CyberGhost Review: Features, Privacy, Pricing

CyberGhostVPN is now a leader in the world of online security due to its strong communication and easy-to-use applications. But is it a service that deserves your attention?

CyberGhost VPN Features

What is CyberGhost VPN?

CyberGhost VPN was established in 2004 by the company of the same name, “CyberGhost SA,” based in Romania. Initially free, the service quickly adapted to the growing VPN market by adopting a monthly and then annual subscription model. In 2017, the group was acquired by Crossrider, which was initially specialized in Adware, which significantly tarnished the VPN’s reputation. CyberGhost has since defended itself from any collusion with its parent company’s previous activities and promotes a healthy business model. The group, renamed Kape Technologies PLC since 2018, owns other VPN services like ZenMate, Private Internet Access, and recently ExpressVPN. CyberGhost now boasts no fewer than 38 million users and relies on a communication policy based on partnerships with influencers.

CyberGhost VPN: The User Interface

CyberGhost is undoubtedly one of the most intuitive and straightforward VPNs to set up on the market. Firstly, the service is entirely available in French, which is a significant advantage over many competitors who still ignore the French language. Once the app is installed, it takes very little manipulation to connect to a server and use the service without technical knowledge. The interface is as clear as it is intuitive, with a logical arrangement of menus and features. The default display is straightforward, offering a single click connection to an optimized remote server or a chosen destination. Once connected, the VPN displays received and sent packets, the server protocol used, and the connection duration in real-time. The sidebar (in the PC version) displays the list of all available servers, their distance, and the option to designate them as favorites. Ease of use is at the heart of the experience since CyberGhost allows direct connection to servers optimized for each type of use: streaming from foreign VOD platforms (Netflix US, among others), online gaming, P2P downloading, or even using a dedicated IP (paid option, however). Additional advanced options include DNS filtering activation to avoid ads and trackers during browsing or an automatic kill switch. This feature completely disconnects the connection in case of connectivity issues with a server to maintain anonymity. To complete the picture, it is possible to establish specific rules for an application to avoid disconnecting from the VPN when launching a program that doesn’t require it. CyberGhost also has a “split tunneling” feature via the “Smart Rules” tab, allowing a secure connection to a specific service while maintaining a local IP for the rest, such as connected printers on the home network. Regarding Linux, CyberGhost does not offer a graphical interface and relies on command-line configuration via the terminal to function. In practice, only advanced users will fully utilize it, although an FAQ is available on the VPN website. On mobile (Android, iOS), the experience is almost identical, if not even more straightforward. The unified interface across devices is appreciated, particularly for simultaneous connections. However, it’s not 100% unified. Only the WireGuard protocol is used on mobile devices, and split tunneling is currently available only on Android devices. CyberGhost is also accessible through a browser extension (Chrome, Edge, Safari, Firefox, etc.), but it lacks the performance and features of the desktop or mobile version. It is limited to web browsing, and only a handful of servers are accessible. To bypass geoblocking, especially for VOD services, a paid subscription is necessary.

CyberGhost VPN: Speed Test

Another key point in our CyberGhost test is speed. If you go through an intermediate server (which is exactly the principle of VPNs), it must be of good quality so as not to affect your connection speed. We ran a speed test with CyberGhost to see how the provider compares to the competition and ranks among the fastest VPNs.

To get started, we first ran a speed test without a VPN connection to get an idea of our baseline connection and be able to draw the right conclusions. Below is the data obtained without a VPN connection:

Nothing to report, our connection is very good.

We will test a distant server such as Australia with a distance of 17,000 km.

There is of course a drop, but this is completely normal. This is due to the geographical remoteness. This is also the case with other very premium players.

The number of servers and overall performance are crucial for VPN services. CyberGhost boasts over 7,100 servers across 91 countries, making it one of the most extensive VPN services. However, its speeds may not be as high as competitors like NordVPN or Surfshark. Despite this, CyberGhost provides sufficient speeds for streaming video from an American server in the highest quality possible, which is the most common VPN use case.

During tests, most VOD platforms (Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+) were accessible without even using private browsing sessions. Additionally, mobile apps switched seamlessly without requiring a browser. Downloading from a server on the other side of the world is more challenging. Cloud gaming is also not feasible due to high ping times outside of a server located in the same country. CyberGhost has made efforts to provide servers in countries with strict internet regulations. It is now possible to connect from Saudi Arabia, Iran, Turkey, Egypt, and even China, although Iraq and Syria are still missing. By default, CyberGhost automatically assigns a connection protocol. It is strange that the service currently prioritizes OpenVPN for foreign server connections and relegates the more efficient and widely promoted WireGuard protocol to second place on a Windows computer. WireGuard is still unavailable on macOS. Depending on your needs, it is possible to change protocols in the settings, but a more accessible option would be preferable. On mobile, WireGuard is exclusive to Android, while iOS relies on OpenVPN. Despite no DNS leaks, CyberGhost needs to work on unifying its applications and features.

How to use CyberGhost?

We find ourselves on the software interface of CyberGhost VPN for the presentation of all the features available. CyberGhost VPN offers a very easy to use interface. As soon as you are on this page, you can connect directly to the VPN by clicking on the big central button, CyberGhost will take care of finding you the best server. Here you are simply connecting to CyberGhost VPN.

Now let’s explore the advanced features of CyberGhost VPN. To see all the other features, you just need to click on the arrow on the left.

As before, the interface is once again very refined. To the right of the window, you can find different sections:

• Favorites: In this tab, all the servers that you have put in favorites will be in the quick access list to make your task easier when connecting to the VPN. You can click on the server of your choice to make the connection.
• All servers: In this area, you will find the list of all the servers where you can connect. You will see the country, the distance in km from the server and a button to add the connection to favorites.

Dedicated IP: The Dedicated IP feature is an option available in addition to purchasing the VPN which consists of having a static and anonymous IP address of the country of your choice. Thanks to this option, it will allow you to avoid all incoming blockages, to telework in complete safety, to receive fewer CAPTCHAs and to better protect all your devices.

This feature is especially useful for people who need to whitelist specific IPs to allow connection to your website or server. When you purchase a dedicated IP option from CyberGhost, a unique IP address will be assigned to you, just for you. So you can be sure that no one else uses it. It is a perfect solution for those who need a consistent IP address for sending torrents or other connections.

NoSpy servers: In this section, you will have anti-spyware servers to protect you as much as possible during your various internet browsings, it will not let any traces pass, you will be invisible to everyone. CyberGhost’s NoSPY servers are fully managed by CyberGhost, which means that no third parties have access to them. The user thus benefits from more advanced confidentiality measures. NoSpy servers are located in Romania and feature extended bandwidth for faster speeds. They also support P2P connections, so you can torrent without fear of being discovered.

For games: If you are a gamer and want to play online with people from certain regions, this mode will be perfect for you. CyberGhost will optimize these servers so that you have the best connection during your different games with the VPN activated.

For Torrenting: if you download torrent files that are illegal (we do not advise you to download illegal files) you should know that it is important to protect your IP address so you don’t get caught. This is why CyberGhost offers servers optimized for P2P downloads with very good speed.

For streaming: Streaming is an activity that has greatly increased thanks to platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, HBO, etc. However, when it comes to licensing and streaming rights, content from Netflix or other platform varies by country. It is very important for the CyberGhost VPN test whether this provider can guarantee high-quality streaming.

A VPN is a great way to bypass the country’s content lock. Indeed, you can hide your real location and connect to a server in a country of your choice to access IPs located in the same country. So, if you have a Netflix account, a VPN can help you:

• Access your content wherever you are, even from abroad by connecting to a French server
• Unlock new films and TV series available on Netflix foreign catalogs for example

In addition to streaming platforms, CyberGhost also manages to unblock TV channels from around the world, including French programs and free foreign sports channels for example.

What’s handy with CyberGhost is that you can see which server is optimized for the platform you want. Let’s say you want to access the Netflix catalog from Japan, take the server called Japan and check that it is optimized for Netflix.

ad blocker

CyberGhost claims that its ad blocking feature will protect you from annoying ads that follow you around the web. In theory, this should therefore speed up your loading times and help you avoid malware distributed by ad networks. Additionally, it should save data on mobile devices by preventing ads from loading.

It does block some ads, but some free tools work a bit better. With CyberGhost, many advertisements are passed including banners, gifs and even advertisements on YouTube videos. On the other hand, the company is constantly striving to improve this feature, so it might work better in the future.

smart rules

Smart Rules is a feature that automates CyberGhost. Once configured, the app will perform some tasks itself, saving you time.

Some rules can be as simple as launching CyberGhost when the system restarts. It is also possible to specify a country or a particular server that CyberGhost should connect to automatically.

You can also take it to the next level by automating the programs that start automatically when CyberGhost initiates a connection. So you won’t even have to wait for the connection confirmation. The app you use will launch automatically after you start your VPN app.

You can further configure Smart Rules by specifying to trigger your Smart Rules on unsecured Wi-Fi networks. Additionally, there are options to allow particular websites, which effectively works like split tunneling.

This is an impressive quality of life feature that many other top VPNs lack. For some, that will be enough to justify a subscription.

kill switch

Like most premium VPN services, CyberGhost has a kill switch. You can enable it from the privacy settings screen.

The feature works very well, you can test it without any problem.

CyberGhost emphasizes its “Zero Log” policy

Online security and privacy are crucial for VPN services. CyberGhost highlights its no-log policy to reassure clients, making it a marketing point. CyberGhost also points out that its VPN solution was inspected and validated by independent firm Deloitte in 2022, emphasizing transparency and efforts made. CyberGhost offers its own “NoSpy” servers based in Romania, providing a more secure “Zero Log” policy as they are not subject to 5 Eyes or 14 Eyes jurisdiction. In any case, the kill switch mode effectively disconnects your PC or mobile device in case of server issues.

CyberGhost VPN: Average customer service

In terms of technical support, it can’t be said that CyberGhost’s model is a resounding success. Firstly, support is only accessible in two ways: via a form or through chat. The form is somewhat cumbersome and requires a significant amount of information. While not all of it is mandatory, going through this process is not the most convenient, especially when the response takes a while. As for the chat, it is often unavailable in French, and users frequently encounter the Zendesk bot (a customer service communication tool) which isn’t very relevant or responsive. However, once connected with a human representative, the interaction is friendly and efficient. This results in an inconsistent experience for a service with over 10 years of operation.

CyberGhost VPN: Pricing

Like most VPN services, CyberGhost offers various subscription plans, ranging from 1 month to 3 years. Even though prices tend to change throughout the year, it’s usually more cost-effective to opt for the 3-year subscription, which naturally comes with the most significant discount. However, don’t be fooled, as this is merely a strategy to encourage customers to choose the longest subscription, thereby retaining them for an extended period. Compared to other VPN services, the prices are not overly prohibitive and remain average. CyberGhost does offer a 45-day trial during which a full refund is possible. In addition to its VPN solution, CyberGhost also offers an antivirus called Intego, developed by the same team as the VPN, and an application update platform that can prove quite useful for desktop users. These features are available as add-ons to all subscriptions for an additional $1 per month.

CyberGhost VPN: Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Global Server Coverage
• Unblock streaming platforms
• WireGuard protocol
• Specialized servers
• One day free trial available
• 45 Day Money Back Guarantee
• Accepts payments in cryptocurrencies
• Good value for money

Cons:

• No independent audits
• Unintuitive Linux client
• WireGuard connection issues on Mac
• Property of Kape Technologies

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CyberGhost VPN: FAQs

Is cyberghost reliable?

The question of the reliability of Cyberghost is legitimate, because it is a VPN service that allows you to hide your IP address and browse the Internet anonymously. Fortunately, Cyberghost is a reliable VPN service that has been tested and approved by many users.

How do I know if CyberGhost is working?

The first thing to do is to check if your Internet Service Provider (ISP) is already blocking certain sites. If so, try connecting to one of these sites with and without cyberghost. If you can access the site with cyberghost, it means that cyberghost is working.