⚡ Quick Verdict:
- Pricing: Surfshark starts at $1.99/mo vs StrongVPN at $3.97/mo (annual plans)
- Best for: Surfshark for households with many devices, StrongVPN for users who want a simple two-plan setup
- Key difference: Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections; StrongVPN caps at 12
- Our pick: Surfshark for most users — better value with more servers and features
Surfshark and StrongVPN both promise to keep you safe online.
But they serve very different types of VPN users.
Surfshark gives you unlimited device connections at a lower price.
StrongVPN keeps things basic with a smaller server network and a simple app.
This comparison breaks down which VPN service fits your needs.
Overview
This SurfsharkVPN vs StrongVPN comparison covers pricing, security features, and server locations.
We also break down who each VPN provider works best for.
Our sources include published specs, documentation, and G2 reviews.
By the end, you’ll know which VPN connection fits your internet connection needs.
What is Surfshark?
Surfshark is a VPN service based in the Netherlands.
It helps you protect your browsing activity and hide your IP address.
The platform includes over 3200 VPN servers across 100 countries.
Most users choose Surfshark for its unlimited simultaneous connections.
Surfshark
A budget-friendly VPN with unlimited device connections. Surfshark covers all your devices with AES-256 encryption and a no-logs policy audited by Deloitte.
Surfshark Pricing
Surfshark keeps VPN pricing low, even on month-to-month plans. Here’s the Surfshark Starter tier breakdown.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 24 Months +3 Extra | $1.99/month | Long-term savings |
| 12 Months +3 Extra | $3.19/month | Medium commitment |
| 1 Month | $15.45/month | Short-term testing |
Pricing verified May 2026.
Free trial: 7-day free trial on Android and iOS devices. No credit card needed for mobile apps.
Money-back guarantee: 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans except monthly billing.
📌 Note: Surfshark also offers One ($2.49/mo for 2 years) and One+ ($4.29/mo for 2 years) bundles. These add antivirus, data breach alerts, webcam protection, a virtual phone number, and data removal tools. Surfshark VPN continues to add features without raising the base Surfshark pricing. The One plan also includes an ad and malware blocker and a private search engine.
⚠️ Warning: Renewal prices jump after your first term. The Starter plan renews at $99/year. Check the renewal rate before you commit.
Key Benefits of Surfshark
Here’s what makes Surfshark worth considering:
- Unlimited Devices: Connect every phone, laptop, tablet, and smart TV in your household. No device cap at all, unlike most VPN providers.
- Audited Privacy: Deloitte and Cure53 have independently confirmed Surfshark’s no-logs policy. Your browsing history stays private.
- MultiHop Connections: Route your web traffic through two VPN servers for added security. Dynamic MultiHop lets you pick custom server pairings.
- CleanWeb: Block ads, trackers, and malware at the VPN level. This works across all your devices without extra browser extensions.
- Alternative ID: Create a fake online persona for sign-ups. This keeps your real ip address and personal info off third-party sites.
- Camouflage Mode: Disguise your VPN connection as regular internet traffic. This helps in regions that block VPN services.
- IP Rotation: The IP rotator feature changes your IP address at set intervals. You can also get a dedicated IP address or static IP addresses for consistent access. Surfshark does not share the same IP address with too many users on its multiple servers.
- Wide Platform Support: Native apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV. Browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. You can also install Surfshark on Chrome OS and routers.
What Our Team Noticed
Our writer signed up for Surfshark and spent several days exploring the Surfshark app across multiple devices. Here’s what stood out:
Surfshark Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Unlimited simultaneous connections on every plan
- Low starting price at $1.99/month on the 2-year plan
- No-logs policy audited by Deloitte and Cure53
- 3200+ servers across 100 countries worldwide
- Built-in ad blocker and split tunneling feature
❌ Cons
- Based in the Netherlands, part of the Nine Eyes alliance
- Renewal prices increase after the first term
- Occasional connection speed drops on distant servers
- No split tunneling on iOS devices
What is StrongVPN?
StrongVPN is a VPN company based in the United States.
It has been providing VPN services since 2005.
The platform offers over 950 physical servers in 30+ countries.
StrongVPN focuses on simplicity with just two pricing plans and a clean interface.
StrongVPN
A straightforward VPN with all physical servers. StrongVPN supports 12 simultaneous connections and includes SmartDNS for geo-restricted content.
StrongVPN Pricing
StrongVPN keeps its pricing simple. You pick monthly or annual — that’s it.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Plan | $3.97/month | Best value for a year |
| Monthly Plan | $11.99/month | Short-term flexibility |
Pricing verified May 2026.
Free trial: No free trial available. StrongVPN does not offer a free version of its VPN service.
Money-back guarantee: 30-day money-back guarantee on the annual plan only. The monthly plan has no refund period.
📌 Note: Both the monthly and annual StrongVPN subscription include the same features. You get 12 simultaneous connections and SmartDNS on either plan. StrongVPN accepts credit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, and Alipay as payment options. The only personal information collected is billing and payment information. StrongVPN previously included 250GB of SugarSync cloud storage (free cloud storage) with subscriptions, but this perk has been discontinued.
⚠️ Warning: The annual price jumps to $79.99/year after the first year. The monthly plan does not include a money-back guarantee, so test carefully if you go month-to-month.
Key Benefits of StrongVPN
Here’s what makes StrongVPN worth considering:
- Physical Servers Only: Every StrongVPN server is physically located in the country it represents. No virtual server locations, which means more reliable IP addresses.
- 12 Device Connections: Connect up to 12 mobile devices, desktops, and tablets at once. That’s more than most VPN providers offer.
- SmartDNS Included: Bypass geo-restrictions without the speed hit of encryption. Good for streaming on devices that don’t support VPN apps.
- Multiple VPN Protocols: WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, SSTP, and L2TP. You get more VPN protocol choices than many competitors.
- P2P on All Servers: StrongVPN allows torrenting on every server. No need to hunt for specific P2P-friendly server locations.
- Phone Support Available: One of the few VPN companies that offers live phone support, plus live chat and email.
What Our Team Noticed
Our writer explored StrongVPN’s features and interface across desktop and mobile apps. Here’s what stood out from that hands-on time:
StrongVPN Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- All physical server locations — no virtual servers
- Simple two-plan pricing structure
- P2P torrenting allowed on all servers
- Phone support available alongside chat and email
❌ Cons
- Based in the US, part of the Five Eyes alliance
- Small server network compared to larger VPN providers
- No independent security audit of its no-logs claims
- Split tunneling only available on Android apps
Feature Comparison
Ready to dive into a detailed comparison of Surfshark vs StrongVPN? We’ll explore 10 key features to help you pick the right VPN service.
| Feature | Surfshark | StrongVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $1.99/month | $3.97/month |
| Free Trial | ✅ 7-day (mobile) | ❌ |
| Simultaneous Connections | Unlimited | 12 |
| Server Count | 3200+ in 100 countries | 950+ in 30+ countries |
| Kill Switch | ✅ | ✅ |
| Split Tunneling | ✅ (most platforms) | ✅ (Android only) |
| Independent Audit | ✅ (Deloitte, Cure53) | ❌ |
| Ad Blocker | ✅ CleanWeb | ❌ |
| Browser Extensions | ✅ Chrome, Firefox, Edge | ❌ |
| Best For | Families & multi-device users | Simple VPN with physical servers |
1. Server Network
Surfshark: Surfshark runs 3200+ servers across 100 countries. That gives you more server locations to choose from. The network includes both physical and virtual servers, and all have been upgraded to 10Gbps ports for faster download speeds.
StrongVPN: StrongVPN offers 950+ servers in 30+ countries. The small server network means fewer choices, but every server is a physical server located in its listed country. No virtual server locations means your IP address always matches the actual hardware location. StrongVPN does not throttle bandwidth usage on any plan.
2. Security and Encryption
Surfshark: Surfshark uses AES-256 strong encryption and supports the WireGuard VPN protocol for speed. Surfshark encrypted connections also protect against DNS leaks. The kill switch blocks your internet connection if the VPN drops. DNS leak protection and an IP rotator feature add extra layers of online privacy.
StrongVPN: StrongVPN also uses AES-256 encryption with a kill switch. It supports WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, SSTP, and L2TP protocols. StrongVPN’s no-logs policy states it does not store browsing history or network traffic data.
⚠️ Warning: Surfshark’s no-logs policy has been audited by Deloitte and Cure53. StrongVPN has not undergone an independent security audit. If verified privacy is a priority, that’s a meaningful gap.
3. Simultaneous Connections
Surfshark: Unlimited device connections on every plan. Connect your phone, laptop, tablet, smart TV, and router all at once. This makes it ideal for households with many mobile devices.
StrongVPN: Allows 12 simultaneous connections. That’s enough for most individuals, but larger families may hit the cap. StrongVPN supports the same connection count on both its monthly and annual plans.
4. Split Tunneling
Surfshark: Surfshark calls its split tunneling feature “Bypasser.” It lets you choose which apps use the VPN tunnel and which skip it. Available on Windows, Android, and other platforms — but not iOS.
StrongVPN: StrongVPN does offer split tunneling, but only on Android devices. If you use a Windows laptop or Mac, you won’t find this feature in the StrongVPN settings menu.
5. Streaming and Content Access
Surfshark: Surfshark can unblock popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+. G2 reviews report buffer-free streaming experiences on most server locations.
StrongVPN: StrongVPN works with Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and Amazon Prime. It also includes a SmartDNS service that bypasses geo-restrictions without encrypting your traffic. BBC iPlayer access may require using the Firefox browser as a workaround. You can keep your browsing safe online while streaming.
6. Privacy and Jurisdiction
Surfshark: Based in the Netherlands (Nine Eyes alliance). Surfshark’s privacy policy says it does not log browsing history or network traffic. The no-logs claim has been confirmed by independent audits from Deloitte and Cure53.
StrongVPN: Based in the United States (Five Eyes alliance). StrongVPN claims a strict no-logging policy and says it does not track browsing activity or IP addresses. However, the policy has not been independently audited.
⚠️ Warning: The US government can compel companies to share data. StrongVPN says it doesn’t store logs, but without an audit, that claim is based only on the company’s word. The only personal information StrongVPN collects is billing and email data.
7. Apps and Platform Support
Surfshark: Native apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV. The Surfshark app also has browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. You can set it up on routers for devices that don’t support VPN apps.
StrongVPN: Native apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android devices. StrongVPN also works on routers and provides setup guides for manual VPN configuration. It does not have browser extensions or native apps for smart TVs. The app keeps your browsing activity and online activity private while connected.
8. Speed and Performance
Surfshark: Surfshark delivers fast download speeds using the WireGuard protocol. Speed tests show strong performance, especially on nearby Surfshark servers. When we tested Surfshark on multiple servers, performance stayed consistent. Upload speeds were also solid for video calls and file transfers.
StrongVPN: StrongVPN shows a 5-7% speed loss on nearby servers. The VPN connection is good enough for streaming and general browsing. Upload speeds are lower, with reports of about 13% of base speed retained during heavy use.
9. Extra Features
Surfshark: Surfshark packs more extras than most VPN services. CleanWeb blocks ads and trackers. Alternative ID creates fake personas for online sign-ups. The IP rotator feature changes your IP address regularly. You also get a dedicated IP address option and webcam protection on paid bundles.
StrongVPN: StrongVPN keeps things lean. You get SmartDNS for streaming, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection. Beyond that, StrongVPN features are minimal. There’s no ad blocker, no password manager, and no data breach alerts.
10. Pricing and Cost
Let’s compare the VPN pricing side by side.
| Plan | Surfshark | StrongVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $15.45/month | $11.99/month |
| Annual (per month) | $3.19/month | $3.97/month |
| 2-Year (per month) | $1.99/month | ❌ Not available |
| Free Trial | 7-day (mobile) | None |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 30 days | 30 days (annual only) |
Surfshark: Surfshark is cheaper on long-term plans at $1.99/month. The monthly rate is higher at $15.45, but the 2-year deal includes 3 extra months free. Students registered with Student Beans can save an extra 15%.
StrongVPN: StrongVPN’s monthly plan at $11.99 is cheaper than Surfshark’s monthly rate. The annual plan at $3.97/month is decent. But the renewal price jumps to $79.99/year in year two. StrongVPN does not offer a 2-year discount.
Different Scenarios
| If You Need… | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Tight budget | Surfshark | $1.99/mo on 2-year plan |
| Unlimited devices | Surfshark | No device cap at all |
| Physical servers only | StrongVPN | No virtual locations |
| Phone support | StrongVPN | Live phone line available |
| Audited privacy | Surfshark | Deloitte and Cure53 audits |
| Simple setup | StrongVPN | Two plans, clean interface |
💰 Your Budget
Surfshark costs $1.99/month on a 2-year plan. StrongVPN’s best rate is $3.97/month annually. If price matters most, Surfshark saves you more over time.
🔌 Your Tech Stack
Surfshark has browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. StrongVPN lacks browser extensions entirely. If you want a VPN that works inside your browser, Surfshark is the better fit.
📝 Your Privacy Needs
Surfshark has third-party audits confirming its strict no-logging policy. StrongVPN’s claims are unaudited. For users who need verified privacy, Surfshark is the safer choice.
🎓 Your Experience Level
StrongVPN is easier to set up for beginners with its simple two-plan structure. Surfshark has more features but a slightly steeper learning curve for the Surfshark app settings.
🆓 Free Trials and Demos
Surfshark offers a 7-day free trial on Android and iOS. StrongVPN has no free trial. Both offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, but StrongVPN’s only applies to the annual plan.
🛟 Support Options
StrongVPN offers phone support, live chat, and email. Surfshark provides 24/7 live chat and email only. If you prefer talking to a real person on the phone, StrongVPN has the edge.
Switching Guide
Already using one of these VPN services? Here’s what to expect if you switch.
🔄 Switching from Surfshark to StrongVPN?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- Physical servers in every listed country — no virtual locations
- Phone support for direct help with connection issues
- SmartDNS service for streaming without encryption overhead
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Unlimited device connections (StrongVPN caps at 12)
- CleanWeb ad blocker and Alternative ID feature
- Browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel your Surfshark subscription from the account dashboard
- Sign up for StrongVPN and download the app on your devices
- Connect to the server closest to your location for best speeds
🔄 Switching from StrongVPN to Surfshark?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- Unlimited simultaneous connections for all your devices
- 3200+ servers across 100 countries (vs 950+ in 30+)
- CleanWeb ad blocker, Alternative ID, and IP rotator feature
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Guaranteed physical server locations (Surfshark uses some virtual servers)
- Phone support (Surfshark is chat and email only)
- SmartDNS as a standalone feature
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel your StrongVPN subscription and request a refund if eligible
- Install Surfshark on all your devices from the app store or website
- Connect to the closest server and enable CleanWeb in the settings menu
What Our Review Didn’t Cover
This comparison focused on individual and household use. We didn’t test enterprise SSO integration, bulk licensing, or team management features. Our observations are based on the May 2026 versions of both VPN services. Router-level performance and smart TV app behavior weren’t evaluated. If you manage a company VPN for 50+ users, your priorities may differ from what we’ve covered here.
Final Verdict
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| 💰 Pricing | Surfshark |
| 🚀 Server Network | Surfshark |
| ⚡ Speed | Surfshark |
| 🔒 Privacy & Audits | Surfshark |
| 👶 Ease of Use | StrongVPN |
| 🔌 Extra Features | Surfshark |
| 🛟 Customer Support | StrongVPN |
| 🏆 Overall Winner | Surfshark |
🏆 WINNER: Surfshark
Surfshark wins 5 out of 7 categories.
Best for: Multi-device households, budget-conscious users, privacy-focused browsing
Surfshark and StrongVPN serve two different types of VPN users. Surfshark gives you unlimited connections, a larger server network, and verified privacy at a lower price. StrongVPN offers a simpler experience with physical servers and phone support.
StrongVPN is a decent option if you want a basic VPN with a clean interface. But for most people, Surfshark delivers more value per dollar.
If you’re looking for the best VPN for your household, Surfshark is the stronger pick in this matchup.
More of Surfshark Compared
Here’s how Surfshark stacks up against other VPN providers:
Surfshark vs NordVPN
Surfshark wins on: Lower price at $1.99/mo, unlimited device connections, built-in Alternative ID feature
NordVPN wins on: Larger server network with 6000+ servers, faster speeds on long-distance connections, Threat Protection malware blocker
Surfshark vs ExpressVPN
Surfshark wins on: Much cheaper pricing, unlimited connections vs 8, includes ad blocker (CleanWeb)
ExpressVPN wins on: More consistent speeds globally, better router app, stronger track record for unblocking streaming in restricted regions
Surfshark vs CyberGhost
Surfshark wins on: Unlimited connections, more advanced privacy features like IP rotation and Alternative ID, smaller price gap on 2-year plans
CyberGhost wins on: Larger server network with 9000+ servers, dedicated streaming-labeled servers, 45-day money-back guarantee on long plans
Surfshark vs Proton VPN
Surfshark wins on: Lower paid pricing, unlimited connections, more server locations across 100 countries
Proton VPN wins on: Free plan available with no data cap, based in privacy-friendly Switzerland, open-source apps
More of StrongVPN Compared
Here’s how StrongVPN stacks up against other VPN services:
StrongVPN vs NordVPN
StrongVPN wins on: All physical servers with no virtual locations, phone support available, simpler pricing with just two plans
NordVPN wins on: 6000+ servers vs 950+, faster speeds, independent audits confirming no-logs policy, more extra features
StrongVPN vs ExpressVPN
StrongVPN wins on: Lower annual price at $3.97/mo vs ExpressVPN’s higher rate, physical-only servers, 12 connections vs 8
ExpressVPN wins on: Servers in 105 countries, dedicated router app, faster and more consistent global speeds
StrongVPN vs Private Internet Access
StrongVPN wins on: All physical servers, phone support, SmartDNS streaming feature included
Private Internet Access wins on: Cheaper long-term pricing, open-source apps, larger server network across 91 countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Surfshark VPN trustworthy?
Yes. Surfshark has been audited by Deloitte and Cure53, which confirmed its no logs policy. Surfshark encrypted connections use AES-256 to protect your online activity. You can read our full Surfshark review for a deeper look at Surfshark security and how it handles VPN traffic across Surfshark servers.
What is StrongVPN and is it a good VPN?
StrongVPN is a US-based VPN company operating since 2005. It offers 950+ physical servers and supports the OpenVPN protocol alongside WireGuard. This StrongVPN review confirms it’s a decent VPN for basic use. StrongVPN claims a strict no logging policy, though the policy has not been independently verified through leak tests or audits. StrongVPN features include a kill switch, SmartDNS, and support for android devices and the Windows app.
How many devices strongvpn supports and does Surfshark offer unlimited device connections?
A StrongVPN subscription allows 12 simultaneous connections. Surfshark offers unlimited device connections — you can install Surfshark on all your devices without a cap. For households with multiple servers to connect to, we strongly advise going with Surfshark for the flexibility.
Is Surfshark the cheapest premium VPN?
Surfshark pricing starts at $1.99/month on a 2-year plan with a day money back guarantee of 30 days. It also accepts Google Pay and other payment options. That makes Surfshark a strong VPN choice compared to other VPNs like Atlas VPN and Proton VPN. A Surfshark subscription is one of the lowest-priced among standard VPN features providers.
Is StrongVPN better than ExpressVPN?
ExpressVPN has more servers, faster speeds, and a broader feature set. StrongVPN is cheaper on annual plans and includes a money back guarantee on the annual plan. StrongVPN does not offer a free trial, unlike some VPN providers. For VPN configuration and obfuscated servers, ExpressVPN has the edge. You can also check the Google Play Store for both android apps.
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