CyberGhost VPN Review

Introduction

In a world where online privacy, streaming access, and torrenting freedom matter more than ever, choosing the right VPN is essential. On VPN AdWiser, we rigorously test and compare VPNs to help users make informed decisions. Today, we’re digging deep into CyberGhost VPN, a well‑known provider that promises fast speeds, streaming support, and strong privacy—all at a budget‑friendly price.

In this review, you’ll learn:

• How CyberGhost performs on speed, streaming, torrenting, and security
• Its standout features and areas where it falls short
• How it compares to top competitors like NordVPN and Surfshark
• Whether it’s the best fit for your use case
• A full FAQ to answer your most pressing questions

Let’s dive in.

What Is CyberGhost VPN?

CyberGhost VPN is a Romania‑based VPN provider, founded in 2011, now part of Kape Technologies. It offers more than 11,500 servers across 100 countries, supporting major protocols including OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2.

Built for streaming, torrenting, and anonymous browsing, CyberGhost boasts user‑friendly apps across Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and even a command‑line Linux client.

Its core promise: solid performance and privacy at a low price.

CyberGhost VPN Pros (What We Like)

✅ Massive Server Network & Global Reach

• Over 11,500 servers in 100+ countries ensures you can always find a nearby, fast server.
• Specialized servers for streaming, torrenting (P2P), gaming, and NoSpy options owned and operated by CyberGhost for enhanced privacy.

⚡ Fast Speeds with WireGuard

• Offers speeds up to ~950 Mbps on WireGuard, performing very well in real‑world tests .
• Suitable for streaming, HD content, downloading, and gaming.

🔒 Strong Security & Verified No‑Logs Policy

• Uses AES‑256 encryption, DNS leak protection, and a built‑in kill switch .
• No‑logs policy independently audited by Deloitte in 2022 and 2024, offering transparency and trust
• Based in Romania (outside 14 Eyes) for improved privacy

User‑Friendly & Feature‑Rich Interfaces

• Clean, intuitive apps ideal for VPN novices and experienced users alike
• Smart Rules for Wi‑Fi protection, auto‑connect, and split tunneling (“Exceptions”) to whitelist specific apps or websites
• Built‑in ad, tracker, and malware blocking (blocks ~83% of ads, ~149/156 trackers)

Generous Pricing & Trial Guarantees

• Starts around $2.19/month on long‑term (26–28 month) plans, single tier pricing—no hidden features behind tiers.
• Free trial options and a 45‑day money‑back guarantee, longer than many competitors .

Reliable Support & Documentation

• 24/7 live chat and email support, plus an extensive knowledge base and guides .

CyberGhost VPN Cons (What Could Improve)

⚠️ Streaming Limitations at Times

• While it works with Netflix US/UK, Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, and more, some streaming servers occasionally fail with services like BBC iPlayer and Channel 4 on certain servers .
• Streaming‑optimized servers are “one service per server,” limiting flexibility if that particular service goes down.

🚫 Limited Simultaneous Device Installations

• Allows installation on up to 7 devices total, but restricts installations rather than simultaneous connections, which is unusual and limiting for larger households or power users .

🧩 Feature Set Lags Behind Competitors

• Missing higher‑end extras: no Multi‑Hop, no custom DNS, no integrated password manager or identity protection tools like those in NordVPN or Surfshark.
• The malware blocker blocks ~55% of threats, okay but not industry‑leading .

📱 Mobile App Limitations (iOS)

• On iOS, you cannot switch servers while connected—requires disconnecting first, briefly exposing your IP address.

🕵️ Ownership & Tracker Concerns

• Owned by Kape Technologies, which also owns other VPNs and some reviewing platforms, raising questions about impartiality.
• Android app reportedly uses tracking libraries (Firebase, Mixpanel etc.) without opt‑out options—less privacy‑friendly.

CyberGhost VPN In‑Depth Features Overview

Speed & Performance

• WireGuard delivers consistently high speeds up to ~950 Mbps. Nearby servers often exceed 400 Mbps in testing.
• Longer‑distance servers show slower results but remain usable for HD streaming and torrenting.

Server Network & Specialized Servers

• Extensive global footprint with specialty servers:
  • Streaming servers labeled per service (e.g. Netflix US, Disney+)
  • Torrenting/P2P servers in ~97 countries
  • NoSpy servers in Romania under exclusive CyberGhost control .

Privacy & Security Setup

• AES‑256 encryption, OpenVPN & WireGuard protocols, kill switch and DNS leak protection standard on all platforms.
• Smart Rules:
  • Auto-connect on insecure Wi-Fi
  • Split tunneling (“Exceptions”) to exclude traffic
  • Forced HTTPS and Wi-Fi alerts.

Advertising, Tracking, and Malware Protection

• Ad/tracker blocker stops ~83% of ads and ~149/156 trackers tested .
• Malware blocker less effective (~55% detection rate) so shouldn’t replace antivirus software .

Device & Platform Compatibility

• Apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux (CLI), Amazon Fire TV, routers.
• Note: Linux lacks GUI; iOS has limitations around server switching.

Pricing, Trials & Money‑Back Guarantee

• Long‑term plans (26–28 months) start around $2.03–$2.19/month; dedicated IP add‑on ~ $2.50/month.
• Free trial varies by platform; Windows users often get ~26 hours free.
• 45‑day money‑back guarantee on longer subscriptions, shorter for monthly plans.

Customer Support & Documentation

• 24/7 live chat and email support; comprehensive FAQ, setup guide, and troubleshooting articles.

Use Case Scenarios

Streaming Enthusiasts

• Works well with Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Prime Video, HBO Max
• BBC iPlayer, Channel 4, 9Now sometimes fail—even on dedicated servers—so not perfect as a streaming specialist

Torrents & P2P Sharing

• P2P-optimized servers in ~97 countries, kill switch and no-logs for safe torrenting .
• Port forwarding is not supported, which limits advanced torrent setups.

Travel & Public Wi‑Fi Security

• Auto‑connect to VPN on unsecured Wi‑Fi, split tunneling and kill switch help protection in hotspots.

Gaming & Console Users

• TechRadar notes CyberGhost works well on consoles via router setups, with optimized gaming servers for stable ping.

Privacy-Focused Users

• Audited no-logs policy, RAM-only servers and Romania-based legal jurisdiction provide strong privacy posture.
• But third-party tracking in mobile apps and corporate ownership by Kape may concern some.

CyberGhost vs Competitors

Here’s how CyberGhost stacks up against top-tier VPNs:

CyberGhost vs NordVPN

• NordVPN offers faster speeds, more advanced privacy tools (e.g. Threat Protection, double VPN), and supports 10 simultaneous connections versus CyberGhost’s 7 installs only.
• CyberGhost, however, wins on price, free trial length, and ease for beginners .

CyberGhost vs Surfshark

• Surfshark provides unlimited simultaneous connections, stronger streaming consistency, and features like CleanWeb ad-blocker, identity tools.
• CyberGhost is more limited on devices but edges ahead on server count and transparency (audits).

CyberGhost vs ExpressVPN

• ExpressVPN remains the leader in reliability, speed, and streaming unblocking, with proven no-logs enforcement in real-world case.
• CyberGhost is cheaper and offers longer refund guarantees, making it better for budget users.

Pricing Plans Overview

Plan Type	Price (per month)	Money‑Back Guarantee	Notes
28‑month plan	≈ $2.03–2.19	45 days	Best value deal
Monthly plan	~$12+	~14 days	Expensive; shorter return term
Add‑on: Dedicated IP	~$2.50/month	Same guarantee	For CAPTCHA‑free access, pay extra

Promotions vary seasonally. Always check official site for current deals.

Final Verdict

CyberGhost VPN offers remarkable value with its huge server network, solid speeds, and audited privacy credentials—all at a low price. It’s an excellent choice for:

• Beginners looking for easy, reliable VPN access
• Streaming users who want access to Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, etc.
• Torrenting users needing safe, P2P‑friendly servers

However, if you want ultra‑secure streaming bypass (BBC, etc.), advanced privacy features, unlimited device usage, or best‑in‑class malware protection, you may be better off with NordVPN, Surfshark, or ExpressVPN.

Overall: CyberGhost is a well-rounded, budget-friendly VPN ideal for everyday use by privacy-conscious users—especially those on a tighter budget.

FAQ — CyberGhost VPN Key Questions Answered

1. Is CyberGhost really safe and private?
Yes — CyberGhost uses AES‑256 encryption, kill switch, DNS leak protection, and an audited no‑logs policy carried out by Deloitte in 2022 and 2024. It’s based in Romania, outside the 14 Eyes alliance.

2. Can CyberGhost unblock Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer?
It works reliably with Netflix (US/UK), Hulu, Disney+, and Prime Video. BBC iPlayer and Channel 4 may be hit or miss, even on streaming‑optimized servers. Streaming servers are service-specific, limiting flexibility.

3. Is CyberGhost good for torrenting?
Yes — CyberGhost provides P2P-optimized servers in ~97 countries, supports a kill switch, and enforces no-logs. However, it doesn’t support port forwarding, which may limit certain use cases.

4. How many devices can I install CyberGhost on and connect simultaneously?
You can install CyberGhost on up to seven devices (Windows/macOS/iOS/Android/Linux/Fire TV/router), but simultaneous connections are limited to those installs—not unlimited like other VPNs.

5. Does CyberGhost offer free trial or refund?
Yes — platform-dependent free trials exist (Windows often ~24–26 hours). More importantly, it guarantees a 45-day money-back period on long-term plans and usually ~14 days on monthly plans.

6. What are NoSpy servers?
These are special servers fully owned and operated by CyberGhost, located in Romania, offering higher privacy since no third parties manage them. Ideal for users who prefer self‑managed infrastructure.

Conclusion

For users seeking a budget‑friendly VPN with broad global coverage, streaming‑friendly servers, and audited privacy protections, CyberGhost VPN is an excellent option. It offers robust performance, simple apps, and generous refund terms—making it ideal for beginners and casual VPN users.

If you’re after advanced security tools, unlimited device access, or unbeatable streaming reliability, it’s worth comparing CyberGhost with NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN.