Quick summary: CyberGhost VPN is a reliable, affordable VPN service with an extensive server network spanning 100 countries. For most everyday users, it offers one of the best price-to-performance ratios on the market. It falls short in countries with strict internet censorship, and the macOS app lags behind the competition.
What Is CyberGhost VPN?
CyberGhost VPN is a virtual private network (VPN) that encrypts your internet connection and hides your real IP address. The service was founded by Robert Knapp in 2004 in Germany and was acquired by British company Kape Technologies in 2017.
Its operational headquarters are based in Bucharest, Romania — a country outside the 5/9/14 Eyes alliance jurisdictions, which is an important privacy advantage. You would use CyberGhost when you want to protect your connection on public Wi-Fi, unblock geo-restricted content (such as Netflix US or BBC iPlayer), anonymise your browsing, or safely download torrent files.
Pricing and Plans
CyberGhost offers three main subscription plans. The monthly plan costs $12.99 per month and includes a 14-day money-back guarantee. The 6-month plan comes in at around $6.99 per month with a 45-day guarantee.
The best value is the 2-year plan (currently with bonus months, 28 months total) at approximately $2.03–$2.19 per month — backed by a full 45-day no-questions-asked money-back guarantee.
Paid add-ons are also available: a dedicated IP address ($2.50–$5/month) and the CyberGhost Security Suite with antivirus (Windows only). Payment options include card, PayPal, Google Pay, Amazon Pay, and cryptocurrency.
Tip: All current discounts and coupons can be found in the deals section.
Features and Specifications
CyberGhost VPN comes with a comprehensive set of security and performance features that cover the needs of most users. The network consists of over 11,690 servers in 100 countries, running on hardware with 10 Gbps connectivity and RAM-only technology — data is automatically wiped on server restart. Specialised streaming servers are available for 50+ platforms, P2P-optimised torrenting servers, and low-latency gaming servers.
The security foundation includes 256-bit AES encryption, support for three protocols (WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec), and an always-on kill switch that immediately cuts your internet connection if the VPN drops. NoSpy servers, physically located at CyberGhost’s Romanian headquarters, are available on longer-term plans and provide an enhanced level of privacy.
The Smart Rules feature allows you to automate VPN behaviour (e.g. auto-connect on public Wi-Fi), and split tunnelling lets you choose which apps go through the VPN and which don’t. A built-in ad and malicious content blocker rounds out the security package. One subscription covers up to 7 simultaneous devices.
Advantages
- Extensive network of over 11,690 servers in 100 countries
- Very low price on long-term plans (from ~$2/month)
- 45-day money-back guarantee — the longest among premium VPNs
- No-logs policy independently verified by a Deloitte audit
- Specialised streaming servers (Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, DAZN and more)
- WireGuard support for fast and stable connections
- Intuitive apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, smart TVs and routers
- Romanian jurisdiction outside the 5/9/14 Eyes alliance
- NoSpy servers for maximum privacy protection
- Cryptocurrency payment option for greater anonymity
- Free trial: 24 hours (desktop), 3 days (Android), 7 days (iOS)
Disadvantages
- Unreliable in countries with strict censorship (China, Russia, Iran)
- The macOS app is less polished than the competition
- 7 simultaneous connection limit (Surfshark offers unlimited)
- Monthly plan is expensive compared to competitors
- The antivirus in Security Suite is not on par with dedicated solutions
- Parent company Kape Technologies has a somewhat controversial history
- Noticeable speed drop on distant servers
My Experience
When testing CyberGhost VPN, I focused on three areas that matter most to everyday users: speed, streaming, and ease of use. Installation on Windows was quick and problem-free — from download to first connection took under two minutes. The app interface is clean, the connect button dominates the screen, and finding an optimised server for a specific platform (like Netflix US) takes literally seconds.
Speed tests on nearby servers (Central Europe) showed no measurable slowdown — I streamed at 1080p without buffering and torrents downloaded at full line speed. On distant servers (US, Australia) I noticed slightly higher latency, which is natural and does not affect regular browsing.
Streaming on Netflix US, Disney+ UK and BBC iPlayer worked flawlessly — the optimised servers handled VPN blocking reliably. I also tested the kill switch by manually dropping the connection: the internet cut out instantly, with no real IP leak detected.
On macOS I did notice that the app feels less refined — navigation is not as smooth as on Windows, which can be frustrating when using a MacBook.
User Reviews
On Trustpilot, CyberGhost VPN holds a rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from over 23,700 reviews. Satisfied users particularly appreciate the connection stability, ease of use, and minimal impact on internet speed.
Critical voices repeat in a few areas: some users reported issues with automatic sign-outs and authentication, while others expressed frustration with pop-up ads appearing in the interface for paying subscribers.
There are also complaints about a complicated cancellation process. In the context of over 38 million active users, however, this is a fairly standard picture for a VPN service at this scale.
Alternatives
If CyberGhost doesn’t suit you for any reason, here are the alternatives I’ve also tested:
NordVPN
NordVPN is consistently rated as the best VPN on the market in 2026. It offers over 6,300 servers in 111 countries, significantly better results in speed tests, and a more robust security feature set including Threat Protection. It is pricier than CyberGhost, but if you want a top-tier all-round VPN without compromise, NordVPN is the clear choice.
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN excels where CyberGhost falls short — it works reliably in countries with strict censorship (China, UAE) and has an excellent macOS app. It is a premium service in terms of price, but for travellers and advanced users it is the most dependable option available.
Surfshark
Surfshark is a compelling alternative especially for households and families, as it offers unlimited simultaneous connections — CyberGhost is capped at 7. Surfshark One also includes a quality antivirus that significantly outperforms CyberGhost’s Security Suite. Pricing is comparable to CyberGhost on long-term plans.
Proton VPN
Proton VPN is the choice for those who treat privacy as an absolute priority. Built by the team behind ProtonMail, it is based in Switzerland and offers a free plan with no speed limits. Compared to CyberGhost it has a smaller server network and streaming is not its strong suit, but from a privacy and trust perspective it is among the most credible providers on the market.
Support and Contact
CyberGhost offers customer support 24/7 via live chat and email. In tests, the live chat responded quickly — usually within a few minutes — and agents avoided templated responses.
An extensive knowledge base on their website covers setup guides for all supported devices, troubleshooting sections for common issues, and a comprehensive FAQ.
Support communication is available in English, German, French, and Romanian. No other languages are supported, which may be a barrier for some users.
Summary and Rating
Rating: 7.5/10
CyberGhost VPN is a solid VPN with an excellent price-to-performance ratio on long-term plans. Its strongest points are the massive server network, verified no-logs policy, 45-day money-back guarantee, and an intuitive interface — particularly appreciated by beginners. For most everyday users who want protection on public Wi-Fi and access to foreign content on Netflix or Disney+, it is an excellent and affordable choice.
I recommend CyberGhost VPN to users looking for a simple and affordable VPN solution for streaming, everyday browsing, and privacy protection on the go. It is also well-suited for sharing with family or friends thanks to the 7 simultaneous connections.
I do not recommend CyberGhost to those who need a VPN in countries with strict censorship, primarily use macOS and require a polished experience, or need unlimited device connections. In those cases, consider NordVPN, ExpressVPN, or Surfshark.
Try CyberGhost VPN risk-free: When purchasing a long-term plan, you have 45 days to get a full refund with no questions asked — the longest guarantee among premium VPN services on the market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CyberGhost VPN safe?
Yes. CyberGhost uses 256-bit AES encryption, WireGuard, OpenVPN and IKEv2 protocols, and an automatic kill switch. Its no-logs policy has been independently audited by Deloitte, which is an above-standard step in the VPN industry.
Does CyberGhost work with Netflix?
Yes. CyberGhost has specialised streaming servers optimised for over 50 platforms including Netflix in 17 countries, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and others. In testing, these servers worked reliably without being blocked.
How many devices can I connect at the same time?
One CyberGhost subscription covers up to 7 simultaneous devices. You can install the app on an unlimited number of devices, but only 7 active connections are allowed at once.
Does CyberGhost have a free version?
CyberGhost does not offer a permanent free plan. A free trial is available: 24 hours for desktop, 3 days for Android, and 7 days for iOS. Additionally, long-term plans come with a 45-day money-back guarantee, which effectively serves as an extended risk-free test.
Is CyberGhost legal?
Yes, using a VPN is legal in most countries, including the UK, US, and across the EU. A VPN is a tool for privacy protection and securing your internet connection. Using a VPN for criminal activity is of course illegal, but the service itself is fully compliant with the law in the vast majority of jurisdictions.
What makes NoSpy servers different?
NoSpy servers are physically located at CyberGhost’s own headquarters in Romania and are managed exclusively by an in-house team. Unlike regular servers in third-party data centres, no external party has access to them. They are available on 6-month and longer plans and are particularly suited for journalists, activists, or anyone requiring maximum discretion.
Does CyberGhost work in China?
Not reliably. CyberGhost does not support the advanced obfuscation needed to bypass China’s Great Firewall. Their own support team has confirmed this — a connection may work but is not guaranteed. For travellers to China, Russia, or Iran, I recommend considering ExpressVPN instead.
