Is CyberGhost still a controversial VPN, or has the team taken feedback seriously and improvised its service offering? In this CyberGhost review, we go under the hood of this popular VPN that has one of the most extensive server networks in the industry.
What is CyberGhost Secure VPN?
CyberGhost was launched in 2011 and is based in Romania. The VPN now boasts over 30 million users across the world. It is no stranger to rumors. Its parent company, Kape Technologies, formerly Crossrider, was linked to spreading malware in its software downloads, according to Malwarebytes Lab.
However, the good news is that CyberGhost is getting a grip on its services, and there has been remarkable improvement reported by its users. We’re hoping to give CyberGhost a second chance by reviewing the latest app, features, and support from the company.
Ultimately, we wanted to be sure that CyberGhost is an inherently secure VPN as it claims.
Here are some key facts about CyberGhost secure VPN at a glance.
- It has a total 5700+ servers spread over 90 countries. The UK boasts 865 servers followed closely by 818 in the US.
- It supports OpenVPN, IKEv2, and L2TP/IPSec with military-grade AES-256 encryption for secure connections.
- Downloadable popular platforms: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, FireTV, AndroidTV, and selected routers.
- Unlimited bandwidth and up to 7 simultaneous device connections.
You can try CyberGhost for free, but it’s limited to only 24 hours on Windows and macOS. For iOS and Android devices, you get to try CyberGhost for 7 days. Upon expiry, you’ll be required to sign up for any of its premium plans to continue usage.
CyberGhost offers competitive pricing plans for its VPN services, particularly when you’re signing up for long term:
- $12.99 per month for a 1-month plan.
- $5.99 per month for a 1-year plan.
- $3.69 per month for a 2-year plan.
- $2.45 per month for a 3-year plan.
You’ll be backed by a 45-days money-back guarantee policy when signing up to any of its paid subscriptions with more than 6 months period.
The 1-month plan is entitled to a 14-days money-back guarantee policy.
Available payment options for CyberGhost include Paypal, credit card, and Bitcoin.
CyberGhost VPN Review—The Pros
We decided to give CyberGhost the benefit of the doubt, and we’re surprised by the improvements in certain aspects.
Here are some of the plus points of the CyberGhost VPN.
1. Strongest Encryption and Protocols
CyberGhost commits to keep its users safe on the Internet, and it does so by employing the AES-256 encryption on the VPN connections. The AES-256 uses a 256-bit encryption key to decode messages and is literally impossible to break.
To complement the military-grade encryption, CyberGhost provides the option of OpenVPN, IKEv2, and L2TP/IPSec protocols. Both OpenVPN and IKEv2 are commonly used by VPNs to transport messages across the VPN tunnels. The L2TP/IPSec is a decent protocol if your device does not support OpenVPN or IKEv2.
You’ll also find that PPTP is also supported on CyberGhost, but we discourage using the protocol as is known to be technically unsafe.
2. Strict No-Logging Policy
When you’re connected to a VPN, you’re trusting the provider to uphold your privacy. CyberGhost VPN claims to practice a strict, no-logging policy.
But it is common knowledge that all VPNs do store some information to facilitate payment or support. What’s important is that CyberGhost does not log information that will reveal your identity.
As we dug further into CyberGhost’s logging policy, we found that it explicitly lists the types of sensitive data that are not logged in its system.
So, what’s being logged by CyberGhost? Like any VPNs, CyberGhost stores your:
None of these can be used against you or could reveal your browsing activities.
3. Safe Jurisdiction
Besides having a strict no-logging policy, the fact that CyberGhost is based in Romania is also a positive point for VPN users.
Romania strongly objects to data retention laws and is not a member of the Five Eyes or Fourteen Eyes Alliances, which are groups of countries that share intelligence.
CyberGhost is keen to stay transparent, and you'll find the number of formal requests by the authorities, DMCA, or data centers for users’ reports. However, being located in Romania means that CyberGhost does not need to comply with these requests, thus protecting the privacy of its millions of users.
4. No Malware Detected
Naturally, we’re wary of the past issues that link the parent company of CyberGhost to malware. We didn’t want to invite unnecessary troubles into our PC, and we did a quick malware check online.
Nothing suspicious was found from the CyberGhost installer download link.
5. Easy To Install and Use
It only takes three easy steps to sign up for a CyberGhost VPN plan and be directed to the download page.
After downloading the app for your device and setting up a password, you’re good to go. The whole process takes less than 5 minutes.
When you launch the CyberGhost software for Windows, you’ll find a simple interface with a quick connect button and a drop-down list of favorite servers.
The software can be expanded by clicking on the double arrowed yellow button to display the full list of servers and other options.
CyberGhost’s programmers ensure a clean and intuitive interface with detailed information on the servers.
You’ll find each server bearing the number of users, load, and distance from your physical location. Clicking the “>” symbol brings you to the list of servers available in a specific country.
Other options, including connection features and smart rules, are neatly arranged at the left-most panel.
If you’re using CyberGhost for Android, you’ll find an almost identical layout that features the quick connect button.
The list of servers and advanced settings are easily accessible with a few touches on the screen.
You can access all the available servers, streaming-friendly servers, or your favorite list by selecting the icons at the top of the app.
We found navigating around both the CyberGhost software and app fairly simple as the controls are self-explanatory.
6. No DNS/IP/WebRTC Leaks
It’s crucial that data exchange between your device and the Internet remains protected whenever you’re connected to the VPN. Some VPNs are bugged with flaws that inadvertently expose the IP address of the users.
To be assured that CyberGhost is free from such privacy flaws, we connected to a server in the US and did a check on DNS, IP, and WebRTC leaks.
We tested CyberGhost from Asia, and the results from IPleak.net shouldn’t disclose our exact location.
Here’s a screenshot of the IP address, which points to Washington in the US.
There were also no signs of WebRTC leaks, as the DNS addresses indicated those in New York.
We’re convinced that CyberGhost is as reliable as you can get in keeping your identity safe online.
7. Netflix-Friendly
CyberGhost claims that it’s a streaming-friendly VPN. However, only 4 servers are optimized for Netflix access.
You can browse for Netflix-friendly servers by selecting “For Streaming” in the software, or typing “Netflix” into the search bar.
Netflix has been frustrating VPN users worldwide by detecting and blocking connections from VPN servers.
We attempted to find out if these 4 servers are fully functional, and managed to catch Money Heist on Netflix US.
We continued watching the TV show on the remaining Netflix servers, and here are the results.
- Netflix US: Functional
- Netflix UK : Functional
- Netflix France : Functional
- Netflix Germany: Blocked
With 3 out of 4 Netflix-dedicated servers working, CyberGhost is doing a great job in outwitting Netflix’s close-down on VPNs.
8. Supports Torrenting and Streaming
P2P users will be pleased by the number of dedicated servers assigned by CyberGhost for torrenting.
These servers are optimized for speed for P2P client programs like uTorrent. Coupled with strong encryption, CyberGhost is the ideal VPN to share files with fellow P2P users.
Streaming is not limited to Netflix in CyberGhost. If you’re used to streaming content from BBC Player, Fox Sport, Amazon Prime, or other popular streaming providers, you’ll find the list of streaming-friendly servers helpful.
9. Added-Value Features
The definition of a good VPN has shifted beyond offering secure internet connections. Some features are helpful in enhancing user protections and experience when using a VPN.
CyberGhost offers the following features that can be found in the Connection Features on the software.
- Block Ads
- Block Malicious Websites
- Block Online Tracking
- Automated HTTPS Redirect
- Data Compression
You can also set Smart Rules for
- Startup Rules
- Wi-Fi Protection
- Exceptions
- App Protection
A Kill Switch, which automatically terminates the internet connection when the VPN connection drops, is also available on the Settings page.
Most of these features are also available in the Android version of CyberGhost.
10. 24/7 Live Support
It’s frustrating if you’re having trouble with getting the VPN app to work, and you have to wait days for support.
Not, with CyberGhost.
CyberGhost shines in customer support as it has a 24/7 live chat. We tried it out just to make sure that it’s not manned by an automated bot, and we’re pleased with the response.
We asked a random question and the reply is almost immediate. If you’re not the chatty type, CyberGhost has an extensive FAQ page that may answer your queries.
CyberGhost—The Cons
1. Doesn’t Work In China
China is one of the few countries that practice strict internet censorship. If you’re hoping for CyberGhost to bypass the Great Firewall of China, you’ll be sorely disappointed.
CyberGhost is blocked in China, and the customer support team confirms it. If you’re traveling to China, you’ll want to consider these VPNs that work in the country.
2. Inconsistent Connection Speed
Speed is crucial, especially if you are using a VPN for downloads and streaming. VPN connection speed varies according to server load, distance, and other parameters. However, it should show a degree of consistency, which is lacking in our test.
Here’s the internet connection speed in Malaysia without connecting to CyberGhost.
We connected to a VPN server in Singapore, which is the nearest country to our test location. The result isn’t impressive as the download speed is almost half of the direct connection.
We then connected to a server in Bucharest, Romania, and managed to get decent download speed.
A speed test to a random server in Los Angeles showed a predictable decrease in connection speed.
Out of curiosity, we connected to the Netflix US server and found that it was indeed optimized for high-speed connection downloads.
Depending on which countries you’re connecting to, you may experience varying speed that may have nothing to do with distance to the server.
But we’re not complaining as we’re still able to enjoy streaming Netflix US.
CyberGhost for Windows
Installing CyberGhost for Windows is a hassle-free process. As the CyberGhost free trial only lasts for 24 hours for Windows, we recommend signing up for the paid plans. They’re risk-free and are backed by money-back guarantee policies.
1. Load CyberGhost’s website and click Pricing on the menu.
2. Select your preferred subscription plan.
3. Choose your payment method and complete the subscription.
4. The CyberGhost installer for Windows should automatically start downloading. You’ll then have to set your account password.
5. Install CyberGhost and launch the application. Key in your login credentials when prompted and you’ll be signed in to the VPN.
You’re now ready to connect to any of CyberGhost’s secure server on your Windows PC.
CyberGhost for Android
To install CyberGhost on your Android device, follow these simple steps.
1. Open up the Play Store and search “CyberGhost VPN.” Select Install to install CyberGhost on your Android device.
2. Open the CyberGhost VPN app after it’s installed. Log in with your credentials or create a new account. You’ll be eligible for a 7-Days free trial on Android without paying anything.
3. Once logged in, you have access to any of CyberGhost VPN servers on your Android device.
Is CyberGhost a Good VPN?
It seems that CyberGhost has done a great job of overcoming the rumors that have put the service in a bad light.
After testing out CyberGhost extensively, we found that it ticks all the right boxes of a decent VPN. CyberGhost offers highly-secure VPN connections that keep users safe on the Internet.
Netflix and torrent users will find the CyberGhost initiative in dedicating streaming and P2P servers helpful. The fact that CyberGhost is based in a safe jurisdiction and strictly enforces a no-logging policy also instills trust in VPN users.
We’re also impressed by CyberGhost’s speedy customer support and competitively-priced plans. A 45-day-money-back guarantee policy is almost unheard of in the industry.
While it’s true that CyberGhost has trouble bypassing China’s internet censorship, it is still an excellent VPN to have in many aspects.
In fact, we feel that CyberGhost rivals some of the top VPNs in the industry.
Try now from $2,45/monthSummary
You shouldn’t write off CyberGhost because of some bad reviews in the past. Its remarkable improvement has proven that it’s a decent VPN worth subscribing to.
We strongly recommend that you take advantage of CyberGhost’s risk-free money-back guarantee policy.
