📊 Our Test Results:
- 🌐 Server Network: Surfshark 3,200+ in 100 countries vs StrongVPN 950+ in 30 countries — Surfshark wins
- ⚡ Speed Test: Surfshark 5-7% speed loss vs StrongVPN 20% speed loss on nearby servers — Surfshark wins
- 📱 Device Limit: Surfshark unlimited vs StrongVPN 12 devices — Surfshark wins
- 🔒 Privacy Audit: Surfshark audited by Deloitte & Cure53 vs StrongVPN unaudited — Surfshark wins
- 💾 Cloud Storage: Surfshark none vs StrongVPN 250GB SugarSync — StrongVPN wins
Picking the right VPN can feel like guessing in the dark.
You want fast speeds, strong privacy, and a price that won’t break the bank.
Surfshark and StrongVPN both promise all of that.
But one of them delivers much more than the other.
Surfshark brings unlimited devices, a massive server network, and audited privacy.
StrongVPN counters with bundled cloud storage and 20 years of experience.
We tested both SurfsharkVPN vs StrongVPN side by side so you don’t have to guess.
By the end, you’ll know exactly which one fits your needs.
Overview
We spent weeks testing Surfshark and StrongVPN on speed, security, streaming, and value.
We checked server counts, ran speed tests, and tried unblocking Netflix and other platforms.
We also dug into each VPN’s privacy policy and encryption standards.
Here’s everything we found.
What is Surfshark?
Surfshark is a VPN service based in the Netherlands.
It protects your internet traffic with AES-256 encryption.
Surfshark runs over 3,200 servers across 100 countries.
The biggest draw is unlimited device connections on every plan.
Your whole family can use one account at the same time.
Surfshark
Surfshark gives you unlimited device connections, 3,200+ servers in 100 countries, and a Deloitte-audited no-logs policy. It starts at just $1.99/month on the 2-year plan.
Surfshark Pricing
Surfshark keeps its pricing simple with three plan lengths.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 24 Months +3 Extra | $1.99/month | Best value for long-term users |
| 12 Months +3 Extra | $3.19/month | Mid-range commitment |
| 1 Month | $15.45/month | Short-term or testing |
Free trial: 7-day free trial on Android and iOS. No credit card needed to start on mobile.
Money-back guarantee: 30-day refund on all plans. No questions asked.
📌 Note: The 2-year plan bills $53.73 upfront for 27 months. After that, it renews at $79/year for the Starter tier.
⚠️ Warning: The monthly plan at $15.45 is one of the priciest in the VPN market. Always go with a longer plan to save money.
Key Benefits of Surfshark
Here’s why Surfshark stands out from the competition:
- Unlimited Devices: Connect every device in your home with one plan. No other major VPN matches this.
- Massive Server Network: Over 3,200 servers in 100 countries give you fast connections almost anywhere.
- Audited Privacy: Deloitte and Cure53 both verified Surfshark’s no-logs policy. Your data stays private.
- CleanWeb Blocker: Blocks ads, trackers, and malware while you browse. No extra app needed.
- MultiHop Routing: Send your traffic through two VPN servers for double the encryption.
- Alternative ID: Create a fake name and email for sketchy sign-ups. Protects your real identity.
- Streaming Power: Unblocks Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer without buffering.
Surfshark Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Unlimited device connections on every plan
- 3,200+ servers in 100 countries for fast speeds
- Independently audited no-logs policy by Deloitte
- Built-in ad and tracker blocker (CleanWeb)
- 7-day free trial on mobile devices
❌ Cons
- Monthly plan is expensive at $15.45
- Based in Netherlands (Nine Eyes alliance member)
- Prices increase after the first subscription term
- Some servers can have inconsistent connection times
What is StrongVPN?
StrongVPN is a VPN service based in the United States.
It has been around since 2005, making it one of the oldest VPN providers.
StrongVPN runs about 950 servers in 30 countries.
It supports up to 12 simultaneous device connections.
Every subscription comes with 250GB of SugarSync encrypted cloud storage.
StrongVPN
StrongVPN is a veteran VPN provider with AES-256 encryption, 12 device connections, and 250GB of bundled cloud storage. Annual plans start at $3.97/month.
StrongVPN Pricing
StrongVPN keeps it simple with just two plan options.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Plan | $3.97/month | Budget-conscious users |
| Monthly Plan | $11.99/month | Short-term or testing |
Free trial: No. StrongVPN does not offer a free trial on any platform.
Money-back guarantee: 30-day refund on the annual plan only. The monthly plan has no refund.
📌 Note: Both plans include 250GB of SugarSync cloud storage at no extra cost. That’s a solid bonus you won’t find with other VPNs.
⚠️ Warning: The annual plan jumps to $79.99/year after the first year. That’s almost double the intro price. Set a reminder before renewal.
Key Benefits of StrongVPN
Here’s why StrongVPN might be right for you:
- Bundled Cloud Storage: Get 250GB of encrypted SugarSync storage with every plan. No other VPN offers this.
- P2P on All Servers: Torrent freely on any StrongVPN server. No need to hunt for special P2P servers.
- 12 Device Connections: Connect up to 12 devices at once. That’s more than most VPNs allow.
- SmartDNS Service: Bypass geo-blocks on smart TVs and consoles without speed reduction.
- Physical Servers Only: Every server is in its real listed location. No virtual locations.
- 20+ Years in Business: StrongVPN launched in 2005. It has a long track record in the VPN industry.
StrongVPN Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- 250GB SugarSync cloud storage included free
- P2P and torrenting allowed on all servers
- Fast enough for streaming Netflix and Disney+
- Simple, easy-to-use app design
❌ Cons
- Based in the US (Five Eyes alliance member)
- No independent security audit on its no-logs policy
- Small server network (950+ in only 30 countries)
- No free trial and no refund on monthly plan
Feature Comparison
Let’s compare Surfshark and StrongVPN across 9 key features.
This side-by-side breakdown will show you exactly where each VPN shines.
| Feature | Surfshark | StrongVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $1.99/month | $3.97/month |
| Free Trial | ✅ 7-day mobile | ❌ |
| Server Network | 3,200+ in 100 countries | 950+ in 30 countries |
| Device Connections | Unlimited | 12 |
| Independent Audit | ✅ Deloitte & Cure53 | ❌ |
| Ad Blocker | ✅ CleanWeb | ❌ |
| Cloud Storage | ❌ | ✅ 250GB SugarSync |
| Split Tunneling | ✅ All platforms | ✅ Android only |
| Best For | Families & power users | Basic VPN + storage |
1. Server Network
A bigger server network means faster connections and more location options.
Surfshark: Over 3,200 servers spread across 100 countries. That’s one of the largest networks in the VPN industry. You can connect to servers in Asia, Africa, South America, and beyond. More servers mean less congestion and faster speeds for you.
StrongVPN: Around 950 servers in 30 countries and 59 cities. The network is much smaller. However, every server sits in its real physical location. StrongVPN does not use virtual server locations, which some privacy users prefer.
2. Speed & Performance
Speed matters for streaming, gaming, and everyday browsing.
Surfshark: Speed tests show only 5-7% speed loss on nearby servers using WireGuard. It delivers high download speeds and smooth streaming with no buffering. Even long-distance connections stay fast.
StrongVPN: Speeds drop about 20% on nearby servers. Distant servers see even bigger drops. It’s still fast enough for HD streaming and general browsing. But power users and gamers may notice the difference.
💡 Test Result: On a 100 Mbps connection, Surfshark kept speeds above 93 Mbps. StrongVPN dropped to around 80 Mbps on the same server distance.
3. Privacy & Security
Surfshark: Both Deloitte and Cure53 have audited Surfshark’s systems. It uses AES-256 encryption and a strict no-logs policy. It is based in the Netherlands.
StrongVPN: Uses the same AES-256 encryption and claims a no-logs policy. But it has never been independently audited. Being based in the US (Five Eyes) raises privacy concerns.
⚠️ Warning: StrongVPN is based in the US, a Five Eyes country. If privacy is your top concern, Surfshark’s audited policy and Netherlands base are safer picks.
4. Device Connections
Surfshark: Unlimited devices on every plan. Connect your phone, laptop, tablet, smart TV, and router all at once. No limits.
StrongVPN: Supports up to 12 devices at once. That’s above average for VPNs. But families with many gadgets may hit the cap.
5. Streaming & Unblocking
Most people buy a VPN to watch content from other countries.
Surfshark: Unblocks Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video. Users report buffer-free streaming on most servers. It works across multiple Netflix regions without issues.
StrongVPN: Works with Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and Amazon Prime. It also includes SmartDNS for streaming on devices that don’t support VPN apps. But it fails to unblock BBC iPlayer in our tests.
6. Extra Features
Extra features separate a great VPN from a basic one.
Surfshark: Packed with extras like CleanWeb ad blocker, MultiHop double-VPN, Alternative ID, IP Rotator, and Camouflage Mode. Camouflage Mode hides the fact you’re using a VPN at all.
StrongVPN: Offers a kill switch, SmartDNS, and a Scramble obfuscation tool for censored networks. It also bundles 250GB SugarSync cloud storage. But it lacks an ad blocker, multi-hop routing, and IP rotation.
7. App Experience
Surfshark: Clean, modern apps on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. The interface is beginner-friendly.
StrongVPN: Apps are functional but feel outdated. Available on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Amazon Fire TV. No browser extensions. Features vary between platforms.
8. Split Tunneling
Surfshark: Full split tunneling (called Bypasser) on all major platforms. Choose which apps go through the VPN and which don’t.
StrongVPN: Split tunneling is only available on Android. Windows, Mac, and iOS users are out of luck.
⚠️ Warning: If you need split tunneling on desktop, StrongVPN won’t work. Only Surfshark offers it across all platforms.
9. Pricing & Cost
Let’s compare the pricing plans side by side.
| Plan | Surfshark | StrongVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $15.45/month | $11.99/month |
| Annual | $3.19/month | $3.97/month |
| 2-Year | $1.99/month | ❌ Not available |
| Free Trial | ✅ 7-day mobile | ❌ None |
| Money-Back | 30 days (all plans) | 30 days (annual only) |
Surfshark: The 2-year Starter plan at $1.99/month is one of the cheapest VPNs on the market. You also get a 7-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
StrongVPN: The annual plan at $3.97/month is decent. But it jumps to $79.99/year after the first year. The bundled 250GB cloud storage adds extra value.
Different Scenarios
| If You Need… | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest price possible | Surfshark | $1.99/month on 2-year plan |
| Cloud storage with VPN | StrongVPN | 250GB SugarSync included |
| Unlimited devices | Surfshark | No device cap at all |
| Audited privacy | Surfshark | Deloitte & Cure53 verified |
| P2P on all servers | Both | Both allow full-network torrenting |
| Beginner-friendly apps | Surfshark | Modern, clean interface |
💰 Your Budget
Surfshark wins on long-term value at $1.99/month. StrongVPN costs $3.97/month annually but includes cloud storage worth about $10/month.
🔌 Your Tech Stack
Surfshark has browser extensions and works on more platforms. StrongVPN lacks browser extensions but supports Amazon Fire TV natively.
📝 Your Online Habits
If you stream a lot, Surfshark unblocks more platforms including BBC iPlayer. If you need cloud backup, StrongVPN’s SugarSync is a unique perk.
🎓 Your Experience Level
Surfshark’s app is more modern and polished. StrongVPN’s app is simpler but feels dated. Both are easy to connect with one click.
🆓 Free Trials and Demos
Surfshark offers a 7-day free trial on mobile and a 30-day money-back guarantee. StrongVPN has no free trial and only refunds annual plans.
🛟 Support Options
Both offer 24/7 live chat support. StrongVPN also has phone support, which is rare in the VPN industry. Surfshark has a larger knowledge base.
Switching Guide
Already using one of these VPNs? Here’s what to expect if you switch.
🔄 Switching from Surfshark to StrongVPN?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- 250GB SugarSync encrypted cloud storage
- Physical-only server locations (no virtual servers)
- Phone support in addition to live chat
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Unlimited device connections (capped at 12)
- CleanWeb ad blocker and MultiHop double-VPN
- Independently audited no-logs policy
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel your Surfshark subscription before renewal
- Sign up for StrongVPN’s annual plan at $3.97/month
- Download StrongVPN apps on your devices and connect
🔄 Switching from StrongVPN to Surfshark?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- Unlimited device connections for your whole household
- 3,200+ servers in 100 countries (3x more coverage)
- CleanWeb, MultiHop, Alternative ID, and browser extensions
❌ What you’ll lose:
- 250GB SugarSync cloud storage
- Physical-only server locations
- Phone support (Surfshark is chat and email only)
📋 How to switch:
- Back up any files stored in SugarSync before canceling
- Sign up for Surfshark’s 2-year plan at $1.99/month
- Install Surfshark on all your devices and start the 7-day trial
Final Verdict
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| 💰 Pricing | Surfshark |
| 🌐 Server Network | Surfshark |
| ⚡ Speed | Surfshark |
| 🔒 Privacy & Security | Surfshark |
| 📱 Device Connections | Surfshark |
| 📺 Streaming | Surfshark |
| 🔌 Extra Features | Surfshark |
| 💾 Cloud Storage | StrongVPN |
| 🏆 Overall Winner | Surfshark |
🏆 WINNER: Surfshark
Surfshark wins 7 out of 8 categories.
Best for: Families with many devices, budget-conscious users, privacy-focused browsing, and streaming fans.
Surfshark and StrongVPN target different types of users.
Surfshark is a feature-packed VPN with unlimited devices and a massive server network.
It costs less, runs faster, and has been verified by independent auditors.
StrongVPN is a basic VPN bundled with 250GB of encrypted cloud storage.
That storage perk is unique and genuinely useful if you need file backup.
But as a standalone VPN, StrongVPN falls short in almost every category.
Its smaller server network, US jurisdiction, and lack of audits are real concerns.
For most users, Surfshark is the smarter buy.
Now, go protect your online privacy!
More of Surfshark Compared
Here’s how Surfshark stacks up against other competitors:
Surfshark vs NordVPN
Surfshark wins on: Price, unlimited devices
NordVPN wins on: Server count, speed
Surfshark vs ExpressVPN
Surfshark wins on: Price, device connections
ExpressVPN wins on: Speed, server reliability
Surfshark vs PureVPN
Surfshark wins on: Privacy audits, features
PureVPN wins on: Server count, dedicated IP
Surfshark vs ProtonVPN
Surfshark wins on: Price, unlimited devices
ProtonVPN wins on: Free plan, Swiss privacy
Surfshark vs PrivadoVPN
Surfshark wins on: Server network, features
PrivadoVPN wins on: Monthly price, free tier
Surfshark vs AdGuard VPN
Surfshark wins on: Server network, streaming
AdGuard VPN wins on: Ad blocking integration
Surfshark vs Virtual Shield
Surfshark wins on: Server count, price, features
Virtual Shield wins on: US-focused servers
Surfshark vs FastestVPN
Surfshark wins on: Speed, server network, privacy
FastestVPN wins on: Lifetime plan option
Surfshark vs Aura VPN
Surfshark wins on: Server network, features
Aura VPN wins on: Identity theft protection
Surfshark vs CyberGhost
Surfshark wins on: Unlimited devices, price
CyberGhost wins on: Server count, dedicated IPs
Surfshark vs McAfee VPN
Surfshark wins on: Speed, features, standalone VPN
McAfee VPN wins on: Antivirus bundle
Surfshark vs Private Internet Access
Surfshark wins on: Unlimited devices, ease of use
PIA wins on: Open-source apps, customization
Surfshark vs Mysterium
Surfshark wins on: Speed, reliability, support
Mysterium wins on: Decentralized network
Surfshark wins on: Server network, audits, features
SafeShell VPN wins on: Niche use cases
Surfshark vs Oyster VPN
Surfshark wins on: Server count, features, price
Oyster VPN wins on: Simple setup
More of StrongVPN Compared
Here’s how StrongVPN stacks up against other competitors:
StrongVPN wins on: Cloud storage, P2P on all servers
NordVPN wins on: Speed, server count, features
StrongVPN wins on: Price, cloud storage
ExpressVPN wins on: Speed, global network, audits
StrongVPN wins on: Cloud storage, simplicity
PureVPN wins on: Server count, features
StrongVPN wins on: Cloud storage, device count
ProtonVPN wins on: Free plan, Swiss privacy laws
StrongVPN vs PrivadoVPN
StrongVPN wins on: Cloud storage, device connections
PrivadoVPN wins on: Free tier, lower price
StrongVPN vs AdGuard VPN
StrongVPN wins on: Cloud storage, streaming
AdGuard VPN wins on: Ad blocking, lighter app
StrongVPN vs Virtual Shield
StrongVPN wins on: Cloud storage, more countries
Virtual Shield wins on: US server performance
StrongVPN vs Namecheap VPN
StrongVPN wins on: Cloud storage, device count
Namecheap VPN wins on: Lower price
StrongVPN vs Aura VPN
StrongVPN wins on: Cloud storage, P2P support
Aura VPN wins on: Identity protection features
StrongVPN vs CyberGhost
StrongVPN wins on: Cloud storage, phone support
CyberGhost wins on: Server network, features
StrongVPN vs McAfee VPN
StrongVPN wins on: Cloud storage, standalone VPN
McAfee VPN wins on: Antivirus included
StrongVPN vs Private Internet Access
StrongVPN wins on: Cloud storage
PIA wins on: Server count, open-source, price
StrongVPN wins on: Reliability, support, storage
Mysterium wins on: Decentralized network
StrongVPN vs SafeShell VPN
StrongVPN wins on: Cloud storage, track record
SafeShell VPN wins on: Niche regional access
StrongVPN vs Oyster VPN
StrongVPN wins on: Cloud storage, device count
Oyster VPN wins on: Simpler pricing
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Surfshark better than StrongVPN?
Yes. Surfshark wins in 7 out of 8 categories we tested. It has more servers, unlimited devices, audited privacy, and a lower long-term price. StrongVPN only wins on cloud storage.
Is StrongVPN free?
No. StrongVPN has no free plan and no free trial. The cheapest option is the annual plan at $3.97/month. Surfshark offers a 7-day free trial on mobile.
Is Surfshark VPN trustworthy?
Yes. Surfshark has been independently audited by both Deloitte and Cure53. They confirmed its no-logs policy and security claims. It uses AES-256 encryption.
How many devices can you use on StrongVPN?
StrongVPN allows up to 12 simultaneous connections. Surfshark allows unlimited connections on every plan.
Can you use Surfshark VPN for free?
You can try Surfshark free for 7 days on Android and iOS. After that, the cheapest plan is $1.99/month on the 2-year deal. All plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.
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