CyberGhost VPN review 2025: Perfect for beginners, but is it safe?

CyberGhost VPN is famous for one thing: making online privacy incredibly simple. It’s often hailed as the perfect “set it and forget it” service, with a massive server network and special servers designed to unblock virtually any streaming platform you can think of.

But in the world of cybersecurity, simplicity can sometimes be deceptive. A persistent question hangs over the service: Its ownership by Kape Technologies, a company with a past that raises valid privacy concerns. So, is the convenience worth the potential risk?

Having tested dozens of VPNs over the years, from the most technical to the most basic, I’ve learned that the true measure of a VPN isn’t just its speed or features – it’s trust. A sleek app means nothing if you can’t be sure about what’s happening with your data behind the scenes.

Your digital privacy is too important for guesswork. Let’s dive into the real data and find out if CyberGhost truly deserves its popular reputation – and more importantly, your trust.

1. The report card: CyberGhost’s 2024 performance

After putting any VPN through its paces, I find the best way to cut through the technical jargon is with a simple, honest summary. Think of this as my final report card for CyberGhost after weeks of using it for everything from streaming on my smart TV to securing my connection at a local coffee shop.

It quickly shows you where this VPN shines and where it has room for improvement.

Safelyo's 2024 CyberGhost Report Card
Overall Grade: 8.5/10 (B+)

• Ease of Use: 10/10 – A+
• Streaming Performance: 9/10 – A
• Speed: 8/10 – B
• Privacy & Trust: 7/10 – B-
• Value for Money: 9/10 – A

As you can see, CyberGhost is a bit of a star student in some subjects but struggles in others. That “A+” in ease of use is no exaggeration – it’s genuinely one of the simplest VPNs I’ve ever installed. But the “B-” in privacy is a crucial part of the story that we need to unpack.

Now, let’s break down exactly how CyberGhost earned these grades, starting with its biggest strength: The user journey.

2. The user journey: Is CyberGhost really that easy to use?

In my experience reviewing dozens of VPNs, “user-friendly” is a term that gets thrown around a lot. But CyberGhost is one of the few services that truly embodies it. They’ve designed the entire experience, from start to finish, to eliminate the confusion and technical hurdles that often scare newcomers away from VPNs.

Let’s walk through what it’s actually like to use it.

2.1. Installation and setup

Getting started with CyberGhost is refreshingly straightforward. From clicking “download” on their website to being fully installed and ready to go took me less than three minutes. There are no complex configuration files to manage or confusing settings to choose from during the process.

It’s as simple as installing any other common application on your computer or phone. You just download the installer, click “next” a few times, log in with your account details, and you’re done. The process is virtually identical and just as easy on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.

2.2. The dashboard: A tour of the user-friendly interface

The first time you open the app, you aren’t bombarded with a complicated world map or a wall of cryptic options. Instead, you see a clean, simple screen with one big, yellow “power” button. For most users, all you have to do is click that button. The app will automatically connect you to the best server location based on your physical location for the fastest speeds. It’s truly a one-click solution.

But the real power lies just one click away. By expanding the server list, you get access to the neatly organized menus that make CyberGhost so special.

2.3. Specialized servers: Putting them to the test

This is where CyberGhost truly pulls away from the competition for beginners. Instead of making you guess which server works for what, they just tell you. The server list is organized into categories for specific tasks.

Streaming Test: Unlocking Netflix

I wanted to see if the famous CyberGhost streaming servers lived up to the hype. I expanded the server list, clicked the ‘For streaming’ tab, and typed “Netflix” into the search bar. A list of servers optimized for different Netflix libraries appeared. I clicked on the one for ‘Netflix US’.

Within seconds, I was connected. I opened my web browser, went to Netflix, and immediately saw the American content library. To be sure, I searched for ‘Stranger Things’. It loaded instantly and played in perfect HD without any buffering or the dreaded “proxy error” message. It just works.

Torrenting Test: Secure P2P downloads

Next, I switched to the ‘For torrenting’ tab. The app showed me a list of servers located in countries that are friendly to P2P file-sharing. I picked one, and my BitTorrent client was up and running securely. I tested it by downloading a large, copyright-free file (an Ubuntu Linux distribution). My download speeds were stable and fast, and I had peace of mind knowing my real IP address was hidden.

CyberGhost removes all the guesswork, making advanced VPN use accessible to everyone.

3. The privacy question: Kape technologies explained

So far, CyberGhost seems like an easy recommendation. But now we need to address the elephant in the room, the single biggest reason for hesitation when people ask, “Is CyberGhost safe?” That reason is its parent company: Kape Technologies.

For me, as a privacy advocate, a VPN’s ownership is just as important as its encryption. So let’s break this down honestly.

Who is Kape, and what's the controversy?

Kape Technologies wasn’t always called Kape. It was formerly known as Crossrider, a company that, in simple terms, created tools that helped developers bundle adware – unwanted software that could inject ads into your browser. While they have long since pivoted away from that business model, that history is a significant red flag for anyone serious about privacy. It’s like finding out your favorite organic salad restaurant used to be a fast-food chain – you’d naturally have some questions about their ingredients.

Today, Kape is a major player in the cybersecurity space, owning not just CyberGhost but also other big names like ExpressVPN and Private Internet Access.

What does CyberGhost say about it?

CyberGhost has been very public in addressing these concerns. They have consistently stated that they operate as a completely independent entity from Kape, with their own strict internal policies. Most importantly, they back this claim up with action.

They maintain a strict no-logs policy that has been independently audited by Deloitte, a major and reputable auditing firm. This means an outside expert has verified that CyberGhost is not keeping records of what you do online. They also regularly publish Transparency Reports detailing legal requests for data they receive (and cannot fulfill).

Ultimately, it comes down to your personal comfort level. For the average user whose main goal is to unblock Netflix and stay safe on public Wi-Fi, CyberGhost’s proven no-logs policy is likely sufficient. However, for privacy purists, journalists, or activists whose threat model is more severe, this ownership history might be a deal-breaker. It’s a legitimate concern that you have to weigh against the VPN’s excellent performance and usability.

4. Performance deep dive: Speed and security

A VPN can have the best-looking app in the world, but if it’s slow or leaks your data, it’s useless. This is where I put CyberGhost’s engine to the test. Does it have the horsepower for smooth streaming and browsing? And are its safety features strong enough to protect you?

4.1. Speed test results

Let’s be clear: Any VPN will reduce your internet speed to some extent. The goal is for that reduction to be so small you don’t even notice it in your daily use.

In my tests, the CyberGhost speed was a mixed but generally positive story. It’s not the absolute fastest VPN I’ve ever tested – competitors like NordVPN still hold that crown – but it’s more than fast enough for what most people need.

Here’s a simple breakdown of what I found:

4.2. Security and privacy features

Speed is great, but a VPN’s primary job is to keep you safe. Here’s how CyberGhost’s core security features stack up.

Audited No-Logs Policy

This is the single most important security feature. CyberGhost claims a strict CyberGhost no logs policy, meaning they don’t track or store your online activity. More importantly, they didn’t just ask us to take their word for it. They had their policy independently audited by Deloitte. Think of it like a restaurant boasting about its clean kitchen versus one that has an official health inspection certificate on the wall. That audit provides real, trustworthy proof.

Automatic Kill Switch

Kill Switch is your safety net. If your VPN connection unexpectedly drops, a kill switch instantly cuts your device’s internet access until the secure connection is restored. I tested this by force-quitting the VPN app while downloading a file, and my internet connection immediately shut down. It works flawlessly, preventing any accidental data leaks.

Romania Headquarters

Where a VPN company is based matters. CyberGhost is headquartered in Romania, a country that is outside the 5/9/14 Eyes intelligence-sharing alliances. This is a huge plus for privacy. It means no laws are forcing CyberGhost to store user data, giving them a strong legal foundation to stand by their no-logs promise.

5. CyberGhost pricing and value: A detailed breakdown

A VPN can have all the best features, but it doesn’t matter if it’s not affordable. This is where CyberGhost makes a very strong case for itself, but its pricing structure is designed to reward commitment. To make it crystal clear, here’s a side-by-side comparison of the plans:

So, which plan should you choose? 
My advice.

As you can see in the table, the difference is stark. Having tested the service thoroughly, here is my direct advice based on your likely needs:

• Choose the 2-Year Plan if: You want the best possible deal and know you’ll use a VPN for daily security, staying safe on public Wi-Fi, and unblocking streaming services. At this price, it’s an incredible bargain. The full 45-day money-back guarantee removes almost all the risk, making it the smartest choice for over 90% of users.
• Choose the 6-Month Plan if: You need a VPN for a specific, shorter period – perhaps for a semester studying abroad or a long work project – and you’re not ready to commit to two years. You still get a decent price and the full guarantee.
• When should you choose the 1-Month Plan? Honestly, it’s hard to recommend. As the table highlights, you pay the highest price and get the shortest money-back guarantee (only 14 days). I would argue that choosing the 2-year plan is actually a smarter way to test the service. You pay less upfront than the 6-month plan and get a full 45 days to decide. If you don’t like it, you get your money back.

Optional add-ons

For a small extra fee, you can enhance your plan. The most useful one is the CyberGhost dedicated IP for about $2.50/mo. Think of it like having a private, reserved parking spot on the internet. It’s a static IP address that only you use, which can be great for avoiding CAPTCHA security puzzles and accessing sensitive networks that might block shared VPN IPs.

6. CyberGhost vs. NordVPN: Which one is right for you?

No review is complete without looking at the competition, and in the VPN world, the biggest name is often NordVPN. Many users find themselves stuck choosing between these two giants. While both are excellent services, they are built for slightly different people.

I’ve used both extensively, and the best way to understand the difference is to see them side-by-side. The CyberGhost vs NordVPN debate really comes down to what you value most. Here is a quick breakdown:

MY FINAL ANALYSIS: WHO SHOULD CHOOSE WHICH?

Think of it like choosing a car.

CyberGhost is like a reliable, automatic family sedan. It’s incredibly easy to drive, comfortable, and has all the features you need for daily trips, like getting to the grocery store (browsing) or going on a road trip (streaming). You just get in, press a button, and it takes you where you want to go with zero fuss.

NordVPN is like a high-performance sports sedan with a manual transmission. It’s faster, has a more powerful engine (advanced security features like Double VPN), and gives you more control. It’s exhilarating for those who want the best performance, but it has more buttons and dials that might feel a bit more complex for a first-time driver.

7. FAQ about CyberGhost VPN

Even after a deep dive, I know you might still have some quick questions. Here are the direct answers to the most common things people ask about CyberGhost.

8. Conclusion

After extensive hands-on testing, our CyberGhost VPN review reveals a service that overwhelmingly succeeds at its core mission: making powerful online privacy simple and accessible for everyone. It strips away the technical complexity often associated with VPNs, delivering a product that is both effective and incredibly easy to use, especially for unblocking a world of content.

However, the decision isn’t without its trade-offs. The convenience and user-friendliness are weighed against valid concerns about its parent company and speeds that, while good, don’t lead the industry.

Here are the key points to remember from our review:

• Incredibly User-Friendly: Its biggest strength. From one-click connections to specialized servers, it’s the perfect VPN for beginners.
• A Top Choice for Streaming: CyberGhost’s optimized servers for Netflix and other platforms are reliable and highly effective.
• Exceptional Value: The 2-year plan, combined with the 45-day money-back guarantee, offers one of the best deals on the market.
• Ownership is a Valid Concern: The connection to Kape Technologies is a factor that privacy-conscious users must seriously consider.

If you want a powerful, affordable VPN that “just works” for streaming and daily security without any technical hassle, CyberGhost is one of the best choices you can make. Here at Safelyo, we believe in providing you with clear, honest insights to help you navigate the digital world. To see how CyberGhost compares to other top services, explore more of our Best VPN Reviews.

Ready to try the most user-friendly VPN? Take advantage of CyberGhost’s 45-day money-back guarantee and test it for yourself, risk-free.