CyberGhost, a robust VPN provider, boasts a user-friendly Windows client teeming with features. Despite some drawbacks, such as a less-than-ideal support site and device limits, CyberGhost excels in several key areas. Notably, it delivers respectable WireGuard performance and excels in unblocking Netflix, backed by swift and helpful live chat support.
CyberGhost VPN Pricing
- CyberGhost 24 Month: $2.19/mth
- CyberGhost 1 Month: $12.99/mth
- CyberGhost 24 Month: £1.92/mth
Pros of CyberGhost VPN
In favor of CyberGhost, they have:
- Conducted an audited ‘no logs policy’
- Achieved commendable WireGuard and OpenVPN speeds
- Successfully unblocked US Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime
- Implemented effective tracker blocking
- Offered a plethora of features
- Maintained a vast network
- Provided prompt live chat support
- Backed their service with a 45-day money-back guarantee
Cons of CyberGhost VPN
However, CyberGhost falls short in some aspects:
- It does not bypass Disney Plus restrictions.
- Managing licenses can become troublesome if safeguarding more than five devices.
- Users may encounter minor issues with the Windows app.
- The quality of their support site leaves room for improvement.
CyberGhost VPN: A Privacy Giant
CyberGhost, a significant player in the privacy arena, offers comprehensive VPN services to a staggering 38 million users.
Impressive Server Network
Boasting a robust network, CyberGhost operates around 9,200 servers across 125 locations spanning 100 countries. This expansion rivals leading providers, including ExpressVPN (160+ locations) and HideMyAss (over 290 servers).
CyberGhost VPN Review: Enhanced Speeds
Notably, CyberGhost has been ramping up its speeds, introducing 10 Gbps servers in over 30 countries. Most servers welcome torrenting, and the service extends compatibility to Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and more.
Multi-Device Convenience
CyberGhost’s strength lies in allowing seven simultaneous device connections, surpassing ExpressVPN’s limit of five. However, this comes with a caveat: each device slot is device-specific, requiring careful management.
Customer Support
For assistance, a web knowledgebase, chat, and email support are at your disposal.
Dedicated IPs for Added Functionality
Opt for a dedicated IP for an extra $5 monthly (or $4 on the annual plan). This grants you a unique, consistent IP address, advantageous for accessing IP-restricted networks and avoiding streaming platform blocks.
The Balancing Act
Remember, dedicated IPs may make you easily recognizable, but CyberGhost accommodates flexibility. You can seamlessly switch between dedicated and dynamic IPs, adapting to your needs.
CyberGhost VPN Pricing Overview
CyberGhost VPN offers a variety of pricing plans to suit your needs:
- Monthly Plan: At $12.99 per month, it’s on the higher side of the standard $10-$13 range.
- Two-Year Deal: Opt for a two-year subscription, and your initial cost is just $2.11 per month. The renewal rate climbs to $4.75 annually, but the $2.11 introductory offer is a standout deal.
Enhanced Security Option
Consider upgrading to the CyberGhost Security Suite, which includes antivirus and a Security Updater. Prices range from an additional $4.50 per month (billed monthly) to $1 on the two-year plan. However, note that it offers relatively basic security compared to standalone options from Avira, Avast, Bitdefender, Kaspersky, Norton, and more, which include robust VPNs.
CyberGhost VPN Payment Methods
CyberGhost VPN accommodates various payment methods, including Bitcoin, PayPal, credit cards, Google Pay, and Amazon Pay, although availability may vary by location.
Free Trial and Generous Guarantee
You can start with a free trial, lasting 24 hours on desktop and 7 days on mobile devices. However, ensure you have ample time to test the service thoroughly.
CyberGhost offers a remarkable 45-day money-back guarantee (14 days for monthly plans) if you’re unsatisfied with your purchase, making it one of the most generous refund policies available.
Privacy and Security Assurance
CyberGhost prioritizes privacy, evident from its ‘strict no logs policy.’ Their privacy policy confirms:
- No tracking of traffic data, including browsing history, traffic destination, content, or search preferences.
- No storage of connection logs, preserving your IP address, connection timestamp, and session duration.
Independent Audit and Validation
In September 2022, Deloitte conducted an independent audit, affirming CyberGhost’s no-logs policy and system integrity. While exact quotes aren’t available, detailed audit information can be requested from Deloitte through CyberGhost’s blog post.
Bug Bounty Program
CyberGhost further bolstered transparency with a bug bounty program in November 2022, offering up to $1,250 for detecting vulnerabilities. Notably, a researcher uncovered a significant Windows app vulnerability, highlighting the program’s value in identifying and promptly addressing potential threats. Many VPN apps may have undiscovered vulnerabilities due to a lack of scrutiny.
CyberGhost VPN Review: Privacy Tests
In addition to policies and audits, practical assessments were conducted. DNSLeakTest.com confirmed zero leaks, safeguarding identity and web traffic.
CyberGhost’s domain-blocking feature was tested, successfully thwarting 149 out of 156 common trackers. Moreover, it shielded against 55% of new malicious URLs and 79% of unwanted ads. Supplementing a VPN with antivirus is recommended for comprehensive protection.
CyberGhost VPN Performance
Performance tests were conducted using 1 Gbps connections from US and UK locations. WireGuard reached 630 Mbps, while OpenVPN peaked at 360 Mbps, exceeding expectations.
Virtual Locations
CyberGhost openly acknowledges its use of virtual locations. Tests revealed their actual locations, ensuring proximity to the named countries and earning praise.
CyberGhost VPN Review: Netflix and Global Streaming Unblocking
CyberGhost simplifies streaming access with dedicated servers for various platforms. Testing showcased reliable access to BBC iPlayer, ITV, Channel 4, US Netflix, and more. Although US Disney Plus remained elusive, other services were accessible without issues.
Torrenting Capability
CyberGhost supports P2P in numerous locations—70 P2P-friendly countries to be precise, outperforming many competitors. Tested connections confirmed seamless torrent downloads.
Windows Apps: A Deep Dive
CyberGhost’s Windows client appears minimalist but hides a wealth of features within its right-hand panel:
- Location picker facilitates country selection with customizable favorites.
- Multiple protocols: IKEv2, OpenVPN, and WireGuard.
- Prompt connection times: approximately 2 seconds (WireGuard/IKEv2) and 6 seconds (OpenVPN).
- Observed secure protocol setup.
- Lack of notifications during connection.
- Smart Rules panel offers precise control over client launch and app association.
- Wi-Fi Protection panel grants flexibility in network-specific actions.
- Built-in App Rules allow VPN location selection based on app usage.
- Exceptions feature lets you exempt specific websites from VPN tunneling.
- Customization options cater to both novice and advanced users.
CyberGhost’s Windows app stands out with its user-centric customization.
Windows Settings
In Windows, tailor your settings effortlessly: choose your protocol (OpenVPN, IKEv2, or WireGuard), enable random ports (evading VPN blocking), and configure the kill switch, IPv6 connections, and DNS leak protection.
Kill switch performance is solid, but it doesn’t notify you of connection drops, which may lead to confusion.
MacOS and Mac Apps
The Mac app offers straightforward operation with a minimalist panel. A sidebar reveals location options, but it differs from the Windows version.
Mac displays ‘server load,’ while Windows shows distance. The Mac lacks Dedicated IP and NoSpy Servers options.
Mac lacks some advanced features, like DNS leak configuration and automatic kill switch.
CyberGhost VPN Android Apps
Despite the mobile interface, CyberGhost’s Android app packs a punch:
- Switch to tablet mode for easier server selection.
- Auto-connect to insecure Wi-Fi.
- Supports OpenVPN and WireGuard.
- Utilizes random ports to bypass VPN blocking.
- Content blocker for malware, ads, and trackers.
- Split tunneling lets you control which apps use the VPN.
- Domain fronting bypasses VPN blocking.
- No built-in kill switch, but Android system-level kill switch works.
CyberGhost’s Android app offers robust functionality for on-the-go privacy.
CyberGhost VPN iOS and iPhone Apps
The iOS app mirrors its Windows and Android counterparts in design and ease of use. Simply log in, tap Connect, and you’re linked to the nearest location.
iOS VPN apps, limited by Apple’s security model, offer useful features such as auto-connect to specific networks, protocol selection (IKEv2 or WireGuard), and a connection checker.
While not the most feature-rich mobile VPN, they offer a 7-day trial for exploration.
CyberGhost VPN Review: Dedicated IP System
CyberGhost’s dedicated IPs, starting at around $2 monthly on the two-year plan, grant exclusive access for reduced blockage risk and VPN use within IP-restricted business networks. You can choose from 11 countries.
This option offers flexibility, as it doesn’t force constant use of the dedicated IP. It can be conveniently selected when needed.
Alternative VPNs like Ivacy and PureVPN provide dedicated IPs at lower prices and additional country options.
CyberGhost Customer Support
CyberGhost provides web guides for various platforms but lacks depth compared to some competitors. The knowledgebase search requires precise keywords and isn’t well-organized.
While support content updates are infrequent, live chat support offers quick, concise assistance, making up for the knowledgebase’s shortcomings.
CyberGhost VPN Review: Final Verdict
Despite limitations, CyberGhost excels in speed, unblocking capabilities, and features. It’s an attractive option with helpful live chat support.
NewForTech Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Subscribe if:
- You seek diverse features, including dedicated IPs, top VPN protocols, and reliable support.
- Streaming is a priority, as CyberGhost unblocks major platforms.
- Swift support responses matter to you.
Don’t subscribe if:
- You demand the absolute fastest service available.
- You prefer an intuitive support site with regular updates.
- You require real-time connection status notifications.