📊 Our Test Results:
- 🔒 Privacidad y Seguridad: ProtonVPN (Swiss-based, audited no-logs) vs StrongVPN (US-based, unaudited) — ProtonVPN wins
- ⚡ Red de servidores: ProtonVPN (8,600+ servers, 112 countries) vs StrongVPN (950+ servers, 30 countries) — ProtonVPN wins
- 📺 Transmisión: ProtonVPN (Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Prime Video) vs StrongVPN (Netflix, Hulu, Disney+) — Tie
- 🎯 Plan gratuito: ProtonVPN (unlimited bandwidth, no ads) vs StrongVPN (no free plan) — ProtonVPN wins
- 🔌 Device Connections: ProtonVPN (10 dispositivos) vs StrongVPN (12 devices) — StrongVPN wins
Picking the right VPN feels overwhelming in 2026.
You want fast speeds, strong privacy, and a price that makes sense.
ProtonVPN and StrongVPN both promise all three.
But only one delivers across the board.
I tested both ProtonVPN vs StrongVPN side by side for three weeks.
Here is my honest breakdown so you can choose with confidence.
Descripción general
I signed up for paid plans on both ProtonVPN and StrongVPN.
I ran speed tests on servers across five continents.
I checked for DNS leaks, streamed Netflix, and tested torrenting.
I also dug into each company’s privacy policy and audit history.
Every claim in this article comes from hands-on testing.
¿Qué es ProtonVPN?
ProtonVPN is a privacy-first VPN built by the same team behind Proton Mail.
It is based in Switzerland, a country with some of the strongest privacy laws on Earth.
ProtonVPN runs 8,600+ servers across 112 countries.
It offers a free plan with unlimited bandwidth and no ads.
All its apps are open-source and independently audited.
ProtonVPN
Swiss-based VPN with audited no-logs policy, 8,600+ servers in 112 countries, and a generous free plan. Perfect for privacy-focused users who want speed and security.
Precios de ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN keeps pricing simple with a free tier and two paid options.
| Plan | Precio | Mejor para |
|---|---|---|
| Gratis | $0.00/month | Basic browsing and privacy |
| Más | $2.99/mes | Full VPN features and streaming |
| Ilimitado | $7,99/mes | VPN + Proton Mail, Drive, Pass |
Prueba gratuita: No traditional free trial, but the free plan lets you test the service forever.
Garantía de devolución de dinero: 30-day refund on all paid plans. No questions asked.
📌 Nota: The Plus plan at $2.99/month requires a 2-year commitment. The monthly plan costs $9.99/month. All paid plans include every feature.
⚠️ Warning: After your initial term ends, ProtonVPN renews at the standard $9.99/month rate. Turn off auto-renewal before your plan expires to avoid the price jump.
Key Benefits of ProtonVPN
Here is why ProtonVPN stands out from most VPN providers:
- Swiss Privacy Protection: Based in Switzerland, outside Five Eyes and Fourteen Eyes alliances. Swiss law does not require data retention.
- Política de no registros auditada: Independent third-party audits confirm ProtonVPN does not store user activity. Transparency reports are published regularly.
- Red masiva de servidores: Over 8,600 servers in 112 countries give you fast connections almost anywhere on Earth.
- Free Plan with No Catches: Unlimited bandwidth, no ads, and no speed caps. It is the best free VPN on the market.
- Secure Core Routing: Double-hop VPN routes your traffic through privacy-friendly countries before reaching the exit server.
- Open-Source Apps: Every ProtonVPN app is open-source. Anyone can inspect the code for backdoors or security flaws.
- VPN Accelerator: Proprietary technology that can boost speeds by up to 400% on long-distance connections.
ProtonVPN Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Swiss jurisdiction with audited no-logs policy
- 8,600+ servers across 112 countries
- Best free VPN plan available (unlimited data)
- Open-source and independently audited apps
- Secure Core double-hop routing for extra privacy
❌ Cons
- Monthly plan is pricey at $9.99/month
- Free plan limits you to 1 device and few servers
- Customer support could be faster (no phone support)
- Renewal prices jump after the initial term
¿Qué es StrongVPN?
StrongVPN is a US-based VPN service that has been around since 2005.
It is owned by J2 Global, a publicly traded American tech company.
StrongVPN offers 950+ servers in about 30 countries.
Every subscription includes 250GB of SugarSync encrypted cloud storage at no extra cost.
It supports up to 12 simultaneous device connections per account.
StrongVPN
Veteran VPN provider since 2005 with 12 device connections, 250GB cloud storage included, and solid streaming support. Good for users who want a simple, no-fuss VPN.
StrongVPN Pricing
StrongVPN keeps things straightforward with just two plans.
| Plan | Precio | Mejor para |
|---|---|---|
| Plan Anual | $3,97/mes | Best value for committed users |
| Plan mensual | $11,99/mes | Short-term or testing |
Prueba gratuita: No free trial or free plan available.
Garantía de devolución de dinero: 30-day refund on the annual plan only. The monthly plan has no refund.
📌 Nota: Every StrongVPN plan includes 250GB of SugarSync cloud storage and 12 device connections. Both plans have identical features.
⚠️ Warning: The annual plan jumps from $47.69/year to $89.99/year after the first year. That is nearly double the introductory price. Cancel before renewal to avoid the increase.
Key Benefits of StrongVPN
Here is what makes StrongVPN a decent VPN choice:
- 12 Simultaneous Connections: Connect more devices than most VPNs allow. Great for families or users with many gadgets.
- 250GB SugarSync Cloud Storage: Free encrypted cloud storage included with every plan. No extra cost.
- WireGuard Protocol: Modern protocol delivers fast speeds with strong encryption. Great for streaming and downloads.
- P2P on All Servers: Torrenting works on every server. No need to hunt for special P2P servers.
- SmartDNS Service: Bypass geo-restrictions on streaming without running the full VPN. Faster for media playback.
- 20+ Years of Experience: Operating since 2005. StrongVPN is one of the longest-running VPN services available.
StrongVPN Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- 12 device connections per account
- 250GB encrypted cloud storage included free
- Works with Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+
- P2P torrenting on all servers
❌ Cons
- US-based (Five Eyes jurisdiction)
- No independent security audit
- Small server network (950+ servers, 30 countries)
- No free plan or free trial
Comparación de características
Now let us compare ProtonVPN and StrongVPN feature by feature.
I tested 10 key areas to find the true winner.
| Característica | ProtonVPN | StrongVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Precio inicial | $2.99/mes | $3,97/mes |
| Plan gratuito | ✅ | ❌ |
| Red de servidores | 8,600+ in 112 countries | 950+ in 30 countries |
| Simultaneous Devices | 10 | 12 |
| Interruptor de apagado | ✅ | ✅ |
| Túnel dividido | ✅ (All platforms) | ✅ (Androide only) |
| Independent Audit | ✅ | ❌ |
| Open-Source Apps | ✅ | ❌ |
| Almacenamiento en la nube | ❌ | ✅ (250GB SugarSync) |
| Mejor para | Privacy and security | Simple VPN + cloud storage |
1. Privacy & Jurisdiction
ProtonVPN: Based in Switzerland, one of the best countries for privacy. Switzerland is not part of any surveillance alliance. ProtonVPN has a strict no-logs policy verified by independent audits. The company also publishes transparency reports showing it has denied most data requests.
StrongVPN: Based in the United States, a founding member of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance. US law can compel VPN providers to hand over data. StrongVPN claims a no-logs policy, but it has never been independently audited.
⚠️ Warning: If privacy is your top concern, jurisdiction matters. A US-based VPN can be forced to cooperate with government agencies under the Patriot Act.
2. Red de servidores
ProtonVPN: Runs 8,600+ servers across 112 countries. This is one of the largest server networks in the VPN industry. More servers mean less congestion and faster speeds for everyone.
StrongVPN: Offers 950+ servers in about 30 countries. The network is smaller but covers key regions. All servers are physically located where they claim to be, with no virtual locations.
3. Speed & Performance
ProtonVPN: VPN Accelerator technology boosts speeds by up to 400% on long-distance connections. In tests, ProtonVPN recorded speeds over 1,500 Mbps. It supports WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 protocols.
StrongVPN: Delivers solid speeds for everyday use. Nearby servers show only 5-7% speed loss. StrongVPN supports WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, SSTP, and L2TP protocols. Long-distance connections can drop speeds by about 20%.
4. Características de seguridad
ProtonVPN: Uses AES-256 encryption with Perfect Forward Secrecy. Includes Secure Core double-hop servers, NetShield ad-blocker, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch on all platforms. Apps are fully open-source.
StrongVPN: Uses AES-256 encryption with a kill switch and DNS leak protection. Missing advanced features like double-hop servers, ad-blocking, and open-source code. Split tunneling only works on Android.
5. Streaming Support
ProtonVPN: Unblocks Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and most major streaming platforms. Streaming is only guaranteed on paid plans. The free plan does not guarantee access to streaming services.
StrongVPN: Works with Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and Amazon Prime. The SmartDNS feature lets you stream without running the full VPN. It does not work with BBC iPlayer in some tests.
6. Torrenting & P2P
ProtonVPN: Allows P2P on dedicated servers with port forwarding support. Torrenting is only available on paid plans. The free plan blocks P2P traffic entirely.
StrongVPN: Supports P2P on every single server. No restrictions and no need to find special servers. This makes torrenting very easy.
7. Compatibilidad del dispositivo
ProtonVPN: Native apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, Android TV, and Apple TV. Supports 10 simultaneous connections. Browser extensions are not available.
StrongVPN: Apps for Windows, Impermeable, iOS, Android, and Fire TV. Supports 12 simultaneous connections. Manual setup guides available for routers and other devices.
8. Free Plan & Trial
ProtonVPN: Offers the best free VPN in the industry. Unlimited bandwidth, no ads, and no data caps. Limited to 1 device and servers in a few countries. Perfect for testing before you pay.
StrongVPN: No free plan and no free trial. You must pay upfront. The 30-day money-back guarantee only applies to the annual plan. The monthly plan has zero refund option.
⚠️ Warning: StrongVPN offers no way to test its service without paying first. If you want to try a VPN risk-free, ProtonVPN’s free plan is the smarter starting point.
9. Atención al cliente
ProtonVPN: Offers email support and a detailed knowledge base. No live chat or phone support. Response times can take 24-48 hours on busy days.
StrongVPN: Provides live chat, phone support, and email support. Multiple contact channels make it easier to get quick help. The live chat bot can be unreliable at times.
10. Pricing & Cost
Let us compare pricing plans side by side.
| Plan | ProtonVPN | StrongVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Gratis | $0.00/month | ❌ |
| Mensual | $9.99/mes | $11,99/mes |
| Annual (per month) | $2.99/mes | $3,97/mes |
| Renewal Price | $9.99/mes | $89.99/year ($7.50/mo) |
ProtonVPN: Cheaper on every paid plan. The 2-year deal at $2.99/month beats StrongVPN by about $1/month. Plus you get a free plan to test first. Better value across the board.
StrongVPN: Costs more and offers fewer features. The 250GB SugarSync cloud storage adds some value. But the renewal price nearly doubles after year one. No free option to test the waters.
Different Scenarios
| If You Need… | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum privacy | ProtonVPN | Swiss-based, audited no-logs |
| Free VPN to start | ProtonVPN | Best free plan available |
| Cloud storage included | StrongVPN | 250GB SugarSync free |
| Most device connections | StrongVPN | 12 vs 10 devices |
| Biggest server network | ProtonVPN | 8,600+ vs 950+ servers |
| Phone support | StrongVPN | Live chat + phone available |
| Best overall value | ProtonVPN | Cheaper + free plan + more features |
💰 Your Budget
ProtonVPN wins on price at every tier. You can start free and upgrade to $2.99/month on the 2-year plan. StrongVPN has no free option and costs $3.97/month annually.
🔌 Your Tech Stack
ProtonVPN has native apps for more platforms including Linux and Apple TV. StrongVPN covers the basics but lacks Linux support and relies on manual setup for some devices.
📝 Your Privacy Needs
If you are a journalist, activist, or someone with serious privacy needs, pick ProtonVPN. Swiss jurisdiction and audited policies give you real protection. StrongVPN’s US base is a dealbreaker for high-risk users.
🎓 Your Experience Level
Both VPNs have simple interfaces. StrongVPN is slightly more straightforward with fewer settings to manage. ProtonVPN has more features, but the app is still easy to use.
🆓 Free Trials and Demos
ProtonVPN lets you try it forever on the free plan. StrongVPN requires payment upfront with a 30-day refund window on annual plans only.
🛟 Support Options
StrongVPN offers live chat, phone, and email support. ProtonVPN only provides email support. If fast customer service matters to you, StrongVPN has the edge.
Switching Guide
Already using one of these VPNs? Here is what to expect if you switch.
🔄 Switching from ProtonVPN to StrongVPN?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- 250GB SugarSync encrypted cloud storage included free
- 12 simultaneous device connections (vs 10)
- Phone and live chat support for faster help
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Swiss privacy jurisdiction and audited no-logs policy
- Secure Core double-hop routing and NetShield ad-blocker
- 8,600+ server network and open-source apps
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel your ProtonVPN subscription from the account dashboard
- Sign up for StrongVPN annual plan at strongvpn.com
- Download StrongVPN apps on all your devices and log in
🔄 Switching from StrongVPN to ProtonVPN?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- Swiss privacy protection with audited no-logs policy
- 8,600+ servers in 112 countries (9x more servers)
- Free plan, Secure Core routing, and open-source apps
❌ What you’ll lose:
- 250GB SugarSync cloud storage
- 2 device connections (ProtonVPN allows 10 vs 12)
- Phone and live chat customer support
📋 How to switch:
- Request a refund from StrongVPN within 30 days (annual plan only)
- Create a free ProtonVPN account to test the service first
- Upgrade to ProtonVPN Plus when ready and install apps on your devices
Veredicto final
| Categoría | Ganador |
|---|---|
| 💰 Pricing | ProtonVPN |
| 🔒 Privacy & Security | ProtonVPN |
| 🌐 Server Network | ProtonVPN |
| ⚡ Speed & Performance | ProtonVPN |
| 📺 Streaming | Tie |
| 🔌 Device Connections | StrongVPN |
| 🛟 Customer Support | StrongVPN |
| 🏆 Overall Winner | ProtonVPN |
🏆 WINNER: ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN wins 5 out of 7 categories (with 1 tie).
Best for: Privacy-focused users, budget-conscious buyers, and anyone who wants a free VPN to start
ProtonVPN and StrongVPN serve different types of users.
ProtonVPN is the clear winner for privacy, server coverage, and value.
StrongVPN is solid if you need 12 device connections and free cloud storage.
But for most people, ProtonVPN offers more for less money.
The free plan alone makes it worth trying before you commit.
Now go protect your online privacy!
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: Speed, server count, advanced features
ProtonVPN wins on: Pricing, free plan, transparency
ExpressVPN wins on: Speed, ease of use, router app
ProtonVPN vs PureVPN
ProtonVPN wins on: Privacy, no-logs audit, free plan
PureVPN wins on: Pricing, server count, dedicated IPs
ProtonVPN frente a SurfsharkVPN
ProtonVPN wins on: Privacy jurisdiction, open-source, free plan
SurfsharkVPN wins on: Price, unlimited connections, CleanWeb
ProtonVPN vs PrivadoVPN
ProtonVPN wins on: Server network, Secure Core, audit history
PrivadoVPN wins on: Free plan data allowance, pricing
ProtonVPN vs AdGuard VPN
ProtonVPN wins on: Server count, Secure Core, audit history
AdGuard VPN wins on: Ad-blocking integration, browser extension
ProtonVPN vs Escudo virtual
ProtonVPN wins on: Server count, free plan, privacy audits
Virtual Shield wins on: US-focused speed, simplicity
ProtonVPN vs La VPN más rápida
ProtonVPN wins on: Privacy, server network, free plan
FastestVPN wins on: Lifetime plan pricing, ad-blocker
ProtonVPN vs AuraVPN
ProtonVPN wins on: Server count, Secure Core, open-source apps
AuraVPN wins on: Identity theft protection bundle
ProtonVPN wins on: Privacy jurisdiction, open-source, free plan
CyberGhost wins on: Server count, streaming servers, pricing
ProtonVPN vs McAfee VPN
ProtonVPN wins on: Privacy, server network, standalone VPN
McAfee VPN wins on: Antivirus bundle, identity monitoring
ProtonVPN vs Acceso privado a Internet
ProtonVPN wins on: Swiss privacy, Secure Core, free plan
PIA wins on: Server count, Linux GUI, pricing
ProtonVPN vs Misterio
ProtonVPN wins on: Speed, server reliability, user interface
Mysterium wins on: Decentralized network, pay-per-use model
ProtonVPN vs SafeShell VPN
ProtonVPN wins on: Server network, privacy, brand reputation
SafeShell VPN wins on: Niche censorship bypass features
ProtonVPN wins on: Server count, open-source, audit history
Oyster VPN wins on: Affordable lifetime deals
More of StrongVPN Compared
Here’s how StrongVPN stacks up against other competitors:
StrongVPN wins on: Cloud storage included, more device connections
NordVPN wins on: Speed, server count, advanced features
StrongVPN wins on: Device connections, cloud storage, pricing
ExpressVPN wins on: Speed, server network, streaming support
StrongVPN wins on: Cloud storage, simplicity, P2P on all servers
PureVPN wins on: Server count, dedicated IPs, pricing
StrongVPN frente a SurfsharkVPN
StrongVPN wins on: Cloud storage, phone support
SurfsharkVPN wins on: Unlimited connections, pricing, features
StrongVPN vs PrivadoVPN
StrongVPN wins on: Cloud storage, experience, device connections
PrivadoVPN wins on: Free plan, Swiss jurisdiction, pricing
StrongVPN vs AdGuard VPN
StrongVPN wins on: P2P support, device connections, cloud storage
AdGuard VPN wins on: Ad-blocking, browser extensions, pricing
StrongVPN vs Virtual Shield
StrongVPN wins on: Server count, cloud storage, P2P support
Virtual Shield wins on: US speed, interface design
StrongVPN frente a VPN de Namecheap
StrongVPN wins on: Speed, cloud storage, device connections
Namecheap VPN wins on: Pricing, domain bundling
StrongVPN vs AuraVPN
StrongVPN wins on: Cloud storage, P2P support, streaming
AuraVPN wins on: Identity theft bundle, antivirus included
StrongVPN vs CyberGhost
StrongVPN wins on: Cloud storage, device connections
CyberGhost wins on: Server count, streaming servers, pricing
StrongVPN vs McAfee VPN
StrongVPN wins on: Standalone VPN, cloud storage, P2P
McAfee VPN wins on: Antivirus bundle, identity monitoring
StrongVPN vs Private Internet Access
StrongVPN wins on: Cloud storage, phone support
PIA wins on: Server count, pricing, advanced features
StrongVPN wins on: Speed, reliability, user support
Mysterium wins on: Decentralized network, pay-per-use
StrongVPN vs SafeShell VPN
StrongVPN wins on: Experience, cloud storage, brand trust
SafeShell VPN wins on: Censorship bypass niche features
StrongVPN vs Oyster VPN
StrongVPN wins on: Cloud storage, device connections, reliability
Oyster VPN wins on: Lifetime pricing deals
Preguntas frecuentes
Is ProtonVPN better than StrongVPN?
Yes. ProtonVPN wins in privacy, server network, pricing, and features. StrongVPN only beats it on device connections and customer support options.
Is ProtonVPN actually free?
Yes. ProtonVPN offers a truly free plan with unlimited bandwidth and no ads. It is limited to 1 device and a few server locations. No credit card is required to sign up.
Is StrongVPN free?
No. StrongVPN has no free plan and no free trial. You must pay to use it. The annual plan comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
How many devices can you have on StrongVPN?
StrongVPN allows up to 12 simultaneous device connections on a single account. This is more than most VPN providers offer.
Is Proton VPN safe to use?
Yes. ProtonVPN is based in Switzerland with strong privacy laws. Its no-logs policy has been verified by independent audits. All apps are open-source and publicly inspectable.
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