CyberGhost vs. Private Internet Access 2025: 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 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 ideal for large households and users with multiple devices. 

We think PIA is the better value overall, thanks to its strong performance during in-house testing, excellent price point, and advanced security perks (including Identity Guard data breach monitoring).

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: Best for streaming enthusiasts
• Private Internet Access: Best value

How do CyberGhost and PIA compare?

		Our Pick
Price	From $2.19/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, Chrome, Edge, Firefox	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS
# 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 numerous options to find the right server, including quick connect options and specialized servers. Like PIA, CyberGhost has a low starting price of $2.19/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 network spanning 100 countries and its streaming-optimized servers make it a go-to option 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	$2.19–$12.99/mo	$2.19–$11.99/mo
Best value plan	2-year plan for $2.19/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 $2.19–$12.99/mo, depending on the subscription duration.

The best VPN value is undoubtedly in its two-year plan, priced at $2.19/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 $2.19–$12.99/mo, also depending on the subscription duration. Similarly, PIA's best value plan is also its two-year plan, which costs $2.19/mo (billed every two years).

Both VPNs also offer a money-back guarantee. 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 7 days, depending on the platform. 

CyberGhost vs. PIA: payment options

The array of payment options provided by both VPNs not only caters to standard payment methods but also extends 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 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 the specified regions — the U.S., Canada, U.K., and Australia — to record their impact on our baseline speed. 

Speed loss is expected when using a VPN because your internet traffic is routed through encrypted tunnels, but we want losses of no greater than 18% to have seamless browsing or streaming. 

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

U.S. server location		Our Pick
Average speed loss	28.12% decrease	24.86% increase
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. 

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 a dedicated IP you can purchase. It also offers RAM-only NoSpy servers for enhanced security. 

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 for faster browsing and to keep your online activities private by blocking ads and trackers. However, PIA offers data breach monitoring through Identity Guard, a top identity theft protection service we've tested and recommend.

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.

CyberGhost vs. Private Internet Access alternatives

Both CyberGhost and PIA are among our top VPN picks, but if you're looking for the best VPN on the market, we recommend NordVPN. 

Buti f you're looking for another value VPN with unlimited simultaneous connections, we'd also recommend Surfshark. Here's how they compare to Private Internet Access:

FAQs

Is CyberGhost or Private Internet Access better?

Based on our experience, PIA is the better VPN overall, and it offers more value for the same price as CyberGhost. 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. 

We also recommend Private Internet Access as one of the best VPNs for sports streaming and betting because it boasts a server in every U.S. state.