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Best for streaming
- 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
Best for multiple devices
- Vast global network of 6,000+ optimized VPN servers in over 65 countries with smart server selection for the fastest connection
- Turn any network private, protect apps separately, privately share files, and more with an ultra-fast 20Gbps connection
- Fly past location restrictions and VPN blockers on up to 10 devices
CyberGhost and PureVPN are well-matched VPN services. They both offer affordable plans, useful security features, and unblocking capabilities for major streaming services.
However, CyberGhost shines when it comes to streaming thanks to its streaming-optimized servers. On the other hand, PureVPN allows up to 10 simultaneous connections, which is handy for large households.
Read on to learn whether CyberGhost or PureVPN is better suited for you based on price, features, customer support, and more.
Which VPN is the better value?
Which VPN is faster?
Which VPN is more secure?
Which VPN has the better compatibility and customer support?
FAQs
Which VPN is better?
CyberGhost vs. PureVPN at a glance
CyberGhost and PureVPN both offer top-of-the-line VPN services at an affordable price. When comparing the two, CyberGhost specializes in optimized streaming, while PureVPN allows for more simultaneous connections (10 in total).
- CyberGhost: Best for streaming
- PureVPN: Best for multiple devices
How do CyberGhost and PureVPN compare?
Price | $2.03–$12.99/mo | $2.03-$19.95/mo |
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 | 6,000+ servers in 60+ countries |
VPN protocol | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IPsec/IKEv2 |
No-logs policy | ||
Unblocks Netflix? | ||
Learn more | Get CyberGhost | Get PureVPN |
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 budget-friendly but doesn't skimp on privacy standards. Its based in Romania, which is outside of the Eyes alliances. It's also commited to its no-logs policy, which is routinely audited by third parties.
CyberGhost stands out for its streaming capabilities. It offers streaming-optimized servers for Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and more.
- Strict no-logs policy that's consistently audited
- Provides optimized servers for streaming
- Affordable service, especially compared to many premium VPNs
- Limited to seven simultaneous connections
- Inconsistent speed test results
PureVPN pros and cons
PureVPN is a provider dedicated to being open to its subscribers. We appreciate its strict no-logs policy and "Always On" audit policy, meaning it can be audited at any time. Its also based in the British Virgin Islands, outside of any intelligence-sharing alliances.
PureVPN is also open about its server count, offering over 6,000 servers. Although its country count is only over 60 countries, that's more than enough for regular VPN users.
- Strict no-logs policy that can be audited at any time
- Offers three different pricing tiers with additional cybersecurity tools
- Extensive network of over 6,000 servers
- Drastically reduced our internet speeds
- Low server country count (60+ countries)
Which VPN is a better value?
Our Pick
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Price range | $2.03–$12.99/mo | $2.03-$19.95/mo |
Best value plan | 2-year plan for $2.03/mo (billed every two years) | Max 2-year plan for $3.48/mo (billed biannually) for the first 28 months |
Money-back guarantee | Yes — 45-day money-back guarantee | Yes — 31-day money-back guarantee |
Learn more | Get CyberGhost | Get PureVPN |
CyberGhost and PureVPN offer various pricing commitments, from monthly to yearly plans. CyberGhost's price ranges from $2.03–$12.99/mo depending on your subscription term length.
For the best value, CyberGhost offers a two-year plan for $2.03/mo (billed every two years), usually with some extra months thrown in. There's no difference between the CyberGhost plans as far as what features you receive.
PureVPN takes a different approach with its trial. You pay $0.99 to access all of its premium features and devices for a seven-day trial. You must cancel your trial within seven days so you're not charged for a subscription.
PureVPN comes with three different tiers: Standard, Plus, and Max. PureVPN’s best value plan is the Max two-year plan for $3.48/mo (billed biannually) for the first 28 months.
All Max plans comes with a VPN, password manager, file encryption, and data removal services. While the CyberGhost two-year plan is only $2.03/mo (billed biannually) for the first 27 months, it comes with only the VPN.
Both providers offer money-back guarantees, with CyberGhost offering 45 days and PureVPN offering 31 days.
We also like that CyberGhost allows you to try its VPN on a free trial, even though the trial is limited. CyberGhost offers a 24-hour free trial for Windows and macOS, a three-day free trial for Android, and a seven-day free trial for iOS.
CyberGhost vs. PureVPN: payment options
When it comes to payment options, PureVPN offers more diversity. They accept multiple cryptocurrencies, debit and credit cards, and other modern payment methods.
CyberGhost payment options
CyberGhost accepts the following payment options:
- Credit cards
- PayPal
- Amazon Pay
- PayPal
PureVPN payment options
- Credit card or debit card
- PayPal
- Google Pay
- CoinPayments
- Paymentwall
Which VPN is faster?
Many VPNs claim to provide fast speeds, so we put those claims to the test with every service we review. First, we record our internet speed prior to connecting to a VPN. Then, we connect to server locations worldwide and record the impact each server has on our baseline speed.
The table below compares how much CyberGhost and PureVPN impacted our internet speeds with each server location we tested.
Server location | Our Pick
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|
US | 48% slower | 63% slower |
UK | 42% slower | 85% slower |
AU | 83% slower | 84% slower |
Learn more | Get CyberGhost | Get PureVPN |
Honestly, both VPN services took big hits on our internet speed. However, CyberGhost maintained faster download speeds across the U.S., U.K., and Australian servers.
On the other hand, PureVPN seemed to struggle with maintaining a good internet speed. Surprisingly, it slowed down our connection more with a U.K. server than with an Australian server. We found that we didn't have many issues with general browsing, but PureVPN could be disappointing if you're doing more bandwidth-heavy activities.
It's normal to see a larger impact the farther your VPN server is from your physical location, hence why both services slowed down our internet connection more while connected to a server in Australia.
Which VPN is more secure?
Server location | Our Pick
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|
Number of servers | Undisclosed number of servers in 100 countries | 6,000+ in 60+ countries |
No-logs policy | ||
VPN headquarters | Romania | British Virgin Islands |
Encryption | AES-256 | AES-256 |
VPN protocol | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec |
Kill switch | ||
Split tunneling | ||
DNS leak protection | ||
Ad blocker | ||
Get CyberGhost | Get PureVPN |
When it comes to server networks, CyberGhost offers servers in over 100 countries while PureVPN offers servers in over 65 countries. However, PureVPN openly shares its server count of 6,000-plus servers, while CyberGhost is no longer open about its server count.
One of CyberGhost's server strengths are its specialized servers, which are optimized for streaming, gaming, torrenting, and other purposes.
Both services have strict no-logs policies. CyberGhost's policy was audited by Deloitte, while PureVPN has an "Always On" audit policy and collaborated with a well-known audit firm for its second audit.
CyberGhost is headquartered in Romania, while PureVPN is headquartered in the British Virgin Islands. Both operate outside the jurisdiction of the 14 Eyes alliances.
As far as security features, both have automatic kill switches, although only PureVPN offers split tunneling on all its devices. CyberGhost's split tunneling feature is limited to its Android app.
On the other hand, CyberGhost has a content blockers for ads and trackers, but PureVPN only blocks trackers. This may not be a big deal for VPN shoppers though, since you can easily find a free ad blocker to pair with your VPN.
Which VPN has the better compatibility and customer service?
Our Pick
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Windows | ||
macOS | ||
Android | ||
iOS | ||
Linux | ||
Router | ||
Smart devices | ||
Browser extensions | Chrome, Firefox | Chrome, Firefox, Edge |
24/7 live chat | ||
Customer support options | Live chat, email, online guides | Live chat, email, online guides |
Get CyberGhost | Get PureVPN |
CyberGhost and PureVPN offer broad compatibility across operating systems, mobile apps, and even routers, smart devices, and browser extensions.
PureVPN is easy to install and use, with clear instructions and a user-friendly interface. Server selection is straightforward, and performance information is easily understandable. We encountered no difficulties with settings or functionality.
When we tried to sign up for CyberGhost’s free trial, the web VPN client glitched on our 2018 MacBook Pro. Luckily, we were able to sign up and use the mobile version on our iPhone 12 Pro. During testing, we found that navigation on the mobile version is easy to understand.
One thing we noted is that CyberGhost displays speeds in KB and Mb instead of Mbps, requiring manual conversion for comparison with internet speed tests. This felt unnecessary, and we thought it took away from the overall experience.
CyberGhost offers various customer support options. Its 24/7 live chat quickly connects you to an agent who responds professionally and promptly to your issues. It also has a customer support portal with helpful guides, FAQs, and tutorials covering various topics suitable for new VPN users.
PureVPN offers the same customer support options as CyberGhost, except for its 24/7 live customer support. With PureVPN, live chat first connects you to a bot to quickly resolve your issue. If you need more help, you are then transferred to a human. Both the CyberGhost and the PureVPN live agents were quick to respond and helpful.
FAQs
Can I trust CyberGhost?
CyberGhost is a trustworthy service. It encrypts your online activity with strong AES 256-bit encryption, keeps no logs, and is headquartered in a country outside of intelligence-sharing alliances.
Is there a PureVPN free trial?
PureVPN has a seven-day trial period, but it costs $0.99. Just be sure to cancel at any time within seven days so you're not charged for a full subscription.
What country owns CyberGhost?
CyberGhost’s ownership remains unclear, with links to CEO Robert Knapp but no confirmed details. The company operates independently under the ownership of its parent company, Kape Technologies, based in London, England. CyberGhost itself is headquartered in Bucharest, Romania.
Does PureVPN have any bandwidth limits?
PureVPN claims to offer "unlimited bandwidth," allowing you to browse and stream without restrictions or data caps. Generally, there are no restrictions on how much data you can use while using this VPN service.
CyberGhost vs. PureVPN: Which is better?
CyberGhost and PureVPN are two well-known and respected VPN providers. It was a close race, but CyberGhost outperforms PureVPN. It offers lower pricing, faster speeds, and unique features for streaming and other specific use cases.
If you’re looking for more device support, PureVPN allows up to 10 simultaneous connections. PureVPN is also open about its server count and offers the standard VPN features across devices.
CyberGhost vs. PureVPN alternatives
CyberGhost and PureVPN are two solid provideres but maybe you're looking for a fast VPN or lower pricing. If that's the case, consider the following alternatives:
Price | $3.09–$15.99/mo | $2.19–$17.95/mo | $2.19–$11.99/mo |
Free version | |||
Max # of connected devices | 10 | Unlimited | Unlimited |
# of servers | 6,300+ servers in 111 countries | 3,200+ servers in 100 countries | Unlisted in 91 countries |
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 |