CyberGhost VPN Review 2024

CyberGhost VPN takes a very high place on our list of the best VPN services. It’s an excellent all-around service that offers all the basics and some advanced features at an affordable price. 

It’s based in the privacy-friendly jurisdiction of Romania and offers more than thousands of servers in 100 countries and 125 locations. These include specialized servers optimized for different activities like streaming, gaming, and torrenting.

It has a strict no-logs policy, meaning it doesn’t keep track of users' browsing activities, IP addresses, or other identifying information. CyberGhost also isn’t in any of the "Eyes" alliances (Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, etc.), so it can’t be forced to share user data with governments or intelligence agencies.

CyberGhost VPN is also safe, as it uses industry-standard security features such as AES 256-bit encryption, leak protection, and a kill switch. Plus, users can now use a premium add-on with an antivirus and security updater to remove malware and optimize their systems. The VPN has expanded its dedicated IPs up to 21 locations as well.

Furthermore, CyberGhost VPN has started upgrading to 10Gbps servers, providing you with faster and more efficient connections. If you're seeking added privacy and security, the VPN also offers NoSpy servers.

To see how these features perform in real-world scenarios, we put them through a series of tests. But before we present our findings, here’s an overview of the VPN’s specs:

In this in-depth CyberGhost VPN review, we’ll explore all the features in greater detail and take a look at the pros and cons of the VPN. You’ll learn about the VPN’s server network, UI, performance, and more. You’ll also find info about the platforms it supports, its streaming capabilities, and its pricing.

To learn more about our testing process, make sure to read our guide on how we review VPNs.

Background, Jurisdiction & Reputation

CyberGhost VPN has a complex past. However, this VPN has never been connected to any massive data leak or caught cooperating with any authorities. So, your data will be safe - even though we wished to see a more recent audit of its services. Our Score: 8.5/10

When checking CyberGhost VPN's trustworthiness, it's important to look into its background and where it operates. Knowing these details helps you understand how the VPN handles privacy and security, allowing you to make a decision that aligns with your specific needs and concerns.

Where Is CyberGhost VPN Based?

CyberGhost VPN is based in Romania, one of the EU countries. Even though this country doesn't come with overly protective VPN-related laws, it's not going against VPNs either.

VPNs are legal in Romania, and this country is away from the 5/9/14-Eyes Alliance. Since it's a member of the European Union, it does protect the privacy of its citizens up to some point. The same applies to businesses operating in this country, such as CyberGhost VPN.

CyberGhost was founded by Robert Knapp, who's a tech entrepreneur from Germany. The company was headquartered in Romania from the start, and it's still operating from there. However, Knapp sold his company in 2017 to Israeli investors, a company named Crossrider. Then, in 2018, that company changed its name to Kape Technologies.

According to Kape's official website, that company comes from the Isle of Man. That is a self-governing British Crown dependency that has fully incorporated EU’s GDPR legislation (which now comes with a set of complexities as the UK has left the European Union).

You should also know that ZenMate VPN, a popular VPN coming from Germany, was acquired by Kape Technologies back in October 2018. Then, Private Internet Access became part of Kape in early 2020. And most recently, ExpressVPN joined as well. That means all those VPNs are 100% owned by Kape Technologies at the moment, even though they operate independently.

Kape Technologies, the company behind these developments, also owns review sites like WizCase and vpnMentor. In June 2023, Unikmind, a major shareholder of Kape Technologies, took the company private.

With that said, CyberGhost VPN isn't an "indie" VPN - but there's no reason to be concerned about its corporate background. During the last four years since CyberGhost became part of Kape, not much has changed about this VPN.

More precisely, there were no data leaks or problematic developments that would force us to advise you to avoid this VPN. As per its privacy policy, this is still a no-logs VPN provider, which means none of your private data is recorded (at any given moment).

At the moment, CyberGhost VPN, Zenmate VPN, Private Internet Access, and ExpressVPN continue to exist in their standalone forms – with some technologies being exchanged between them. Also, there are assurances from Kape that all four VPNs won't be merged in the future, which means you shouldn't be worried about investing in any of them in the long term.

Did CyberGhost VPN Leak Personal Data in the Past?

During our research, we found plenty of contradictory information on the Web. While some say that CyberGhost VPN leaks your sensitive information and even collects your confidential data, others say that this is the most secure VPN out there.

For example, there were rumors in the past that CyberGhost used to log hardware IDs. This happened in August of 2016, and everyone was quick to conclude that something suspicious was happening.

However, the VPN repeatedly rejected any accusations. Still, it was discovered that CyberGhost indeed checks your hardware ID – but only to check your subscription's device limit. You can use CyberGhost VPN on up to 7 devices at the same time, and this is one of the ways for the VPN to check if you're under that limit.

CyberGhost was also affected by Typeform's data breach since the VPN used Typeform's survey software. However, the VPN revealed that only 120 email addresses and 14 usernames contained in 2 surveys were compromised. Due to a fast "cleanup" action, none of those users suffered any exposed leaks of their sensitive data.

It’s important to note that CyberGhost VPN has never been connected to any widespread data leaks. Furthermore, the VPN repeatedly reminds us that it doesn't collect private data.

Even if someone comes after your online activity files, CyberGhost VPN won't be able to extract anything tangible. So, until proven otherwise, there's no reason not to trust CyberGhost VPN.

Is CyberGhost VPN Safe?

Yes, CyberGhost VPN is safe to use. It safeguards online connections on all your devices with a secure VPN tunnel. Moreover, it has a strict no-logs policy, so it never keeps records of your Internet activity.

While it collects some account details like names, emails, and payment info, as well as non-personal data for service improvement, this is common among VPNs. As long as your identity and Web activity stay private, these practices are generally acceptable.

CyberGhost also uses AES-256-bit encryption, a highly respected standard for online safety. You can select from various VPN tunneling methods like OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, and WireGuard, depending on your preferences.

More importantly, CyberGhost VPN has been independently audited by Deloitte in 2022 to confirm its strong privacy measures. In other words, you can feel confident that CyberGhost VPN is safe and reliable to use.

Supported Platforms & Devices

You can use CyberGhost VPN across a wide range of PC and mobile platforms, with Web browser extensions and support for routers on board. Our Score: 10/10

This VPN is present across a range of platforms, including desktop and mobile devices. Here's a helpful table where you'll find all the information you need.

As you can see, CyberGhost VPN has done a wonderful job of creating native apps for diverse kinds of devices, including Chromebook. Therefore, we don't really have anything negative to say about this VPN in terms of its platform compatibility.

CyberGhost VPN has been designed to allow access to 7 devices simultaneously. You can easily set up this VPN on their router to then connect other devices on the home network (which then takes only a single free "slot" of your subscription). That's also the easiest way to protect devices that don't run VPNs natively, such as PlayStation or Xbox consoles.

To learn more about how to get started, check our guide on how to set up CyberGhost VPN.

Installation & Initial Configuration

This VPN offers an easy and convenient way to install its software – with no distractions, bundled software, or anything similar. Our Score: 10/10

This section of our CyberGhost review will guide you through the steps of installing and setting up this powerful VPN. You'll soon find that the process is very straightforward and easy to follow.

How to Download and Use CyberGhost VPN?

To get started with CyberGhost VPN, visit its official website and choose your subscription plan. You can then download the software to your device either directly from CyberGhost’s site or via your online account dashboard.

Once you have the VPN’s installation file, double-click to open it, follow the prompts you’ll see on your screen, and install CyberGhost. The whole process takes only a few minutes. If you’re confused, here are step-by-step instructions on what you need to do:

1. Subscribe to CyberGhost on their website using any browser.
2. Log in to your account on the site's main menu.
3. Download CyberGhost from your dashboard and install the app.
4. Launch the app and enter your login credentials.
5. Click on the ‘Best server location’ button and select a location from there.
6. Double-click on your preferred location and wait for the connection. That’s it!

It’s important to note that we didn't encounter any distractions or promotional offers while installing the CyberGhost app. You get what you pay for, and that’s the VPN itself. In our experience, the installation process was quick, no matter what kind of device/platform we used.

CyberGhost VPN protects your privacy from the start. But you can make it even more secure by turning on its kill switch (Homescreen > Privacy Settings > Automatic Kill-Switch). This way, your data won't leak if something goes wrong.

You can also block DNS domains used by trackers, malware, and ads (Homescreen > Privacy Settings > Block Content). We suggest enabling this as soon as you install the VPN.

If you need help setting up CyberGhost VPN on different platforms, check out our guide, which covers more than 60 devices. Here's how to set up CyberGhost VPN.

Prominent Features

Overall, CyberGhost VPN offers a compelling set of features - where you'll find a strong set of basic VPN tools alongside a range of highly advanced options. Our Score: 8.5/10

CyberGhost VPN offers all the basic features that a capable VPN should have. When you connect to a secure server, your Web connection data becomes encrypted, and you get a new IP address. Additionally, a full set of underlying technologies keeps you safe on the Internet. However, it's worth noting that CyberGhost doesn't support port forwarding.

Here’s what you can expect from CyberGhost VPN in terms of its features:

• Full Data Leak Protection: This VPN offers an ultra-tough VPN tunnel that shields your online activity from prying eyes. Whether it's your ISP, hackers, or government agencies, no one will be able to see your DNS or IP address. CyberGhost covers both IPv4 and IPv6 leaks, giving you complete peace of mind.
• High-End Data Encryption: The provider encrypts your data with AES-256, a powerful algorithm that’s widely used by governments, banks, and military organizations. This encryption is virtually unbreakable, as it would take billions of years to crack it with current technology. This is one of the reasons why, with CyberGhost, you can enjoy the Internet without fear of surveillance.
• Secure Protocols: CyberGhost VPN lets you choose from WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 protocols for your apps. These are the most reliable and secure protocols in the industry. You can also customize your OpenVPN connection by selecting TCP or UDP mode, depending on your speed and stability preferences.
• Kill Switch: This feature prevents data from leaking outside the VPN tunnel. This means it blocks all Internet traffic if the VPN connection drops for any reason. The kill switch feature works automatically, so you don’t have to worry about turning it on or off. It’s available on all supported platforms, such as Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.

• Split Tunneling: The App Split Tunnel feature is only available on Android. It's similar to Window's 'Smart Rules' feature with 'Exceptions' that essentially functions like split tunneling. With this feature, you can select which websites (on Windows) or apps (on Android) should use the VPN and which should stick to the regular Internet connection.

• Ad Blocker: CyberGhost has a built-in ad blocker (also called "Block content") that's available on Windows, macOS, and Android devices. Aside from ads, it also blocks malware and trackers from websites and apps. Upon testing, it effectively blocked ads on most encrypted (HTTPS) traffic.

• Exceptions: As mentioned earlier, this feature lets you exclude some apps and programs from its encryption. You can also use Smart Rules on Windows and Mac to customize your VPN tunneling by adding URLs of sites you don’t want to use the VPN for. However, the Exceptions feature is only available on Windows and Android apps. On Android, it’s called ‘App Split Tunnel.’

• Static / Dedicated IP Address: CyberGhost lets you add a highly secure dedicated IP to your subscription for an extra fee. This feature gives you a unique IP address that only you can use. You can choose a static IP from Australia, Belgium, Canada, Germany, Spain, France, the UK, Japan, the Netherlands, Sweden, Singapore, and the US.

• App Rules: This feature is available on Windows and lets you choose which apps will trigger CyberGhost to connect automatically. This way, you don't have to worry about forgetting to turn on your VPN when you use sensitive or restricted apps. With this feature, you can add any app and enjoy a seamless and secure online experience.
• Identity Guard: Available on all billing plans, this neat feature promptly notifies you if your email ever gets caught up in a data breach. This enables you to change your password as soon as possible. To use this tool, simply activate your email address in the CyberGhost VPN dashboard.
• CyberGhost Private Browser: This tool is your ticket to anonymous Web surfing on desktop (Windows, macOS) and iOS devices. Using top-notch encryption and VPN technology, it shields your data and privacy online. Moreover, it's a pro at blocking ads and trackers, ensuring lightning-fast speeds. You can download it for free from the CyberGhost website.

Server Count & Infrastructure

CyberGhost doesn't disclose the total number of servers they have anymore, but their network still boasts a massive presence across 100 countries, with servers in 125 locations. This makes it one of the largest server networks around. Our Score: 10/10

Ideally, you'll want a VPN provider with plenty of servers across the entire planet. And if you want to unblock websites, having the ability to pick specific locations is a huge benefit.

CyberGhost has a global network of servers scattered across over 100 countries, joining the ranks of VPNs with the most servers like NordVPN and ExpressVPN. This vast network ensures you'll likely find a server close by, no matter where you are in the world.

Currently, CyberGhost provides servers optimized for streaming and P2P. However, it lacks specialized servers for obfuscation, and its gaming servers are limited to Windows.

But we have to mention its premium NoSpy Servers, which are only accessible to CyberGhost's internal staff. Essentially, NoSpy Servers are the VPN's most secure option due to their in-house nature and company-owned hardware.

This VPN also offers servers in various countries worldwide, letting you know which one to use based on the intended purpose. On Mac, you'll also see the "occupancy" of CyberGhost servers before you connect, so you can try to find a fast-performing one.

CyberGhost VPN has recently upgraded some of its servers to 10Gbps, which means they can transfer data 10 times faster than the standard 1Gbps servers. This results in better speeds, more stable connections, and less congestion for the users.

We also need to praise CyberGhost's dedication to expanding its server network. We are more than sure those efforts will continue in the future as well, which could be a good reason to invest in one of its long-term subscription plans.

Does CyberGhost VPN Use Virtual Server Locations?

Yes, CyberGhost VPN comes with a sizeable list of virtual server locations. Once you connect to a virtual server, your traffic won't flow through the country you've selected in CyberGhost's interface. Instead, it will flow through a virtual server, and your traffic will be assigned an IP from the 'end' country.

Being a transparent VPN, CyberGhost doesn't hide the fact that it's using virtual servers. And the fact is that your personal data remains safe, nonetheless. However, it's always good to know which CyberGhost server locations are virtual, which you can check just below.

UI/UX Design & Ease of Use

CyberGhost comes with a modern UI that looks very polished on desktop and mobile devices. However, its extensions are nothing more than overly simple proxies. Our Score: 8/10

In this segment, we'll talk about CyberGhost's interface on both desktop and mobile platforms. Also, we'll check this VPN's Web browser extensions. So, make sure to keep reading our CyberGhost VPN review.

How Well Does CyberGhost VPN Work on Desktop Platforms?

On desktops, CyberGhost VPN can be as simple or as complex as you need it to be. It starts with a simple UI that resembles something you expect to see on a smartphone. However, if you click on a small, gray-colored button on the left side, the CyberGhost app transforms into a fully-featured application.

To start a VPN connection to the optimal server for your location, just click the button at the top center of the app. If you wish to switch servers, click the "Best location" button to explore all available options. On Mac, you can check out your favorites, review all the available servers, or view those that are specialized for downloading and streaming.

Meanwhile, the Windows app takes it up a notch by providing additional server options, such as NoSpy Servers and servers optimized for gaming. Moreover, instead of showing server occupancy, the Windows app shows server distances from your current location.

Finally, we have two new options that we discussed in one of the previous segments – 'Privacy Settings' and 'Smart Rules.'

You'll find a cogwheel icon in the top-right corner that takes you to the application's settings. On macOS, it's also where you'll find customer support resources, which are links leading to the VPN's site. Unfortunately, the native Windows app doesn't provide access to these support resources.

On Windows, the settings panel is comprised of three tabs: General, CyberGhost VPN, and My Account.

• General: This tab extends customization capabilities, allowing you to choose a language, modify themes, set the app's behavior upon window closure, and more. On Mac, this tab lets you enable CyberGhost to automatically check for updates and open the application's support resources.

• CyberGhost VPN: This tab serves a distinct purpose on each desktop platform. On Windows, it provides access to a range of VPN settings. You can change protocols, enable a random port for connection, and explore additional configurations. On macOS, this tab is labeled "Connection," where you can perform tests to analyze your Internet connectivity.

• My Account: Here, you'll find a list of information related to your account - your username, email address, the number of active devices, and similar.

How Well Does CyberGhost VPN Work on Mobile Platforms?

As mentioned throughout this CyberGhost VPN review, there are certain differences between the apps offered by this VPN. And even though all those apps feel the same, there are specific details that make each of those apps a unique piece of software.

When it comes to iOS and Android, you'll be greeted by two similar-looking home screens. There's a prominent ON/OFF switch, taking the middle portion. And below, there's a button that lets you pick a server manually.

To establish a VPN connection, simply tap the ON/OFF switch or double-click your preferred server. You'll see that you're connected when the switch turns yellow.

To dive into the application's settings, click on the cogwheel icon (in the upper left corner on iOS; and in the upper right corner on Android).

There are also similarities in the way you connect to servers. Tap on the button labeled 'Best Location,' and the CyberGhost app will show all its servers. This is where you can review the VPN's servers, filter them by their roles, and more. This interface is the same on iOS and Android.

To dive deeper into iOS, you can tap on the cogwheel icon in the top-left corner. This will reveal a limited list of options. You get to enable CyberGhost's 'Wi-Fi Auto-Protect' feature, switch to a different protocol, and choose how CyberGhost behaves on new and known Wi-Fi networks. There's also an option to use a dedicated IP by using your token.

On Android, CyberGhost VPN comes with a whole host of settings and tweaks. Tap on the cogwheel button in the top-left corner, and you'll get to set up split-tunneling, use the VPN's 'Wi-Fi Protection' feature, switch to a different protocol, view your account and current plan, as well as enable additional options.

Speaking of those additional options on Android, you can enable domain fronting and data compression. This is where you can enable CyberGhost's ad blocker and protection against online tracking. So, there's truly plenty to fine-tune.

Even though the iOS app seems more polished in terms of its appearance and performance, the Android app is more powerful in terms of VPN-related features. The same also applies when comparing CyberGhost's Windows and macOS apps, where Windows users come out on top.

How Well Do CyberGhost's Web Browser Extensions Work?

CyberGhost's Web browser extensions indeed work, but we don't find a compelling reason for subscribers to use these extensions.

Its browser extensions, including the CyberGhost extension for Chrome, act as advertisements for the VPN. The VPN also offers Web browser extensions for Firefox. Both of those come free of charge, and you don't need to be a subscriber to use them.

As you can see from the screenshot above, users of CyberGhost app extensions will be forced to look at a prominent advertisement at the bottom of its interface. Also, you get to connect to servers in four countries (the Netherlands, Romania, Germany, and the United States).

There are no settings you can tweak, and there's even no option to log in to your account. And on top of that, these Web browser extensions are proxies only. Therefore, you won't get the full protection that CyberGhost's desktop app brings.

Overall, we don't see a reason to use a CyberGhost extension. It acts as an advertisement for the VPN's full range of capabilities. However, it doesn't even do a decent job of letting you tap into this VPN's true power.

Media Streaming, Torrenting, and Gaming Support

CyberGhost VPN has a good history of unblocking media streaming websites. It fully supports P2P traffic via specialized servers, and there are even gaming-ready servers. Our Score: 10/10

If you're looking for a VPN that can handle your media streaming, torrenting, and gaming needs, CyberGhost VPN might be the one for you. Let's see how CyberGhost performs in these areas.

Is CyberGhost VPN Good for Streaming?

Yes, CyberGhost VPN is one of the best streaming VPN services. We’re happy to say that if you need a VPN to unblock websites, this provider won’t disappoint you. We’ve tested it with several popular media streaming services, and here are our findings.

It unblocks Netflix, as well as many other popular streaming services. Speaking of Netflix, you can access its regional versions in the following countries as well: the United States, Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands, India, Japan, the United Kingdom, Canada, Turkey, Spain, Sweden, Brazil, France, Italy, Australia, Singapore, and South Korea.

Here are some of the other notable US-based streaming platforms this VPN unblocks.

To find the server that unblocks the US version of services, make sure to select 'For Streaming' on the VPN's home screen. This will open a list of servers for all kinds of streaming platforms. For example, you'll find three servers optimized for accessing Netflix US.

When it comes to streaming services outside the US, CyberGhost works with the following:

All in all, CyberGhost VPN is a great choice for streaming lovers. It offers fast speeds, reliable connections, and a wide range of servers for streaming.

Is CyberGhost VPN Good for Torrenting?

Yes, CyberGhost for torrenting is good enough. You can use any server if you want to download files, including P2P files. However, for large files, you’ll have to connect to a nearby server. Of course, some servers are better for downloading than others, and you can find these optimized servers under the 'For Torrenting' menu on Windows and the 'For Downloading' section on Mac.

The closer the server, the faster the download speed. CyberGhost has thousands of servers around the world, so you can easily find the best one. However, it lacks support for port forwarding (improves speed by connecting to more peers) and doesn't have a SOCKS5 proxy (hides your IP without encryption for faster speeds).

For more information, read our article about CyberGhost VPN for torrenting. If you want more options, check out our best torrenting VPN article.

Is CyberGhost VPN Good for Gaming?

Yes, CyberGhost is a good gaming VPN. If you're a gamer, you might want to consider CyberGhost VPN for your gaming needs. There are several reasons why this VPN stands out from its competitors.

One of the main advantages of CyberGhost VPN is that it has thousands of servers all over the world and offers 10GBps servers in 31 locations. These servers are faster and more reliable than the standard 1Gbps servers, which means they can improve your overall gaming experience any time of the day.

Another benefit of CyberGhost VPN is that it offers servers optimized for gaming. However, these are only available on Windows devices. If you use a different device, you can still enjoy a smooth gaming experience by avoiding connecting to distant servers. This way, you can prevent high ping values and lags that can ruin your gameplay.

Security & Privacy

CyberGhost places a strong emphasis on safeguarding your privacy - they don't keep logs and have solid protection against leaks. Plus, their privacy policy stands strong, backed by a third-party audit that adds an extra layer of assurance. Our Score: 9/10

Now, we'll take a look at how trustworthy CyberGhost is with your data. We'll check three important things: its VPN protocols, logging policy, and leak prevention. These are the key factors that affect your online privacy and security.

CyberGhost VPN Protocols

First, we'll list all the VPN protocols natively supported by CyberGhost's apps for comparative purposes. So, check out the following table.

• OpenVPN: CyberGhost VPN relies heavily on the OpenVPN protocol - and we're happy to see that. It’s a capable protocol that brings smooth performance, simplifies switching between servers, and unblocks restricted content. By default, OpenVPN is available on Windows, Android, Linux, and Fire TV. However, it isn't available on macOS and iOS natively. But if you want, you can still use it on other platforms through manual configuration.
• IKEv2: When connecting to a nearby server (located in your country, for example), it's recommended to use the IKEv2 protocol. In turn, this should bring you the fastest possible performance - while also making sure your personal data never leaves CyberGhost's tunnel. By default, IKEv2 is available on Windows, macOS, and iOS.
• WireGuard: This is a recently developed VPN protocol that shows a lot of promise. It's faster than OpenVPN while providing the same (if not better) security and privacy level. CyberGhost VPN has been aggressively pursuing this protocol during the last year, making it available across several devices. By default, WireGuard is available on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, and Fire TV.

Does CyberGhost VPN Keep Logs?

No, CyberGhost VPN doesn’t keep logs. More precisely, we're talking about data that could be linked to your VPN account - nowhere to be found on CyberGhost's servers.

However, you should know that some information is stored. For example, your email address and VPN account password are needed for you to log in. CyberGhost VPN also collects some cookies as you browse its site. Nonetheless, this is nothing unusual.

We strongly believe CyberGhost's servers will keep you protected and anonymous. Also, if you need an even higher level of privacy, that's where the VPN's 'NoSPY' servers come into play.

'NoSPY' servers, which come with super-high premium hardware, promise better speeds, operate independently, and are designed to respect your privacy in the best way possible. However, you must pay extra to access those - $4.99/month (billed yearly).

Lastly, this VPN has been audited just recently by Deloitte, hired to check the VPN's server network and management systems. So, you can rest assured that CyberGhost won't collect or expose your sensitive information.

Does CyberGhost VPN Leak/Expose Your Personal Data?

No, CyberGhost VPN doesn’t leak your personal data. To test the strength of CyberGhost's tunnel, we've used a server located in the United States. Then, we tested our Web connection for all kinds of data leaks, including IP and DNS leaks.

As you can see, our true location remains undetected. This means third parties only see what CyberGhost VPN shows them. That would be our virtual IP address and our virtual geo-location data, and on top of that - no DNS leaks were discovered.

With that said, we conclude that CyberGhost's tunnel is truly a capable one. In other words, you can be sure that your confidential data won't be exposed online.

Speed & Performance

CyberGhost's 41% average speed reduction suggests room for improvement. Nevertheless, with enhancements, its optimized servers for gaming, streaming, and torrenting can truly reach their full potential. Our Score: 7/10

In this section of our CyberGhost VPN review, we'll dive into the VPN's speed performance. Before enabling CyberGhost VPN, we recorded our Internet connection's baseline stats of 584.20 Mbps for downloads and 57.85 Mbps for uploads. Due to the nature of encryption and security protocols, we observed a predictable drop in speeds once the VPN was activated.

• US Server (Los Angeles) – This server was a bit far from our current location. Despite a slight speed dip to 25%, it still managed a 439.71 Mbps speed for downloads. Even on slower connections, it's stable for activities like streaming videos, gaming, or downloading torrents.
• UK Server (Manchester) – We experienced a 44% speed reduction with this UK-based server, bringing the download speeds to 324.72 Mbps. As long as your baseline speeds are high, this is likely good enough to handle whatever you might want to do online, including streaming, torrenting, and more.
• Canada Server (Vancouver) – The Vancouver server, relatively close to our location, outperformed the US and UK servers, hitting a download speed of 367.26 Mbps. The speed reduction of around 37% isn't the best, but it's acceptable for most online activities.
• India Server (New Delhi) – This server had the worst speed decline of 87%, with a download speed of only 75.11 Mbps. If your baseline Internet connection is on the slower side, this could be an issue should you require fast speeds to stream or play games.
• Australia Server (Melbourne) – With this server location, we achieved a download speed of 313.62 Mbps, managing an average 46% reduction in speed. Though it's the farthest from our location, its speed is on par with the UK server, ensuring average performance for various online activities.
• Italy Server (Milan) – Being the nearest to our physical location, this server showed a minimal 7% decline in download speed during testing, reaching 541.01 Mbps. As expected, the download speed is more than adequate for handling all Web activities.

Overall, CyberGhost VPN offers average speed reductions of 41%, which isn't in line with the fastest VPNs. As expected, we saw the largest declines in speed with the most distant server, which is why connecting to servers closest to you is always recommended for the best performance.

It's important to note that all VPNs will slow down your Internet connection to some degree. As long as you start with high baseline speeds, you’ll be able to stream, play games, download torrents, and browse without restrictions.

As a bonus, CyberGhost has specialized servers for streaming media, torrenting, and gaming (on Windows), offering even better performance. However, if the speeds aren't fast enough, these features may not deliver optimal results.

Customer Support

CyberGhost VPN has a particularly useful and highly responsive customer service system. Kudos to their customer support staff! Our Score: 10/10

When selecting a VPN, customer service is key. You wouldn't want to deal with problematic software without support. Here's what you can expect from CyberGhost's customer support.

• Live Chat: The 24/7 live chat feature is quite helpful should you wish to obtain quick answers to your queries. We contacted their support via chat to check their response times and we were amazed by their quick responses.
• Troubleshooting Support: This support covers various common issues, such as connection problems, installation difficulties, streaming issues, and more. The content is presented in a step-by-step format, making it easy for readers to follow along and implement the suggested solutions.
• Guides: You can rely on this support feature, which offers a wealth of comprehensive guides for tasks like installing and configuring CyberGhost VPN. It ensures that you'll consistently find the assistance you need when faced with any issues.
• FAQs: CyberGhost VPN's FAQs are a user-friendly resource covering a wide range of topics, from setup to advanced security. It provides clear and concise answers, making sure that they're easy to understand for users of all technical levels.
• Email: If you have any further inquiries or concerns, the support team can also assist you through email. This type of support is for those looking for personalized assistance. Also, it's good to know that the support team is proficient in English, French, German, and Romanian languages.
• Privacy Hub: CyberGhost is also dedicated to educating its subscribers via this support feature. This is where you'll find an array of helpful articles aimed at covering the latest privacy- and VPN-related news, product announcements, and plenty more.

Pricing

CyberGhost's monthly plan is a bit expensive when compared to its direct competitors. Still, its long-term plans offer significant savings. Our Score: 9/10

This VPN comes with a complete range of subscription plans. They all offer the same set of features. The only difference is in their duration - which means long-term plans promise to bring the biggest savings. Take a look.

How Much Is CyberGhost VPN?

CyberGhost VPN starts at only $2.03/month with its 2-year plan. Moreover, it offers different pricing plans to suit various needs and budgets.

To compare the plans more effectively, we need to look beyond the price and examine the features and benefits of each option. So, let’s explore what each plan offers and how it can suit your needs below.

• 1-Month Plan: This plan is a great option if you want to test CyberGhost VPN for a short time. Here, you get unlimited access to all its premium features, such as strong encryption, bandwidth, and a strict no-logs policy. You can also secure up to 7 devices at the same time and browse the Web with privacy and freedom. The 1-month plan is $12.99 per month and comes with a 14-day money-back guarantee if you’re not satisfied.
• 6-Month Plan: With the 6-month plan, you can enjoy CyberGhost VPN at a lower cost and with more value. Compared to the 1-month plan, you can save 46% and pay only $6.99 per month while getting access to all its premium features. This one is billed at $41.94 every 6 months and has a 45-day money-back guarantee.
• 2-Year Plan (+4 Free Months): This one is the best option for long-term users. With this plan, you save 84% on the monthly fee compared to the 1-month plan. You only pay $2.03 per month and get 4 months for free. That's 28 months of total protection for $56.94 for the first 2 years. You can enjoy all the features and benefits of the service, along with a 45-day money-back guarantee, which comes in handy if you change your mind.

Let’s take a look at the table below for more details.

By opting for CyberGhost VPN's 2-year plan, you can enjoy substantial savings of 84%. With the same plan, you can try add-ons like the CyberGhost Security Suite for Windows (antivirus + Security Updater) at $1/month, NoSpy servers ($4.99/month billed annually), and dedicated IP ($2.50/month).

Additionally, CyberGhost offers support for various payment methods. You have the flexibility to use your credit card, as well as options like Apple Pay, Google Pay, Amazon Pay, or your PayPal account. If you prefer to maintain anonymity, CyberGhost also accepts payments in Bitcoin.

Is CyberGhost VPN Free?

No, CyberGhost VPN isn't a free service. The starting price of this VPN is $2.03 per month. But you can still try it out for free with some available options before committing to a paid plan. Here are the options and how they work. 

For Windows and macOS users, CyberGhost VPN offers a 24-hour free trial. You can download and install the app on your computer and enjoy all the servers, features, and settings of the paid version for a full day. You don't need an account or payment information to start the trial.

For Android and iOS users, this VPN has a longer free trial. You can get a 3-day trial on Android by downloading the app from the Google Play Store and signing up with your email.

Similarly, you can get a 7-day trial on iOS by downloading the app from the App Store and creating an account with your Apple ID. In both cases, you'll need to enter your payment details, but you won't be charged until the trial ends.

CyberGhost VPN offers a generous 45-day money-back guarantee with its 6-month and 2-year subscription plans. However, the monthly plan has a shorter refund window, limited to 14 days.

To get a refund, just contact the customer support team via live chat, ticket, or email and tell them why you want to cancel. The refund process is easy and fast.

This VPN gives you many chances to test its service and see if it suits you. Use our detailed guide on the CyberGhost VPN free trial for additional information on how to access it across multiple devices.

CyberGhost VPN Comparison with Other VPN Providers

While CyberGhost VPN offers excellent features and performance, it's essential to understand how it stacks up against its competitors. To provide you with an idea, we'll compare CyberGhost VPN to ExpressVPN, another top-tier VPN service.

• ExpressVPN vs. CyberGhost VPN: Both of these VPN providers are strong choices. CyberGhost VPN has extras like dedicated IPs and more servers than ExpressVPN. However, ExpressVPN is quite fast, while CyberGhost can be slower for long-distance connections. In terms of affordability, CyberGhost VPN is the better choice, especially for long-term plans. But if you prioritize top-notch performance and are willing to invest more, ExpressVPN is the better option.

Final Thoughts - Is CyberGhost a Good VPN?

Yes, CyberGhost is a great VPN. There’s plenty to love about its service, and we can see why it’s so popular among VPN users. We were impressed with its powerful media streaming capabilities, and we were able to torrent files without any limitations.

It has native apps for all popular devices and works well with major streaming platforms, like Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. We didn’t notice any DNS or IP leaks during our tests, and we were completely satisfied with its commitment to privacy and security. 

However, we have to note that CyberGhost’s features aren’t uniform across all devices. For example, the iOS version doesn’t have an ad blocker, split tunneling, or malware protection. CyberGhost VPN is also one of the few providers that offers dedicated gaming servers, but we felt somewhat restricted by their limited availability.

Despite the variation in features across different devices and platforms, we recommend CyberGhost VPN. Moreover, with the no-questions-asked refund policy, choosing CyberGhost VPN is a risk-free decision.

Review Summary CyberGhost VPN is one of the best VPNs you'll find today. Even though it does come with some quirks, we strongly recommend it to our readers.		9.1 Overall Score
Background, Jurisdiction & Reputation			8.5
Supported Platforms & Devices			10
Installation & Initial Configuration			10
Prominent Features			8.5
Server Count & Infrastructure			10
UI/UX Design & Ease of Use			8
Media Streaming & Torrenting Support			10
Security & Privacy			9
Speed & Performance			7
Customer Support			10
Pricing			9