Get CyberGhost if:
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Who should avoid CyberGhost VPN?
Data Cap | Unlimited |
|---|---|
Download Speed | 94Mbps
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Logging Policy | No Identifying Data
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Data Leaks | No |
Jurisdiction | Romania (EU Member) |
Servers | 9,769 |
IP Addresses | 9,769+ |
Countries with Servers | 90 |
US Netflix | Yes |
Torrenting | Partially |
Simultaneous Connections | 7 |
Works In China | No |
Support | 24/7 Live Chat |
Cheapest Price | $2.03/mo over 28 months |
Free Trial | 24 Hours (No Payment Info Required)
|
Money-Back Guarantee | 45-day Money-Back Guarantee
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Hereβs all of the popular streaming services we routinely test, and whether or not CyberGhost works to unblock them:
Streaming Platform | Works with CbberGhost VPN |
|---|---|
Amazon Prime Video | Yes |
BBC iPlayer | Yes |
Channel 4 | Yes |
Disney+ | Yes |
Hotstar India | Yes |
Hulu | Yes |
Max | Yes |
ITVX | Yes |
YouTube | Yes |
Netflix US | Yes |
Witness CyberGhost’s prowess as an exceptional VPN for streaming, showcasing unparalleled versatility in unblocking every tested streaming site. The user-friendly CyberGhost apps prominently feature dedicated servers tailored for specific content platforms, strategically changing IP addresses to overcome website blocks, particularly on platforms like Netflix.
Explore the tailored streaming experience with optimized servers in Brazil, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, and Poland. CyberGhost’s commitment to streaming excellence extends to dedicated servers explicitly designed for different regions.
In our comprehensive testing, CyberGhost emerges as a standout performer, consistently unblocking an impressive 13 Netflix libraries. This surpasses industry benchmarks, outshining even ExpressVPN‘s commendable 10 Netflix libraries. Although CyberGhost falls slightly behind VPNs like Windscribe and PrivateVPN, unlocking 32 and 14 Netflix regions, respectively, its capabilities remain noteworthy.
Notably, CyberGhost excels in UK streaming, ensuring reliable access to BBC iPlayer, Channel 4, and ITVX from abroad. This reliability positions CyberGhost as a go-to choice for viewers outside the UK, offering uninterrupted access to events like the Rugby World Cup and other sporting spectacles.
Confronting BBC iPlayer’s stringent geo-blocks, CyberGhost stands resilient, overcoming challenges that many VPNs struggle with. Elevate your streaming experience with CyberGhost, the VPN that consistently delivers on its promise of seamless, unrestricted access to a myriad of content across the globe.
CyberGhost stands out with P2P-optimized servers, a reliable kill switch, and a commendable logging policy, making it a secure option for torrenting. While it’s a safe choice, it falls short of being the best due to a somewhat sluggish average download bitrate, coupled with the absence of port-forwarding capabilities. Torrenting is generally permitted across most of CyberGhost’s network, with the exception of servers in 15 different countries where it is restricted. Explore secure torrenting with CyberGhost, offering a robust infrastructure but with considerations for optimal performance in mind.
Hereβs the most important data from our CyberGhost torrenting tests:
Torrenting Attribute | Result |
|---|---|
Average Download Bitrate | 3.9MiB/s
|
No. of P2P Servers | 9,559
|
Logging Policy | No Identifying Data
|
Kill Switch | Yes |
Port Forwarding | No |
In our VPN torrenting testsΒ we measured an average download bitrate of 3.9MiB/s when using CyberGhost, much slower than Astrill VPNβs 10.0MiB/s and IPVanishβs 9.9MiB/s.
On the plus side, the VPNβs built-in IP and DNS leak protectionΒ worked well in our leak tests.
Finding the right server for torrenting is easy. Click on the βfor downloadingβ tab and youβll see a list of servers optimized for P2P traffic.
CyberGhost shows you every serverβs load percentage. Choose the least congested one to maximize upload and download speeds.
The kill switch is automatically enabled and cannot be deactivated on all platforms, so your true IP address will always be protected in the event of a sudden connection issue.
CyberGhost allows torrenting, and even encourages it, on the majority of its server network β but not all of it.
Torrenting with CyberGhost is not allowed while connected to the following countries:
Exciting news for torrent enthusiasts in Australia: CyberGhost has reversed its stance on torrenting after years of restriction. This policy shift is particularly significant for users in Oceania, although it’s important to note that New Zealand still experiences restrictions. A major victory for torrenters, this change opens up new possibilities for seamless torrenting experiences.
On the downside, CyberGhost remains heavily restricted in Africa and the Middle East. For users in West, Central, or Southern Africa, Kenya emerges as the closest option, albeit potentially over a thousand miles away. Similarly, for those in the Middle East, Georgia becomes the preferred choice, despite facing similar geographical challenges.
While this restriction isn’t insurmountable β users can connect to any server while torrenting β it’s crucial to consider that the farther the VPN server is from your actual location, the slower your torrents may transfer.
One noteworthy aspect is the absence of a port forwarding setting on CyberGhost, driven by privacy considerations. While VPN port forwarding isn’t a mandatory element for torrenting, it facilitates faster seeding (file uploads) and bypasses potential blocks from your router’s NAT Firewall.
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VPN Service | Download Bitrate | Time To Download 20GB Torrent File |
|---|---|---|
No VPN | 10MiB/s | 32 minutes
|
ExpressVPN | 9.4MiB/s | 34 minutes
|
PIA VPN | 9.6MiB/s | 33 minutes
|
CyberGhost | 3.9MiB/s | 81 minutes
|
CyberGhost’s speeds are fast enough for almost any online activity. If you can connect to a server in the same country as the one youβre in then it’s almost as fast as any other top VPN. Unfortunately, that changes if you need to connect to a server farther away β speeds can be inconsistent and it often takes too long to connect to a server.
To test CyberGhostβs speeds, we connected to CyberGhost servers in six different continents and measured our upload and download speeds before and after. We use a 100Mbps internet connection, similar to what might be your baseline speed at home.
Hereβs a table showing CyberGhostβs speed test results when connected to a variety of servers around the world:
| No VPN (New York) | US (New York) | Canada (Toronto) | US (Los Angeles) | UK (London) | Germany (Berlin) | Brazil (SΓ£o Paulo) | Japan (Tokyo) | South Africa (Johannesburg) | Australia (Sydney) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Server Location |
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|
|
|
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|
|
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|
Download Speed |
100Mbps |
94Mbps |
94Mbps |
88Mbps |
83Mbps |
85Mbps |
89Mbps |
81Mbps |
56Mbps |
78Mbps |
|
Upload Speed |
100Mbps |
89Mbps |
92Mbps |
71Mbps |
90Mbps |
78Mbps |
89Mbps |
94Mbps |
74Mbps |
64Mbps |
|
Ping |
1ms |
6ms |
21ms |
75ms |
80ms |
88ms |
140ms |
145ms |
194ms |
213ms |
|
Distance |
0mi |
5mi |
300mi |
2,500mi |
3,500mi |
4,000mi |
4,800mi |
6,700mi |
8,000mi |
9,900mi |
The local download speed loss of 6% is very good, and similar to other speedy rival VPNs like ExpressVPN and IPVanish.
You can compare CyberGhostβs speed performance to other top-tier VPNs in the bar chart below:
As you can see, CyberGhost VPN is fast on local and long-distance connections, but itβs still lagging behind competitors, especially on long-distance speeds. Based on its overall speed performance, CyberGhost is currently ranked 31st in our speed rankings.
CyberGhostβs ping times, at least when connected to a nearby server, are fine for lag-free online gaming.
Youβll always have a certain amount of delay when communicating with an online gameβs servers, and using a VPN will almost always add to it.
CyberGhost averaged a ping of just 6ms when connected to a server in the same city as us β anything under 50ms or so will be unnoticeable, even if youβre playing fast-paced games like CS:GO or Fortnite.
CyberGhost offers great value for money, especially on long-term subscriptions. AtΒ $2.03Β per month, it’s one of the best cheap VPNs available. Its free trials and 45-day refund period are some of the most generous on the market, and you can choose to pay with Bitcoin for added privacy.
CyberGhost is a very affordable VPN, especially for its quality. It offers monthly, six-month, and two-year subscription plans. As usual, the longer plans come at a heavily-discounted price:
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Grab CyberGhost at an unbeatable price of just $2.03 per month with a two-year subscription plan, inclusive of two additional months at no extra cost. Priced at an upfront payment of $56.94, this plan translates to an impressive 84% discount compared to the standard monthly rate.
This exceptional value positions CyberGhost as a standout choice among this year’s top affordable VPNs. While its monthly rolling price may appear steep in comparison to certain competitors, surpassing even well-regarded VPNs like NordVPN and IPVanish, the long-term subscription offers remarkable savings.
If you’re hesitant about committing to a CyberGhost long-term plan, leverage its money-back guarantee as a trial option. Explore the affordability and value-packed features of CyberGhost, making it a compelling choice for budget-conscious users seeking a reliable VPN solution.
CyberGhost accepts payment via these methods:
This is a good range of payment options, similar to most leading VPN services.
Being able to pay with Bitcoin is an added bonus if you want an extra layer of anonymity.
CyberGhost technically accepts cash payments, too. However they are limited to Germany, Switzerland, and Austria where retailers like Amazon, MediaMarkt, and Saturn process cash transactions.
Unlock peace of mind with CyberGhost’s impressive 45-day money-back guarantee, applicable to subscription plans lasting six months or more. For the one-month plan, a still generous 14-day refund window is in place.
Rest assured, refund requests are swiftly processed within five to 10 working days. The guarantee operates on a “no questions asked” policy, devoid of any hidden catches or restrictions.
It’s worth noting that if you make your CyberGhost purchase through the iOS store, the money-back process is facilitated directly through Apple. Embrace the freedom to explore CyberGhost’s features and benefits risk-free, backed by a robust and extended money-back guarantee.
In a shift from its previous free version model, CyberGhost now provides an exceptional free trial experience, surpassing other top VPNs.
While there’s no longer a standalone free version, CyberGhost introduces a 24-hour free trial for desktops and laptops, a generous seven-day trial for iPhone or iPad users, and a practical three-day trial for Android devices.
What sets CyberGhost apart is its unique offering of a free trial that doesn’t necessitate any payment details. Notably, users can strategically leverage these trial periods, combining them with the VPN’s 45-day refund guarantee to enjoy over 50 days of CyberGhost usage for free.
These distinctive features solidify CyberGhost’s position as the premier VPN with the best free trial in 2023. Embrace the opportunity to explore CyberGhost’s capabilities risk-free, setting it apart as a user-friendly choice in the competitive VPN landscape.
CyberGhostβs logging policy isn’t strictly zero-logs, but doesnβt collect anything that could identify you. All it logs is aggregated information about how many people are successfully connecting to CyberGhost servers – as proven by third-party audit. Quarterly transparency reports increase our trust in the service.
Hereβs a table outlining the information that CyberGhost does and does not log:
Data Type | Logged by CyberGhost VPN |
|---|---|
Account Information | Yes |
Browsing Activity | No |
Date of Last Connection | Yes |
Device Information | Yes |
DNS Queries | No |
Individual Bandwidth Usage | No |
Individual Connection Timestamps | No |
ISP | No |
Number of Simultaneous Connections | No |
Originating IP Address | No |
VPN Server IP | No |
VPN Server Location | No |
As per CyberGhost’s privacy policy, the VPN exclusively logs anonymous connection data for statistical analysis.
This data is meticulously aggregated, anonymized, ensuring it remains untraceable to individual users.
Similar to numerous well-known VPNs, CyberGhost adheres to collecting aggregated connection logs. While the service prioritizes privacy, those seeking a VPN with an absolute zero-logs policy might find our Private Internet Access review insightful.
Crucially, CyberGhost VPN goes the extra mile by refraining from logging user web activity. Your actual IP address, the servers you accessed, and your web browsing history remain untouched by logging, reinforcing CyberGhost’s commitment to user privacy. Explore the VPN landscape confidently, knowing that CyberGhost strikes a balance between insightful analytics and preserving your online anonymity.
| VPN Service | Logging Policy | Jurisdiction | Independent Audit |
|---|---|---|---|
|
No Identifying Data |
Romania |
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No Identifying Data |
BVI |
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|
No Identifying Data |
Panama |
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No Logs |
United States |
|
|
|
No Identifying Data |
BVI |
|
CyberGhost publishes aΒ quarterly transparency reportΒ listing the number of legal requests and DMCA complaints it receives. This used to be annual, which is already a rarity in the VPN industry, but in 2019 it increased the frequency.
The company also commissioned an independent audit on its security practices in 2012. The security audit came back clean.
Weβve been wanting to see an independent audit of CyberGhostβs logging practices since we began reviewing and monitoring the service, so we were pleased when, in 2022, CyberGhost commissionedΒ an audit of its logging practicesΒ by Deloitte. If youβre a CyberGhost subscriber you can even read the whole thing in full. It confirmed:
Server configurations align with internal privacy policies and are not designed to identify users or pinpoint their activities
We applaud this level of transparency. However, CyberGhost also states:
Excerpts from the report cannot be shared with the audience, in order to ensure none of the audit results are taken out of context and misunderstood.
In the effort for 100% transparency, redactions like these worry us. But we remain convinced that CyberGhost is very private.
Cyberghost is incorporated as CyberGhost S.A. in Bucharest, Romania.
Romania is in the EU, but itβs the only member state to have successfully said βnoβ to the EUβs aggressive Data Retention Directive that commits to the widespread collection of personal data.
In Romania, authorities may engage in the collection of citizens’ online data, but it’s crucial to note that this occurs within specific and legitimate circumstances, distinguishing it from the indiscriminate data collection practices observed in other member states.
To enhance user assurance, CyberGhost takes a proactive stance by refraining from collecting personal web logs, ensuring there is no internet data available for disclosure.
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Launched in 2011 as a free VPN by German tech entrepreneur Robert Knapp, CyberGhost underwent a significant change in ownership when Crossrider Group acquired the VPN company in 2017.
Crossrider Group was actively involved in operating mobile ad platforms and a browser extension development platform. The latter allowed developers to craft cross-browser add-ons and monetize them through ad injection techniques.
One of these techniques involved bundling a ‘Crossrider’ adware PUP (potentially unwanted program) with other software. Post-installation, the PUP would subject users to unwanted advertisements via their web browsers.
Ad injection, besides being intrusive, carries potential security risks when misused. Some developers may have exploited Crossrider’s capabilities for malicious purposes, as highlighted in a screenshot from a Malwarebytes report on Crossrider PUPs:
Understanding the nuances of CyberGhost’s history and its association with Crossrider provides users with a comprehensive perspective on the VPN’s trajectory and potential concerns in the past.
Crossrider took the initiative to close its ad platforms in 2016, predating its acquisition of CyberGhost. In a subsequent rebranding move, the company transformed into Kape Technologies in 2018.
From 2017 onwards, Kape Technologies has been unwaveringly committed to global privacy and security initiatives. Beyond CyberGhost, Kape expanded its portfolio by acquiring renowned VPN services such as Private Internet Access and ExpressVPN.
Our observations lead us to believe that Kape has genuinely prioritized user privacy. We find no compelling reasons for you to harbor doubts about placing your trust in CyberGhost under Kape’s stewardship. Explore CyberGhost’s capabilities with confidence, backed by Kape’s dedicated efforts to safeguard user privacy on a global scale.
CyberGhost has servers in 90 countries, almost as many as ExpressVPN. It’s one of the largest VPN networks, with a mix of physically-located and virtual servers. Its NoSpy servers are handled by CyberGhost directly and provide an extra layer of privacy.
Cities
Countries
IP Addresses
Currently, only Private Internet Access has more servers than CyberGhost. Hereβs how CyberGhostβs server locations are distributed:
Continent | Number of Countries |
|---|---|
Europe | 46 |
Asia | 24 |
South America | 6 |
North America | 6 |
Africa | 6 |
Oceania | 2 |
There are 117 specific locations available across these 90 countries, giving you a great choice of server locations around the world.
As with many other VPN services, server coverage in Asia and Africa is limited. There are currently 24 CyberGhost servers in Asia, but only six in Africa.
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You have a choice of servers in multiple cities in the following countries:
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The total number of servers in Australia recently increased to 150. The service also added new servers in New Zealand, with 13 in Auckland alone.
CyberGhostβs server list highlights which servers support P2P traffic, as well as which server locations are virtual or physical:
The desktop applications of CyberGhost provide a valuable feature β the display of server loads. This functionality aids users in identifying less congested servers, ensuring optimal performance. Remarkably, it’s a rarity to encounter server loads exceeding 50%, minimizing the likelihood of experiencing sluggish speeds due to congestion issues.
As of now, only 30 countries utilize virtual servers within CyberGhost’s extensive network, while the remaining servers are physical. This balance is noteworthy, considering the vastness of CyberGhost’s network. In our perspective, this mix is a reasonable trade-off to achieve a well-distributed server infrastructure worldwide, especially in regions often overlooked, such as the Middle East and Africa.
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Beyond the standard VPN servers, CyberGhost presents several other server types meticulously optimized for specific activities. This diverse range of server options enhances the user experience, catering to varied needs and ensuring an optimized performance tailored to different online activities.
Commonly, VPN applications allocate dynamic IP addresses, providing users with a different IP each time they connect. In contrast, a static IP address server ensures consistency, assigning the same IP each time you connect. While this can enhance access to geo-restricted content by presenting more regular traffic patterns, it’s important to note that using the same IP address introduces certain privacy considerations.
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In response to the privacy concerns associated with static IP addresses, CyberGhost has introduced a token-based dedicated IP system.
Tailored for users seeking a consistent IP address, particularly for accessing IP-restricted networks, dedicated IPs also prove beneficial in circumventing potential IP bans or frequent Captchas triggered by other users’ behavior.
Upon redeeming a Dedicated IP token, CyberGhost remains unaware of its specific details, ensuring that your account is not linked to any particular IP address.
While these token-based dedicated IPs come with an additional cost, they offer heightened control and are exclusively available in select locations:
Opting for NoSpy servers is an additional feature for users seeking an enhanced VPN experience. These servers, exclusively owned by CyberGhost, reside in a private data center located in Romania.
Distinguished by top-tier hardware, dedicated uplinks, and augmented bandwidth for superior speeds, CyberGhost’s NoSpy servers offer an elevated level of performance.
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Within CyberGhost’s network, 60 server locations are marked as “physically located,” indicating that these servers are tangible machines situated in the country you are connecting to.
Conversely, the remaining server locations are virtual, where the server assigns the IP address of a specific country but is physically located elsewhere. While virtual server locations facilitate access to countries where obtaining a physical server might be challenging, it’s important to note that speeds can be impacted if the physical machine is considerably distant from your actual location. Consider the trade-offs and benefits as you explore CyberGhost’s array of server options.
We want to see CyberGhost to go one step further and disclose the real location of its virtual servers, like ExpressVPN does.
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While CyberGhost owns some of its servers, it also operates third-party ones, which is common among VPN companies.
A well-maintained self-owned server network can have great privacy benefits, as we cover inΒ our IPVanish review.
Cyberghost is a safe VPN service with strong security credentials, including trusted connection protocols, AES-256 encryption, and a range of leak protection tools. Its options arenβt quite as advanced as competitors like NordVPN, but it does a good job encrypting data and hiding your online activity.
In the table below, you can see which encryption ciphers, connection protocols, and additional security features CyberGhost uses:
Protocols | Available in CyberGhost VPN |
|---|---|
IKEv2/IPSec | Yes |
OpenVPN (TCP/UDP) | Yes |
WireGuard | Yes |
Encryption | Available in CyberGhost VPN |
|---|---|
AES-128 | No |
AES-192 | No |
AES-256 | Yes |
Blowfish | No |
ChaCha20 | Yes |
Security | Available in CyberGhost VPN |
|---|---|
DNS Leak Blocking | Yes |
First-party DNS | Yes |
IPv6 Leak Blocking | Yes |
Supports TCP Port 443 | No |
VPN Kill Switch | Yes |
WebRTC Leak Blocking | No |
Advanced Features | Available in CyberGhost VPN |
|---|---|
Ad Blocker | Yes |
Dedicated IP | Yes |
Double VPN | No |
Smart DNS | Yes |
SOCKS | No |
Split Tunneling | Yes |
Static IP | No |
Tor over VPN Server | Yes |
Tracker Blocker | Yes |
CyberGhost ensures effective masking of your IP address through well-established and reliable VPN protocols, bolstered by robust 256-bit encryption to safeguard your internet traffic.
The protective measures include a functional kill switch, along with IP and DNS leak protection, ensuring that your IP address remains concealed at all times. However, it’s worth noting that our kill switch testing revealed a limitation β CyberGhost’s kill switch may not fully protect your true IP address during server transitions. Exercise caution when switching servers, especially when handling sensitive data.
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CyberGhost’s applications utilize a trio of secure VPN protocols: WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. When opting for OpenVPN, you even have the flexibility to choose between TCP and UDP connections.
Beyond the fundamental IP leak protection, CyberGhost offers an extensive array of advanced security features within its standard subscription. This includes a malicious URL filter to combat malware, automated HTTPS redirection, an ad and tracker blocker, and the convenience of split tunneling.
All these privacy and security features are seamlessly integrated into the standard CyberGhost subscription, enhancing your online security without any additional costs. Explore the comprehensive security toolkit offered by CyberGhost to fortify your digital presence.
The “force HTTPS” function in CyberGhost efficiently redirects insecure URLs to their secure HTTPS counterparts, making it a standout feature that distinguishes CyberGhost from many other VPNs.
On Windows and Android apps, CyberGhost presents the valuable split tunneling feature, allowing users to select specific applications for VPN connectivity. Notably, this feature is presently unavailable on CyberGhost’s macOS client.
While CyberGhost’s mobile and Mac applications maintain a secure environment, it’s essential to note that they offer fewer security features compared to the Windows client. Further details on these distinctions will be explored later in this comprehensive review. Explore the unique features and functionalities CyberGhost brings to different platforms, tailoring your VPN experience to your specific needs.0
Explore CyberGhost’s Additional Security and Privacy Features: A Brief Overview
This collection includes a blend of both standard and essential features, complemented by some less mainstream options that serve as valuable bonuses. For newcomers feeling a bit overwhelmed, it’s perfectly fine to disregard the majority of these features. However, for those who relish a hands-on approach to VPNs, CyberGhost’s extensive toolkit offers an impressive array of customizable tools, enhancing the overall user experience.
In addition to its VPN services, CyberGhost introduces its own complimentaryΒ Private BrowserΒ powered by DuckDuckGo. This browser comes equipped with a built-in proxy extension, an effective ad and malware blocker, and the convenience of one-click deletion for browsing data. Explore the added layer of privacy and functionality with CyberGhost’s Private Browser, extending your control over your online experience.
We also tested CyberGhostβs apps for IP and DNS data leaks. We used our VPN leak test tool to confirm CyberGhost does not leak IP, WebRTC, or DNS credentials.
If your router assigns an IPv6 address, you might want to explore alternatives to CyberGhost. While some VPNs offer unconventional workarounds for IPv6, like blocking IPv6 connections entirely, CyberGhost often faces difficulties working with it.
In our observations, the CyberGhost app frequently struggles to initiate properly when connected to an IPv6 network. Moreover, it lacks Smart DNS configurations for IPv6, exacerbating the compatibility issue.
For users who can disable their IPv6 connection, this might not pose a significant hurdle. However, for those unable to do so, CyberGhost becomes impractical. Unfortunately, the lack of assistance from CyberGhost in addressing this issue leaves less tech-savvy users with a malfunctioning app and little understanding of the problem. To determine the type of IP address your device uses, you can check here.
Conducting an analysis of CyberGhost’s Android app permissions using the Ξ΅xodus tool, we found the presence of standard usability trackers. These trackers serve to facilitate the company in promptly addressing critical bugs and crashes. Notably, CyberGhost recently reduced the number of trackers from seven to three, marking a commendable improvement in privacy and transparency.
These trackers include:
These apps are standard analytics tools used by developers, and we have no issue with them being present β some ofΒ the worst VPNs contain upwards of 28.
On the flip side, ExpressVPN and Astrill contain only two and zero trackers, respectively.
Some of the Android permissions we found in CyberGhostβs Android app initially concerned us a little more, though.
It has the ability to access your location via your GPS and network information. This permission is considered βdangerousβ or βspecialβ according toΒ Googleβs protection levels.
But this isnβt uncommon in VPN apps, and CyberGhost clarified to us that users are asked to grant access to this information only when using the WiFi protection feature. You can refuse and the app will still work.
We tested both the main CyberGhost app as well as its Chrome browser extension to see if it effectively encrypted our traffic.
The results were all positive: using the Wireshark packet sniffing tool we can see that CyberGhost and its browser extension both work to obfuscate all the sensitive data traveling to and from your device:
Finally, we ran the CyberGhost installer through a malware test to ensure it doesnβt contain viruses.
The software came back completely clean, as you can see from the screenshot below:
CyberGhost has no obfuscation technology, so it’s incapable of bypassing strict censorship in countries like China. It’s also unreliable in Iran and the UAE. But there are reports of success in Turkey and it has recently invested in Russian servers.
CyberGhost’s Limitations in Heavily-Censored Regions
CyberGhost encounters challenges in operating within heavily-censored countries such as China. One contributing factor is its lack of VPN obfuscation technology.
VPN obfuscation is a crucial feature that disguises VPN traffic, making it indistinguishable from regular browsing to evade scrutiny from web censors. This capability proves essential in navigating internet blocks in nations where VPN usage is either restricted or deemed illegal.
While there have been sporadic user reports indicating CyberGhost’s intermittent functionality in Turkey over the past year, it’s essential to note that the performance can be inconsistent.
Additionally, in an effort to overcome restrictions, CyberGhost has introduced several servers in Russia. However, for users seeking VPN solutions specifically tailored for Russia, there are more effective options available. Explore alternatives that better align with the unique challenges posed by specific regions to ensure a seamless and reliable VPN experience.
CyberGhost is one of the most widely-compatible VPN services available. It has custom apps for the following devices:
Hereβs a quick summary of the key differences between the apps on each platform:
Feature | Windows | macOS | Android | iOS | Linux |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Kill Switch | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
DNS Leak Protection | Yes | No | No | No | No |
Content Blocker | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
Split Tunneling | Yes | No | Yes | No | No |
Use Random Port | Yes | No | Yes | No | No |
Versatility Across Various Router Models
CyberGhost VPN seamlessly integrates with a range of router models, including Raspberry Pi, Synology NAS, and VU+ Solo 2. The CyberGhost website provides comprehensive guides for manual VPN setup on these routers, ensuring user-friendly configuration.
Compatibility extends to routers such as DD-WRT, TomatoUSB, and Merlin-Built, with CyberGhost offering reliable VPN support for enhanced security and privacy.
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Flexible Access on Seven Devices per Subscription
Enjoy the convenience of installing CyberGhost VPN apps on up to seven devices simultaneously with a single subscription. Should you exceed the seven-device limit, a straightforward process allows you to manage your device list by removing one. Unlike some VPNs that limit simultaneous connections, CyberGhost’s cap pertains to the total number of installations, providing users with flexibility and control.
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Seamlessly Connect Games Consoles & Streaming Devices
CyberGhost extends its compatibility to a variety of gaming consoles and streaming devices, enhancing the entertainment experience for users of:
While you canβt use CyberGhost (or any VPN) directly on the devices above, you can use its Smart DNS configurations. While these wonβt encrypt your deviceβs traffic, they can unblock streaming services from around the world β CyberGhost has specific Smart DNS configurations for:
CyberGhostβs browser extension is available on:
While CyberGhost offers free browser extensions that effectively conceal your IP address and occasionally enable access to geo-restricted content, it’s crucial to note their limitations compared to the comprehensive features of CyberGhost’s full VPN service.
These extensions, although free, come with constraints. They operate on servers located in only four countries: Germany, Netherlands, Romania, and the United States. While this aligns with the expectations for a free add-on, it falls significantly short when compared to the capabilities of the paid applications.
It’s important to highlight a key distinction β unlike ExpressVPN, CyberGhost’s browser extensions function as proxies, not full-fledged VPNs. These extensions exclusively safeguard browser traffic, leaving other web connections on your device unprotected.
For a comprehensive understanding of the disparities between CyberGhost’s browser extensions and its full VPN applications, refer to the informative table below:
| Feature | Browser Extension | VPN Client |
|---|---|---|
|
Anonymous Browsing |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Block Online Tracking |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Hide IP |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Access Geo-Restricted Sites |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Block Malicious Content |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Secure Wi-Fi Connection |
Browser Only |
Yes |
|
Access Flash Content Securely |
No |
Yes |
|
WebRTC Leak Protection |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Kill Switch |
No |
Yes |
|
24/7 Live Chat Support |
No |
Yes |
|
Streaming & Downloading Server Filter |
No |
Yes |
|
Multiple Protocol Support |
No |
Yes |
|
Access to 6100+ servers |
8 Servers in 4 Countries |
Yes |
|
Smart Rules |
No |
Yes |
|
Device Limit |
Firefox & Chrome Only |
Up to 7 Devices |
One of CyberGhost’s biggest strengths is how easy to use and understand it is. Everything is simple and clearly labeled. We’ve experienced some minor bugs over the many years we’ve been testing it, but itβs generally a great experience on all platforms.
Joining the CyberGhost community is a hassle-free endeavor. The sign-up process is straightforward, offering just a few options that can be swiftly completed in a matter of minutes. Once the sign-up is completed, proceed to download the app on your chosen device and log in to commence your CyberGhost experience.
Explore our comprehensive overview below, detailing our firsthand experience testing CyberGhost across various devices and platforms:
At a glance, CyberGhostβs Windows and macOS apps look very similar:
CyberGhost’s desktop app offers two distinct views for user convenience: a compact view and a windowed view. The compact view streamlines options for quick server connections or disconnections. On Mac, it descends from the menu bar, while on Windows, it emerges from the taskbar.
However, first-time users might miss the full app experience if they’re unaware of the compact view. Ensure you click the arrow button to expand to the complete view.
Here’s where platform discrepancies become noticeable. In the full view, CyberGhost lists specialized servers in the left-hand menu. On Windows, servers for torrenting, streaming, gaming, plus dedicated IP and NoSpy options are visible. On Mac, gaming and NoSpy options are absent.
While Mac users can still manually connect to these servers, the lack of visibility creates a potential challenge. The absence of specific servers on Mac without cross-referencing with the Windows app can be limiting.
In the Settings menu, CyberGhost for Windows includes toggles for DNS leak prevention and a kill switch, features not present on macOS. However, testing reveals that these options are inherently enabled on Mac.
The absence of the OpenVPN option on macOS is a downside, though WireGuard serves as a suitable alternative. Mac users seeking OpenVPN must resort to external software like Tunnelblick.
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CyberGhost’s mobile apps boast simplicity, featuring a home screen with a prominent connect button and a server selection menu below. The user-friendly interface ensures straightforward navigation.
Advanced settings unveil distinctions between the Android and iOS platforms, providing users with customization options based on their preferences.
On the iOS platform, features encompass a dedicated IP, domain fronting, and a connection checker. Android users, on the other hand, benefit from additional options such as split tunneling, an ad and tracker blocker, and protection against malicious websites.
Both mobile apps empower users with the flexibility to fine-tune settings for specific networks. This ensures that the VPN adapts its behavior seamlessly, whether you’re at home, school, work, or connected to public WiFi.
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Notably, CyberGhost excels on mobile platforms, providing an intuitive and seamless user experience. The mobile apps outshine their desktop counterpart, making CyberGhost an excellent choice for those predominantly using a VPN on their smartphones.
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Regrettably, for Linux users, CyberGhost falls short in our recommendation. While its functionality is satisfactory, the drawback lies in its reliance on a command line interface (CLI) rather than a graphical user interface (GUI).Β
The Linux version of CyberGhost operates solely through the Terminal, relying on command prompts for control. This method of interaction, limited to command-line interfaces (CLI), is disheartening, especially in 2023. Despite CyberGhost’s popularity, it’s dismaying to observe this approach persisting. Notably, other prominent VPNs like Private Internet Access and surfshark VPN present Linux users with fully-featured VPN experiences devoid of such compromises.
Contrary to many VPNs struggling with their streaming device apps, CyberGhost stands out as a favorable choice for Amazon Fire TV Stick and Chromecast users. The user-friendly interface enhances the streaming experience on these platforms, making CyberGhost a preferred option for seamless streaming on Fire TV and Android TV.
The CyberGhost interface is straightforward and well-organized, featuring a dedicated ‘Streaming’ tab that conveniently categorizes servers based on the streaming services they unblock. While not infallible, this feature proves beneficial in enhancing the streaming experience.
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Introducing Smart DNS, CyberGhost enables users to unblock specific streaming services on platforms lacking VPN support, such as gaming consoles or Roku. This innovative solution expands accessibility and ensures uninterrupted streaming experiences on various devices.
Utilizing CyberGhost’s ‘My Smart DNS’ is a straightforward process. Log into your account, take note of the required DNS server’s IP address, and input it into the DNS server field on your chosen streaming device.
The effectiveness of the service may vary β our testing reveals CyberGhost’s Smart DNS to be inconsistent. Nevertheless, the setup process is remarkably user-friendly.
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CyberGhost’s browser extension offers simplicity with a connect button and a dropdown menu featuring four servers. Despite its limited functionalities, the extension serves its purpose well, making it a perfectly acceptable option for those seeking an entirely free browsing experience.
We can hardly fault CyberGhost’s customer support β it’s excellent. You can email the company with inquiries and requests for assistance or get immediate responses by using the 24/7 live chat feature. We’ve always received helpful and polite help.
Hereβs the availability of CyberGhostβs customer support:
Customer Support | Available in CyberGhost VPN |
|---|---|
24/7 Email Support | Yes
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24/7 Live Chat Support | Yes
|
Chatbot | No |
Email Support via Online Form | No |
Online Resources | Yes |
Tutorial Videos | No |
Experience exceptional customer service with CyberGhost, offering 24/7 live chat and email support alongside comprehensive online resources, ensuring resolutions to a myriad of issues.
Initiate live chat conveniently located in the bottom-right corner of the CyberGhost website. As you type in your query, relevant support posts will surface. Should you encounter persistent issues, engage with a live agent for immediate assistance.
The responsive live agents swiftly address queries, often providing solutions within seconds. Their expertise, coupled with online resources available in English, French, German, and Romanian, ensures a seamless support experience.
CyberGhost stands out as a reliable VPN service, offering an impressive free trial and catering to the essential needs of a typical VPN user.
With the ability to unblock US Netflix, support anonymous torrenting, and ensure robust internet security, CyberGhost boasts a substantial server network and an array of security features. The user-friendly apps contribute to a seamless experience, complemented by excellent customer support.
Considering its strengths, CyberGhost is reasonably priced, coupled with a generous 45-day money-back guarantee.
However, there are areas for enhancement. The VPN’s speeds exhibit inconsistency, streaming platform access can be unpredictable, and it faces challenges in functioning within high-censorship nations.
While CyberGhost offers competitive pricing, several alternatives provide excellent options at a similar monthly cost.
Private Internet Access, priced at only $2.03 per month, allows port forwarding, excelling in torrenting tests, and functions reliably in Chinaβa feature CyberGhost lacks.
For those seeking more reliable access to HBO Max and BBC iPlayer, NordVPN emerges as a suitable alternative, offering a balance between CyberGhost’s pricing and the higher-cost ExpressVPN.
Refer to the table below for a comprehensive comparison between CyberGhost and its main competitors, focusing on key aspects like average download speed and logging policy.
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Reviews |
ExpressVPN Review |
NordVPN Review |
PIA VPN Review |
Surfshark Review |
PrivateVPN Review |
IPVanish Review |
CyberGhost Review |
atlasVPN Review |
VyperVPN Review |
PureVPN Review |
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Overall Rating |
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Download Speed |
97Mbps |
95Mbps |
95Mbps |
95Mbps |
95Mbps |
95Mbps |
94Mbps |
95Mbps |
96Mbps |
94Mbps |
|
No. Netflix Regions |
10 |
12 |
10 |
10 |
14 |
3 |
13 |
12 |
Not work |
Not work |
|
Logging Policy |
No Identifying Data |
No Identifying Data |
No Logs |
No Identifying Data |
No Logs |
No Logs |
No Identifying Data |
no-logs |
no-logs |
Some User Logs |
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Countries with Servers |
106 |
60 |
91 |
100 |
62 |
53 |
90 |
42 |
64 |
78 |
|
Simultaneous Connections |
8 |
6 |
unlimited |
unlimited |
10 |
unlimited |
7 |
unlimited |
30 |
10 |
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Cheapest Price |
$6.67/mo over 15 months |
$3.29/mo over 2 years |
$2.03/mo over 26 months |
$2.21/mo over 2 years |
$2.00/mo over 3 years |
$2.49/mo over 2 years |
$2.03/mo over 2 years |
$1.99/mo over 3 years |
$5.00/mo over 12 months |
$1.99/mo over 27 months |
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Free Trial |
7 Days (Mobile Only) |
7 Days (Android Only) |
7 Days (Mobile Only) |
7 Days (Mobile Only) |
None |
7 Days (Mobile Only) |
1, 3 & 7 Days |
None |
3 Days (Mobile Only) |
Β 7 days |
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Browser Extensions |
Chrome, Edge, Firefox |
Chrome, Edge, Firefox |
Chrome, Edge, Firefox Opera |
Chrome, Edge, Firefox |
None |
None |
Chrome, Firefox |
None |
None |
Chrome, Edge, Firefox |
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Who's It Best for? |
Worldwide streamers |
Security-focused users |
Bargain hunters |
Android users looking
to spoof GPS data |
Beginners on a budget |
Fire TV & Kodi streamers |
Users who need the same
anonymous IP address |
perfect for beginners |
fast and secure VPN that
covers the basics well |
good for casual
users looking
for a cheap service |
We’ve been testing and reviewing VPN services since 2018. We also publish VPN research and advice to help protect your internet privacy and security.
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