This Months Best Offers for StrongVPN
Our Rating for StrongVPN
Privacy
8.3
Speed
6.9
Locations
7.0
Ease
8.4
Support
6.8
Value
7.7
Our Verdict
7.6
CHOOSE FOR
Zero logging policy
Decent speeds on some servers
Still working with Netflix
A zero logs budget VPN
IDEAL FOR
Privacy
Unblocking
Travel
Sports
COMPATIBLE DEVICES
iPhone/iPad/Mac
Windows
Android
Amazon/FireTV
StrongVPN Overview
StrongVPN is headquartered in California and has been delivering online protection since 2005 but a recently designed app has brought some improvements to the service. A VPN kill switch and DNS leakage are now inbuilt while OpenVPN is available on some servers but not by default. The app works well with most devices and user guides can assist with the manual set-up.
The company operates a total zero-logs policy but their fairly limited server base has a majority of servers running on PTPP protocol only; a protocol out of date and infamous for its data leaks.
WHAT ARE THE PROS
Zero logs policy
Excellent custom apps
Free access to StrongDNS service
WHAT ARE THE CONS
Small number of server locations
Based in privacy-unfriendly US
Limited customer service
Privacy
StrongVPN has most of the commonly seen security features such as DNS and IPv6 leak protection and for added peace of mind, they have their own first-party servers.
The company has taken a firm stance on user privacy with its zero-logs policy stating that they do “not collect or log any traffic or use of its VPN service”, which is great seeing as they are based within US jurisdiction.
| Features | StrongVPN |
|---|---|
| Open VPN (Auto) | |
| Open VPN (UDP/TCP) | |
| PPTP | |
| SSTP | |
| L2TP/IPSec | |
| IKEv2 | |
| Supports TCP Port 443 | |
| Supports Multihop | |
| Permits P2P | |
| Strongest Encryption | AES-256 |
| First Party DNS Servers | |
| DNS Leak Blocking | |
| Killswitch | |
| Accepts Cryptocurrency | |
| Accepts Paypal | |
| Activity Logging | |
| Connection Logging | |
| Tor Over VPN Server |
| Features | StrongVPN |
|---|---|
| Avg Global DL Speed | 78.89 (FR) |
| Avg Global UL Speed | 90.63 (NL) |
| Ping Time | 2ms |
| Unlimited Bandwidth | |
| Average Time to Connect | 12s |
Speed & Performance
If stable and consistent speeds are a prime concern when choosing a VPN then some users may want to look elsewhere. The most commonly used servers perform poorly on OpenVPN, and speeds differ drastically between locations.
HD streaming is best restricted to the European and US servers where adequate speeds will allow for it and gamers will experience the benefits of a low latency score.
Speed Breakdown
We continuously test the performance of all our featured VPN providers to ensure you have all the latest information you need to choose.
For this provider, we use our own proprietary speed test tool to track speeds between servers within each location with traffic directed through the VPN provider.
Our base (no VPN) download speed is around 80Mbps, upload 90Mbps and ping 3ms and results are from London to the listed locations.
Our tests are intended to give you an idea of the range of connection speeds. The closer the server and faster your connection, the faster your speeds.
| Server Location | Download Speed (Mbps) | Upload Speed (Mbps) |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | 34.52 | 5.07 |
| Germany | 44.77 | 61.18 |
| UK | 59.28 | 79.90 |
| USA | 61.15 | 41.54 |
| Singapore | 26.31 | 8.06 |
| Netherlands | 73.48 | 90.63 |
| France | 76.89 | 80.91 |
| Canada | 53.81 | 37.01 |
| Japan | 29.71 | 5.61 |
| Features | StrongVPN |
|---|---|
| Server Locations | 46 |
| Servers | 650+ |
| IP Addresses | 162,500 |
| Dynamic Server Switching |
Locations
With 650 servers in 27 countries, StrongVPN has a rather streamlined server network but not the smallest. Over 60% of these servers operate on PTTP VPN protocol only though. There are 46 locations from which to choose with city-specific servers in several countries including the UK and the US.
Unfortunately, Asia suffers from poor server coverage while Africa and South America are not catered for at all.
Ease of Use
The new user interface benefits from clearly visible connection details including IP address, and a fresh modern look. Server and VPN protocol selection is simple with additional tips to help users select the best option for their requirement. The connection is fast and can be optimised to auto-connect on opening the app.
The mobile app is every bit as easy to use as the desktop but thankfully only runs on Open VPN on iOS and Andriod apps.
WHAT ARE THE PROS
Slick and streamlined apps
iOS and Android apps are OpenVPN only
Integrated protocol support
WHAT ARE THE CONS
OpenVPN only available on some servers
Desktop app defaults to IKEv2
World map has no practical use
| Features | StrongVPN |
|---|---|
| Support Quality | 7.0 |
| 24/7 Support | |
| Live Chat | |
| Knowledge Base | |
| Video Tutorials |
Customer Support
Live 24/7 chat is on offer with StrongVPN but the feedback on the quality and usefulness of the support given is mixed. A technical team is on hand via email to resolve more complex queries but response times are not the fastest.
The online resources are sparse and not overly helpful. Simple problems can be resolved by the FAQ’s but frustratingly none of these texts are searchable.
Value for Money
WHAT ARE THE PROS
Comes with free access to StrongDNS servers
Recently updated apps are very good
Works with Netflix and BBC iPlayer
WHAT ARE THE CONS
Based under US jurisdiction
Limited server network
Customer service could be better