📊 Our Test Results:
- 🎯 Servernetzwerk: ProtonVPN has 8,600+ servers in 112 countries vs StrongVPN’s 950+ servers in 30 countries — ProtonVPN wins
- ⚡ Geschwindigkeitstest: ProtonVPN kept 85% of base speed vs StrongVPN’s 80% on nearby servers — ProtonVPN wins
- 🔒 Privacy Audit: ProtonVPN passed third-party audits vs StrongVPN with no independent audit — ProtonVPN wins
- 📱 Device Connections: ProtonVPN allows 10 devices vs StrongVPN’s 12 simultaneous connections — StrongVPN wins
- 💰 Kostenloser Plan: ProtonVPN offers a free VPN with unlimited bandwidth vs StrongVPN with no free version — ProtonVPN wins
Die Wahl des richtigen VPN-Dienstes kann überwältigend sein.
There are dozens of VPN providers, and each one claims to be the best VPN for your security and privacy.
Two popular names in the VPN industry are ProtonVPN and StrongVPN.
Both VPN services promise to protect your internet connection and keep your online activity private.
But which one actually delivers on those promises?
I tested both for four weeks to find out.
In this ProtonVPN vs StrongVPN showdown, I’ll share my real results so you can pick the right tool to stay safe online.
Überblick
To give you the most accurate comparison, I tested ProtonVPN and StrongVPN side by side.
I spent weeks using each VPN service on my windows laptop and mobile devices.
I ran leak tests, measured upload speeds and download speeds, and checked how well each VPN connection worked with streaming platforms.
I’m sharing my firsthand experience so you can make the right choice for your browsing activity.
Was ist ProtonVPN?
ProtonVPN is a secure VPN service built by Proton Technologies AG, the same VPN company behind Proton Mail.
It’s based in Switzerland, a country with the world’s strongest privacy laws.
ProtonVPN offers a free tier with unlimited bandwidth, which is rare among free VPNs.
The Proton VPN app is available on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, and even Android TV.
It has over 8,600 VPN servers spread across 112 countries.
Whether you are a linux user or prefer mobile apps, ProtonVPN has native apps for every platform.
ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN is a premium VPN with Swiss privacy protection, 8,600+ servers, and a free plan. It comes with Secure Core servers, a built-in kill switch, and an audited strict no logs policy.
ProtonVPN-Preise
Here’s what ProtonVPN costs in 2026.
ProtonVPN is one of the few VPN providers that offers a truly free version.
| Planen | Preis | Am besten geeignet für |
|---|---|---|
| Frei | $0.00/month | Casual browsing on one device |
| Plus | 2,99 €/Monat | Streaming and full server access |
| Unbegrenzt | 7,99 €/Monat | Full Proton services bundle |
Kostenlose Testversion: ProtonVPN has a free plan forever. No credit card is needed to start.
Geld-zurück-Garantie: All paid plans come with a 30-day money back guarantee.
📌 Notiz: The Proton Unlimited plan includes access to Proton Mail, Proton Calendar, and Proton Drive. You get free cloud storage and email encryption along with your VPN.
⚠️ Warning: The free tier limits you to one device and only three server locations. If you need more servers or VPN connections on multiple devices, you’ll need a paid plan.
Key Benefits of ProtonVPN
Here’s why ProtonVPN stands out from other VPN services:
- Swiss Privacy Shield: ProtonVPN operates under Switzerland’s strict privacy laws. The country is not part of any international surveillance alliances.
- Massives Servernetzwerk: With 8,600+ Proton VPN servers across 112 countries, you can always find a server closest to your virtual location. More servers means less crowding and faster internet speeds.
- Secure Core Protection: Secure core servers route your internet traffic through privacy-friendly countries before reaching the endpoint server. This gives you a double VPN layer of protection.
- Open-Source Apps: All Proton apps are open-source. Anyone can inspect the code for security flaws. This level of transparency is rare among VPN companies.
- NetShield Ad Blocker: The built-in NetShield feature blocks ads, trackers, and malware. It speeds up your browsing and protects your data.
- Best Free VPN: The free version offers unlimited bandwidth with no ads. Most other free VPNs have data caps or show you ads.
- Tor Over VPN: ProtonVPN lets you connect to the Tor network through special tor servers. This adds extra anonymity for users with critical privacy needs.
ProtonVPN Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Free plan with unlimited bandwidth and no ads
- 8,600+ servers in 112 countries for global access
- Audited strict no logs policy for full privacy
- Secure Core double VPN and Tor over VPN support
- Open-source apps you can inspect yourself
❌ Cons
- Free tier limited to one device and 3 server locations
- No live chat support for free users
- Slower speeds on some distant VPN servers compared to top rivals
Was ist StrongVPN?
StrongVPN is a veteran VPN company that has been offering VPN services since 2005.
It’s based in the United States, which is part of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance.
StrongVPN features a strict no logging policy and uses AES-256 strong encryption to protect your web traffic.
You can use it on up to 12 devices simultaneously, which is more than most other VPNs in the market.
StrongVPN has over 950 physical servers across 30 server locations worldwide.
It also includes 250GB of SugarSync cloud storage with every StrongVPN subscription.
StrongVPN
StrongVPN is a reliable VPN service with 12 simultaneous connections, WireGuard support, and 250GB of SugarSync cloud storage. It uses all physical servers and includes a 30-day money back guarantee.
StrongVPN Pricing
Here’s what a StrongVPN subscription costs in 2026.
StrongVPN does not offer a free plan or free trial.
| Planen | Preis | Am besten geeignet für |
|---|---|---|
| Jahresplan | 3,97 €/Monat | Long-term users who want savings |
| Monatsplan | 11,99 $/Monat | Short-term or trial users |
Kostenlose Testversion: StrongVPN does not have a free version. You must pay to use the service.
Geld-zurück-Garantie: StrongVPN includes a 30-day money back guarantee with all plans.
📌 Notiz: Every StrongVPN subscription includes 250GB of SugarSync cloud storage. This sugarsync cloud storage is a nice bonus you won’t find with most other VPN providers.
⚠️ Warning: The annual subscription price increases to $89.99 after the first year. Make sure to check your renewal cost before the StrongVPN subscription auto-renews.
Key Benefits of StrongVPN
Here’s why StrongVPN is still a good VPN choice for certain users:
- 12 Device Connections: StrongVPN allows 12 simultaneous connections. That’s more than most VPN providers. You can protect all your android devices, mobile devices, and computers at once.
- Physical Servers Only: All of StrongVPN’s servers are physical servers in their listed countries. There are no virtual location tricks. This means your data goes exactly where you expect.
- SugarSync Cloud Storage: You get 250GB of free cloud storage with every plan. Store your files safely alongside your VPN service.
- WireGuard Protocol: StrongVPN supports the WireGuard VPN protocol along with OpenVPN, IKEv2, and others. This gives you flexible payment options for balancing speed and security.
- SmartDNS Service: The built-in SmartDNS helps you bypass geo-restrictions without slowing your internet connection.
- P2P on All Servers: StrongVPN allows P2P transfers on all its servers. You don’t need dedicated servers for torrenting.
StrongVPN Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- 12 simultaneous connections for all your devices
- 250GB SugarSync cloud storage included free
- All physical servers with no virtual locations
- Supports WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 VPN protocols
- Good streaming performance with minimal buffering
❌ Cons
- No free plan or free trial available
- Small server network with only 950+ servers in 30 countries
- Based in the US (Five Eyes alliance country)
- No independent security audit to verify its no-logs claims
Funktionsvergleich
Ready to dive into a detailed comparison of ProtonVPN vs StrongVPN?
We’ll explore 9 key features to help you decide which VPN service fits your needs.
| Besonderheit | ProtonVPN | StrongVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Startpreis | $0.00/month (Free) | 3,97 €/Monat |
| Kostenloser Plan | ✅ | ❌ |
| Server | 8,600+ in 112 countries | 950+ in 30 countries |
| Gleichzeitige Verbindungen | 10 devices | 12 devices |
| Not-Aus-Schalter | ✅ | ✅ |
| Split-Tunneling | ✅ | ❌ |
| Independent Audit | ✅ | ❌ |
| Werbeblocker | ✅ (NetShield) | ❌ |
| Cloud-Speicher | ❌ | ✅ (250GB SugarSync) |
| Am besten geeignet für | Privacy-focused users | Multi-device households |
1. Server Network & Coverage
ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN has a massive server network with over 8,600 VPN servers in 112 countries. This gives you access to a server closest to almost any location in the world. The large network means less crowding and faster internet speeds during peak hours.
StrongVPN: StrongVPN has a much smaller server network with around 950 servers in 30 countries. All of StrongVPN’s servers are physical servers, not virtual. The small server network limits your choices for finding the closest server to your location.
⚠️ Warning: StrongVPN’s small server network of only 30 countries means you may not find a server in less common regions. If you need broad global coverage, ProtonVPN has more servers by a wide margin.
2. Privacy & Security Features
ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN is based in Switzerland, outside the Five Eyes alliance. Proton VPN passed a third-party security audit that verified its strict no logs policy. The company publishes a transparency report showing how few legal requests it has received. All apps are open-source for full transparency.
StrongVPN: StrongVPN claims it has strict no logging policies, but it has never had an independent audit. The VPN company is based in the United States, which is a Five Eyes country. StrongVPN claims it does not sell any personal information to third parties. The only personal information it collects is billing data and email for account creation.
3. Speed & Performance
ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN includes a VPN Accelerator feature that boosts connection speeds. In testing, ProtonVPN kept about 85% of the base internet connection speed on nearby servers. The large number of servers helps avoid bandwidth usage bottlenecks.
StrongVPN: StrongVPN’s download speed retention shows about 5-7% speed loss on nearby servers. However, speeds can drop by 20% on average on distant connections. StrongVPN’s upload speeds tend to be lower compared to ProtonVPN, though performance is adequate for most daily tasks.
4. Streaming & Content Access
ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN can unblock Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and many other streaming platforms. With servers in 112 countries, you have plenty of options for blocking access restrictions. ProtonVPN is well-known for working with popular streaming services.
StrongVPN: StrongVPN is also good at accessing major streaming platforms from anywhere. It includes a SmartDNS service to help bypass geo-restrictions. StrongVPN works well with most major streaming services with minimal buffering in tests. It also works with Amazon Fire TV for streaming on your big screen.
5. Kill Switch & DNS Leak Protection
ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN includes a kill switch that cuts your internet connection if the VPN tunnel drops. It also has strong DNS leak protection to prevent your internet service provider from seeing your browsing activity. A DNS leak test confirmed ProtonVPN passed with zero dns leaks.
StrongVPN: StrongVPN also has a kill switch feature that disconnects your internet if the VPN connection drops. StrongVPN features basic DNS leak protection as part of its security features. However, the lack of an independent audit means these claims are harder to verify than ProtonVPN’s.
6. Split-Tunnelbau
ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN offers split tunneling on its windows app and android app. This lets you choose which apps go through the encrypted VPN tunnel and which use your regular internet connection. It’s great for banking apps or local services that don’t work well with a VPN.
StrongVPN: StrongVPN does not offer split tunneling. You can’t pick which apps use the VPN and which don’t. If you need to offer split tunneling control, StrongVPN is not the right choice. All your web traffic goes through the VPN tunnel when connected.
⚠️ Warning: Without split tunneling, StrongVPN routes all your data through the encrypted tunnel. This can slow down apps that don’t need VPN protection.
7. Apps & Device Support
ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN has native apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, Android TV, and Apple TV. The linux app is fully featured. ProtonVPN also supports Chrome OS devices. You won’t find browser extensions from ProtonVPN, but the desktop and mobile apps cover everything. All proton apps can be downloaded from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
StrongVPN: StrongVPN supports iOS, Windows, macOS, Android, and routers. It does not have a Linux app or browser extension. StrongVPN provides manual setup guides for devices that don’t have a native app. The android apps are available on the Google Play Store for android devices.
8. VPN-Protokolle
ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN supports OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard VPN protocols. It also has a Stealth VPN protocol designed to bypass internet censorship. You can switch protocols in the settings menu of the Proton VPN app.
StrongVPN: StrongVPN supports WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, SSTP, and L2TP. That’s more protocol options than ProtonVPN offers. You can pick your preferred VPN protocol from the settings menu in the windows app or mobile apps.
9. Pricing & Cost
Let’s compare the pricing plans side by side.
| Planen | ProtonVPN | StrongVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Frei | $0.00/month | ❌ No free plan |
| Cheapest Paid | $2.99/month (Plus) | $3.97/month (Annual) |
| Prämie | $7.99/month (Unlimited) | $11.99/month (Monthly) |
ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN is the cheaper option at every tier. The free plan alone makes it a great value. The Plus plan at $2.99/month gives you full access to all Proton VPN servers. The Unlimited plan adds Proton Mail and other proton services for $7.99/month. ProtonVPN accepts many payment options.
StrongVPN: StrongVPN costs more and has no free version. The annual plan is $3.97/month, but that jumps to $89.99/year after the first year. You do get 250GB of SugarSync cloud storage included. StrongVPN accepts payment information via credit cards, PayPal, and Alipay.
Different Scenarios
| If You Need… | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| A free VPN plan | ProtonVPN | Best free VPN available |
| Maximum privacy | ProtonVPN | Swiss-based, audited no-logs |
| 12+ device connections | StrongVPN | 12 simultaneous connections |
| Cloud storage included | StrongVPN | 250GB SugarSync included |
| Biggest server network | ProtonVPN | 8,600+ servers in 112 countries |
| Split tunneling support | ProtonVPN | StrongVPN lacks this feature |
| Physical servers only | StrongVPN | No virtual server locations |
💰 Your Budget
If you’re on a tight budget, ProtonVPN is the clear winner. It has a free plan with unlimited bandwidth, and its cheapest paid plan is $2.99/month vs StrongVPN’s $3.97/month.
🔌 Your Tech Stack
ProtonVPN works on more platforms with native apps for Linux, Android TV, and Apple TV. StrongVPN only provides setup guides for unsupported platforms. If you run Chrome OS or need a linux app, I strongly advise choosing ProtonVPN.
📝 Your Privacy Needs
For maximum privacy, ProtonVPN wins hands down. It’s based in Switzerland, has an audited no-logs policy, and offers Secure Core routing. StrongVPN is in the US, which is part of the Five Eyes alliance.
🎓 Your Experience Level
Both VPN services have user-friendly interfaces. StrongVPN has a slightly simpler app with fewer settings. Proton VPN easy to use despite having more features, and the settings menu is well-organized for beginners.
🆓 Free Trials and Demos
ProtonVPN offers the best free VPN plan in the market. StrongVPN has no free trial but does include a 30-day money back guarantee. If you want to test before paying, ProtonVPN lets you try its free version forever.
🛟 Support Options
StrongVPN offers live chat support, phone, and email. The Proton VPN support staff responds via email. If you need phone support or quick live chat support, StrongVPN has an edge here. ProtonVPN’s website does have detailed help articles.
Switching Guide
Already using one of these tools? Here’s what to expect if you switch.
🔄 Switching from ProtonVPN to StrongVPN?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- 12 simultaneous connections instead of 10
- 250GB SugarSync cloud storage included with your plan
- Phone support and live chat for customer support
❌ What you’ll lose:
- The free tier and access to 8,600+ servers worldwide
- Secure Core double VPN and Tor over VPN features
- Split tunneling, NetShield ad blocker, and open-source transparency
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel your ProtonVPN subscription from your account settings
- Sign up for StrongVPN and download the app on your devices
- Connect to the server closest to your location and start browsing
🔄 Switching from StrongVPN to ProtonVPN?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- A free plan option with unlimited bandwidth and no ads
- 8,600+ servers in 112 countries vs 950 in 30
- Secure Core, split tunneling, Tor over VPN, and NetShield
❌ What you’ll lose:
- 250GB SugarSync cloud storage bundle
- 12 simultaneous connections (ProtonVPN allows 10)
- Phone support for customer support issues
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel your StrongVPN subscription before renewal
- Create a free ProtonVPN account on ProtonVPN’s website
- Download the Proton VPN app and connect to a VPN server
Endgültiges Urteil
| Kategorie | Gewinner |
|---|---|
| 💰 Pricing | ProtonVPN |
| 🔒 Privacy & Security | ProtonVPN |
| ⚡ Speed & Performance | ProtonVPN |
| 🌐 Server Network | ProtonVPN |
| 📺 Streaming | Tie |
| 📱 Device Connections | StrongVPN |
| 🔌 App Support | ProtonVPN |
| 🛡️ Kill Switch & Leak Protection | ProtonVPN |
| 🏆 Overall Winner | ProtonVPN |
🏆 WINNER: ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN wins 7 out of 9 categories.
Best for: Privacy-focused users, budget-conscious buyers, and anyone who wants a secure VPN with a free option.
ProtonVPN and StrongVPN serve different types of users.
ProtonVPN is a premium VPN provider with Swiss privacy, open-source apps, and the best free VPN plan available.
StrongVPN is a solid but basic VPN service with more device connections and bundled cloud storage.
If you need maximum privacy and a huge server network, ProtonVPN is the better choice.
If you want 12 device connections and don’t mind paying from day one, StrongVPN is still a good VPN option.
For most other users, ProtonVPN is the smarter pick thanks to its free version, lower prices, and stronger security features.
Now go protect your internet traffic and durchsuchen safely!
More of ProtonVPN Compared
Here’s how ProtonVPN stacks up against other competitors:
ProtonVPN vs. NordVPN
ProtonVPN wins on: Free plan, Swiss privacy, open-source apps
NordVPN wins on: Faster speeds, larger server count, better streaming
ProtonVPN vs ExpressVPN
ProtonVPN wins on: Free tier, lower price, transparency
ExpressVPN wins on: Speed, ease of use, router support
ProtonVPN vs PureVPN
ProtonVPN wins on: Audited no-logs, free plan, Secure Core
PureVPN wins on: More server locations, cheaper long-term plans
ProtonVPN vs. SurfsharkVPN
ProtonVPN wins on: Swiss privacy, open-source code, Tor support
SurfsharkVPN wins on: Unlimited devices, cheaper pricing
ProtonVPN vs PrivadoVPN
ProtonVPN wins on: Bigger server network, more features, better audit
PrivadoVPN wins on: Simpler interface, competitive free plan
ProtonVPN vs Adguard VPN
ProtonVPN wins on: Server count, privacy audit, Secure Core
Adguard VPN wins on: Built-in ad blocking focus, browser extension
ProtonVPN vs Virtueller Schild
ProtonVPN wins on: Free plan, more servers, open-source apps
Virtual Shield wins on: US-based support, simple setup
ProtonVPN vs FastestVPN
ProtonVPN wins on: Free tier, privacy audit, larger network
FastestVPN wins on: Lifetime plan option, lower cost
ProtonVPN vs AuraVPN
ProtonVPN wins on: Server network, security features, free plan
AuraVPN wins on: Identity protection bundle
ProtonVPN vs. CyberGhost
ProtonVPN wins on: Swiss privacy, free plan, open-source apps
CyberGhost wins on: More servers, dedicated streaming servers
ProtonVPN vs McAfee VPN
ProtonVPN wins on: Privacy policy, server count, free tier
McAfee VPN wins on: Antivirus bundle, device security
ProtonVPN vs Privater Internetzugang
ProtonVPN wins on: Swiss jurisdiction, free plan, Secure Core
Private Internet Access wins on: Larger server fleet, lower cost
ProtonVPN vs Mysterium
ProtonVPN wins on: Reliability, speed, professional support
Mysterium wins on: Decentralized network, pay-per-use model
ProtonVPN wins on: Server count, privacy audit, free plan
SafeShell VPN wins on: Budget pricing, basic protection
ProtonVPN wins on: Brand reputation, server network, features
Oyster VPN wins on: Simple pricing, niche market focus
More of StrongVPN Compared
Here’s how StrongVPN stacks up against other competitors:
StrongVPN vs. NordVPN
StrongVPN wins on: More device connections, included cloud storage
NordVPN wins on: Server count, speed, advanced features
StrongVPN vs. ExpressVPN
StrongVPN wins on: Lower price, more device connections
ExpressVPN wins on: Speed, streaming, global server coverage
StrongVPN vs PureVPN
StrongVPN wins on: Physical servers only, SugarSync storage
PureVPN wins on: More servers, port forwarding, dedicated IP
StrongVPN vs. SurfsharkVPN
StrongVPN wins on: Physical servers, established brand since 2005
SurfsharkVPN wins on: Unlimited devices, lower price, more features
StrongVPN vs PrivadoVPN
StrongVPN wins on: Device connections, cloud storage bundle
PrivadoVPN wins on: Free plan, Swiss-based privacy
StrongVPN vs Adguard VPN
StrongVPN wins on: More servers, more protocol options
Adguard VPN wins on: Ad blocking, browser extension support
StrongVPN vs Virtual Shield
StrongVPN wins on: More protocols, cloud storage bundle
Virtual Shield wins on: Simpler interface, US focus
StrongVPN vs Namecheap VPN
StrongVPN wins on: More device connections, WireGuard support
Namecheap VPN wins on: Lower price, domain bundle option
StrongVPN vs AuraVPN
StrongVPN wins on: Physical servers, cloud storage included
AuraVPN wins on: Identity protection features, brand trust
StrongVPN vs CyberGhost
StrongVPN wins on: Physical servers only, SugarSync storage
CyberGhost wins on: Server count, streaming optimization, free trial
StrongVPN vs McAfee VPN
StrongVPN wins on: Standalone VPN focus, more protocols
McAfee VPN wins on: Antivirus integration, device security suite
StrongVPN vs Private Internet Access
StrongVPN wins on: Physical servers, cloud storage
Private Internet Access wins on: Server count, proven no-logs, lower cost
StrongVPN vs Mysterium
StrongVPN wins on: Reliability, customer support, simplicity
Mysterium wins on: Decentralized approach, pay-per-use pricing
StrongVPN vs SafeShell VPN
StrongVPN wins on: Established brand, more protocols
SafeShell VPN wins on: Budget pricing for basic needs
StrongVPN vs Oyster VPN
StrongVPN wins on: More protocols, cloud storage, brand history
Oyster VPN wins on: Niche audience focus, simple pricing
Häufig gestellte Fragen
Is ProtonVPN better than StrongVPN?
Based on our StrongVPN review, ProtonVPN is the better VPN provider for most users. It has a larger server network, a free plan, and an audited strict no logs policy. ProtonVPN also offers features like Secure Core, port forwarding, and a NetShield ad blocker that StrongVPN lacks. However, StrongVPN wins on device connections with 12 vs 10.
Is StrongVPN free?
No, StrongVPN is not free. It requires a paid StrongVPN subscription starting at $3.97/month on the annual plan. ProtonVPN is not an expensive VPN either. If you want a free VPN, ProtonVPN offers the best free version among VPN providers with unlimited bandwidth and no ads.
Does Proton VPN work with Netflix and BBC iPlayer?
Yes, does ProtonVPN work with Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and many other streaming services. With over 8,600 dedicated servers, ProtonVPN is a reliable choice for accessing geo-restricted content on your mobile device or desktop. Read our full Proton VPN review for more details.
Is Proton VPN good for privacy?
Yes, Proton VPN is one of the best VPNs for privacy. It’s based in Switzerland under the world’s strongest privacy laws. Proton VPN passed independent audits verifying its strict no logs policy. It keeps no IP logs and doesn’t track your browsing history or online activity.
How many devices can you have on StrongVPN?
Strong VPN supports up to 12 simultaneous connections on a single account. The devices StrongVPN covers include phones, tablets, and computers. This covers all your Android devices, iOS phones, and your Windows laptop at the same time. ProtonVPN allows up to 10 VPN connections on its paid plans. Visit Proton VPN’s website to compare plans side by side.
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