CyberGhost VPN is a budget-friendly, streaming-optimized VPN that offers a large server network, but power users may find its lack of advanced obfuscation and uneven platform features limiting.
In this CyberGhost VPN review, we test its speed across six global server locations, verify its streaming and torrenting performance, and examine the trust question behind its parent company, so you can decide whether it fits your needs before purchasing.
Key takeaways:
- Retained fast speeds on US Los Angeles (436 Mbps) and Australia (455 Mbps) servers, but suffered severe drops on Japan (15 Mbps) and Germany (12 Mbps) connections, highlighting routing inconsistencies on certain nodes.
- Successfully unblocked Netflix in five regions (US, UK, FR, DE, JP), along with Disney+ and BBC iPlayer, using CyberGhost’s dedicated streaming server catalog.
- Its no-logs policy has been independently verified by Deloitte three times: in 2022, 2024, and 2025, providing current evidence regarding its data handling practices.
- The 2-year introductory plan advertised at $1.59/month auto-renews as a 1-year plan at $41.34 annually after the first 26 months, effectively raising the ongoing monthly cost to approximately $3.44.
- Split tunneling is limited to Android, and the iOS and macOS apps are notably behind Windows and Android in terms of available features.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Information regarding speeds (based on our tests conducted in 2026), unblocking capabilities, pricing, and promotional offers may change over time depending on your geographic location or new platform updates. Verify current details on each provider’s official website before purchasing. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
1. CyberGhost review: At a glance
CyberGhost was founded in 2011 in Bucharest, Romania. Since 2017, it has operated under Kape Technologies, a holding company that also owns Private Internet Access, ExpressVPN and ZenMate. The company remains headquartered and legally bound under Romanian jurisdiction, placing it outside the 5, 9, and 14 Eyes intelligence-sharing alliances.
CyberGhost focuses on the mainstream market rather than providing hardened privacy for users in repressive environments. Its strategy relies on a categorized server infrastructure optimized for streaming, gaming, and torrenting, wrapped in a simplified interface. This focus explains its reliable streaming access and accessible pricing, as well as its gaps, such as no obfuscation, no port forwarding, and inconsistent feature parity across platforms.
We rate CyberGhost at 8.3/10 overall. It fits users who want to unblock global streaming catalogs at a low price point and do not require advanced networking features.
VPN Score: 8.3 Best for Streaming, beginners on a budget Best for: Everyday users looking to unblock global streaming catalogs on a budget who want a labeled, functional app across multiple devices.
Feature
Details
Starting price
$1.59/mo (2-year + 2 months plan)
Company
CyberGhost (Kape Technologies)
Jurisdiction
Romania
Independent audit
Yes (Deloitte 2022, 2024, 2025)
No-logs policy
Yes
RAM-only servers
Yes
Servers
11,500+ (estimated)
Countries
100
Avg. download speed
268.56 Mbps
Avg. upload speed
65.25 Mbps
Avg. latency
204 ms
Protocols
WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2
Kill switch
Yes (automatic)
Obfuscation
No
Port forwarding
No
Dedicated IP
Yes ($2.50/mo add-on)
Simultaneous connections
7
Netflix regions
US, UK, FR, DE, JP
Disney+
Yes
BBC iPlayer
Yes
Torrent / P2P
Yes
Win/Mac/iOS/Android
Yes
Linux
Yes
Browser extension
Yes (Chrome, Firefox, free proxies)
Router support
Yes
Live chat 24/7
Yes
Refund policy
45 days (14 days for 1-month plan)
Free trial
Yes (24h Desktop, 3-day Android, 7-day iOS)
Overall positioning
Budget-friendly streaming VPN
Official website
cyberghostvpn.com
Pros
Reliable dedicated streaming servers for Netflix, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer
Audited no-logs policy backed by RAM-only server infrastructure
45-day money-back window on long-term plans
Cons
No obfuscation protocol for bypassing strict firewalls such as China or Iran
Severe speed drops on certain server nodes (Germany, Japan)
No port forwarding, limiting connectivity for dedicated torrent seeders
2. Speed and performance: How fast is CyberGhost globally?
Score: 8.0/10
We tested CyberGhost from a physical location in Vietnam using a Windows 11 PC and the WireGuard protocol. Our baseline connection without a VPN recorded 499.83 Mbps download, 189.46 Mbps upload, and 23 ms ping. The results across six global server locations are listed below.
| Server location | Download speed | Upload speed | Ping (ms) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baseline (no VPN) | 499.83 Mbps | 189.46 Mbps | 23 ms |
| US Los Angeles | 436.51 Mbps | 77.26 Mbps | 195 ms |
| US Seattle | 399.02 Mbps | 68.13 Mbps | 216 ms |
| UK London | 293.10 Mbps | 109.00 Mbps | 209 ms |
| Australia | 455.45 Mbps | 98.68 Mbps | 138 ms |
| Japan | 15.05 Mbps | 23.86 Mbps | 175 ms |
| Germany | 12.23 Mbps | 14.58 Mbps | 290 ms |
The averages across all six VPN servers came to 268.56 Mbps download, 65.25 Mbps upload, and 204 ms latency.
2.1. Nearby and regional server performance
The Japan server recorded a download speed of 15.05 Mbps, a very weak result for a regionally close connection from Southeast Asia. At that speed, basic HD video at 1080p is technically possible (standard streaming requires approximately 5 Mbps), but the headroom is thin enough that background activity can cause buffering. 4K playback, which typically requires 25 Mbps or more, is not viable at this speed. This indicates severe performance issues on specific nodes within the network.
If you need to connect to Japan or other underperforming regions, we recommend manually switching between different cities or individual servers within that country to find a less congested node. Additionally, using the WireGuard protocol and ensuring no heavy background downloads are running can help maximize the available bandwidth for basic browsing or HD streaming.
2.2. European and US server performance
The US results were CyberGhost’s strongest in the test set. Los Angeles retained 436.51 Mbps and Seattle held 399.02 Mbps, both representing over 80% of the baseline download speed despite routing traffic across a significant physical distance. UK London came in at 293.10 Mbps. These speeds are above the threshold for 4K video streaming and large file downloads. In practical terms, CyberGhost handles long-distance US/UK routing well, which supports its focus on streaming access for these specific regions.
2.3. Outlier servers and what they mean
Australia produced the highest VPN download result at 455.45 Mbps. The Germany result tells the opposite story: 12.23 Mbps on download and 290 ms ping make it the weakest result in the test.
The contrast between Australia and Germany shows that CyberGhost’s performance is highly inconsistent across different regions, meaning users cannot rely on uniform speeds across the entire network.
3. Streaming capabilities: Does CyberGhost unblock Netflix?
Score: 8.5/10
CyberGhost unblocked the streaming services we tested in our 2026 review, including five separate Netflix regional libraries. The results are summarized below.
| Streaming service | Tested | Result |
| Netflix US | Yes | Unblocked |
| Netflix UK | Yes | Unblocked |
| Netflix FR | Yes | Unblocked |
| Netflix DE | Yes | Unblocked |
| Netflix JP | Yes | Unblocked |
| Disney+ | Yes | Unblocked |
| BBC iPlayer | Yes | Unblocked |
CyberGhost achieves these results by maintaining a catalog of servers configured for individual streaming platforms. Rather than routing traffic through general-purpose servers, CyberGhost labels its servers directly by platform name within the app (e.g., “Netflix US,” “BBC iPlayer”). This directs users to endpoints already optimized for that service, which reduces proxy error rates.
The 10 Gbps server infrastructure combined with unlimited bandwidth is generally capable of 4K playback, provided the specific server node is performing well. Finding and activating a streaming server in the app takes roughly 30 seconds by using the search filter.
4. Gaming support: Is CyberGhost good for multiplayer?
Score: 6.0/10
CyberGhost provides a dedicated gaming server category within its app, making server selection straightforward. However, the latency figures from our testing indicate clear limitations for competitive use cases.
| Server | Ping (ms) | DDoS protection | Cloud gaming | Router support |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | 138 ms | Yes | Limited | Yes |
| US Los Angeles | 195 ms | Yes | Limited | Yes |
| US Seattle | 216 ms | Yes | Limited | Yes |
| Germany | 290 ms | Yes | No | Yes |
The lowest ping in our test was 138 ms on the Australian server. That figure is adequate for slow-paced game genres such as turn-based strategy or general browsing, but it falls short of the sub-50 ms latency that competitive first-person shooter players require.
The US servers at 195 ms to 216 ms further narrow the viable use cases to tile-based strategy games and light web browsing. Germany’s 290 ms effectively disqualifies that node from real-time gaming.
Where CyberGhost holds practical value for gaming is through its DDoS protection and router support. Streamers and players who face targeted connection-flooding attacks benefit from the DDoS mitigation on gaming servers.
Console gamers who cannot install a VPN directly on their device can route all traffic through CyberGhost by configuring it at the router level. For global esports competition requiring low-latency international connections, the measured latency values are too high.
5. Torrenting and P2P: Is CyberGhost safe for torrenting?
Score: 7.5/10
CyberGhost supports P2P downloading through a dedicated set of servers listed under a “For torrenting” category in the app. The relevant feature status is listed below.
| Feature | Status |
| P2P supported | Yes (dedicated servers) |
| Port forwarding | No |
| SOCKS5 proxy | No |
| Kill switch | Yes |
| No-logs policy | Yes |
The server categorization simplifies the torrenting workflow. You filter directly for the torrenting-optimized list and select the geographically closest option.
A reliable kill switch provides a critical IP protection layer: if the VPN tunnel disconnects during a session, it severs your internet connection immediately to prevent your real IP address from being exposed to the torrent swarm.
Combined with a no-logs policy verified by Deloitte, CyberGhost ensures that session data is not stored at the provider level.
The two significant limitations are the absence of port forwarding and SOCKS5 proxy support. Port forwarding allows inbound connections to reach your torrent client directly, which is important for maximizing download speeds and maintaining upload seeding ratios. Without it, many torrent clients will flag the connection as “firewalled”, reducing connectivity to the peer swarm.
For users who download content primarily and are not concerned with seeding performance, CyberGhost covers the basics adequately. For dedicated seeders, the absence of port forwarding makes CyberGhost a competent but not optimal choice.
6. Privacy and security: How safe is your data?
Score: 8.5/10
CyberGhost’s security architecture rests on strong encryption, an audited no-logs policy, and an infrastructure designed to limit data retention. The full security feature set is below.
| Feature | Details |
| Logging policy | Strict no-logs |
| Audits | Deloitte 2022, 2024, 2025 |
| Jurisdiction | Romania |
| Infrastructure | RAM-only servers, NoSpy colocated servers |
| Encryption | AES-256 |
| Protocols | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 |
| Kill switch | Yes |
| Leak protection | DNS, WebRTC, IPv6 |
| Multi-hop | No traditional double VPN |
| Obfuscation | No |
6.1. Encryption and protocols
All CyberGhost connections use AES-256 encryption, the current industry standard for symmetric data protection. Three protocols are available: WireGuard, the fastest modern option (recommended for general use and the default for desktop), OpenVPN in either UDP (faster) or TCP (more stable for unreliable networks), and IKEv2, commonly used on mobile due to its ability to reconnect quickly after a network switch.
WireGuard delivered the best speed results in our testing and is the sensible default. OpenVPN remains relevant for specific use cases, such as connecting through restrictive corporate networks.
6.2. No-logs policy, audits, and transparency
Romania sits outside the 5, 9, and 14 Eyes intelligence alliances, meaning Romanian law does not compel CyberGhost to participate in cross-border data-sharing programs between allied governments. Romanian legislation also does not require VPN providers to retain user activity logs.
Beyond jurisdiction, CyberGhost has been independently audited by Deloitte in 2022, 2024, and 2025. Each audit verified that CyberGhost’s technical infrastructure aligns with its stated no-logs policy.
CyberGhost operates a RAM-only server fleet. Because RAM requires continuous power to retain data, any server reboot automatically wipes all session information, eliminating the risk of stored logs being extracted. The company additionally publishes quarterly transparency reports disclosing the volume of law enforcement data requests received and how they were handled.
6.3. Corporate history and the Kape Technologies trust verdict
A frequent concern about CyberGhost is related to its parent company. Kape Technologies was previously called Crossrider. Between approximately 2012 and 2018, Crossrider operated an adtech platform that distributed browser extensions flagged by security researchers for ad-injection behavior. In 2018, the company rebranded to Kape Technologies, shifting toward cybersecurity acquisitions, including CyberGhost, Private Internet Access, ExpressVPN and ZenMate.
Also in 2018, a breach at Typeform, a third-party survey tool used by CyberGhost, exposed approximately 120 CyberGhost user email addresses and usernames. No passwords, VPN session data, or traffic logs were compromised, as the breach originated at Typeform’s infrastructure, not CyberGhost’s network.
While the Crossrider-era behavior reflects historical concerns, three consecutive Deloitte audits through 2025 have found no logging practices inconsistent with CyberGhost’s policy. The RAM-only server fleet and quarterly transparency reports provide a behavioral accountability mechanism. The Kape history is worth noting, but the current technical controls show adherence to privacy standards.
6.4. Leak tests and kill switch reliability
Tests using ipleak.net and browserleaks.com confirmed that CyberGhost blocked DNS leaks, WebRTC leaks, and IPv6 data exposure on Windows.
While the kill switch reliably severs your internet connection if the VPN tunnel drops, it is not enabled by default. You must navigate to the Privacy Settings to toggle it on. After this initial setup, it operates autonomously without requiring further intervention.
One significant limitation is the complete absence of obfuscation. Obfuscation disguises VPN traffic to appear as standard HTTPS, which is the primary mechanism for bypassing deep packet inspection (DPI) systems used in countries like China, Iran, or Russia. Without it, CyberGhost’s traffic is identifiable as VPN traffic and can be blocked by state-level firewalls. For users traveling to or residing in censorship-heavy environments, CyberGhost is not a viable option.
7. Server network and locations: How big is the infrastructure?
Score: 9.0/10
CyberGhost operates a large server network in the consumer VPN market. The key infrastructure figures are below.
| Category | Data |
| Server count | 11,500+ (estimated) |
| Country count | 100 (in 126 cities) |
| Infrastructure speed | 10 Gbps |
| Virtual locations | Yes |
| Dedicated IP | Yes ($2.50/mo add-on) |
7.1. Global reach and virtual locations
The 11,500+ server count spans 100 countries across 126 cities, giving CyberGhost a wide geographic footprint. This scale provides options for users who need IP addresses from specific countries.
CyberGhost uses virtual locations for some jurisdictions, meaning a server is physically hosted in one country but assigns IP addresses that appear to originate from another. This approach allows CyberGhost to offer coverage in regions where maintaining physical hardware would be impractical or legally complex.
CyberGhost does not prominently flag which locations are virtual versus physical within the app. For most streaming use cases, virtual locations function adequately, but users who prioritize knowing the exact physical location of their traffic path should be aware of this.
Note: CyberGhost no longer publicly lists the exact number of active servers on its official website. The 11,500+ figure is an estimated aggregate compiled from various industry sources rather than a direct official claim.
7.2. The NoSpy servers advantage
CyberGhost operates a subset of servers called NoSpy servers that are physically colocated at CyberGhost’s own facility in Romania rather than rented from a third-party data center.
Standard VPN servers rented from external data centers exist within a physical access chain that includes the data center operator. NoSpy servers remove that intermediary: the hardware is fully managed by CyberGhost’s own team, reducing third-party hardware access risks. Access to NoSpy servers is included in the standard subscription.
8. Apps and user experience: Which platforms are supported?
Score: 8.0/10
CyberGhost provides native applications across major platforms. The availability and key feature set per platform are summarized below.
| Platform | Available | Key features |
|---|---|---|
| Windows | Yes | Kill switch, Smart Rules, split tunneling, all protocols |
| macOS | Yes | Kill switch, limited Smart Rules, no split tunneling |
| Linux | Yes | Command-line interface, basic protocol and server selection |
| iOS | Yes | Kill switch (limited configuration), no split tunneling, limited protocols |
| Android | Yes | Kill switch, split tunneling, full content blocker |
| Smart TV / Fire TV | Yes | Dedicated app |
| Browser extensions | Yes | Chrome and Firefox (proxy-based, not full VPN encryption) |
The Windows and Android apps offer the most complete feature set for CyberGhost. Both deliver a system-level kill switch, a content blocker that filters ads and trackers at the connection level, and a clearly structured server interface divided into labeled tabs for streaming, torrenting, and gaming.
The connect button on the main screen allows users to establish a VPN connection without navigating menus.
The content blocker does have a known limitation: it does not reliably block pre-roll ads on YouTube.
The macOS and iOS apps carry notable gaps by comparison. Split tunneling, which routes only selected applications through the VPN, is available on Android but absent from both iOS and macOS. On iOS, the kill switch is configured differently and labeled in a way that creates confusion for users comparing it to the desktop app. The Linux app requires command-line configuration, which demands basic terminal familiarity.
The 7 simultaneous device connections per account allow a single subscription to protect a laptop, smartphone, tablet, and additional devices concurrently without managing separate accounts.
9. Pricing and plans: The hidden renewal cost explained
Score: 9.0/10
CyberGhost offers three subscription tiers. The plan structure contains an auto-renewal mechanic that affects the long-term cost.
| Plan duration | Price per month | Total price |
| 1 month | $12.99 | $12.99 |
| 6 months | $6.99 | $41.94 |
| 2 years + 2 months | $1.59 | $41.34 (billed as 26 months) |
The payment and subscription features are summarized below.
| Feature | Details |
| Money-back guarantee | 45 days (14 days for 1-month plan) |
| Free trial | 24h Desktop, 3-day Android, 7-day iOS |
| Payment methods | Credit/debit cards, PayPal, Amazon Pay, Bitcoin |
| Simultaneous connections | 7 |
9.1. The renewal price and long-term value
The 2-year + 2 months plan is billed initially at $41.34 for 26 months, averaging $1.59/month. This is a competitive entry price in the consumer VPN market. The 45-day money-back guarantee on this plan gives subscribers a window to validate the service before the purchase becomes final.
The detail to note is what happens at renewal. After the first 26 months, the subscription transitions to an annual billing cycle at $41.34 per year, which works out to approximately $3.44/month.
This change is disclosed in the terms of service but is not prominently surfaced during checkout, generating complaints on platforms like Trustpilot from users who were not expecting the increase. To avoid this, users can disable auto-renewal in their account settings immediately after subscribing.
9.2. Free trials and the money-back guarantee
The 45-day money-back guarantee on long-term plans covers refund requests, giving subscribers time to test streaming performance and server speeds. The 1-month plan carries a shorter 14-day guarantee.
CyberGhost also provides platform-specific free trials: 24 hours on Windows and macOS, 3 days on Android, and 7 days on iOS.
Bitcoin is accepted via BitPay for users who prefer a pseudonymous payment method.
10. Customer support: How fast is the live chat?
Score: 8.5/10
CyberGhost provides 24/7 customer support through live chat, email ticketing, and a self-help center. The service level details are listed below.
| Feature | Status |
| Live chat | 24/7 in English, French, German, Romanian |
| Ticket support | 24/7 |
| Avg. response time | Under 3 minutes (chat), under 24 hours (email) |
| Help center | Comprehensive guides, FAQs, YouTube tutorials |
Live chat response times were under 3 minutes during our tests. Multi-language support in four languages (English, French, German, and Romanian) reduces friction for users comfortable in those languages.
The help center covers beginner setup guides and specific troubleshooting steps, supplemented by video guides on CyberGhost’s YouTube channel. Phone support is not available, which is consistent with most consumer VPN providers.
11. Real user reviews of CyberGhost
CyberGhost maintains a generally positive reputation among users, characterized by a highly accessible interface alongside recurring frustrations with billing practices and specific technical limitations.
Review the current rating summary for CyberGhost across major digital storefronts and consumer feedback platforms:
| Review Platform | Overall Rating | Total Number of Reviews |
| Trustpilot | 4.0 out of 5 stars | 23,913 |
| Apple App Store | 4.2 out of 5 stars | 39,000+ |
| Google Play Store | 3.5 out of 5 stars | 167,000+ |
Positive user feedback frequently highlights the beginner-friendly design. Reviewers specifically point out the single-button connection experience, which removes the complexity of manual configuration for new users. Customers also highly value the categorized server lists. This functional design allows users to bypass trial and error by filtering and connecting directly to servers optimized specifically for streaming, gaming, or torrenting.
Negative reviews reveal consistent operational friction, particularly regarding account management. The most prevalent issue involves the auto-renewal billing jump. Customers frequently report facing unexpected charges at a much higher annual rate once their initial promotional period expires. Many of these users also note significant difficulty in obtaining refunds from customer support despite the advertised money-back guarantee.
Users also document several distinct technical constraints across different operating systems. Reviewers consistently report the following performance issues:
- Frequent Google CAPTCHA security prompts caused by the provider’s shared IP addresses.
- A built-in content blocker that fails to suppress YouTube pre-roll advertisements.
- Stagnant development cycles, including delayed updates for iOS and a missing native application for Apple TV.
- Intermittent connection drops and application freezing specifically affecting macOS users.
The platform gap between the feature-rich Windows client and the limited Apple ecosystem applications is a tangible drawback for cross-device users. Furthermore, the aggressive renewal pricing structure means you must closely monitor your subscription terms and cancellation dates to manage costs effectively.
12. Who should (and shouldn’t) use CyberGhost
Based on our testing and analysis of its feature set, CyberGhost is highly effective for specific daily use cases, but its limitations make it unsuitable for others.
12.1. Who should use CyberGhost
CyberGhost provides a solid foundation for users prioritizing affordability, access to media, and a straightforward interface.
- Users on a budget who want to unblock Netflix US, Netflix UK, or BBC iPlayer from abroad.
- Beginners who want a simple, labeled 1-click app with no complex configuration.
- Households needing to cover multiple devices simultaneously (up to 7 connections on one account).
- Android users who want split tunneling alongside a full VPN and content blocking.
12.2. Who shouldn’t use CyberGhost
The service falls short for users operating in highly restrictive environments or those requiring specialized networking capabilities.
- Travelers or residents in countries with active internet censorship (China, Iran, Russia) who require obfuscation.
- Dedicated torrent seeders who depend on port forwarding for full swarm connectivity and seeding ratios.
- Competitive multiplayer gamers who require sub-50 ms latency to international servers.
- macOS and iOS users who need feature parity with Windows or Android equivalents.
13. CyberGhost vs. competitors
The comparison table below covers the key differentiating variables between CyberGhost and its budget-tier alternatives.
| Feature | CyberGhost | NordVPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (2-yr plan) | $1.59/mo | $3.09/mo | $1.99/mo |
| Servers | 11,500+ | 9,300+ | 4,500+ |
| Obfuscation | No | Yes | Yes |
| Split tunneling | Android only | All platforms | All platforms |
| Independent audits | Deloitte (2022, 2024, 2025) | Yes | Yes |
| Jurisdiction | Romania | Panama | Netherlands |
| Simultaneous connections | 7 | 10 | Unlimited |
NordVPN costs more than CyberGhost’s introductory rate but covers use cases that CyberGhost cannot. Its obfuscation protocol allows it to function in countries with deep packet inspection firewalls, including China. NordVPN also provides Double VPN (multi-hop) and split tunneling across all major platforms, including iOS and macOS. For users whose needs extend beyond streaming and standard browsing, NordVPN offers a more extensive toolset.
Surfshark sits at a price point of $1.99/month on a long-term plan, offering obfuscation support and unlimited simultaneous device connections. For households managing more than seven devices, Surfshark’s unlimited connection policy removes the constraint that CyberGhost imposes. Users who want close-to-CyberGhost pricing but also need split tunneling on iOS or a more feature-complete macOS app will find Surfshark to be a consistent cross-platform experience.
Here is a quick summary to help you decide which provider fits your needs:
- Choose CyberGhost if you want a budget-friendly VPN dedicated to unblocking international streaming libraries with a simple, beginner-friendly interface.
- Choose NordVPN if you need advanced privacy features like obfuscation for restricted networks, multi-hop routing, and high-speed global connections.
- Choose Surfshark if you have a large household and require unlimited simultaneous device connections along with solid security tools at a low price point.
14. How to sign up and install CyberGhost
Getting started with CyberGhost takes approximately five minutes. Follow these steps in order:
- Go to the CyberGhost official website and select the 2-year + 2 months plan to access the introductory discount. After completing signup, navigate to your account’s subscription management settings and disable auto-renewal to avoid the higher annual billing rate at the end of the 26-month period.
- Complete your payment using a credit card, PayPal, Amazon Pay, or Bitcoin via BitPay for a pseudonymous purchase.
- Download the application for your specific operating system directly from the official website or from your device’s app store. Supported platforms include Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and Fire TV.
- Open the app, log in with your account credentials, and select a server from the relevant category for your intended use: “For Streaming” for Netflix or BBC iPlayer access, “For torrenting” for P2P sessions, or “For Gaming” for DDoS-protected gaming servers. Tap or click the connect button to establish the VPN connection.
15. Testing methodology: How we reviewed CyberGhost VPN
For this review, all network and performance tests were conducted from a physical location in Vietnam.
Our test environment:
- Device: We used a Windows 11 PC as our primary testing station.
- Baseline speed: The internet connection was a fiber-optic baseline recording 499.83 Mbps for downloads and189.46 Mbps for uploads.
- Protocol: We utilized the WireGuard protocol throughout our speed tests to ensure modern performance.
Testing tools utilized:
- Speedtest.net: Used for measuring raw download/upload speeds and ping latency across global servers.
- ipleak.net & browserleaks.com: Used to verify DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leak protection.
Here is the exact scoring rubric we use to evaluate the service.
| Category | Weight | Description |
| Privacy & security | 30% | Logging policies, encryption, and jurisdiction. |
| Speed & performance | 20% | Local and international speed retention. |
| Server network | 10% | Global coverage and infrastructure ownership. |
| Streaming | 10% | Unblocking capabilities for Netflix, Disney+, etc. |
| Pricing & value | 10% | Cost analysis and refund policy reliability. |
| Apps & UX | 5% | Ease of use and device support across platforms. |
| Gaming | 5% | Latency and connection stability. |
| Torrenting | 5% | P2P support and safety features. |
| Customer support | 5% | Response time and technical quality. |
For a deeper dive into our evaluation process, check out our comprehensive guide on how we test and review VPNs.
16. FAQs about CyberGhost review
Is CyberGhost VPN trustworthy?
CyberGhost operates under Romanian jurisdiction outside the 5/9/14 Eyes alliances, uses RAM-only servers that wipe all data on reboot, and has had its no-logs policy verified by Deloitte in 2022, 2024, and 2025.
The parent company, Kape Technologies (formerly Crossrider), had a history of distributing adtech tools before its 2018 rebrand. The three consecutive Deloitte audits since then, combined with quarterly transparency reports and RAM-only infrastructure, provide evidence that CyberGhost’s current privacy practices align with its stated policy.
What country is CyberGhost from?
CyberGhost is based in Romania. Romania is not a member of the 5, 9, or 14 Eyes intelligence-sharing alliances, meaning Romanian law does not require CyberGhost to participate in joint government surveillance programs between allied nations.
The parent company, Kape Technologies, is incorporated in the United Kingdom, but CyberGhost’s operational infrastructure and legal entity are registered and legally bound in Romania.
Is NordVPN or CyberGhost better?
For streaming access and budget users, CyberGhost delivers comparable results at a lower initial price. For power users who need obfuscation, multi-hop routing, or cross-platform split tunneling, NordVPN is the stronger option. NordVPN’s obfuscated servers allow it to function in censorship-heavy countries like China, which CyberGhost cannot support.
How much does CyberGhost cost per month?
CyberGhost starts at $1.59/month on the 26-month plan, which totals $41.34 for the initial billing period.
The monthly plan costs $12.99 and the 6-month plan is $6.99/month.
The 26-month introductory plan auto-renews at $41.34 per year (approximately $3.44/month) after the first period ends. Disabling auto-renewal in your account settings immediately after subscribing prevents this automatic price increase.
Can I use CyberGhost for free?
CyberGhost does not offer a permanent free tier. However, it provides platform-specific free trials: 24 hours on Windows and macOS, 3 days on Android, and 7 days on iOS. All paid long-term plans also come with a 45-day money-back guarantee (14 days for the 1-month plan), which provides a testing window before committing financially.
Does CyberGhost keep logs?
No. CyberGhost maintains a no-logs policy and does not record browsing activity, connection timestamps, session durations, or IP addresses. This policy has been verified by Deloitte in 2022, 2024, and 2025.
The RAM-only server infrastructure ensures that because RAM data is lost when power is removed, there is no persistent storage from which logs could be extracted.
How many devices can I connect with CyberGhost?
A single CyberGhost subscription supports up to 7 simultaneous device connections, covering any combination of Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, smart TV, or router connections. For households requiring more than seven simultaneous connections, Surfshark offers an unlimited-connection policy and may be a better alternative.
17. Conclusion
CyberGhost is a capable budget VPN for users whose primary objectives are streaming access and everyday privacy. Its 11,500+ server network, dedicated streaming catalog covering multiple Netflix regions, and RAM-only infrastructure verified by consecutive Deloitte audits represent a functional package at a competitive initial price.
However, you must consider its limitations. The lack of obfuscation makes it unusable in censored internet environments. The absence of port forwarding limits its appeal for serious torrent seeders, while platform fragmentation leaves macOS and iOS users with fewer features. Additionally, the auto-renewal pricing structure requires attention to avoid unexpected costs.
To get started, claim the discount on the 2-year plan, disable auto-renewal immediately, and test the service within the 45-day refund window.
For more detailed comparisons, visit the Safelyo homepage and explore our VPN reviews category.
