Surfshark VPN vs. StrongVPN 2026: Which One Offers the Best Protection for the Price?

StrongVPN is a straightforward, no-frills service with solid basic protection and reliable performance. It's designed for users seeking a simple yet dependable VPN service. But we think Surfshark is the better VPN provider based on value, performance, and extra security features.

Surfshark VPN offers a wide array of advanced features at an affordable rate, starting at $1.99/mo. It supports unlimited simultaneous connections, easily bypasses content restrictions, and maintains fast, reliable download speeds. 

This comparison will explore the costs, features, and performance of each to help you decide which virtual private network (VPN) best fits your specific needs.

Surfshark VPN vs. StrongVPN at a glance

• Surfshark VPN: Best overall value and feature set
• StrongVPN: Best for simplified VPN usage

	Our Pick
Price	From $1.99/mo	From $3.97/mo
Max # of connected devices	Unlimited	12
24/7 customer support
Compatibility	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome, Edge, Firefox	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS
# of servers	4,500+ servers in 100 countries	950+ servers in 30+ countries
VPN protocol	WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2	WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, IPSec
No-logs policy	No logs	No logs
Unblocks Netflix?
Learn more	Get Surfshark VPN Read Surfshark VPN Review	Get StrongVPN Read StrongVPN Review

Surfshark VPN pros and cons

Surfshark VPN offers exceptional value with pricing starting at just $1.99/mo for a two-year plan. It has 4,500+ servers in 100 countries for fast and reliable connections worldwide.

Notable features include unlimited simultaneous connections, robust security protocols such as OpenVPN and WireGuard, and additional tools like CleanWeb for ad blocking and Alt ID for enhanced privacy. Additionally, Surfshark offers advanced VPN features like Camouflage for obfuscation, MultiHop (double VPN), Bypasser (split tunneling), and more.

Surfshark's performance in our speed tests is impressive, with minimal impact on internet speeds, and it consistently unblocks popular streaming services like Netflix.

However, Surfshark’s headquarters are in the Netherlands, a member of the Nine Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance, which may raise privacy concerns for some users. Additionally, while it offers comprehensive security features, some advanced options, such as antivirus protection, data breach alerts, and data removal, are only available in higher-tier Surfshark One bundles.

Overall, Surfshark stands out for its rich feature set, affordability, and high-speed performance, making it a top choice for many users.

StrongVPN pros and cons

StrongVPN is a reliable option for users seeking a straightforward VPN service without the extra complexities. Priced at $3.97/mo for an annual plan, it offers a network of 950+ servers in 30+ countries.

StrongVPN supports up to 12 simultaneous connections and utilizes robust encryption protocols, including WireGuard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN. It performed well during our testing at maintaining internet speeds, and it successfully unblocked major streaming platforms like Netflix.

On the downside, StrongVPN lacks some of the advanced features found in competitors like Surfshark, such as an ad blocker or specialized privacy tools. Its user interface can be less intuitive, making it challenging for some users to navigate and adjust settings.

Despite these limitations, StrongVPN provides solid security and a no-logs policy, making it a suitable choice for those prioritizing simplicity and basic online protection.

Which VPN is the better value?

	Our Pick
Price range	$1.99–$20.65/mo	$3.97–$11.99/mo
Best value plan	24-month plan for $1.99/mo	12-month plan for $3.97/mo
Money-back guarantee	Yes — 30 days	Yes — 30 days
Learn more	Get Surfshark VPN Read Surfshark VPN Review	Get StrongVPN Read StrongVPN Review

In comparing prices, Surfshark VPN offers a range from $1.99–$20.65/mo with the best value found in its 24-month plan at $1.99/mo. It also has a 30-day money-back guarantee.

The 24-month plan includes all essential features such as unlimited simultaneous connections, access to 4,500+ servers in 100 countries and advanced security tools, making it a comprehensive option at a highly affordable rate.

StrongVPN’s pricing ranges from $3.97–$11.99/mo, with the best value plan being the 12-month subscription at $3.97/mo. This plan offers good basic VPN features and solid performance at a reasonable cost.

Like Surfshark, StrongVPN also provides a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing users to test the service before committing. While not as feature-rich as Surfshark, StrongVPN’s straightforward approach may appeal to users seeking simplicity and reliability.

Payment options

Both Surfshark and StrongVPN offer a variety of payment options, providing flexibility and additional privacy for users. Paying with cryptocurrency, for instance, can add an extra layer of anonymity.

Here’s an overview of the payment options for each VPN.

Surfshark VPN payment options

• Credit or debit card
• PayPal
• Google Pay
• Amazon Pay
• Cryptocurrency through CoinGate (Bitcoin, Ethereum, and more)

StrongVPN payment options

• Credit or debit card
• PayPal
• Alipay

Which VPN is faster?

To determine which VPN offers better performance, we tested the internet speed while using both Surfshark VPN and StrongVPN. These tests were conducted on a Windows laptop to assess how each VPN affects download and upload speeds as well as latency.

By comparing speeds with and without the VPN connected, we aimed to provide a clear picture of how much each VPN impacts internet performance.

	Our Pick
US	8% faster	32% slower
Learn more	Get Surfshark VPN Read Surfshark VPN Review	Get StrongVPN Read StrongVPN Review

During repeat in-house testing, Surfshark has consistently maintained fast speeds, even when connected to distant servers. We were able to seamlessly bypass content restrictions by connecting to global servers without lag or buffering. 

StrongVPN has also proven reliable during repeat testing, though we did experience connection issues with certain servers. When we'd click to connect, the server was unavailable.

Which VPN is more secure?

Feature	Our Pick
Number of servers	4,500+ servers in 100 countries	950+ servers in 30+ countries
No-logs policy	No logs (audited by Deloitte)	No logs
VPN headquarters	The Netherlands	United States
Encryption	AES-256-GCM	AES-256
VPN protocol	OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2	WireGuard, IKEv2, OpenVPN, IPSec
Kill switch
Split tunneling		Yes (Android only)
DNS leak protection
Ad blocker
Learn more	Get Surfshark VPN Read Surfshark VPN Review	Get StrongVPN Read StrongVPN Review

When comparing Surfshark VPN’s and StrongVPN’s security features, Surfshark clearly stands out. With 4,500+ servers in 100 countries, Surfshark offers more options for secure connections compared to StrongVPN’s 950+ servers in 30+ countries.

Surfshark’s no-logs policy, audited by third-party Deloitte, adds an extra layer of trust. StrongVPN also maintains a no-logs policy but has not specified a third-party audit, which might concern users who prioritize VPN privacy.

Both VPNs provide essential security features like AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection. However, Surfshark goes a step further by offering additional tools such as an ad blocker and split tunneling on multiple platforms, whereas StrongVPN’s split tunneling is limited to Android devices only.

Which VPN offers the better compatibility and customer service?

	Our Pick
Windows
macOS
Android
iOS
Linux
Routers
Smart devices
Browser extensions	Yes — Chrome, Firefox, Edge	Yes — Chrome, Firefox
24/7 customer support
Customer support options	Live chat, email, online guides	Live chat, email, online guides, phone
Learn more	Get Surfshark VPN Read Surfshark VPN Review	Get StrongVPN Read StrongVPN Review

In terms of compatibility, both Surfshark and StrongVPN support a wide range of devices, including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux. Surfshark has an edge with browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, whereas StrongVPN supports only Chrome and Firefox.

Both VPNs work on routers and smart devices, ensuring comprehensive coverage for all your digital needs.

When it comes to customer support, both VPNs offer 24/7 service, but the experience differs slightly. Surfshark provides live chat, email support, and online guides.

StrongVPN offers similar support options, including phone support, which can be a significant advantage for users who prefer speaking directly with a support representative.

However, StrongVPN’s interface can be more challenging to navigate, with some features harder to find than in Surfshark’s more intuitive, user-friendly design.

Surfshark VPN and StrongVPN alternatives

When it comes to value, Surfshark is hard to beat. It's reasonably priced, includes a top-notch ad blocker, and offers unlimited simultaneous connections. But if you want a Surfshark alternative located in a privacy-forward country, we'd recommend NordVPN or Proton VPN. Here's how Surfshark compares to our other top VPN picks:

FAQs

Is Surfshark VPN or StrongVPN better?

Surfshark VPN is the better choice due to its comprehensive features, ease of use, and excellent value. It caters to a broader range of needs, making it suitable for both advanced users and those new to VPNs. Surfshark VPN’s ability to provide unlimited simultaneous connections, an audited no-logs policy, and advanced security tools like CleanWeb and split tunneling make it one of the best VPN services on the market.

StrongVPN lacks some of the advanced features that Surfshark offers. It supports up to 12 devices and includes solid encryption and security protocols. However, its user interface can be challenging to navigate, and it doesn’t offer an ad blocker or broad split-tunneling support.