CyberGhost vs. Proton VPN 2025: A Narrow Victory

CyberGhost offers a user-friendly interface and budget-friendly pricing for VPN beginners, while Proton VPN takes it a step further with security features focused on unblocking geo-restrictions and bypassing censorship. Although both offer a strict no-logs policy, a privacy-friendly headquarters, and extensive security features for enhanced anonymous browsing, we think Proton VPN is the better VPN overall. 

See how these two top VPNs compare in our CyberGhost vs. Proton VPN comparison. 

CyberGhost vs. Proton VPN at a glance

• CyberGhost: Best for VPN beginners
• Proton VPN: Best for privacy and security
  

How do CyberGhost and Proton VPN compare?

Server location		Our Pick
Starting price	Starting at $2.19/mo (billed every two years)	Starting at $2.49/mo (billed every two years)
Max # of connected devices	7	10
24/7 customer support
Compatibility	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome, Edge, Firefox	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox
# of servers	Unlisted in 100 countries	15,000+ servers in 120+ countries
VPN protocol	WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2	WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, Stealth
No-logs policy	No logs	No logs
Unblocks Netflix?
Learn more	Get CyberGhost Read CyberGhost Review	Get Proton VPN Read Proton VPN Review

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 $2.19/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 features an easy-to-use interface, with clear labels for its server types and indicators showing the distance of a server from your physical location. You'll find servers for streaming specific services, torrenting content, and more. 

Proton VPN pros and cons

Proton VPN is a service that prioritizes your privacy. Its no-logs policy has been tested in court, and it regularly undergoes third-party audits. 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. On top of that, it routes internet traffic through privacy-friendly countries to bypass censorship. Finally, your user data will also be protected by Switzerland's strict privacy laws. 

Which VPN is the better value?

Although CyberGhost is cheaper, Proton VPN offers a more secure VPN service that budget-conscious users can test out with its top-notch free plan. 

Server location		Our Pick
Price range	$2.19–$12.99/mo	Free or $2.49–$9.99/mo
Best value plan	Two-year plan for $2.19/mo (billed every two years)	Two-year plan for $2.49/mo (billed every two years)
Money-back guarantee	Yes — 45 days	Yes — 30 days
Learn more	Get CyberGhost Read CyberGhost Review	Get Proton VPN Read Proton VPN Review

CyberGhost’s starting price is a more attractive deal for those on a budget. Its prices range from a reasonable $2.19/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 $2.49/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, allowing you 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, allowing 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)

Which VPN is faster?

Proton VPN provided better speeds with every server location compared to CyberGhost. 

U.S. server location		Our Pick
Average speed loss	28.12% decrease	8.22% decrease
Learn more	Get CyberGhost Read CyberGhost Review	Get Proton VPN Read Proton VPN Review

Speed is crucial when choosing a VPN. A good VPN should provide excellent security without significantly hampering your internet speed. During testing, we expect to see some speed loss, as the VPN provider routes the internet traffic through encrypted tunnels. However, the best VPN services won't exceed a speed loss of 18%. 

Proton VPN had a significantly less impact on our internet speeds compared to CyberGhost. That means Proton VPN can provide a reliable, seamless experience whether you're streaming, browsing, gaming, or torrenting. 

Which VPN is more secure?

It's a close call, but Proton VPN wins out on features based on its additional Stealth protocol and its extensive server network.

Server location		Our Pick
Number of servers	Unlisted in 100 countries	15,000+ servers in 120+ 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 Read CyberGhost Review	Get Proton VPN Read Proton VPN Review

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.

In terms of jurisdiction, CyberGhost is based in Romania, and Proton VPN is based in Switzerland. Neither of these countries is part of any intelligence-sharing alliances, like the Eyes Alliances. 

Both providers utilize OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2/IPsec, all of which are 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. 

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.

However, Proton VPN is unquestionably more secure. It has a Secure Core network of servers that double routes internet traffic through privacy-first countries and boasts a proprietary Stealth protocol that helps bypass censorship. 

Which VPN has the better compatibility and customer service?

Both CyberGhost and Proton VPN offer broad device compatibility and good customer support.

Server location
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 Read CyberGhost Review	Get Proton VPN Read Proton VPN Review

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. 

Both VPN providers offer compatibility with smart TV devices (including Apple and Amazon Fire TV) and gaming consoles (Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch).

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 straightforward, and the main controls are intuitive to use. Its one-click connection and automatic server selection make the VPN experience hassle-free for users.

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. You can also have the bandwidth displayed, which does clutter the dashboard but offers usage insights for more advanced users. 

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. 

CyberGhost vs. Proton VPN alternatives

Both CyberGhost and Proton VPN are among our top tested VPN picks. If you want a VPN as secure as Proton but cheaper, we'd recommend NordVPN. If you want a budget-friendly VPN with unlimited simultaneous connections, we recommend Surfshark. If you want a secure VPN for sports streaming or betting, we recommend Private Internet Access. 

FAQs

Is CyberGhost or. Proton VPN better?

Based on performance and security perks, we think Proton VPN is the better VPN service overall. 

Although CyberGhost is cheaper and more user-friendly, Proton VPN offers advanced privacy and security features, including Secure Core servers, a proprietary Stealth protocol, and total transparency regarding server locations and audits.