All About Cookies is an independent, advertising-supported website. Some of the offers that appear on this site are from third-party advertisers from which All About Cookies receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear).
All About Cookies does not include all financial or credit offers that might be available to consumers nor do we include all companies or all available products. Information is accurate as of the publishing date and has not been provided or endorsed by the advertiser.
The All About Cookies editorial team strives to provide accurate, in-depth information and reviews to help you, our reader, make online privacy decisions with confidence. Here's what you can expect from us:
Best for Streaming Enthusiasts
/images/2023/04/28/logo-cyberghost-horizontal-3.png){kind=logo}
High-speed global servers offering industry-leading 256-bit AES encryption and no data logs
Unlimited bandwidth, DNS and IP leak protection, and automatic kill switch available for up to 7 devices
Configurable with your router, smart TV, Amazon Fire TV stick, or gaming console
Best for Multiple Devices
/images/2022/11/11/logo_private-internet-access.png){kind=logo}
More affordable than most other VPNs, including ExpressVPN and NordVPN
Fast internet speeds and strict no-logs policy
Unblocks Netflix and other streaming services
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 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.
|
|
|
| Price | From $2.03/mo (billed every two years) | From $2.03/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 | Undisclosed number of servers servers in 100 countries | Undisclosed number of servers 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 | Get Private Internet Access |
We complete standardized hands-on tests for each VPN we review so we can put their claims to the test. This includes vigorous third-party testing by comparing our internet speed while connected to different servers, checking for DNS leaks, making sure the kill switch actually works, and more. We also make sure we can comfortably access popular streaming sites, like Netflix, and still do our day-to-day work without interruption.
Once we’ve completed the testing, our editorial rating is calculated by taking into account key features you’d expect from a good product. We score each VPN in the following categories and use a weighted average to calculate the final rating out of 5 stars: price, server count, speed, security, and features.
To learn more about how we test, check out our full VPN methodology here.
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 is also a strong choice if you're looking to save money on a VPN. Its starting price is $2.03/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.
| Our Pick
|
|
|
| Price range | $2.03–$12.99/mo | $2.03–$11.99/mo |
| Best value plan | 2-year plan for $2.03/mo (billed every two years) | 2-year plan for $2.03/mo (billed every two years) |
| Money-back guarantee | Yes — 45 days | Yes — 30 days |
| Learn more | Get CyberGhost | Get Private Internet Access |
CyberGhost and Private Internet Access are two of the best budget-friendly options on the market. CyberGhost's pricing ranges from $2.03–$12.99/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–$12.99/mo, also depending on the subscription duration. Similarly, PIA's best value plan is also its two-year plan for $2.03/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.
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.
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 | Get Private Internet Access |
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.
| Our Pick
|
|
|
| Number of servers | Undisclosed number of servers servers in 100 countries | Undisclosed number of servers in 91 countries and 50 U.S. states |
| 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 | Get Private Internet Access |
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 and 125 locations, 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.
/images/2024/06/07/cyberghost-vpn-us-servers.png)
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.
/images/2022/11/11/pia-vpn-review_16.jpg)
|
|
|
|
| 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 | Get Private Internet Access |
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.
/images/2024/06/07/cyberghost-vpn-server-list.png)
Conversely, PIA’s interface is minimalistic and straightforward, though some users might find it less engaging.
/images/2022/11/11/pia-vpn-review_02.jpg)
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.
The comparison between PIA (Private Internet Access) and CyberGhost largely hinges on individual use cases and preferences.
PIA is more budget friendly and offers unlimited simultaneous connections, which may appeal to those seeking a cost-effective service.
CyberGhost has an intuitive interface and offers streaming-optimized servers, which may appeal to those looking for a user-friendly solution for streaming.
It's advisable to assess your specific needs, such as streaming, torrenting, or bypassing geo-restrictions, and choose accordingly.
PIA has built a reputation for being a trustworthy VPN provider. Its audited no-logs policy, robust encryption standards, and various privacy-centric features underline its commitment to user privacy and security.
However, its jurisdiction in the United States, a Five Eyes country, may raise concerns for the ultra privacy conscious. Reading through user reviews and expert analyses to comprehensively understand any VPN’s trustworthiness is always advisable.
Yes, PIA VPN is proficient in unblocking Netflix libraries across various regions. This capability allows users to access a wider range of content that might be restricted in their locale. However, the performance may vary slightly based on the server location and network conditions.
Netflix has been known to block VPN servers, but CyberGhost continuously works to bypass these restrictions and provides specialized servers for streaming. Users have reported a good success rate in accessing different Netflix libraries using CyberGhost, but we struggled to unblock Netflix Australia in our latest round of testing.
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.
/images/2023/04/28/logo-cyberghost-horizontal-3.png){kind=logo}
High-speed global servers offering industry-leading 256-bit AES encryption and no data logs
Unlimited bandwidth, DNS and IP leak protection, and automatic kill switch available for up to 7 devices
Configurable with your router, smart TV, Amazon Fire TV stick, or gaming console
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:
|
|
|
|
| Price | $3.39–$15.99/mo | $2.19–$17.95/mo | $2.03–$11.99/mo |
| Free version | |||
| Max # of connected devices | 10 | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| # of servers | 6,400+ servers in 111 countries | 3,200+ servers in 100 countries | Unlisted in 91 |
| VPN protocol | NordLynx (WireGuard), OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | WireGuard, OpenVPN |
| Encryption | AES-256 | AES-256 | AES-128-GCM |
| No-logs policy | No logs | No logs | No logs |
| Headquarters | Panama | The Netherlands | United States |
| Netflix access | |||
| Learn more | Get NordVPN | Get Surfshark | Get Private Internet Access |
High-speed global servers offering industry-leading 256-bit AES encryption and no data logs
Unlimited bandwidth, DNS and IP leak protection, and automatic kill switch available for up to 7 devices
Configurable with your router, smart TV, Amazon Fire TV stick, or gaming console
/images/2023/03/21/youtube-remote-control-smart-tv.jpg)
/images/2024/04/05/surfshark_one_review.jpg)
/images/2024/06/28/surfshark_vs._notron_featured_image.png)
/images/2024/06/27/surfshark_vpn_vs._bitdefedner_vpn_featured_image.png)
/images/2024/06/27/surfshark_vpn_vs._total_vpn_featured_image.png)
/images/2024/06/27/surfshark_vpn_vs._mullvad_vpn_featured_image.png)
/images/2024/06/13/nordvpn_vs._total_vpn.jpg)
/images/2024/06/07/nordvpn_vs._strongvpn.jpg)
/authors/ryan-clancy_allaboutcookies-author.jpg){kind=small}
/authors/catherine-mcnally-allaboutcookies-editor.jpg){kind=small}
/authors/ryan-clancy_allaboutcookies-author.jpg)