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CyberGhost vs. NordVPN 2024: Which VPN Is Better?
Last updated July 4, 2024
Choosing CyberGhost vs. NordVPN is like navigating a complex maze of digital privacy. Both VPNs stand out with their distinct set of strengths and capabilities and are featured in our list of the best VPN services.
Based in Panama, NordVPN has been a trusted name since 2012. It offers a vast network of servers, a strict no-logs policy, and innovative features like Double VPN and obfuscation to ensure top-notch privacy and security.
CyberGhost VPN, hailing from Romania, is all about easy access without breaking the bank. It offers a zero-logs policy with an impressive server count and excellent unblocking capabilities.
But who’s the real champ when CyberGhost and NordVPN go head-to-head? To answer this, we’ve lined them up in a comparison table to see how they fare in prominent features.
However, first impressions can be very misleading. So, the goal of this NordVPN and CyberGhost comparison is to look beyond just numbers and specs and see how they perform in the real world.
We’ll do this by analyzing these VPNs across critical areas, including connection speeds, server networks, privacy policies, customer service, pricing, and extra perks like streaming, gaming, and torrenting capabilities.
Background, Jurisdiction & Reputation
A VPN’s background and country of origin determine how well the service can protect your data and privacy. Always pick a VPN that falls outside the 5/9/14-Eyes Alliance and honors its privacy commitments. Let's compare NordVPN and CyberGhost in these areas to understand their strengths and potential concerns.
NordVPN - (Score 8.5/10)
NordVPN was founded in 2012 and operates under the ownership of Nord Security. Based in Panama, the VPN benefits from a privacy-friendly jurisdiction with no invasive data retention laws. The country isn’t part of the 5/9/14-Eyes Alliance network, which is a significant advantage for a VPN provider.
The VPN shares its corporate umbrella with other services like Surfshark and Atlas VPN (now discontinued). However, these VPNs operate independently, maintaining their unique identities and distinct feature sets.
NordVPN prides itself on a strict no-logs policy, which is validated through regular independent security audits. It employs RAM-only servers, which reinforces NordVPN’s adherence to high privacy standards. These servers ensure that all your data is wiped clean with each server reboot.
NordVPN’s commitment to privacy was tested in 2018 when it experienced a server breach. The company responded with extensive security measures that included an infrastructure audit, the introduction of a bug bounty program, and a switch to diskless servers.
CyberGhost VPN - (Score 8.5/10)
CyberGhost was established in 2011 and is headquartered in Romania, another country favorable for privacy due to its absence from the 5/9/14-Eyes Alliance network. This jurisdiction doesn’t mandate data retention, which aligns well with CyberGhost’s strict no-logs service.
The VPN is currently owned by Kape Technologies, a company that has expanded its influence in the VPN space, notably by acquiring ZenMate VPN in October 2018. Later, Kape also acquired Private Internet Access (PIA) in 2020 and added ExpressVPN to its growing portfolio the next year. However, each of these VPNs operates autonomously and maintains its own unique features and privacy policies.
In 2018, CyberGhost experienced a minor data breach through a third-party service called Typeform. However, no confidential user information was compromised. CyberGhost takes user privacy very seriously by using RAM-only server architecture and maintains a strict no-logs policy that has been independently audited and verified.
Although we’d like to see more regular security audits, CyberGhost’s transparent practices and adherence to privacy laws ensure that your online activities always remain private.
Who’s the Winner? It's a Tie!
Both NordVPN and CyberGhost have encountered issues in the past, but they've demonstrated resilience and commitment by promptly addressing and resolving them. Neither are members of the Eyes Alliance, and both implement audited zero-logs policies. Additionally, they use RAM-based servers for an extra layer of security.
So, whether you get NordVPN or choose to get CyberGhost VPN, rest assured that your privacy and security is in good hands.
Supported Platforms & Devices
A VPN that integrates across different operating systems, streaming devices, and routers offers both convenience and a consistent layer of protection. Let’s explore how CyberGhost and NordVPN compare in this comparison round.
NordVPN - (Score 10/10)
NordVPN excels in platform compatibility, with dedicated apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. You can also use its proxy extensions on Chrome, Firefox, and Edge browsers.
Moreover, the VPN is compatible with Android TVs and popular streaming devices like Amazon Fire TV and Apple TV. NordVPN also supports up to 10 simultaneous connections, allowing you to protect multiple devices under one account.
For more comprehensive coverage, you can set up NordVPN on various routers. While this approach may require some technical knowledge, it's a one-time effort that extends NordVPN’s benefits to all the devices connected to your network.
CyberGhost VPN - (Score 10/10)
CyberGhost matches its competitors with native apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. It also provides lightweight extensions for Chrome and Firefox browsers for secure browsing.
Additionally, CyberGhost is compatible with smart TVs and Android TV, including streaming devices like Amazon Fire TV and Apple TV (via Smart DNS). You can also connect up to 7 devices at once, which is less than NordVPN’s 10-device limit.
With its support for a wide range of routers, CyberGhost extends protection to all connected devices, from IoT gadgets to gaming consoles, using a single subscription.
Who’s the Winner? It’s a Tie!
Both VPNs demonstrate excellent platform support and device compatibility, so it’s hard to choose a winner in this category.
If you get NordVPN, you’ll have seamless integration across various systems and devices for a hassle-free VPN experience. Similarly, you’ll benefit from diverse platform support if you get CyberGhost VPN.
Installation & Initial Configuration
A VPN should aim to combine simplicity with swift installation. It’s achieved by offering native apps that allow you to initiate your VPN connection promptly and effortlessly. Let’s see how NordVPN and CyberGhost fare in this comparison round.
NordVPN - (Score 10/10)
NordVPN features a straightforward sign-up process, starting with choosing a plan and creating an account on the website. Following this, download and install the relevant NordVPN app for your device.
Apart from desktops and mobile devices, you can also install NordVPN on compatible routers. To learn more about the process, read our detailed guide on how to set up NordVPN.
Once installed, simply launch the app and sign in to your account. The app guides you through the configuration process that teaches you how to find and connect to servers, adjust settings, and customize your VPN experience.
Thanks to obfuscated servers, NordVPN can also be used in restrictive regions like China that normally block VPN traffic. It provides alternative apps and custom manual connections to operate in those countries. The setup process is simple, as explained through tutorials and guides.
CyberGhost VPN - (Score 10/10)
CyberGhost mirrors NordVPN’s ease of setup, beginning with a straightforward sign-up process on its website. You can choose a plan, create an account, and then be directed to download the CyberGhost app for your specific device.
Upon launching the app, CyberGhost welcomes you with a clean and intuitive interface. The initial setup is minimal, as you get clear instructions for using the app and connecting to a server. You can opt for the automatic server connection based on your location or explore different server options if you have a preference.
CyberGhost offers detailed installation guides and tutorials to help you with the process. They also have responsive support channels to help you address any setup queries.
Who’s the Winner? It’s a Tie!
NordVPN and CyberGhost both shine in offering a user-friendly installation experience. No matter your technical background, you can easily set up both VPNs without feeling overwhelmed. Therefore, this comparison round ends in a tie.
Whether you get NordVPN for its straightforward app and numerous integrated features or get CyberGhost VPN for its quick customizable options, you’re guaranteed a smooth start with minimal hurdles.
Prominent Features
The range and quality of features can significantly impact the security and performance of a VPN. Let’s discuss how NordVPN and CyberGhost differ in terms of notable features.
NordVPN - (Score 10/10)
NordVPN is a feature-rich service that offers all the basics and some advanced VPN features. It includes a handy kill switch that automatically cuts off your Internet if your VPN connection drops unexpectedly. It also provides strong VPN encryption by using secure VPN protocols, like OpenVPN, IKEv2, and NordLynx (based on WireGuard).
In terms of unique offerings, NordVPN includes obfuscation, which lets you bypass network restrictions, and Threat Protection, which blocks malicious trackers and ads. You also get a Double VPN feature, which routes your traffic through two servers for extra protection.
NordVPN’s split tunneling feature lets you route some of your app traffic through the VPN tunnel while other apps can access the Internet directly. Additionally, you can create your own private network with other NordVPN users using Meshnet.
Another innovative feature is the Dark Web Monitor, which scans the dark Web for your credentials and alerts you about potential threats. Moreover, NordVPN supports unlimited server switches with no data or bandwidth caps, making it an ideal option for heavy Internet usage.
CyberGhost VPN - (Score 8.5/10)
CyberGhost offers a good mix of fundamental and advanced VPN features, tailored to enhance your security and convenience. It includes a reliable kill switch and popular VPN protocols like WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2.
You also get a sophisticated split tunneling feature on Android, which enables you to choose which apps will access the Internet via CyberGhost’s encrypted tunnel. The Windows and Mac apps offer URL-based split tunneling, which lets you specify websites to bypass the VPN via the Exceptions feature.
To match NordVPN’s Threat Protection, CyberGhost provides a premium add-on feature called Security Suite for Windows, which includes an integrated ad-blocker and antivirus. The self-owned and self-managed NoSpy servers further enhance the security package by eliminating third-party access to hardware.
The App Rules feature is another highlight, allowing you to customize your VPN for different apps. Like NordVPN, CyberGhost supports dedicated IPs and unlimited server switches. It doesn’t limit bandwidth or data usage as well.
Who’s the Winner? - NordVPN!
In terms of unique features, it’s evident that NordVPN takes the lead. It goes beyond basic VPN features with advanced offerings like Double VPN, obfuscation, and Meshnet.
Therefore, get NordVPN for its comprehensive suite of features that cater to both privacy and convenience.
Server Count & Infrastructure
A VPN’s server network, along with its geographical distribution, determines the efficiency and effectiveness of the service. In this round, we’ll compare the server infrastructures of NordVPN and CyberGhost, focusing on their scale and specialized server offerings.
NordVPN - (Score 10/10)
NordVPN boasts a vast network of over 6,400 servers spread across 111 countries globally. The entire server fleet consists of fast-speed physical servers, making NordVPN our top choice for the best VPN with most servers.
NordVPN also has P2P-optimized servers, making it a solid choice for torrenting activities. While it doesn’t have servers dedicated to streaming or gaming, the standard servers adeptly support these activities without any issues.
Moreover, NordVPN stands out with its obfuscated servers, which are useful in regions with restricted Internet access. These servers disguise your VPN traffic as regular Internet traffic and help you bypass heavy censorship. The VPN also offer 50 virtual server locations and uses a RAM-only architecture for added privacy.
CyberGhost VPN - (Score 10/10)
CyberGhost doesn't disclose the exact number of servers they have any more. However, they do boast a massive server network spanning over 100 countries in 126 locations. This is likely to provide more flexibility for them to adjust their server infrastructure as needed.
Regardless of the exact count, it's clear that CyberGhost has a global reach, placing it among the best VPNs with global reach. It also takes a specialized approach, offering dedicated servers for streaming and torrenting. CyberGhost also includes gaming-optimized servers, but they’re currently limited to Windows users.
Another unique aspect of CyberGhost's infrastructure is its NoSpy servers. These servers are exclusively managed by the CyberGhost internal staff and provide an additional layer of security and privacy.
CyberGhost further enhances its infrastructure with RAM-only servers, ensuring that all your data is wiped out with every reboot. It’s also transparent about its use of virtual server locations and lists them on its website.
Who’s the Winner? - It's a Tie!
Both NordVPN and CyberGhost boast massive server networks spanning over 100 countries, making them strong contenders for global reach. Their impressive infrastructure ensures minimal overcrowding on servers.
For excellent coverage, tailored server options, and the ability to bypass censorship, get NordVPN. On the other hand, get CyberGhost VPN if you value flexibility and dedicated servers for specific activities like streaming, torrenting, and gaming.
UI/UX Design & Ease of Use
Even with robust features, a VPN’s value can diminish if it isn’t intuitive and easy to use. In this section, we’ll explore the user interface and user experience of NordVPN and CyberGhost, covering their navigational simplicity for various platforms.
NordVPN - (Score 10/10)
NordVPN sets a high bar for VPN usability with a blend of sleek design and intuitive functionality. The map-centric layout on desktop apps is visually captivating and simplifies server selection.
You can connect to your desired location by scrolling through the server list on the left or simply tapping the “Quick Connect” button to let NordVPN automatically connect you to the best server location. The home screen also contains your recent connections and specialty servers for quick access.
NordVPN molds itself perfectly for smaller screens while maintaining the same intuitive design. The settings menu neatly lays out customization options, including advanced features like Threat Protection and a variety of VPN protocols.
Whether on desktop or mobile, NordVPN’s well-crafted design makes engagement both aesthetically pleasing and practically efficient.
CyberGhost VPN - (Score 8/10)
CyberGhost’s apps are intuitively designed for both novice and expert users. The desktop app offers a range of advanced functionalities, neatly categorizing servers for streaming, torrenting, and regular browsing on the left. The Windows version includes servers optimized for gaming, while Mac users get to access support resources with just a click.
The right side of the window contains a large button that lets you connect to your desired server location with a single click. The desktop apps, with variations between them, display critical server details against each server, allowing you to choose the most optimal server location.
The mobile apps are easy to navigate, with a straightforward layout that makes connecting to a server effortless. Android users enjoy a richer array of features, including split tunneling and additional security settings. The iOS app, on the other hand, lacks some of these features but is more polished in appearance.
Who’s the Winner? - NordVPN!
NordVPN emerges as the winner in this segment due to its elegant design and features that are uniformly available across its apps. Its user-friendly interface makes managing your connection a breeze, even if you haven’t used a VPN before.
Therefore, we recommend that you get NordVPN for an effortless experience across all your devices.
Media Streaming, Torrenting, and Gaming Support
A VPN’s value is often gauged by its ability to enhance entertainment experiences, whether that’s accessing a global catalog of streaming content, secure torrenting support, or smooth gaming sessions. Let’s see how NordVPN and CyberGhost handle these activities.
NordVPN - (Score 10/10)
NordVPN impressively unblocks almost all popular streaming platforms, including Netflix, Prime Video, Max, Disney+, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and more. It doesn’t include dedicated streaming servers, but you can consistently stream your favorite content without interruptions using the standard servers.
In terms of torrenting, NordVPN supports high-bandwidth file sharing thanks to its P2P-optimized servers. It also provides a SOCKS5 proxy that prioritizes both speed and security for torrenting. You can confidently engage in torrenting activities without worrying about your IP exposure, thanks to NordVPN’s automatic kill switch and no-logs policy.
NordVPN equally excels in gaming, with minimal lag and low response times, despite lacking specialized gaming servers. Moreover, it can reliably circumvent geo-restrictions and grant access to region-specific gaming titles and servers.
CyberGhost VPN - (Score 10/10)
CyberGhost simplifies the process of unblocking content on streaming platforms with dedicated servers for streaming. These servers provide the best possible speeds for lag-free streaming on Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more.
When it comes to torrenting, CyberGhost offers thousands of servers, including dedicated servers for P2P activities. These specialized servers provide fast downloading capabilities without compromising your security when engaging in P2P file sharing.
In the gaming sphere, CyberGhost gaming-optimized servers provide a competitive edge by maintaining low ping and latency during your gaming sessions. Although these servers are limited to the Windows app, they can reliably bypass geo-blocks for an expanded gaming library.
Who’s the Winner? - It’s a Tie!
NordVPN and CyberGhost are neck and neck in providing support for entertainment activities. Each VPN brings unique features to the table that cater to varied demands in the online entertainment sector.
Whether you get NordVPN for its universally strong performance or get CyberGhost VPN for its specialized servers for each activity, both services will effectively meet your streaming, gaming, and torrenting needs.
Security & Privacy
A VPN’s role extends beyond just access. It’s imperative for a VPN to use robust protocols, maintain a stringent no-logs policy, and ensure there are no IP/DNS leaks that could compromise your security. Let’s evaluate NordVPN and CyberGhost on these key aspects to determine how they handle your data.
NordVPN - (Score 9.5/10)
NordVPN is a privacy-focused service that utilizes a suite of advanced VPN protocols, including OpenVPN, IKEv2, and NordLynx, which is a proprietary protocol built around the WireGuard technology. These protocols are optimized for speed and security, making NordVPN one of the most secure VPNs on the market.
Besides secure protocols, NordVPN protects your identity using AES-256-bit encryption, which is the gold standard in the VPN industry. Additionally, the provider upholds a no-logs policy that has been independently audited and verified by reputed third-party firms like PwC and Cure53. These audits confirmed NordVPN’s adherence to its policy, ensuring that no activity logs are kept.
NordVPN also has a solid track record concerning IP/DNS leak protection. We conducted numerous tests but couldn’t detect any instances of DNS, IP, or WebRTC leaks.
CyberGhost VPN - (Score 9/10)
CyberGhost also takes security seriously, with robust VPN protocols such as OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard. However, unlike NordVPN, these protocols aren’t uniformly available across all its apps.
CyberGhost also utilizes industry-standard AES-256-bit encryption to protect your data and identity. These protocols and reliable encryption ensure secure connections that cater to both performance and privacy needs.
The company follows a no-logs policy, meaning that it doesn’t store any personal data like browsing history, server usage, or IP addresses. The service has also undergone an independent security audit recently that verified its commitment to users’ privacy.
In terms of leak protection, we were glad to see consistent IP and DNS leak prevention across CyberGhost’s server network. During our tests, the VPN shielded our identity and online activities, leaving no data exposure vulnerabilities.
Who’s the Winner? - NordVPN!
NordVPN wins this round due to its strong commitment to securing your data through advanced protocols, a verified no-logs policy, and solid leak prevention mechanisms. The availability of the proprietary NordLynx protocol and the backing of multiple independent audits give it a clear edge over CyberGhost in this segment.
Therefore, get NordVPN for its fool-proof security measures and verified trustworthiness.
Speed & Performance
A VPN's impact on your Internet speed can significantly influence your experience with the service. In this section, we’ll analyze how NordVPN and CyberGhost measure up in terms of speed and overall performance.
NordVPN - (Score 9/10)
NordVPN consistently ranks as one of the fastest VPNs, offering remarkable speeds with minimal impact on your Internet connection. Our test results showed an average speed reduction of just 15% across various global servers. In the United States, the speed loss was as low as 13%, while in Italy and Canada, it impressively dropped to only 7% and 9%, respectively.
Even on the remote Australian servers, NordVPN maintained commendable speeds, with a reduction of a mere 37%. The speed drop was slightly higher in Singapore at 14%, which is still an acceptable performance, especially considering the privacy benefits that NordVPN offers.
This performance places NordVPN as an ideal choice for bandwidth-intensive tasks like 4K streaming, gaming, and large file downloads.
CyberGhost VPN - (Score 7/10)
CyberGhost VPN exhibits a higher average reduction in speed compared to NordVPN. We measured the average speed drop at 41%, which could affect activities that demand high speed and bandwidth.
In our tests, we observed varying speed reductions, with a 25% drop in the United States and 44% in the United Kingdom. When we connected to Canada, its 37% speed decline exceeded that of the US, indicating a more significant impact on Internet speed.
The reduction for the Indian server was the worst at 87%, and Australia came in second with 46%. However, CyberGhost performed the best in Italy, where the speed reduction was just 7%.
While CyberGhost maintains a respectable level of performance, the variations in speed loss across different regions highlight its limitations in maintaining consistent high-speed connections. This could be particularly relevant if you engage in activities that demand high speed.
Who’s the Winner? - NordVPN!
NordVPN is the clear winner in terms of speed and performance, with its blazing-fast speeds across all nearby and remote servers. It has a lower average speed reduction, which is crucial if you prioritize swift connectivity without compromising security features.
Therefore, get NordVPN for unparalleled speeds and a smooth online experience, whether you're streaming, gaming, or simply browsing.
Customer Support
Reliable customer support can be a lifeline for users, especially when navigating the complexities of online privacy and security. Let’s assess the support resources provided by NordVPN and CyberGhost in this round.
NordVPN - (Score 10/10)
NordVPN offers multiple support options for your assistance. Their 24/7 live chat feature provides instant aid from well-informed representatives for everything from tech hiccups to general queries.
In addition to live chat, NordVPN also provides email support, which is ideal for more intricate issues that require thorough explanations or step-by-step assistance.
Furthermore, NordVPN is rich in self-service resources, providing in-depth installation guides, a broad FAQ library, and a helpful blog. These resources provide clear insights and solutions and are perfect if you prefer to troubleshoot issues on your own.
CyberGhost VPN - (Score 10/10)
CyberGhost relies on the same customer support tools as NordVPN. Their live chat feature is available 24/7 for immediate assistance from knowledgeable representatives who provide prompt and helpful responses to all your concerns.
For more in-depth support, CyberGhost provides email assistance, a practical option for those needing detailed guidance. The email support system is particularly useful for complex or technical issues that require a more comprehensive approach.
CyberGhost also enhances its support offerings with a broad array of self-help resources. These include comprehensive installation guides, a thorough FAQ section, and the CyberGhost Privacy Hub, which is a helpful blog filled with insightful articles on privacy and security.
Who’s the Winner? - It’s a Tie!
It’s hard to choose a winner in this round as both VPNs have a lot in common. They provide exceptional customer support, equipped with live chat and email support options. Both services ensure that you’ve got support whenever you need it.
So, if you get NordVPN, you’ll be guaranteed expert assistance via 24/7 live chat, detailed guides, and a useful blog. Similarly, if you get CyberGhost VPN, you’ll get access to their responsive chat service, email support, and insightful Privacy Hub.
Pricing
When choosing a VPN, cost is often the deciding factor. Let's dissect the pricing structures of CyberGhost vs NordVPN to see which service offers the best deal.
NordVPN - (Score 9/10)
NordVPN simplifies its offering into three tiers for various user needs. The Basic plan starts at an economical $3.39/month for two years, providing essential VPN features with 10 simultaneous device connections. For shorter commitments, you get monthly and annual options at $12.99 and $4.99/month, respectively.
The Plus plan, priced at $4.39/month for a 2-year subscription, includes protection against malware, ads, and trackers, along with a password manager and a data breach scanner. The 2-year Ultimate plan, on the other hand, offers 1 TB of cloud storage and 'Cyber Protection' benefit for $6.39/month.
You can also unlock exclusive perks on Saily, the global eSIM data app, by choosing any 2-year plan. Depending on your plan, you'll receive free mobile data, ranging from 1GB to 20GB, to stay connected on your travels.
Although it lacks a free plan and a NordVPN lifetime subscription, you can test the waters with its 7-day free trial via the Android app. It also backs all its plans with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can cancel your NordVPN subscription and get a refund.
CyberGhost VPN - (Score 9/10)
CyberGhost offers three subscription plans, each distinguished by their duration and discount potential. The monthly plan starts at $12.99 and comes with a 14-day money-back guarantee.
Scaling up, the 6-month plan offers 46% savings at $6.99/month, while the 2-year plan promises the largest savings of 84% at $2.03/month. Both of these plans are backed by a generous 45-day money-back guarantee, so you can invest with confidence.
CyberGhost doesn’t have a completely free plan, but it lets you temporarily test the service using the CyberGhost free trial. These trials are available for Windows and macOS (24 hours), Android (3 days), and iOS (7 days).
Who’s the Winner? - It’s a Tie!
NordVPN and CyberGhost offer competitive pricing structures for different user needs and preferences. While CyberGhost's long-term plans are more affordable, NordVPN competes by bundling additional tools with each package.
So, if you get NordVPN, you’ll get plenty of value for your money. Similarly, you can get CyberGhost VPN to benefit from its 45-day money-back guarantee and free trials.
NordVPN vs. CyberGhost - Which One Is Better?
Both VPNs have showcased formidable prowess in a neck-and-neck comparison. Yet, NordVPN wins with ironclad security, swift speeds, and innovative features.
To understand NordVPN’s edge, let’s take a look at how each VPN performed in different rounds of this NordVPN vs CyberGhost comparison.
Though CyberGhost VPN deserves attention for its specialized servers and affordable long-term plans, NordVPN's balance across essential parameters like speed, seamless interface, and ease of use make it the superior choice for most users.
So, if you want to secure your digital footprint with a fusion of performance and protection, sign up for NordVPN today!
We hope our CyberGhost vs NordVPN comparison has been helpful. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments below. Thanks for reading!