As a trusted US-based service, StrongVPN has earned a sterling reputation among privacy enthusiasts, offering an exceptional blend of speed, security, and user-friendly design. This makes it the perfect VPN for beginners and seasoned users alike.
A StrongVPN subscription unlocks access to an expansive network of servers across 41+ countries. Subscriptions also provide access to its proprietary Strong DNS feature. This innovative extra ensures smooth and unrestricted access to international streaming platforms, giving you the freedom to enjoy your favorite content from anywhere in the world.
The inclusion of the cutting-edge WireGuard protocol, a solid no-logs policy, and apps that are packed with useful privacy features set StrongVPN apart from most of its competitors. Whether you’re torrenting or bypassing geo-restrictions to stream Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, or Amazon Prime Video, StrongVPN handles it all with ease – even on networks where access is typically blocked, such as workplaces or public Wi-Fi.
You’re never alone with StrongVPN, thanks to its top-tier 24/7 live chat support, ensuring you receive immediate assistance whenever you need it. With apps available for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Firestick, StrongVPN offers a complete and versatile VPN solution that is perfect for the average internet user's needs.
StrongVPN at a Glance
Like other top-tier VPNs, StrongVPN rewards savvy consumers who opt for a longer-term commitment. Both of its plans deliver the same powerful features, ensuring you always get top-tier performance no matter your choice. The yearly plan is particularly attractive, offering unbeatable value at just $3.83 per month – a small price for comprehensive online security and freedom.
Every subscription comes bundled with Strong DNS for free. This is a feature that enhances StrongVPN’s already impressive ability to unblock global streaming content. Whether it’s accessing your favorite TV shows or unlocking region-specific platforms, Strong has you covered. Plus, with the added confidence of a 30-day money-back guarantee, you have nothing to lose by giving StrongVPN a test drive to see how it performs with your favorite streams.
StrongVPN’s advanced encryption technology empowers you to bypass network restrictions effortlessly, whether you’re at work, on campus, or connecting to public wifi. This means you can use social media, YouTube, and even popular online games like Minecraft, Roblox, and Fortnite without your employer finding out.
Features Overview
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Apps for all platforms
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Unlimited bandwidth
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Zero logs
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1000+ VPN servers in 42+ countries
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Smart DNS service helps to unblock popular streams
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Allows 12 simultaneous connections
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Router support for many models
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A choice of protocols, including OpenVPN
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WireGuard protocol to get faster speeds
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Military-grade AES-256 encryption
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Obfuscation available for OpenVPN
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Kill switch available for Windows and Mac
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Works to watch Netflix US from abroad
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Various app language options, including Chinese
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Scramble feature works to connect in China
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Amazing reputation (4.7 on Trustpilot)
Streaming Capabilities
If streaming high-quality content is your priority, StrongVPN is the perfect companion – especially for those focused on accessingUS-based platforms. With every subscription, you unlock the Strong DNS feature, which makes it incredibly easy to access a vast array of streaming services worldwide, all while maintaining top speeds.
In our tests, StrongVPN’s US servers consistently delivered lightning-fast connections, allowing us to stream seamlessly onNetflix,Hulu,HBO Max,ESPN,ABC,CBS, andNBC – all without a hint of buffering. Whether you’re abroad or simply seeking private, secure access to your favorite streaming platforms while at work or in school - StrongVPN offers a stress-free experience every time.
Plus, it has a choice of US servers in 15 different cities: ideal for bypassing blackout games!
For British content lovers, StrongVPN’sUK servers excelled in providing smooth access toBBC iPlayer,ITVX,Channel 4, and theBritish Netflix library. This makes StrongVPN a standout choice for British expats or anyone outside the UK who craves uninterrupted access tofree UK TV streams.
Next, we put StrongVPN’sAussie (Melbourne) server to the test and were impressed by how it outshines most competitors. We were able to effortlessly streamTen Play and7Plus – services that are notoriously difficult to unblock with other VPNs.
More success! We used theBrazilian server to watchGlobo Play without restrictions. Meanwhile, theFrench server seamlessly connected us toFrance.tv, while theGerman server made streaming fromARD Mediathek a breeze. Heading across the Atlantic, StrongVPN’sCanadian server provided smooth access toCBC Gem, enabling us to enjoy free Canadian content without interruptions.
These results prove that Strong VPN is one of the most reliable VPNs for accessing international streamign platforms. It also worked to access the 5 different Netflix regions we tested it with (UK, USA, Canada, Japan, and Germany), and the live chat support agent told us it works with even more:
That is a long list of Netflix-compatible servers that can be set up in the member’s area using the Strong DNS feature. Just bear in mind that you can't use the Strong DNS and VPN at the same time, so if you want privacy use StrongVPN, and if you want to access streams with the best possible speeds opt for Stong DNS.
The Strong DNS feature impressed us because of its ability to access streaming services from various countries. Many of its competitors only provide Smart DNS for US services, so Strong VPN is a step ahead in this department. Just bear in mind that it won’t work with every country’s streaming platforms. If you can't find your streaming service in the list, use the VPN servers instead.
Overall, we were blown away by the streaming performance we got with StrongVPN. The VPN has invested heavily in improving its ability to access popular services from all around the world!
Speed and Performance
StrongVPN consistently delivers fast speeds, making it suitable for HD streaming and gaming. We tested it using our dedicated speed test server in Ohio, which has a 1 Gigabit connection. We were able to get an average download speed of 443 Mbps. That is a breathtaking top speed, which means Strong VPN is ideally suited to streaming, gaming, and torrenting.
To check how the VPN performs in a normal home setting, we also tested StrongVPN using a 35 Mbps home broadband setup in Canada. We tested the US, UK, and Netherlands servers at three different times of day to get averages. The global average acquired from all 9 tests was31.45 Mbps. This means that StrongVPN reduced my internet speed by just10.14% which is very impressive.
Here are the average speeds for each location:
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USA: 31.5 Mbps
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UK:30.69 Mbps
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Netherlands:32.04 Mbps
These results put StrongVPN in an elite club among the fastest VPNs in the world. That means we strongly recommend it for watching HD TV, streaming movies, listening to music, making private video calls, torrenting securely, and playing international game servers to find easier lobbies.
Privacy and Security
StrongVPN is a service that prioritizes user privacy. It has a rock-solid no-logging policy that promises never to store records of the VPN servers you use or any of the data that passes through its servers. This, alongside its high-grade encryption, makes it a reliable VPN service for getting watertight online privacy.
Another advantage of this VPN is that it gives you various protocols to choose between. You can open up the settings and switch to any of the following protocols: OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2, SSTP, and L2TP/IPSec. Of these, we recommend sticking to OpenVPN or WireGuard, which offer the best security and speeds.
We have included the OpenVPN technical implementation details below for techy readers who are interested:
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AES-256-CBC
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RSA-2048 handshake
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SHA-256 (HMAC) for hash authentication
These are robust settings that mean the OpenVPN protocol is secure against hackers or snooping carried out by sophisticated government intelligence agencies.
A major advantage of StrongVPN is the ability to add obfuscation to OpenVPN (Scramble). Enabling scramble makes your OpenVPN traffic appear like regular HTTPS traffic bound for a website.
This feature makes it easier to connect in countries like China and ensures that ISPs are unable to detect that a VPN is being used to get online privacy (perfect when using StrongVPN in countries that frown upon VPNs).
The Strong VPN apps also offer a built-in kill-switch, and automatic IPv6 blocking, which boosts the level of protection you get with StrongVPN.
You can also ask the VPN toConnect On Launch andAuto Reconnect.
TheAuto-Reconnect feature is particularly valuable, as it automatically re-establishes your secure connection if it’s interrupted. This is especially useful when torrenting, ensuring that even if thekill switch is triggered, your downloads will continue securely.
This means no more coming home to half-completed files or worrying about your IP address being exposed during the process – StrongVPN has you fully covered thanks to its killswitch auto-reconnect combo!
Leak tests
To check that StrongVPN works as advertised, we carried out meticulous leak tests:
As you can see, all tests came back negative for IP, DNS, and WebRTC leaks.
This means you can completely trust the secure connection provided by the encrypted VPN tunnel. StrongVPN is suitable for preventing local networks, ISPs, government agencies, hackers, and other eavesdroppers from tracking your activities online. The VPN will also hide your IP address from the website you visit and any peers you connect to while torrenting.
Pricing
StrongVPN keeps things simple with just two subscription options:
For users opting for the yearly plan, the VPN is priced attractively at $3.97 per month (billed as $47.69 annually), this results in a significant discount of 66% over the regular price.
If you only need a VPN to go on vacation or while traveling for work, you can opt for a single-month plan that costs $11.99. While this is more expensive than the yearly plan, it is comparable with the monthly plan offered by other VPNs, meaning it is competitive.
Both plans offer the same features, including 12 simultaneous connections, unlimited bandwidth, and access to StrongDNS, a Smart DNS service for unblocking content. The VPN also includes 250 GB of secure cloud storage through SugarSync, adding extra value.
Best of all, you get a 30-day money-back guarantee with the yearly plan, which means you can test the service and compare it to any other VPN completely risk-free. Payments can be made via credit card, PayPal, and Alipay. The only real drawback is that cryptocurrencies aren’t accepted - a minor quibble.
User Experience
Website and Support
The StrongVPN website is easy to navigate and features 24/7 live chat for customer support. We found the website to have decent setup guides, and the live chat agents are responsive and knowledgeable. This makes it easy to get help whenever needed, regardless of your location or the time of day.
We decided to put the StrongVPN live chat agents through their paces by asking them tricky mystery shopping questions regarding the technical aspects of the VPN. The agents were very effective at responding and providing the information we needed. 10/10.
Signing Up and Using the Service
Signing up is quick and requires minimal information, ensuring your privacy is maintained. The setup process is straightforward, with clear guidance on how to get started. Once installed, the software is user-friendly, with intuitive settings that make it easy to switch between servers and protocols.
VPN Apps
StrongVPN’s apps offer seamless OpenVPN integration, easy-to-use settings, and reliable leak protection in all of its apps.
The Scramble feature enhances user privacy by disguising VPN traffic as regular HTTP, allowing you to bypass restrictions more effectively.
Best of all, this VPN isn’t overcrowded with advanced settings or an overwhelming amount of information (which most home users simply don't need). This makes StrongVPN an extremely solid option for beginners who want something that works without giving them a headache.
Compatibility Across Platforms
StrongVPN is available for macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, and Firestick. You can also set up the VPN manually on Linux and routers. The service’s versatility ensures it can be used on a wide range of devices, providing consistent performance across different platforms.
I was also happy to see that the VPN provides access to OpenVPN and WireGuard config files. This allowed me to check the OpenVPN implementation standards (using the .ovpn file). It also allows users to set up the VPN manually - or use a third-party client if preferred.
It is also worth noting that each subscriber can connect 12 devices consecutively. That is a generous connection allowance, which makes Strong VPN well-suited to techy users with many devices - or larger families who want a VPN they can use at home and on the go (at work, on campus, etc).
WireGuard Protocol
StrongVPN has now integrated the cutting-edge WireGuard protocol, which delivers excellent performance and low latency. Using this protocol is easy because it is available in all of StrongVPN’s apps and WireGuard gives you better speeds for streaming, gaming, and torrenting.
This next-generation tunneling protocol is a welcome addition to StrongVPN’s offering and underscores the VPN provider’s commitment to upgrading its apps and network to the latest standards.
Customer Service
StrongVPN offers exceptional customer support, with 24/7 live chat and knowledgeable agents who are available to assist at any time of the day. The team is responsive, ensuring you can quickly resolve any questions or concerns you might have.
At one stage we were in a live chat with two of their agents at one time, which is something we have never experienced before. This highlight’s the VPNs dedication to supporting its users.
Another positive: the support agents will not instantly close the support window, which is common with many of its competitors. They are happy to wait to see if you have any other questions and will only close the chat after checking that there is nothing else they can help with.
Final Thoughts
StrongVPN is a highly reliable and reputable VPN. It is a solid choice for users seeking a fast and versatile VPN that excels in accessing international streaming services.
The VPN offers decent value for money and offers robust privacy features. Obfuscation is available for OpenVPN and the VPN works in China (which is known to have the most stringent VPN blocks in the world).
The customer support with this VPN is outstanding. The agents are always on hand to help and they can help with techy questions. We particularly enjoyed using this VPN for streaming and gaming thanks to its impressive WireGuard implementation.
StrongVPN’s leak-free protection and rock-solid encryption provide peace of mind when working remotely, and guarantees that your online activities remain private regardless of where you connect.
StrongVPN is perfect for the average home internet user looking for a reliable, affordable, and feature-rich solution that covers all their privacy and accessibility needs. You can also try the VPN firsthand using its generous money-back guarantee - which makes subscribing completely risk-free.