CyberGhost vs. Proton VPN 2024: A Narrow Victory
CyberGhost is best for a well-rounded VPN experience, while Proton VPN stands strong for prioritizing high-level security features.
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Last updated Jul 5, 2024
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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:
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Best for VPN beginners
/images/2023/04/28/logo-cyberghost-horizontal-3.png){kind=logo}
Editorial Rating
Learn More
On CyberGhost's website
CyberGhost
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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
- No split tunneling feature on desktop
High-speed global servers offering industry-leading 256-bit AES encryption and no data logs
Best for security-conscious users
/images/2022/10/20/vpn-logowordmark-black-purple-transparent-bg.png)
Editorial Rating
Learn More
On Proton VPN's website
Proton VPN
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Easy to use
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A strict no-logs policy that’s been tested in court
- More expensive than NordVPN, Surfshark, and CyberGhost
CyberGhost and Proton VPN are two strong contenders when it comes to privacy-focused virtual private networks (VPNs_. They both offer a strict no-logs policy, a privacy-friendly headquarters, and extensive security features for enhanced anonymous browsing.
However, CyberGhost offers a user-friendly interface and budget-friendly pricing for VPN beginners. On the other hand, Proton VPN steps it up with security features focused on unblocking geo-restrictions and bypassing censorship.
See how these two top VPNs compare in our CyberGhost vs. Proton VPN comparison.
In this article
At a glancePrices
Speeds
Security
Compatibility and customer service
FAQs
Which is better?
CyberGhost vs. Proton VPN at a glance
Upon initial comparison, one might struggle to find substantial differences between CyberGhost and Proton VPN. Both provide top-tier encryption, worldwide servers, and a strict no-logs policy. But as we dive deeper, unique attributes emerge, painting a clearer picture of how each distinguishes itself.
- CyberGhost: Best for streamers and VPN beginners
- Proton VPN: Best for security-conscious users
How do CyberGhost and Proton VPN compare?
| Server location | 
|
|
| Starting price | Starting at $2.03/mo (billed every two years) | Starting at $3.59/mo (billed every two years) |
| Max # of connected devices | 7 | 10 |
| 24/7 customer support | ||
| Compatibility | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and more | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and more |
| # of servers | Undisclosed number of servers in 100 countries | 6,300 in 100 countries |
| VPN protocol | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, Stealth |
| No-logs policy | No logs | No logs |
| Unblocks Netflix? | ||
| Learn more | Get CyberGhost | Get Proton VPN |
How we test and rate VPNs
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 pros and cons
CyberGhost is a great service to dip your toes into the VPN waters. For a two-year plan, you'll pay only $2.03/mo (billed every two years). Plus, you can take advantage of its free trials or its 45-day money-back guarantee to truly determine if it's right for you.
It also has an easy-to-use interface, with clear labels for its server types and labels on the distance of a server from your physical location. You'll find servers for streaming specific services, torrenting content, and more.
Pros
- Affordable starting price, sometimes with extra months thrown in
- Offers specialized servers for streaming, torrenting, gaming, and more
- User-friendly interface with quick connect
Cons
- Drastically reduced our internet speeds
- No longer discloses it's server count
Proton VPN pros and cons
Proton VPN is a service that puts your privacy first. It starts with a no-logs policy that it gets routinely audited by third parties, with its most recent audit being in 2023. Plus, Proton's no-logs policy was has also been tested in court,
Proton also offers extensive security features to keep your browsing anonymous. The Stealth protocol can be used to avoid VPN detection to assist with bypassing VPN blocks. It also includes Secure Core servers, also known as double VPN, to pass your internet traffic through multiple VPN servers.
Finally, your user data will also be protected by Switzerland's strict privacy laws.
Pros
- Strict no-logs policy and tested in Swiss court
- Includes Stealth protocol for bypassing geo-restrictions and censorship
- Offers a free VPN with no bandwidth or speed limits
Cons
- More expensive than CyberGhost for most plans
- Might cater more to advanced VPN users
Which VPN is the better value?
CyberGhost offers the better value, with a lower starting price and a longer money-back guarantee. It provides excellent value for the money, making it an ideal budget while still providing a quality VPN service.
| Server location | Our Pick
|
|
| Price range | $2.03–$12.99/mo | Free–$9.99/mo |
| Best value plan | Two-year plan for $2.03/mo (billed every two years) | Two-year plan for $3.59/mo (billed every two years) |
| Money-back guarantee | Yes — 45 days | Yes — 30 days |
| Learn more | Get CyberGhost | Get Proton VPN |
CyberGhost’s starting price is a more attractive deal for those on a budget. Its prices range from a reasonable $2.03/mo (billed every two years) for a two-year plan through $12.99/mo for a one-month plan.
Proton VPN has a slightly higher starting price of $3.59/mo (billed every two years) for its two-year plan. While the higher price point is justified by the premium features and services, it might be a deterrent if you’re looking for a budget-friendly VPN.
Proton does offer a competitive month-by-month price for $9.99/mo. It even has a free plan with no data or speed limits.
Both providers offer a money-back guarantee, giving you some time to try the service without risk. CyberGhost offers a generous 45-day money-back guarantee, while Proton VPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. With this time, you can try out the VPNs before making a final decision.
CyberGhost vs. Proton VPN: payment options
When it comes to payment options, both VPN providers provide a range of methods catering to different user preferences. Notably, both providers accept cryptocurrency payments, which adds an extra layer of privacy, as it allows you to maintain anonymity.
CyberGhost payment options
- Credit cards
- PayPal
- Amazon Pay
- BitPay
Proton VPN payment options
- Credi/debit card
- PayPal
- bitcoin (existing subscriptions only)
- Cash (existing subscriptions only)
Winner: CyberGhost takes the crown when it comes to pricing. It has a significantly lower starting price for its long-term plans and a generous 45-day money-back guarantee.
Which VPN is faster?
Proton VPN provided better speeds with every server location compared to CyberGhost.
| Server location |
|
Our Pick
|
| US | 48% decrease | 15% decrease |
| CA | 79% decrease | 7% decrease |
| UK | 42% decrease | 22% decrease |
| AU | 83% decrease | 35% decrease |
| Learn more | Get CyberGhost | Get Proton VPN |
Speed is crucial when choosing a VPN. A good VPN should provide excellent security without significantly hampering your internet speed.
We measured how both VPNs impacted our download speeds across four popular server countries: the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and Australia. This variety helped us understand the overall consistency of speed performance for each VPN, taking into account our geographical distance from the servers.
Proton VPN demonstrated much less impact on our internet speeds compared to CyberGhost. Only the Australian server location had a large impact, with a 35% decrease on our speeds. However, this is to be expected considering that the Australian server is furthest from our physical location.
CyberGhost dropped our download speeds by an average of 64%, with inconsistent results. The U.S. and U.K. servers had the smallest impact, but they both still increased our speed above 40%.
Winner: Proton VPN wins for overall speed performance.
Which VPN is more secure?
It's a close call, but Proton VPN wins out on features based on it's additional Stealth protocol and its extensive server network.
| Server location |
|
Our Pick
|
| Number of servers | Undisclosed number of servers in 100+ countries | 6,300+ servers in 100 countries |
| No-logs policy | No logs | No logs |
| VPN headquarters | Romania | Switzerland |
| Encryption | AES-256 | AES-256 or ChaCha20 |
| VPN protocol | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, Stealth |
| Kill switch | ||
| Split tunneling | ||
| DNS leak protection | ||
| Ad blocker | ||
| Learn more | Get CyberGhost | Get Proton VPN |
CyberGhost and Proton VPN both have robust no-logs policies, which ensure your online activities aren't tracked or stored. As a demonstration of their commitment to user privacy, both VPNs have undergone independent audits to confirm these no-logs claims — CyberGhost by Deloitte in 2023 and Proton VPN by Securitum in 2023.
In terms of jurisdiction, CyberGhost is based in Romania, and Proton VPN is based in Switzerland. Neither of these countries are part of any intelligence-sharing alliances, like the Eyes alliances.
Both providers use OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2/IPsec, which are all reliable and secure VPN protocols. Proton VPN also offers the Stealth protocol, which can avoid VPN detection to assist with bypassing geo-restrictions and internet censorship.
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Both VPNs deliver on crucial VPN features, like a kill switch. This feature instantly cuts off your internet connection if the VPN connection drops, preventing accidental exposure of your real IP address or personal data.
Both also support split tunneling, allowing you to decide which apps use the VPN and which don’t — this is beneficial for managing network speed and accessing local and international services simultaneously.
Proton VPN and CyberGhost both offers servers in 100 countries. However, CyberGhost is no longer open about its server count. Proton VPN now offers over 6,300 servers, having significantly increased its server count over the years.
/images/2022/10/24/protonvpn-review_servertypes.jpeg)
Winner: While both VPNs offer robust security features, Proton VPN provides a wider range of servers and the Stealth protocol to assist with geo-restrictions.
Which VPN has the better compatibility and customer service?
This is another close call but we'll give the win to CyberGhost for its smart device compatibility and user-friendly interface.
| Server location | Our Pick
|
|
| Windows | ||
| macOS | ||
| Android | ||
| iOS | ||
| Linux | ||
| Router | ||
| Smart devices | ||
| 24/7 live chat | ||
| Customer support options | Live chat, email, online guides | Live chat, email, online guides |
| Learn more | Get CyberGhost | Get Proton VPN |
Both CyberGhost and Proton VPN display excellent compatibility across various platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. They also support routers and smart devices, ensuring comprehensive coverage for users with diverse device environments.
CyberGhost also provides compatibility with an additional variety of smart TV devices (Apple and Amazon Fire TV) and gaming consoles (Xbox, Playstation, and Nintendo Switch), while Proton VPN doesn’t.
When it comes to ease of use, CyberGhost has a user-friendly interface that is straightforward and intuitive, making it an excellent choice for VPN beginners. The setup process is simple, and the main controls are easy to navigate. Its one-click connection and automatic server selection make the VPN experience hassle-free for users.
/images/2024/06/07/cyberghost-vpn-server-list.png)
Proton VPN also boasts a clean and uncluttered interface. It provides detailed information about server loads and locations, so you can make informed decisions when connecting.
/images/2024/06/05/proton_vpn_connected_dashboard_1.png)
However, some users have reported a slightly steeper learning curve due to the advanced settings and options available, particularly in its Secure Core servers feature.
CyberGhost and Proton VPN both offer comprehensive support tools, including email support, support forums, and detailed online guides. Both offer 24/7 live chat, so you can get prompt assistance, day or night.
Winner: CyberGhost and Proton VPN are both compatible across a variety of platforms. However, CyberGhost's interface stands out for its simplicity and ease of use, making it a slightly better choice for users seeking an intuitive VPN experience.
FAQs
+
Is CyberGhost safe?
Absolutely, CyberGhost is safe to use. It uses AES-256 encryption, the same standard used by financial institutions and militaries worldwide, to protect user data. Additionally, it adheres to a strict no-logs policy, meaning it does not store or share user activity data.
+
Is Proton VPN trustworthy?
Yes, Proton VPN is considered trustworthy. It operates under Swiss jurisdiction, a country known for strong privacy laws. Moreover, its strict no-logs policy has been independently audited by SEC Consult, a reputable security consulting company, adding an extra layer of credibility.
+
How do I know if I am protected with CyberGhost?
Once you're connected to CyberGhost, you can navigate yourself to its website’s privacy tools, to check if your status is Protected.
+
Does Proton VPN have any disadvantages?
One disadvantage is that Proton VPN doesn't offer 24/7 live chat support, which could result in delayed customer service responses.
Is CyberGhost or. Proton VPN better?
Both CyberGhost and Proton VPN have their respective strengths and weaknesses, and the choice between the two ultimately depends on individual needs and preferences.
CyberGhost shines with its extensive server network, ease of use, and reliable streaming. It also offers great value for the money, considering its feature-rich service. But you should note that it can have significant impacts on your speed.
On the other hand, Proton VPN offers strong security and privacy features. However, it's not as user-friendly and its more expensive than CyberGhost.
Given its excellent balance of price, features, ease of use, and customer support, CyberGhost emerges as the overall winner in this comparison. While Proton VPN is a solid choice, particularly for advanced users valuing high-end security features, CyberGhost provides a more well-rounded service that caters to a broader range of users, making it our top recommendation.
/images/2023/04/28/logo-cyberghost-horizontal-3.png){kind=logo}
CyberGhost
-
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
- No split tunneling feature on desktop
CyberGhost vs. Proton VPN alternatives
If you're looking to dig deeper into VPN research, we've selected the following VPNs as the best alternatives to CyberGhost and Proton VPN:
|
|
|
|
| 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 |
CyberGhost
-
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
- No split tunneling feature on desktop
Author Details
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Ryan Clancy is a freelance writer and blogger. With 5+ years of mechanical engineering experience, he's passionate about all things engineering and tech. He loves bringing engineering (especially mechanical) down to a level that everyone can understand.
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