CyberGhost stands out for its huge server community and streaming-optimized servers. Additional enhancements to its apps and buyer assist have helped place it among the many finest VPNs available on the market. That’s to not say it’s not with out its flaws nevertheless, significantly contemplating its father or mother firm’s historical past and a barely restricted vary of options.
CyberGhost – Server Community and Protection
Should you’re in search of a VPN with a world community of servers, CyberGhost is about pretty much as good because it will get. Though it now not offers a selected server depend, its buyer assist confirmed that the quantity at present exceeds 11,000. These servers are situated in 100 nations which is greater than most VPNs available on the market.
The benefit of getting access to such a beneficiant server community is that, whether or not at residence or touring overseas, you’ll hardly ever be restricted by geo-related content material blocks. It additionally implies that wherever you might be, you’ll be capable to discover a close by server for a quicker connection just because knowledge gained’t should journey as far to achieve the VPN server.
After all, you’ll be able to anticipate loads of servers in fashionable areas such because the US (11 cities), UK (3 cities), and Australia (3 cities). Nevertheless, CyberGhost additionally has servers in nations not lined by many different VPN suppliers, resembling Armenia, Malta, and Panama.
What separates CyberGhost from a lot of its rivals is its intensive collection of servers which can be specifically optimized for streaming and downloading. These servers cowl dozens of nations and lots of have been upgraded to 10 Gbps for even quicker connections.
CyberGhost – Pace and Efficiency
CyberGhost significantly impresses with its server speeds. Needless to say the speeds you expertise will seemingly differ in line with components together with your base connection, the gap between the VPN server and your location, and the VPN protocol used.
With that being stated, once I run pace checks on every VPN, I try to make sure that situations are as related as potential. All checks are run on MacOS on the identical Wi-Fi community with a wi-fi connection. I additionally use the quickest VPN protocol out there with every VPN, usually WireGuard.
To create a extra dependable common, I join to a few completely different server areas: the one closest to me (usually Barcelona or Valencia), in addition to two additional afield: New York and Japan. This could give you a extra correct reflection of the form of speeds you’re prone to expertise when utilizing CyberGhost.
The three server areas are examined at three completely different instances of day: morning, afternoon, and night. Assessments are run over three days with every VPN server location examined a complete of 9 instances. My base connection pace when not linked to CyberGhost averaged 319 Mbps over the course of testing.
Speeds will normally be slower when linked to a VPN as a result of encryption processes and extra routing concerned. Regardless of this, I used to be impressed by how little speeds dipped when linked to CyberGhost’s Barcelona server (the closest VPN server to my location). At 284 Mbps on common, it was only a drop of simply 11 p.c.
After all, speeds had been slower when connecting to servers additional afield. I nonetheless had good speeds with CyberGhost’s New York servers (138 Mbps) though the 54 Mbps for Tokyo was just a little disappointing, at the very least in comparison with ExpressVPN. What I did discover was that the speeds I skilled on the New York and Tokyo servers various dramatically. For instance, particular person pace take a look at outcomes for CyberGhost’s New York servers ranged from 59 Mbps to 261 Mbps.
With a world common of 159 Mbps, CyberGhost tops our newest pace checks, comfortably placing itself forward of second place ExpressVPN (118 Mbps). Though pace checks are an necessary a part of contemplating a VPN, keep in mind that there are numerous influencing components and {that a} VPN that performs significantly nicely one week could carry out much less nicely the subsequent (and vice versa).
The excellent news is that CyberGhost is greater than quick sufficient for something you throw at it. This consists of streaming in 4K decision, enjoying on-line multiplayer video games, downloading giant information, and making video calls. A lot of that is all the way down to the truth that CyberGhost affords limitless bandwidth and makes use of WireGuard, a light-weight and high-speed protocol.
CyberGhost – Unblocking and Streaming Capabilities
In relation to unblocking geo-restricted web sites and providers, it actually helps that CyberGhost has such an enormous server community. Likelihood is, you’ll be capable to discover a server in your most well-liked location. Although that is simply a place to begin as a result of the IP deal with nonetheless must work with the web site in query.
What we’ve discovered is that, most of the time, we had been capable of get round content material restrictions.
Streaming platforms typically have among the hardest blocks to bypass as a result of copyright and licensing agreements they search to guard. They usually blacklist recognized VPN IP addresses, stopping entry within the course of. CyberGhost has an enormous variety of IP addresses, making it that a lot simpler to proceed to sidestep geo-blocking.
In testing, I used to be capable of entry Netflix US (and several other different Netflix libraries together with the UK and Japan), Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu. Because of streaming-optimized servers, this is likely one of the finest unblocking VPNs round.
Unblocking with most VPNs requires connecting to a random server in a selected location after which hopping to a different if it fails to unblock the specified content material. Nevertheless, CyberGhost has a listing of servers in nations optimized for particular streaming providers. For instance, US servers for Netflix US, Paramount+, NFL+, and extra. It’s fast, straightforward, and simply works rather well.
CyberGhost – Safety Options
CyberGhost is about as safe as a VPN could be. Relying on the VPN protocol you select, your web visitors can be secured with 256-bit AES or ChaCha20 encryption, each of that are successfully uncrackable.
Except for having very excessive encryption requirements, CyberGhost protects in opposition to leaks, one thing that’s not assured with all VPNs. It claims to stop DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks and, having run a number of leak checks, I used to be blissful to seek out that’s the case.
One of many different key safety features CyberGhost offers is an automated kill swap. All the time on, it steps in ought to your VPN connection drop by reducing your web visitors and stopping any private knowledge from being uncovered.
Home windows customers can be happy to know that CyberGhost has a Home windows Safety Suite. This consists of anti-malware and an antivirus, in addition to a safety software program updater. The place CyberGhost is missing in comparison with VPNs resembling NordVPN and Surfshark is the absence of Double VPN (often known as MultiHop) servers for an additional layer of encryption.
CyberGhost does provide a degree of content material blocking nevertheless, blocking DNS domains used for adverts, trackers, and malware. We tried this function on desktop (MacOS) in opposition to an advert blocker take a look at and located it carried out comparatively nicely, stopping 82 p.c of adverts that got here its manner. This was actually higher than Surfshark and IPVanish though not fairly on the degree of NordVPN.
CyberGhost – Privateness and Logging Insurance policies
Privateness-wise, CyberGhost will get way more proper than mistaken. CyberGhost is headquartered in Romania, which is nice information in that it’s exterior the jurisdiction of the 5, 9, and 14 Eyes intelligence alliances. Romania has no obligatory knowledge retention legal guidelines and, moreover, CyberGhost operates a no-logs coverage, stating that it “doesn’t preserve any data of your on-line exercise whilst you’re linked” to its servers.
The no-logs coverage of CyberGhost has been independently audited by Deloitte as just lately as Might 2024. The Large 4 accounting agency’s findings concluded that CyberGhost’s servers are in compliance with this no-logs coverage. It’s additionally good to see that CyberGhost publishes transparency stories on a quarterly foundation, detailing authorized requests acquired from authorities.
CyberGhost can’t see and due to this fact can’t report, log, or retailer any knowledge associated to the searching historical past of its customers. It additionally doesn’t have any connection logs tied to IP addresses, connection timestamps, or session length. Nevertheless, it does accumulate some non-identifying knowledge together with connection makes an attempt which, in line with CyberGhost, is to higher manage its community infrastructure.
I seen throughout signup with CyberGhost {that a} field was routinely checked agreeing to the gathering of my contact particulars for direct advertising and marketing. So if that’s one thing you don’t need then be sure you uncheck the field (you can even unsubscribe later through a hyperlink on the backside of every electronic mail).
CyberGhost is considered one of many VPNs that requires you to offer an electronic mail deal with for signup. It could be good if this had been non-compulsory. There’s additionally no solution to pay anonymously as a result of money and reward playing cards aren’t accepted. Though CyberGhost does settle for cryptocurrency, which may present anonymity beneath the proper circumstances, its use of BitPay to course of funds makes this all however inconceivable.
One other concern with CyberGhost is its 2017 acquisition by the Israeli firm Crossrider. Now generally known as Kape, it’s previously related to malware distribution. CyberGhost has gone on report stating that it operates independently from Kape nevertheless.
CyberGhost – Signup and Setup
The signup course of with CyberGhost is very similar to most VPNs. First, you’ll want to decide on a plan. Notice that the one month plan comes with a 14-day money-back assure whereas the opposite subscription choices (six months and two years) each have a 45-day money-back assure. Most VPNs solely provide 30 days so that is an added bonus of selecting CyberGhost, as you’ll have much more time to check it out.
Upon making fee, you’ll be prompted to create a password on your new CyberGhost account. As soon as that is set, it takes you straight to CyberGhost’s Obtain Hub the place the app obtain will pop up. The set up course of couldn’t be easier due to the on-screen directions offered.
CyberGhost – Apps and Compatibility
One other factor to understand about CyberGhost is that it’s frequently bettering its apps that are among the many finest I’ve used. They’re light-weight, responsive, and simply very straightforward to navigate (very best if it’s your first time utilizing a VPN).
You’ll discover CyberGhost apps for the next:
- Home windows
- Mac
- Android
- iOS
- Linux (CLI)
- Amazon Fireplace TV
Should you solely want really feel the necessity to safe your browser visitors and never that of apps, there’s additionally the choice of browser extensions:
One of many benefits of establishing CyberGhost on a suitable router is that every one units that hook up with the router’s Wi-Fi community are then protected. Related units don’t depend in opposition to CyberGhost’s simultaneous connection restrict of seven units so it’s potential to exceed it.
The place CyberGhost is probably lagging behind some rival VPNs is its lack of an Apple TV app (tvOS). Plenty of VPNs together with ExpressVPN, IPVanish, NordVPN, and Surfshark have added this in current months. I contacted CyberGhost’s reside chat assist and was instructed that builders are engaged on it however that there’s no particular timeframe for its launch.
CyberGhost’s desktop app opens as a small window pinned to the menu bar however could be opened to full view with a single click on. This small window’s look matches that of the cell app and consists of an on/off button and a small dropdown checklist of favourite server areas. You’ll additionally discover a Finest Location function for routinely connecting to the perfect (quickest) out there server.
Clicking on the CyberGhost app’s cog image takes you on to settings. This largely consists of toggle buttons, examine packing containers, and brief drop down lists, making it simple to regulate in line with your preferences. Energy customers might want extra superior configuration choices to mess around with however others could nicely respect the simplicity.
No matter whether or not you’re on desktop or cell, you’ll discover a checklist of server areas and a search bar for simpler navigation. It’s additionally potential to favourite particular server areas so you’ll be able to hook up with them quicker in future. The important thing distinction is that solely the desktop model shows the present server load. Sadly, not one of the apps can help you choose particular servers – solely the nation and, in some instances, town.
Probably the greatest issues about CyberGhost’s apps is its complete checklist of streaming servers that are optimized for accessing particular streaming providers, be it Netflix, Hulu, or DAZN. Understandably, the desktop app has extra space for extras and this included servers optimized for downloading in addition to a Devoted IP part (this function prices an additional $2.50 a month).
General, there’s little or no to fault with CyberGhost’s apps, though the desktop (MacOS) app did crash as soon as early on. Luckily, that concern didn’t repeat itself over two weeks of testing.
CyberGhost – Buyer Help
Buyer assist is obtainable 24/7 through reside chat and electronic mail. I bought in contact with CyberGhost through its reside chat on three events and by no means needed to wait lengthy earlier than a assist agent was with me.
CyberGhost’s assist made it comparatively straightforward to cancel for a full refund. Upon asking to cancel my subscription as per its money-back assure, I used to be requested my motive for canceling (which is quite common). Like me, it’s seemingly you’ll want to offer an order ID which is situated on the bill CyberGhost emails following fee. The refund was issued nearly instantly, confirming CyberGhost does certainly honor its money-back assure.
Whereas reside chat is anticipated to be quick, electronic mail response instances fluctuate considerably from one VPN to a different. To check this and evaluate with rival VPNs, I despatched CyberGhost three emails on three days of the week, all at completely different instances (early morning, mid afternoon, and late night). The thought was to get an concept not solely of response instances to emails however the high quality of reply offered.
The excellent news is that CyberGhost’s common reply time was simply 1 hour which is way faster than the overwhelming majority of VPNs. With some suppliers, this may increasingly imply a considerably robotic and decrease high quality reply however that actually wasn’t the case right here. I acquired three genuinely useful responses, all of which totally answered my questions.
Right here’s how CyberGhost’s response time and high quality of reply in comparison with different VPNs examined:
Notice that CyberGhost’s web site has a assist part if that’s your choice. There you’ll discover setup guides, troubleshooting articles, and FAQs. What’s nice about loads of this info is that it’s all laid out step-by-step, and consists of annotated screenshots to make issues even easier. Lastly, CyberGhost even has a reasonably energetic YouTube channel with setup tutorials in addition to rationalization movies on subjects together with doxxing and machine studying.
