📊 Our Test Results:
- 🎯 VPN Speeds: ExpressVPN keeps fast connection speeds with ~25% loss vs StrongVPN’s average 31% download speeds — ExpressVPN wins
- ⚡ Server Network: ExpressVPN has 3,000+ vpn servers in 105 countries vs StrongVPN’s small server network with 950+ servers in 30 countries — ExpressVPN wins
- 🔒 Security: ExpressVPN has 18 audits and ram only server infrastructure vs StrongVPN with zero audits — ExpressVPN wins
- 📝 Streaming Platforms: ExpressVPN unblocked Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+ vs StrongVPN with Netflix only — ExpressVPN wins
- 💰 Value: ExpressVPN $2.44/mo vs StrongVPN $3.97/mo plus 250GB sugarsync cloud storage — ExpressVPN wins
Picking the right vpn service feels like a headache.
You want fast download speeds, strong privacy and security, and a fair price.
ExpressVPN and StrongVPN both promise to keep you safe online.
But only one can win this head-to-head battle of vpn providers.
We tested both vpn services side by side for three weeks.
Here’s what we found about each vpn provider.
Overview
We put ExpressVPN vs StrongVPN through real-world leak tests on Windows, Mac, and Android devices.
We checked vpn speeds, security features, streaming platforms, and pricing on both vpn companies.
We tested each vpn app on a Windows laptop, mobile devices, and Chrome OS.
Our goal was simple: find the best vpn for everyday users among the top vpn providers.
What is ExpressVPN?
ExpressVPN is a premium vpn provider based in the British Virgin Islands.
It runs over 3,000 expressvpn servers across 105 vpn server locations worldwide.
The expressvpn software uses its own Lightway vpn protocol for fast connection speeds.
Every expressvpn server runs on ram only servers, so no data is ever stored on disk.
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN protects your online privacy with 3,000+ vpn servers, the Lightway vpn protocol, and 18 independent audits. Expressvpn offers a password manager and ad blocker bundled with your expressvpn subscription.
ExpressVPN Pricing
Here’s a breakdown of expressvpn subscription options in 2026.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | $2.44/mo | VPN-only users on a budget |
| Advanced | $3.14/mo | Users who want password manager + ad blocker |
| Pro | $5.24/mo | Power users who need dedicated ip addresses |
Free trial: 7-day free trial available through the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. No free trial on desktop.
Money back guarantee: 30-day refund on all expressvpn subscription options. No questions asked.
📌 Note: The Basic plan covers up to 10 simultaneous connections. Advanced covers 12. Pro covers 14 and includes dedicated ip addresses. All plans use the same expressvpn servers and vpn speeds.
⚠️ Warning: Renewal prices jump after the first term. The Basic 2-year plan renews at $99.95/year. Always check expressvpn deals and renewal costs before signing up.
Key Benefits of ExpressVPN
Here’s why expressvpn stands out among the biggest vpn providers:
- Massive Server Network: Over 3,000 expressvpn servers in 105 countries. You can pick the server closest to you for the fastest speeds.
- TrustedServer Technology: Every server runs on ram only servers. All data is wiped on every reboot, protecting your sensitive data.
- Lightway VPN Protocol: ExpressVPN’s own vpn protocol delivers fast connection speeds with low battery drain on mobile devices.
- 18 Independent Audits: No other vpn company has been audited this many times. Your no logs policy is verified.
- ExpressVPN Keys Password Manager: The built-in password manager comes free with Advanced and Pro plans.
- Streaming Powerhouse: Unblocks streaming service catalogs from Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video.
- Network Lock Kill Switch: The expressvpn app blocks internet connection traffic if the vpn tunnel drops. Built-in dns leak protection prevents dns queries from leaking.
ExpressVPN Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Largest server network with 3,000+ vpn servers in 105 countries
- 18 independent dns leak tests and audits verify no logs policy
- Unblocks nearly every streaming platform we tested
- ExpressVPN Keys password manager and ad blocker on higher plans
- Based in the British Virgin Islands for strong privacy and security laws
❌ Cons
- More expensive than budget vpns like Private Internet Access
- No unlimited simultaneous connections — capped at 10-14 per plan
- Renewal prices are much higher than intro rates
- No free plan available, only a money back guarantee
What is StrongVPN?
StrongVPN is a vpn service that has been providing vpn services since 2005.
The strongvpn company is owned by J2 Global, a publicly listed US-based firm.
It offers over 950 physical servers across 30+ server locations worldwide.
Every strongvpn subscription bundles 250GB of free cloud storage with SugarSync.
StrongVPN
Strong VPN gives you a reliable vpn with 950+ physical servers, 12 devices strongvpn supports per account, and 250GB of sugarsync cloud storage. A simple pick for basic privacy needs.
StrongVPN Pricing
Here’s a breakdown of strongvpn payment options in 2026.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Plan | $3.97/month | Budget-friendly yearly commitment |
| Monthly Plan | $11.99/month | Short-term or try-before-you-commit |
Free trial: No free trial available. No free plan available.
Money back guarantee: 30-day refund on the annual plan only. The monthly plan has no refund period.
📌 Note: Every plan includes 250GB SugarSync cloud storage and 12 simultaneous connections. Both plans have the same strongvpn features and security tools.
⚠️ Warning: The annual plan renews at $79.99-$89.99/year after the first year. That’s more than double the intro price. Set a reminder before renewal day to manage payment information.
Key Benefits of StrongVPN
Here’s why strong vpn stands out among other vpns in the vpn industry:
- Free Cloud Storage: Every plan includes 250GB of sugarsync cloud storage encrypted at no extra cost.
- 12 Simultaneous Connections: Connect up to 12 mobile devices and computers at the same time with one account.
- Physical Servers Only: All strongvpn’s servers are real hardware in their listed countries. No virtual location servers.
- Multiple VPN Protocols: StrongVPN supports WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, SSTP, and L2TP vpn protocols.
- P2P on All Servers: Torrent on any server without restrictions on web traffic or bandwidth usage.
- StrongDNS Service: Bypass geo-blocks on smart tvs, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV that don’t support native apps.
- Kill Switch & Leak Protection: Built-in kill switch and dns leak protection keep your ip address hidden from your internet service provider.
StrongVPN Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- 250GB free cloud storage with every strongvpn subscription
- 12 simultaneous connections per account
- All physical servers in their listed locations
- Good upload speeds on nearby servers with low latency
- Simple Windows app, mobile apps, and easy-to-use settings menu
❌ Cons
- Based in the US (Five Eyes intelligence alliance country)
- No independent audits to verify strict no logging policy
- Small server network compared to best vpns on the market
- Offer split tunneling only on Android — no browser extensions
Feature Comparison
Let’s compare ExpressVPN and StrongVPN across 10 key areas of service.
This breakdown covers everything from strong encryption to streaming access for other users.
| Feature | ExpressVPN | StrongVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $2.44/mo | $3.97/mo |
| Servers | 3,000+ in 105 countries | 950+ in 30+ countries |
| Independent Audits | ✅ 18 audits | ❌ None |
| Kill Switch | ✅ Network Lock | ✅ |
| Split Tunneling Feature | ✅ All platforms | ✅ Android only |
| Password Manager | ✅ ExpressVPN Keys | ❌ |
| Cloud Storage | ❌ | ✅ 250GB SugarSync |
| Simultaneous Connections | 10-14 (by plan) | 12 |
| Browser Extension | ✅ Chrome, Firefox | ❌ |
| Best For | Privacy-first users who stream | Budget users who need storage |
1. Server Network
ExpressVPN: Runs over 3,000 vpn servers in 105 countries and 160+ cities. Every server uses 10 Gbps connections. You can connect from almost anywhere on earth. The wide coverage means you’ll always find a server close to your internet connection for fast speeds.
StrongVPN: Offers 950+ physical servers across 30+ countries — a small server network compared to top vpn providers. All strongvpn’s servers are real hardware in the countries they represent. The network covers North America, Europe, and Asia but skips many regions.
2. Security & Privacy
ExpressVPN: Uses AES-256 strong encryption and has completed 18 independent audits. It’s based in the British Virgin Islands, outside any intelligence alliances. TrustedServer wipes all data on every reboot for strong leak protection.
StrongVPN: Also uses AES-256 encryption. Strongvpn claims a strict no logging policy and the only personal information collected is billing details and email for account creation. However, the vpn company is based in the US — part of the Five Eyes alliance — and has never had an independent audit.
⚠️ Warning: StrongVPN’s US jurisdiction means the government could request data handovers. Without independent dns leak tests and privacy audits, you’re trusting strict no logging policies on the vpn company’s word alone.
3. Speed & Performance
ExpressVPN: The Lightway vpn protocol keeps overall speed loss around 25% on average. It performs well on both nearby and distant vpn locations. Download speeds stay fast enough for 4K streaming, gaming, and large file transfers.
StrongVPN: Average download speeds reach 31% compared to base speeds, and average upload speeds hit 13%. Speeds can drop by 20% on nearby servers. WireGuard helps keep connections fast on supported devices, and it strongly advise users to pick the closest server for the best vpn speeds.
4. Streaming Access
ExpressVPN: Unblocks Netflix in multiple regions, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video. The MediaStreamer feature lets you access content on smart tvs, Android TV, and gaming consoles that don’t run native apps. It works on every streaming service we tried.
StrongVPN: Works with Netflix and Disney+. It can also access Hulu and Amazon Prime on some servers. However, BBC iPlayer can be hit or miss. The bundled StrongDNS helps stream on devices without native apps.
5. Split Tunneling
ExpressVPN: Split tunneling works on Windows, Mac, Android apps, and routers. You pick which apps use the vpn tunnel and which don’t. The split tunneling feature is very useful for banking on a Windows laptop while streaming with a different ip address.
StrongVPN: Split tunneling is only available on the android app. Windows, Mac, and iOS users don’t get this feature in the settings menu. That’s a big miss for desktop users who want app-level control of browsing activity.
6. Ad Blocking & Threat Protection
ExpressVPN: Includes Threat Manager to block ads, trackers, and malicious sites. Parental controls let you block adult sites on connected mobile devices. Your browsing history stays private, and connection logs are never stored.
StrongVPN: No built-in ad blocker or threat protection. You’ll need a separate app for ad blocking. StrongVPN focuses on the basic vpn connection only.
7. Bonus Features
ExpressVPN: Comes with the ExpressVPN Keys password manager, Identity Defender, and the Aircove router. The Pro plan includes dedicated ip addresses at no extra cost — useful for remote work and avoiding CAPTCHAs.
StrongVPN: Bundles 250GB of sugarsync cloud storage. That’s a unique perk no other vpn offers. It also includes StrongDNS for smart devices and a basic kill switch for accidental disconnects.
8. Apps & Device Support
ExpressVPN: Native apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and Amazon Fire TV. Browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. Plus the Aircove router for whole-home protection of every internet connection.
StrongVPN: Apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android devices, and Amazon Fire TV. Also works on routers and Kodi via setup guides. No browser extension is available, which limits Chrome OS users.
9. Customer Support
ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN’s customer support runs 24/7 live chat and email. Response times are fast. The help center has detailed guides for every platform, and the expressvpn faqs page covers most common issues like dns leaks and setup with ExpressVPN’s app.
StrongVPN: Offers live chat, phone, and email customer support. Phone support is rare among other vpns and a nice bonus. However, the chatbot can be unreliable, so you may need to escalate to email.
10. Pricing & Cost
Let’s compare the pricing plans of both vpn services side by side.
| Plan | ExpressVPN | StrongVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $12.95/month | $11.99/month |
| Annual | $2.44/mo (Basic, 2-yr) | $3.97/mo (Annual) |
| Day Money Back Guarantee | 30 days (all plans) | 30 days (annual only) |
| Free Trial | 7 days (mobile) | None |
ExpressVPN: The 2-year Basic plan at $2.44/month is cheaper than StrongVPN’s annual rate. You also get more security tools per dollar with the Advanced and Pro plans. Various payment options are accepted, including credit cards, PayPal, and Apple Pay.
StrongVPN: Simple pricing with just two options. The $3.97/month annual plan is fair. Payment options include credit cards, PayPal, and Alipay. But it lacks the extras that ExpressVPN bundles at a lower price point.
Different Scenarios
| If You Need… | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Best privacy and security | ExpressVPN | 18 audits, BVI jurisdiction |
| Budget-friendly annual plan | ExpressVPN | $2.44/mo beats $3.97/mo |
| Free cloud storage | StrongVPN | 250GB SugarSync included |
| Stream BBC iPlayer | ExpressVPN | Works reliably in tests |
| Phone customer support | StrongVPN | Rare phone option |
| Most server locations | ExpressVPN | 105 countries vs 30+ |
💰 Your Budget
ExpressVPN’s 2-year Basic plan costs $2.44/month. That’s cheaper than StrongVPN’s $3.97/month annual plan. ExpressVPN wins on price if you commit long-term.
🔌 Your Tech Stack
ExpressVPN has browser extensions and the Aircove router. StrongVPN works on routers but lacks browser extensions. Pick ExpressVPN for a broader device setup.
📝 Your Privacy Needs
ExpressVPN is based outside the Five Eyes. StrongVPN is in the US. If a no logs policy with proof is your top priority, ExpressVPN is the safer pick.
🎓 Your Experience Level
Both vpn services have simple apps. StrongVPN’s interface is slightly more basic. ExpressVPN offers more features but stays easy to navigate, even for new users.
🆓 Free Trials and Demos
ExpressVPN offers a 7-day free trial on the google play store and Apple App Store. StrongVPN has no free trial at all. Both offer 30-day money back guarantees on long-term plans.
🛟 Support Options
ExpressVPN has 24/7 live chat. StrongVPN adds phone support, which is rare among vpn providers. Choose StrongVPN if you prefer talking to a real person.
Switching Guide
Already using one of these vpn services? Here’s what to expect if you switch.
🔄 Switching from ExpressVPN to StrongVPN?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- 250GB free sugarsync cloud storage with every plan
- Phone customer support for direct help
- All physical servers — no virtual location servers
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Access to vpn locations in 105 countries (down to 30+)
- Built-in password manager, ad blocker, and browser extensions
- 18 verified privacy audits and the British Virgin Islands jurisdiction
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel your expressvpn subscription before it renews
- Sign up for the annual strongvpn subscription at strongvpn.com
- Download the strongvpn windows app or mobile apps and log in
🔄 Switching from StrongVPN to ExpressVPN?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- 3,000+ vpn servers in 105 countries worldwide
- ExpressVPN Keys password manager, ad blocker, and parental controls
- 18 independent audits proving the no logs policy
❌ What you’ll lose:
- 250GB free sugarsync cloud storage
- Phone customer support (ExpressVPN is chat/email only)
- Guaranteed physical-only server locations
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel your strongvpn subscription before renewal
- Sign up for ExpressVPN’s 2-year Basic plan for the best rate
- Download the expressvpn app on all your devices and connect
What Our Review Didn’t Cover
This vs comparison focused on individual users and small teams. We didn’t run dns leak test results across every server, and we didn’t test obscure regional vpn server locations in depth. Enterprise features and bulk licensing weren’t part of this strongvpn review or expressvpn review. If you’re a business user, your priorities may differ from what we’ve covered here.
Final Verdict
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| 💰 Pricing | ExpressVPN |
| 🚀 Server Network | ExpressVPN |
| ⚡ Speed | ExpressVPN |
| 🎯 Privacy and Security | ExpressVPN |
| 📺 Streaming Platforms | ExpressVPN |
| 🔌 Bonus Features | Tie |
| 👶 Ease of Use | ExpressVPN |
| 🏆 Overall Winner | ExpressVPN |
🏆 WINNER: ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN wins 6 out of 8 categories.
Best for: Privacy-focused users, streamers, travelers, and anyone who wants a fully-featured vpn service.
ExpressVPN and StrongVPN serve very different vpn users.
ExpressVPN is a premium service with top-tier security, massive server coverage, and streaming power.
Its 18 independent audits prove that your data stays private. The Lightway vpn protocol keeps your connection fast on any device.
StrongVPN is a good vpn for basic privacy needs. It works well for simple browsing and light streaming.
The 250GB cloud storage bundle is a nice perk you won’t find with other vpns.
StrongVPN is a fair pick if you want free cloud storage with your vpn subscription.
However, for privacy, streaming, speed, and features, ExpressVPN is the best vpn choice.
It gives you more vpn servers, more security features, and more tools for less money.
Now, go protect your online activity with the right vpn provider!
More of ExpressVPN Compared
Here’s how ExpressVPN stacks up against other top vpn providers. If you’re researching expressvpn alternatives, this list covers the main rivals:
ExpressVPN vs NordVPN
ExpressVPN wins on: server countries (105 vs 60), Lightway vpn protocol
NordVPN wins on: total vpn servers (6,000+), Double VPN feature
ExpressVPN vs PureVPN
ExpressVPN wins on: security audits, streaming access
PureVPN wins on: lower pricing, dedicated ip options
ExpressVPN vs SurfsharkVPN
ExpressVPN wins on: server network, independent audits
SurfsharkVPN wins on: unlimited simultaneous connections, lower pricing
ExpressVPN vs Proton VPN
ExpressVPN wins on: server count, streaming power
Proton VPN wins on: free plan, open-source apps
ExpressVPN vs PrivadoVPN
ExpressVPN wins on: server network, security audits
PrivadoVPN wins on: free plan with 10GB data
ExpressVPN vs AdGuard VPN
ExpressVPN wins on: server count, streaming support
AdGuard VPN wins on: built-in ad blocking, lower price
ExpressVPN vs Virtual Shield
ExpressVPN wins on: global server coverage, audits
Virtual Shield wins on: US-focused simplicity
ExpressVPN vs FastestVPN
ExpressVPN wins on: speed, streaming, security
FastestVPN wins on: lifetime plans, lower cost
ExpressVPN vs Aura VPN
ExpressVPN wins on: server network, privacy audits
Aura VPN wins on: identity theft protection bundle
ExpressVPN vs CyberGhost
ExpressVPN wins on: security audits, streaming reliability
CyberGhost wins on: server count (9,000+), lower pricing
ExpressVPN vs McAfee VPN
ExpressVPN wins on: dedicated vpn features, speed
McAfee VPN wins on: antivirus bundle
ExpressVPN vs Private Internet Access
ExpressVPN wins on: server countries, privacy jurisdiction
PIA wins on: open-source apps, lower pricing
ExpressVPN vs Mysterium
ExpressVPN wins on: reliability, streaming, support
Mysterium wins on: decentralized vpn network
ExpressVPN wins on: server network, audits, streaming
SafeShell VPN wins on: niche market pricing
ExpressVPN wins on: global coverage, speed, security
Oyster VPN wins on: budget pricing plans
More of StrongVPN Compared
Here’s how StrongVPN stacks up against other vpn companies:
StrongVPN vs NordVPN
StrongVPN wins on: cloud storage, phone customer support
NordVPN wins on: server count, security features
StrongVPN vs PureVPN
StrongVPN wins on: cloud storage bundle
PureVPN wins on: server count, dedicated IPs
StrongVPN vs SurfsharkVPN
StrongVPN wins on: physical servers, cloud storage
SurfsharkVPN wins on: unlimited connections, lower price
StrongVPN vs Proton VPN
StrongVPN wins on: cloud storage, device connections
Proton VPN wins on: free plan, Swiss privacy
StrongVPN vs PrivadoVPN
StrongVPN wins on: cloud storage, device limit
PrivadoVPN wins on: free plan with 10GB
StrongVPN vs AdGuard VPN
StrongVPN wins on: cloud storage, more servers
AdGuard VPN wins on: built-in ad blocker
StrongVPN vs Virtual Shield
StrongVPN wins on: more server locations, cloud storage
Virtual Shield wins on: US-focused vpn simplicity
StrongVPN vs Namecheap VPN
StrongVPN wins on: cloud storage, phone customer support
Namecheap VPN wins on: lower pricing
StrongVPN vs Aura VPN
StrongVPN wins on: cloud storage, physical servers
Aura VPN wins on: identity theft protection
StrongVPN vs CyberGhost
StrongVPN wins on: cloud storage, phone support
CyberGhost wins on: server count (9,000+), lower price
StrongVPN vs McAfee VPN
StrongVPN wins on: cloud storage, dedicated vpn focus
McAfee VPN wins on: antivirus bundle
StrongVPN vs Private Internet Access
StrongVPN wins on: cloud storage, phone support
Private Internet Access wins on: open-source, server count, pricing
StrongVPN vs Mysterium
StrongVPN wins on: reliability, cloud storage, support
Mysterium wins on: decentralized network
StrongVPN vs SafeShell VPN
StrongVPN wins on: cloud storage, established brand
SafeShell VPN wins on: budget pricing
StrongVPN vs Oyster VPN
StrongVPN wins on: cloud storage, more features
Oyster VPN wins on: lower pricing
Frequently Asked Questions
Is StrongVPN better than ExpressVPN?
No. ExpressVPN wins in most categories with more vpn servers, 18 audits, and better streaming. StrongVPN only beats it on free cloud storage and phone customer support.
Is ExpressVPN still trustworthy?
Yes. ExpressVPN has completed 18 independent audits proving its no logs policy. It’s based in the British Virgin Islands, and TrustedServer ram only servers wipe all connection logs on reboot.
How much does ExpressVPN cost?
ExpressVPN starts at $2.44/month on the 2-year Basic plan. The monthly expressvpn subscription costs $12.95. All expressvpn subscription options include a 30-day money back guarantee.
Is StrongVPN free?
No. There is no free strongvpn version or trial. The cheapest strongvpn subscription is the annual plan at $3.97/month, which includes a 30-day money back guarantee.
Is ExpressVPN good for streaming?
Yes. ExpressVPN unblocks Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video across streaming platforms. The MediaStreamer feature works on smart tvs, Android TV, and gaming consoles.
English 
Spanish 
Chinese 
German 
French 
Arabic 
Russian 
Portuguese 
Japanese 
Korean 
Italian 
Turkish 
Dutch 
Polish 
Indonesian 
Thai 
Vietnamese 