CyberGhost holds a mid-tier position among the VPN services owned by Kape Technologies, yet it performs nearer to the level of ExpressVPN rather than Private Internet Access. Its inclusion on my recommended VPN rankings stems primarily from its low cost, though it must demonstrate competence in additional areas to justify that spot, since inexpensive subpar service remains ineffective.
Overall, CyberGhost strikes me as a service that, while imperfect, consistently strives for improvement. Its choices prioritize user benefits over mere market differentiation, a trait shared with many competitors—hardly a drawback, particularly given the budget-friendly pricing.
Beyond affordability, CyberGhost stands out for its user-friendly interface, seamless operation, and minimal delays that appeal to online gamers. Nearby server connections deliver robust download speeds, but remote ones yield average results. Although the extensive server presence in Africa and South America impresses, numerous sites there rely on virtual setups. This review delves into these aspects and beyond; readers may proceed sequentially or jump to specific sections via the table of contents.
Editor's update (January 16, 2026): Our VPN evaluations have been comprehensively revised to offer more precise, practical purchasing guidance. We will keep refining both the top VPN recommendations and standalone assessments, such as this one, amid evolving conditions. Recently, we incorporated standardized ratings into every VPN analysis. For insights into our testing methodology, see how we evaluate VPNs.
Key observations summary:
In terms of setup and interface: The Windows version provides extensive settings with logical layout; the macOS edition is straightforward but less comprehensive; Android and iOS interfaces feature clean home screens paired with somewhat perplexing advanced options; no dedicated browser add-ons exist, excluding the complimentary proxy tool.
On performance: Latency measurements excel, achieving the lowest ping values among peers; local servers maintain high download and upload rates; global averages suffer from dips on far-off connections.
Regarding protection: It employs WireGuard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN, though availability varies by device; IPv6 is disabled, and no WebRTC or DNS exposures occur; connections drop during server switches.
For costs: Monthly plan at $12.99; six-month option at $41.94 ($6.99 monthly equivalent); 28-month deal at $56.94 ($2.03 monthly), with renewals shifting to 12 months at the same price ($4.79 monthly); supports seven devices concurrently.
Add-on packages: Dedicated IP available for $2.50 monthly extra.
Privacy approach: Personal details are anonymized; data sharing possible only with Kape affiliates in privacy-respecting regions; servers use RAM exclusively with full-disk encryption, verified by independent review; no history of cooperating with law enforcement requests.
Location spoofing: Successfully bypassed Netflix in five territories via dedicated streaming servers and WireGuard protocol.
Infrastructure: 125 sites across 100 nations, with strong worldwide spread including nine in South America and six in Africa; southern hemisphere emphasis includes many virtual relays that could impact velocity.
Capabilities: Kill switch is mandatory except on Windows; split tunneling functions by application on Android and by website on Windows; ad blocker offers basic toggle without fine-tuning; abundant P2P and media-optimized endpoints; Smart Rules enable intuitive yet advanced automation.
Assistance channels: Help resources are informative yet disorganized; chat support activates swiftly, bypassing the initial bot easily; email submissions handled via web form.
Company profile: Established in 2011 in Romania; acquired by Kape Technologies in 2017.
Setting up, adjusting, and operating CyberGhost
CyberGhost handles setup and user interface effectively, avoiding unnecessary complications. Core functions are prominently displayed across apps without overwhelming details. Platform-specific variations are notable, so evaluations are segmented accordingly.
Windows
Installation on Windows 11 proceeds swiftly without permission prompts. Executing the installer, accepting terms, and signing in completes the process in roughly two minutes, including credential retrieval.
The Windows client interface resembles Surfshark's effective design: specialized servers left, main list center, controls right—minimizing distractions. A minor issue: selecting a multi-site country requires spotting a subtle arrow rather than expanding directly.
Specialized servers access via left-panel tabs, with rapid connections. Bottom-left settings icon organizes features into General, VPN, and Account categories, featuring descriptive explanations despite imperfect labels.
macOS
macOS Sequoia setup mirrors Windows simplicity, with guided installation and immediate usability. Direct download from the official site is advised over the iPad-oriented App Store version.
Post-launch, the app docks to the menu bar; arrow click opens a full window for expanded controls like connections and favorites, rendering the pinned state somewhat redundant.
Unlike Windows, macOS stays in dark mode without theme options. Fewer server categories appear leftward—only downloading and streaming tabs, with NoSpy reachable via Romania in the primary menu. Settings relocate to top-right, consolidated into one General tab that's less intuitive.
Occasional false alerts of no internet connection appeared despite stable access, resolved by a quick diagnostic that always passed. These glitches were infrequent but odd.
Android
The Android app emphasizes simplicity, with fast connections and consolidated server choices, streaming in a dedicated tab—effective yet occasionally feeling like hidden complexity.
Top-right gear reveals deeper preferences, some underexplained like statistics sharing or Domain Fronting, creating initial confusion. Nonetheless, core functionality performs reliably, allowing quick server picks without deep dives.
iOS
iOS mirrors Android's polished surface with rapid links and Wi-Fi-specific Smart Rules option on the home screen; streaming and favorites tabs separate key selections.
Settings mix toggles and menus but permit basic use without adjustment. Overall, it supports effortless operation.
Browser add-ons
No comprehensive extensions exist; searches on the download page yield nothing. Chrome and Firefox proxy tools alter IP for free but lack encryption, a core VPN element. Vague descriptions undervalue their insecurity; suitable only for casual, non-sensitive IP changes like streaming if undetected.
Performance evaluation
Tests used WireGuard over Wi-Fi, selecting proximate physical or virtual servers. Metrics include: Ping (ms) for latency (lower better, rises with distance); Download (Mbps) for loading/streaming speed; Upload (Mbps) for sending data like cloud saves or calls.
Server results: Unprotected Portland baseline—16ms ping, 58.70Mbps down, 5.80Mbps up. Seattle (optimal)—22ms (1.4x increase), 55.88Mbps down (4.8% drop), 5.60Mbps up (3.4% drop). New York—155ms (9.7x), 45.43Mbps down (22.6%), 5.43Mbps up (6.4%). Montevideo—111ms (6.9x), 46.25Mbps down (21.2%), 5.55Mbps up (4.3%). Lisbon—328ms (20.5x), 45.60Mbps down (22.3%), 4.36Mbps up (24.8%). Johannesburg—632ms (39.5x), 34.12Mbps down (41.9%), 3.68Mbps up (36.6%). Vientiane—350ms (21.9x), 38.04Mbps down (35.2%), 4.78Mbps up (17.6%). Global average—266ms (16.6x), 44.22Mbps down (24.7%), 4.90Mbps up (15.5%).
Results were generally positive with caveats. Latency impressed, averaging 266ms and surpassing Surfshark, rarely exceeding 400ms except Johannesburg's outlier. Seattle mirrored top rivals with minimal slowdowns. Distant sites showed variability and reductions, especially South Africa, but usability persisted—merely trailing leaders except in low pings.
Protection evaluation
VPNs must guard against threats and unintended exposures. Testing involves protocol safety, leak detection via tools like IP checkers, and packet encryption verification.
Protocols
Three secure, current options: OpenVPN (Windows, Android, Linux, Fire TV—proven, balanced); WireGuard (all platforms—swift, stable, less battle-tested); IKEv2 (macOS, iOS, Windows—quick but proprietary). Availability gaps, like no OpenVPN on Apple, are questionable; inquiry pending. Protocols employ robust ciphers without vulnerabilities.
Leak assessment
ipleak.net confirmed no exposures. IPv6 blocked; no WebRTC; DNS routed internally, displaying VPN IP post-connection.
Exception: Server changes trigger disconnects, briefly exposing traffic—manage by avoiding sensitive actions during switches.
Encryption check
Wireshark captured encrypted outer layers across protocols, confirming uniform protection against leaks and attacks.
Subscription details
Uniform features across tiers; duration varies pricing. Seven-device limit applies universally.
Monthly: $12.99, auto-renews identically with 14-day refund. Six months: $41.94 ($6.99/mo), renews same with 45-day guarantee. 28 months initial: $56.94 ($2.03/mo), subsequent 12-month renewals at $56.94 ($4.79/mo)—affordable but not perpetually low-rate.
Companion services and packages
Sparse extras prove refreshing amid bloat. A Windows-only security suite includes gratis, explored in features below.
Static IP
$2.50 monthly add-on provides unchanging VPN address, aiding restricted access and avoiding shared IP risks.
Privacy policy examination
Romanian base ensures EU-level protections, no mandatory logging or backdoors. Policies detail handling to build trust; violations invite legal action.
CyberGhost pledges no connection logs linking IP, timestamps, or durations to activities. PII separates from browsing data. No authority handovers or ad sales; data uses limited to internal fraud/term enforcement.
Sharing clause allows intra-Kape transfers, but only to EU-equivalent jurisdictions—mitigating risks, as Kape avoids high-surveillance nations. Eyes alliances irrelevant without logs. No major policy flaws noted; vigilance advised.
Third-party validation
Deloitte audits (2022, 2024) affirmed policy adherence; next expected soon. RAM servers with encryption erase data on reboot, thwarting surveillance. Transparency reports show zero compliance with enforcement queries amid numerous requests.
IP alteration effectiveness
Netflix tests via streaming servers assessed spoofing. Five regions, three trials each: UK, Japan, Germany, Australia, Brazil—all succeeded in library access without detection. Matches Proton VPN's top marks.
Infrastructure analysis
125 locations in 100 countries: 75 physical, 50 virtual (60/40 split). Physical aids speed predictions; virtuals secure but variable.
Regional breakdown: North America (9 countries, 21 sites, 5 virtual); South America (9, 9, 9); Europe (45, 56, 13); Africa (6, 6, 3); Middle East (6, 6, 4); Asia (23, 23, 16); Oceania (2, 4, 0). Broad coverage aids global needs; southern expansion notable. Physical concentration in Europe/US hampers southern speeds; virtual relays often Miami-based, with outdated physical origin lists.
Additional capabilities
Modest beyond core VPN, contrasting feature-heavy rivals like NordVPN—but efficacy counts.
Connection safeguard
Always active except toggleable on Windows; halts net on VPN loss to preserve cover. Mandatory elsewhere limits flexibility, potentially hindering safe troubleshooting.
Route exclusion
Full on Android (app-based); Windows Exceptions (URL-based). Selects bypasses for compatibility or speed; limited scope but reliable.
Task-specific endpoints
Gaming (low-latency focus, minimal edge over standard); Torrenting (P2P-ready in 86 countries, strong sans port forwarding); Streaming (106 in 22 nations for sites like Netflix US/UK, etc.—tailored, though general servers suffice); NoSpy (Romania in-house managed for privacy, raising questions on others' oversight).
Ad filter
Basic on/off; blocks page ads sans customization or source transparency—functional but basic versus advanced tools.
Automation tools
Smart Rules excel, enabling app-launch connections, location presets, post-connect app triggers; Wi-Fi responses (connect/disconnect/ask/ignore by security); network-specific customizations—accessible yet powerful.
Support avenues
Portal at support.cyberghostvpn.com or app-linked; divided into Guides, Troubleshooting, FAQs, Announcements—overlapping, search yields redundancies like duplicate macOS connection fixes with screenshots. Content solid, structure outdated.
Direct help
Email via Zendesk for detailed queries; live chat from site corner initiates with bot diagnostics, escalating quickly to agents (4min wait, 1min responses)—thorough on Mac issue, far outperforming docs.
Ownership history
Launched 2011 Bucharest-based, 38 million users, 70 employees; popular in France/Germany. Sparse historical details suggest uncontroversial operation; no English Wikipedia. Key event: 2017 Kape acquisition. Kape concerns (past Crossrider ad tech, Israeli ties) often overstated—consolidation (owns ExpressVPN, PIA, review sites) problematic enough without conspiracies. User discretion applies.
Conclusion
CyberGhost satisfies without dazzling, filling a budget gap post-PIA letdown alongside Surfshark. Reliable for everyday anonymity and media access at low cost, but casual users better suited than those needing ironclad secrecy due to server management, sharing policies, switch exposures—opt for Proton on high-stakes privacy.