CyberGhost Review

This CyberGhost review looks closely at a market-leading VPN designed for streaming and online privacy. Based in Romania (a privacy-friendly jurisdiction outside the 5 Eyes alliance), this VPN enforces a strict no-logs policy and offers user-friendly apps that include excellent privacy features for the cost.

With a network spanning over 11,500 servers in 100+ countries, you can get an IP address on every continent. Users can pick between servers optimized for streaming, torrenting, or privacy using its specialized NoSpy Servers.

CyberGhost uses top-tier AES-256 encryption and supports multiple VPN protocols, including WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. A built-in kill switch and reliable DNS leak protection ensure your data remains secure at home, work, or on public wifi.

Whether you need a VPN for streaming, torrenting, or secure browsing, CyberGhost VPN is well worth considering. Keep reading to discover its key features, speed, security, server network, streaming capabilities, and overall value – to learn whether it’s still competitive in 2025.

CyberGhost review: Key data

* Average speed over multiple global locations based across multiple speed tests per day.

CyberGhost VPN pros and cons

If you’re looking for a VPN that delivers strong security, privacy protections, and optimized streaming performance, CyberGhost VPN is a solid choice. Below, I’ve summarized the pros and cons based on my in-depth testing.

Do I recommend CyberGhost VPN?

Yes. I recommend CyberGhost VPN for users needing a reliable VPN with strong privacy protections, optimized streaming servers, and an extensive server network. CyberGhost is based in Romania, a privacy-friendly jurisdiction outside the 14 Eyes. As a result, it can enforce a strict no-logs policy—independently audited by Deloitte.

Servers are available in over 100 countries, making it one of the largest VPN networks I have ever tested. This makes it highly versatile for accessing international platforms. Dedicated IPs are also available for a small additional cost. It is useful for people using remote work platforms, poker sites, and other services that might flag you for suspicious behavior if you regularly access their services using different IP addresses.

CyberGhost’s privately operated NoSpy Servers offer enhanced protection for users who require heightened security, making them ideal for bypassing restrictions in high-surveillance regions. The kill switch prevents leaks at the system level, and it has torrenting servers. I also liked its Bug Bounty Program, which means independent security researchers can help identify vulnerabilities.

The WireGuard protocol ensures the fastest VPN speeds. And it impressed me for streaming, thanks to its dedicated streaming-optimized servers. These are regularly tested to ensure CyberGhost works to watch Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and over 30 international streaming platforms.

It even has gaming servers! Whether you need a VPN to bypass geo-blocking, stream, gaming, or secure browsing, CyberGhost VPN is an excellent choice that balances affordability, performance, and ease of use. Plus, thanks to its seven-connection allowance, it’s good for families.

CyberGhost features

CyberGhost VPN was first launched in 2011, and the provider has been improving its service ever since. The VPN has continually added new server locations and features to enhance security, privacy, and accessibility for its subscribers. As a result, it offers an extremely well-rounded service for the price point.

That said, the VPN lacks the advanced features you get with some competitors. This makes it easier for beginners to learn to use. It is a better option for people who don’t require app-based split tunneling, multi-hop, Tor over VPN, or port forwarding.

I have listed all the features I discovered below to give you a clear picture of what you will get with a CyberGhost subscription. I was impressed with its suite of tools, which offer everything that users need to gain online privacy and exceptional unlocking capabilities for streaming.

Core VPN features

CyberGhost VPN supports a choice of reliable VPN protocols and encryption standards to ensure privacy and performance. Users can choose between AES-256-bit encryption with OpenVPN and IKEv2 or ChaCha20 encryption with the popular, modern WireGuard protocol.

The latter is perfect for tasks that require robust privacy and faster speeds. Perfect Forward Secrecy ensures that encryption keys are refreshed regularly, preventing past session data from being compromised. You can also turn on random port selection, which helps connect you to the VPN on networks that block ports associated with VPNs.

CyberGhost has a strict no-logs policy, which Deloitte independently audited. This policy ensures that user activity is never stored or tracked. You can learn more about this policy later in the guide.

Servers are available in 100+ countries, and the network has more than 11,690 servers. This makes CyberGhost a superb option for IP spoofing. The network includes NoSpy Servers, which are privately operated in CyberGhost’s Romanian data center. It also has servers optimized for streaming, gaming, and torrenting. If you want to connect to the best server for your location, you can click the Best server location button:

Dedicated IPs are available to rent in 12 different countries. This is perfect for users who require a static IP address reserved for their use only. CyberGhost provides access to dedicated IPs using a token-based system. This improves user privacy while granting them a consistent IP address.

Advanced security & privacy features

Despite being affordable, CyberGhost VPN comes with all the features users need to stay private online.

The automatic kill switch blocks traffic if the VPN connection unexpectedly drops. This prevents you from exposing your real IP address to the websites you visit and ensures that no unprotected data ever leaks to local networks or your ISP. The killswitch is enabled by default on macOS, iOS, and Android and can be manually activated on Windows.

CyberGhost protects against DNS and IP leaks, ensuring that DNS requests are routed through its secure servers. The VPN automatically blocks IPv6 traffic, so you will revert to IPv4 anytime you use CyberGhost VPN.

For added protection, CyberGhost runs on RAM-only servers. These servers ensure no user data is ever written to a hard drive, enhancing privacy and security.

CyberGhost includes malware and ad blocking, which prevents users from accessing malicious websites. DNS-based filtering blocks a list of domains known to be used for tracking or other malicious purposes (e.g., phishing, malware, etc.).

Users who prioritize online privacy will appreciate CyberGhost’s quarterly Transparency Reports. These reports disclose details on law enforcement data requests and reveal that the no-logs policy is working to protect users.

Additional features

Here’s an overview of some of CyberGhost’s other features:

• Streaming-optimized servers: Offers access to 30 major streaming platforms, including Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video.
• Smart DNS: Allows streaming US services on devices that don’t support VPN apps.
• Torrenting servers: Optimized for fast, secure file sharing.
• Gaming servers: Low-latency performance, useful for bypassing regional sports blackouts.
• Multi-device support: You can connect up to 7 devices simultaneously on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux.
• Browser extensions: These are available for Chrome and Firefox for quick VPN access.
• Router compatibility: Allows users to secure their entire network.
• Wifi protection: Automatically activates the VPN when connecting to public hotspots.
• Split tunneling: This feature is available for Windows and Android only. On Windows, it only allows you to whitelist URLs (you can’t use it to set apps to exclude from the VPN tunnel).
• CyberGhost Security Suite: Windows-exclusive add-on integrating malware protection, antivirus, and firewall functionalities.
• Privacy guard: This is a feature for Windows only. It scans the operating system for privacy vulnerabilities and allows users to disable intrusive Windows tracking features.
• Identity guard: This feature provides real-time alerts if a user’s email address is found in a data breach. All subscribers can enable this feature for 2 email addresses.
• Secret photo vault: iOS-only feature to hide and encrypt private photos and videos.
• Private browser: Powered by DuckDuckGo, automatically clearing browsing history after each session.
• Connection checker: iOS tool that tests network connections and CyberGhost server accessibility.

As you can see, CyberGhost has many extra features, especially considering the cost of a subscription. This makes it a highly versatile and useful VPN for gaining online privacy, security, and accessibility.

CyberGhost price and plans

CyberGhost VPN offers three main subscription plans:

• Monthly plan: This plan provides all the core VPN features. However, it does not include access to NoSpy servers or the Privacy Guard feature.
• 6-month plan: This plan includes all the core VPN features, Privacy Guard, pCloud (500 BG encrypted cloud storage), and self-owned NoSpy servers.
• 2-year + 2 months plan: This plan includes all CyberGhost features and provides the best value. This includes pCloud (500 GB Cloud Storage for 1 Year), access to Privacy Guard, CyberGhost ID Guard, and NoSpy Servers.

All plans include access to CyberGhost’s full suite of VPN features, including over 9,800 servers worldwide, support for up to 7 simultaneous device connections, and 24/7 customer support.

Price Breakdown

You can see the price breakdown for each plan (and what is available) below.

Monthly plan

• $12.99 per month
• 14-day money-back guarantee
• No access to NoSpy servers or Privacy Guard

6-month plan

• $6.99 per month ($41.94 total per 6 months)
• 45-day money-back guarantee
• Includes Privacy Guard and NoSpy servers

2-year + 2 months plan

• $2.19 per month ($56.94 total for first 26 months, then annually thereafter)
• 45-day money-back guarantee
• Includes all CyberGhost features

Add-ons

CyberGhost offers several add-ons to enhance your VPN experience. These add-ons become cheaper if you subscribe for a longer period.

• Dedicated IP: A unique IP address assigned exclusively to you, available for an additional $2.50 – $5.00 per month, depending on which subscription plan you choose.
• CyberGhost security suite for Windows: This package includes antivirus protection from Intego, Privacy Guard, and Security Updater. It is priced at $1.00 per month with the 2-year plan and $4.50 per month when billed monthly.

Discounts

CyberGhost offers significant discounts on its long-term plans. Our readers can access these discounts by following the link on this page. Opting for the 2-year + 2-month plan will save 83% compared to monthly pricing. We also receive special seasonal promotions for our readers, so it is worth checking this review during holidays and Black Friday to see whether our coupon link offers an even better price.

Please note that the introductory price increases upon renewal. This price hike is automatic and non-refundable. The 2-year plan turns into an annual subscription after the initial term. This significantly increases the cost of your VPN subscription.

To avoid paying these higher rates, I strongly recommend setting a reminder in your calendar to cancel your account before automatic renewal happens. That way you can resubscribe at a lower introductory rate and take advantage discounts.

Payment methods & refunds

CyberGhost VPN accepts various payment methods, including:

• Credit cards
• PayPal
• Google Pay
• Amazon Pay
• Cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin).

If you pay with crypto, you must pay for add-ons at checkout. You will not be able to add a dedicated IP or the Windows Security Suite at a later date if you pay with crypto. So, ensure you get all the add-ons you need from the get-go.

Payment options can vary depending on your location, according to some user reports. For this reason, I advise you to check the website if you have a specific payment method in mind. All plans come with a 45-day money-back guarantee on the 6-month and 2-year plans and a 14-day guarantee on the monthly plan. This allows you to test the VPN risk-free.

Testing the money-back guarantee

To test CyberGhost’s refund policy, I paid for a 1-month subscription. I then tested the refund process by requesting my money back after three weeks.

To request my refund, I contacted support via live chat (you can also contact them via email if you prefer). I provided the email address attached to my account and my order ID (which you can find in the email from sign-up). I politely told the agent that I no longer needed the VPN, and they processed my refund.

My refund was processed within five working days, with no issues or pressure to stay subscribed. Overall, I was impressed by the simplicity of requesting a refund, which was easier than with some competitors. Thumbs up!

Free trial

CyberGhost provides free trials across different platforms:

• Windows and macOS: 24-hour free trial.
• Android: 3-day free trial.
• iOS: 7-day free trial.

These trials offer full access to all features without restrictions, enabling you to thoroughly test the service before committing to a subscription. You can access the mobile trials via the Google PlayStore or Apple App Store and the 24-hour trial for desktop machines via the CyberGhost website.

Finding the free trial on the website is a bit tricky, but you can ask a live chat agent to link you, and it does exist (as you can see in the screenshot below).

Device limitations 

Each CyberGhost subscription can be installed and used on 7 simultaneous devices. If you exceed this limit, you’ll need to remove a device before adding a new one.

The easiest way to bypass this limit is to install CyberGhost on a compatible router. This will allow you to use the VPN on all the devices in your home while only using up one of your allowed connections.

Installing the VPN on a VPN-compatible router will free up your other 6 connections, meaning you (and your family) can use the VPN at work, school, and while accessing public wifi hotspots using mobile devices.

If you need more than seven connections, you will need to pay for a secondary account (or opt for an alternative provider such as Surfshark, which offers unlimited connections).

Does CyberGhost offer value for money?

Yes. If you opt for the 2-year plan, CyberGhost VPN is exceptionally good value for money. However, the monthly plan, which costs $12.99 per month is a touch expensive when compared to competitors like ProtonVPN. So, if you only need a VPN for a short time (such as for a vacation or a short work trip) you may prefer to shop elsewhere.

If you use our link to get the 2-year plan (with 2 months extra for free), you will receive an impressive balance of features, performance, and affordability. Its extensive server network, advanced privacy protections, and optimized streaming servers make it an excellent value for users who need security and unrestricted access to global content.

The 45-day money-back guarantee and multi-device support further enhance the VPN’s value. This VPN also works exceptionally well for streaming.

Speed: Is CyberGhost VPN fast?

Speed is a critical factor for most people when choosing a VPN. I favor VPNs that provide exceptionally fast speeds, strong privacy, and access to global streaming platforms to carry out data-intensive tasks that require a lag-free experience.

The good news? During my tests, CyberGhost performed fantastically. I have stable, speedy connections for HD streaming, gaming, and torrenting.

According to its website, the VPN recently upgraded its infrastructure with 10 Gbps servers in over 30 countries. My server-based and home-based tests corroborated this, revealing that the VPN delivers consistently fast speeds.

Bear in mind that speed consistency varies based on factors like server location, protocol selection, and real-world network conditions.

If you are in a country with slow internet – or are paying for cellular internet that is slower than 10 Mbps to begin with – the VPN may reduce your speeds enough to cause buffering issues. This is normal. Even the fastest VPN cannot speed up your internet (unless you suffer from bandwidth throttling).

Speed test results

You can learn more about our speed test methodology by clicking the link. However, the basic testing method was as follows: I tested CyberGhost’s USA (New York), UK (London), and Hong Kong servers three times in the morning, Noon, and evening. I used these results to arrive at local and global averages. The test server was located in Manchester, UK.

I installed the latest CyberGhost VPN app on a Windows Virtual Machine. Speed tests were conducted using the app version of Speedtest by Ookla, which is more stable than the website.

The test server has a 250 Mbps connection without the VPN. This means it has plenty of overhead for checking CyberGhost VPN’s top speeds. Below, you can see the results of my comprehensive speed tests on CyberGhost:

What factors affect CyberGhost VPN speed?

Several things can impact CyberGhost’s speed. I’ve listed them below:

1. Server distance

• Nearby servers typically provide the best performance.
• Long-distance connections (over 10,000 km) tend to be slower, which is to be expected with any VPN. Stick to a closer server when possible to improve latency.

2. VPN protocols

• WireGuard is the fastest protocol available, offering the best balance of speed and security.
• OpenVPN is slightly slower than WireGuard. However, CyberGhost implemented this protocol faster than many competing VPNs.
• IKEv2 is an alternative option that delivers fast, stable connections, especially for mobile users.

3. Server type

• Streaming-optimized servers are designed to bypass geo-restrictions but do not necessarily offer better speeds.
• NoSpy Servers provide extra privacy but are likely to slow you down more. These are also located exclusively in Romania, which may cause lag depending on your location.
• Torrenting servers are optimized for faster file sharing. The VPN has torrenting servers in over 70 countries, giving you plenty of speed optimization options.

4. Virtual Locations

CyberGhost uses virtual servers for some regions. If the physical location used to provide the IP address is a long distance from the user, it could affect speeds. Unfortunately, CyberGhost does not tell users where the physical server is located when using a virtual location.

Instead, you must go to the CyberGhost website and check the server list. The green tick under Located signals that it is a physical server. (No tick means it is virtual.) If you want faster speeds guaranteed, I recommend sticking to a physical server location.

How does CyberGhost’s speed compare to competitors?

CyberGhost is one of the fastest VPNs, with speeds fast enough for HD and 4K streaming. My home broadband tests revealed that CyberGhost typically reduces speed by 10-20% on nearby servers, which is in line with industry expectations. That said, some providers like NordVPN and Surfshark have demonstrated faster speeds in direct comparisons.

Real-world performance: How did CyberGhost perform during everyday tasks?

CyberGhost handled streaming exceptionally well during my tests, maintaining smooth HD and 4K playback, even when connected to international servers.

For gaming, the VPN performed well on both Android mobile and Windows. I could play PUBG, CoD Warzone, and even Population One on my Quest 3 (sharing the connection from Windows using a hotspot). During gameplay, I experienced low-latency connections when using local servers. However, long-distance connections have a little lag, so keep server choice in mind for competitive play.

I also tested the VPN for torrenting with my qBittorrent client. My P2P speeds remained fast and stable throughout, making it a decent torrenting VPN. For example, I downloaded a 4GB file in under 4 minutes.

Device compatibility (VPN Apps)

CyberGhost VPN provides apps for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, Android TV, Fire TV, and select browsers. It supports router configurations to extend VPN protection to devices without native app support, such as gaming consoles and certain smart TVs.

Alternatively, you can create a VPN-protected wifi hotspot from a Windows PC and connect it to your device (which I did to use the VPN on my Quest VR headset).

Users can connect up to 7 devices simultaneously, which is usually enough for most power users and families. If this allowance is too small, you may prefer a VPN that allows unlimited connections, such as Surfshark or IPVanish.

CyberGhost VPN also provides a Smart DNS for accessing geo-blocked content on devices that do not support VPN installation, such as Apple TV, PlayStation, and Xbox. However, the Smart DNS is for US streaming platforms only.

Router compatibility

CyberGhost’s router compatibility enables full-home VPN protection, allowing all connected devices to route traffic through the VPN. The provider offers detailed setup guides for various router models, ensuring easy manual configuration. However, unlike some competitors, CyberGhost does not have a native router app, meaning users must manually configure OpenVPN on compatible routers or purchase pre-configured routers with CyberGhost installed.

CyberGhost can be set up manually on routers that support OpenVPN, including popular brands like:

• Netgear (Netgear R6300v2, Netgear R6400v2, Netgear R7000, Netgear R7000P, Netgear R7800, Netgear R8000, Netgear R9000)
• Linksys (Linksys WRT1200AC, Linksys WRT1900ACv1, Linksys WRT1900ACv2, Linksys WRT1900ACS, Linksys WRT3200ACM, Linksys WRT32X)
• Asus (Asus RT-AC56U, Asus RT-AC66U, Asus RT-AC68U, Asus RT-AC87U, Asus RT-AC3100, Asus RT-AC5300)

Other OpenVPN-compatible routers

• DD-WRT Routers
• Tomato Routers
• Synology NAS

CyberGhost provides step-by-step tutorials for setting up the VPN on supported routers. However, unlike some competitors, it does not offer a custom app for routers. Instead, you will need to set up an OpenVPN connection manually. If this sounds too tricky, you can purchase a pre-configured router with CyberGhost pre-installed from FlashRouters.com

Platform-specific details

Want to know which features are available in the different CyberGhost apps? Below is a breakdown of each platform’s capabilities and limitations. As with most competing VPNs, there are a few platform-specific limitations, with some missing Android, macOS, iOS, and Linux features.

While it may not offer the most comprehensive feature set across all devices, CyberGhost remains a solid choice for users seeking privacy, streaming access, and multi-device protection.

Windows

macOS

Linux

Android

iOS

Browser extensions (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave, Opera)

CyberGhost offers lightweight browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave, and Opera. These extensions provide quick access to CyberGhost’s servers, allowing you to switch your IP address inside of the browser. However, they function as proxies rather than a full VPN client with encryption.

While the extensions change the IP address of your browser traffic, they do not protect other apps or services on your device. When using the proxy it is important to remember that this proxy lacks the advanced security features of the full CyberGhost client, including full encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection.

CyberGhost’s browser extensions can be used for free without an account. However, the extensions are limited to servers in Germany, the Netherlands, Romania, and the US. Even users who pay for the VPN will only get access to those 4 server locations, which seems like a bit of an oversight (and leads to complaints from those users)

While it can be convenient to switch your IP address inside your browser, the extensions are pretty limited, and not suitable for users who need robust online security and privacy. For this reason, I generally advise sticking to the full VPN client.

Ease of use

I tested CyberGhost VPN thoroughly on Windows, Android, and iOS to evaluate its usability and performance. My goal was to see whether it delivers a smooth experience for both desktop and mobile users.

I am happy to report that CyberGhost offers a straightforward installation, an intuitive interface, and a variety of customization options that make it easy to use. I found all the advertised features to work as intended, but you can learn more about my experiences on Windows and Android below:

CyberGhost for Windows

Downloading CyberGhost took less than two minutes, and the setup process was easy (login and click connect). The app is lightweight and doesn’t require extensive configuration: All the required drivers, modules, and frameworks install automatically with the VPN app, making CyberGhost accessible even for first-time VPN users.

CyberGhost clearly presents key features upfront. However, its settings menu structure is a little confusing. The central connection button allows for quick access to a server, and finding the server list is easy. Navigating the full range of settings, on the other hand, can be frustrating.

Some settings, like Privacy Settings and Smart Rules, are located under the CyberGhost logo menu – while others are under the cog symbol (split into General and CyberGhost VPN subcategories). This scattered organization left me clicking about to find what I needed.

For example, when I wanted to locate the ad and tracker blocking feature, it took me over a minute to locate it under CyberGhost logo > Privacy Settings.

Other VPNs use a more intuitive tab system, making it easier to flick through settings quickly. While you might eventually memorize where things are, the layout feels random enough that you may end up clicking through menus each time you want to change a setting.

Another slight frustration revolves around the 7-device installation limit. This means you must manually remove a device from your account before adding another. While this limit is clearly communicated, the way it is implemented is more restrictive than other VPNs.

Competing services typically allow installations on unlimited devices as long as only the permitted number are connected simultaneously. With CyberGhost, users must stick to seven specifically chosen devices and remove and replace devices in the members’ area.

This can be frustrating for users who frequently need to switch between more than seven devices.

Interface and functionality

The Windows app uses a dark purple and gray color scheme with yellow highlights, giving it a modern yet minimalistic look. I found the app to be visually distinct and better looking than most of its competitors.

Key usability highlights:

• Search function: I found it easy to find servers by name. However, using the search bar only works for countries (not cities). For example, you should search for USA and then open the drop-down menu to find New York.
• Server list filters: I liked that CyberGhost lets you pick your server by location (all servers), gaming, streaming, No Spy, and torrenting optimization. This makes it much easier to find a use-appropriate server.
• Favorites list: You can click the star next to a server location to save it to your frequently used servers list. This will give you fast access to the servers you need.
• System tray integration: You can use CyberGhost’s tray icon to access your favorites list and connect to the VPN. This is handy if you want to manage your connection quickly without opening the full app (right-click the logo).

Features and performance

CyberGhost’s Windows app offers plenty of useful features, especially for a VPN that costs $2.19 per month. I found the features appealing to regular home Internet users, enhancing both usability and security.

One of my favorite features is Smart Rules, which allowed me to automate CyberGhost to launch on startup and automatically connect when opening specific apps. I set it to automatically connect to the BBC iPlayer server when I launched my Chrome app. This ensured that I could watch British TV from Canada without having to do anything other than launch the VPN.

I also activated the Wi-Fi protection feature. I set this to connect to the VPN automatically anytime I join a new network. This offers reliable protection if (like me) you are often on the move using public wifi. Auto-connect ensures you will always protect yourself against Evil Twin hotspots and surveillance at the hands of hotspot providers.

CyberGhost supports OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2 as VPN protocols. This provides plenty of flexibility without cluttering the app with outdated protocols that users need to understand to avoid certain use cases.

During testing, WireGuard gave me the best balance of speed and security.  OpenVPN remained a solid option for privacy-conscious users, though I was sad to find that there is no obfuscation for OpenVPN. So, if you live in a country with overreaching surveillance and censorship, I’d probably advise shopping elsewhere.

Testing CyberGhost’s advanced features 

To check that the VPN works as expected, I tested its key security features and advanced functions.

Kill switch

First, I tested the kill switch by purposely crashing the app and monitoring my IP address every 0.4 seconds. (I did this by using a page refreshing extension and IP address checking tool in tandem.) The kill switch immediately blocked my internet connection without leaking my home IP address.

Split tunneling

Next, I tested the split tunneling feature. On Windows, this let me specify URLs I wanted to exclude from the VPN tunnel. Most competing services also allow you to exclude apps from the VPN. This makes CyberGhost split tunneling for Windows rather basic. If you need app-based split tunneling for Windows, I’d advise NordVPN instead.

The good news? The split tunneling worked perfectly. I excluded the URL for a popular IP-checking website and then connected to the VPN.

When I visited ipleak.net, it detected my home IP address in Canada. However, when I went to browserleaks.com it displayed the VPN’s IP address in Albania.

Random port

I tested the Random Port Selection feature by intentionally blocking port 1194 in my router’s admin panel, which is the default port for OpenVPN UDP. I then attempted to connect to CyberGhost using OpenVPN and was pleased to find that the VPN still connected. To verify which port was in use, I ran Wireshark and confirmed that CyberGhost had defaulted to port 443. This is widely used for HTTPS traffic and is therefore less likely to be blocked on restrictive networks.

Another highlight is the App Protection feature. This forces CyberGhost to automatically launch and connect when you open specific apps. I added Firefox to this list and was happy to find that the VPN automatically connected every time I launched Firefox.

Overall, I found CyberGhost’s Windows app to be feature-rich and effective. The settings menu could be a little less convoluted, but this is a minor quibble considering the efficacy of the features it offers at this price point.

Server selection and connection reliability

One of the best aspects of CyberGhost’s Windows app is its extensive server network. With over 11,000 servers worldwide, I could pick from various locations. Each server listing shows the distance, which helps you pick the closest server in a specific location, such as the US:

During my testing, I noticed occasional connection issues where the app would fail to connect or take longer than expected. However, this was rare and could usually be fixed by simply trying again or picking another server location in the country I required.

I did a little research online to see what other users were saying, and some Reddit users reported that OpenVPN performance was inconsistent. Most said spotty connectivity could be resolved by switching to “automatic” protocol selection. However, this may not suit you if you specifically want to use OpenVPN.

Issues and limitations

While CyberGhost for Windows is packed with features, it does have some drawbacks that may make you shop elsewhere:

• No port forwarding: Useful feature if you regularly seed torrents or want to host a server behind the VPN.
• Split tunneling: Limited to URLs on Windows.
• Bugs and stability issues: The app is sometimes sluggish to launch and/or slow to connect. Some users also suffer occasional crashes. (I did not suffer crashes but other users do report this issue, it is worth bearing in mind.)
• Device installation limit: CyberGhost has a 7-device installation limit – not just a limit on simultaneous connections. This can be frustrating. If you need unlimited devices, an unlimited VPN like Surfshark may be a better alternative.

Did CyberGhost VPN for Windows work as advertised?

Yes. In terms of functionality, CyberGhost’s Windows app delivers on its promises. During my extensive testing, I found the app to be intuitive, easy to set up, and packed with features that enhance usability and security. It worked reliably for streaming, torrenting, and general browsing, with Smart Rules, Split Tunneling, and automatic wifi giving me some valuable added controls.

CyberGhost for Android

Installing CyberGhost on Android is quick and simple. You can get the app from the Google Play Store, and setup happens with just a few taps. The interface is clean and intuitive, and it closely resembles the desktop version. This made it easy to switch between platforms without a long learning curve.

The main screen features a large Connect button and the selected location. This keeps things simple for users who just want to quickly connect to the same server each time.  Unlike the desktop app, the Android version does not include gaming or torrenting-optimized servers. Fortunately, you can still access the streaming servers:

A NoSpy server is also available and can be located by selecting Romania > NoSpy Bucharest.

Another positive: The split tunneling on Android (unlike Windows) can be set for specific apps. This makes it more useful. I could select specific apps to bypass the VPN while keeping others protected. This makes it reliable for those who need a VPN for some apps but not others.

Another standout feature is Wi-Fi protection, which worked flawlessly in my tests. I set the VPN to connect automatically whenever I joined a new public Wi-Fi network, and it worked great. This ensures my tablet and smartphone are always safe against data snoops and hackers.

The Android VPN app supports OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols, which is more than enough flexibility for me. I successfully tested the kill switch (it leverages the native Android Always-On VPN feature – which is reliable), ad blocker, and content blocker without any issues.

Did CyberGhost for Android work as advertised?

Yes. My tests revealed that CyberGhost’s Android app works as expected. I found the app easy to install, configure, and use. The split tunneling feature performed better than on Windows. Auto-connect meant I never had to worry about hotspots snooping on me.

Speeds were consistent and fast enough for streaming, browsing, and private video calls. The lack of torrenting and gaming servers may frustrate some users, but I could use all the available servers for gaming without issues (I played PUBG and Chess.com on Android without issues).

CyberGhost for Android is a feature-rich, well-designed mobile VPN offering a smooth experience. It provides a powerful combination of usability and security, making it a decent mobile VPN for the price point. It is also easy to use, which makes it a decent option for newbies to the world of VPNs.

Overall experience

CyberGhost worked reliably on every platform I tested: Windows, Android, and iOS. The mobile apps closely resemble the desktop versions, making it easy to switch between devices without a learning curve. As a mobile VPN, it works seamlessly as both an iPhone VPN and an iPad VPN.

Quick Connect allows for fast connections with a single tap. Although the Windows app has a more feature-rich interface, the Android app offers per-app split tunneling, which is a major advantage over its desktop counterparts.

The VPN app for iOS is the most restrictive. It still provides a smooth and secure VPN experience, offering essential tools like automatic Wi-Fi connections, WireGuard, and IKEv2 support. However, you will not find random port selection, the OpenVPN protocol, Smart Rules, or any other advanced features you get with the other apps. This makes it pretty basic.

Overall, however, I found it to be a reliable and easy-to-use VPN across all the devices I tested. My biggest quibble is with the browser extensions, which only give you access to a few servers—even if you are a paying subscriber. This makes the extension feel like an afterthought rather than something that caters to its paying subscribers.

Server network

CyberGhost VPN has one of the largest server networks I have ever encountered. Regardless of your chosen plan, you will get access to a vast selection of servers spanning multiple continents. The network is designed to prevent server congestion – giving users the perfect combination of fast speeds and strong security.

Best of all, CyberGhost provides streaming servers and servers optimized for torrenting, gaming, and privacy. This makes it exceptionally easy to find the server you need. For greater transparency, I have broken down CyberGhost’s server metrics below.

Server metrics

• Server count: At the time of writing, CyberGhost operates over 11,500 servers, making it one of the largest VPN networks on the market.
• Country coverage: Servers are distributed across 100+ countries, providing extensive global reach for users looking to bypass censorship or access region-specific content. This includes servers in 11 different US cities.
• Physical and virtual servers: CyberGhost uses a combination of physical and virtual servers. Physical servers provide IP addresses from their actual locations, while virtual servers offer IPs from different regions. CyberGhost does not clearly label virtual servers in its apps. However, you can check which servers are virtual on its website.
• Specialized servers: CyberGhost provides dedicated servers for streaming, gaming, torrenting, and privacy (NoSpy). This makes it easier to pick the best server and enhances performance for these specific tasks. However, these specialized servers are not available on all platforms, as mobile apps lack optimized servers for gaming and torrenting.

Comparison with competitors

CyberGhost’s server count is impressive. It provides one of the largest total server counts I have ever encountered and ensures a wide choice of servers globally. This makes it an outstanding option for users who want to access IP addresses in many places. Below, you can directly compare CyberGhost to other leading providers.

Unique or rare locations

CyberGhost provides access to many rare or hard-to-reach VPN locations, making it highly effective in helping users connect to countries that are often not covered by other VPN providers.

The only slight annoyance is that the virtual servers are not clearly labeled in the apps. You must check the website to see whether each location is physical rather than provided using DNS tricks.

Below, I’ve listed some of the rarer locations where CyberGhost provides IP addresses:

• Andorra
• The Bahamas
• Bangladesh
• Cambodia
• China
• Kenya
• Laos
• Liechtenstein
• Macao
• Malaysia
• Moldova
• Mongolia
• Myanmar
• Nepal
• Qatar
• Sri Lanka

Does CyberGhost work in China?

CyberGhost does not officially support users in China. This makes it a poor choice for users visiting or living in China and attempting to bypass Chinese VPN restrictions or blocks on Western services like Google and Facebook.

In addition to China, the VPN struggles in other countries with heavy censorship, including Russia, Iran, and the UAE. This is due to insufficient obfuscation technology (Stealth VPN protocols).

To be 100% certain that these reports were correct, I contacted CyberGhost’s support team. The agent confirmed that the VPN may not work consistently in China. Without VPN traffic obfuscation, the service is easier to detect and block by the Great Firewall.

Admittedly, there are some reports of users successfully bypassing the Great Firewall. However, there is no guarantee that it will function reliably. It is also worth noting that CyberGhost’s website will likely be blocked by Chinese ISPs. This makes it hard to subscribe in the first place but it is not out of the ordinary for VPNs.

Choosing a VPN with proven VPN obfuscation technology is a better option for users in China, Russia, the UAE, Turkey, or other restrictive countries. Bypassing the Great Firewall is increasingly difficult, so a VPN that is specifically optimized to deal with Chinese internet censorship is advised.

Streaming and unblocking

CyberGhost VPN is an incredibly strong choice for streaming. It has a large network of streaming-optimized servers that are regularly tested to ensure reliability. And it offers exceptionally fast speeds for HD streaming. Additionally, Smart DNS is available for devices that don’t natively support VPNs, such as Apple TV, PlayStation, and Xbox.

Overview

When it comes to streaming, CyberGhost VPN is extremely effective. The VPN has put great effort into optimizing its network reach and invested a great deal of time into testing (and labeling) streaming-optimized servers for more than 30 different streaming services in 25+ countries.

For example, it has 21 different US streaming servers, each optimized for a specific platform, such as YouTube TV, Hulu, HBO Max, Netflix, Sling TV, Peacock, Disney+, DAZN, NFL TV, Fox, Crunchyroll, or Prime Video.

Below, I’ve detailed CyberGhost’s streaming capabilities and key features that enhance performance.

Streaming service compatibility

Netflix

CyberGhost provides specialized servers for over 15 Netflix libraries, including the US, UK, Canada, Japan, Germany, and Italy. HD streaming is smooth on both optimized and regular servers, though some lesser-known libraries (including places like Thailand, Argentina, and South Africa) are inaccessible.

We advise sticking to Netflix-specific servers most of the time, as these will be the most reliable. However, you can also test regular servers to see whether they work with Netflix or another streaming platform.

Does CyberGhost work with international streaming platforms?

At Comparitech, we make every effort to check how leading VPNs perform not only in countries like the US, the UK, and Canada but also in global regions. This gives you a better idea of how the VPN might perform when trying to access regional TV platforms from around the globe.

Below, you can see the results of my international tests watching free TV services with CyberGhost:

• Germany: I logged in and watched ARD Mediathek. This channel is usually blocked outside of Germany.
• France: I used CyberGhost to stream France.tv. I could watch France 2 without any buffering problems.
• Brazil: I used CyberGhost to log in and stream free content on GloboPlay Brazil.
• Canada: I logged in and streamed live TV on CBC Gem.
• Australia: I tested CyberGhost’s dedicated 10 Play server and found that it worked to stream 10 Peach Comedy without buffering.

Does CyberGhost VPN allow torrenting?

Yes. CyberGhost VPN supports torrenting and provides servers that are specifically optimized for it. You can connect to torrenting servers in 86 different countries, which is an impressive number of options. I tested the streaming servers to download using my qBittorrent client and was happy with my results. The VPN provided fast connections, and my downloads were not noticeably slower than I would usually experience without a VPN. For example, I could download a 4 GB file in less than 3 and a half minutes.

One caveat with CyberGhost is the lack of per-app split tunneling on Windows and Mac. This would be useful for ensuring that my torrent client is using the VPN, but I can continue to use Chrome or Firefox outside of the VPN tunnel, which can sometimes be handy when working or accessing local services.

Another drawback is the lack of port forwarding. If you torrent regularly and want to seed efficiently, you may prefer to use a torrenting VPN with port forwarding. However, for casual users who only download the odd file, CyberGhost is effective for concealing your activities from your ISP and hiding your IP address from the swarm.

Is CyberGhost VPN safe?

CyberGhost VPN has an excellent reputation for privacy and security. It has all the features users need to stay safe online, and it has been fully audited, which means you can trust it to work as advertised.

The company is headquartered in Romania, a jurisdiction not part of the 14 Eyes Alliance. The VPN is free to enforce a rock-solid no-logging policy. It has no legal obligation to store or share user data with US, UK, EU, or elsewhere intelligence agencies.

Romania declared EU-imposed data retention laws unconstitutional, making it a particularly strong EU jurisdiction in which a privacy service could have its headquarters.

Below, I have broken down all the most important aspects of CyberGhost’s security infrastructure. The VPN emphasizes user privacy and provides an excellent feature set for the cost.

IP leak tests

To check that the VPN tunnel is behaving as expected, I ran detailed IP, DNS, and WebRTC leaks on Windows and Android. Below are the results of my Windows tests. I was happy to find that the VPN did not suffer from any leaks on any of the devices I tested.

CyberGhost’s encrypted VPN tunnel can be trusted to provide confidentiality when carrying out sensitive online tasks, such as bypassing blocks at work or bypassing censorship in regions that enforce high levels of surveillance and censorship.

Logging policy

CyberGhost maintains a strict no-logs policy. It does not store records of user activity inside the VPN tunnel, connection logs, or any records of the subscriber’s source IP address or servers used. Even if it is approached by authorities or any other third party, it will have no historical data relating to VPN use.

This policy has been independently audited by Deloitte, which confirmed that CyberGhost does not collect or store any traffic logs. The audit also validated the security and implementation of the CyberGhost network and apps.

I analyzed the privacy policy myself to see if there are any grey areas or clauses that subscribers need to be aware of.

Privacy policy findings:

• CyberGhost collects hardware information to enforce its 7-device limit.
• During app onboarding, diagnostic data is collected by default. Users can opt out of providing additional diagnostic data in the future by turning it off in the app.
• CyberGhost’s privacy policy states that personal data may be shared with subsidiaries and its parent company, Kape Technologies. However, CyberGhost holds (and may share with Kape) only a name, email, and payment details (it does not include IPs or VPN connection information).
• The company reserves the right to log limited data in response to law enforcement requests.  This clause is standard and covers the VPN should it receive any government data request warrants it has to comply with. The VPN claims not to have provided any private data to authorities simply because it has no data of this kind in the first place.

Overall, I found the policy to be similar to those provided by other leading no-logs VPNs. Nothing implies that the VPN is harvesting usage data, which means that the VPN is fit for purpose as a privacy service.

Encryption & protocols

CyberGhost employs top-of-the-range encryption and modern VPN protocols to secure user data. The protocols available inside of CyberGhost’s apps are:

• OpenVPN (UDP/TCP): Highly secure and widely supported.
• WireGuard: A modern protocol offering fast speeds and strong security.
• IKEv2: Excellent for mobile devices but not open-source.

These protocols are implemented using the secure encryption  standards listed below:

• AES-256 Encryption: Used for OpenVPN and IKEv2 connections, this is the gold standard for VPN security.
• ChaCha20 Encryption: Used with WireGuard, offering a balance of speed and security.
• Perfect Forward Secrecy (PFS): Ensures that encryption keys are regenerated for every session, preventing past data from being decrypted if a key is compromised.

Controversies

CyberGhost generally has a decent security record and publishes regular transparency reports so that users can get information about data requests or bugs found in its service. This demonstrates a concerted commitment to providing users with honest information about any data requests or bugs that may have been found in its apps or network.

The VPN has had a few concerns over the years. However, finding and rectifying these issues has helped CyberGhost to refine its service. We also appreciate its bug bounty program, which ensures that third-party security researchers can probe the VPN for vulnerabilities.

Here are all the concerns CyberGhost has suffered over the years:

• Free VPN app malware (2016): A now-discontinued free version of CyberGhost requested excessive user permissions and registered as a Potentially Unwanted Application (PUA) using some antivirus programs. Despite the results of the joint study by Australia’s CSIRO and UC Berkeley, the VPN provider quickly pointed out that the app’s detection as a PUA was a false positive.
• Typeform data leak (2019): A third-party data breach exposed 120 email addresses and 14 usernames. No passwords or sensitive data were compromised, and the VPN used the opportunity to shore up its network further.
• Data sharing with Kape Technologies: CyberGhost’s parent company has a history in ad tech. This led to skepticism about the VPN’s commitment to privacy. However, there is no evidence that the VPN was ever involved in anything shady. Instead, the criticism centered around speculation, and the company has since established a strong reputation as a privacy services provider.
• Windows app vulnerability: A security flaw in the Windows app was discovered by an ethical hacker and has since been patched. This helped improve the safety of the app for all users.

Customer support

CyberGhost has various options for getting help installing or using its services. This 24/7 support ensures that help is available to users in many different locations worldwide.

I mystery-shopped the live chat on its website and sent some requests via email. This gave me a clear idea of how the VPN’s support mechanisms perform for regular users.

Overall, I found the support system responsive and effective. However, a few areas could be improved, particularly in-depth troubleshooting and the knowledge base’s search functionality.

Below, you can read more about my experiences testing CyberGhost’s support:

My experience with customer support

During testing, I was happy to find that CyberGhost’s live chat support was always available. I dropped in during the morning, afternoon, and evening, and the agents always responded in less than a minute.

The agents were polite, knowledgeable, and willing to help. When I inquired about split tunneling on Windows, the agent needed a few minutes to get their answer together. This shows that the agents aren’t necessarily knowledgeable about the VPN’s features – instead, they rely on searchable resources to access the answers that users need. The good news is that, after a couple of minutes, the agent provided a clear explanation:

As you can see from the response above, some interactions with the live chat agents felt a little scripted. You may also find that some of these responses don’t solve the crux of your problem. Under these circumstances (when you have a more technical or complex support request), you may need to escalate your help request to email. This happened a few times during my tests – causing the live chat agent to open a support ticket that was subsequently handled via email.

The only slight caveat is that email support was a little slow. I usually had to wait several hours for a response, and some questions required me to communicate back and forth a few times – which could take a day or two.

Customer support channels

CyberGhost provides multiple ways for subscribers (or people interested in subscribing) to ask questions:

1. 24/7 live chat: The fastest and most effective way to get support. Live chat is available in multiple languages because the agents can use in-chat translation tech. For example, I asked a question in Chinese, and the responses arrived in Chinese:
   
2. Email support: Better for complex issues, though response times vary. CyberGhost will also follow up via email if your live chat conversation times out or is interrupted.
3. Knowledge base/help center: CyberGhost has a library of setup guides, FAQs, and troubleshooting articles.

How could CyberGhost improve its support?

There were some obvious improvement areas. I’ve listed them below:

1. Better knowledge base: The help center could use more frequent updates and a smarter search engine to make it easier to find relevant articles.
2. More personalized responses: While the live chat agents are responsive, some responses feel overly generic, and the agents don’t always seem knowledgeable about the VPN. Instead, they need to research the answer to each question.
3. Faster email support: While email support is available, response times are slower than communicating via live chat.

CyberGhost review conclusion

Yes. CyberGhost is an excellent option for anybody who wants a reliable but easy-to-use VPN. Despite its low cost, the VPN protects your privacy and prevents local networks, ISPs, and government snoops from tracking your activities. It is also very easy to use, which makes it a decent option for beginners.

Users wanting advanced features like app-based split tunneling for Windows, multi-hop connections, or port forwarding may prefer to shop elsewhere. However, unless you specifically need these features, CyberGhost may be a better choice. Especially if you want a VPN for streaming,

CyberGhost comes with specially optimized streaming servers from many different platforms, making it faster and easier to find the server you need. It also offers outstanding speeds for data-intensive tasks such as streaming and torrenting, making CyberGhost VPN ideal for unblocking content and ensuring secure downloads.

Security-wise, CyberGhost includes AES-256 encryption, RAM-only servers, and automatic kill switches to protect your data. You can also connect to NoSpy servers. These are perfect for tasks that require specially hardened, self-owned servers.

Just remember that CyberGhost does not work reliably in China or other heavily censored regions due to the lack of obfuscation technology. It also enforces a 7-device installation limit, which can be a headache if you want to use the VPN on more devices.

The best CyberGhost alternatives

CyberGhost is an excellent option for users who want a simple but secure home VPN purposely optimized for streaming. However, depending on your needs, you may prefer an alternative:

• NordVPN: Thanks to its obfuscated servers, NordVPN is a better choice for users in restrictive countries. It represents incredible value for money and offers many advanced features. It also works with all the streaming services we tested it with.
• Surfshark: A highly impressive, low-cost VPN. It allows unlimited device connections, which makes it perfect for people who own many devices or larger families.
• Proton VPN: If you need a VPN with port forwarding for torrenting you may want to consider ProtonVPN. Proton is also an excellent option for people going on vacation because it has a very competitive monthly rate when compared to CyberGhost.

CyberGhost comparisons

• CyberGhost vs NordVPN
• CyberGhost vs Surfshark
• CyberGhost vs IPVanish
• CyberGhost vs Proton VPN