StrongVPN review

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StrongVPN has been around for a while, but the VPN service has unfortunately not managed to find its place among the premium VPNs available. However, a much-needed overhaul of the apps, continuous addition of servers and locations, and improved speed and performance in 2018 have put it into the spotlight.

Does it deliver? That’s what we aim to answer with this StrongVPN review!


Getting started

Creating an account

strongvpn review - creating an account

To create an account, you first select the plan, enter your email address, and add your payment information. The email address is required to log in to the apps, and you can set up a password after your account is created. StrongVPN guarantees that the email address is needed only for the apps and customer service. If you’re still worried though, you can set up a dummy email account.

Payment and pricing

strongvpn review - payment and pricing info

StrongVPN accepts major credit cards like Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover, as well as payments via Paypal, Bitcoin, and AliPay. These should cover your payment needs, but those looking for alternate cryptocurrencies or other payment choices may have to opt for other VPN services.

StrongVPN offers just two subscription options. The monthly plan is priced at $10 per month, while the annual plan is priced at $69.99 ($5.83 per month), which is one of the cheaper annual plans out there. However, the lack of plan duration options is a little disappointing.

A lot of VPNs, like NordVPN, offer long-term (more than two years) plans that come with huge discounts. Many users may also appreciate the availability of short-term three-month or six-month plans that offer some savings.

While a free trial isn’t available, the good news here is that StrongVPN provides a 30-day no questions asked money back guarantee in case you aren’t happy with the service.

Installation

strongvpn review - apps

Easy to install apps are available for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. StrongVPN also has useful installation guides available for manually setting up the VPN directly on WiFi routers, Chrome OS, Linux systems, the Kindle, Kodi machines, and more. Something that is missing (and that’s found with other VPNs) is a browser extension.

You can find the full device list here, and the apps for Android and iOS can be downloaded from the Google Play Store and iOS App Store respectively. For this review, we took a closer look at the Windows and Android apps.


Setup and settings

Windows

strongvpn review - windows app main screen

The design of the apps has received a much-needed overhaul from the convoluted and outdated design from before. Once you log in to the Windows app, you are greeted with a static world map and a large connect button, similar to what is seen with SaferVPN.

If you’re looking for something specific, you can launch a server list by pressing the “Best Available Location”  button. Of course, you can always leave it at the default best option and let the app make the choice for you. Clicking on the button opens the server list. StrongVPN has over 650 servers in 20 countries, so you should be covered for the most part. However, I was disappointed to see the poor Asian and African coverage, with no servers in India or any of Africa.

strongvpn review - windows app server list

The best server to connect to will obviously be the one closest to you. StrongVPN supports torrenting on all their servers so you don’t have to worry about needing to pick the right one. StrongVPN also allows for access to the Netflix U.S. catalog, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and other streaming services. It may take some trial and error to find the one that works though, or you can get in touch with customer service to find out, which is what I did.

strongvpn review - windows app settings menu

The Preferences menu can be accessed by clicking on the gear icon at the top bar. The various settings include:

  • Options – This section includes aspects of app behavior like auto reconnect, connect on launch, start when Windows starts, and show notifications in the taskbar. You can also enable “Kill Switch,” which cuts the internet connection if the VPN connection fails for any reason. This helps avoid any leaks, so we definitely recommend activating it.
  • Protocols – StrongVPN supports all the best VPN protocols like IKEv2, OpenVPN, SSTP, and L2TP. You get short descriptions stating what each protocol is for. If you don’t want to worry about it, you can let the app choose the best one for you. However, we recommend using OpenVPN because of its stronger security. OpenVPN also comes with the option to “Scramble,” which basically enables obfuscation to avoid network traffic sensors that detect VPN usage and block it.
  • Information – You will find your login and system information here. The “Get Help” button can be used to contact customer service if you run into any issues. While StrongVPN previously handled customer service complaints via email only, it now has a Live Chat for support on its website.
  • Diagnostics – The Diagnostics page provides a timeline of app activity like when the server list is refreshed or when you connect or disconnect from a server.
  • Updates – You can set up how often the app searches for an app update here.

Further reading: Check out our guide on how to use a VPN.

Android



Like the Windows client, the Android app has received the same design overhaul. Both look identical, so there’s no learning curve involved with using the different apps. You get the same map, “Best Available Location” or server list button, and large connect button to get started.

The Settings menu can be opened by tapping on the three vertical dots at the top right corner. This menu is a lot simpler than what is available with the Windows app. Available options include Protocol, Auto Reconnect, Scramble, and Contact (for customer service). The only protocol supported is OpenVPN, but that’s okay since it is the most secure one to use anyway.

Ease of use

The StrongVPN apps are extremely easy to use now. The Windows client has a few more settings available than the Android app, but both are otherwise almost identical. It’s simple to get online and connect a server and you can let the apps make that choice for you unless you are looking for something specific.

SaferVPN, which is quite similar in its setup, goes one step further with special mentions for servers that allow U.S. streaming and U.K. streaming though. That requires some trial and error with StrongVPN.

How does StrongVPN compare with other top Android VPN apps? Check out our best VPN apps guide to learn more. 


Security and privacy

strongvpn review - ip leak test results

StrongVPN is based in the U.S., which may be of concern since many privacy buffs are wary of using VPN services based in a Five Eyes country. However, StrongVPN’s complete zero logging policy may help alleviate that concern. StrongVPN keeps no traffic or connection logs, and the only information it keeps is your email address and any payment information if you opt for re-billing.

Features like a Kill Switch and Scramble (obfuscation) are big security positives. Every encryption protocol is available, including OpenVPN that uses 256-bit AES encryption, with SHA-256 for authentication, and RSA 2048 for handshaking purposes. It is the most secure encryption protocol right now. I tested for IP leaks, WebRTC detection, and DNS leaks using ipleak.net and found no issues.


Speed

Original speed – Bangalore, India

To test the speed, I used the Ookla Speed Test after connecting to server locations in Malaysia (best available server), the U.S., the U.K., the Netherlands, Singapore, and Australia. StrongVPN is one of the fastest when it comes to connecting to a server, requiring only around five seconds to do so.






As you can see, the speeds aren’t the fastest when compared to some of the other VPNs I’ve reviewed so far, but it certainly isn’t the slowest either. The drop in speed was expected when connected to locations far away from me like the U.S. and Australia.

Those speeds were actually still quite impressive, allowing me to comfortably stream video with no issues. I expected a much better connection from Singapore though, as it’s the location closest to me, considering StrongVPN’s lack of servers in India.

However, the biggest disappointment was the fact that the “Best Available Location” doesn’t work at all. StrongVPN may be making that decision based on server load and ping, but speed certainly isn’t the chosen criteria.

The app would switch the location every time I connected to the “Best Available,” shifting between Malaysia and Hong Kong (even Dallas showed up as an option once!), when Singapore offered a much faster speed and similar ping. This is a big negative as far as ease of use is concerned since you’ll have to find the best locations yourself without relying on the app.


Key features

strongvpn review - key features

  • Allows up to five concurrent connections.
  • No free trial available, but you can take advantage of a no-questions-asked 30-day money back guarantee.
  • Zero activity or connection logging.
  • Over 650 servers in 20 countries.
  • Torrenting works fine, and StrongVPN supports P2P on all servers. Remember to respect your country’s copyright laws. We do not condone or encourage any illegal activities.
  • Allows for access to video streaming apps like Netflix. Only select servers work though, so that can take some trial and error. Or you could contact customer service.
  • Speaking of customer service, they were incredibly helpful. StrongVPN has now introduced a Live Chat on the website. The response was quick and my question was answered without any hassle. The Live Chat is also available 24/7.
  • Security features like Kill Switch and Scramble are very useful.

StrongVPN – Final thoughts

strongvpn review - final thoughts

StrongVPN has improved by leaps and bounds compared to where it was just a year or so ago. The new, simpler, and more modern design is a big plus, the settings menus have been simplified, and the speeds have increased a lot. There is still room for improvement though, particularly with the “Best Available Location” feature that doesn’t work at all.

StrongVPN isn’t the easiest VPN service to recommend, with it falling just short in most regards. The apps are simple enough to use, but SaferVPN and PureVPN do it better. The speeds are definitely fast enough to do what you need, but something like ExpressVPN is faster. Security features like Kill Switch and obfuscation are great inclusions, but NordVPN offers more. The annual plan is quite affordable, but there are also cheaper options out there.

Having said that, VPN experiences often differ greatly from user to user. StrongVPN is certainly simple enough and offers good security features. The zero logging policy is a huge positive despite it being based in the U.S. And as far as speed is concerned, that depends on a lot of factors and may be much better for you. The good news is that you can give StrongVPN a shot to see if it’s the right fit or take advantage of the unconditional 30-day money back guarantee.

So that’s a look at StrongVPN. We’ll also be bringing you even more quick review looks at some of the best VPN services in the weeks and months to come. If there is a particular VPN you would like us to review, do let us know in the comments section below!

Next – check out our IPVanish review

Source: Android Zone

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New LG V35 ThinQ is a beefed-up version of the LG V30 ThinQ

Renders of the LG V35 ThinQ. LG

  • LG just announced the LG V35 ThinQ and the LG V35 Plus ThinQ.
  • Both devices look the same as the LG V30, but with beefed-up internal specs and the camera setup from the LG G7 ThinQ.
  • We are still waiting on confirmation from LG, but it looks like the device will be a $900 AT&T exclusive.

LG today announced two new additions to its “V” line of phones: the LG V35 ThinQ and the awkwardly-named LG V35 Plus ThinQ. Both devices are beefed-up versions of the LG V30 ThinQ and the LG V30S ThinQ with some features from the LG G7 ThinQ thrown in.

At first glance, it would be hard to tell the LG V35 from the LG V30. Both devices feature a horizontal dual-camera setup on the back, with a rear fingerprint sensor directly underneath. The front is the same 6-inch, 18:9 display with a resolution of 2,880 x 1,440 at 538ppi. Even the color options are remarkably similar (New Aurora Black and New Platinum Gray).

Editor’s Pick

However, the insides of the device are much different. Where the LG V30 sported a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835, the LG V35 comes with the latest Snapdragon 845. The amount of RAM in the LG V35 gets a boost as well, going from 4GB in the LG V30 to 6GB in the LG V35.

The storage options for the vanilla and Plus variants of the LG V35 stay the same: 64GB for the LG V35 and 128GB for the LG V35 Plus. However, that is the only difference between the two V35 variants: screen size, battery capacity, cameras, and all other features are the same.

The camera setup may also look the same, but it is a bit different. Where the LG V30 had a 16MP shooter paired with a 13MP wide angle sensor, the LG V35 takes the camera setup from the LG G7 and pairs two 16MP shooters. The front-facing camera gets some more power too, going from 5MP in the V30 to 8MP in the V35.

The LG V35 is also getting the new AI camera features that came with the LG G7, and has Google Lens baked right into the camera app.

Editor’s Pick

All in all, the LG V35 ThinQ seems like the best phone LG device it has on its roster right now, which is both good and bad. It’s good because (obviously) we all want the best phone we can get, but it’s also bad because LG’s lineup is getting incredibly confusing. The LG V30 ThinQ only came out in August of last year, and the LG V30S hit this past February. Then the LG G7 ThinQ was announced this month and hasn’t even hit shelves yet.

Regardless, LG will release the LG V35 ThinQ in the Americas in June, with AT&T pre-orders beginning Friday, June 1. AT&T’s pricing, according to The Verge, will be a ludicrous $900. According to Digital Trends, the device will also be available on Google’s Project Fi. However, we have reached out to LG to get clarification on this info and if the device will also be sold unlocked in the U.S.

We do know that LG will then release the device in limited markets in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa sometime later.

NEXT: Best phone for power users: Note 8 vs LG V30 vs P20 Pro

Source: Android Zone

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Ultimate List of WordPress Stats, Facts, and Other Research

Recently one of our readers asked us to provide some WordPress stats, facts, and research to help convince their boss on why they should use WordPress. Even though WordPress is the most popular website builder in the world, sometimes popularity alone is not enough for users to make up their mind. In this article, we have compiled an ultimate list of WordPress stats, facts, and other research that will help you convince others to start using WordPress.

List of WordPress stats, facts, and other research

The Basics: What is WordPress?

WordPress is an open source software that allows users to make a website. It is available for download as a free software and can be installed on any WordPress hosting company.

It’s important not to confuse WordPress (the software) with WordPress.com which is a hosted solution. To learn more, see the difference between WordPress.com vs WordPress.org in our side-by-side comparison.

WordPress basics

It all started when two users of a blogging software called b2/cafelog decided to take the software in a new direction. The idea was coined by Matt Mullenweg who was then joined by Mark Little and together they released the first version of WordPress on May 27, 2003.

First WordPress release

Since then, WordPress has evolved from a simple blogging software to a CMS, website builder, eCommerce platform, and more. To learn more, see our article about the history of WordPress.

WordPress is a community software and thousands of users from all over the world have contributed to it by submitting code, fixing bugs, translating, testing, and helping others use it.

Let’s take a look at some WordPress stats and facts to see how WordPress is helping people do great things on the internet.

How Popular is WordPress?

WordPress usage

WordPress is immensely popular and is used by millions of people all over the world. Here are some numbers to put things in perspective.

  1. WordPress powers more than 30% of all websites on the internet.
  2. It also holds nearly 60% of CMS market share. No other website builder software comes close.
  3. WordPress powers websites for big name brands including Disney, Sony, Facebook, and more.
  4. 14.7% of top 100 Websites are powered by WordPress.
  5. More than 22% of all new domain names in the United States are running WordPress.
  6. Each day more than 1014 WordPress sites and 496 WooCommerce stores join the top 10 million websites tracked by W3Techs.

WordPress Plugins

WordPress plugins

Plugins are like apps for your WordPress website. You can install them to add new features to your site and extend its functionality. To learn more, see our guide on what are WordPress plugins and how do they work?.

Here are some mind-blowing facts about WordPress plugins, which show just how massive the WordPress ecosystem is.

  1. There are more than 50,000 free WordPress plugins on WordPress.org plugin directory alone.
  2. 3 of those plugins are installed on 5 million+ websites.
  3. 19 top WordPress plugins are installed on more than 1 million websites.
  4. The most popular eCommerce plugin, WooCommerce is installed on more than 3 million websites with 43 million all time downloads.

These stats are from WordPress.org plugin directory alone. Many plugin developers sell premium versions of their plugins from their own websites.

With a healthy plugins ecosystem, it means that you can add custom functionality to your website at a fraction of the cost of custom development.

WordPress Themes

WordPress themes

Themes control the appearance of a WordPress website. These are WordPress specific website design templates that you can install on your website to change its look.

There are thousands of free and paid WordPress themes available offering WordPress users an endless combination of design, layout, color schemes, and features.

  1. Themes were first introduced with WordPress 1.5 back in 2005, with the first new default WordPress theme called Kubrick
  2. Just like plugins, there are both free and paid WordPress themes that you can install.
  3. WordPress.org’s free theme directory has more than 5,800 free WordPress themes.
  4. According to Builtwith, Genesis theme framework is the most popular theme used by 17% of websites analyzed by their service.
  5. Thousands of themes are sold by Commercial WordPress theme shops with an average price of $40 per theme.

WordPress Security

WordPress is the most commonly used CMS software in the world, which also makes it a common target of hacking attempts, DDOS attacks, malware, and trojans.

  1. According to Sucuri, a leading website security company, 83% of all CMS based websites that were hacked in 2017 were running WordPress. This number isn’t surprising considering that WordPress holds 60% of CMS market share.
  2. Sucuri also reported that 39% of hacked WordPress websites were using an outdated version of the software. That’s why you should always use the latest version of WordPress on your website.
  3. Nearly 50% WordPress sites are affected by a security vulnerability caused by an outdated or poorly coded WordPress plugin or theme
  4. Around 8% of WordPress sites were hacked due to a weak password.

You can make your WordPress site as secure as possible by following some basic security best practices. To learn more, see our complete WordPress security guide for step by step instructions.

Often the stats above cause WordPress to get a bad reputation, but the reality is that WordPress itself is not insecure. WordPress core goes through rigorous security audits, and it’s more secure than many other platforms out there.

The only fault WordPress has is that it’s popular which leads to stats like above.

WordPress Community

WordPress community

WordPress has a massive user base spread across all over the world. It is used by not just businesses, but also governments, schools and colleges, non-profits, and more.

As an open source project, WordPress is driven by a global community of users. This means that anyone can contribute to the project in many different ways.

  1. WordPress translation community has it fully translated into 56 languages, partially translated in dozens more.
  2. In 2017, WordPress communities around the world organized 128 WordCamp events, in 48 countries, and sold 39,625 tickets.
  3. In 2017, Local WordPress communities organized 4,379 meetups in 73 countries

If you want to contribute to WordPress, then see our guide on how to get involved with WordPress project.

The WordPress Economy

WordPress economy

WordPress has a thriving billion dollar ecosystem that creates thousands of jobs all over the world. This also includes freelancers, developers, and companies that sell WordPress related products and services.

  1. At the time of writing this article, freelancer.com website alone had 564,010 WordPress jobs posted out of these 13,680 were open.
  2. Thousands of WordPress jobs are currently open on many popular freelancing websites.
  3. Average hourly rate for WordPress developers can be anywhere between $20-$100 per hour depending on their expertise and job at hand.
  4. A custom WordPress theme with its own unique design and plugins can cost $10,000 and it may increase depending on project’s requirements.
  5. There are hundreds of small and large businesses, agencies, and developers selling WordPress related products. See our list of the most influential WordPress businesses and companies and what they do.

We hope this article helped you discover some new WordPress stats, facts, and interesting research. You may also want to see our article + infograph on 25 interesting facts about WordPress.

If you liked this article, then please subscribe to our YouTube Channel for WordPress video tutorials. You can also find us on Twitter and Facebook.

The post Ultimate List of WordPress Stats, Facts, and Other Research appeared first on WPBeginner.

Source: Wordpres

The post Ultimate List of WordPress Stats, Facts, and Other Research appeared first on TuneMaster.ml.