CyberGhost VPN review 2023: Cost, features and more
“Verified by an expert” means that this article has been thoroughly reviewed and evaluated for accuracy.
BLUEPRINT
Updated 2:18 a.m. UTC Nov. 25, 2023
Editorial Note: Blueprint may earn a commission from affiliate partner links featured here on our site. This commission does not influence our editors' opinions or evaluations. Please view our full advertiser disclosure policy.
Our take
Unlimited switching between standard and specialized VPN servers in 91 countries.
CyberGhost
Pros
- Four types of specialized VPN servers.
- Smart rules reduce security risks.
- Outside of the five eyes data sharing agreement.
Cons
- Fewer customer support options than other VPN services.
- Does not offer unlimited simultaneous connections.
- Lacks multi-hop features.
Why you can trust our small business experts
Our team of experts evaluates hundreds of business products and analyzes thousands of data points to help you find the best product for your situation. We use a data-driven methodology to determine each rating. Advertisers do not influence our editorial content. You can read more about our methodology below.
- 18 companies reviewed.
- 64 hours of product testing.
- 774 data points analyzed.
CyberGhost VPN review 2023
Security is vital for remote employees and a top reason for using virtual private networks (VPNs). We recommend CyberGhost for business users who must stay protected regardless of where they work.
Smart rules for Wi-Fi networks and split tunneling allow you to establish a connection automatically or manually when opening the CyberGhost VPN app. You can also choose one program to open automatically after connecting to the VPN.
CyberGhost offers specialized servers for streaming, gaming, torrenting and security, or you can let it pick the best server for your location. Click the star to add your favorite streaming, security or torrenting servers. This makes it easier to switch servers for different activities.
However, CyberGhost doesn’t let you use a proxy to send sensitive data through a double VPN. Instead, consider using a NoSpy server located in CyberGhost’s Romanian headquarters. CyberGhost resides in a country that isn’t part of the five eyes intelligence alliance, which may offer more protections against government overreach.
Unlike VPN Unlimited and TunnelBear, CyberGhost lacks unlimited simultaneous connections. Moreover, you can only register seven devices. To add more, you must remove a device from the management screen. Since CyberGhost only provides support through a ticketing system, it may take longer to get help.
Featured VPN service offers
NordVPN
Free plan
No
Cheapest monthly plan
$12.99
Download speed (average)
235 Mbps
Surfshark
Free plan
No
Cheapest monthly plan
$12.95
Download speed (average)
263 Mbps
Private Internet Access (PIA)
Free plan
No
Cheapest monthly plan
$11.95
Download speed (average)
124 Mbps
CyberGhost VPN overview and facts
In 2011, Robert Knapp co-founded CyberGhost with headquarters in Bucharest, Romania. CTO Timo Beyel says the company follows “the privacy by design principle.” Its location and strict no-logs policies allow users to stay protected online.
CyberGhost provides regular transparency reports and last had an external audit in 2022. However, CyberGhost does not share the report on its website, and we could not obtain it through Deloitte.
In addition, Kape Technologies, formerly Crossrider (adware creator), purchased CyberGhost in 2017. The company also owns ExpressVPN, Private Internet Access and ZenMate VPN.
While our experience was positive with zero domain name system (DNS) leaks, we recommend that VPN users review privacy policies closely before using VPN services. Explore pricing, features and more in our CyberGhost VPN review.
Tip: The ad and malware blocker isn’t enabled by default. Adjust your privacy settings to block unwanted trackers.
CyberGhost VPN pricing
Similar to other VPN providers, CyberGhost uses single-tier pricing that decreases in cost with longer commitments. It’s among the highest-priced VPNs on our best VPNs list when paid monthly, costing $12.99 versus $5.37 Mullvad subscriptions or TunnelBear’s free plan. CyberGhost and NordVPN share the most expensive monthly plan cost.
However, not all VPN services have six-month plans, making it a good choice for users that want better pricing without a truly long-term commitment. CyberGhost also offers promotions that keep its annual price aligned with most providers.
CyberGhost VPN plan
While not the least expensive VPN service, CyberGhost has a 45-day money-back guarantee for six-month or longer terms. Outside of Hotspot Shield, most providers only offer a guarantee of 30 days or less.
Look for flash sales on CyberGhost’s promotion page. For instance, it recently offered 18 months for $49.50, with the same annual price at renewal.
CyberGhost also lacks bulk pricing, which Private Internet Access offers. Nor does it have business accounts like NordVPN via NordLayer.
CyberGhost supports several payment methods, including:
- Mastercard.
- Visa.
- American Express.
- Discover.
- PayPal.
- Google Pay.
- Amazon Pay.
- Bitcoin via BitPay.
You can sign up for a 24-hour free trial on Mac or Windows devices, whereas Android users get three days, compared to seven days if you’re on iOS. CyberGhost does not require payment information to begin the trial.
CyberGhost VPN plans
CyberGhost packs all its features into one plan, but a few extras come with longer subscription terms. This approach differs from TorGuard and NordVPN, which provide multiple subscriptions with different tools and features.
The plan includes anonymous browsing and DNS protection. By default, CyberGhost sends all internet traffic through an encrypted VPN tunnel. You can establish smart rules for split tunneling, where some applications use your internet service provider (ISP) instead of the VPN.
Longer subscription terms include premium PC optimizer, Windows privacy guard, NoSpy server access and identity protection. Except for CyberGhost ID Guard and NoSpy servers, these extras are geared toward Microsoft Windows users. Select CyberGhost’s NoSpy servers for maximum privacy and security when sending sensitive data online.
Mac or Linux users may find better value elsewhere, such as Surfshark or ExpressVPN.
CyberGhost VPN plan features
CyberGhost VPN services offer features available from most competitors, including a kill switch. This tool works well for employees using Windows, macOS, iOS and Android devices on public Wi-Fi connections. If your VPN is interrupted, the kill switch blocks all incoming and outgoing internet traffic until reconnected to the VPN.
Smart features include a smart algorithm that finds and connects you to the best server. Likewise, Smart Rules let you configure CyberGhost to connect to specific servers or route certain apps through a VPN or ISP automatically.
CyberGhost Privacy Guard for Windows comes with a six-month or longer commitment. Once activated, you can choose your privacy level (basic, advanced or custom). It turns off intrusive Microsoft functionalities like personalized ads and geotracking.
Tip: Enable the “Prevent DNS leak” feature in the CyberGhost VPN app and perform periodic DNS leak tests to reduce cybersecurity risks.
Specialized servers include:
- NoSpy: CyberGhost owns and operates NoSpy servers, which reside in its Romanian headquarters. These differ from its colocated servers in third-party data centers.
- Peer-to-peer (P2P): Torrent-optimized servers reside in locations with favorable torrenting legislation, and CyberGhost designed them specifically for P2P traffic.
- Streaming: CyberGhost has servers optimized for many streaming services and locations, including BBC iPlayer and YouTube TV.
However, CyberGhost lacks multi-hop functionality, also known as a double VPN. Multi-hop encrypts your data in two layers, routing your VPN traffic through an encrypted tunnel within a tunnel. Learn more about double VPNs in our Private Internet Access review.
CyberGhost add-ons and optional features
CyberGhost provides a few additional features for users who opt for six-month, annual or two-year billing plans. Plus, you can add a dedicated IP or the CyberGhost Security Suite for Windows.
Only five out of the 16 best VPNs (including CyberGhost) have dedicated IPs as an add-on. Torguard is our top pick for dedicated IPs, as it offers them in over 25 countries, including nine U.S. locations. Yet, CyberGhost dedicated IPs are $2.99 to $3.99 cheaper per month, making them a more economical choice.
Private Internet Access and Surfshark have an add-on antivirus program like CyberGhost. And in most cases, CyberGhost Security Suite costs more than competitors.
CyberGhost security suite for Windows
The CyberGhost security suite for Windows includes antivirus software from Intego and a security updater. Intego Antivirus is better known for providing Mac protection exclusively since 1997 and later expanded to Windows products in 2020. Kape Technologies owns both companies.
The security suite costs $5.65 for monthly billing, $3.95 per month with a six-month subscription, or $1.65 monthly when prepaying for two years. CyberGhost runs specials with lower pricing.
Intego Antivirus uses behavior analysis and protects against:
- Spyware.
- Malware.
- Ransomware.
- Trojans.
- Adware.
The security updater identifies outdated applications, showing you when to upgrade to the latest version. It also offers cybersecurity reports for an overview of your tools and status.
Dedicated IP
Other VPN connections are shared among users. With CyberGhost, you can choose a token-based dedicated IP for the exclusive, anonymous use of an IP address.
It costs $5 monthly, $4.00 monthly with a six-month plan or $2.50 monthly with a two-year prepayment. The rates are competitive. However, you can’t add a dedicated IP if paying by cryptocurrency, and you can only select one location for your dedicated IP.
CyberGhost has 16 available locations, including six in the U.S. This is more than Private Internet Access but far fewer than Torguard. Explore more dedicated IP services in our TorGuard review.
CyberGhost customer support and experience
Our experience with downloading, configuring and using CyberGhost VPN was seamless. The default settings let us connect with one click, and it was easy to find and customize our configuration.
We appreciated the server connection and didn’t notice a drop in speed when performing basic office tasks, like using cloud apps and sharing files. Although CyberGhost provides streaming-optimized servers, we accessed Netflix, YouTube and more through a nearby server without issues.
Unlike competitors, we didn’t get error messages when streaming or experience buffering. Nor did we have lost connections, requiring a reboot of the software.
In the Windows app, each setting includes a brief explainer but does not link to additional information or guides. You can’t reach customer service through the VPN app or account portal; instead, CyberGhost only offers its 24/7 customer service through live chat and email. However, when we tested customer support, we found its 24/7 customer support to be lacking. We clicked to chat multiple times over seven days and, at the time of publishing, have yet to reach a live agent.
CyberGhost has a ticketing system on its website, which includes a lengthy form with more than 25 fields to complete. Although we found answers to our questions in the knowledge base (only found on its website), getting customer service could be challenging if we had a pressing issue.
CyberGhost vs. NordVPN
NordVPN’s 5,463 servers in 60 countries pale in comparison to CyberGhost, which offers more than 9,138 servers in 91 countries. CyberGhost also allows more simultaneous connections. It has a longer money-back guarantee and is cheaper when paid annually.
NordVPN provides double VPN servers, also known as multi-hop, where sensitive data goes through two VPNs instead of one. CyberGhost does not offer double VPN servers.
NordVPN’s mesh network lets you connect to your home or office devices securely from anywhere. Using NordVPN’s Meshnet, you can use other devices on your network to route traffic through, similar to a VPN server. Meshnet also allows you to easily share files across devices on your network. The bottom line is that NordLayer offers more business tools and works well for small and large teams.
We recommend CyberGhost for solopreneurs and freelancers wanting an inexpensive virtual private network. However, NordVPN works better for companies and product development teams wanting advanced tools that allow them to securely work remotely together.
CyberGhost vs. ExpressVPN
Although Kape Technologies owns ExpressVPN and CyberGhost, differences exist. CyberGhost is easier on the budget, with annual subscriptions costing significantly less. It also offers dedicated IPs, a feature ExpressVPN lacks.
CyberGhost allows more simultaneous connections than ExpressVPN. However, users can only register seven devices at a time, meaning if you want to download the VPN app on new hardware, you must delete another instance. In contrast, you can install ExpressVPN on unlimited devices.
Business owners can buy ExpressVPN accounts in bulk and assign them to employees, making it a better option for corporate use. It also supports port forwarding so that you can access devices remotely.
Is CyberGhost VPN right for your business?
CyberGhost is our top pick for users wanting unlimited switching between standard and specialized servers. However, it lacks business tools like a central management platform or mesh network. Therefore, we recommend CyberGhost for solopreneurs and contractors who want a secure channel for accessing business programs and content.
CyberGhost offers servers in 91 countries, including NoSpy and torrenting servers. The straightforward app interface is easy to configure, even if you’ve never used a virtual private network. But you can’t live chat with an agent if you have a problem.
It isn’t the cheapest VPN for short-term contracts, but annual billing costs are competitive. And you can set smart rules to automatically connect when you open an app or launch the service, which is great for new VPN users who may forget to establish a connection when they start their workday.
Methodology
We extensively research the key competitors within an industry to determine the best products and services for your business. Our experts identify the factors that matter most to business owners, including pricing, features and customer support, to ensure that our recommendations offer well-rounded products that will meet the needs of various small businesses.
We collect extensive data to narrow our best list to reputable, easy-to-use products with stand-out features at a reasonable price point. And we look at user reviews to ensure that business owners like you are satisfied with our top picks’ services. We use the same rubric to assess companies within a particular space so you can confidently follow our blueprint to the best VPNs of 2023.
Yes, CyberGhost provides a free trial; no credit card is needed. It gives Windows, macOS, Android and iOS users access to premium features. The trial lasts 24 hours on desktop devices, three days on Androids and seven days on iOS.
Several top-rated VPN services offer a free trial, including Hotspot Shield (seven days with a credit card required) and TunnelBear (via free version, no payment information required).
CyberGhost has headquarters in Bucharest, Romania and its customer support specialists work out of Manila, Philippines. You shouldn’t have any problems with the government seizing your logs because CyberGhost is based outside the five eyes jurisdictions.
However, CyberGhost’s parent company, Kape Technologies, is based in the U.K, and other Kape brands, like Private Internet Access, have U.S. headquarters. Five eyes countries include both the U.K. and U.S.
CyberGhost server locations include 91 countries across six continents, with more regions covered than several competitors. It has nearly 9,200 VPN servers, with 1,419 U.S. servers across 11 cities.
Additionally, CyberGhost is transitioning to next-generation, 10 gigabytes per second (Gbps) servers. Over 30 countries, like the U.S., U.K. and Germany, already offer CyberGhost’s higher-speed VPN connections.
CyberGhost’s security measures, protocols and policies align with VPN privacy recommendations. It uses military-grade 256-bit AES encryption and abides by a strict no-logs policy.
The company encourages submissions to its bug bounty program. And a recent Deloitte audit confirmed CyberGhost has adequate privacy safeguards. But CyberGhost doesn’t readily provide the report on its website, and our request to Deloitte for access to the report went unanswered.
CyberGhost provides three protocols: OpenVPN, WireGuard and Internet Key Exchange Version 2 (IKEv2). OpenVPN offers up to 256-bit AES encryption, making it an excellent military-grade protocol. It works on Windows, Android, Linux and the Fire TV app.
WireGuard relies on crypto-key routing on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, Android and the Fire TV App. Lastly, IKEv2 uses high-end ciphers and certificate-based authentication. It works on Windows, macOS and iOS hardware.
Connect to CyberGhost using desktop or mobile apps, web browser extensions or Smart DNS tools. It has separate Windows, Linux, Mac, Android and iOS hardware apps.
CyberGhost offers VPN proxies for Chrome and Firefox browsers, with eight available servers. Each application features different a functionality, with the Windows desktop app offering more security features.
No, CyberGhost’s no-logs policy prevents it from collecting or storing information. A 2022 Deloitte audit verified that CyberGhost’s security measures reflect its no-log policies.
Moreover, CyberGhost’s home country (Romania) has ruled data retention policies unconstitutional.
CyberGhost provides higher download speeds than Windscribe. But it has much lower rates than other top-ranked VPNs like Torguard VPN, TunnelBear and NordVPN.
Likewise, its upload speeds find it in the middle of the pack compared to other top VPNs. However, its speeds should be getting better with its recent upgrade to higher-speed next-gen 10 Gbps servers.
CyberGhost supports many desktop, mobile and streaming devices. It’s compatible with Mac OS X 10.12 (Sierra) or newer and Windows 7 or higher. Android smartphones and tablets require OS 5.0 (Lollipop) or higher, whereas iOS devices need iOS 13 or later.
The Android app also works on most Chromebook models. You can install a CyberGhost VPN on three routers (DD-WRT, TomatoUSB and Merlin Build). Or use Smart DNS to connect smart TVs and gaming consoles.
Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.
