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A universally powerful VPN for a very affordable price.
Last Updated April 29, 2025
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Whether you’re streaming on Netflix, downloading torrents, or want to stay secure online, a VPN service provides essential benefits to keep your experience smooth and private. It does this by routing your internet activities through an encrypted tunnel to a remote VPN server.
Headquartered in Romania, CyberGhost is one of the top VPN providers on the market. If you’re looking for a VPN service that covers all the bases, this name is likely to come up.
For this CyberGhost VPN review, I thoroughly tested the service to evaluate its performance. Based on my experience, CyberGhost is an excellent VPN that lives up to its strong reputation. Keep reading for the full details of my review.
CyberGhost is a popular VPN, and its popularity is well deserved. It consistently bypasses strict geo-restrictions and provides stable, reliable connections. Additionally, it effectively unblocks regional restrictions on popular streaming platforms. The app is designed to be user-friendly, modern, and visually appealing.
However, the real test of a VPN service goes beyond its looks. So, I took a deep dive and tested every feature of the VPN service. This review of CyberGhost also includes external tests to gauge the VPN’s speed and privacy protection.
Overall, I’m impressed with this VPN’s pricing, security, streaming capabilities, and additional features. That said, CyberGhost needs improvement in certain areas. I was slightly disappointed with the drop in performance as the distance to the server increased. However, considering its price, CyberGhost stands near the top of the VPN leaderboard.
I successfully connected to the US and UK Netflix libraries on the first try, using CyberGhost’s US servers. I could unlock content to stream in high definition. I could also stream Netflix Australia without any hassle.
I encountered geo-blocks when trying to access Netflix Germany through the Frankfurt server. However, switching to the Nuremberg server was enough to resolve the issue.
My last test was for South America. I tested Netflix’s streaming services in Chile, Peru, and Brazil and was able to stream in HD.
If you want to bypass Netflix’s powerful geo-restrictions, CyberGhost VPN is one of your best bets.
During testing, I found that CyberGhost VPN can unblock popular streaming services such as Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, HBO Max, and Amazon Prime Video. Additionally, the VPN easily bypasses restricted access to sites like Facebook, Google, and YouTube.
What’s more, I could stream content seamlessly without any lag. CyberGhost offers nearly 100 dedicated servers for streaming. Each server has a tag that labels the streaming service it’s optimized for. Even so, connecting to any of these servers will get you past most geo-restrictions from streaming services.
I’m impressed by the sheer number of VPN servers CyberGhost offers. There are 9,200+ servers in 100 countries.
This is one of the most extensive networks in the industry, offering about three times the number of servers found on the highly-rated ExpressVPN. Simply put, having more servers increases the chances of finding speedy and reliable options in and around your location or the location you want to connect to.
Not surprisingly, the largest number of servers is located in North America. Still, CyberGhost has decent global coverage, with servers located on nearly every continent.
The VPN offers a choice of physical and virtual servers. Virtual servers are exactly what they sound like—They are somewhere other than they appear and run on physical servers. For instance, a virtual server in Algeria may be a simulated machine hosted on a physical server in Portugal.
Physical and virtual servers work similarly, but a few differences that depend on the infrastructure. One downside is that hosting multiple virtual servers on a single physical machine can negatively impact the VPN’s performance.
Previously, CyberGhost labeled every server in its apps to indicate whether it was physical or virtual, but it has since moved away from this approach in the current versions. That said, the website provides a comprehensive list that highlights this information.
You will find different types of servers on CyberGhost optimized for various activities. They are:
By default, most VPNs, including CyberGhost, randomly assign dynamic IP addresses when you connect to a server. Because these addresses are shared across VPNs, multiple users access the internet with the same IP address from different locations. This has a privacy advantage—it significantly reduces the chances of online activity being traced back to an individual internet user.
On the other hand, static or dedicated IP addresses are assigned exclusively to a single user. They are less likely to be blacklisted by streaming platforms and websites. A dedicated IP address is also more effective at bypassing CAPTCHAs and facilitates online payments more easily. Additionally, it eliminates the risk of another user’s illegal activities being traced back to you. It is an essential feature for businesses and website owners.
CyberGhost offers an innovative “token-based dedicated IP.” This adds an extra layer of security and privacy, as not even the provider knows the dedicated IP address assigned to you. If you run a website or own a business in or around the UK, US, Germany, France, or Canada, you may want to opt for this offer. However, like similar services, it requires an additional subscription.
I will discuss other optimized servers available on CyberGhost as the review continues.
When you hop on the internet via a VPN, the connection speed takes a hit because of the extra step your internet traffic must go through. However, the best VPN providers ensure that the increased latency is barely noticeable.
To ensure you enjoy the best performance available, CyberGhost will automatically connect to the optimal server location by default when you click the power button. It depends on several factors, including distance to the server, response speed, and user load.
I tested CyberGhost’s performance against the speeds I achieved when not using the VPN. I noted the download and upload speeds for each result, which tell different stories about the connection’s performance.
Using Ookla’s online speed test tool, I tested my baseline internet speed. I have a 35 Mbps download and 3.8 Mbps upload speed.
Next, I tried out CyberGhost’s Best Server Location feature.
Moving forward, I switched to VPN servers located in:
My speed tests started off well, with minimal speed decrease. When I connected to the server that the VPN decided was the best fit, the drop in download speed was barely perceivable. Interestingly, the upload speed increased compared to the base result.
Switching to a server in London resulted in a significant drop in performance. The download speed was reduced to 24 Mbps, 26% slower than I initially observed. The upload speed also suffered a similar reduction in speed.
The speed drop was even more significant when connecting to a server in Dallas, with download speeds decreasing by 37% and upload speed by 22%.
Finally, I tested a server in Taiwan, where I experienced the worst decline in speed. The download speed was cut in half, while the upload speed only saw a slight reduction in performance.
The speed test results indicate that CyberGhost is a mixed bag. You’re likely to enjoy blazing-fast speeds while connected to a nearby server compared to what you get directly from your internet service provider. However, connecting to a farther server may cause poor results.
It is worth noting that this is a common challenge with VPNs, not unique to CyberGhost. In fact, it performs much better over longer distances than most other VPN services.
Furthermore, VPN speed tests aren’t always conclusive. Several factors contribute to the test results each time, including the connection speed in your starting location and the tunneling protocol used. If you measure a server’s speed five minutes apart, you may observe notably contrasting results.
CyberGhost is a torrenting-friendly VPN provider. With no restrictions, you can enjoy P2P sharing and torrenting across all its servers. To ensure these activities are hassle-free, there are optimized servers with 70+ locations.
Those servers offer the best speeds for P2P downloads, tailored to your location and internet connection speed. When you find one that works perfectly, add it to your favorites list to save time.
State-of-the-art VPN encryption, perfect forward secrecy, and a strict no-logs policy are additional features that secure your data when sharing with CyberGhost via P2P. Torrenting is not the safest internet activity, and you don’t want certain actors tracing your traffic back to you.
However, there are a couple of drawbacks. If you prefer to torrent on your smartphone, you may not get the optimal service, as CyberGhost only offers dedicated P2P servers on its desktop apps.
Additionally, it does not include a SOCKS5 proxy service, which provides faster location spoofing. Still, only a few VPN providers offer this.
Speed is one of your top priorities if you are considering a VPN for gaming purposes. If your VPN has long response times, there is bound to be lag, which is frustrating while gaming. Consequently, you want a VPN with lower ping times.
So, I tested CyberGhost to see how well it handles gaming. My primary aim was to check if the VPN service could maintain its high speed while playing League of Legends, a resource-heavy MMO game. I also wanted to verify that the bandwidth was high enough and the latency low enough.
Instead of using a smart location on CyberGhost, I connected to a long-distance server to see how much of an impact it would have on the game speed.
The outcome? I could enjoy seamless gameplay even when connected to a CyberGhost server far away. Although I was expecting some lag, the CyberGhost connection provided me with complete control over the fast-paced action throughout the gaming session. It didn’t even seem like I was using a VPN. Therefore, I am willing to recommend CyberGhost for Gaming.
Of course, when you game while using a VPN, you’ll want to choose a server located near you. Opt for the Best Location feature on CyberGhost, which automatically selects a server based on its performance.
Virtually every VPN provider promises to protect your online traffic and ensure that your actual IP address will always stay hidden. Unfortunately, these claims are not always true.
If you are banking on a VPN to safeguard your internet presence, it should offer top-notch data encryption, IP leak protection, and robust security protocols. Additional security features, such as split tunneling, can be very handy.
CyberGhost uses 256-bit AES encryption, which combines SHA-512 HMAC authentication and a 4096-bit RSA key with the AES 256-bit cipher. This is the industry-standard encryption used by security experts and the US government.
AES 256-bit encryption is symmetric, which means it uses the same key for encryption and decryption. This makes it virtually impossible to break. Even with a powerful quantum computer, decrypting 0.1% of the data would take billions of years.
CyberGhost comes with OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard protocols. Tunneling protocols have different strengths and weaknesses, but these three are the fastest and most secure.
The VPN automatically chooses the best protocol on Windows based on your internet connection. However, you can switch between them manually. The open-source OpenVPN has a reputation as the most secure tunneling protocol, but the newer WireGuard trades off some security for better speed.
Other operating systems offer fewer options. For instance, you must manually install OpenVPN apps on Mac and iOS. Furthermore, Android and Linux systems do not support reliable IKEv2.
In 2011, CyberGhost became the first VPN to publish a Transparency Report, providing details on the number of requests it received from authorities to release user data. It shared this information with customers annually until 2019, changing it later to once every three months.
There’s more. CyberGhost changes the encryption and decryption key for every VPN session. This feature, known as Perfect Forward Secrecy, enhances the security of your VPN connection. Using unique sets of keys for each session significantly reduces the likelihood of your internet activity being monitored.
According to its privacy policy, CyberGhost doesn’t keep connection or activity logs, including websites visited, online traffic, DNS queries, or data content. Its RAM-only servers help to guarantee this, as they wipe out server data on each reboot.
Like most other VPNs, CyberGhost only collects the data that users voluntarily share during the sign-up process, such as email addresses and payment info. It uses this information to streamline its service by tracking simultaneous connections.
A strict no-logs policy is a standard guarantee among VPN providers. However, past incidents have proven that not every VPN provider adheres to this claim, with some secretly storing user data on their servers.
To demonstrate its commitment to privacy, CyberGhost underwent an independent audit of its servers in September 2022. A major audit firm, Deloitte, conducted the assessment, thoroughly examining CyberGhost’s server infrastructure and management systems. The audit focused on the company’s no-logs policy, dedicated IP system, and configuration management.
The audit’s results were conclusive: CyberGhost does not store user logs and cannot track its customers’ locations or activities. Deloitte’s audit, conducted under global standards, provides significant assurance to privacy-conscious users.
The kill switch feature protects you by preventing data leaks if your connection becomes unstable. This essential security measure monitors your traffic to detect any drop in performance. Whenever your connection becomes unstable or switches off, it automatically blocks all incoming and outgoing traffic to prevent potentially costly data exposure. When the pathway to the server is restored, your internet connection is reestablished.
While some VPNs require users to manually enable the kill switch, CyberGhost activates this feature automatically whenever a VPN connection is established.
While a VPN may be essential for your online safety and privacy, there are instances where it may not be necessary for all internet activities.
With split tunneling, you can decide which traffic stays under the VPN’s cloak and which does not. The VPN sends the former through the encrypted private tunnel it provides, while the rest uses the open network and is thus unencrypted.
Split tunneling can be helpful in online banking situations where a VPN connection may be blocked. It can also conserve bandwidth, preventing bottlenecks.
I tested the feature by streaming a video on Netflix on the VPN while completing a bank transaction off the VPN, and it split the traffic perfectly.
On the CyberGhost Windows app, you can add exceptions—websites that bypass the VPN’s private tunnel when you visit them. You can also assign designated apps to apply the VPN connection. CyberGhost calls this App Protection. I successfully tested by adding my banking app to the whitelist. Both settings are present in the Smart Rules section.
On Android, you can circumvent the connection for apps but not websites. Unfortunately, split tunneling does not exist in any form on macOS, iOS, or Linux platforms.
It’s essential to remember that split tunneling bypasses the VPN’s protection, leaving parts of your connection visible to any onlookers and potentially making your connection vulnerable.
I ran CyberGhost through an online tool to see if users are vulnerable to data leaks, which represents critical privacy threats. I selected eight servers at random, with locations spanning the US, UK, Germany, Canada, Japan, and South Africa.
According to my test results, all CyberGhost apps are free from IP, WebRTC, and DNS leaks. You can be sure CyberGhost will keep your IP address and DNS requests hidden and private.
Below is an example of the results when I connected to a US server. You can see that only the US server is detected rather than my ISP’s server, which is what we want to see.
There were approximately 52 million data breaches in the second quarter of 2022 alone, and the rate of compromised data continues to rise.
In 2019, CyberGhost experienced a minor security breach that exposed 120 email addresses and 14 usernames attached to user accounts. However, it is worth mentioning that no passwords were revealed, as CyberGhost does not store those logs, and the accounts were not hacked.
To its credit, CyberGhost was open about this incident and committed to ensuring the privacy of its customers.
Furthermore, the CyberGhost ID Guard feature is particularly useful if your information is compromised as part of a data breach. When this happens, you receive an instant heads-up, which allows you to change your password immediately.
CyberGhost provides additional security through Wi-Fi Protection in its mobile and desktop apps. This feature automatically launches CyberGhost when you connect to a public Wi-Fi network.
This is particularly useful if you connect to an unsecured public Wi-Fi network, as they are soft targets for bad actors. Wi-Fi Protection is available in the app’s smart rules section. By default, it will prompt you to connect to or ignore a particular network, but you can select either option so it doesn’t ask every time.
CyberGhost offers protection against malware, ads, and tracking. For optimal security, it is best to enable all three features. Doing so prevents pop-ups and other advertisements that could potentially infect your device.
I tested the ad blocker and found its performance inconsistent. I was impressed by its ability to block Facebook ads. However, the outcome was not quite stellar for other ads I encountered. While I did not see many pop-up ads, I usually encounter on some websites, others were resistant to the feature’s powers.
If intrusive ads are a significant concern, consider using a dedicated ad blocker app or browser extension to eliminate them.
If you subscribe to a plan for over a month, you can gain access to CyberGhost’s NoSpy servers, which are more private than regular servers. The provider fully manages NoSpy servers, which feature “top-of-the-line hardware” with advanced security measures. They also provide faster speeds due to increased bandwidth.
CyberGhost’s NoSpy servers are located in Romania, where the company is headquartered. The Balkan country has privacy-friendly data regulations, although CyberGhost’s zero-log policy ensures that no geolocation data is stored, regardless.
There isn’t a definite answer to this question. CyberGhost has a server in China, but it is a virtual server located in a different country. However, China heavily censors internet access for its residents with its powerful and forbidding technology, aptly named The Great Wall of China.
I contacted CyberGhost’s customer service via live chat and received a mixed reply. From their reply, we can assume that CyberGhost works in China, but only to a certain extent. Most internet service providers in China block VPNs.
Since this can only be tested physically, and I am unable to do so, I must rely on the official stance. Most VPNs are not capable of breaking past that barrier anyway. ExpressVPN would be a better choice if you need a VPN for China.
CyberGhost VPN offers three premium subscription tiers for potential users to choose from. You can select between a monthly plan, a six-month plan, and a two-year plan.
CyberGhost offers competitive pricing. The short-term plan costs $12.99 per month, billed monthly. It is slightly above the average monthly plan for a premium VPN. I don’t recommend the 1-month plan. For one, you cannot use the CyberGhost NoSpy servers, a crucial feature if you want to maximize your privacy. Moreover, the 14-day money-back guarantee offered here is significantly less than what you can get with more extended packages.
A step higher is the six-month plan, which costs $6.99/month and is billed at $41.94. This plan nearly halves the average monthly price compared to the monthly plan. It also comes with the benefit of a 45-day money-back guarantee. This is significantly longer than the industry average of 30 days, so you get more time to try the VPN service.
Subscribing to the 2-year plan with 4 free months (28 months effectively) saves you over 80%. This plan costs an average monthly fee of $2.03, billed $56.94 once for 28 months.
CyberGhost does not offer a free plan. However, there is a free trial for Windows and Mac (24 hours), Android (3 days), and iOS (7 days). The free trial does not require a credit card.
CyberGhost has custom apps for iOS, Mac, Windows, Android, Debian-based and RPM-based Linux systems, and Chromebooks. The VPN is compatible with many devices and platforms, including Android TV, Apple TV, Roku, Kodi, Amazon Fire Stick, and others.
CyberGhost is also easily compatible with routers and provides setup guides on its website. It is one of the best choices if you are looking to set up a VPN on your router. CyberGhost is available on TomatoUSB, TomatoUSB Merlin Build, and DD-WRT routers. Using the VPN directly on your router lets you bypass the simultaneous device limitation while securing your entire network. However, if you’re out of your router’s range, you’ll be unprotected unless you activate CyberGhost on your devices.
CyberGhost allows you to use its service on up to seven devices simultaneously, surpassing the industry standard of five. If you run out of device slots, you can log out of any connected devices through your account and instantly use a new one.
CyberGhost does not offer an app for PlayStation, Xbox, or other gaming consoles. To protect those devices, you can install the VPN on a router, which will redirect the web traffic of all the devices connected to your network.
You could also configure the Smart DNS feature on your gaming console. This feature is available for PlayStation 3 and 4, Xbox One and 360, Wii, and Wii U. Like a VPN, Smart DNS is a great way to bypass regional restrictions on content access. However, it will not hide a device’s IP address or encrypt data. Instead, CyberGhost switches its domain name system (DNS) with a different address to conceal the actual geo-location.
CyberGhost comes with dedicated browser extensions for Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome, which also support Microsoft Edge. Both extensions are free to download and use—you don’t need to sign up for an account first. The extensions offer access to eight servers in four countries: Romania, the United States, the Netherlands, and Germany.
CyberGhost is easy to install and use. The app is simple enough, despite being jam-packed with features. Its minimalistic user interface looks clean and modern. CyberGhost seems to care that customers have smooth and seamless experiences. CyberGhost is an excellent option for newbies, especially on macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android.
When you log in, you can push the prominent power button, and the VPN will connect to the best server present in your area, depending on your internet connection.
On the desktop apps, a left-pointing arrow expands at a click to reveal CyberGhost’s optimized servers, complete server list, and settings area. After you find an optimal server, you can add it to your Favorites list to save for later.
CyberGhost places a strong emphasis on customization, offering numerous settings to tailor the app to your preferences. Although the options are extensive, I still found CyberGhost to be an intuitive app. Each setting has a label describing what happens when you change it.
There are various options available to assist customers in resolving their complaints and inquiries. First, there is an easy-to-use live chat service. If you experience a problem with CyberGhost, you can chat with a customer service representative available around the clock.
I used this method to ask about the 45-day money-back guarantee and received a prompt response. The live chat support team provided me with all the information I needed in a polite and professional manner.
If you are a registered user, the representative may ask for your email address. If your request requires extra time to process or if the live chat disconnects due to an internet issue, you’ll receive an email later with a guide or resolution.
You can also contact CyberGhost directly through email. Additionally, the provider offers support on its website, where you can find user support guides, FAQs, and setup guides with useful information.
Overall, CyberGhost provides excellent customer support. While phone support would have been a welcome addition, few VPN providers offer dedicated call lines.
Overall, CyberGhost is well worth its high user rating, with its user-friendly apps, robust security and privacy provisions, good speeds and network size, affordable pricing, and ability to bypass content restrictions.
Most VPN users prioritize online safety and privacy, and CyberGhost stands out as a notable choice. It offers bank-level encryption, a strict and verified no-logs policy, an automatic kill switch, and several advanced and extra features. Regular transparency reports and an independent audit by Deloitte sweeten the deal.
Beyond security, CyberGhost is an excellent choice for streaming, gaming, and torrenting services. Its dedicated servers for each activity eliminate the need for trial and error, ensuring smooth, lag-free experiences. The VPN successfully bypasses geo-restrictions on primary streaming services, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, HBO Max, Disney+, and many more.
Should you encounter any issues or have questions, Cyberghost provides dependable customer support. Their 24/7 live chat is responsive, and they offer a wealth of helpful resources.
CyberGhost still needs to improve some aspects of its service. While servers closer to my location provided fast speeds, performance dropped significantly on farther servers. Additionally, CyberGhost appears to have prioritized its Windows client. Some of the functionality available on Windows is missing on other operating systems.
All in all, I recommend CyberGhost to users looking for a capable, speedy, and reliable VPN. The only VPN I highly recommend is ExpressVPN.
Yes. CyberGhost has one of the largest subscriber bases, and people consider it an excellent choice for accessing online content privately and securely. Still, a popular VPN is not automatically a good one, so I threw a barrage of tests at it to confirm.
The results clearly showed that CyberGhost deserves a high rating. It performs excellently in most of the areas a top-tier VPN should, like security, streaming access, ease of use, torrenting abilities, and more. Like any VPN, CyberGhost isn't perfect—but it comes close. ExpressVPN is the only VPN that comes closer to perfect.
CyberGhost plans range from $2.03 per month to $12.99 per month, depending on the commitment period.
Price aside, the details differ a bit for each plan. For instance, the refund period for the monthly package only lasts 14 days. On the other hand, both longer-term plans offer 45-day money-back guarantees for users who are not completely satisfied.
I recommend choosing the two-year plan, as you get the best value for your money. Not only is it much cheaper long-term, but CyberGhost also offers four extra months to sweeten the deal. Note that CyberGhost will subsequently bill the $56.94 fee annually after the first two years and four months, which increases the price to $4.75 per month.
You can connect seven devices to your CyberGhost account simultaneously, two more than other VPNs offer on average. That said, some VPNs, like IPVanish, allow you to connect unlimited devices with a single subscription.
CyberGhost is compatible with various platforms and devices, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, routers, TVs, and streaming devices. Consequently, it is a top choice for large households and users with many devices.
Yes. CyberGhost is a solid VPN, but a VPN can perform flawlessly in certain areas and still remain untrusted. You want a service with unassailable structures to prevent the loss or exposure of sensitive user information.
Fortunately, my CyberGhost VPN review reveals you can trust the service with your internet traffic. It has an arsenal of essential privacy and security tools, like bank-level encryption, an automatic kill switch, leak protection, and an audited no-logs policy.
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