StrongVPN, a VPN service focused on privacy and accessing geo-restricted content, offers encrypted internet traffic and routing through private servers in 40 countries worldwide. This review explores the user experience, connection speed, video streaming capabilities, security features, and overall value of StrongVPN.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy-to-use interface | Limited server selection options |
| Reasonable pricing for the first year | Price increases significantly after the first year |
| Decent performance on Windows | Slower speeds compared to competitors |
| Access to US Netflix library and BBC iPlayer | Inconsistent unblocking of streaming services |
| No-logs policy | Lack of kill switch on Android app |
| Supports multiple platforms | No multi-hop routing option |
| 24/7 Live Chat and email support | Based in the USA, raising privacy concerns |
| Allows up to 12 simultaneous device connections | Some features missing on specific platforms |
| Comes with 250GB of SugarSync cloud storage |
Contents
- StrongVPN User Experience: Simple Interface with Room for Improvement
- Connection Speed: Decent Performance but Lags Behind Competitors
- Video Streaming: Inconsistent Access to Streaming Services
- Security: Strong No-logs Policy but Some Limitations
- Pricing and Overall Value: Reasonable for the First Year, but Alternatives Exist
StrongVPN User Experience: Simple Interface with Room for Improvement
With native client software for various platforms, StrongVPN boasts a clean and easy-to-use interface. However, it may be too simple for some users, lacking shortcuts to recent or preferred servers and a more sophisticated system tray icon. Despite these shortcomings, 24/7 Live Chat and email support are available for assistance.
Connection Speed: Decent Performance but Lags Behind Competitors
StrongVPN offers acceptable connection speeds but falls behind rivals like ExpressVPN, HMA, Hotspot Shield, IPVanish, NordVPN, PureVPN, and Windscribe. On a Windows 11 laptop, the connection speed dropped from 212Mbits/sec to 187Mbits/sec when connected to a London server. Android results were similar, with a connection speed of 188Mbits/sec. However, New York server connections revealed a larger performance gap, with average download rates of 79Mbits/sec on Windows and 41Mbits/sec on Android.
Video Streaming: Inconsistent Access to Streaming Services
Although StrongVPN is fast enough for 4K streaming, it struggles with unblocking various streaming services. While it can access the US Netflix library and BBC iPlayer, it falters with Hulu, Disney+, Now TV, and BritBox. Additionally, StrongVPN cannot be used to access US-only content on Amazon Prime Video due to Amazon’s billing address-based content access system.
Security: Strong No-logs Policy but Some Limitations
StrongVPN’s no-logs policy and various VPN protocols demonstrate its commitment to security. However, there are some limitations in its security features, such as the lack of a kill switch on the Android app and no option for multi-hop routing. The company’s headquarters in the USA, a member of the “Five Eyes” intelligence-sharing network, also raises privacy concerns.
Pricing and Overall Value: Reasonable for the First Year, but Alternatives Exist
StrongVPN’s pricing plans are reasonable for the first year at £3.07/mth for a yearly subscription and £9.21/mth for a monthly subscription. However, the price increases substantially in the second year, and cheaper alternatives like PureVPN are available. While it is easy to use and performs decently on Windows, StrongVPN lags in speed and streaming capabilities compared to competitors.
Considering its limitations, mixed streaming performance, and USA-based location, it may be difficult to recommend StrongVPN over other available options.
