensures customers can choose the protocol that best suits their needs, whether for gaming, streaming, or general browsing.

No-logs policy for enhanced privacy
StrongVPN adheres to a strict no-logs policy, meaning it does not track, store, or share users’ online activities. For privacy-conscious customers, this ensures that their browsing data remains confidential, even in jurisdictions with stricter data-sharing regulations.

User-friendly router compatibility
StrongVPN provides tools for seamless integration with routers, allowing users to protect their entire home network. This is a great option for customers who want a hassle-free way to secure all devices in their household, including smart home gadgets.

Comprehensive device compatibility
The VPN is compatible with major operating systems such as Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux, as well as routers and mobile apps. This ensures that customers can secure virtually any device, enhancing the service’s versatility.

Reliable customer support
StrongVPN offers 24/7 customer support through live chat and email, ensuring users receive timely assistance. This is particularly valuable for troubleshooting setup issues or optimizing the service for specific needs.

Cons

No free trial available
Unlike some competitors, StrongVPN does not offer a free trial for customers to test the service before committing. While they do provide a 30-day money-back guarantee, the lack of a trial could deter users who prefer to sample the product before making a purchase.

Limited advanced features for power users
While StrongVPN covers the basics well, it lacks some advanced features like RAM-only servers or multi-hop connections that are offered by some competitors. For customers who seek cutting-edge privacy enhancements, this could be a drawback.

Higher renewal rates for annual plans
The discounted pricing for the first year of the annual plan increases significantly upon renewal, which might surprise customers who are not aware of the pricing structure. This could make the service less appealing in the long term for budget-conscious users.

Lack of obfuscated servers
StrongVPN does not currently offer obfuscated servers, which are useful for bypassing censorship in regions like mainland China with strict internet restrictions. For users in such areas, this could limit the VPN’s functionality.

Geographically limited server network
With servers in 30+ countries, StrongVPN’s network is smaller compared to competitors that operate in 50+ countries. This might affect users looking for specific server locations for optimal performance or regional content access.

User Experience with StrongVPN

StrongVPN has garnered a range of user feedback across various platforms. On Capterra, they hold an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5, based on 3 reviews, with users appreciating their robust security features and ease of use. Similarly, on G2, StrongVPN has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5, though this is based on only 2 reviews, indicating limited user feedback on that platform. The Chrome Web Store reflects a rating of 3.7 out of 5 from 104 users for the StrongVPN proxy extension, with mixed feedback regarding its performance and accessibility. On Sitejabber, StrongVPN has a rating of 3.0 out of 5 based on 2 reviews, with one user praising its effectiveness in accessing geo-restricted content, while another expressed dissatisfaction with installation issues and customer support. 

Positive feedback

StrongVPN has received positive feedback from customers for its ease of use, with many praising its intuitive setup process and straightforward interface, particularly noting that the main screen is accessible even for VPN beginners. Users have also highlighted the company’s strong commitment to privacy, particularly appreciating its no-logs policy and robust encryption protocols, which provide peace of mind for those prioritizing online security. Additionally, flexibility in device connections, allowing up to 12 simultaneous connections, has been a standout feature for customers with multiple devices or households. Overall, customers express satisfaction with StrongVPN’s reliability and effectiveness in delivering a secure browsing experience.

Critical feedback

Critical feedback for StrongVPN often highlights concerns with accessibility, particularly occasional issues with server availability and inconsistent speeds on certain servers. Some users have expressed dissatisfaction with the cancellation process, citing unclear instructions or delays in processing refunds, despite the company’s 30-day money-back guarantee. Additionally, a few reviews have mentioned a lack of timely and effective communication from customer support, leaving customers frustrated when trying to resolve technical issues. These concerns indicate areas where StrongVPN could improve its overall user experience and responsiveness.

StrongVPN appears to have a limited presence when it comes to responding to customer reviews, with minimal engagement visible on platforms like Trustpilot and Sitejabber. While they address technical issues through their support channels, their lack of direct responses to both positive and negative feedback may leave some customers feeling unheard.

Customer Support

StrongVPN offers comprehensive customer support to ensure users have a seamless experience. Available 24/7, their support team can be reached through live chat and email, providing prompt assistance for any inquiries or technical issues. For live chat support, users can visit the StrongVPN Support Center and initiate a conversation with a support representative. Email support is available at the email address support@strongvpn.com, with responses typically provided within one business day. 

In addition to direct support, StrongVPN provides a variety of setup guides and manual setup guides to help users configure and optimize their VPN service across different devices and platforms. These resources are accessible through their Setup Guides section, offering step-by-step instructions for various operating systems and devices. For users seeking to submit a support request directly, StrongVPN offers a Submit a Request form, allowing for detailed inquiries to be addressed by their support team.

Conclusion

StrongVPN stands out as a reliable and versatile VPN service, offering features like StrongDNS integration, 12 simultaneous device connections, and support for advanced protocols like WireGuard. These features make it a suitable choice for a wide range of users, including privacy-conscious individuals, families with multiple devices, and streaming enthusiasts. Its flexibility in device compatibility, ability to mask your real identity with a different IP address, and emphasis on no-logs privacy provide peace of mind for users looking for both security and convenience.

Customers particularly value StrongVPN’s ease of use and ability to deliver reliable connections, providing a better user experience for streaming and browsing, making it a practical solution for everyday needs. However, the service does have some drawbacks, such as limited server locations compared to competitors, the absence of advanced privacy features like RAM-only servers or obfuscated servers, and higher renewal rates for annual plans. These factors may affect their appeal to more advanced users or those seeking broader server access.

If you’re considering StrongVPN but want to explore other options, you can read more VPN reviews on our website. To compare StrongVPN with other VPN providers and find the best VPN for your needs, visit our VPN Comparison Tool. For additional insights and resources, check out our latest VPN Blog Articles to stay informed about the industry and its offerings.

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