CyberGhost VPN Reviews
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CyberGhost VPN Review 2023: Features, Pricing & More
Toni Matthews-El is a writer and journalist based in Delaware. When she’s not tracking the impact of automation on the retail industry or the latest in digital privacy laws, she’s cheering on the Indianapolis Colts while planning her next international adventure.
Toni Matthews-El Forbes Advisor Staff
Toni Matthews-El is a writer and journalist based in Delaware. When she’s not tracking the impact of automation on the retail industry or the latest in digital privacy laws, she’s cheering on the Indianapolis Colts while planning her next international adventure.
Forbes Advisor Staff
Cassie is a deputy editor, collaborating with teams around the world while living in the beautiful hills of Kentucky. She is passionate about economic development and is on the board of two non-profit organizations seeking to revitalize her former railroad town. Prior to joining the team at Forbes Advisor, Cassie was a Content Operations Manager and Copywriting Manager at Fit Small Business.
Cassie is a deputy editor, collaborating with teams around the world while living in the beautiful hills of Kentucky. She is passionate about economic development and is on the board of two non-profit organizations seeking to revitalize her former railroad town. Prior to joining the team at Forbes Advisor, Cassie was a Content Operations Manager and Copywriting Manager at Fit Small Business.
Updated: Sep 5, 2023, 5:08pm
Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors’ opinions or evaluations.
Our Verdict
Our Verdict
CyberGhost VPN offers state-of-the-art virtual private network (VPN) services through a plethora of servers across more than 85 countries. Because of its affordable pricing, gold-standard encryption algorithm, 24/7 customer support and the option to add on a dedicated internet protocol (IP) address for an additional monthly fee, CyberGhost is among the best VPNs for individuals and small businesses.
Pros
- Competitive pricing
- Solid internet speed when active
- Dedicated IP address add-on
- Ad-blocking abilities
- Antivirus and security add-ons available
- Has a network of over 9,000 servers
- “No spy server” access
Cons
- Need to sign up for a paid plan to get 45-day free trial
- Fewer server locations compared to its competitors
- Some CyberGhost reviews express concerns about parent company
On CyberGhost’s Website
Our ratings take into account a product’s cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Starting price
$12.99 per month or $56.97 for the first two years (plus three free months)
Number of servers
Encryption
Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) with 256-bit keys
Table of Contents
- What Is CyberGhost VPN?
- How Does CyberGhost Work?
- What Sets CyberGhost VPN Apart
- Core Features
- CyberGhost Pricing & Plans
- Setup
- Ease of Use
- Servers and Locations
- Speed and Performance
- CyberGhost Security
- Privacy Concerns
- Customer Service and Support
- Device Compatibility
- Is CyberGhost Good for Streaming?
- Top CyberGhost VPN Alternatives
- Is CyberGhost Right for You?
- Expert Take
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Is CyberGhost VPN?
CyberGhost VPN is a virtual private network service that protects user data and online behavior using advanced encryption techniques. In addition to VPN, CyberGhost offers several useful add-ons such as antivirus protection and a dedicated IP address. It is a popular service, boasting 38 million users and operating more than 9,000 servers across dozens of countries.
Founder and CEO Robert Knapp launched the CyberGhost company in 2011, though it was later acquired by Kape Technologies in 2017. In addition to CyberGhost VPN, Kape also owns ExpressVPN, Private Internet Access (PIA) and ZenMate. The brand is currently headquartered in Bucharest, Romania.
How Does CyberGhost Work?
Like most VPNs, CyberGhost works by masking your information through military-level encryption to prevent third parties from accessing it easily. The information protected includes your data, identity and online activities.
According to the company, CyberGhost VPN safeguards information using AES 256-bit encryption. It runs on RAM servers that have never been hacked. The only known issue occurred when a little over a hundred CyberGhost customers were impacted by the 2020 Typeform breach.
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What Sets CyberGhost VPN Apart
What sets CyberGhost VPN apart from the competition is the company’s determination to protect its users’ privacy, to the point of creating “no spy servers.” As CyberGhost explains, while VPNs are meant to mask user data and activity, many use third-party data centers to do so. This means that VPN companies cannot always guarantee complete control over how data is shielded or if it’s completely protected.
CyberGhost sought to avoid this issue by creating in-house “no spy” servers at its Romanian headquarters. These servers are completely self-maintained, and managed end-to-end, allowing maximum protection of customer information in the face of demanding advertisers or threats from various governments. CyberGhost’s self-proclaimed “paranoia” led the brand to think beyond the measures that will keep user data out of the wrong hands.
Pros
Advantages to signing up for CyberGhost VPN include:
- Competitive pricing: CyberGhost VPN is an affordable option when compared to similar services. Paying for a two-year contract may cost less than what you’d pay annually with some VPN service providers.
- Internet speed: By selecting “best location,” CyberGhost links you to the fastest nearby server for maximum internet speeds, letting you stream shows or movies and enjoy gaming without lag.
- Dedicated IP address: Instead of sharing an IP with other users, CyberGhost gives you the option to set up your own dedicated IP address, letting you add another layer of privacy.
- Antivirus and security add-ons: CyberGhost provides downloadable antivirus protection on Windows. Should it come across a threat, it automatically blocks and quarantines it.
- Thousands of servers worldwide: CyberGhost VPN has more than 9,000 servers across 91 countries. No matter where you are in the world, there is a fast and easy-to-access option nearby.
- Access to “no spy” servers: By upgrading to a six-month or annual service, you can use CyberGhost’s “no spy” servers, servers that are maintained end-to-end in-house and cannot be accessed by a third party.
Cons
Some drawbacks to using CyberGhost VPN are:
- Paid plan required to get “free” trial: You can test out CyberGhost VPN for free, but only for about a day. The closest you can get to a trial is by signing up for service and taking advantage of the money-back guarantee.
- Parent company concerns: CyberGhost was purchased by Kape Technologies, which also owns popular VPN services such as ExpressVPN and Private Internet Access. Some have expressed concerns about Kape’s policies and behaviors and worry it might negatively impact the quality or reliability of CyberGhost VPN.
- Not as many servers as some competitors: While having more than 9,000 generally guarantees ease of access to VPN servers across the globe, there are rival VPN services with many more servers to choose from.
Core Features
CyberGhost VPN’s main draw is its privacy and protection measures, which get maintained through several core features.
Anonymous Browsing
CyberGhost VPN hides your real IP address, keeping your online activity and login information well hidden from others. The company also provides a private browser that’s free to use; it loads fast and prevents storage of your online footprints. Either way, you’ll be able to browse the internet securely and anonymously.
DNS Protection Measures
By using a VPN, you drastically reduce the risk of suffering an accidental DNS leak, however, it’s not a guarantee. If your operating system restores the default settings, your information may once again travel through an unprotected, non-VPN route. To avoid this, CyberGhost makes use of multiple tools for your protection, including a kill switch and adherence to a strict “no logs” policy. Even before signing up, CyberGhost’s website will run a “DNS leak” test on your system.
Dedicated IP
When you use a VPN, you are typically sharing an IP with other users that change every session. This isn’t the case with a dedicated IP, which remains the same no matter how many times you log in; it’s a static IP that is solely your own, available across all of your devices. Not only does a dedicated IP allow you to have a truly private and exclusive internet browsing experience, but it protects you from getting an IP ban due to the behavior of other VPN users.
Kill Switch
For web users who prioritize their privacy and security above all, a kill switch is essential. If you experience an unplanned interruption, your computer could immediately try to reconnect to the internet. However, the connection is unsecured, putting your data at risk.
CyberGhost VPN provides an automatic kill switch that monitors your connection and will immediately disengage you from any unsecured connections for about 120 seconds until a new VPN connection can be re-established. This kill switch is highly convenient in that you do not need to set it up or worry about being permanently booted until you can determine how to reset your VPN configuration.
Split Tunneling
Split tunneling is a feature that allows you to use a VPN for some things while accessing the internet directly for other activities. This can be preferable if you have no interest in cloaking your exact location, but still want to keep your online activity secure.
CyberGhost VPN can let you set up a split tunneling feature, particularly if you set up custom rules for Android. Meanwhile, its “Smart Rules” feature can help you set up exceptions for websites that can’t be accessed using a VPN.
CyberGhost Pricing & Plans
CyberGhost VPN is available for month-to-month, six-month and annual subscription service plans. The VPN’s standard service pricing is detailed in the table below.
CyberGhost will sometimes offer two-year subscription discounts, allowing customers to sign up for as low as $2.03 per month, paid upfront and covering a period of around two years. After this period, the pricing plan returns to the regular price of an annual subscription, which could be adjusted. It is best to check with the company as to what the yearly price will be once the discount period ends.
While CyberGhost VPN provides pricing options for monthly, biannual and annual subscriptions, the pricing page doesn’t lay out any notable comparisons between each type of service. Options such as simultaneous connections and the automatic kill switch seem to come standard across all pricing plans. The only difference between the plans seems to be the length of time you subscribe for.
Free Trial
CyberGhost has perhaps one of the least impressive free trials of any paid service, offering 24-hour access to potential customers. The idea is that users would be better off simply paying for premium features and then making use of the company’s money-back guarantee if they aren’t satisfied. However, a 24-hour window isn’t the best for getting a thorough impression.
The good news is that while the free window may be small, there are no traps or tricks. For instance, you do not have to give away your credit card information to gain access. Every feature is available, and you can use them without needing to pay anything at all.
Should you sign up for the service but aren’t satisfied, your refund window varies on your service plan. Monthly subscribers have 14 days of signing up to exercise the money-back guarantee. The window expands to 45 days for those with subscriptions of six months or more.
Setup
To set up your CyberGhost VPN software, you’ll first need to create an account. After you create an account and choose a password, you are then provided options for setting up a monthly, biannual or two-year paid subscription. Additionally, CyberGhost provides you with a personal unblocking key, or PUK, to access your account if you find yourself locked out.
After purchasing, you may enter the activation key to begin using your subscription. Once you log in, you can streamline your VPN experience by choosing “best location,” and letting CyberGhost select a nearby server that is most compatible with your current location and desired speed.
Ease of Use
For those unfamiliar with the service, it might seem intimidating to set up and use a VPN service, such as CyberGhost. It is already optimized and preconfigured at installation for most Windows and Mac users. Linux users may need to make a few adjustments. If you need help getting started, CyberGhost provides a series of guides on downloading and installing the service.
Certain features may be tougher to locate and update than others, for instance, adjusting the Wi-Fi connection alerts and automatic kill switch. But there are guides and customer service is available if you have any questions or run into issues during setup.
Servers and Locations
CyberGhost VPN is available to customers in 91 countries, in 117 distinct locations, with more than 8,000 servers to choose from. The chart below shows where you can access its many servers around the world.
Although the U.S. has more server networks than other countries, those servers are spread out across different cities. For instance, there are more than 100 servers in Miami and Los Angeles and 300 in New York City alone. Meanwhile, some countries have all of their servers in one city; Brazil’s 60 server networks are all found in São Paulo.
Some locations have servers optimized for fast P2P torrenting and others have server networks physically located within the borders of the nation in question. It is always best to find a VPN server that’s as close to you as possible as distance can impact speed.
It is popular to use a VPN in a different country as a means of not only hiding your location but accessing services from blocked streaming providers, such as Hulu or Netflix. But do so with caution, as some providers will lock users out of their accounts if this behavior is noticed.
Speed and Performance
We tested CyberGhost VPN’s speed on a Windows 11 machine using Ookla’s publicly available speed test. When compared to other popular VPN services, we found CyberGhost to be competitively fast and capable of maintaining decent performance. Results may vary depending on the server and its location.
CyberGhost Security
CyberGhost offers different methods of security for not only maintaining customer privacy but also trust and peace of mind. These items, ranging from protocols to transparency reports, are detailed in the following sections.
CyberGhost Protocols
Currently, CyberGhost VPN supports three different security protocols: OpenVPN, IKEv2 and WireGuard. To reduce future security risks, CyberGhost discontinued support for PPTP and L2TP protocols as of April 2022.
OpenVPN
OpenVPN is an open-source VPN that works by using a secure point-to-point tunneling protocol (PPTP). This protocol relies on secure sockets layer (SSL) encryption to ensure data that gets shared via AES-256 encryption remains private. The good news about OpenVPN being open source is it allows anyone to identify potential vulnerabilities and fix them.
WireGuard
WireGuard offers an open-source VPN communication protocol initially designed for Linux users but later repurposed for Microsoft and Apple devices. It works by creating an encryption tunnel between the device and the VPN server. It operates with an emphasis on speed and security.
Internet Key Exchange Version 2 (IKEv2)
Developed as part of a joint venture between Microsoft and Cisco, IKEv2 is a tunneling protocol that encrypts communication between a VPN client and a VPN server. It does so by setting up a security association (SA) to negotiate the security keys of both the client and server.
AES-256 Encryption
If you use public Wi-Fi, which is notorious for its lack of security, CyberGhost VPN protects data by passing it through a 256-bit AES encryption-level tunnel between your device and the internet. The encryption is end-to-end, and easily understandable data gets turned into unreadable ciphertext that only makes sense if one has access to the corresponding key. Users have the option to make this automatic, with a warning that alerts them of a new Wi-Fi connection. A mild downside is that you may have to deal with extra pop-up windows every time your device detects a new network.
Transparency Reports
To be straightforward with its many users, CyberGhost provides a transparency report every three months; previously the information got released annually, but that changed in 2019. These reports feature key statistics related to the brand’s infrastructure, as well as the number of legal requests it receives., CyberGhost states that it does not cooperate with authorities but updates the community regarding the requests.
Privacy Concerns
Many people continue to worry about whether VPNs are safe or if they’re capable of guarding their privacy. In CyberGhost’s case, the brand has various methods to ensure customer identities, activities and data are as secure as possible. Examples of these methods are detailed below.
NoSpy Servers
NoSpy servers are independently operated by CyberGhost, which the company claims can reduce the risk of interference and exposure to third parties. Plus, all of your traffic is protected by 256-AES encryption, which is the gold standard encryption algorithm.
Dedicated IP Address
CyberGhost offers a dedicated IP address feature for an additional fee. Dedicated IPs aren’t offered by most individual VPN services, but it is a core feature for most business VPN plans.
A dedicated IP address means you will be the only user that’s attached to an unchanging IP address each time you connect to the VPN network. Most VPNs use shared IP addresses by default, meaning the IP addresses are shared with a bunch of other VPN users.
This is not an intrinsically bad thing in most cases, but it could lead to the “bad neighbor effect,” or when other VPN users may do things that are illegal or go against certain websites’ terms of service, which can lead to an IP address being blocked. With your own dedicated IP address, you can avoid this scenario entirely.
Besides the added costs, one downside to a dedicated IP is that it allows websites to recognize your internet traffic patterns (but not you individually) because your IP address doesn’t change each time you use the VPN. CyberGhost combats this downside by letting you toggle between dedicated IPs and dynamic IPs—ones that change and are shared with other VPN users—whenever you want.
No Logs Policy
As mentioned among CyberGhost’s key service features, it uses a strict no-logs policy, which allows its customers to avoid having their anonymity ever compromised, despite numerous legal requests for user information. Its strict no-logs policy means the company does not store any of your personal information, such as browsing history, domain name system (DNS) queries, connection timestamps, bandwidth usage and any web content you accessed.
CyberGhost does this to avoid contributing to third-party spying by government agencies, hackers or other potentially untrustworthy entities. Additionally, the brand is concerned about the safety and privacy of browsing online.
Customer Service and Support
You can access customer support 24/7 through CyberGhost’s live chat function. At any time, you can also fill out a support request form. There is also a robust online tutorial where you can access articles and see the latest news such as whether there are any servers that are unavailable.
Device Compatibility
CyberGhost VPN is compatible with a host of devices and platforms, from laptops to smartphones. You have the option of using CyberGhost on up to seven devices, all operating on a single subscription. Other services may limit you to one or two devices at a time.
What Platforms Does CyberGhost Support?
Mac
Windows
iOS
Android
Samsung Smart TV (with TizenOS)
Apple TV 4
Roku TV
Nintendo Wii U
Nintendo Wii
PlayStation 3
PlayStation 4
Xbox One
Xbox 360
LibreELEC “Kodi
OpenELEC “Kodi”
Synology NAS via OpenVPN
Raspberry Pi
TomatoUSB
TomatoUSB Merlin Build
Vu+Solo 2
CyberGhost VPN is optimized for Windows, Mac and Linux; certain services may be available for some platforms and device types but not others, so it is best to confirm ahead of signing up for service.
How Many Devices Can You Use At Once?
CyberGhost VPN can be used on up to seven devices at once, all on a single subscription. If you wish to use more, it may be necessary to create additional accounts.
CyberGhost VPN Reviews
CyberGhost VPN is an affordable yet feature-rich VPN service provider. With prices starting as low as $2.14 per month, it is one of the cheapest options. However, it would be best to commit to it to avail the lowest pricing for the long term. It is a capable VPN with excellent security features, including 256-bit AES encryption, split tunneling, a kill switch, excellent apps across platforms, and good customer support. In addition, specialized servers categorized into Gaming, Streaming, and torrenting offer an easy way to use the VPN app. Moreover, it is also router compatible, which means you can install it on your main router and use VPN across all your device, bypassing the seven-device limitation. Overall, CyberGhost is a great pick if you are looking for a trustworthy VPN provider at an affordable price.
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Found in these Categories
VPN Software
Best For
100% Online Anonymity + Guaranteed Protection.
Recommended For
- StartUps
- Freelancers
- Small Business
- Medium Business
- Large Enterprise
- Non-profit Organization
- Personal
Deployment
- Cloud, SaaS, Web-Based
- Mobile – Android
- Mobile – iPhone
- Mobile – iPad
- Desktop – Mac
- Desktop – Windows
- Desktop – Linux
- Desktop – Chromebook
- On-Premise – Windows
- On-Premise – Linux
Contact
- Company Name CyberGhost
- Located In Romania
- Website cyberghostvpn.com
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CyberGhost VPN Pricing
Pricing Model: Subscription
- Free Trial
- Free Version
CyberGhost comes with a simple pricing model that includes their VPN, password manager, and Security Suite for Windows. The three months(39 months) plan offers the cheapest plan, starting at $2.15 per month. It is billed at $83.85 every three years. The monthly prices changes to $3.15 per month for a two-year plan, $3.95 per month for one year plan, and $12.99 if you take the monthly plan. The monthly plan falls under the industry standard of $10-$13. Moreover, all long-term plans come with a 45-day money-back guarantee, with a 1-month plan comes with a 14-day money-back guarantee.
CyberGhost VPN Features
- Access Controls/Permissions
- Anonymous Browsing
- Cross-Platform App Availability
- DNS Leak Protection
- Integrated Kill Switch
- Multi-language
- Multi-protocol
- Remote Access Control
- Peer-to-Peer
- Policy Management
- Web Inspection
- ID Guard Monitor
- 24/7 Customer Support
Additional Features Show Less Features
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Table of Contents
- Cyberghost VPN service
- How to use CyberGhost?
- NordVPN vs. CyberGhost VPN
- Is CyberGhost VPN safe?
CyberGhost’s excellent server coverage and ability to unblock major streaming services at affordable pricing make it a great pick if you are looking for a VPN. In addition, it offers an excellent Windows client with other Android, Mac, and iOS. On the performance front, it does well, considering it supports the newer WireGuard protocol while offering excellent protection with 256-bit AES encryption. CyberGhost can also unblock streaming platforms with stable streaming bandwidth at access. Let’s find out more about the CyberGhost VPN service in our CyberGhost VPN review.
Cyberghost VPN service
CyberGhost is a German and Romanian-based service provider. It is currently being used by 15 million users and offers over 7000 servers spread over 90 countries worldwide. It supports three protocols that let you easily connect to any server focusing on speed and security. Moreover, it comes with multi-device support to easily protect all your devices. In our CyberGhost review, we will explore more about CyberGhost VPN and what it has to offer.
How to use CyberGhost?
CyberGhost supports different platforms, including Windows, Android, iOS, Mac, Linux, and even Android TV. This means you must go through each platform’s guide to know how to use it. However, in most cases, you must download the respective app for your platform. For example, you need to download the Windows app if you are using Windows. Once downloaded, you need to install the application.
You may also want to download their browser addons for Firefox and Mozzila. Next, you must log in to your account from where you bought your subscription. Once the app is opened and logged in, you can choose the VPN server of your choice and connect to it! Finally, if you want to use CyberGhost on Linux or Router, you must go through specific CyberGhost knowledgebase guides.
Details of CyberGhost VPN Features
Speed and Performance
If you are from UK or US, then you are bound to get good internet speed when using CyberGhost. The speeds range from around 700 to 750 Mbps for our native 1Gbps connection. The results may vary depending on the service you are trying to access and your protocol to connect to that service.
Servers
VPN effectiveness depends on the server it offers. As a user, you need to select a server to connect to, and that server’s speed, distance, and uptime will determine the user experience. The good news is that CyberGhost offers more than 7000 servers spread across 91 countries. Most of the servers(1100+) are present in the UK and US, giving global users access to UK and US content. Moreover, you also get access to servers in South America and Africa, giving you a good selection of servers to access services or connect to VPN at low latency and good speeds.
CyberGhost follows some restrictions imposed by local governments, including Turkey, Hong Kong, China, and Vietnam, to match local and regional policies. Not all CyberGhost VPN servers are actual servers. Some of them are virtual, which means they can be configured and offer different speeds or restrictions. Also, according to CyberGhost, they do not know all the servers. However, that doesn’t mean you will get any security lapses, as all the servers are run in RAM only and are completely encrypted with military-grade encryption.
CyberGhost also offers NoSpy servers. These servers are more secure, and you can only get access to it if you take their 1- year plan or longer. In addition, these servers are located in Romania and provide better protection by reducing man-in-the-middle attacks. CyberGhost NoSpy servers are also effective as they use dedicated uplinks and premium hardware.
Gaming
CyberGhost offers gaming-optimized servers on their Windows app. But they are not so good when it comes to gaming. When connected, these servers provide higher ping and directly connect to the game servers without the VPN; however, if you want to stay anonymous while gaming, the Gaming VPN servers are a good way, even when they are not optimized.
Dedicated IP
You also get a dedicated IP with CyberGhost. It is possible with a dedicated IP server that allocates the same IP every time you connect through a VPN. This feature is very useful for businesses that want a unique IP but still want to use VPN when operating. In addition, the static IP enables people to find the business.
Under the dedicated IP scheme, you can choose from a small list of server locations, including Chicago, New York, Manchester, London, Paris, Frankfurt, and Montreal. Once you choose the server, it will provide you with a lengthy string you need to put in the app. Also, the IP that you get is not associated with your account. This means once you lose your token, CyberGhost cannot revert it or let you know what your token was. That’s why you need to take extra care about noting down the special token.
Once activated, you get the dedicated IP selection option in your app and can use it to connect. All of these are not free. You need to pay an extra $3.75 per month .
Security
CyberGhost offers great VPN security with its 256-bit encryption. That’s one of the strongest ways to provide protection. Your data is protected so well that it would require 50 supercomputers working for thousands of years to unblock it. In addition, you also get Perfect Forward Secrecy. Finally, it offers additional security, which changes the CyberGhost key for encrypting and decrypting.
Automatic Kill Switch
Another excellent feature offered by CyberGhost is automatic kill. It automatically disconnects the internet if the VPN connection falls off. This way, your important data or privacy is not hampered.
WiFi Protection
CyberGhost also comes with WiFi protection. You can set it up to automatically enable protection when connected to public WiFI. This is an important feature as you are protected from vulnerable WiFi networks.
Router Compatibility
As CyberGhost supports OpenVPN, it works great with routers. You can set up the router yourself with the guides provided by CyberGhost. However, you will not get any native app for your router, and you need to activate the VPN through OpenVPN manually. Installing a VPN on your router also opens up the possibility of using CyberGhost VPN on unlimited devices. CyberGhost counts the router as a single connection, and you can connect multiple devices to your router. This helps you to bypass their seven devices-on-one subscription limitation.
Browser Extensions
CyberGhost browser extensions are available on Chrome and Firefox. These extensions let you quickly manage your VPN connection but lack features compared to a fully-fledged app experience. For example, you only get access to eight servers from the browser extension and have no access to the kill switch. When using the browser extension, only your browser is secure, and all data is secured. However, it doesn’t work on other apps in your system. The browser extensions are secure with WebRTC leak protection, malicious content blockers, WiFi security, and online tracking blockers.
Split Tunneling and App Protection
CyberGhost also comes with split tunneling and app protection. Split tunneling lets you divert your traffic through a VPN and a regular internet connection. This way, you can run two applications, one through VPN and the other through regular internet. For example, you can use banking through a VPN and watch movies through Netflix simultaneously. The Split tunneling option is only available on Android and Windows. To enable split tunneling, you need to go to the smart rules section and add the site you do not want to run through a VPN. Once done, you need to restart CyberGhost before it can take place. Split tunneling is very effective, and you will have no problem using it. Setting up split tunneling on Android is different.
With CyberGhost, you also get app protection. It enables to use of VPN for particular apps. All you need to do is add them to the list, and then when you open it, VPN will be automatically connected. People can edit the list from App Rules, which is present within Smart Rules.
Streaming
Many users opt for VPN because they want to unblock streaming sites. CyberGhost offers good streaming capacity as you can unblock almost every streaming service, including BCC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, Netflix, HBO Max, Disney Plus, Hulu, etc. CyberVPN offers a separate tab listing all the streaming sites to give you easy access. From there, you can select the server to access the service. The two countries that get the best coverage are UK and US. So, you get plenty of options if you are from these two countries.
However, other countries are also covered, including Sweden, India, Germany, and others. Overall, the server performance is good, but you may sometimes get Google’s proven human box as the IP assigned is considered spammy by Google. If you get a similar IP, you can reconnect and see if you get a reassigned IP. You can easily access most of the streaming service content.
Torrenting
CyberGhost does support P2P protocol, but not all servers. According to CyberGhost, they need to manage traffic and network slowdowns because the host location doesn’t allow P2P connections. For example, the countries where you are not going to get P2P to include Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia, and the USA.
As a user, you can easily know which server supports torrenting, as CyberGhost apps provide a torrenting list. Also, it provides a good selection of P2P-friendly countries, meaning most users can access the torrenting feature. Furthermore, the Windows app automatically allows you to connect to your preferred connection on launch. Also, you get CyberGhost’s malicious URL filter which ensures that you do not get infected while downloading torrents from suspicious sites.
Support
CyberGhost offers extensive support for its products. For beginners, they offer web guides that let you easily set up CyberGhost on many devices, including Android, iOS, Mac, Windows, Linux, and Android. These guides are in-depth and include screenshots with key tipis that you may find useful when installing or setting up your device.
Next comes the knowledge base. You can clear your doubts or learn how to use the CyberGhost VPN properly. Moreover, they also offer a “Streaming Status” panel, which lets the users know about the unavailable streaming platforms. So, if your favorite streaming platform is not working with the CyberGhost VPN, you can check the “Streaming Status” and not waste time trying to troubleshoot it. Finally, you can take advantage of their live chat for instant support. In most cases, an agent joins in a few minutes and helps resolve the issue with their technical expertise.
VPN Protocols
CyberGhost supports the popular WireGuard protocol that offers better speed with newer encryption technology at its core. Unfortunately, even though WireGuard is open source, few VPN providers have shown their support. CyberGhost, on the other hand, has done excellent work in providing support, giving its customers the best possible protocol support to run VPN. The wide range of platform support, including routers, Linux, macOS, Android TV, FireStickTV, and so on, also makes CyberGhost a great pick for those with various hardware systems at home. Apart from WireGuard, CyberGhost also comes with support for IEKv2 and OpenVPN.
In summary, you get the three main protocols:
- IKEv2 – It is the fastest protocol that supports auto-connect. It is only available on macOS, Windows, and iOS.
- WireGuard – WireGuard is a new security protocol offering a great balance of speed and security. It offers excellent speed without compromising security.
- OpenVPN is an open-source protocol that offers excellent protection at the cost of speed.
CyberGhost VPN Pricing details
The pricing plans include the following:
- Three years + 3 months: $2.14 per month, $83.85 every three years, comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee.
- Two years: $3.15 per month, $75.6 every two years, comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee.
- One year: $3.95 per month, $47.4 annually, comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee.
- One month: $12.99 per month, comes with a 14-day money-back guarantee.
You can also get an additional CyberGhost Security Suite for Windows. It includes Antivirus and Security Updater for just $1.29 per month.
Alternatives to CyberGhost VPN
CyberGhost, irrespective of being a good VPN, can be limiting, especially when it comes to speed. It is also new to the market, and many users may want something more trustworthy and robust to protect their online privacy. That’s where CyberGhost VPN alternatives come in. CyberGhost few downsides include being pricey for short-term plans and requiring some setup to get started. So, what options do you have in addition to CyberGhost? Let’s list them below.
NordVPN
NordVPN is one of the most reliable VPN providers out there. It protects your identity and offers great speed out of the box. The pricing is also spot-on, with monthly pricing going down to $4.13 if you opt for a two-year subscription. NordVPN supports multi-device and platforms, including Android, Windows, Linux, etc. In addition, NordVPN supports connecting six devices at one go and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. The key features offered by NordVPN include a strict no-logs policy, uninterrupted streaming, 5300+ servers, obfuscated servers, multi-factor authentication, and split tunneling support.
ProtonVPN
If you are looking for a free CyberGhost VPN, ProtonVPN is a good place to start. However, do not expect too much from free PortonVPN as it offers limited features. You need to get their paid version to avail a complete set of features. ProtonVPN is easy to use and also comes with fast VPN servers. With multi-platform support, you can install it on your smartphones, Macs, and PCs. It also supports Android TV, Chromebook, macOS, Linux, and Windows with its native application. The cheapest plan offered by Proton is a $4 per month plan if you take their two-year plan; otherwise, its monthly plan costs $5. The best ProtonVPN features include 1538 servers, an Adblocker, a VPN accelerator, strong encryption, forward secrecy, strong protocols, and full disk encryption.
SurfShark
SurfShark is a well-known VPN provider. If you go for its two-year subscription, it is also a cheap VPN provider. It is also one of the few VPN providers that completely blocks ads and malware. Also, it comes with public WiFi protection. One thing that sets it apart from other VPN providers is its unlimited device support. You also get a logging policy, high-speed content delivery, a 30-day money-back guarantee, advanced security features, and 24/7 customer support.
ExpressVPN
Another worthy alternative to CyberGhost is ExpressVPN. It offers 1700+ global VPN servers with split tunneling and kills switch features. ExpressVPN also supports military-grade encryption using 256-bit AES protocol. Just like other VPN providers, it also supports multiple devices. Other key features include advanced leak protection, a multilingual interface, and superior reliability. However, ExpressVPN is not as cheap as CyberGhost or other alternatives listed here. Nevertheless, you can get as low as $8.32 per month if you follow their one-year plan.
NordVPN vs. CyberGhost VPN
NordVPN is a well-known VPN provider in the market. In comparison, CyberGhost is a new entrant with good service. So how do these two compare? Let’s find out.
- Speed: When it comes to speed, NordVPN offers better speed than CyberGhost. This is partly because of the architecture that NordVPN uses. It uses NordLynx, similar to WireGuard but offers better performance given the same instances. However, the speeds seem to level out if you use the IKEv2 protocol. Lastly, OpenVPN impacts the speed the most, and you should only use it if you want more security. In speed, NordVPN wins.
- Servers: CyberGhost offers support for special servers, including gaming, streaming, and torrenting. However, NordVPN doesn’t categorize their servers in this way but does have specialized servers, including a Double VPN server and Onion over VPN server. They also offer obfuscated and P2P servers. Both CyberGhost and NordVPN offer dedicated IPs by paying extra.
- Protection: As for protection, both NordVPN and CyberGhost offer good protection. CyberGhost uses the AES-256-CBC cipher, whereas, NordVPN uses the SHA-512 hash function.
- Streaming and P2P: CyberGhost and NordVPN both support good streaming. You can unblock most streaming service providers, including Netflix, YouTube, and BBC iPlayer. Both also offer P2P connections, and you can easily use them to do torrenting.
- Pricing: CyberGhost and NordVPN offer good plans with a simple pricing model. NordVPN is a good pick over a month if you are looking for a cheaper service. However, it changes to CyberGhost if you go with long-term plans.
You cannot go wrong with both of them, as CyberGhost and NordVPN offer excellent VPN services.
CyberGhost Review Conclusions
Our CyberGhost review found CyberGhost to be a good VPN service provider. With over 7000 servers worldwide, you get plenty of choices to select the server of your choice. Furthermore, most of the servers are present within UK and US, giving worldwide users access to services in that region. As for security and protection, CyberGhost uses military-grade encryption. Other key features, such as kill switch and split tunneling, improve the service’s usability. It also supports torrenting with P2P support. However, it may be limited based on local laws. Nevertheless, CyberGhost is a good pick if you are looking for all-rounder VPN services with affordability in mind.
Is CyberGhost VPN safe?
Yes, CyberGhost VPN is safe. CyberGhost maintains good transparency as they release transparency reports every three months. In addition, they cover key aspects, including malware flags, police requests, and DMCA complaints. In summary, you are in safe hands with CyberGhost.