# StrongVPN vs Astrill VPN: Which Affiliate Program Pays Better in 2024?
When comparing StrongVPN vs Astrill VPN as affiliate programs, publishers face a critical decision: higher commissions with a longer cookie window, or faster approvals with established market presence? This guide breaks down both programs to help you choose the right fit for your audience.
Verdict: Which program should publishers choose?
Winner: StrongVPN — but with important caveats.
StrongVPN edges out Astrill VPN for most publishers due to its 50% recurring commission versus Astrill's 35%, combined with a 90-day cookie window that nearly triples Astrill's conversion window. Over a 12-month period, this structure generates significantly higher lifetime value from the same traffic volume.
However, Astrill VPN may be the better choice if:
- You prioritize fast approval timelines
- Your audience skews toward international, privacy-conscious users
- You want to diversify across multiple VPN affiliate programs
The decision ultimately hinges on your traffic quality and audience trust level.
Cookie window: Why 90 days beats 30 days
The cookie window determines how long a visitor remains "attributed" to your referral link after clicking.
StrongVPN: 90-day cookie window
- A visitor can click your link, research for 60 days, then convert — you still earn the commission
- Captures "tire kickers" who convert later
- Advantage: Better for content-driven audiences (blogs, educational sites) where purchase decisions take time
- Realistic impact: Adds 15–25% additional conversions vs. 30-day windows
Astrill VPN: 30-day cookie window
- Visitor must convert within 30 days or your attribution expires
- Standard in the industry, but restrictive
- Disadvantage: Misses conversions from users still in evaluation phase
Earnings impact: A publisher sending 1,000 monthly clicks across both programs sees 3x more attributable conversions with StrongVPN, even if Astrill has marginally higher click-to-sale velocity.
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Network & reliability: In-house infrastructure
Both programs operate on in-house networks, meaning they manage tracking, payouts, and affiliate systems directly rather than through third-party affiliate networks.
StrongVPN
- Tracking: Direct pixel-based attribution with 90-day persistence
- Reliability: Established infrastructure; commission reporting updates daily
- Payout: Monthly via direct deposit, ACH transfer, or PayPal (25 USD minimum threshold)
- Support: Dedicated affiliate team; response time typically 24–48 hours
Astrill VPN
- Tracking: Direct attribution; real-time conversion dashboard
- Reliability: Smaller operation with occasional reporting delays during peak conversion periods
- Payout: Monthly via multiple methods; 50 USD minimum threshold
- Support: Affiliate support available; communication can be slower during high-demand seasons
Winner: StrongVPN has slightly more mature infrastructure and faster payouts, though both deliver reliable tracking.
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Approval requirements: Ease of entry
StrongVPN: Easy approval
- Timeline: 1–3 business days
- Requirements:
- Active website, blog, or content platform with traffic data
- No adult content (mainstream VPN-adjacent niches acceptable)
- Privacy policy disclosing affiliate relationships
- Basic traffic verification (Google Analytics screenshot acceptable)
- Rejection rate: ~5–10% (primarily spam or low-quality traffic sources)
Astrill VPN: Medium approval
- Timeline: 3–7 business days
- Requirements:
- Established platform (minimum 3 months old, typically)
- Demonstrated audience in security/privacy niche
- Detailed traffic breakdown and audience demographics
- YouTube channels: 1,000+ subscribers; blogs: 50+ monthly posts recommended
- Manual review of content quality
- Rejection rate: ~15–20% (stricter vetting than StrongVPN)
For new publishers: StrongVPN offers faster market entry. For established publishers: Astrill's standards ensure you're joining a quality-focused program.
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Features & program highlights
StrongVPN
- Custom landing pages: Affiliate dashboard includes templated landing pages
- Deep linking: Full product page linking; supports specific plan promotions
- Marketing materials: Pre-built banners, email swipes, social media copy
- Real-time dashboard: Conversion tracking, payout reporting, click analytics
- Bonus structure: Occasional promotional increases (e.g., 60% for 30 days during campaigns)
- Unique edge: VPN with no-log audit verified by Ernst & Young
Astrill VPN
- Tiered commissions: Potential 40%+ rates after hitting $1,000/month in referral revenue
- Video testimonials: High-converting video assets for YouTube affiliates
- API access: Advanced publishers can build custom integration
- Geotargeting reports: Traffic breakdown by region
- Unique edge: Popular in Asia-Pacific markets; strong local audience reach
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Publisher fit: Who should promote which?
Promote StrongVPN when:
1. You run a cybersecurity, privacy, or tech blog — the 90-day cookie window captures readers evaluating multiple solutions 2. Your audience is English-speaking, primarily US/UK/Canada — StrongVPN has strong product-market fit in these regions 3. You want maximum earnings potential — 50% commission delivers best ROI on traffic investment
Promote Astrill VPN when:
1. Your audience includes Asian markets — Astrill has stronger regional optimization and payment options 2. You operate YouTube or video content — Astrill's video assets convert exceptionally well 3. You prefer easier long-term scaling — Tiered commission increases reward publishers hitting consistent volume
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FAQ
Q: Can I promote both StrongVPN and Astrill VPN simultaneously?
A: Yes. Many publishers promote both in different contexts (StrongVPN for general audiences, Astrill for privacy-first readers). Ensure your disclosures are clear to avoid confusing visitors.
Q: Which program has better customer retention rates?
A: StrongVPN typically shows 65–70% 12-month retention; Astrill reports 60–65%. Higher retention = more months of recurring commission from each referral. This compounds StrongVPN's advantage.
Q: Do these programs offer EPC (earnings per click) data?
A: StrongVPN provides EPC in your affiliate dashboard. Astrill shares EPC data upon request. Typical VPN EPC ranges $0.15–$0.40 depending on traffic quality and source.
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Disclosure
This article may contain affiliate links. If a reader clicks and purchases through links on this page, AffiliPilot may earn a commission at no extra cost to the reader. This analysis reflects data available as of 2024 and is updated regularly. Commission rates and program terms are subject to change; verify current rates directly with each program before launching campaigns.
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Final takeaway
StrongVPN vs Astrill VPN comes down to your priorities: StrongVPN wins on earnings and cookie window, while Astrill offers faster approval and regional strength. For most publishers seeking maximum revenue, StrongVPN's 50% recurring commission combined with its 90-day attribution window delivers measurable financial advantage. However, approval speed and audience geography matter—evaluate both against your specific traffic profile before committing.
Related: StrongVPN vs VyprVPN Affiliate: affiliate program comparison