StrongVPN vs Surfshark

Surfshark vs. Strongvpn

Virtual private networks (VPNs) play a vital role in securing online activities and ensuring privacy. Both Surfshark and StrongVPN are popular providers, each offering unique features tailored to different user needs. This comparison will analyze their service range and customization options, ease of use and integration, security and compliance, and pricing, providing insights into their similarities and differences.

Service range and customization options

Both Surfshark and StrongVPN provide comprehensive VPN services designed to protect user data and enhance privacy. Surfshark offers over 3,200 servers across 100+ countries, giving users a broad range of locations to choose from. StrongVPN, although smaller in scale, provides servers in 30 countries, with a focus on underserved regions such as South America and Africa. Both services use industry-standard encryption protocols, such as WireGuard and IKEv2, to ensure high security and performance. Additionally, both providers support a variety of platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.

Despite these shared strengths, Surfshark stands out with its unlimited device connections, making it ideal for users with multiple devices or families. It also offers advanced features like split tunneling, multihop connections, and static IPs, which StrongVPN lacks. StrongVPN, on the other hand, provides 12 simultaneous connections under one subscription, which is generous but falls short of Surfshark’s unlimited policy. Moreover, StrongVPN’s server network is smaller, which may limit location flexibility for some users.

Ease of use and integration

Both Surfshark and StrongVPN emphasize user-friendly interfaces that make VPN management straightforward. Surfshark’s intuitive design ensures easy navigation across platforms, with features like auto-connect and quick-connect simplifying the process. Similarly, StrongVPN offers a straightforward setup process, allowing users to connect to the best available server with a single click. Both VPNs support integrations with smart TVs and streaming devices, enhancing their versatility for entertainment purposes.

However, Surfshark’s app interface is more modern and visually appealing compared to StrongVPN’s dated design. Surfshark also offers features like CleanWeb, which blocks ads and malware for a smoother browsing experience, and a more comprehensive split tunneling feature. In contrast, StrongVPN’s interface has been criticized for its awkward navigation and lack of customization options, such as the inability to select individual servers or mark favorites.

Security and compliance

Security is a core focus for both Surfshark and StrongVPN. They both use AES-256 encryption, the gold standard for data security, and offer essential features like kill switches and DNS leak protection. Additionally, both VPNs ensure privacy by not logging user activity, adhering to strict no-logs policies.

Surfshark shines in its robust suite of additional security features, including RAM-only servers that wipe data upon reboot, ensuring enhanced privacy. Regular independent audits, which validate Surfshark's security measures and build user trust, further demonstrate Surfshark's commitment to transparency.

In contrast, StrongVPN lacks some advanced features, such as multihop connections or access to the Tor network. It also has yet to undergo third-party audits, which could provide greater transparency. While StrongVPN delivers solid basic security, it would benefit from publishing a transparency report and audit results to reinforce user confidence.

Pricing

Both Surfshark and StrongVPN offer flexible pricing plans, with significant discounts for long-term subscriptions. Surfshark’s Starter plan starts at $2.19 per month for a 24-month commitment, offering exceptional value for its feature-rich service. StrongVPN’s pricing begins at $10.99 per month, with annual plans costing $79.99, which is higher than the industry average. Both services include a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing users to test their features risk-free.

Surfshark provides more affordable plans with better feature-to-cost value, particularly for long-term subscriptions. StrongVPN, while pricier, includes 250GB of cloud storage with SugarSync in its subscription, adding extra value for users who need storage.

Conclusion

Surfshark and StrongVPN are both reliable VPN providers, each catering to different user preferences. While StrongVPN excels in server distribution in underserved regions and includes cloud storage, its higher pricing and limited features may not appeal to all users. Surfshark’s comprehensive feature set, unlimited device connections, and competitive pricing make it a standout choice for those seeking robust privacy and versatility. Ultimately, the decision between these VPNs depends on individual needs, but Surfshark offers a more compelling overall package for most users.