📊 Our Test Results:
- 🎯 Server Network: NordVPN has 6,400+ servers across 111 countries vs StrongVPN’s small server network of 950+ servers in 30 countries — NordVPN wins
- ⚡ Speed Tests: NordVPN lost just 5% speed on the closest server vs StrongVPN’s 20% average drop — NordVPN wins
- 🔒 Privacy Audit: NordVPN passed Deloitte’s audit vs StrongVPN’s claims with no independent audit — NordVPN wins
- 📺 Streaming Sites: NordVPN unblocks Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer vs StrongVPN unblocks Netflix and Hulu but struggles with BBC iPlayer — NordVPN wins
- 📱 Devices StrongVPN Supports: Up to 12 simultaneous connections vs NordVPN’s 6 — StrongVPN wins
Picking between the best VPN options online feels overwhelming.
Both NordVPN and StrongVPN promise privacy, fast speeds, and a secure network for your data.
But these two vpn services are very different under the hood.
One vpn provider runs 6,400+ servers worldwide. The other has just 950+ physical servers.
One has independent audits. The other vpn company has none.
I tested both vpn apps side by side for three weeks. Here is what I found.
Overview
I tested NordVPN vs StrongVPN for three weeks across multiple vpn server locations.
I ran leak tests, dns leak tests, and checked browsing activity on each vpn server.
I also tested streaming, upload speeds, and bandwidth usage across multiple server locations.
This nordvpn review and strongvpn review is based on real hands-on testing — not other vpn reviews.
I tried installing nordvpn on a windows client first, then nordvpn desktop apps on Mac.
What is NordVPN?
NordVPN is a premium virtual private network based in Panama.
It encrypts your internet traffic with AES-256-GCM strong encryption.
NordVPN has over 6,400 servers across 111 countries worldwide.
NordVPN offers Threat Protection that blocks ads, trackers, and malicious websites.
The nordvpn apps support different vpn protocols including NordLynx, OpenVPN, and IKEv2.
NordVPN users include Windows, Mac users, Linux, iOS, and Android fans alike.
NordVPN’s kill switch blocks all internet traffic if the vpn connection drops.
NordVPN
NordVPN protects your online activity with audited no-logs privacy and 6,400+ nordvpn servers. It blocks malware, trackers, and shields your ip address. Plans from $2.99/month.
NordVPN Pricing
Here is what a nordvpn subscription costs in 2026. Let’s break it down.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | $2.99/mo | Budget vpn service users |
| Plus | $3.49/mo | Adds password manager & data breach scanner |
| Complete | $5.39/mo | Adds encrypted cloud storage |
Free trial: No free trial on desktop. Android users get a seven-day trial via the google play store.
Money-back guarantee: 30 day money back guarantee on every plan. No questions asked.
Payment options: Credit cards, PayPal, and cryptocurrencies are all accepted.
Monthly billing: Standard $12.99/mo, Plus $13.99/mo, Complete $14.99/mo. The two-year plan drops to as low as $3.99/mo.
📌 Note: All plans include the full vpn tunnel with 6,400+ nordvpn servers. Higher tiers add Threat Protection, a password manager, data breach scanner, and encrypted cloud storage through NordLocker.
⚠️ Warning: These are 2-year plan prices. Monthly billing starts at $12.99/mo. Prices increase after the first term ends.
Key Benefits of NordVPN
Here is why NordVPN stands out from other vpns:
- Massive Server Network: 6,400+ nordvpn servers in 111 countries give you tons of server locations. You can always find the server closest to you.
- Multiple Payment Options: NordVPN accepts credit cards, PayPal, and cryptocurrencies. Crypto adds an extra layer of anonymity to your purchase.
- Strict No Logging Policy: Deloitte and PricewaterhouseCoopers verified NordVPN’s strict no logging policies through multiple security audits. Your browsing data and ip addresses stay private.
- Multiple VPN Protocols: NordLynx (built on the wireguard vpn protocol) delivers fast internet speed. NordVPN also supports OpenVPN configuration files and IKEv2.
- Threat Protection: Blocks downloaded files with malware, ads, and tracker blocking before they reach your device. It works even when the vpn connection drops temporarily.
- Double VPN & Onion Over VPN: Double vpn routes traffic through two vpn servers for extra protection. Onion over vpn adds the tor network for users who strongly advise extra layers.
- Streaming Power: NordVPN’s apps unblock Netflix, Hulu, bbc iplayer, Disney+, and other streaming platforms in 15+ regions.
- Dark Web Monitor: NordVPN’s Dark Web Monitor scans dark web databases for leaked credentials. It alerts you if your email shows up in a breach.
- Six Simultaneous Connections: Connect up to six simultaneous connections per account across all your devices.
NordVPN Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- 6,400+ servers across 111 countries for reliable connections
- Independently audited no-logs policy by Deloitte and PwC
- NordLynx wireguard vpn protocol delivers fast internet speeds
- Threat Protection blocks malware, ads, and trackers
- Dedicated IP addresses available for users who need a static ip
- Unblocks Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and more streaming sites
❌ Cons
- Monthly billing is pricey at $12.99/month
- Only 6 simultaneous connections per nordvpn subscription
- Prices increase after the first billing term
- Had a server breach in 2018 (since resolved)
What is StrongVPN?
StrongVPN is a US-based vpn company that has been around since 2005.
It protects your online activity with AES-256 strong encryption.
StrongVPN has 950+ physical servers in over 30 countries.
StrongVPN also bundles 250GB of free cloud storage with every plan.
StrongVPN
StrongVPN keeps your browsing private with strong encryption and 950+ strongvpn’s servers. Every strongvpn subscription includes 250GB of sugarsync cloud storage. Plans from $3.97/month.
StrongVPN Pricing
Here is what a strongvpn subscription costs in 2026. It keeps payment options simple.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Plan | $3.97/month | Budget users who commit for a year |
| Monthly Plan | $11.99/month | Short-term or testing users |
Free trial: No free trial available. No mobile trial either.
Money-back guarantee: 30-day refund on the annual strongvpn subscription only. Monthly plans have no refund period.
Payment options: StrongVPN accepts credit cards, PayPal, and Alipay (no cryptocurrencies). The monthly plan is $10.99 in some regions and $11.99 elsewhere.
Renewal pricing: The annual plan renews at $69.99 to $79.99 after year one. StrongVPN is based in the United States, part of the Five Eyes alliance.
Setup help: StrongVPN provides manual setup guides for routers, Linux, and devices without native apps. Only billing information and email are collected.
📌 Note: Both plans include 12 simultaneous connections and 250GB sugarsync cloud storage. There is only one feature tier across all strongvpn features.
⚠️ Warning: The annual plan renews at $79.99/year after the first year. That is a big price jump from the intro rate.
Key Benefits of StrongVPN
Here is why StrongVPN appeals to some other users:
- Strict No Logging Policy: StrongVPN claims a strict no-logging policy that does not track browsing history. The only personal information collected is billing data.
- 12 Simultaneous Connections: Connect up to 12 mobile devices and laptops at the same time. That is more than most other vpns offer.
- SugarSync Cloud Storage: Every plan comes with 250GB of sugarsync cloud storage at no extra charge. This adds real value beyond just a vpn.
- Multiple Vpn Protocols: StrongVPN supports WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, SSTP, and L2TP. You can pick the right vpn protocol for speed or compatibility.
- SmartDNS for Streaming: Bypass geo-blocks on streaming platforms without slowing your vpn connection. StrongVPN claims this works without speed reduction.
- Physical Servers Only: StrongVPN does not use virtual location servers. Every server location is a real physical server in the country it represents.
- P2P on All Servers: Torrenting works on every server in strongvpn’s network. No need to hunt for a special P2P server.
StrongVPN Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Allows 12 simultaneous connections per account
- Includes 250GB sugarsync cloud storage
- Supports WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, SSTP and L2TP protocols
- Works with Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ streaming platforms
- Physical servers only — no virtual location tricks
❌ Cons
- Based in the US (Five Eyes country)
- No independent audit of its no-logs claims
- Small server network with only 950+ servers
- Monthly plan has no money back guarantee
Feature Comparison
Ready to see how nordvpn and strongvpn compare feature by feature?
We tested 10 key areas across both vpn services to help you make the right choice.
| Feature | NordVPN | StrongVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $2.99/mo | $3.97/mo |
| Servers | 6,400+ in 111 countries | 950+ in 30 countries |
| Simultaneous Connections | 6 | 12 |
| Kill Switch | ✅ | ✅ |
| Split Tunneling | ✅ | ✅ (Android app only) |
| Double VPN | ✅ | ❌ |
| Independent Audit | ✅ (Deloitte, PwC) | ❌ |
| Ad/Malware Blocker | ✅ (Threat Protection) | ❌ |
| Cloud Storage | ✅ (Complete plan) | ✅ (250GB all plans) |
| Best For | Privacy-focused users | Multi-device households |
1. Server Network and Server Locations
NordVPN: NordVPN runs 6,400+ nordvpn servers across 111 countries. That is one of the largest server networks in the vpn industry. More servers mean less crowding and faster speeds for you.
StrongVPN: StrongVPN has around 950+ strongvpn’s servers in 30+ countries. The small server network can affect speeds. You may struggle to find a closest server in some regions.
2. Speed and Performance
NordVPN: NordVPN uses its custom NordLynx protocol built on the wireguard vpn protocol. In speed tests, internet speed loss is around 5% on nearby vpn servers. Upload speeds stay consistent too.
StrongVPN: StrongVPN also supports WireGuard. But internet connection speeds drop around 20% on average on nearby servers. Average download speed was 31% and upload speeds were just 13% of base.
⚠️ Warning: StrongVPN speeds vary by server location. NordVPN stays more consistent across long distances and high bandwidth usage.
3. Security and Strong Encryption
NordVPN: NordVPN uses AES-256-GCM strong encryption. It offers double vpn, which routes web traffic through two vpn servers. It also includes onion over vpn for tor network-level privacy.
StrongVPN: StrongVPN uses standard AES-256 encryption. It has a kill switch and dns leak protection. But it lacks double vpn, onion over vpn, and obfuscated servers found on other vpns.
4. Privacy and No-Logs Policy
NordVPN: NordVPN has a strict no logging policies verified by Deloitte and PricewaterhouseCoopers. NordVPN is based in Panama, outside surveillance alliances. It never logs your browsing history or ip addresses.
StrongVPN: StrongVPN claims a strict no logging policy too. But it has never had an independent audit. It is based in the US (Five Eyes) and only stores email plus payment information.
⚠️ Warning: A vpn service based in the US can be forced to hand over data by law. NordVPN’s Panama location avoids this risk. The only personal information StrongVPN collects is billing data.
5. Streaming Sites and Geo-Blocked Access
NordVPN: NordVPN unblocks Netflix in 15+ regions, plus Hulu, bbc iplayer, Disney+, and Amazon Prime. SmartPlay technology makes streaming services work without extra setup. A custom dns server speeds things up.
StrongVPN: StrongVPN works with Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+. But it struggles with bbc iplayer access. SmartDNS helps speed up streaming sites without encrypting your full internet connection.
6. Threat Protection and Malware Blocking
NordVPN: Threat Protection blocks malware, ads, and trackers at the device level. It scans downloaded files and provides tracker blocking even when the vpn is off. This is a huge bonus.
StrongVPN: StrongVPN has no built-in ad blocker or malware protection. You need a separate tool for that. This is a clear gap in strongvpn features compared to other vpns.
7. Split Tunneling and Browser Extensions
NordVPN: NordVPN offers split tunneling on its windows app, android app, and android tv apps. NordVPN’s mobile apps also include browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox to manage browser traffic.
StrongVPN: StrongVPN only offers split tunneling on its android apps for android devices. Windows laptop and Mac desktop users cannot use this feature. The settings menu is also limited in mobile apps. Other vpns offer split tunneling on more platforms.
8. Simultaneous Connections and Device Support
NordVPN: NordVPN allows 6 simultaneous connections per nordvpn subscription. Nordvpn’s windows app, nordvpn’s mac app, nordvpn’s ios app, and android and ios apps are all available. You can install nordvpn on routers for unlimited devices.
StrongVPN: StrongVPN allows 12 simultaneous connections — twice NordVPN’s count. Devices strongvpn supports include Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, linux operating systems, chrome os, routers, and Amazon Fire TV via native apps.
9. Customer Support and Setup Guides
NordVPN: NordVPN’s live chat runs 24/7 and you don’t need to log in to use it. All support is handled in-house, not outsourced. A chatbot handles common questions before passing you to a human. The knowledge base has hundreds of articles and setup guides.
StrongVPN: StrongVPN offers live chat, email, and phone support. Phone support is rare in the vpn industry. But the chatbot can be unreliable at times.
10. Pricing & Cost
Let’s compare the pricing plans side by side.
| Plan | NordVPN | StrongVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $12.99/mo | $11.99/mo |
| Annual | $2.99/mo (Basic) | $3.97/mo |
| Free Trial | 7-day (Android only) | ❌ |
| Money-Back | 30 days (all plans) | 30 days (annual only) |
NordVPN: NordVPN is cheaper on long-term plans. The Basic 2-year plan starts at $2.99/mo. You also get a 30 day money back guarantee on every plan. Crypto payment options are available.
StrongVPN: StrongVPN’s annual subscription costs $3.97/mo. Its monthly plan is $1 cheaper than NordVPN’s at $11.99/mo. But you lose the refund on monthly plans. No crypto payment options.
Different Scenarios
| If You Need… | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum privacy | NordVPN | Audited no-logs, Panama-based |
| Most device connections | StrongVPN | 12 vs 6 simultaneous |
| Best streaming access | NordVPN | Unblocks 15+ Netflix regions |
| Free cloud storage | StrongVPN | 250GB SugarSync bundled |
| Fastest speeds | NordVPN | NordLynx loses only 5% speed |
| Cheapest long-term plan | NordVPN | $2.99/mo vs $3.97/mo |
💰 Your Budget
NordVPN wins on long-term value at $2.99/mo. StrongVPN is $1 cheaper on monthly billing at $11.99/mo versus $12.99/mo.
🔌 Your Tech Stack
NordVPN works with more native apps including browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. StrongVPN covers the basics but lacks browser extension add-ons.
📝 Your Privacy Needs
NordVPN is based in Panama with multiple audits proving it is a good vpn for privacy. StrongVPN is in the US with no independent audit.
🎓 Your Experience Level
Both vpn apps have simple connect buttons for beginners. StrongVPN is slightly simpler with one-tap connect. NordVPN has more features to explore in the settings menu.
🆓 Free Trials and Demos
NordVPN offers a 7-day free trial via the google play store and a 30 day money back guarantee. StrongVPN has no free trial and only refunds annual plans.
🛟 Support Options
NordVPN support runs 24/7 live chat with in-house staff. StrongVPN offers phone support too, which is rare but useful if you prefer voice help.
Switching Guide
Already using one of these vpn services? Here is what to expect if you switch.
🔄 Switching from NordVPN to StrongVPN?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- 12 simultaneous connections instead of 6
- 250GB free cloud storage from sugarsync cloud storage
- Phone support for direct help
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Audited strict no logging policies and Panama jurisdiction
- 6,400+ servers and 111 country coverage
- Threat Protection, double vpn, and Meshnet features
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel your nordvpn subscription and request a refund if within 30 days
- Sign up for the strongvpn subscription annual plan at strongvpn.com
- Download the strongvpn windows app and other native apps on your devices
🔄 Switching from StrongVPN to NordVPN?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- 6,400+ servers across 111 countries for more servers and locations
- Threat Protection that blocks malware and ads
- Audited strict no logging policy with Panama privacy protection
❌ What you’ll lose:
- 250GB sugarsync cloud storage (unless on Complete plan with encrypted cloud storage)
- 6 fewer simultaneous connections
- Phone support option
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel your strongvpn subscription and request a refund within 30 days
- Sign up at nordvpn.com and pick your nordvpn subscription plan
- Install nordvpn on all your devices using the nordvpn app
Final Verdict
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| 💰 Pricing | NordVPN |
| 🚀 Server Network | NordVPN |
| ⚡ Speed | NordVPN |
| 🔒 Privacy & Security | NordVPN |
| 📺 Streaming | NordVPN |
| 🔌 Device Connections | StrongVPN |
| 🛟 Customer Support | Tie |
| ☁️ Cloud Storage | StrongVPN |
| 🏆 Overall Winner | NordVPN |
🏆 WINNER: NordVPN
NordVPN wins 5 out of 8 categories.
Best for: Privacy-focused users, streaming fans, and anyone who wants the best vpns proven by audits
NordVPN and StrongVPN serve different types of users.
NordVPN is the best vpn for privacy, speed, and access to streaming services.
StrongVPN is a decent strong vpn choice if you need 12 simultaneous connections plus 250GB sugarsync cloud storage.
But NordVPN’s audited privacy, massive server network, and Threat Protection make it the clear winner.
If you want the best protection for your online life and safe online browsing, NordVPN is our pick.
More of NordVPN Compared
Here’s how NordVPN stacks up against other competitors:
NordVPN vs ExpressVPN
NordVPN wins on: Lower price, Threat Protection, larger server count
ExpressVPN wins on: Ease of use, Lightway protocol, router app
NordVPN vs PureVPN
NordVPN wins on: Privacy audits, speed, streaming access
PureVPN wins on: Budget pricing, dedicated ip address options
NordVPN vs Surfshark VPN
NordVPN wins on: Audit history, server count, NordLynx speed
Surfshark VPN wins on: Unlimited devices, lower starting price
NordVPN vs Proton VPN
NordVPN wins on: Server count, streaming power, Threat Protection
Proton VPN wins on: Free tier, Swiss privacy laws, open-source apps
NordVPN vs Private Internet Access
NordVPN wins on: Privacy jurisdiction, Threat Protection, speed
Private internet access wins on: Lower price, unlimited connections, open-source
NordVPN vs CyberGhost
NordVPN wins on: Speed, privacy audits, Threat Protection
CyberGhost wins on: Dedicated streaming servers, 45-day refund
More of StrongVPN Compared
Here’s how StrongVPN stacks up against other competitors:
StrongVPN vs ExpressVPN
StrongVPN wins on: More simultaneous connections, free cloud storage
ExpressVPN wins on: Speed, server network, streaming access
StrongVPN vs PureVPN
StrongVPN wins on: Bundled cloud storage, simpler plans
PureVPN wins on: Larger server network, dedicated ip
StrongVPN vs Surfshark VPN
StrongVPN wins on: Cloud storage bundle, phone support
Surfshark VPN wins on: Unlimited devices, lower price, more features
StrongVPN vs Proton VPN
StrongVPN wins on: Bundled cloud storage, more device connections
Proton VPN wins on: Free plan, Swiss privacy, open-source code
StrongVPN vs Namecheap VPN
StrongVPN wins on: More device connections, cloud storage bundle
Namecheap VPN wins on: Lower pricing, domain integration
StrongVPN vs CyberGhost
StrongVPN wins on: Cloud storage, phone support
CyberGhost wins on: 9,000+ servers, 45-day refund, streaming servers
Frequently Asked Questions
Is NordVPN better than StrongVPN?
Yes. NordVPN beats StrongVPN in speed, server count, privacy audits, and streaming. NordVPN won 5 out of 8 categories. StrongVPN only wins on simultaneous connections and free cloud storage.
Is StrongVPN free?
No. StrongVPN has no free plan or free trial. The cheapest strongvpn subscription is the annual plan at $3.97/month. Annual plans include a 30 day money back guarantee.
How many devices can you have on StrongVPN?
StrongVPN allows up to 12 simultaneous connections per account. That doubles NordVPN’s 6 devices. Devices strongvpn supports include Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, chrome os, routers, and Amazon Fire TV.
Is NordVPN trustworthy?
Yes. NordVPN passed multiple audits by Deloitte and PwC. It is based in Panama, outside the Five Eyes surveillance alliance. Its strict no logging policies are independently verified.
Can I be tracked if I use NordVPN?
NordVPN makes tracking very hard. It uses AES-256 strong encryption and keeps no logs. Features like double vpn, onion over vpn, and obfuscated servers add extra protection layers.
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