CyberGhost VPN review – Is it a worthy VPN in 2024?

CyberGhost is easily among the top 5 VPN providers in the industry. But why isn't it at the top? Are there any flaws you should be aware of? Find out in this updated review.

CyberGhost-review-in-USA

Within the VPN user community, CyberGhost stands out as one of the best VPN choices in 2024. It is highly praised for its efficient torrenting capabilities, robust performance on streaming platforms, fast WireGuard protocol, a variety of specialized servers, dedicated IP option, and an impressive 45-day money-back guarantee. All these feature are available at a very affordable price, as this CyberGhost VPN review will show.

Its guarantee period is notably longer than the usual one-month offers from its competitors. However, the service isn’t without its shortcomings. The CyberGhost apps for macOS and iOS lack some functionalities, and there are areas where its speeds could improve, given its extensive server network.

The real question, then, is whether these drawbacks are significant enough to overlook CyberGhost’s cost-effectiveness. With more advanced and quicker alternatives like ExpressVPN on the market, is investing in CyberGhost VPN in 2024 a wise decision? This is the main question that I plan to address.

In this CyberGhost VPN Review, I intend to thoroughly examine the service to determine its worthiness. My exploration will cover aspects such as its security features, privacy policies, additional offerings, pricing, and user interface. This CyberGhost VPN free review aims to provide a clear understanding of whether going incognito with CyberGhost enhances your online experience.

Our Verdict

Overall Rating :

8 / 10

Ranked #5 out of 56 VPNs

Overall, CyberGhost is one of the most reliable VPNs available in the industry for unblocking streaming services, with helpful live chat support. Moreover, it offers the most extensive money-back guarantee - 45 days, so you can try it out risk-free and get a refund if you don't like its service.
CyberGhost Category Ratings
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Why Should You Trust Us?

We have spent thousands of hours and days testing 160+ VPN services using our carefully curated testing process to recommend you the best VPN. Here are a few statistics:

  • tick_doneTotal Hours of Testing1000+
  • tick_doneWeekly Speed Tests110
  • tick_doneVPN Services Reviewed160+
  • tick_doneStreaming Platforms Tested Daily50+
  • tick_doneIP & DNS Leak Tests Performed100+
  • tick_doneHow Much we have spent on testing$30,000+


CyberGhost VPN Review: Pros and Cons

In the following section, I present a detailed list of Pros and Cons identified in my CyberGhost VPN review:

Pros
  • Extensive global server network
  • Successful in bypassing streaming service restrictions
  • Incorporates the efficient WireGuard protocol
  • Offers servers tailored for specific uses
  • Availability of a free trial period
  • Generous 45-day refund policy
  • Supports payments via cryptocurrencies
  • Supports connecting up to seven devices at once
  • More affordable compared to ExpressVPN and NordVPN
  • Offers additional antivirus and security features
  • Option to add a dedicated IP address

Cons
  • Limited functionality in iOS and macOS applications
  • Linux client lacks user-friendliness
  • Issues with WireGuard protocol on macOS devices
  • CyberGhost lifetime subscription no longer offered


CyberGhost Features At a Glance

CyberGhost in-USA-new logo
Servers 11651+
Countries 100
Price $2.03/mo - Save up to 84% with exclusive 2-year plans + 4 months free
Money Back Guarantee 45 Days
Free Trial Windows+Mac: 24 hours, Android: 3 days, iOS: 7 days
Simultaneous Connections 7
Compatible Devices iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, FireStick, Smart TVs, Gaming Consoles, routers
Speeds 75.47+ Mbps (on 100 Mbps)
Keeps Logs No
DNS Leak Protection Yes
Kill Switch Yes
Where is CyberGhost based Romania
P2P Support Yes
Customer Support 24/7 Live Chat Support


What is CyberGhost?

CyberGhost is a VPN service based in Bucharest, Romania, established in 2011. By 2023, it had over 38 million customers. In 2017, it was acquired by Kape Technologies, marking a significant VPN acquisition by the conglomerate.

Regarded as one of the best VPN services in 2024, CyberGhost offers robust online security and privacy features at affordable prices. It provides fast connection speeds using the WireGuard protocol and has a large server network of over 11651+ servers in more than 100 countries, enabling IP masking, geo-blocking bypass, and secure P2P file transfers.

A single CyberGhost VPN subscription covers up to 7 devices simultaneously, with user-friendly apps available for major operating systems and additional setup options for routers, smart TVs, gaming consoles, and other devices.


CyberGhost VPN Review: CyberGhost VPN Pricing and Plans

How much does CyberGhost VPN cost? CyberGhost’s monthly subscription is priced at US$12.99, which is higher compared to other VPNs. The best deal comes with the 2-year subscription, priced at $2.03/mo - Save up to 84% with exclusive 2-year plans + 4 months free, including an additional 4 months free.

Here is a brief look at CyberGhost’s current pricing plans:

Subscription Length Price per Month Price per Year
1 Month $12.99/mo $155.88/yr
6 Months $6.99/mo $83.88/yr
2 Years + 2 Months $2.03/mo - Save up to 84% with exclusive 2-year plans + 4 months free $26.28/yr

The 2-year plan also includes a 45-day money-back guarantee, compared to the 30-days offered by most VPNs. By subscribing to the 2 year plan, users can obtain a significant discount on the monthly CyberGhost price. This is also the longest CyberGhost plan one can avail of since the CyberGhost lifetime subscription was discontinued quite a while ago.

Is CyberGhost VPN free? No Cybersghost VPN is not free but it does offer three types of free trials including a 1-day free trial for Mac and Windows users. For a comprehensive test, I strongly recommend using the 45-day Cyberghost money back guarantee. It provides efficient 24/7 live chat support, and during my CyberGhost VPN review, I received a hassle-free refund within 5 days.

CyberGhost VPN Review – Payment Methods

CyberGhost accepts payment via multiple payment methods:

  • Credit Card
  • Debit Card
  • Paypal
  • Cryptocurrency

Does CyberGhost offer a free trial?

Yes, CyberGhost offers a free trial. For Windows PC and Mac users, there’s a 24-hour free trial available without needing a credit card. Android users get a 3-day free trial, while iOS users can try CyberGhost for up to 7 days. Additionally, I recommend using the 45-day money-back guarantee for a longer evaluation period.


CyberGhost Server Network and Locations – Global Coverage

CyberGhost offers 11651+ servers in 100 countries at the time of writing this review. This server count is definitely impressive but the ExpressVPN server list covers more countries.

cyberghost-vpn-global-server-network

CyberGhost offers fast servers all over the globe.

Some of these regions include the US, UK, Canada, Germany, Denmark, Spain, Hong Kong, France, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, and many more. In the US alone, CyberGhost offers 2000+ servers. It also has great coverage in Australia, Canada, and Europe.

In the following table, I have included the details of the CyberGhost VPN server list as of January 2024:

Regions Countries & Territories Servers
Europe 45 7169
Australia and Asia 25 1117
North and South America 18 3032
Africa 12 333
Total 100 11651

The number of servers and their geographical dispersion are crucial factors to consider before buying a VPN service. The more geographically scattered the servers are, the more easily you can bypass geo-restrictions. Hence, with a VPN like CyberGhost, you can access international content, including websites, social networking platforms, streaming sites, and even TV shows.

CyberGhost VPN Review – Virtual Servers

CyberGhost offers 43 virtual locations in restrictive countries like Saudi Arabia, China, and Russia. You can identify these virtual servers on their website, where they are clearly marked. These servers are useful for accessing regions where VPNs are usually banned.

However, I’ve noticed during my CyberGhost review that using these virtual locations might result in a speed reduction, particularly if the server is located far from your actual location.

cyberghost-virtual-servers

The virtual server works the same as a physical server, so you don’t need to worry.

CyberGhost Streaming and P2P-Optimized Servers

CyberGhost’s streaming and P2P specialized servers are tailored for optimal performance in these areas. Connecting to these servers means you’ll automatically get the best IP address for unblocking specific streaming services or accessing torrent sites.

After speaking with their live chat team, I learned that these IPs, both optimized and regular, are regularly updated to avoid blockages. If a server experiences issues, it is promptly taken down for maintenance, ensuring reliable access and functionality.

cyberghost-live-chat-on-optimized-servers

This means that your connection won’t get blocked for a long time.

Clicking on CyberGhost’s streaming servers list reveals optimized servers for various platforms like Netflix US and BBC iPlayer. Similarly, P2P servers offer the fastest speeds for CyberGhost torrenting. For accessing blocked P2P sites, you can use a virtual server. These streaming-optimized servers are accessible on all major platforms, including Windows and iOS, while P2P servers are exclusive to desktop apps.

Gaming Servers

CyberGhost includes gaming-optimized servers, displaying each server’s Ping and distance for optimal selection. However, I observed that pings were above 100 on these servers, which is high for gaming, ideally requiring a ping below 100. CyberGhost may not be the top choice for gaming VPNs, but for anonymity in gaming, its regular servers or ‘Best Server Location’ feature can be useful. Note that these gaming servers are only available on the Windows app.

cyberghost-gaming-servers

Ping rates on CyberGhost’s gaming servers were higher than the maximum limit for gaming.

CyberGhost NoSpy Servers

CyberGhost’s NoSpy servers are exclusive, high-security servers controlled solely by internal staff. They feature advanced hardware and dedicated uplinks, offering enhanced security and speed.

However, they are only accessible with a 1-year or longer subscription plan, located in CyberGhost’s private data center in Romania, ensuring no third-party interference and greater anonymity.

Despite claims of being faster, my tests showed regular servers in Bucharest were quicker (71 Mbps) compared to NoSpy servers (58 Mbps). It seems these NoSpy servers are not available on mobile apps, implying desktop-only access.

Dedicated IP Servers

A dedicated IP server in CyberGhost assigns you a consistent IP address each time you connect, ideal for business owners needing a static IP for their websites. It’s also beneficial for users of online banking or trading platforms, where multiple IP addresses might trigger security bans.

This feature avoids VPN blocks on streaming sites, as you’re the sole user of the server. CyberGhost offers dedicated IPs in 5 countries (US, UK, Canada, Germany, France), but distance from these locations may affect speed.


CyberGhost VPN Review – How does CyberGhost work?

CyberGhost VPN secures your online connection efficiently with a user-friendly interface. On opening the app, you can quickly connect to the optimal server, typically in or near your country, hiding your traffic from ISPs and others. You have the option to choose a specific country or explore a variety of server categories for different needs.

Your IP and location are concealed behind the VPN server’s info, and your web traffic is encrypted with AES-256 encryption, ensuring protection against surveillance and cyber attacks.


How Can I Use CyberGhost?

To effectively use CyberGhost, follow these steps:

  1. Install and open the CyberGhost app on your device.
  2. Access the general settings by clicking the cogwheel icon in the bottom left corner.
  3. Select the WireGuard tunneling protocol within these settings to enhance speed.
  4. Return to the main menu and proceed to the Privacy settings.
  5. Activate all available security features, including content blocking, DNS leak prevention, and the automatic kill switch for robust security.

CyberGhost VPN Review – Security Features of Cyberghost VPN

Is Cyberghost Safe? Yes, CyberGhost is safe to use. It’s a reliable VPN service known for its speed and security features, including an automatic kill switch. Additionally, it offers more affordable pricing compared to many popular VPNs and is effective for unblocking streaming content on platforms like Netflix.

The main attraction of CyberGhost VPN lies in its commitment to privacy and protection, which is upheld through a range of core features including Dedicated IP, Split Tunneling, DNS Protection Measures, a Kill Switch, and Anonymous Browsing, making CyberGhost one of the most secure VPNs. Here are some of its security features:

Feature Detail
Dark web protection Yes (Privacy Guard)
RAM-only servers Yes
Strong Encryption Yes (AES-256)
No-logs Privacy policy Yes. Audited independently by Deloitte
Protocols OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2
Kill switch Yes

Ensuring your security and confidentiality is one of the fundamental reasons for choosing a VPN as your online protector. CyberGhost VPN employs various methods to achieve this goal.

CyberGhost Offers Military-Grade Encryption

Is CyberGhost a good VPN for encrypting my online activities? CyberGhost employs advanced VPN technologies for robust online safety. It features a built-in kill switch, DNS leak protection, and military-grade 256-bit encryption. This encryption is the industry’s strongest, encrypting data with a 256-character key, making it extremely secure.

The service also uses Perfect Forward Secrecy to frequently update encryption keys, enhancing security against breaches. CyberGhost combines this with a 4096-bit RSA key and SHA256 authentication and introduces Port Forward Secrecy for even stronger security, ensuring continuous updating of encryption keys.

CyberGhost Leak Tests – DNS, IP, WebRTC

I can confirm that CyberGhost effectively prevents IP, DNS, and WebRTC data leaks. Through comprehensive testing, including IPv4/IPv6 DNS and WebRTC leak tests, I found no leaks across servers in the US, Canada, UK, France, and Australia after all of my CyberGhost reviews.

CyberGhost boasts built-in safeguards against DNS and IP leaks, and my experience aligns with this claim. For these tests, I used the website ipleak.net and specifically checked CyberGhost’s Canadian server performance:

cyberghost-dns-leak-test-on-canadian-server

Our actual Spanish IP remained safe while using CyberGhost.

Does CyberGhost VPN have a Kill Switch?

CyberGhost VPN has dedicated apps for various devices, including iOS, Android, Mac, and Windows. The Kill Switch feature, ensuring data privacy in case of VPN disconnection, is standard across these apps. On the Windows app, you can customize this feature, including the option to turn it off.

However, on Mac, iOS, and Android, it’s automatically enabled and can’t be manually adjusted. This was evident during server switches in my tests, where the internet connection was briefly interrupted to maintain security.

cyberghost-kill-switch

CyberGhost kill switch can be turned off on its Windows app.

CyberGhost VPN Protocols

CyberGhost offers 5 protocols, some of whose availability will depend on the device you’re using: Wireguard, IKEv2, OpenVPN, PPTP, and L2TP. You can also enable the automatic option, so it selects the best protocol for you based on your requirement.

  • Wireguard: CyberGhost offers WireGuard which is widely recognized as the current fastest VPN protocol. Since October 2020, Wireguard is available on CyberGhost’s releases across all devices and platforms. CyberGhost’s WireGuard offers a perfect balance between speed and safety.
  • IKEv2: A fast protocol and best for mobile devices. It offers an auto-connect option to make sure you are always protected on Wi-Fi and mobile data. However, it is only available on Windows, iOS, and macOS. So, if you are using an Android phone, you won’t be able to access this protocol.
  • OpenVPN: One of the safest and most popular protocols available because of its open-source community. It gets updated regularly with security features. It is slower than IKEv2 but offers better security. However, it is not available on iOS.
cyberghost- vpn-feature-and-protocols

You can select the VPN protocol manually or choose the automatic selection.

CyberGhost App Protection and Split Tunneling Feature

CyberGhost’s App Split Tunnel feature lets you decide which apps use the VPN for internet access and which bypass VPN encryption. By default, all app traffic is routed through the VPN, changing your IP and encrypting data.

This feature, however, is only available on Windows and Android. On Windows, you can specifically exclude URLs using the ‘Make Exception’ tab.

cyberghost-vpn-split-tunnelling

When you add a website URL to Make Exception, you will need to restart the app and connect to a server.

I tested CyberGhost’s Split Tunnel feature by exempting ‘whatsmyipaddress.com’. After connecting to a London – UK server, I visited the site and it displayed my actual IP address and location, confirming that the split tunneling feature works effectively.

cyberghost-split-tunnel-testing

The site showed my real IP address instead of the VPN since the site was exempted.

On Android, CyberGhost allows you to select apps to bypass the VPN, a feature not available for specific websites and absent on iOS, macOS, and Linux.

The ‘App Protection’ feature, located in the Smart Rules menu under ‘App Rules’, automatically initiates a VPN connection when opening selected apps. I confirmed this by using the CyberGhost Netflix combination, which automatically connected to a US server, demonstrating its utility for secure apps like torrenting platforms.

CyberGhost Ad and Malware Blocker

CyberGhost offers a decent ad blocker called Content Blocker and an efficient malware blocker. The ad-blocker, in particular, met my expectations, successfully blocking ads on HTTPS websites and immediately stopping access to suspicious ones.

Based on my CyberGhost VPN review tests, the ad-blocker worked well on HTTPS websites. It immediately blocked suspicious websites upon accessing them. I tried this on multiple sites and received similar results. You can also use the feature on HTTP sites.

The ad-blocking feature is available on Windows, Mac, and iOS. In my conversation with customer support, they confirmed its effectiveness in removing ads, including pop-ups and banners, across various platforms.

I also tested CyberGhost’s ad blocker, which succeeded in blocking even pop-ups or banners, whenever they showed up. This feature is also effective on YouTube, where it blocks ads before videos. CyberGhost’s ad-blocking capability, available on Windows, Android, and macOS, is a strong tool for those concerned about intrusive ads.

Feature Description
Wi-Fi Protection CyberGhost offers Wi-Fi protection on desktop and mobile apps, automatically starting the VPN on public Wi-Fi. There’s an option for manual connection prompts. It’s useful for securing connections on unsecured networks and can be found under Smart Rules.
HTTPS Protection Exclusive to Windows, this feature redirects to secure HTTPS sites, protecting against malicious websites and ensuring data safety. It utilizes SSL encryption for security, valuable against phishing and ransomware attacks. This protection is active even on non-HTTPS sites with CyberGhost.
Stay Secure with CyberGhost 45 Days Money-Back Guarantee

CyberGhost Privacy Policy – No Log VPN

CyberGhost maintains a strict no-logs policy, ensuring no storage of user data, including IP addresses, DNS requests, or online activities. They firmly uphold a policy against monitoring, recording, or storing any user traffic data, which encompasses browsing history and search preferences.

CyberGhost also guarantees that no connection logs related to users’ IP addresses or session durations are kept, offering an option for Bitcoin payments to keep payment information private as well. Here is a screenshot of CyberGhost’s no-logging policy:

cyberghost-secure-vpn-no-logs-policy

The CyberGhost no-logs policy promises to keep your information safe from storage.

CyberGhost does not store identifiable information, but it logs anonymized data like connection attempts, a server connected to, and the version of the CyberGhost app you are using.

CyberGhost Jurisdiction in Privacy-Friendly Romania

CyberGhost is located in Romania, which is not part of the 14 Eyes Alliance, so there are no mandatory data retention laws in the country. Therefore, CyberGhost is not obligated to store and share information with the government. With CyberGhost, your data is truly secure and private.

Ownership

CyberGhost is owned by Kape Technologies. This company also owns other famous VPNs like Private Internet Access and Zenmate. This company has a bit of history, as it previously worked in mobile ad and browser extension development, known as Crossrider. The company was caught ad-injecting in 2018. They added adware with its downloads.

However, it no longer works in ad development and has switched to the VPN industry. CyberGhost is owned by Kape Technologies, but it works as a separate entity focusing on online security.

CyberGhost VPN Review – Security Breaches and Audits

CyberGhost has a commendable security history with no major breaches. In 2019, a minor incident involving Typeform affected 14 accounts, but crucially, no passwords were compromised, highlighting CyberGhost’s robust privacy policies.

They regularly review their safety processes and passed a 2012 audit by QSCERT, which has audited large companies. Furthermore, a 2022 independent audit by Deloitte confirmed the integrity of their “No Logs” policy and server management, underscoring their commitment to privacy. CyberGhost encourages users to review the audit report on their web dashboard for detailed insights.

CyberGhost VPN ReviewTransparency Reports

CyberGhost releases a Transparency Report on its website every three months. It contains information regarding key statistics about the VPN and malware activities that users should be aware of.

According to the recent Transparency report, CyberGhost has received 17,384 malicious activity flags and nine police requests to investigate their IP addresses or data centers. However, CyberGhost does not log any user data, so they don’t have any information to hand over to the police.

Stay Private with CyberGhost 45 Days Money-Back Guarantee

CyberGhost Speed and Performance

Yes, CyberGhost is known for impressive speed, often surpassing its competitors. It achieved an average download speed of 75 Mbps during my CyberGhost speed test, marking a notable improvement from previous years. The VPN’s servers, running on 10 Gbps with unlimited bandwidth, ensure smooth streaming and gaming, with dedicated servers for platforms like Netflix and Hulu.

However, I did notice some inconsistencies in speed on long-distance servers, affecting gaming performance. My tests, conducted in Madrid on a Windows 10 laptop, used the WireGuard protocol and the Ookla speed test service to assess CyberGhost’s speeds. While testing, I focused on three aspects:

  • Download speed is how fast you receive data. A fast download speed will give you more time to respond during gaming and offer better speeds when downloading or streaming.
  • Upload speed is how fast you send data. Fast upload speed means you will have more time to attack the other player and upload documents quicker.
  • Ping measures the time it takes for the data to reach its destination. The higher the pings, the more lag you will have during gaming, streaming, torrenting, and more.

For my CyberGhost VPN review, I tested over 20 server locations on a 100 Mbps connection. CyberGhost showed reliable speeds across all servers, notably delivering a download speed of 75.47 Mbps and an upload speed of 69.34 Mbps on its US server, all while using a 100 Mbps internet connection.

cyberghost-speed-test

Enjoy decent streaming speed using CyberGhost servers.

Here are a few that offered the best speeds :

Server Location Download Speed Upload Speed Pings
US – Washington DC 75 Mbps 63 Mbps 182 ms
Australia – Sydney 78 Mbps 55 Mbps 157 ms
UK – Berkshire 71 Mbps 60 Mbps 122 ms
Japan – Tokyo 72 Mbps 51 Mbps 199 ms
Germany – Frankfurt 77 Mbps 48 Mbps 200 ms
Canada – Montreal 68 Mbps 72 Mbps 182 ms

The speeds were inconsistent on long-distance servers. For example, on the Tokyo server, I got a download speed of 72 Mbps; on its German server, I got a speed of 77 Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection.

Before starting with the tests, I recorded my speeds without the VPN connection to see how much the speed would drop after connecting to the VPN. I used its Best Server Location feature, and it connected me to a Barcelona server.

Without VPN (Madrid) With VPN (Barcelona) Speed Drop after VPN Connection
Download 87 Mbps 75 Mbps 10% slower
Upload 75 Mbps 73 Mbps 2% slower
Ping 114 217

It is perfectly normal for a VPN to slow down your speeds after connection because your traffic passes through another server and gets encrypted. So, a good VPN does not slow down your speeds by more than 30%. Considering that, CyberGhost performed well.

CyberGhost Speed on Local Servers

No matter how slow or fast your internet connection is, local servers give good speeds because they are physically close to your actual location. The minimum bandwidth you need for your connections while using a regular subscription doesn’t drop your speed to more than an average of 6 Mbps, while the maximum can reach 1 GB.

As CyberGhost offers servers in Madrid and Barcelona, I tested local speeds on the Barcelona server, as mentioned above.

Barcelona (Spain):

Download Speed (Mbps) 75 (10% decrease)
Upload Speed (Mbps) 73 (2% decrease)
Pings (ms) 227

Even though Barcelona is 500 km away from my actual location in Madrid, the speed on the local server was impressive, with only a 10% drop.

CyberGhost Speed on Long Distance Servers

In general, CyberGhost slowed down my speeds on long-distance servers. However, some servers were fast even when they were farther away from my location. For example, on its US – New York server, I got a speed of 42.8 Mbps, which is 5,764 km away from my actual location in Madrid.

New York (US):

Download Speed (Mbps) 42.8 (45% decrease)
Upload Speed (Mbps) 25 (50% decrease)
Pings (ms) 278

On its New York server, I experienced a 45% drop in speeds, and the pings were quite high at 278 ms. Since my base connection speed was fast, I did not encounter any buffering issues or lags. But you might experience longer load times when streaming or playing games on CyberGhost’s long-distance servers, as I found out during my CyberGhost reviews.

Tokyo (Japan):

Download Speed (Mbps) 72.5 (15% decrease)
Upload Speed (Mbps) 61 (14% decrease)
Pings (ms) 133

Its Tokyo server was faster than New York, despite being 10,759 km away from me. I experienced only a 15% speed drop on its Tokyo server. So, when it comes to long-distance servers, it’s best to test out a few servers to find the one that offers fast speeds because I experienced inconsistent speeds during testing.

CyberGhost Speeds on Optimized vs. Regular Servers

CyberGhost’s optimized servers (for streaming, torrenting, and more) are faster than regular servers. I compared speeds on 5 CyberGhost’s servers and found optimized servers to be faster.

cyberghost-speed-optimized-servers

Streaming optimized servers can give you up to a 15-20% speed increase. So, if you connect to a streaming server, you will get a good-quality video stream with no buffering or lags. However, I cannot say the same for gaming-optimized servers.

CyberGhost VPN Review – Performance With Other Protocols

CyberGhost’s speed varies with different protocols. IKEv2 offers the best speed after WireGuard, achieving download speeds of 238 Mbps and upload speeds of 160 Mbps. However, OpenVPN protocols, both UDP and TCP, show significantly slower speeds.

Protocol IKEv2 OpenVPN WireGuard
Speed Medium Low Highest
Security Medium High High
Connection Stability High High Medium

Generally, I recommend IKEv2 for better performance, as WireGuard doesn’t yet match up to expectations. While CyberGhost’s speeds are adequate for most tasks, they don’t compare to faster VPNs like NordVPN.

However my IKEv2 emerges is the preferred choice among CyberGhost’s protocols for speed, security, and stability.

Is CyberGhost Fast Enough for Gaming?

Yes, CyberGhost is fast enough for gaming, as it is one of the few VPNs that offers gaming-optimized servers specifically configured to provide low ping and blazing-fast, high-speed connections.

Most gamers use VPNs to bypass DDoS attacks and secure themselves from hostile players, especially if they play competitively. Even though most VPNs are not tailored for gamers, CyberGhost is.

I connected to a gaming-optimized server in New York, and the ping was way too high (226 ms). On this server, playing was almost impossible as the screen would freeze mid-action, and it would take 3-5 seconds to catch up. However, the pings were much lower when I connected to its regular New York server (48ms).

Using its non-optimized Seattle server, I could play Overwatch without any lags or stutters. I could run around without glitches or slowdowns, as all the graphics loaded smoothly.

CyberGhost-vpn-unblocking-Overwatch

The regular Seattle server provided a better gaming experience than the gaming-optimized servers.

However, the pings were very high on gaming-optimized servers (more than 100). If you want to play online games with CyberGhost, I recommend sticking to regular, local servers instead of gaming-optimized servers.

Server Location Download Speed Ping (ms) Fast for Gaming
New York 68 Mbps 104
New York (optimized) 47 Mbps 226
London 42 Mbps 138
Washington 53 Mbps 116
Toronto 61 Mbps 126
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Is CyberGhost good for Streaming?

Yes, CyberGhost is good for streaming. It provides fast and secure VPN services, including an automatic kill switch and affordability compared to many other VPNs. It effectively unblocks streaming content on platforms like Netflix and other similar services.

I personally consider it to be one of the best VPN for streaming. It’s specifically tailored for fast streaming on platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and others. The VPN app features streaming-optimized servers, enabling easy access to popular streaming services in various countries. Below is a list of popular streaming services along with details on their compatibility with CyberGhost:

Service CyberGhost Compatible
Apple TV Yes
Hulu Yes
BBC iPlayer Yes
YouTube TV Yes
Disney+ Yes
Amazon Prime Video Yes
Netflix Yes
HBO Max Yes

Thanks to CyberGhost’s optimized servers, you can easily find a server that unblocks your preferred streaming platform. During my review CyberGhost VPN, I tested its capabilities and found that it successfully unblocked every streaming service mentioned.

Can CyberGhost Unblock Netflix?

Yes, CyberGhost can unblock Netflix. It allows access to Netflix content for the United States, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom through individual Optimized servers, which are easily located within the CyberGhost app.

Still, I wanted to put the service to the test and see one really can unblock . I wanted to unblock its US library, and so connected to its New York server. Considering the distance between my location, and the server in New York, I did expect it to slow down my speeds, but the speed was surprisingly good.

I decided to test whether one could indeed unblock Netflix with CyberGhost. To do this, I connected to a server in New York. Despite expecting a slowdown due to the distance, I was surprised to find that the speed remained impressively good.

cyberghost-unblocked-us-netflix

While streaming exclusive content, CyberGhost offered HD quality at all times.

I also attempted to unblock Netflix UK, and it worked perfectly. By connecting to CyberGhost’s Netflix UK-optimized server, I instantly accessed the geo-restricted content library, streaming “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” in Ultra HD without buffering.

I tested standard servers in Tokyo, Seoul, Toronto, Melbourne, Mumbai, Paris, and Frankfurt for other Netflix libraries as well. Each successfully unblocked regional content, providing an average speed of over 67 Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection, which was more than sufficient for seamless streaming without lags or buffering.

Netflix Libraries Working (Yes/No) Fast speeds for HD streaming Buffering
Netflix US Yes No
Netflix UK Yes No
Netflix IT Average Minimal
Netflix DE Average Minimal
Netflix AU Yes No
Netflix JP Yes No
Netflix KR Average Minimal
Netflix FR Yes No
Netflix CA Yes No
Netflix PT Yes No
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Can CyberGhost Unblock Disney+?

Yes, CyberGhost VPN can unblock Disney+. Unlike many VPNs, it works effectively with Disney Plus, allowing you to connect to its streaming-optimized server for Disney Plus and securely watch from anywhere, even if streaming services are blocked on your local network. The CyberGhost VPN app includes dedicated streaming-optimized servers specifically designed for accessing Disney+ content.

When facing internet restrictions or while traveling, I use CyberGhost to stream Disney+. By launching the CyberGhost app and connecting to a preferred server, I have found that I can easily access my Disney+ account and stream shows. In my test, I connected to the Los Angeles server (non-optimized) and successfully unblocked Disney+, enjoying optimized speeds and HD content.

cyberghost-unblocked-us-disney-plus

All the content was available in HD to us.

Can CyberGhost Unblock Amazon Prime Video?

Yes, CyberGhost can unblock Amazon Prime Video. It offers streaming-optimized servers specifically for Amazon Prime Video, providing seamless access to the platform without any blocks or error messages.

Not all VPNs can bypass Amazon Prime Video’s strong firewalls, but I was pleased to find that CyberGhost worked with the platform on its US-optimized server.

cyberghost-vpn-unblocked-us-disney-plus

Although it has a UK-optimized server for Amazon Prime Video, it didn’t work, and neither did four standard UK servers during my tests. However, using CyberGhost’s US server allows access to Amazon Prime Video’s extensive US content library, as I discovered during this Cyberghost VPN Review.

Can CyberGhost Unblock Hulu and HBO max?

CyberGhost VPN’s encrypted traffic not only secures data but also enhances streaming speeds on Hulu by bypassing ISP throttling. It enables access to Hulu on restricted networks, like those in schools or workplaces.

Initially, I had to try various servers to unblock Hulu, including the Hulu-optimized server which wasn’t working at the time. After consulting customer support, I used the Washington DC server, which allowed streaming of Hulu in HD after an initial SD quality.

As for HBO Max, many VPNs get detected and blocked, but CyberGhost goes undetected. With numerous server locations in multiple countries, including those optimized for streaming, CyberGhost supports over 35 streaming services, HBO Max included. I successfully unblocked HBO Max using CyberGhost’s optimized server, in 7 seconds with excellent video quality and no buffering or lag.

cyberghost-unblocked-hbo-max

Turns out, CyberGhost is great at unblocking HBO Max.

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Is CyberGhost Good For Torrenting?

Yes, CyberGhost is good for torrenting. When you subscribe to CyberGhost VPN, you get a powerful torrenting toolkit. Its servers encrypt your traffic and change your IP address, ensuring that no one on the P2P network can discern your location or access your data.

CyberGhost is notable for its specialized torrent servers, designed for fast, secure, and private file-sharing. These servers handle high-bandwidth traffic well, ideal for downloading large files on P2P networks. With CyberGhost torrenting servers, available in 61 countries, I experienced fast, reliable connections and ensured my online activities remained private.

Before going further, I would like to emphasize that at VPNRanks, we do not condone downloading copyrighted/pirated material. In my test using uTorrent on German and Mexican P2P servers, the download speed reached 71 Mbps, allowing me to download a 2 GB file quickly. I also checked CyberGhost’s compatibility with Stremio and found it worked well on its P2P servers, streaming content easily.

CyberGhost-torrent-P2P- optimized servers

I was able to easily and safely use torrenting services with CyberGhost thanks to its P2P servers.

Is CyberGhost legit for torrenting securely? Yes it definitely is. CyberGhost employs 256-bit AES encryption and perfect forward secrecy for safe P2P file sharing. For extra protection, I could use a copy server, as CyberGhost manages these in Romania. The App Protection feature is useful too, automatically launching CyberGhost when I opened my torrent client.

The only drawback is the lack of port forwarding, which enhances download speeds and unblocking capabilities. Nevertheless, torrenting with CyberGhost remains secure and effective. Over all, I would say torrenting with CyberGhost is an easy and convenient experience.

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Ease of Use — CyberGhost Offers User-friendly Apps

CyberGhost is incredibly user-friendly and offers beginner-friendly apps that are easy to navigate. I used the CyberGhost apps on Windows, iOS, macOS, and Android phones, and it took less than 5 minutes to download and connect to a server. The app is available on the Play Store or directly from CyberGhost’s website, with all features accessible from the main window.

On the Windows app, finding the best VPN servers was straightforward. It displays the number of users, server load percentage, and distance from your location, though the load percentage was only visible on the Android device.

cyberghost-review-easy-to-use-interface-UI-user-friendly

I was impressed by CyberGhost’s intuitive user interface.

Optimized servers, including those for gaming showing pings and distance, are visible on the left side of the app and are available on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. You can even mark your favorite servers for quick access.

The settings tab allows for a range of customizations, including changing the VPN protocol, enabling the Kill switch, and leak protection. CyberGhost’s simplicity is one of its strengths, avoiding the complexity often found in other VPN apps.

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Installation: How to Install CyberGhost? (Easy Steps)

Here are the easy steps to install CyberGhost:

  1. Visit Official Website: Go to the CyberGhost website and click the ‘Download VPN’ button at the top.
  2. Select Operating System: Choose your operating system and click ‘Download VPN’.
  3. Install the App: Open the downloaded file and follow the installation instructions.
  4. Log In: Use your account credentials to log in.
  5. Connect to Server: Select a CyberGhost server and start browsing securely with high speed.
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Device Compatibility — CyberGhost Supports All Operating Systems

CyberGhost works with all major operating systems and devices, including macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, Windows, Fire TV, Android TV, routers, Chrome, and Firefox.

Here is a list of compatible devices:

Windows Linux Smart TVs
Android Chrome/ Firefox PS4/ PS5
iOS Apple TV Xbox One, Xbox 360,
macOS Roku Chromebook
Raspberry Pi Synology NAS Amazon Fire TV

CyberGhost Desktop Apps

CyberGhost’s desktop apps are easy to use and similar on Windows and Mac. You can get CyberGhost VPN download setups for respective devices from its website. They are also pretty quick to install, as I connected to a server within 5 minutes.

Both apps are somewhat similar; the only difference is that you cannot use OpenVPN on Mac unless you manually configure it. But the WireGuard protocol is available on both apps.

cyberghost-vpn-windows-app

Click on the arrow if you don’t want the full-fledged interface.

You can find the Smart Rules feature on both apps and set it to automatically launch the VPN when you start the computer or open a specific app. CyberGhost is compatible with Windows 7 or newer, macOS Sierra or latest, and Linux Fedora, PopOS, Kali, Mint 20, CentOS, and Ubuntu distros.

cyberghost-torrent-macos-app

Log in to CyberGhost VPN and perform your favorite activities on Mac.

On Linux, you won’t have a UI, as you can use CyberGhost commands to change protocols, servers, and settings. Both OpenVPN and WireGuard are available on Linux, but IKEv2 is missing.

cyberghost-linux-app

Enter commands and use them easily on Linux.

Android and iOS

CyberGhost VPN’s iOS and Android apps are very similar in design and functionality.

For Android, you can choose between OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols, while iOS offers WireGuard and IKEv2. Consequently, iOS users might experience faster speeds currently due to these protocol options, pending updates to WireGuard on CyberGhost.

Cyberghost-vpn-Android-App

I was able to use CyberGhost’s Android app easily.

The Android app requests location permissions primarily to identify Wi-Fi hotspots. This is not a major concern, but if you prefer not to grant permissions, the app still works fine, except for the Automatic Wi-Fi Protection feature.

In general, CyberGhost’s mobile apps tend to outperform their desktop versions, with a design that’s well-suited for mobile use.

Browser Extensions

CyberGhost also offers browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. However, there is a kill switch, and you can use 8 servers only. You can either install the CyberGhost extension from Chrome and Firefox store, or you can download it directly from CyberGhost’s website.

Its browser extensions are lightweight and easy to use. But keep in mind that your traffic outside the browser remains unencrypted. The extension offers online ad blockers, tracking blockers, WebRTC leak protection, and Wi-Fi security. There is no kill switch, which is a bummer.

The browser extension also restricts your server access, as you get 8 servers in 4 countries – the US, Germany, Romania, and the Netherlands. It’s not recommended for bypassing geo-restrictions on streaming platforms but is more than enough to keep your browser activity anonymous.

Kodi (CyberGhost works with the famous media platform)

Kodi is a complete streaming service with everything for everyone. However, the problem with Kodi is that certain add-ons are geo-restricted. For instance, add-ons such as NBC and ABC are only accessible. Therefore, you need the best VPN for Kodi to bypass these restrictions.

CyberGhost Kodi will allow you to access any content from anywhere easily. Similarly, it will also free you from any kind of internet censorship placed on Kodi.

Does CyberGhost work with Routers?

Yes, CyberGhost works with routers. It stands out as an excellent choice for router compatibility, providing robust network security and high speeds, unlike many VPN services, particularly free ones, which often lack this capability.

I found that setting up CyberGhost on a router is an effective way to protect multiple devices simultaneously. Simply plug in your new router, enter the CyberGhost login details, and connect. It’s convenient to manage connections from anywhere using a mobile device.

Your router must support OpenVPN to use CyberGhost. In my review, I easily set up OpenVPN on a DD-WRT and ASUS router in less than 25 minutes.

For manual configuration of CyberGhost on your router, you can refer to my CyberGhost not working guide for troubleshooting. However, be cautious, as incorrect settings can harm your router firmware.

While CyberGhost doesn’t offer a native router app, you can opt for a pre-flashed router from FlashRouters. Keep in mind these routers start at $299, which is quite expensive.

CyberGhost Also Works with Xbox, PlayStation, Smart TVs, Apple TVs, and more

CyberGhost is compatible with Smart TVs, PlayStation, Xbox, Apple TV, and more, thanks to its Smart DNS feature. This feature is ideal for devices that don’t support native VPN apps, enabling the use of CyberGhost on Roku, Kodi, PS4, and Smart TVs.

The Smart DNS option is easily accessible under My Account on the CyberGhost website. Just entering the DNS code into your device’s network settings is all it takes. I was impressed to discover that CyberGhost provides streaming-optimized DNS addresses specifically for Hulu, Netflix US, and the UK, a feature not commonly offered by other premium VPNs.

For Android TV users, the CyberGhost app is available on the PlayStore for easy download and login. The same goes for Amazon FireStick and Fire TV users, as CyberGhost apps can be found on the Amazon Store.

Simultaneous Connections — CyberGhost Supports 7 Devices

With just one CyberGhost subscription, I was able to connect up to 7 devices simultaneously, which is impressive compared to the typical 5-6 multi-logins offered by most VPNs.

In my CyberGhost VPN review, I connected a MacBook Air, two Samsung Galaxy phones, an iPhone 11, and a Samsung Tablet. While streaming Netflix on the laptop and phones at the same time, I experienced no speed drops or buffering, maintaining a consistent connection. This shows that you can connect multiple devices on a single CyberGhost account without sacrificing performance.

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Bypass Censorship

For my CyberGhost secure VPN review, I also tested whether the VPN was capable of bypassing censorship in countries with restrictive laws, such as China, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and more.

Does CyberGhost work in China?

Unfortunately, CyberGhost does not work in China. It does feature servers in the Chinese mainland, so you can access local content from abroad, but if you are already in China, you won’t be able to use CyberGhost.

In the past, users have reported some success using CyberGhost in the country, although it was not as reliable as other VPN providers. However, over the years, CyberGhost has struggled to consistently bypass the Great Firewall and is no longer considered a dependable choice for users in China.

I also contacted live chat support, and they confirmed that the Chinese government had blocked the VPN app. And so, CyberGhost is not working in China. The live chat representatives also said the same about other countries with heavy internet restrictions, such as Saudi Arabia.

cyberghost-live-chat-on-china

At present, CyberGhost is not working in China, Saudi Arabia, and a few other highly restrictive countries.

It is no surprise that not all VPNs can bypass the Great Firewall. To bypass this government-imposed censorship, you need a VPN that:

  • Offers obfuscated servers that make your VPN traffic look like regular HTTPS traffic.
  • Hosts .onion site so you can install its app using the Onion network.
  • Offers a kill switch, 256-bit AES encryption, and leak protection as well.

CyberGhost does not offer obfuscated servers, but it does offer top-notch security. But you cannot download CyberGhost VPN in China because its homepage has been blocked, and the app has been removed from the Chinese app stores. If you want to know which VPN providers offer obfuscated servers then check out my blog best VPN with obfuscated servers for better insights.


Reliability and Customer Support

CyberGhost offers a 24/7 live chat feature available in 3 languages – English, French, and German. Every time I contacted the support team, I received an answer within minutes.

Customer support is a make-or-break situation for any VPN service. It is a blessing in disguise if you are using a VPN service that delivers various ways to solve your queries timely. You may contact them for CyberGhost not opening or CyberGhost VPN not working issues and more.

cyberghost-vpn-customer-support

You can include CyberGhost in the list of VPN services that try their best to meet their users’ expectations. Here is the list of different support options CyberGhost offers to users:

Customer Support Offered
24/7 live chat Yes
Email Yes
Phone line No
Guides or articles Yes
FAQs Yes

CyberGhost’s reliability stems from the service offering extensive guides and FAQs for the assistance of users regarding its usage and installation. If you are still not satisfied, then you can create a ticket by submitting a request to get the answer to your troubleshooting questions accordingly.

I wanted to check how many Netflix libraries CyberGhost can unblock, so I contacted them via email and got a response within 12 hours. I also tried getting a CyberGhost refund from them, and the process was over within a few minutes.

So, if you don’t want to chat with an agent, you can also contact support and get instant help. In short, this VPN has excellent customer and tech support, and they will respond timely to all your concerns.


CyberGhost Rating – Based on Complete Guide

In the competitive world of VPN services, how does CyberGhost measure up? As a reviewer, I delved into its features, performance, and pricing to provide a thorough analysis.

During my comprehensive evaluation, I assessed CyberGhost on a range of performance metrics, assigning a score out of five for each aspect. The outcome? A remarkable 4.4-star rating out of five, reflecting CyberGhost’s strong performance and dependability. This rating is more than just a figure; it represents the solid capabilities and trustworthiness of CyberGhost. The detailed ratings for each performance metric can be found in the table below:

CyberGhost VPN Criteria Rating
CyberGhost VPN Pricing: 4.4★★★★☆
Security and Privacy 4.7★★★★★
CyberGhost VPN Servers 4.6★★★★★
Speed & Performance: 4.4★★★★☆
CyberGhost VPN Streaming 4.3★★★★☆
CyberGhost VPN Torrenting 4.5★★★★★
Interface and ease of use 4.6★★★★★
Devices and Compatibility 4.7★★★★★
CyberGhost VPN Customer Support 4.7★★★★★
Working in China 3.0★★★☆☆

However, as a professional reviewer, I always seek independent sources to validate my observations and guard against potential biases. To achieve this, I referred to Trustpilot, a reputable independent review platform where users share their experiences with various products and services.

What is CyberGhost’s rating on Trustpilot? I found that the Trustpilot ratings for CyberGhost were in line with my assessment, averaging around 4.4 / 5 based upon 20,570 reviews as of January 2024. This not only reinforced my own evaluation of CyberGhost but also indicated that its exceptional service is not just my view but a commonly recognized fact, supported by thousands of independent third party CyberGhost VPN reviews.

CyberGhost-review-Trustpilot

CyberGhost enjoys high levels of approval from users as per Trustpilot.

This alignment isn’t by chance; it reflects CyberGhost’s consistent performance and user satisfaction. As an expert in this field, I’ve witnessed various services rise and fall, but CyberGhost’s sustained presence and solid reputation in the market underscore its quality and effectiveness.


Alternatives to CyberGhost VPN

Should you find that the features of this VPN don’t meet your needs after reading my CyberGhost premium review, rest assured, there are many other options available. For those seeking an alternative provider, here are my recommended VPNs:


FAQs – CyberGhost VPN Review

Yes, CyberGhost VPN can be trusted. It is a reliable VPN service known for its speed and security, including features like an automatic kill switch, and it is more affordable compared to many other popular VPNs.

No, CyberGhost is not better than NordVPN. While both services offer comparable safety measures, NordVPN is faster, encounters fewer issues, and has more security features. Although CyberGhost is useful for torrenting and streaming, NordVPN excels in these areas as well.

Yes, CyberGhost is easy to cancel. To do so, simply visit CyberGhost’s website, log into your account, and disable auto-renewal to cancel CyberGhost and terminate your subscription. Then, you can request a refund.

Overall, ExpressVPN is recommended over CyberGhost because of its stronger privacy policy, dynamic IP addresses, and a larger number of servers and countries. However, if budget is a concern or if you need to connect more than five devices simultaneously, CyberGhost is the better option.

No, CyberGhost does not significantly slow down internet speed. As a fast VPN, CyberGhost typically results in only a minor decrease in speed. If you encounter a substantial decrease, it may indicate that the VPN being used is not efficient. However, your VPN is not the sole factor affecting internet speed.

It is possible but highly unlikely for CyberGhost to be hacked. CyberGhost is highly resistant to hacking and stands as one of the most secure VPN choices, not storing any payment information and keeping sign-up data separate from the network. With its strict No-Logs policy and RAM-only infrastructure, CyberGhost ensures a high level of security against hacking attempts.

CyberGhost VPN’s monthly cost ranges from $2.03/mo - Save up to 84% with exclusive 2-year plans + 4 months free to $12.99, depending on the subscription plan you choose. Safeguarding online privacy can seem challenging, especially considering your daily internet usage and the fact that most websites and online services collect data about their users.

Yes, CyberGhost VPN is legit. It is a highly secure VPN service, featuring AES-256 encryption, a no-logs policy that has been independently audited, based in a privacy-friendly jurisdiction, and equipped with various additional security tools.

You can get a CyberGhost VPN free trial by simply following the steps given below:

  1. Visit the CyberGhost website and click on “VPN free trial.”
  2. Pick your preferred OS; Windows or macOS and click on “try it for free for 24h
  3. Once installed, create a CyberGhost account
  4. Confirm your email address and click “activate trial
  5. You’re good to go! Start unblocking geo-restricted content.


Final Verdict – Do I recommend CyberGhost VPN?

I believe CyberGhost is a secure, user-friendly VPN perfect for streaming. CyberGhost’s apps are exceptionally easy to use, simplifying access to global streaming sites. Simply select the platform, and CyberGhost provides a server designed to unblock it. Their support staff is very responsive and available 24/7 for any access issues.

In terms of security, CyberGhost excels with its unique NoSpy servers, military-grade encryption, and features like the automatic kill switch. Its commitment to security is further solidified by independent audits, transparency reports, and a robust privacy policy.

The only notable drawbacks I saw during my CyberGhost VPN review are variable speeds over long distances and its inaccessibility in China. CyberGhost is recommended for those seeking a reliable, straightforward VPN with strong security and superior streaming capabilities.