What Is CyberGhost VPN?
CyberGhost VPN is a Romania-based VPN provider that's been in operation since 2011. With over 38 million users worldwide, it's one of the more established names in the VPN industry. The company is now owned by Kape Technologies (which also owns ExpressVPN, Private Internet Access, and CyberGhost).
What sets CyberGhost apart is its focus on user-friendliness. The apps feature pre-configured profiles for specific tasks like streaming Netflix, torrenting, or gaming, making it dead simple for beginners to get the right settings without understanding VPN protocols or encryption standards.
CyberGhost operates under Romanian jurisdiction, which is outside the 5/9/14 Eyes intelligence-sharing alliances—a significant privacy advantage. The company maintains a strict no-logs policy and publishes quarterly transparency reports showing data requests from authorities (spoiler: they have no data to share).
✓ Pros
- Massive server network (11,500+ servers in 100 countries)
- Excellent beginner-friendly interface with pre-configured profiles
- 45-day money-back guarantee (best in class)
- Dedicated streaming servers for Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+
- Strong no-logs policy (independently audited by Deloitte)
- Great value on long-term plans ($2.03/month)
- Supports 7 simultaneous connections
- NoSpy servers available for extra security
- Built-in ad and malware blocker
- Romania jurisdiction (outside 5/9/14 Eyes)
✗ Cons
- Speeds slower than NordVPN and ExpressVPN
- Month-to-month plan is expensive ($12.99/month)
- No split tunneling on iOS or macOS
- Customer support can be slow during peak times
- Limited advanced features for power users
- Owned by Kape Technologies (some privacy concerns)
- No Tor over VPN feature
- Connection times slower than competitors
Speed Test Results
We conducted extensive speed tests on CyberGhost from multiple global locations using our standardized testing methodology. Our baseline connection without VPN: 500 Mbps download / 100 Mbps upload.
Download Speeds (Average % of Baseline)
Overall Speed Score: 85/100 — Good speeds, but not as fast as NordVPN (95/100) or ExpressVPN (93/100). Still perfectly adequate for 4K streaming and large downloads.
💡 Speed Testing Methodology
All tests conducted using Ookla Speedtest over WireGuard protocol on a 500/100 Mbps fiber connection. Each server tested 5 times at different times of day; averages shown above. Geographic distance affects speeds significantly—always choose nearby servers for best performance.
Security & Privacy Features
CyberGhost takes security seriously, offering robust encryption and a verified no-logs policy:
Encryption & Protocols
- AES-256 encryption — Military-grade encryption standard used by governments
- WireGuard protocol — Modern, fast, and secure (our recommended choice)
- OpenVPN (TCP/UDP) — Industry-standard fallback option
- IKEv2 — Good for mobile connections with frequent network switching
Privacy Protection Features
| Feature | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| No-logs policy | ✓ | Audited by Deloitte (2022) — verified zero logging |
| Kill switch | ✓ | Available on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS |
| DNS leak protection | ✓ | Private DNS servers, passed all leak tests |
| IPv6 leak protection | ✓ | Blocks IPv6 to prevent leaks |
| Ad blocker | ✓ | Built-in blocker for ads, trackers, and malware |
| Split tunneling | ⚠️ | Windows and Android only (not available on macOS/iOS) |
| Tor over VPN | ✗ | Not available (use dedicated Tor browser instead) |
Romania jurisdiction: CyberGhost is based in Romania, a privacy-friendly country with no mandatory data retention laws and no membership in intelligence-sharing alliances. This is a significant advantage over VPNs based in the US, UK, or Australia.
NoSpy Servers (Premium Option)
CyberGhost offers optional "NoSpy servers" located in their Romania headquarters. These servers are exclusively owned and operated by CyberGhost staff (not third-party data centers), providing an extra layer of privacy. NoSpy servers are available as an add-on for $2.99/month and are worth considering for maximum privacy.
Streaming Performance
CyberGhost excels at streaming, with dedicated servers optimized for specific platforms. This is one of its strongest features, making it an excellent choice for cord-cutters and international travelers.
Streaming Compatibility Results
| Streaming Service | Works? | Performance | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Netflix (US, UK, DE, FR, JP) | ✓ | Excellent | Dedicated servers for each region |
| BBC iPlayer | ✓ | Very good | Consistent access with UK streaming servers |
| Disney+ | ✓ | Good | Works on most servers |
| Amazon Prime Video | ✓ | Good | Some servers blocked occasionally |
| Hulu | ✓ | Good | US streaming servers work well |
| HBO Max | ✓ | Very good | Reliable access with US servers |
| YouTube TV | ⚠️ | Hit or miss | Some servers work, others don't |
🎬 Streaming Tip
CyberGhost's apps have a dedicated "For Streaming" section that lists optimized servers for each platform. Using these servers significantly improves your chances of successful access and better video quality. The app automatically suggests the best server for your chosen streaming service.
Pricing & Plans
CyberGhost uses the industry-standard pricing model: steep discounts on long-term plans, expensive month-to-month. Here's the complete breakdown:
| Plan Duration | Monthly Cost | Total Cost | Money-Back Guarantee | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Month | $12.99 | $12.99 | 14 days | — |
| 6 Months | $6.99 | $41.94 | 45 days | 46% |
| 2 Years + 4 months | $2.03 | $56.94 | 45 days | 84% |
Best value: The 2-year + 4 months plan at $2.03/month (84% discount) offers exceptional value. The 45-day money-back guarantee on long-term plans gives you over 6 weeks to test the service—far more generous than the industry standard 30 days.
What's Included in All Plans
- 7 simultaneous device connections — covers all your devices
- 11,500+ servers in 100 countries — massive network coverage
- Unlimited bandwidth — no data caps or throttling
- Apps for all platforms — Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, routers
- 24/7 customer support — live chat and email assistance
- Ad and malware blocking — built-in content blocker
- WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 — multiple protocol options
Optional Add-ons
- NoSpy servers: $2.99/month — extra-secure servers in Romania headquarters
- Dedicated IP: $5.00/month — your own private IP address
- Security Suite: $2.00/month — includes password manager and antivirus
Ease of Use & Apps
This is where CyberGhost truly shines. The apps are designed specifically for VPN newcomers, with clear visual layouts and helpful guidance throughout the user experience.
Windows & macOS Desktop Apps
The desktop apps feature a clean, modern interface organized into three main sections:
- "Best server location" — One-click connection to optimal server based on your location
- "For Streaming" — Pre-configured servers for Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Hulu, and more
- "For Torrenting" — P2P-optimized servers with port forwarding support
There's also an "All servers" list where you can browse by country and manually connect. The apps display server load percentage and ping time, helping you choose the fastest available option. The interface uses intuitive icons and color coding that makes navigation effortless even for complete beginners.
Mobile Apps (iOS & Android)
Mobile apps mirror the desktop experience with slight interface adjustments optimized for smaller screens. The Android app includes split tunneling (choose which apps use the VPN), while the iOS app follows Apple's restrictions and doesn't include this feature. Both apps maintain the same user-friendly approach with large, clearly labeled buttons and simple navigation.
Connection Performance
Connection time averages 4-6 seconds, which is decent but not the fastest in our testing. NordVPN and ExpressVPN typically connect in 2-3 seconds. While not a dealbreaker, it's noticeable if you frequently switch servers throughout your browsing session.
Customer Support
CyberGhost offers multiple support channels to help users with setup, troubleshooting, and general questions:
Support Options
- 24/7 live chat — Available but can have wait times during peak hours (5-10 minutes typical)
- Email support — Typically responds within 24 hours with detailed solutions
- Help center — Extensive knowledge base with setup guides and troubleshooting articles
- Video tutorials — Step-by-step setup videos for all devices and platforms
- No phone support — Not available (this is standard for most VPNs)
In our testing, live chat agents were knowledgeable and helpful, though responses occasionally felt scripted. Email support was thorough and detailed but slower than live chat. The help center is particularly impressive, with detailed setup guides for every device and platform, including less common ones like routers and smart TVs.
How CyberGhost Compares to Competitors
Here's how CyberGhost stacks up against other top VPN providers across key metrics:
| Feature | CyberGhost | NordVPN | ExpressVPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price (Long-term) | $2.03 | $3.09 | $6.67 | $2.19 |
| Speed Score (/100) | 85 | 95 | 93 | 82 |
| Server Count | 11,500+ | 6,400+ | 3,000+ | 3,200+ |
| Money-back Guarantee | 45 days | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days |
| Streaming Performance | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Very good |
| Ease of Use | Best | Very good | Very good | Good |
| Device Connections | 7 | 10 | 8 | Unlimited |
Bottom line: CyberGhost offers the best combination of value and beginner-friendliness. If speed is your top priority, choose NordVPN. For the fastest possible speeds regardless of cost, go with ExpressVPN. If you need unlimited device connections, Surfshark is your best bet.
Frequently Asked Questions
CyberGhost VPN - Common Questions
Is CyberGhost good for torrenting?
Yes, CyberGhost is excellent for torrenting. It allows P2P traffic on dedicated servers (clearly labeled in the app), includes port forwarding for better speeds, and has a strict no-logs policy. The kill switch ensures your real IP never leaks if the VPN drops.
Just make sure to use the "For Torrenting" servers for optimal performance. These servers are specifically optimized for P2P traffic and offer the best speeds for large file downloads.
Does CyberGhost work in China?
No, CyberGhost does not reliably work in China. The Great Firewall blocks most standard VPN protocols that CyberGhost uses. The service lacks the obfuscation features necessary to bypass Chinese censorship.
If you need a VPN for China, consider ExpressVPN or Astrill VPN, which offer specialized obfuscation features designed to bypass the Great Firewall.
Can I use CyberGhost on my router?
Yes, CyberGhost supports router installation, which protects all devices on your network automatically. They offer detailed setup guides for common router models including Asus, DD-WRT, and Tomato firmware.
Note that router connections may be slower since encryption happens at the router level rather than on each individual device. This setup is ideal for protecting smart TVs, gaming consoles, and other devices that don't support VPN apps natively.
Is CyberGhost safe and trustworthy?
Yes, CyberGhost is generally safe and trustworthy. They have a verified no-logs policy audited by Deloitte, publish quarterly transparency reports, and use strong AES-256 encryption. The company is based in Romania, which has favorable privacy laws.
The main concern is ownership by Kape Technologies, which has a controversial past. However, CyberGhost operates independently and maintains good privacy practices with regular third-party audits.
How many devices can I use simultaneously?
CyberGhost allows 7 simultaneous connections on a single subscription. This covers most households (phones, tablets, laptops, smart TV, etc.) and is more generous than many competitors.
If you need more connections, install CyberGhost on your router to protect unlimited devices, or consider Surfshark which offers truly unlimited simultaneous connections.
Does CyberGhost slow down my internet?
All VPNs cause some speed reduction due to encryption overhead and routing through remote servers. In our tests, CyberGhost maintained 73-88% of baseline speeds depending on server distance and location.
For most users, this speed reduction is imperceptible during normal browsing, streaming, and downloading. Choose nearby servers and use the WireGuard protocol for optimal performance.
Final Verdict: Should You Get CyberGhost?
Choose CyberGhost VPN if:
- You're new to VPNs and want a simple, intuitive interface with guided setup
- You want excellent value for money ($2.03/month on long-term plans)
- You prioritize streaming with dedicated Netflix/BBC iPlayer servers
- You want the longest money-back guarantee in the industry (45 days)
- You need solid privacy features without technical complexity
- You want a large server network with 100+ country locations
Skip CyberGhost VPN if:
- You need the absolute fastest speeds available (choose NordVPN or ExpressVPN instead)
- You require VPN access in China or other heavily censored countries
- You're a power user needing advanced features like Tor over VPN
- You're only willing to commit month-to-month (it's expensive at $12.99/month)
- You need split tunneling on macOS or iOS devices
Our Final Recommendation
CyberGhost is an excellent VPN for beginners and casual users who prioritize ease of use and value. It offers strong security, reliable streaming performance, and fantastic value on long-term plans. While it's not the fastest VPN we've tested, it's more than adequate for 99% of users' needs.
The 45-day money-back guarantee removes all risk from trying CyberGhost. Sign up, test it thoroughly across all your devices and use cases, and get a full refund if it doesn't meet your expectations. At $2.03/month for the long-term plan, it's hard to find better value in the VPN market.