CyberGhost VPN Review 2024: Is It Good and Safe?

CyberGhost is considered one of the best and most popular VPN providers on the market today. But does it live up to the hype of being a good and safe VPN?

Based in Romania, CyberGhost is a great choice for users looking for a VPN service that’s fast and secure while also being affordable and able to unblock some streaming services. This is an ideal VPN for streaming, torrenting, and gaming, among many other things.

Users love CyberGhost VPN for its fast speeds, strong security features, massive server network with plenty of server locations, specialized servers, dedicated IP addresses, and more. On top of its rich features, it also has an attractive price and comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee, which is longer than most of its competitors offer.

While it might not be a perfect product, there are many aspects of CyberGhost to appreciate and consider when deciding if this is the VPN for you. Keep reading for an in-depth CyberGhost VPN review.

CyberGhost VPN pros and cons

When considering CyberGhost for your VPN needs, there are numerous pros and cons to weigh.

CyberGhost overview

Founded in 2011, CyberGhost is a VPN service, with the company located in Bucharest, Romania. Today, it supports a customer base of over 38 million users. Kape Technologies acquired CyberGhost in 2017 as its first major VPN acquisition.

CyberGhost has been nominated by both customers and independent reviewers as one of the best VPN providers in 2024 for many reasons. To begin with, it offers many great security and privacy features at a reasonable cost, along with fast speeds and more.

This VPN has become known for its incredibly large server network of 11,500 servers in more than 100 countries, which gives you plenty of VPN servers to choose from to change your IP address and bypass geo-blocks. The VPN apps are user-friendly and compatible with most devices, including Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android, and can also be set up on routers, Smart TVs, and gaming consoles. As an added bonus, you can connect to up to seven devices simultaneously under one subscription.

How much does CyberGhost cost?

CyberGhost is one of the most affordable VPNs on the market, and the prices largely depend on how long of a subscription you are looking for. It can be worthwhile to sign up for a longer subscription in order to get the best deal. The pricing for a CyberGhost subscription breaks down as follows into three tiers:

Can you get CyberGhost for free?

There is no free version of a CyberGhost available. However, you can try the service risk-free at no cost to decide if it’s something you want to pay for.

You can try out CyberGhost with a free trial, but be aware that the length of the trial varies depending on what kind of device you have. If using the VPN on your PC, Windows, or Mac, you get a 1-day free trial, 3 days free on Android, and the longest of 7 days free on iOS.

You can also subscribe to CyberGhost and utilize their 45-day money-back guarantee in order to try it out without really needing a long-term commitment.

Is CyberGhost VPN safe?

CyberGhost is one of the safest and most secure VPNs available. It has plenty of security features, including AES-256 encryption, a strict no-logs policy, an automatic kill switch, RAM servers, Dark Web monitoring, tunneling protocols, and more. Additionally, CyberGhost is based in a privacy-friendly country that is against data retention laws, so you won’t have to worry about third parties getting their hands on your data.

VPN protocols 

CyberGhost supports the following tunneling protocols:

• OpenVPN. This is the most popular VPN protocol, and this service gives you the option to force TCP instead of UDP mode, which is the default.
• WireGuard. WireGuard is a top-of-the-line protocol that is known for being very secure and super fast and is available on all the CyberGhost apps. It’s becoming the new gold standard, with many VPN providers phasing out their former protocols for WireGuard.
• IKEv2. This is considered one of the older tunneling protocols available, but nevertheless, it still works and provides solid compatibility on many devices. It is particularly good for mobile apps and can be found on the CyberGhost iOS app.

Kill switch

By turning on the kill switch in your privacy settings, you can make sure that your VPN traffic is automatically shut down if your internet connection drops or is unstable. CyberGhost’s automatic kill switch has been tested and confirmed to be effective at its job. The drawback is that this VPN app doesn’t allow you to customize the kill switch, and it can’t be turned off on mobile devices.

Logging policy

CyberGhost has a strict no-logs policy, meaning none of your data or activity while using the VPN service will be logged for others to see later, giving you an extra element of privacy.

Independent security audits

CyberGhost underwent an independent audit by Deloitte in 2022 to confirm that they don’t log user data or connection logs.

Jurisdiction

Because the provider is based in Romania, there are no data retention laws to concern themselves with in this jurisdiction. Additionally, CyberGhost is not part of the Fourteen Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance, meaning they are not required to share your data with any agency or government that asks.

Our CyberGhost leak tests

CyberGhost has undergone leak tests for both DNS leaks and WebRTC leaks and passed both of them.

• DNS. Testing DNS for leaks is very important to make sure your online activities have not been exposed. DNS is the system that translates domain names to IP addresses and allows web browsers to stock up on internet resources. Being able to pass a DNS leak test means that your VPN can keep your privacy safe.
• WebRTC. If your WebRTC is leaking, it could mean you’re in danger of your real IP address being leaked while using WebRTC in your browser. This service is an open-source project that provides internet browsers and mobile apps with up-to-date communication through simple application programming.

Tests on CyberGhost proved that the VPN has strong DNS leak protection and can effectively prevent WebRTC leaks as well.

CyberGhost VPN speed: Is it fast?

CyberGhost generally has very fast speeds thanks to the WireGuard protocol. However, there are some issues noticed that suggest the VPN is not utilizing WireGuard to its full potential, leading to some connectivity issues here and there.

Nevertheless, with WireGuard, this VPN had a baseline speed of 500 Mbps download / 500 Mbps upload.

CyberGhost performance with different protocols

The other two protocols available are significantly slower. IKEv2 has a speed of 238 Mbps / 160 Mbps, OpenVPN (UDP) has 46 Mbps / 174 Mbps, and OpenVPN (TCP) has 109 Mbps / 76 Mbps.

WireGuard stands out as the fastest protocol among the three available. However, in terms of connection stability, WireGuard is found lacking, while the other protocols prove to have a much more stable internet connection.

CyberGhost server network

CyberGhost boasts one of the largest server fleets compared to other VPN service providers. It has 11,600 servers located across more than 100 countries. CyberGhost servers are comparable to other VPN providers and break down as follows:

• Americas: 2,200 servers in 12 countries
• Europe: 6,200 servers in 45 countries
• Asia and Oceanic region: 900 servers in 22 countries
• Africa: 300 servers in 12 countries

Additional CyberGhost features

CyberGhost comes with several excellent features.

Specialized servers

Specialized servers are servers optimized for specific tasks. It offers servers optimized for streaming, torrenting, and gaming and is fairly easy to do, even for beginners.

The service’s Downloading servers are optimized for torrenting, giving you the best download speeds possible, and are compatible with P2P clients like uTorrent. These servers are typically located in countries where torrenting won’t face harsh sanctions.

The dedicated Streaming servers are made to bypass geo-restrictions on streaming platforms like Netflix. When you go to the list of servers you should be able to easily see which service the server is supposed to be for.

Gaming servers are specifically with lower latency, which should help improve your speed and connection so that you’re game won’t be ruined.

NoSpy servers

CyberGhost doesn’t give any third-party access to their NoSpy servers and fully runs them themselves. These servers give VPN users even more privacy measures and come with an extended bandwidth for faster speeds while also supporting P2P connections.

Adblocker

CyberGhost’s ad blocker is intended to protect you from any annoying ads that might come through while you’re online. This is supposed to help protect you from malware that comes through these ads, should make your loading times faster, and should help you save on mobile data by stopping the ads from loading.

However, some users have complained that the ad blocker is not foolproof, and some ads still manage to get through, including on YouTube, banners, and gifs. But the feature is constantly being improved, so there’s hope this won’t be an issue soon.

Smart rules

This feature helps to automate this VPN, and once it’s configured, the CyberGhost app will do tasks on its own and save you time. With Smart Rules, you can specify a particular country or server you want the VPN to always connect to or arrange for CyberGhost to start whenever the system reboots. You can also arrange for certain programs to automatically start when CyberGhost is connected and make it automatic for your setup to be triggered while on unsafe Wi-Fi networks.

There are lots of other options for customizing and configuring the Smart Rules feature, and it is one of its most attractive features worth subscribing to.

Dedicated IP

When you buy a dedicated IP from CyberGhost, you are given a unique IP address that’s just for you. By doing this, you can ensure that no one else is using the same IP address as you, which is ideal for those who need a consistent IP address for streaming or torrenting.

CyberGhost uses a special token system that gives you complete anonymity, and you will be given a token to activate your dedicated IP in a specific section of the app. The company will have no record of who owns which IP, and your dedicated IP can’t be traced back to your VPN account or email address. This means you’ll need to be careful not to lose your token because, without it, you can’t access the dedicated IP address.

A dedicated IP is an additional cost on top of your subscription, and prices range from $2.50 to $5.00 per month. You have lots of countries to choose from, including the US, the UK, Canada, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Singapore, Japan, and Australia.

How does CyberGhost work?

CyberGhost VPN works like most virtual private networks and can secure your internet connection and change your IP address with just a few clicks.

When you first open the VPN app, you will be shown the option to immediately connect to the best server option by just clicking on the power button. Often, this server will be near your current location. If this isn’t a country you want to connect to, you can select a different one by looking under the “Best server locations” button or by clicking on the arrow to see all possible options. Then, scroll through and find your preferred location.

No matter which location you choose, you can be assured that your real IP will be masked, and you’ll have access to the CyberGhost Security Suite with all the features to keep you safe.

How to download and install CyberGhost

The preferred way to download CyberGhost is through the official website. However, you can also download it from various app stores such as Google Play Store, Apple App Store, Microsoft, and Amazon. Follow these steps for the recommended way to download CyberGhost:

1. Go to the CyberGhost website on your device. Look for the Download VPN button on top and click.
2. Look on the list for your operating system and click “Download VPN.”
3. Open the downloaded file and follow the instructions to install the CyberGhost VPN app.
4. Login to your CyberGhost account, or make one if you haven’t yet.
5. Choose a server from the server list to connect to and get started.

How to use CyberGhost

In order to get the most out of your CyberGhost experience, it’s important to know how to use the service correctly and make adjustments in your settings accordingly. Follow these steps to optimize your use of CyberGhost:

1. Once you have installed the CyberGhost app on your device, open it.
2. Click the cogwheel in the bottom left to open the general settings menu.
3. To maximize your speed, choose the WireGuard tunneling protocol.
4. Go back to the main menu and click on the privacy settings menu.
5. Enable all security features, including the automatic kill switch, DNS leak protection, and ad blocker.

Is CyberGhost good for streaming?

Thanks to CyberGhost’s servers optimized for streaming, this is a great VPN to use for streaming services and bypassing geo-blocks. You can generally find a server that will work with all the most popular streaming platforms, and it has been tried and tested to work. However, be aware that not every server will be optimized for every streaming site, so you may have to switch servers for each site.

CyberGhost can be used on numerous streaming platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, YouTube TV, and Apple TV.

How to use CyberGhost with Netflix

Connect to CyberGhost’s specialized server for Netflix. With this VPN server, you can unblock Netflix with ease, particularly Netflix US, and shouldn’t have any issues once you start watching your favorite shows or movies.

How to unblock other streaming platforms with CyberGhost

To unblock other streaming services, you’ll need to find the other optimized servers that work with the platforms you want to use.

You should have no problem accessing and streaming content on Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, and Disney+. However, some users complained about issues with the VPN connection for Disney+. BBC iPlayer also works very well with CyberGhost, but you will have to switch to a server optimized specifically for that platform.

Is CyberGhost good for torrenting?

CyberGhost is one of the best VPNs for torrenting, thanks to P2P-optimized servers and secure connections. There’s an impressive server variety, so torrenters all over the world can find a server that works for them for secure and fast download speeds.

However, the connection speeds are rather average. Nevertheless, it’s still a great VPN for torrenting.

CyberGhost: Apps and devices 

CyberGhost has desktop and mobile apps available for many devices, including macOS, iOS, Android, Android TV, Windows, Amazon Fire TV Stick, and Linux. It also has browser extensions for Firefox, Chrome, Edge, Brave, and Opera. Be aware there are some slight differences between them.

Windows and macOS

The Windows client has a great look that’s user-friendly and intuitive. It lets you block malicious websites and ads and is feature-rich. However, be aware that sometimes, it automatically connects you to OpenVPN as a fallback feature. The search bar displays countries instead of cities, but it’s easy enough to click on the countries in the server list and find a server in a city that works for you.

The macOS client is very similar to the Windows app but has some improvements. It allows you to reduce the download size by turning on data compression, which is particularly useful if your internet service provider has data caps. The kill switch on the app could use some work, but otherwise, it’s a solid system.

Linux

Unfortunately, the Linux experience with CyberGhost leaves a lot to be desired, especially with Fedora 33, with its setup and user experience being inconvenient and counterproductive at times.

No matter what you choose, you will still be given the Fedora 32 version. However, to install the app on the Fedora 33 version, you need to log into the website and select your distributor’s exact version. This later all leads to issues because in order to run it, you have to run an install script, but this won’t work if your OS version is considered invalid. The script should automatically perform the installation, but instead you have to enter all of the commands to do so manually.

However, if you have Fedora 32 or PoPOS, you shouldn’t have as many issues. Although the app is still not considered very intuitive.

iOS and Android apps

The apps for mobile devices, iOS and Android, are both very similar with a basic design and generally work better than desktop apps.

In terms of tunneling protocols, both apps offer you WireGuard. However, Android also offers OpenVPN, while iOS offers IKEv2. The connection speeds generally seem to work better on iOS.

Automatic Wi-Fi Protection doesn’t work on the Android app, and it will also ask for location permission to read the name of the Wi-Fi hotspot you’re connected to.

Browser Extensions 

CyberGhost offers free browser extensions for popular browsers, including Chrome, Opera, Firefox, Brave, and Edge, so it’s worthwhile to use.

The browser extension works with four countries: The Netherlands, Germany, Romania, and the US. This will encrypt your traffic but is not ideal for streaming and bypassing geo-blocks.

CyberGhost customer support

CyberGhost offers great customer service. If any issues arrive, like with Linux, you can contact a support agent through their 24/7 live chat service and be quickly routed to an agent who can help you. If the problem is too big to solve at the time, they will create a ticket until they can get back to you with a solution.

In addition to the 24/7 live chat, CyberGhost support also offers email support, guides and articles, and FAQs. You can find their guides and FAQs on the customer service portal and see if the answer to your problem is located there. It includes a very large catalog of articles, including many tutorials for items like Kodi devices or gaming consoles. This is very useful if you’re a new user who doesn’t have much experience with VPNs in general.

CyberGhost: Good alternatives 

If CyberGhost isn’t the right VPN for you, there are some other good VPN services that are popular in the market right now that don’t compromise on features. These are our top recommendations besides CyberGhost:

ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN is an excellent choice for a secure and fast VPN that has great unblocking capabilities. It comes with all the top standard security and privacy features, a good server network, and super fast speeds, and it is ideal for unblocking streaming sites.

NordVPN: NordVPN is a strong and reliable VPN that is one of the most popular brands on the market. It has its own version of WireGuard with its NordLynx protocol, giving it fast speeds and numerous features dedicated to privacy and security.

Surfshark: If an affordable VPN is a priority for you, then Surfshark is a fantastic option to choose. This VPN doesn’t just have an attractive price; it’s also rich in features and boasts strong security, including its Camoflouge Mode feature that can hide your VPN activity.

FAQ

Is CyberGhost legit?

Yes. CyberGhost is a trustworthy and legitimate VPN. It is privacy-friendly thanks to its jurisdiction in Romania, as well as its strict no-logs policy, which has been verified as follows. It also offers top-notch security and good speeds.

Can CyberGhost VPN be trusted?

Overall, from a security standpoint, yes, CyberGhost VPN can be trusted. It had an independent no-logs audit by Deloitte in 2022 and is privacy-friendly.

How many simultaneous connections does CyberGhost allow?

CyberGhost allows for up to seven simultaneous connections. This means that with one subscription you could use CyberGhost’s apps on seven different devices at one time. This is ideal for those who want to use the VPN for the whole family without having to pay for additional subscriptions or if you have multiple devices, like a phone, PC, and Smart TV, that you would like to connect the VPN to at one time.

Does CyberGhost offer a free trial?

Yes, CyberGhost offers a free trial. However, the trial tends to be short, and the length depends on your device. If using the VPN on your PC, Windows, or Mac, you get a 1-day free trial, 3 days free on Android, and the longest of 7 days free on iOS. You might also take advantage of CyberGhost’s generous 45-day money-back guarantee.

Does CyberGhost work in China?

It can be difficult to get a VPN that works in China due to the very strict internet censorship from the government that blocks many social media and streaming sites. However, CyberGhost does indeed work in China! What’s more, unlike some of its competitors, this VPN even has servers located in China.

Does CyberGhost keep logs?

No, CyberGhost has a very strict no-logs policy, so it won’t log any of your activity or data, keeping you safe and secure.

Does CyberGhost work with uTorrent?

Yes. CyberGhost works with uTorrent and, overall, is a very good VPN for all of your torrenting needs. Thanks to its specialized downloading servers, they are optimized for torrenting, making it an easy and smooth experience.

Conclusion

To conclude this VPN review, we can say that it is a good and reliable VPN. There’s a reason CyberGhost has become one of the most popular VPNs featured in the VPN industry and has been voted by users and reviewers as one of their top choices in the market.

While it still has some issues to work out and isn’t perfect, the good definitely outweighs the bad, and it definitely worth the subscription, especially at CyberGhost’s affordable price.

CyberGhost comes with many great perks, including its massive server fleet, a fantastic security suite, good speeds with WireGuard protocol, specialized servers for streaming, torrenting, and gaming, and the option to purchase a dedicated IP address. Top that off with their impressive 45-day money-back guarantee and good customer service. There is plenty to like and appreciate with CyberGhost VPN and so much to discover and utilize.