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Best free option
- More expensive than NordVPN, Surfshark, and CyberGhost
NordVPN, Surfshark, and Proton VPN all offer comparable features and functionality. NordVPN has unique features you won’t find anywhere else. Surfshark covers an unlimited number of devices. And Proton VPN is a trustworthy free option with the ability to upgrade for more features.
To see all the similarities and differences between these VPNs, keep reading below.
NordVPN: Best for unique features
Surfshark: Best for unlimited devices
Proton VPN: Best free option
Honorable mentions
Speed tests
How to choose the best VPN
Why should you use a VPN?
FAQs
Bottom line: The best CyberGhost alternatives
The best CyberGhost alternatives
- NordVPN: Best for unique features
- Surfshark: Best for unlimited devices
- Proton VPN: Best free option
Top 3 CyberGhost alternatives compared
Starting price | Starts at $2.19/mo (billed every two years) | Starts at $3.59/mo (billed every two years) | Starts at $1.99/mo (billed every two years) | Starts at Free |
Money-back guarantee | Yes — 45 days | Yes — 30 days | Yes — 30 days | Yes — 30 days |
Streaming support | Yes — Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, BBC iPlayer, Max, DAZN, and more | Yes - Hulu, Prime Video, BBC, Disney+, DAZN, and more | Yes — Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, BBC iPlayer, Max, DAZN, and more | Yes — Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Prime Video, Apple TV+, BBC iPlayer, Max, DAZN, and more |
Learn more | Get CyberGhost | Get NordVPN | Get Surfshark | Get ProtonVPN |
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.
NordVPN: Best for unique features
Who it’s best for
CyberGhost has torrenting, streaming, and gaming-optimized servers, as well as other features like compatibility options and fast speeds.
NordVPN, however, offers a double VPN, Onion over VPN, Meshnet, Threat Protection Pro, and more for VPN users who want unique features they can’t find anywhere else.
What we liked
Threat Protection Pro and Meshnet are two of the most invaluable features that come with NordVPN. In fact, you don’t need a NordVPN subscription to use Meshnet, which allows you to create a virtual LAN party.
The feature can be used to watch Netflix by helping to bypass password ban restrictions.
Threat Protection Pro stops trackers, ads, and malware, making your online experience safer and less cluttered. In addition, you get split tunneling, double VPN, Onion over VPN, and SmartPlay, which streamers will love.
What we didn’t like
NordVPN is more expensive than CyberGhost. While it does offer more, anyone who wants a VPN strictly for streaming might find CyberGhost more budget friendly. NordVPN also offers fewer servers.
CyberGhost has an impressive number of servers, currently totaling over 11,000. While you might think less is more, CyberGhost uses RAM-only servers for increased privacy online.
NordVPN specs
Price range | $3.59–$15.99/mo |
Money-back guarantee | Yes — 30 days |
Number of servers | 6,600+ servers in 111 countries |
Number of connected devices | 10 |
Average speed | 253.96 Mbps |
DNS leak test | Pass |
Kill switch test | Pass |
VPN protocol | OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, NordLynx |
No-logs policy | No logs |
Unblocks Netflix? | Yes |
Torrenting support | Yes |
Learn more | Get NordVPN |
Surfshark: Best for unlimited devices
Who it’s best for
Unlike CyberGhost, which caps its device limit at seven, Surfshark has unlimited simultaneous device use. If you have a family that needs coverage or just a large number of devices, Surfshark is the obvious choice.
What we liked
Surfshark offers a VPN and antivirus software for an unlimited number of devices. Couple that with a robust server network, and you have a better option than CyberGhost’s seven-device cap.
Surfshark also offers antivirus and identity theft protection, two features you won’t find with CyberGhost. Different plans allow you to choose which combination of VPN, antivirus, and identity theft protection works for you.
What we didn’t like
Surfshark is headquartered in the Netherlands, a 14 Eyes Alliance country. Eyes Alliance countries have agreements to spy on each other’s citizens.
While Surfshark adheres to a strict no-logs policy, the fact that you’re using a VPN is still information that can be shared if the government mandates it.
CyberGhost, on the other hand, is headquartered in privacy-friendly Romania.
Surfshark specs
Price range | $2.19–$17.95/mo |
Money-back guarantee | Yes — 30 days |
Number of servers | 3,200+ servers in 100 countries |
Number of connected devices | Unlimited |
Average speed | 254.03 Mbps |
DNS leak test | Pass |
Kill switch test | Pass |
VPN protocol | OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2 |
No-logs policy | No logs |
Unblocks Netflix? | Yes |
Torrenting support | Yes |
Learn more | Get Surfshark |
Proton VPN: Best free option
Who it’s best for
ProtonVPN’s free plan doesn’t cap data, so you can stream, surf, and download without worrying about running out of monthly gigabytes. Everyone on a budget can still get a powerful VPN without having to worry about adding to their monthly expenses.
What we liked
CyberGhost offers premium features for a reasonable price. Streaming-friendly servers, Proton VPN offers them for free: Fast speeds, and a solid no-logs policy are all things you’ll find in both CyberGhost and Proton VPN.
Proton VPN has many features we expect in premium VPNs but at no cost. You can also upgrade for more features.
Both Proton VPN and CyberGhost are headquartered in privacy-friendly countries. Proton VPN is headquartered in Switzerland, which is outside the 14 Eyes, so you know your data is secure and protected from government mandates.
What we didn’t like
While CyberGhost doesn’t offer a free tier, it does offer a lot for a reasonable price, including over 11,000 servers. Unfortunately, Proton VPN offers only five locations on one device with its free VPN.
This might not work for you if you’re a streamer or a gamer. Upgrading will get you more options, but budget users may feel a squeeze even with Proton’s reasonable pricing.
Proton VPN specs
Price range | Free–$9.99/mo |
Money-back guarantee | Yes — 30 days |
Number of servers | 8,500+ servers in 112 countries |
Number of connected devices | 10 |
Average speed | 248.69 Mbps |
DNS leak test | Pass |
Kill switch test | Pass |
VPN protocol | OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2, Stealth |
No-logs policy | No logs |
Unblocks Netflix? | Yes |
Torrenting support | Yes |
Learn more | Get ProtonVPN |
Honorable mentions
Our three top suggestions all have features and functionality to compete with CyberGhost, but if none of them fit your needs, you can discover more of our favorites below:
- ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN includes extras like a password manager, an ad and tracker blocker, and proprietary security features. ExpressVPN built its own Lightway protocol and offers the Aircove router with its services preinstalled.
Get ExpressVPN | Read Our ExpressVPN Review - Private Internet Access (PIA): PIA’s regular VPN includes ad, tracker, and malware blocking. You can add antivirus and a dedicated IP for a nominal monthly fee. PIA is also extremely effective at unblocking streaming libraries, so you can watch geo-restricted content from anywhere.
Get PIA | Read Our PIA Review - IPVanish: IPVanish can be installed on unlimited devices and also unblocks streaming. We found it to be optimized for mobile use, which allows you to stay connected and protected anywhere you go.
Get IPVanish | Read Our IPVanish Review
Speed tests
Your device, ISP, and even Wi-Fi over hard-wired internet can affect your speed. We test using Wi-Fi at average home speeds to give you an accurate picture of what speeds may look like.
VPN speeds are essential because you won’t use them if they slow down your connection too much. Not using the VPN also exposes you to potential security risks.
VPN speed to U.S. server | Normal speed | Speed loss | |
280.88 Mbps | 272.71 Mbps | +3% | |
274.92 Mbps | 309.06 Mbps | -11.05% | |
306.53 Mbps | 310.54 Mbps | -1.29% |
How to choose the best VPN
Consider the following features and functions. These are all signs of a good VPN:
- Affordable monthly cost
- No logs
- A large variety of servers
- AES-256 bit encryption or comparable
- Low to no internet speed slowdown
- A working kill switch
- Covers at least eight devices under a single subscription (the more, the better)
- Works with streaming and offers streaming support
- Works with a variety of devices and operating systems
- Security extras like an ad and tracker blocker, dedicated IP, or even antivirus
- Supports large file transfers and torrenting
Why should you use a VPN?
- Protects you from hackers on shared internet
- Helps you stop ISP throttling
- Unblocks streaming and geo-restricted content
- Provides additional security online with ad, tracker, and malware blockers
- Can help you save money online shopping by reducing price gouging
- Allows for secure download of large files through torrenting support
- Hides your personal data
- Secures personal devices while online gaming
FAQs
Is using a VPN legal?
In most countries, using a VPN is legal. You’ll have to check local and national laws to make sure, but most places do not ban VPNs. Countries like China, Russia, the United Arab Emirates, and India have VPN bans.
Does using a VPN slow down internet speed?
Any additional processing you add to your internet connection has the potential to slow down internet speeds. In our testing, most of the premium VPNs did slow down our speeds, but not noticeably. In NordVPN’s case, it actually increased our internet speed during testing.
Who owns CyberGhost?
CyberGhost is owned by Kape Technologies, which has a sordid history in terms of privacy. While the CyberGhost CEO maintains that CyberGhost is a separate company, it’s still under the Kape umbrella. Most Ghosties — as CyberGhost users are called — give excellent reviews of the VPN itself, so it’ll be up to you to determine if you trust this service or not.
Bottom line: The best CyberGhost alternatives
NordVPN, Surfshark, and Proton VPN are all comparable to CyberGhost and may even be better for your needs.
NordVPN includes unique security features, Surfshark covers unlimited devices, and Proton VPN is one of the only free VPNs we trust because of its quality service and transparent policies.
The best VPNs offer you security, usability, and great features that make your online experience safer and easier.
3 best CyberGhost alternatives 2024
Starting price | Best for | Learn more | |
Starts at $3.59/mo (billed every two years) | Best for unique features | Get NordVPN | |
Starts at $1.99/mo (billed every two years) | Best for unlimited devices | Get Surfshark | |
Starts at Free | Best free option | Get ProtonVPN |