CyberGhost VPN is built on the ethos that online privacy is a right and has been committed to bringing this to fruition since its formation in 2011.
Having established themselves as one of the most popular providers, with over 38 million users, they have become synonymous with digital security.
Providing a comprehensive collection of data protection features, along with one of the most geographically diverse location offerings, this VPN allows users to carry out their online activities with greater accessibility and anonymity.
Pros & cons of CyberGhost
Pros
- Expansive network of over 11,165 servers in 100 countries
- Simultaneous connection of up to seven devices
- Comprehensive security features
Cons
- The privacy policy is slightly contradictory in places
- Occasional connection issues
- Fewer features for iOS and Android
Key CyberGhost VPN features
There are several reasons why CyberGhost VPN has quickly become one of the most sought-after VPN providers to date. Many of these include the impressive features that customers can access under a subscription.
Firstly, it is a reassuringly safe private network. Much like most people who enlist the use of a VPN for their online activity, this factor was paramount for me.
As I work online and travel often, I needed a provider to ensure my personal and work-related data was subject to the utmost security measures, whether in an airport, café or co-working space.
The protection offered by their 256-bit encryption is reinforced by the addition of no-spy servers. These no-spy servers are located in their Romanian headquarters, meaning that the entire data center is impenetrable by third parties.
Additionally, CyberGhost provides the opportunity to purchase your own dedicated IP address.
Instead of using the same address that all other CyberGhost VPN users have, you can further protect your anonymity with a unique IP. This will be the same for each device connection, removing the need for extra security verifications.
CyberGhost supplies optimized servers based on the activity you need to perform.
This simplifies the search for the smoothest connection, allowing only traffic related to that activity on the server.
These optimizations include streaming, downloading and gaming.
I have found the dedicated downloading server particularly useful, making file sharing between myself and my colleagues seamless and secure.
With an enabled ad-blocker, CyberGhost customers can browse free from the nuisance of interruptive advertising on search engines.
By blocking this type of content, you can be protected from malware, malicious sites and trackers from DNS domains.
This feature is available across multiple devices.
How many CyberGhost server locations are available?
CyberGhost offers 11,165 servers across 100 countries, making it one of the largest geographical providers on the market.
These locations span across a number of continents, many of which are often underserved by other leading competitors, including South America and Africa.
However, not all of these servers are physically in the regions to which they are categorized.
The VPN has approximately 49 virtual servers in operation.
Each of these is situated in a nearby country, displaying an IP address that matches the virtual location chosen.
CyberGhost VPN is transparent about its use of virtual servers, stating that these are also subject to the no-log policy under which the brand operates.
A complete list of servers is available via the Servers and Encryption section of their support center FAQ.
How much does CyberGhost VPN cost?
CyberGhost is a notably cost-effective VPN, offering one of the most reasonable rates currently available.
Using a subscription-based pricing model, customers can choose between three plans, each priced significantly lower than many alternatives.
The lowest fee I could access the CyberGhost for was a minor $2.20 a month. This is part of the 2-year plan.
Although CyberGhost does not have an outright free version of their VPN, they offer a money-back guarantee to customers who wish to discontinue their use.
This money-back offer is one of the most generous I’ve seen, affording you 45 days to decide on both the 2-year and 6-month subscriptions.
Despite already being one of the most affordable services, CyberGhost also occasionally runs coupons and promos on their plans.
Privacy and security
On the matter of security, CyberGhost pulls no punches.
The VPN has invested heavily in curating a powerful structure for customers, and this is evident in the lengths that users can go to keep their data and identity completely inaccessible online.
As is the case with the majority of providers, this VPN has a kill switch feature.
This allows for the monitoring of your connection, with the kill switch being applied the moment this drops.
By doing so, your data is protected in the event of any unforeseen interruptions that cause your connection to become unsecured.
While using CyberGhost VPN, my connection was protected by both AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption protocols.
AES-256 alone is one the most secure encryption algorithms in circulation, using a 256-bit key to protect your information.
Similarly, ChaCha20 uses a 256-bit cypher to ensure the safeguarding of any personal data that is transmitted online.
As previously mentioned, CyberGhost operates its no-spy servers.
These data centers are located in the company headquarters in Bucharest, therefore no third parties or malicious entities can access them.
Based in a privacy-friendly jurisdiction, the company is not part of the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance, meaning they are not involved in intelligence-sharing agreements with other countries.
In addition, CyberGhost releases transparency reports every couple of months detailing their refusal of requests for user information by third parties.
What protocols does CyberGhost VPN use?
CyberGhost uses a variety of protocols to bolster the protection of its users’ data.
These can be selected to suit specific needs and activities and include the following;
WireGuard
This open-source protocol provides significantly fast speeds, making it a stand-out choice for gaming, streaming, and downloading.
As well as this, it can maintain connections at a level that many others fail to reach.
WireGuard has become widely recognized as one of the most secure options on the market, using advanced code and cryptography for encryption.
This protocol is supported across all devices compatible with CyberGhost, including Windows, macOS, iPhone, Android, Linux, and routers.
OpenVPN
Another extremely secure protocol, OpenVPN operates a 265-bit encryption model as standard.
This works to maintain the security of your data. Should you require further measures, this can be tailored to your needs with the addition of cyphers for more robust encryption.
OpenVPN is also suitable for Windows, Android, and iPhone. However, it cannot be used on macOS devices.
IKEv2
The auto-reconnect ability of IKEv2 allows users to maintain their connection and privacy when changing networks.
Furthermore, security is reinforced with the employment of multiple cyphers.
This is a popular choice for Android and iPhone, IKEv2 is notably stable.
Logging policy
CyberGhost states that it operates under a no-log policy.
However, this is something that has been recently thrown into question by netizens.
By adhering to a no-log policy, the assumption would be that CyberGhost explicitly does not record or store any personal data, browsing data, IP address information or DNS enquiries whilst you are connected to their servers.
Unfortunately, the VPN is slightly contradictory in places.
Although CyberGhost does not log any usage or connection data, such as browsing history, data content, IP address or DNS queries, some personal and anonymous information logging takes place.
This includes elements such as your name, email address, approximate location by country, transaction information, desktop/mobile device and dates and times of visits.
Despite this being stated in their privacy policy, this is too much collection for some users. With that being said, CyberGhost freely subjects itself to independent security audits to preserve customer trust.
In 2022, they underwent an inspection carried out by Deloitte.
The findings of this audit were positive, reinforcing that the providers operate in accordance with their policies.
How fast is CyberGhost VPN?
This VPN has retained a positive performance reputation for quite some time now.
Whilst not holding the title of the fastest provider out there, CyberGhost offers substantial speeds that allow you to carry out a variety of activities, be it general browsing or gaming, all whilst maintaining a solid connection.
I experienced the fastest speeds when I was connected to a local server, as is to be expected.
However, when I tested the connection speeds with servers in the US and Canada, they were both completely satisfactory.
Given that the speed did decrease slightly for each connection to a server further afield, my webpage loadings only experienced a lag of a couple of seconds, and there was virtually no disruption to my streaming.
WireGuard is one of the main contributors to CyberGhost’s speed. This offers quicker speeds than alternative protocols, such as OpenVPN and IKEv2.
Despite the numbers associated with WireGuard being typically impressive, some users did state that they encountered slow webpage loading, suggesting that CyberGhost is not maximizing the full potential of this protocol.
As mentioned above, optimized servers are one of the key features of this VPN.
By having specific servers dedicated to certain activities, speeds are increased considerably.
I used one of these 10 Gbps servers to gain access to BBC iPlayer on Windows, and my streaming experience was seamless.
Is CyberGhost a good option for gaming?
CyberGhost is an undeniably sound choice for gaming.
With their optimized server feature, you can choose between several optimal connections that allow for the lowest ping and best user experience.
These servers can be sorted according to latency, load and distance.
As far as security is concerned, CyberGhost VPN goes to considerable lengths to encrypt your data and mask your IP address.
By doing so, the threat of any possible DDoS attacks is significantly reduced.
Additionally, the automatic kill switch immediately blocks all web traffic in the event that your VPN loses connection, helping to prevent the occurrence of any data leaks.
CyberGhost’s vast location catalog means that customers can also gain access to geo-restricted games, including Call of Duty and PlayerUnknown’s Battleground.
As well as this, their location options allow you to access region-specific coupons.
The VPN has multiple compatibilities, including consoles, PC and mobile.
With 7 possible simultaneous connections, you don’t have to limit your gaming to a single device. Better again, users can share their accounts and play alongside friends or family.
| Xbox | Nintendo | PlayStation | PC | Mobile |
CyberGhost VPN Customer support
CyberGhost has an extensive customer support system in place, with dedicated channels available for patrons to choose from depending on their issue or enquiry.
Although this network may not be the most sophisticated in comparison to alternative VPN providers, particularly regarding navigation, the outcomes and resolutions are satisfactory across the board.
Using the 24/7 live chat function, you can be immediately connected to a specialist agent.
The consensus gathered from several experiences is that this service is quick, professional and, most importantly, effective.
If an issue is considerably complex, users are encouraged to submit a ticket to CyberGhost VPN customer support to allow for a more detailed solution.
Via the comprehensive support-focused information panel, customers can reference the FAQ section.
Broken down into specific segments, and categorized by issue, over 70 possible service-related queries are elaborated upon.
These include topics from accounts and billing, all the way through to technicalities and encryption.
In addition to this, CyberGhost offers a broad archive of guides and troubleshooting articles in its customer support portal.
Each article is broken into separate sections and categorized by topic, similar to the FAQ page.
How We Test VPNs
At Insider Gaming, we measure the overall quality of each VPN we review against the following key elements;
- Server network
- Security and privacy features
- Speed and performance
- Pricing
In order to provide an authentic, valuable evaluation, our writers conduct independent research on each brand, gather insights from real users and spend time testing the VPN for themselves.
With a particular focus on speed and security, writers assess the capabilities of each VPN across a number of activities, including downloading, uploading, streaming and gaming.
This is first carried out on a wi-fi network to determine the performance, and compared to when connected to various servers, in several locations, and using different protocols with a VPN.
From here, the security of a provider is examined as the protection of your data whilst online is paramount. We account for the jurisdiction of each brand, their standard and advanced privacy features and third-party audits.
Final thoughts
CyberGhost VPN has staked its claim as one of the most consistently popular providers, underpinned by affordability, accessibility and security.
With an extensive server network spanning numerous continents, and a robust security ecosystem, this service is suited to every internet user.
Having long been subscribed to CyberGhost, the brand has shown consistent development, with no signs of slowing down.
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