CyberGhost Review 2024
Our Research
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.
CyberGhost Pros & Cons
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
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Overview
Money-back guarantee: 45 days
Allowed concurrent connections: 7 devices
Supported streaming services: Netflix, BBC iPlayer
No logs policy: Yes
P2P allowed: Yes
SmartDNS: Not available
Encryption: Military-grade
Authentication: SHA-256
VPN Protocols: WireGuard, L2TP, PPTP
Special features: Kill switch, IP leak protection, Auto-protection
Customer support: 24/7 service
Server locations: 89 countries
Number of servers: 6,800 servers
Supported devices: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Chrome, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV
VPN legal jurisdiction: Romania
Best for: Users needing an easy-to-use product with high bandwidth
Price Range: $2.75-$12.99
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.
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.
| One Month | Six Months | Annual/Two Years | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing | $12.99 per month | $6.99 per month (billed as $41.94 every six months) | $2.11 per month (billed as $56.97 for two years plus three months, then annually thereafter) |
| No-logs policy | X | X | X |
| Secure up to seven devices | X | X | X |
| Over 9,000 servers | X | X | X |
| Dedicated apps | X | X | X |
| Free ID guard monitoring | X | X | X |
| 24/7 customer support | X | X | X |
| Privacy Guard access | - | X | X |
| Premium PC optimizer | - | X | X |
| “No spy” server access | - | X | X |
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?
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.
Streaming
Because VPNs get associated with slower browsing speeds, some people pass on using them, fearing an inability to stream. However, because CyberGhost is optimized to operate at 10 Gbps, it is a good choice for streaming. Using its fastest servers, customers can stream services, such as Netflix and Hulu, without worrying about lags or constant buffering. It also helps international users access geo-restricted games and videos.
Sometimes CyberGhost can’t get around a streaming access issue that another service can. And in situations where the VPN goes down, it may be hard to connect to a stream if the only access is a non-secure internet connection. Despite these issues, CyberGhost remains an excellent option for streaming.
Top CyberGhost VPN Alternatives
| CyberGhost VPN | Private Internet Access | TorGuard VPN | NordVPN | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plan Costs | Billed as $56.97 for two years plus two months) or $12.99 per month | $39.95 per year or $11.95 per month | $59.99 for one year or $9.99 per month | $59.88 per year or $12.99 per month |
| Number of Servers | Over 8,000 | Over 35,000 | Over 3,000 | Over 5,300 |
| Countries Where Service Is Available | 90+ | 84 | 50 | 60 |
| Maximum Number of Devices | Seven | 10 | 12 | 6 |
| Dedicated IP Server | Yes (pay an extra $51 per year or $4.25 per month) | Yes (pay an extra $60 per year or $5 per month) | Yes ($47.88 per year or $3.99 per month) | Yes ($70 per year or $5.83 per month) |
| No-Logs Policy? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
CyberGhost vs. PIA
Though previously outright competitors, the Kape acquisition makes CyberGhost and PIA somewhat sister companies. Even so, the service offerings aren’t uniform, and there are reasons to prefer one VPN over the other.
CyberGhost is available in more countries, with a far greater streaming speed than PIA. Alternatively, PIA boasts far more servers worldwide and can be used on more devices at a time. PIA has a longer free trial window, but CyberGhost subscribers can potentially get their money back after 45 days compared to 30 days with PIA.
CyberGhost VPN vs. TorGuard VPN
Our VPN speed tests place TorGuard VPN ahead of CyberGhost VPN, however, when it comes to security, CyberGhost has a sturdier reputation. TorGuard previously got caught up in a major breach, and it hasn’t been as upfront about the impact as some would prefer. Additionally, TorGuard does not provide a transparency report. Users most concerned with openness and a lack of data leaks may prefer to use CyberGhost.
Moreover, CyberGhost is less expensive than TorGuard while using nearly three times as many servers.
CyberGhost vs. NordVPN
CyberGhost beats NordVPN in pricing, the number of server networks, locations and usage across simultaneous devices. One area where NordVPN was superior was internet speed, reaching 357.46 Mbps compared to CyberGhost’s 299.14 Mbps.
NordVPN was part of the security breach that also impacted TorGuard VPN and VikingVPN, but the leak reportedly didn’t get beyond a single server. That said, the potential for such instances may make some lean toward CyberGhost, which has yet to experience a direct security breach.
Is CyberGhost Right for You?
Like most VPNs, CyberGhost is geared toward individuals who want to bypass geo-blocking restrictions and browse online anonymously and securely. And it meets those needs well.
Ultimately, CyberGhost will service customer needs depending on whether it will serve their personal or business needs. While often geared to the individual, as we share below, we think that CyberGhost can work not only for personal use, but business needs as well.
CyberGhost for Personal Use
CyberGhost is a popular choice for nonbusiness use as its fast internet speed makes it not only great for streaming TV shows and games but also live-streaming events. Many online users may want to watch shows that are blocked unless they use a VPN. CyberGhost’s protective approach to its users, refusing to hand over requested information to government authorities, makes them ideal for the politically minded or those wishing to evade censorship.
CyberGhost for Business Use
Businesses wishing to guard everything from company-wide secrets to customer credit card information are increasingly keen on VPN services. CyberGhost’s dedicated IP service and simultaneous usage across several devices may work for smaller businesses, though larger companies may need additional accounts or a more robust security service.
Our Experience
CyberGhost VPN was relatively fast and easy to install both on a desktop and an Android phone. Once downloaded on Android, you must have a premium account to begin using the service. This isn’t true for the desktop Windows-compatible version, which allowed us to test out the program for free. After downloading, CyberGhost VPN immediately launched and, once logged in, you can immediately begin customizing the tool to your liking, deciding if it is something you are willing to upgrade and use.
Once the 24-hour window closes, you must sign up to continue using the VPN. You will not experience any auto-charges; CyberGhost lets you experience its service without fear of getting forcibly locked into an agreement. Still, it’s a very small window of time to try to make a decision.
All things considered, we found CyberGhost VPN is a very capable and fast VPN that doesn’t cause any noticeable speed issues when browsing the internet or trying to watch videos online.
Bottom line
CyberGhost is one of the top VPN services, and it shows. With up to seven licenses available for one account, you can protect pretty much all of your devices simultaneously. CyberGhost offers excellent VPN services including DNS/IP leak protection, auto-kill switch, and simple 1-click set up. Whether you’re into streaming services like Netflix, P2P file sharing, or watching your favorite sports team while away, CyberGhost has got you covered. And for just $2.25 a month, you can’t go wrong.
