StrongVPN Review
2012 Editors' Choice Winner |
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- PPTP, L2TP, SSTP, OpenVPN |
StrongVPN has a large network including some 315 VPN servers across 19 countries. With nearly 9,200 IP addresses. They are known for quality and we would definitely agree. However, they are also restrictive compared to other leading VPN providers. With protocol support, VPN server access and monthly server switches based on the plan chosen.
StrongVPN Servers
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StrongVPN supports multiple VPN technologies including PPTP, L2TP/IPSec, SSTP and OpenVPN. For those unfamiliar basically OpenVPN is the most secure and great for connecting from PC, Mac or Linux. While PPTP extends compatibility to mobile devices such as iPhone, iPad, Android and Nokia Symbian.
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StrongVPN also supports Netflix via PC, Mac and network devices like DVD players, digital media players, etc.
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StrongVPN also includes support for DD-WRT router setup. See specific plan details for eligibility.
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StrongVPN offers 315 VPN server in nineteen countries. Let's take a look at some of the locations:
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United States - Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Dallas, Miami, Chicago, New York, Washington DC.
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United Kingdom - London, Nottingham, Rugby, Manchester, Maidenhead, Livingston.
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Additional countries: Canada, Germany, Netherlands, Romania, Switzerland, Italy, Hong Kong, Russia, Singapore, Luxemburg, Norway, France, Malaysia, Czech Republic, Sweden, Japan.
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Strong VPN Performance Testing
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Baseline speed test - before connecting to StrongVPN we tested our Internet speed and found it to be 41.00 Mbps download and 1.36 Mbps upstream. Connecting from the US - east coast.
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Strong speed test - after connecting to a PPTP VPN server in New York we tested our Internet speed again and found it to be 22.91 Mbps download and 1.36 Mbps upstream.
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Conclusion - StrongVPN performance well. We've seen faster but the speed was consistent and service reliable. Note: you can expect any VPN to slow your connection some as the traffic is being encrypted.
StrongVPN Compatibility
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As mentioned above StrongVPN supports multiple VPN technologies including PPTP, L2TP/IPSec, SSTP and OpenVPN. By doing so they offer support for a wide range of users.
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System compatibility - StrongVPN supports Windows (7, Vista, XP), Mac OS X and Linux (Ubuntu).
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Mobile compatibility - Strong VPN supports iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Android and Nokia Symbian devices.
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Browser compatibility - Strong VPN supports Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari, Google Chrome and Opera.
Strong VPN Account Pricing
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SytongVPN accounts all include unlimited, uncappedVPN access. Supported technologies (OpenVPN SSL, PPTP, L2TP, SSTP) server selection and switches depend on the plan chosen.
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The Lite, Standard, Deluxe and Premium accounts listed below all include a 3 month minimum commitment to sign up.
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Lite PPTP (99 servers, US only) - $7 a month
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Standard PPTP (107 servers, US only) - $12 a month
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Deluxe PPTP (157 servers, 16 countries) - $15 a month
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Lite Open (163 servers, US only) - $10 a month
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Standard Open (172 servers, US only) - $15 a month
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Deluxe Open (258 servers, 17 countries) - $20 a month
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Premium (264 servers, 19 countries) - $30 a month
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StrongVPN is also offering some good term discounts.
StrongVPN Review : Conclusion
StrongVPN offers quality VPN access and a very large network. With good prformance and reliability. The 3 month sign up minimum and restrictions (protocols, server access, switches) are drawbacks. You might consider the USA-UK special which includes unlimited OpenVPN / PPTP / L2TP / SSTP with access to servers in the US and UK for $85/yr.