CyberGhost vs. Private Internet Access 2024: Which VPN Steals the Spotlight?

CyberGhost and Private Internet Access are two virtual private networks (VPN) under the Kape Technologies umbrella, but how do they differ from each other?

CyberGhost has an intuitive interface, which makes the VPN experience smooth for beginners and streaming enthusiasts. PIA has the luxury of unlimited device connections, naking it a boon for large families or individuals with many devices.

Learn more about CyberGhost vs. Private Internet Access as far as value, speed, security features, and more. 

CyberGhost vs. Private Internet Access at a glance

CyberGhost is known for its user-friendly interface and a rich set of features that particularly appeal to beginners and streamers. On the other hand, Private Internet Access, with its unlimited device connections, is a haven for large households and users with many devices. 

• CyberGhost: Best for streaming enthusiasts
• Private Internet Access: Best for multiple devices

How do CyberGhost and PIA compare?

Price	From $2.03/mo (billed every two years)	From $2.19/mo (billed every two years)
Max # of connected devices	7	Unlimited
24/7 customer support
Compatibility	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and more	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and more
# of servers	Unlisted in 100 countries	Unlisted in 91 countries and 50 U.S. states
VPN protocol	WireGuard,OpenVPN, IKEv2	WireGuard, OpenVPN, IPsec
No-logs policy	No logs	No logs
Unblocks Netflix?
Learn more	Get CyberGhost Read CyberGhost Review	Get Private Internet Access Read Private Internet Access Review

CyberGhost pros and cons

CyberGhost is both user-friendly and budget-friendly. We liked its user interface, as it provides lots of options to find the right server with quick connect options and specialized servers.

CyberGhost has a low starting price of $2.03/mo (billed every two years), which can help VPN beginners get started with a service. Plus it offers a generous 45-day money-back guarantee and free trial options. 

Finally, CyberGhost's extensive server spread across 100 countries and streaming-optimized servers make it a go-to for those keen on seamlessly streaming international content.

Private Internet Access pros and cons

Private Internet Access is also a strong choice if you're looking to save money on a VPN. Its starting price is $2.19/mo (billed every two years) and it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. 

Adding to its value, PIA also offers unlimited simultaneous connections. You can cover an entire household with VPN protection all with one subscription. 

Finally, PIA commits to providing security with lots of features. You'll get double VPN servers, an ad and tracker blocker, and data breach monitoring.

Which VPN is the better value?

	Our Pick
Price range	$2.03–$6.99/mo	$2.19–$11.99/mo
Best value plan	2-year plan for $2.03/mo (billed every two years)	2-year plan for $2.19/mo (billed every two years)
Money-back guarantee	Yes — 45 days	Yes — 30 days
Learn more	Get CyberGhost Read CyberGhost Review	Get Private Internet Access Read Private Internet Access Review

CyberGhost and Private Internet Access are two of the best budget-friendly options on the market. CyberGhost's pricing ranges from $2.03–$6.99/mo, depending on the subscription duration.

The best VPN value is undoubtedly in its two-year plan, priced at $2.03/mo (billed every two years). With this, you'll get a significant discount over the monthly rate plus usually some extra months thrown in. 

Private Internet Access's pricing ranges from $2.03–$6.99/mo, also depending on the subscription duration. Similarly, PIA's best value plan is also its two-year plan for $2.19/mo (billed every two years).

Both VPNs offer a money-back guarantee as well. CyberGhost offers a 45-day money-back guarantee, while Private Internet Access provides a 30-day money-back guarantee. 

CyberGhost also stands out for offering free trials, anywhere from 24 hours to seven days depending on the platform. 

CyberGhost vs. PIA: payment options

The array of payment options provided by both VPNs not only cater to standard payment methods but also extend into the realm of cryptocurrency, providing an extra layer of privacy for those who prefer to keep their financial details under wraps. 

Here’s a glimpse into the payment avenues offered by each.

CyberGhost payment options

• Credit cards
• PayPal
• Amazon Pay
  
• BitPay

PIA payment options

• Credit/debit cards
• PayPal
• Cryptocurrency (bitcoin, ethereum, litecoin, and more)
• Amazon Pay

Which VPN is faster?

The impact of a VPN on internet speed is a critical for selecting a provider. 

To provide a clear picture of how CyberGhost and Private Internet Access performed, we conducted an internet speed test with the VPN disconnected, to log the baseline speed. We then turned the VPN on and connected to servers in specified regions — the U.S., Canada, U.K., and Australia to record their impact on our baseline speed . 

The table below breaks down how much of a hit each VPN took to our initial internet speeds.

Server location		Our Pick
US	48% slower	6% slower
CA	79% slower	9% slower
UK	42% slower	51% slower
AU	83% slower	50% slower
Learn more	Get CyberGhost Read CyberGhost Review	Get Private Internet Access Read Private Internet Access Review

Despite CyberGhost's extensive server network, we were surprised to find how much it slowed down our speeds. The U.K. was actually the fastest server, it still increased our speeds by over 40%. The Canadian and Australian servers both decreased our speed by about 80%, which is a devastating drop. 

Private Internet Access performed better than CyberGhost with almost every server but the U.K. server. It slowed our speeds by less than 10% with the U.S. and the Canadian servers. 

Which VPN is more secure?

	Our Pick
Number of servers	Unlisted in 100 countries	Unlisted in 91 countries
No-logs policy	No logs	No logs
VPN headquarters	Romania	United States
Encryption	AES-256	AES-256
VPN protocol	WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2	WireGuard, OpenVPN, IPsec
Kill switch
Split tunneling
DNS leak protection
Ad blocker
Learn more	Get CyberGhost Read CyberGhost Review	Get Private Internet Access Read Private Internet Access Review

At a glance, CyberGhost and PIA present a similar suite of features, all designed to offer an enhanced, secure, and flexible online experience. The server spread is a notable distinction: CyberGhost boasts servers spread across 100 countries, while PIA offers servers in 91 countries and all 50 U.S. states.

CyberGhost also stands out for offering specialty servers. There are servers for gaming, streaming, and torrenting, plus dedicated IP you can purchase.

While both have a staunch no-logs policy, the jurisdiction PIA falls under could be a concern for the privacy-centric user; CyberGhost is headquartered in Romania, a country known for its privacy-friendly laws. This contrasts with PIA, which is based in the United States, a part of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance.

However, CyberGhost and PIA have both had their no-logs policy audited by Deloitte, confirming that you can trust these VPN giants not to store your data.

Both use AES-256 encryption, ensuring your data remains under lock and key. AES-256 is considered to be nearly unbreakable and is the encryption used by the military and banks. The VPN protocols each app offers are almost on par, with both providing the reliable OpenVPN and the speedy WireGuard. 

Features like a kill switch and split tunneling are pivotal for maintaining security and flexibility in your connection. PIA offers split tunneling for all devices, but CyberGhost only offers it for Android.

Finally, both VPNs come with a content blocker to keep your online activities private, by blocking trackers, and faster, by blocking ads. 

Which VPN has the better compatibility and customer service?

Windows
macOS
Android
iOS
Linux
Routers
Smart devices
Browser extensions	Yes — Chrome, Firefox, Edge	Yes — Chrome, Firefox, Opera
24/7 customer support
Customer support options	Live chat, email, forums, online guides	Live chat, email, forums, online guides
Learn more	Get CyberGhost Read CyberGhost Review	Get Private Internet Access Read Private Internet Access Review

CyberGhost and Private Internet Access provide compatibility across lots of platforms including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, routers, and smart devices. 

Both also offer extensions for two popular web browsers, Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome. CyberGhost adds support for Microsoft Edge, while PIA adds support for Opera.

Their user interfaces are intuitive and straightforward, catering to both VPN novices and seasoned users. CyberGhost’s interface is known for its modern design and easy navigation, making finding settings or changing servers a breeze. 

Conversely, PIA’s interface is minimalistic and straightforward, though some users might find it less engaging.

Regarding customer support, both VPNs stand shoulder to shoulder, offering 24/7 support, a boon for users who might run into issues at odd hours. The support channels, including live chat, email, forums, and online guides, are comprehensive and poised to assist users through any hiccups they might encounter. 

Neither option presents significant gaps in customer support, reflecting a strong commitment to user satisfaction from both ends.

FAQs

Is CyberGhost or Private Internet Access better?

CyberGhost and Private Internet Access are both reputable contenders in the VPN domain, each with merits and minor drawbacks.

CyberGhost shines with its user-friendly interface, slightly better speed performance in certain regions, and favorable jurisdiction for privacy. Additionally, its expansive server network across 100 countries lends a hand to those keen on geo-unblocking and streaming diverse content. 

Conversely, PIA has a minimalistic interface that caters to users who prefer a straightforward, no-nonsense approach, and its unlimited device connections are a big draw for large households or small businesses. Yet, its U.S. jurisdiction may deter privacy-focused individuals, and the speed performance in certain regions could be enhanced.

CyberGhost would be the better choice for most users, especially those who prioritize streaming, ease of use, and privacy. Its attributes make CyberGhost a well-rounded VPN that caters to a broad spectrum of user needs while ensuring a seamless and secure online experience.

CyberGhost vs. Private Internet Access alternatives

If CyberGhost and Private Internet Access don’t quite match your needs, worry not. Several other competent VPNs in the market may align well with your requirements. Here are three alternative VPNs to consider: