StrongVPN Review: Why We Don’t Recommend This Somewhat Unknown VPN

StrongVPN is a no-log VPN service that’s been around since 2005.

With some features you’d expect from a premium VPN, like a kill switch and smart DNS, it also maintains a large server network and utilizes a variety of encryption algorithms and protocols.

Let’s find out if StrongVPN is the right VPN service for you.

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Pros and Cons

Pros:

• 12 simultaneous connections
• Smart DNS included
• Kill switch
• No-logs policy
• Offers Wireguard for fast connection speeds

Cons:

• Based in the US (a Five Eyes member)
• Server locations only cover around 30 countries
• No multihop

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StrongVPN Overview

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Streaming Movies and TV Shows With StrongVPN

There are several reasons you might want to use a VPN while streaming online.

For example, if you’re out and want to watch something over public Wi-Fi but don’t want to open yourself up to hackers, if you’re concerned about your internet provider tracking your activity, or if you want to access something with geo-location restrictions.

StrongVPN aims to make any public hotspot secure, with lightning-quick connections that shouldn’t disrupt your speed.

The streaming services StrongVPN does claim to work with include:

• ABC
• Channel 4
• Crunchyroll
• Fire TV
• ITV
• Kodi
• IPTV
• SkyGO
• YouTube
• Spotify

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Using Streaming Devices With StrongVPN

• Windows
• Android
• macOS
• iOS
• Linux
• Fire TV
• Chrome OS
• PlayStation
• Xbox
• Wii/Wii U
• Nvidia Shield
• Google Stadia

You can also use StrongVPN with Sabai OS VPN, GLiNet, or Asus routers, or any other that allows you to use Asuswrt-Merlin, DD-WRT, or Tomato firmware. Any device then connected to that router will automatically be protected by the VPN.

Amazon Fire TV

There’s a StrongVPN app for Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick/Cube, making it easy to download and use. Simply navigate to apps on your Fire TV device, search StrongVPN, and download. You can then log in and begin using the VPN.

The App will allow you to choose your location and either connect or disconnect from the service.

StrongVPN’s app should work on all Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick/Cube models, with the exception of the first-generation Fire TV Stick.

Smart TVs

StrongVPN doesn’t have an app for smart TVs. However, you can still use StrongVPN with your smart TV if you install the VPN on the router your smart TV connects to.

You can also use StrongVPN’s ‘StrongDNS’ feature (see “Features” below) on a smart TV if you only need to change your virtual location and aren’t worried about changing your IP address.

Gaming Consoles

StrongVPN will work on Xbox (One and 360), PlayStation (3/4), Nintendo Wii/Wii U, Nvidia Shield, and Google Stadia.

You’ll need to set up the VPN on your router first, which StrongVPN provides instructions for on its website. Then, when you connect your game console to the router like you usually would, your device is protected by the VPN.

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StrongVPN Features

In this section, we’ll take a look at some of the features offered by StrongVPN.

StrongDNS

StrongDNS is StrongVPN’s version of smart DNS. This feature is a VPN alternative that lets you change your virtual location, without changing your IP address or encrypting your data, so your connection speed is unaffected.

StrongDNS is included as standard with a StrongVPN plan and is supported on virtually every device, including smart TVs, media boxes, and gaming systems.

Split Tunneling

When connected to a VPN, all your internet traffic and data is routed through an encrypted tunnel. However, there may be times when you want sites to bypass this tunnel so data can be routed through your standard internet provider (for example, to increase connection speeds, confirm your location, or access a site that has blocked VPNs).

StrongVPN’s split tunnel feature lets you choose which sites bypass the VPN encryption tunnel, and which remain secure inside.

Unfortunately, this is currently only available on StrongVPN’s Android app.

No-Logs Policy

The main privacy concern among VPNs is logging (when the service records your data, known as “logs”). The best ones do not log any of your data, not even timestamps.

The latest update (January 10, 2023) on StrongVPN’s Privacy Policy states:

• It is a zero-logging VPN service, so does not track or store your data while connected to its VPN service.
• The only personal information collected is used for account setup (such as an email address and payment information).
• Your personal information is not sold to third parties.
• Cookies on StrongVPN’s site are used to provide basic functionality, and any activity is aggregated – you can disable cookies at any time.

StrongVPN’s Privacy Policy page sets out how to disable cookies from different sources, and lists the third parties it uses to analyze site data (which it says is not personally identifiable to users).

VPN Protocols

Protocols are a set of rules on how the data should be communicated. They dictate how algorithms have to be used to keep communication secure.

StrongVPN offers four types of protocols:

• Wireguard
• IKEv2
• OpenVPN (TCP, UDP, Scramble)
• IPsec

Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. For example, not all are available on every platform.

When you connect to StrongVPN, it will automatically choose the best option for you, but you can change this manually within the VPN’s app.

Mobile and Desktop Apps

StrongVPN has apps for major platforms, including:

• Windows
• Android
• macOS
• iOS
• Fire TV
• Chrome OS

These are easy to download from the relevant app store for each platform (e.g., Apple App Store or Google Play Store). StrongVPN also links to each download page from its website.

Browser Extensions

Currently, StrongVPN only has one browser extension available, for Google Chrome via the Chrome Web Store. You simply need to download while using a Chrome browser and log in.

Simultaneous Connections

StrongVPN allows 12 devices to be connected to its service at any one time, across most major platforms and devices.

If you need more, this number can be extended by installing StrongVPN onto your router, as you can then connect as many devices to the router as you’d like.

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Plans and Pricing

StrongVPN offers two subscription length options: monthly or annually:

• Monthly – $10.99/month
• Annually – $3.66/month, billed immediately at $43.99 for the first year, and $79.99 per year thereafter
  

Both include the same features, such as access to all servers and the Wireguard protocol, no-logging, and StrongDNS.

Free Trial

StrongVPN doesn’t offer a free trial for any of its platforms or apps.

It does offer a 30-day money-back guarantee though if you purchase the annual plan, so you can try it out and request a full refund within 30 days if you decide you don’t want it.

Money-Back Guarantee

The annual plan comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

To request a refund, you must contact StrongVPN’s customer service team within 30 days from the date of the original purchase. Payment should typically be returned between 24 and 48 hours.

It should be noted, that StrongVPN’s terms of service state that subscriptions purchased via the App Store are subject to Apple’s refund policies.

Payment Options

StrongVPN offers four payment methods:

• Credit and debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, AmericanExpress, and Discover)
• PayPal
• Alipay (China’s version of PayPal)
• Apple Pay

It also says it will let you pay with a prepaid card, which is useful if you want to pay anonymously, but it notes that StrongVPN may not be able to refund gift cards.

How to Cancel StrongVPN

To cancel a StrongVPN subscription, log into your ‘Customer Area’ online, select ‘VPN accounts’, and then choose ‘Cancel Request Form’.

The site will then let you choose whether you want to cancel immediately (only available for annual subscriptions purchased less than 30 days ago) or on your renewal date.

If you purchased via Apple Pay, StrongVPN warns you must also cancel your subscription with the App Store, which can be done through your Apple ID subscription settings.

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StrongVPN’s Privacy and Security Features

Encryption

Encryption is a method of coding information. It consists of two elements: algorithms and a key. The key is a cipher that indicates which algorithms should be used to unlock the code. Physically, you would imagine a key to be made out of metal, in the virtual world, it’s a string of long numbers.

StrongVPN uses AES-256 encryption, which is the industry standard and most effective one available.

Server Technology

StrongVPN claims to have the fastest VPN speeds in the industry, though it doesn’t provide any information on its server speeds. However, it does support Wireguard, which is the newest, fastest encryption protocol currently available.

It also has over 950 servers, so as long as you’re in one of the countries covered by StrongVPN’s network, you should be able to find one relatively close to you (and the closer you are to the server, the faster your speed is likely to be).

StrongVPN also offers features like StrongDNS and split tunneling (Android only), both of which avoid encrypting your data which, as a result, should speed your connection speed and mitigate any buffering.

StrongVPN has a speed test on its website to help you find the fastest server, and provides suggestions to improve your speed should you need them.

Kill Switch

StrongVPN has a kill switch mechanism in its Windows and macOS apps, which can be turned on and off in settings.

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Technical Details

In this section, we will take a look at some of the technical details surrounding StrongVPN.

Ease of use

Since StrongVPN has apps for most of its platforms, it’s relatively easy to set up.

Once you’ve downloaded the app for your device and logged into your StrongVPN account, the user interface is easy and simple to use. The app will automatically connect you to the closest server, but you can choose from any available location straight from the home screen.

All additional settings can then be found in a top-right menu, with everything clearly marked and easy to change.

StrongVPN Speed Test

How fast are StrongVPN servers?

A test was taken using three server locations worldwide: the United States, the United Kingdom, and Hong Kong.

The original speed:

• The United States (Atlanta)

• The United Kingdom (London)

• Hong Kong, Asia

Here’s the result summary:

Based on these results, anyone looking for a fast connection speed can consider StrongVPN.

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Customer Support

There are three options if you need support from StrongVPN:

1. E-mail support
2. Live chat
3. StrongVPN’s support hub, which includes tutorials, guides, FAQs, and help articles

StrongVPN says it offers 24/7 support, and someone will reply as soon as possible if you contact its help team directly.

The articles in its support hub seem to be actively maintained, with many guides updated within the last three months. Conversely, there are also several outdated pages that haven’t been updated for at least three years.

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How does StrongVPN stack up to ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Secure VPN?

StrongVPN offers a sizeable number of servers along with the other basic features that you’d expect from a VPN provider. However, there are a number of better-known VPN providers also available on the market including ExpressVPN and CyberGhost.

They, alongside rival provider Secure VPN, also offer a high number of servers in various locations, alongside other advanced privacy features.

Ultimately, which VPN provider you choose will come down to your individual needs and desires.

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Does it Work in China?

StrongVPN’s website is blocked in China. However, if you’ve installed the service before you land there, then it is currently accessible, according to the website Circumvention Central.

However, it should be noted that the Chinese government regularly makes efforts to block VPNs, so it may not always be available.

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Methodology

We personally try out each VPN for our reviews. We evaluate speed, security features, ability to unblock streaming services, support for torrenting, customer support, and many other factors. We also look at the VPN company’s jurisdiction, history, past security incidents, privacy policy, and audit reports to ensure that you get a complete picture of the service. Learn more about how we test VPNs on our methodology page.

Wrapping Up

StrongVPN has the basic features you’d expect, though there are other VPN services that offer even more for a similar price.

However, it does have a strict no-log policy and offers the best encryption protocols, including the latest Wireguard protocol. It also includes a sizeable number of servers, so you might find you get faster connection speeds than with other VPNs, depending on your location.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is StrongVPN the best VPN?

Strong VPN has many features that might make it stand out from other providers, including a large and varied server network, a range of payment options, and varied customer support avenues.

However, the best VPN for you will come down to your individual needs and desires. The best way to find out is to try the service before you make a long term commitment.

Where is StrongVPN located?

StrongVPN has servers all over the world. However, their home base is in the United States. They are based in the Winter Park area of Florida.

Does StrongVPN have a free trial?

StrongVPN does not provide free trial accounts, unfortunately. However, all of their annual subscriptions come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try out the service, safe in the knowledge that you can get your money back if you aren’t happy.

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