CyberGhost VPN
9.6
Outstanding
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What do we look at?
Content: Our Score:
Speed 8.0 / 10
Servers 10 / 10
User Experience 9.0 / 10
Support 9.0 / 10
Pricing 9.0 / 10
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Editors' Note: CyberGhost VPN and this site are in the same ownership group.

CyberGhost VPN Review: 100% Safe, Fast, & Cheap (2024)

CyberGhost VPN Overview

Get Black Friday Deal and Cyber Monday Deal from CyberGhost! You can subscribe to CyberGhost for as low as $2.03 per month + get an extra 4 months free with the 2-year plan (save up to 84%)! This is a limited offer so grab it now before it's gone. See more information on this offer here.

CyberGhost is one of the most affordable VPNs on the market, with prices starting at just $2.03 per month for a 2-year + 4 months subscription. However, the saying “You get what you pay for” is often true, so I wanted to see if CyberGhost really can offer top-tier security and privacy for such a low cost.

I was impressed to find CyberGhost is loaded with high-quality features to protect your data and devices. Its optimized network is a firm favorite, especially streaming servers for Netflix, Disney+, and more. CyberGhost also has intuitive apps that are ideal for beginner users, and it has one of the longest money-back guarantee periods — 45 days.

While it has a few drawbacks — it’s not as fast as some other VPNs and only supports 7 simultaneous connections — CyberGhost is a decent option considering the cost. You can take a look at the full CyberGhost VPN review below to find out if it’s the right choice for you.

Try CyberGhost risk-free

In a Rush? Here’s a 1-Minute Summary

CyberGhost Unblocks 35+ Streaming Platforms

CyberGhost has a network optimized for streaming services in 20+ locations, all of which are tested regularly by the CyberGhost team. This ensures you can find working IP addresses for your chosen channels. During our tests, the optimized servers worked well with the platforms they were meant for. Some of the working services include:

Netflix Amazon Prime Video Hulu Disney+ Max (HBO) Peacock TV
BBC iPlayer ESPN+ Paramount+ US Europe1 Canal+ Crunchyroll US
Yle SlingTV Fox NBC CBC Comedy Central
ORF ruutu 6play France TV RTL Zattoo
ZDF ARD Rai Play Stan ITVX RTVE
9now NFL+ RTS Play SRF DRTV MolotovTV

To find the streaming-optimized servers, click the “For streaming” menu option and select a server for the platform you want. Alternatively, you can type the platform or country you’re looking for in the search bar.

Screenshot of CyberGhost's list of streaming-optimized servers for popular platforms

You can scroll through the list or type the platform in the search bar

Netflix: Unblocked

CyberGhost worked with Netflix in all 17 optimized locations.

My global teammates tested local servers and confirmed that CyberGhost’s optimized servers are ideal for lag-free streaming on Netflix US and UK, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Germany, India, Italy, South Korea, the Netherlands, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, and Japan.

CyberGhost’s optimized servers worked with Netflix US to watch The Irishman

The streaming quality was UHD every time. The app also offers servers optimized for streaming Netflix on Android TV and Amazon Fire Stick.

Amazon Prime Video: Unblocked

CyberGhost’s optimized servers in the UK and the US worked with Amazon Prime Video.

My US colleagues noted that it took just a second to connect to the US server and Amazon Prime Video played with less than 5 seconds of load time. They streamed This is Us in UHD quality and didn’t face any lags throughout.

CyberGhost made it easy to stream This is Us on Amazon Prime Video US

The optimized Amazon Prime UK server also connected quickly for my colleague in England, and Clarkson’s Farm streamed smoothly in UHD after just 2 seconds of buffering.

Hulu: Unblocked

CyberGhost’s Hulu servers in the US worked on the first try.

My teammates had no issues connecting to Hulu on CyberGhost’s optimized server in the US.

CyberGhost’s optimized server for Hulu ensured zero streaming interruption

Their speeds were also fast enough to stream the movie Palm Springs in UHD quality without any buffering or lag.

Disney+: Unblocked

CyberGhost works with the US and Italy libraries, including Disney+ Hotstar in India.

CyberGhost’s servers in the US are perfect to stream Disney+ in UHD

Connecting to CyberGhost’s optimized Disney+ server was a breeze, and there were no lags or buffers when streaming the show The Mandalorian in UHD quality.

Max: Unblocked

CyberGhost has optimized servers for Max in the US, Spain, Norway, Finland, Sweden, and Denmark. All of them worked reliably during tests.

CyberGhost had minimal lag throughout hours of streaming on Max US

It took less than 5 seconds to connect, after which it successfully streamed Game of Thrones with only 1–2 seconds of buffering.

Although my teammates and I couldn’t test CyberGhost with every platform, I’m confident that CyberGhost’s optimized servers work reliably for streaming. It’s also worth noting that the optimized servers prompt CAPTCHA verification regularly. It’s easy to get rid of — checking a box to verify you’re not a robot — but it can be annoying.

Stream in UHD with CyberGhost

Speed

- 8.0 / 10

Speed — Is CyberGhost Fast? (Yes, With Local and Optimized Servers)

CyberGhost offers very good speeds but slows down quite a bit with long-distance connections.

Screenshot of bar graph showing CyberGhost's speed reduction over long distance connections.

CyberGhost offers the fastest speeds on servers close to your physical location

Slower speeds over long distances is to be expected since your data has to travel farther. Still, I was surprised by the rate when I connected to servers more than 16,000km away — my speed dropped by 60% on servers in Australia. Although quite a dramatic drop, it’s not the worst result I’ve seen when testing VPNs.

Speed Test Results

Local servers were similar to baseline speeds, with the WireGuard protocol being the fastest option.

I ran speed tests using a Windows 11 PC from the UK, where my ISP provides a baseline speed of 138Mbps. I performed all tests using WireGuard, as this was the fastest protocol for my location.

During these tests, I used Ookla’s speed test tool and recorded speeds while connected to servers in the UK, France, Germany, Greece, the US, Japan, and Australia.

The “Best Server” option automatically connected me to the nearby London location. The difference in speed compared to my baseline was negligible, and I didn’t experience any noticeable slowdown. Connections further from my physical location caused a more significant speed loss.

Download Speed % Difference From Base Speed
France — Paris
(275 km distance)
104Mbps -24.63%
Greece — Athens
(2,311 km distance)
112Mbps -18.84%
United States — New York
(5,638 km distance)
94Mbps -31.88%
Australia — Melbourne
(16,478 km distance)
54Mbps -60.86%

CyberGhost’s speeds are slower the farther away the server is located, but the drops aren’t enough to affect your online experience should you have a good baseline connection.

Optimized vs. Regular Servers

In all of my tests, my speeds were faster on CyberGhost’s optimized servers.

Screenshot of bar graph showing speed test results and comparisons between CyberGhost's optimized and regular servers.

I compared speed test results between CyberGhost’s regular and optimized servers

I suggest you connect to an optimized server (if available in your location) when streaming and torrenting.

Gaming Speed — CyberGhost is Fast Enough for Gaming

CyberGhost has gaming servers optimized to give you low ping when playing online. These servers are available in Frankfurt, London, New York, and Paris — and only on CyberGhost’s Windows app.

Ping measures the time it takes for a command to reach the server and return a response to you. In other words, how long it takes for your weapon to fire after you’ve pressed the trigger button. You want the lowest ping possible to prevent lag in-game (usually, under 100 ms is good).

Here’s a look at how CyberGhost’s servers performed when I ran tests from the UK, with an average speed of 138 Mbps and ping of 24 ms:

Download Speed (Mbps) Ping (ms)
Paris 104 29
Germany 120 42
New York 94 106
Australia 54 308

On nearby servers, CyberGhost kept ping below 50ms, which is ideal for playing fast-paced games like Call of Duty: Warzone or Rocket League. While the overall speed reduction is more significant, it didn’t have a noticeable impact on online gaming. Your results may vary depending on your location — if your regular speeds are slower, you may notice some lag when gaming.

Why Most Speed Tests are Pointless & How We Correctly Test VPN Speeds

Speed determines how fast content uploads, so if you're torrenting or streaming, you want the speed to be somewhat identical to your regular internet speed. Since a VPN encrypts your data, it usually takes a bit longer to send your data back and forth, which can slow down your connection. However, if your ISP deliberately slows down your connection (also known as throttling) a VPN might increase your internet speed. Testing a VPN is somewhat pointless because new servers pop up and affect speed. Your speed can also differ according to your location, so your speed test might not match ours. Having said that, we tested the speed in numerous locations to provide you with the average.

Servers

- 10 / 10

Server Network — (11,670+ Servers in 100 Countries)

CyberGhost has a huge network optimized for different activities worldwide, including Dedicated IP and NoSpy servers.

It also offers a larger number of servers in more popular countries. For instance, there are 2,100+ servers in the US alone, helping ease load issues. The majority of its servers are based in the US, UK, and Europe, but I was pleased to see many in Africa and South America.

Virtual Servers — Available for a Selection of Countries

CyberGhost has virtual servers in countries with poor internet privacy laws and infrastructure, like China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Saudi Arabia. These virtual servers have fewer privacy risks and can provide faster speeds. Most VPNs don’t provide IP addresses in these countries, so this sets CyberGhost apart from its competitors.

Specialized Servers — Optimized Servers for Different Online Activities

CyberGhost organizes its network of 11,670+ servers into categories to make it easier to select the best server for your needs. These include:

  • Torrenting servers — optimized for secure P2P file-sharing, these servers are available in 87 countries including the US, UK, Canada, and Australia.
  • Streaming servers — provide reliable connections to many streaming services like Netflix in multiple countries, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video.
  • Gaming servers — offer low ping connections on Windows with servers in 4 locations — Frankfurt, London, New York, and Paris. For PlayStation and Xbox, you can connect to the servers through Smart DNS.
  • Dedicated IP servers — give you an exclusive IP address in the US, UK, Netherlands, Canada, Australia, Singapore, or Germany as an add-on service. These dedicated IPs cannot be linked to your account in any way, allowing complete privacy.

NoSpy Servers — Owned by CyberGhost For Maximum Security

CyberGhost’s NoSpy servers are maintained without the interference of any third parties and are based in its headquarters in Romania.

NoSpy Servers are available on Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS apps. CyberGhost markets them as a safer, more reliable alternative to its regular servers as they’re based in the company’s private data center in Romania, which no one else can access.

Romania doesn’t have data retention laws, although CyberGhost states it doesn’t keep any data anyway. Additionally, having control over its own servers means its in-house technicians can immediately address any server downtime.

Torrenting — One of the Top VPNs for Torrenting

During tests, CyberGhost proved its torrenting servers are fast and secure.

You can connect to optimized torrenting servers in over 80 countries. The servers aren’t available on its mobile apps, but the regular servers also support torrenting — they’re just a little slower. For the best speeds, choose the closest server or one with the smallest load. If you find a server that works particularly well, you can add it to the Favorites list in the app.

Screenshot of CyberGhost's torrent-optimized server list

The optimized servers are only available in countries where torrenting is legal

It only took 4 minutes to finish downloading a 5GB public domain file on qBittorent. While waiting, I ran a leak test to check that my IP address was safely hidden — no leaks were detected. I also tested the kill switch by turning the VPN off, and the app automatically blocked my internet traffic until I reconnected to the server.

I also configured App Rules with my torrent client for safer file-sharing. This meant that when I opened my torrent client, CyberGhost automatically launched and connected to my preferred server — no torrenting unprotected.

I’ve seen a handful of complaints about being served DMCA notices while using CyberGhost. These might have been isolated incidents, but remember — CyberGhost explicitly states that it doesn’t condone downloading copyrighted material (and neither do I).

China — CyberGhost Doesn’t Work in China

I don’t recommend CyberGhost for China. During on-the-ground tests, the app wouldn’t even launch, so it was impossible to log in.

When I spoke to the customer support team, it was confirmed that CyberGhost can’t guarantee a working connection in China or countries with restrictive laws. CyberGhost’s traffic is often blocked in countries with moderate internet censorship, such as Egypt and Syria.

Screenshot of communication with a CyberGhost live chat agent regarding its usability in China

CyberGhost may not work in some countries like China due to ISP blocks

If you want a VPN that works in locations with restrictive networks, ExpressVPN has obfuscated servers that help avoid detection in countries like China, Russia, and the UAE.

Security Features

Military-Grade Encryption — Some of the Strongest on the Market

CyberGhost uses 256-bit AES encryption on all its servers. This level of encryption is impossible to crack, and it’s the same standard used by militaries and other government agencies to safeguard sensitive information.

CyberGhost also uses Perfect Forward Secrecy, which provides a unique encryption key for every new connection. If an attacker steals one key, they can’t intercept any other sessions. This dissuades attackers from trying and protects users from a potentially successful one-off attack.

3 Security Protocols — OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard Available

WireGuard provides the best speeds and top security.

The WireGuard protocol is relatively new, with no known vulnerabilities and solid speeds. Its code base is also tiny, which means it’s quick and easy to audit it for security holes. IKEv2 is a great choice for fast, reliable connections on mobile devices. OpenVPN is the most secure overall, but you’ll experience much slower speeds.

Unfortunately, some protocols are only available on certain apps. IKEv2 is only available on iOS, Mac, and Windows, and OpenVPN on Android, Windows, Linux, and smart TVs (you need a third-party OpenVPN app for Mac and iOS, like Tunnelblick). The WireGuard protocol is supported on Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, and Android Fire TV.

Automatic Kill Switch — Successfully Secures Traffic At All Times

CyberGhost has an automatic kill switch on every app. The kill switch blocks all internet traffic if the VPN connection becomes unsteady or you’re switching between servers. It’s activated automatically when you connect to a server — you’ll only find the option to toggle the kill switch on or off in the Windows app, but I recommend you keep it on all the time.

Screenshot of the Automatic Kill-Switch disabling option on CyberGhost's Windows app

CyberGhost’s Kill Switch is turned on by default but you can disable it in the Windows app

Built-In Leak Protection — Passed All Tests

CyberGhost’s encryption worked reliably to prevent leaks.

Even when a VPN connection is established, data leaks can occur. That’s why I tested CyberGhost for leak protection using the independent site, IPLeak.net, and ran tests on 10 random servers in different countries. CyberGhost passed every test with zero DNS, IPv6, or WebRTC leaks. When you use its nameservers, it prevents ads, trackers, and malware as well.

Screenshot of leak test results on CyberGhost

CyberGhost protects against DNS, IP, and WebRTC leaks

Split Tunneling — Only for Windows and Android

You can choose certain sites and apps to bypass CyberGhost’s encryption. This is useful for browsing local content and accessing overseas banking apps at the same time, for example.

To test this feature, I added BBC iPlayer to the “Exceptions” list in CyberGhost’s app and connected to a server in New York. I found I could shop on Nordstrom.com while streaming Killing Eve on BBC iPlayer. I performed the same test on my Android device and was successful again.

Screenshot of CyberGhost's split tunneling feature on its Windows app

Split tunneling lets you exclude as many sites as you want from encryption

Blockers for Malware, Trackers, and (Some) Ads

There are free ad blockers that are way better than CyberGhost’s ad blocker.

CyberGhost offers the option to block malicious ads on its Windows, Android, and Mac apps, leading to faster load times. However, I wasn’t too satisfied with it as CyberGhost’s ad blocker only removes ads if they contain malware. I could still see ads when streaming YouTube videos and visiting sites like BuzzFeed.

Screenshot of CyberGhost's Block Content Feature on Windows app

CyberGhost only removes ads if they contain malware

The blocker works at the network level and attempts to modify real-time requests. Since most of the web is now run off HTTPS connections (which are encrypted), they’re extremely hard to modify, so CyberGhost struggles to block the vast majority of ads.

Extra Features for Maximum Online Security

Besides the standard features expected of all VPNs, CyberGhost also comes with these security bonuses:

  • WiFi Protection — launches CyberGhost automatically on WiFi networks that are unrecognized.
  • Private Browser — uses DuckDuckGo’s search engine with better privacy than Google and doesn’t link searches to you for anonymity. Since it deletes most data, it won’t bombard you with personalized ads either.
  • Data Compression — reduce the amount of data used by compressing images and app data. This is extremely useful if you have limited mobile data, but it’s only available on Android devices for now.
  • Secret Photo Vault — lock private photos and videos behind a PIN code or biometric login with a free add-on for iOS devices. If someone tries to access your vault, CyberGhost will save a timestamped selfie of the intruder. An AI setting identifies adult-themed content in your main photo library and moves it to your secure vault.
  • Dedicated IP Address — get exclusive IP addresses in selected countries for a small fee. It remains the same every time you connect and helps avoid CAPTCHAs that require you to authenticate your request on certain apps or websites. These are also less likely to be blocked by streaming services.
  • Security Suite — partnered with Intego to create a security suite, available as a paid add-on for Windows. Intego protects your device from the latest malware, viruses, ransomware, and more, 24/7. It also updates your apps and software automatically to prevent vulnerabilities from being exploited.
  • Identity Guard — alerts you if your email address is compromised. You can add a maximum of 2 email accounts for free with a CyberGhost subscription and select 1 primary address where you’ll get reports immediately.
  • Privacy Guard — control what private information Microsoft collects on your Windows devices.

Privacy Features

No-Logs Policy — Independently Audited and Verified

CyberGhost has an independently audited no-log policy.

None of your search history or other online activities are logged when you’re connected to its servers. It doesn’t even keep connection logs, but CyberGhost does store some basic hardware information to keep track of how many simultaneous devices are running.

Additionally, your name, address, email address, and payment information are required upon signup. None of your personal details are ever linked to your VPN activity and it’s only used to communicate with users, improve VPN operation, and uphold the Terms of Service.

I read CyberGhost’s privacy policy to verify it doesn’t log identifiable data

I read CyberGhost’s privacy policy to verify it doesn’t log identifiable data

The most controversial aspect of the privacy policy is that CyberGhost will share any information it has with legal authorities if you’re caught breaking the law (this breaches CyberGhost’s Terms of Service).

This may sound alarming, so I conducted further investigations and was reassured that there’s no reason to be concerned — CyberGhost uses RAM-based servers that are incapable of storing data long-term. None of your online activities and other data can be traced back to you specifically.

In 2019, this was confirmed in a data leak through Typeform (a third-party vendor used for conducting online surveys). In total, 120 email addresses and 14 usernames were exposed. However, no passwords or other private data was leaked as CyberGhost didn’t store this information.

If you prefer to avoid sharing any personal data, you can always sign up anonymously. Just register with a throwaway name and email address, and pay with Bitcoin.

Located in Romania and Outside the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance

Romania has no data retention laws and it’s not part of any intelligence-sharing networks.

CyberGhost is owned by Kape Technologies, a cybersecurity company based in London. Kape previously operated in the tech industry under the name Crossrider, and came under fire for allegedly injecting adware into its digital products.

Subsequent investigations revealed that this wasn’t done by Crossrider, but other third parties. Kape worked hard to distance itself from the Crossrider incident and eventually moved on to providing VPN services. Besides CyberGhost, it also owns ExpressVPN and Private Internet Access.

Full Independent Security Audit

CyberGhost passed an audit on its Information Safety Management System (ISMS), following ISO27001 and ISO9001 standards by QSCert in 2012. This has continued every year since then.

In 2022, CyberGhost also underwent an independent audit conducted by Deloitte to verify its no-log policy and other security measures. Deloitte found that CyberGhost adheres to its privacy and no-log policies.

Transparency Reports Prove Commitment to Privacy

CyberGhost was the first VPN company to launch a Transparency Report. Even though many companies have since followed suit (like Windscribe and TunnelBear), only CyberGhost made a commitment to publishing its Transparency Report every 3 months. The reports show that despite frequent requests for data, CyberGhost has zero data to provide.

Server Locations

Albania
Argentina
Australia
Austria
Belarus
Belgium
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Brazil
Bulgaria
Canada
Chile
Colombia
Costa Rica
Croatia
Cyprus
See all supported locations...

User Experience

- 9.0 / 10

CyberGhost has native apps for all major devices like Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, Linux, and more. Plus, you can download free browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox, and install Smart DNS if you’ve got an Apple TV, Xbox, or PlayStation. The table below shows the full device breakdown:

Computer Mobile TV Routers Consoles Other
Windows iOS Android TV, Apple TV DD-WRT PS5 + PS4 + PS3 Synology NAS via OpenVPN
Mac Android Amazon Fire TV TomatoUSB Xbox Series X/S + Xbox One + 360 Raspberry Pi
Linux LG SmartTV with webOS TomatoUSB Merlin Build Nintendo Switch + Wii U + Wii VU+ Solo²
Chromebook Samsung SmartTV with Tizen OS Roku

Connect 7 Devices at the Same Time

Maxing out the connection limit won’t affect your device performance too much.

I noticed great performance even with 2 Windows computers, a MacBook Pro, an iPhone, a Samsung Galaxy smartphone, and 2 iPads connected. My speed only dropped by 20% compared to only 1 device, which is a negligible slowdown. This makes CyberGhost an ideal VPN if you want to protect multiple devices at the same time.

If you set CyberGhost up at the router level and then connect your devices to the router, you’ll get unlimited device connections. The only downside is that you’ll be stuck with the server location you initially set up until you decide to manually change it. However, it’s a brilliant way to eliminate individual setup time and conserve available connections.

Native Apps for Windows and Mac — Packed With Features and Easy to Use

Server organization and Smart Rules make it easy to use, but the macOS app doesn’t include the OpenVPN protocol.

The apps allow you to instantly connect to the best available server for streaming, torrenting, or browsing. When you launch the app, you’ll see the Best Location button. Click on the power button and the app will automatically connect you to the fastest available server.

If you have a specific activity or location in mind, the servers are organized in categories for easy connection. On the Windows app, these lists include: All Servers, NoSpy servers, For torrenting, For gaming, and For streaming.

The Mac app offers the same servers but only in 3 lists: All Servers (you need to manually search for the NoSpy servers here, under Romania), For downloading (the equivalent of For torrenting on Windows), and For streaming. There are no gaming servers.

Screenshot of CyberGhost's Mac app interface.

The CyberGhost Mac app’s main missing feature is the “For gaming” servers

On both Windows and Mac, you can connect to a server by typing the country’s name in the search bar. Alternatively, you can go to the All Servers section for a full list of countries. On Mac, you’ll see the server load percentage while the Windows app shows the server distance.

You can install CyberGhost on Windows devices running at least Windows 7 (minimum SP2), 8.1, and 10. On Mac, CyberGhost works with macOS Sierra (10.13) or higher. However, the OpenVPN protocol isn’t available for macOS — you’ll have to configure it manually.

Dedicated Apps for Android and iOS — Superior Experience on Android

Mobile apps don’t provide access to some optimized servers.

Although CyberGhost’s mobile apps offer most of the same features as their desktop versions, there are some key differences. iOS features the Photo Vault, which you can use to hide sensitive photos behind a PIN or biometric password. However, this requires its own app.

The iOS app doesn’t have the ad blocker that Android has. Instead, you can download the dedicated Private Browser app on iOS. It includes ad blocking, one-click history deletion, and private bookmarks.

One minor downside is that the mobile apps don’t include some of the optimized server options — specifically, for torrenting and gaming. You also won’t see certain connection data, like ping or server distance.

Ease of Setup & Installation

CyberGhost’s download and setup took me under 5 minutes to finish. I signed up for a plan, downloaded the software, signed in to my account, and connected to a server using these steps:

Quick Guide: 3 Easy Steps to Install CyberGhost

  1. Sign up for CyberGhost. Its 2-year + 4 months plan is the most affordable. It also offers a generous 45-day money-back guarantee, so you can try CyberGhost risk-free.
    Screenshot of CyberGhost's sign up page
  2. Download the app. CyberGhost has native apps for all major devices that you can easily download from its website and sign into after installing.
    Screenshot of CyberGhost's app download page
  3. Connect to a server. The nearest servers will give you the best speeds so you can stream movies, browse the internet, play games, and download torrents immediately.
    Screenshot of CyberGhost app interface with best location feature

Browser Extensions for Chrome and Firefox — 100% Free to Download

It’s completely free to download and use CyberGhost’s browser extensions — you don’t even need to create an account. More importantly, both browser extensions are secure. I found zero leaks during my tests, and my real IP address was hidden each time.

However, there are some limitations. You won’t get full VPN protection as the browser extensions are actually a proxy and don’t have advanced VPN encryption and security protocols. I wouldn’t recommend using the extensions to torrent or perform sensitive activities.

You can only choose from 8 servers in 4 countries — the US, Germany, the Netherlands, and Romania. There’s also no kill switch included, which makes it a riskier choice for activities like online shopping.

CyberGhost’s browser extensions are a convenient way to access location-restricted content

CyberGhost’s browser extensions are a convenient way to access location-restricted content

Other Platforms Supported — Linux, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, Fire Stick, and Routers

CyberGhost has custom apps for many alternative platforms, including Linux, Android TV, and Amazon Fire devices. It’s also compatible with routers supporting OpenVPN.

You can check the step-by-step installation guides on the website, which offers instructions for specific routers. Another option is to buy a router from FlashRouter with the CyberGhost app pre-installed. I recommend this if you’re new to VPNs, as you won’t have to worry about making any mistakes during setup.

If you use Linux, you’re likely familiar with the lack of a user interface for program installation and selecting options. Instead, you’ll have to enter specific commands into your Terminal app. Fortunately, CyberGhost’s website has an extensive Linux guide to show you how to connect, change settings, and switch between servers.

Note that the IKEv2 protocol isn’t available on Linux, although WireGuard and OpenVPN both are.

Smart DNS — Available For Apple TV, PlayStation, and Xbox

CyberGhost’s Smart DNS works with devices that don’t support a VPN app. You can install CyberGhost Smart DNS on smart TVs, Apple TVs, and gaming consoles. This is similar to a proxy service — Smart DNS hides your real IP address by rerouting your internet connection through a VPN DNS server.

I tested this by setting up CyberGhost’s Smart DNS with a Samsung TV. All I had to do was set up a manual network connection and insert a manual Primary and Secondary DNS. It took just 3 minutes and remained connected until I removed the custom DNS entries.

Unfortunately, CyberGhost’s Smart DNS servers are only in the US, UK, Japan, Germany, and the Netherlands. If you want to connect to more countries, I recommend installing the VPN onto your router instead.

Support

- 9.0 / 10

CyberGhost provides high-quality customer service. I received fast and helpful responses every time — whether my teammates struggled to connect in China or I needed help configuring WireGuard on my iPhone.

Tested: 24/7 Live Chat

Live chat is the fastest way to get a response and you don’t need a subscription.

I never had to wait more than a minute to connect to a representative. In total, I spoke to 4 reps and received friendly and detailed replies each time. You can contact CyberGhost over 24/7 live chat in English, while French, Romanian, and German support is available from 7am to 5pm (EST).

You can access CyberGhost live chat without having a subscription. Some VPNs expect you to be subscribed to get in touch via live chat, which is disappointing when you just want to verify something quickly before signing up.

Screenshots of CyberGhost's live chat, showing a customer support agent answering a question about OpenVPN on iOS.

I asked CyberGhost for details about the WireGuard protocol over 24/7 live chat

If you’re concerned about your privacy, you can use a throwaway email when you connect to CyberGhost live chat. If it’s just the website trackers you’re worried about, use CyberGhost’s built-in support ticket system inside the app for direct contact.

Tested: Email Support

I always received a detailed response within 24 hours.

I even sent messages from a throwaway email address, so I could test CyberGhost’s service if I wasn’t an existing customer. I didn’t see any differences in response speed or support quality. While I don’t advise sending emails for urgent technical issues — try the 24/7 live chat instead — it’s a reliable option if you don’t have time-sensitive questions.

Online Troubleshooting Guides and Tutorials

CyberGhost offers extensive support guides on its website in 12 languages, including English, Spanish, Russian, Japanese, and Korean.

There are answers to common technical issues, as well as installation instructions for specific devices and models. Every page is kept up-to-date, with a dedicated “Announcements” section so you’re aware of the latest features.

How We Test Customer Support and Why Should You Care

We personally test the customer support team of every VPN we review. This means asking technical question through the live chat feature (where applicable) and measuring the response time for email questions. Whether you need to connect to a specific server, change your security protocol, or configure a VPN on your router, finding a VPN with quality customer support should be important to you.

Pricing

- 9.0 / 10

CyberGhost’s 2-year + 4 months plan is the best at just $2.03 a month — it also comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee.

You can choose between a monthly, annual, 2-year, or 3-year plan. I recommend a long-term plan since you’ll get the best value for money. You also won’t find a longer money-back guarantee for any other premium VPN service. This makes CyberGhost ideal if you only need a VPN for a short time.

The 1-month plan isn’t really worth considering. It’s much more expensive and doesn’t include NoSpy server access, Privacy Guard, or 500GB cloud storage for 1 year. You’ll also only get a 14-day money-back guarantee with the monthly plan.

However, CyberGhost ID Guard comes with every subscription and alerts you if your email address is compromised. You can also add the security suite to your monthly plan if you sign up from a Windows device — this includes Privacy Guard, Security Updater, and Antivirus tools.

Payment Methods — Includes Bitcoin

You can pay with PayPal, Bitcoin, Apple and Google Pay, or a credit or debit card (Visa, MasterCard, and American Express).

You may see various local payment options depending on the country you’re buying from. In the past, it was possible to buy a physical box in a store and pay with cash for increased anonymity but this is no longer available.

45-Day Money-Back Guarantee

CyberGhost offers a 45-day money-back guarantee, the longest return policy of any premium VPN.

CyberGhost’s refund policy is also “no questions asked”, so you don’t have to provide a reason if you don’t like the service or simply change your mind. I tested the money-back guarantee myself by signing up for a 6-month plan. After using the service for 35 days, I requested a refund over 24/7 live chat.

It’s completely risk-free to use CyberGhost and then ask for your money back

It was incredibly easy — I wasn’t asked to troubleshoot any issues or reconsider, which I’ve experienced when trying to cancel other VPN services. It took less than 1 minute for my refund to be approved, and I got my money back in a week.

Free Trials

CyberGhost offers a 24-hour free trial for Windows and macOS devices. If you have an Android device, you can try it for free for 3 days. iOS users have the longest 7-day free trial.

These are not long enough to get an in-depth look at everything on offer, but you can get a general feel. I recommend paying upfront with the knowledge that CyberGhost has a trustworthy money-back guarantee. If you don’t like it or no longer need it, simply ask for a refund within 14 or 45 days, depending on your plan.

CyberGhost VPN offers the following plans

1-Month Plan
 
$12.99
per month
 
View Plan
2-Years (+4 Months) Plan
$12.99
$2.03
per month
Save 84%
View Plan
View Plan
Save 84%
6-Months Plan
$12.99
$6.99
per month
Save 46%
View Plan
View Plan
Save 46%

Editors' Note: CyberGhost VPN and this site are in the same ownership group.

Final Verdict

CyberGhost has earned its reputation as one of the best VPNs on the market. Its optimized servers are some of the best I’ve seen for streaming and torrenting. I’m also more than satisfied with its commitment to privacy and security, especially with its privately-owned NoSpy servers.

However, CyberGhost’s macOS app could use some improvement — it doesn’t support the OpenVPN protocol, anti-malware protection, or ad blocking. I also think its ad blocker could be much better in general and filter all annoying ads, not just suspicious ones.

If you’re not affected by these downsides, you’ll be more than happy with CyberGhost’s high-quality performance and low prices. You can try CyberGhost with the 45-day money-back guarantee. It’s a “no questions asked” refund policy, so it’s completely risk-free to sign up and use.

Try CyberGhost risk-free

FAQs

Is CyberGhost a safe VPN?

Yes, it’s safe. I ran a wide range of security tests and didn’t experience any leaks. You’ll be protected by an impressive suite of security features, including military-grade encryption, built-in leak protection, an automatic kill switch, and an ad/malware blocker. Plus, CyberGhost’s audited no-log policy ensures your browsing remains private — none of your data is tracked or shared.

How good is CyberGhost VPN?

CyberGhost is a premium VPN that’s well worth the money. It has a massive network of high-speed servers, works with multiple global content platforms, and offers a generous 7 simultaneous device connections.

Combined with numerous extra features like split tunneling, Smart Rules, and optimized servers for streaming, gaming, and torrenting, CyberGhost is a well-rounded package that’s hard to beat.

Where is CyberGhost VPN based and who owns CyberGhost?

CyberGhost VPN is based in Romania, a privacy-friendly location without data-retention laws. Romania is also outside of any intelligence-sharing alliance countries. Kape Technologies has owned Cyberghost since 2017.

Does CyberGhost work with Netflix?

Yes, CyberGhost works with Netflix in several countries. In fact, it has many servers optimized for it, including in the US, UK, Japan, Germany, and Italy. My team and I put many optimized servers to the test, as well as some of CyberGhost’s regular servers. They worked reliably in various regions.

Does CyberGhost own ZenMate?

Yes, ZenMate is owned by CyberGhost. As of 1 May 2023, the ZenMate app was discontinued — ZenMate customers are required to use CyberGhost instead and gain access to CyberGhost’s advanced features. This includes more servers, encryption protocols, streaming-optimized servers, and split tunneling for Android users.

Which devices work with CyberGhost?

CyberGhost supports most popular devices, including Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. Plus, CyberGhost has native apps and configurable software for Linux, smart TVs, game consoles, browsers, and more. You can also use CyberGhost with a compatible router to protect devices that don’t natively support a VPN.

How many devices does CyberGhost support?

You can connect up to 7 devices simultaneously with CyberGhost, including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Fire TV, Android TV, routers, and more. You can even set up a CyberGhost connection on your router, and all the devices connected will still only count as a single device.

Does CyberGhost allow torrenting?

Yes, CyberGhost allows torrenting and has dedicated P2P servers in over 80 countries. These servers are available on Windows and macOS. During tests, downloads were the fastest with the local servers. The apps also make it easy to select the best server by indicating its distance from your location or current load.

Can I use CyberGhost for free?

Yes, you can get the browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox for free and connect to servers in the US, Germany, Netherlands, and Romania. Another option is to get a 24-hour free trial on Windows or Mac without a credit card. Android has a 3-day trial and iOS offers a whole 7 days.

You can’t use CyberGhost for free long-term, so you’ll need to pay for a subscription to continue using the service after the trials. If you don’t want to pay for a VPN, there are some safe and secure free VPNs you can take a look at.

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Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: ExpressVPN, Cyberghost, Private Internet Access, and Intego. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

We review vendors based on rigorous testing and research, and also take into account your feedback and our affiliate commission with providers. Some providers are owned by our parent company.