# StrongVPN vs FastestVPN: Which Affiliate Program Pays Better in 2024?
The StrongVPN vs FastestVPN comparison is increasingly important for publishers in the VPN niche. Both programs offer recurring commissions, but their payout structures, cookie windows, and network infrastructure differ significantly—and these differences directly impact your earnings potential.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know to choose the right program for your audience.
Commission Comparison
Both programs offer 50% recurring commission, but let's see how this translates to real earnings:
| Metric | StrongVPN | FastestVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Recurring Commission | 50% | 50% |
| Average Subscription Cost | $3.50–$6.50/month | $2.50–$5.00/month |
| Commission per Subscriber | $1.75–$3.25/month | $1.25–$2.50/month |
| Monthly Earnings (1,000 clicks, 3% conversion) | ~$157.50–$292.50 | ~$112.50–$225.00 |
The difference: StrongVPN's slightly higher average subscription tier (which includes premium plans) means your recurring commissions earn more per subscriber over time. Over 12 months with 30 new conversions, this translates to an extra $50–$120 in recurring income.
Important caveat: Actual subscription costs vary by promotional pricing, regional offers, and payment cycles. Both programs adjust pricing seasonally, so benchmark against current rates when evaluating.
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Cookie Window: The Hidden Earnings Factor
StrongVPN: 90 days FastestVPN: 60 days
This is more important than most publishers realize.
A 90-day cookie window means if a visitor clicks your link today and subscribes 45 days later (after researching, reading reviews, or comparing options), you still get credit. A 60-day window cuts off that same visitor at day 61.
Real-world impact:
- VPN research cycles often take 4–8 weeks (users compare, read reviews, test free trials)
- The 30-day difference captures approximately 8–12% more conversions on tech-heavy audiences
- On 1,000 monthly clicks, that's roughly 24–36 additional qualified conversions per year
Verdict for this factor: StrongVPN's 90-day window is a significant advantage if you're targeting decision-heavy audiences (IT professionals, businesses, privacy advocates). For quick converters (mobile users, impulse buyers), the difference matters less.
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Network & Reliability
StrongVPN: In-House Network
- Payment Processing: Direct from StrongVPN
- Tracking: Native pixel + server-side tracking
- Payout Schedule: Net 30, usually paid mid-month
- Reliability: High—fewer middlemen = fewer tracking failures
- Support: Direct affiliate manager for qualified publishers
Pros:
- Faster payouts (no Rakuten delay)
- Better real-time reporting
- Direct communication with program
Cons:
- Smaller affiliate network (less promotional support)
- Limited to their internal tools
FastestVPN: Rakuten Affiliate Network
- Payment Processing: Through Rakuten
- Tracking: Rakuten's proprietary tracking
- Payout Schedule: Net 30, processed through Rakuten (typically 45 days total)
- Reliability: Medium—Rakuten is trustworthy but adds a processing layer
- Support: Rakuten's affiliate support (less specialized for VPN)
Pros:
- Rakuten's established infrastructure
- Access to Rakuten's reporting dashboard
- Potential for Rakuten cash-back promotions
Cons:
- Slower payouts (Rakuten batching adds delays)
- Less specialized support for VPN marketing
- More attribution disputes (multi-touch tracking complexity)
Verdict: StrongVPN's in-house network is more reliable for VPN tracking specifically. Rakuten excels in retail but is slower for subscription products.
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Approval Requirements
StrongVPN: Easy Approval (3–5 days)
Typical requirements:
- Active website with 50+ monthly visitors
- Clear privacy policy
- No paid ads/PPC (organic traffic preferred)
- Content focused on VPN, privacy, or cybersecurity
- No spam or misleading landing pages
Application process: 1. Submit affiliate application with site URL 2. Receive approval email within 3–5 business days 3. Access promotional links and creative assets immediately
Success rate: High (~80–85% for legitimate sites)
FastestVPN: Medium Approval (7–14 days)
Typical requirements:
- Rakuten affiliate account in good standing
- Website with established traffic history
- Content quality review (more rigorous than StrongVPN)
- Clear monetization disclosures
- Compliance with Rakuten's brand guidelines
Application process: 1. Register with Rakuten Advertising (if not already a member) 2. Apply through Rakuten's program directory 3. Rakuten reviews application (7–14 days) 4. FastestVPN approves or requests modifications 5. Access dashboard upon approval
Success rate: Medium (~60–70% for new sites)
Verdict for approval: StrongVPN is significantly easier, especially for newer publishers or those without Rakuten relationships.
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Features & Program Highlights
StrongVPN Unique Features
- 90-day cookie window (industry standard for premium VPN programs)
- Direct affiliate manager support for publishers generating 100+ conversions/month
- No geo-restrictions on traffic (global eligible)
- Promotional banners & landing pages available
- Monthly promotional calendar with seasonal campaigns
- Deep-linking support for specific VPN protocols or features
FastestVPN Unique Features
- Rakuten integration (cross-promotional opportunities with 100,000+ merchants)
- Rakuten cash-back offers drive repeat customers
- Higher volume incentives (bonus commissions at 500+ conversions/month)
- Multi-touch attribution (better for cross-channel campaigns)
- Advanced creative suite through Rakuten
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Publisher Fit: Who Should Promote Which?
Promote StrongVPN When:
1. You're a new affiliate — easier approval and faster payouts matter 2. Your audience researches before buying — the 90-day cookie window captures long research cycles 3. You run tech/privacy blogs or YouTube channels — higher AOV per conversion translates to better earnings
Promote FastestVPN When:
1. You're already an established Rakuten publisher — existing relationships = faster approvals and support 2. Your traffic converts quickly — mobile users, impulse buyers, deal-seekers who don't need 90 days 3. You want cross-promotion with other merchants — Rakuten's network opens partnership opportunities
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FAQ
Q: Can I promote both programs simultaneously? A: Yes. StrongVPN and FastestVPN don't have exclusivity clauses. You can test both and scale whichever converts better for your audience. Just ensure clear, honest disclosure of affiliate relationships.
Q: Which program pays on time more reliably? A: StrongVPN's in-house network is faster (mid-month payouts). FastestVPN/Rakuten is reliable but slower (45+ days). Both have solid reputations, but speed favors StrongVPN.
Q: What's the minimum traffic threshold to get approved? A: StrongVPN: 50+ monthly visitors. FastestVPN/Rakuten: no hard minimum, but better approval chances with 500+ monthly visitors. Quality matters more than quantity for both.
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Disclosure
This article may contain affiliate links. If a reader clicks and purchases through a link on this page, AffiliPilot may earn a commission at no extra cost to the reader. All comparisons are based on publicly available program terms as of 2024. Commission rates and cookie windows may change—always verify current terms on each program's affiliate page before promoting.