CyberGhost vs NordVPN: which is better in 2024

NordVPN and CyberGhost are both powerful, secure VPNs (virtual private networks) that encrypt your online data and protect you against cyberthreats. NordVPN offers a lot more in the way of security configurations, but CyberGhost has a longer money-back guarantee and costs less – particularly on multi-year contracts.

In 2024, I set out to compare CyberGhost vs NordVPN and understand which one triumphed over the other. I set up accounts with both providers, testing them in all areas, from speed and security, to pricing and server availability. While NordVPN turned out to be the better of the two, CyberGhost excelled in some areas and might be the better fit for you.

CyberGhost vs NordVPN: specifications

Below, you’ll find a table rounding up the key features and information for CyberGhost VPN vs NordVPN. I gathered this data while thoroughly testing both providers using standardized methods, evaluating internet speed, DNS and IP leak protection, kill switch functionality, and streaming site access. For each of the VPNs, I’ve rated them based on their price, server count, speed, security, and features, giving me a final score out of 10.

Overall though, both NordVPN and CyberGhost are not only fast and secure VPN options, but also among the best VPNs in the industry. NordVPN stands out with its superior security and privacy features, as well as unmatched speeds. On the other hand, CyberGhost is more budget-friendly, especially for long-term plans, and boasts a larger server network.

However, NordVPN is the better option overall in my assessment, excelling in unblocking content, while delivering robust security and privacy features.

NordVPN vs CyberGhost: pricing

You can subscribe to both NordVPN and CyberGhost for a single month – it’s a great solution for short-term trips abroad or catching that region-locked show that’s only on Netflix abroad. CyberGhost even has a 6-month plan that I think is ideal for students. But the real value comes when you choose longer subscriptions with either provider. Your subscription gets cheaper the longer your plan.

The shortest NordVPN plan is a 1-month rolling subscription at $12.99/month. CyberGhost, on the other hand, does not offer a short-term plan. So, if you need a VPN for short-term use, then NordVPN is a more reasonable choice.

NordVPN also offers a 1-year plan for $4.59/month, which CyberGhost does not. Instead, CyberGhost has a shorter 6-month plan, at $6.99/month. For the best value-for-money subscription over 2 years, CyberGhost comes out a little cheaper, with NordVPN costing $2.99/month and CyberGhost $2.03/month. Overall, CyberGhost tends to be cheaper with multi-year contracts.

I tried NordVPN’s refund policy as part of their 30-day money-back guarantee, and I had my money back without fuss within days. CyberGhost offers a guarantee too, though it’s even longer at 45 days. Whether you’re still deciding on a provider or only need a VPN in the short term, I recommend trying these providers with their risk-free period.

Free trials are available, with NordVPN offering a 7-day, Android-only trial, and CyberGhost boasting a more varied trial depending on your platform. PC and Mac devices get 24 hours, Android owners can play around for 3 days through Google Play, and iOS users receive a 7-day trial on the Apple App Store.

But here’s my overall view on CyberGhost vs NordVPN when it comes to price. CyberGhost proves to be a cheaper option than NordVPN for longer subscriptions. But both providers are still very similarly and affordably priced despite NordVPN offering a much broader feature set, with more robust security and the fastest VPN speeds available.

Which VPN is faster: CyberGhost or NordVPN?

While both NordVPN and CyberGhost offer impressive speeds, thanks to their support for the WireGuard VPN protocol, my tests show that NordVPN is slightly faster. During my tests with NordVPN, aside from seeing the fastest speeds, I also noted that there was almost no drop in internet speed whatsoever. This is all thanks to its NordLynx protocol – a custom, WireGuard-based protocol that improves both your connection speeds and the time it takes to connect to a server.

So, why is CyberGhost that little bit slower than NordVPN? It all comes down to the VPN tunneling protocols that each provider uses. NordVPN set out to create the best protocol, using WireGuard as a base. WireGuard itself started as a technical white paper, with its creators wanting to stamp out the drawbacks of OpenVPN and IKEv2. Today, it combines high-speed cryptographic algorithms that protect your data, with a common-sense build approach – meaning that WireGuard is embedded in your operating system’s lowest level of operations, making it much faster than ordinary, native apps. Bonus: users have reported better device battery life with this protocol, too.

In the end, what matters most is speed, and in that regard, NordVPN comes out on top. While CyberGhost has its strengths, it can’t match the swiftness of its opponent.

NordVPN vs CyberGhost: which is more secure?

On the subject of security, both NordVPN and CyberGhost utilize strong AES-256 encryption, and come equipped with a kill switch and leak protection to safeguard against unwanted data spills. However, the difference lies in their encryption functions: NordVPN uses the advanced SHA-512 hash function, while CyberGhost uses SHA-256. Although this is a minor difference, it is worth noting.

In terms of privacy policies, both NordVPN and CyberGhost exhibit a commendable dedication to keeping customer information confidential and secure. However, NordVPN offers more security features, including obfuscated servers and Double VPN, making it the better option for optimal digital protection.

Overall, both NordVPN and CyberGhost are excellent VPN services with reliable security measures. However, NordVPN offers more comprehensive security features, making it the better choice for individuals seeking top-notch protection.

Privacy

Both CyberGhost and NordVPN are based in privacy-friendly countries that aren’t part of the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance that shares data internationally. NordVPN is located in Panama, which has zero data retention laws and little government internet monitoring. NordVPN also has RAM-only server technology, which means there’s nowhere for your data to even be stored.

On the other side of the fence, CyberGhost is in Romania, a similarly privacy-friendly location. Unfortunately, CyberGhost only uses regular server hardware –but at this point, I’m being picky. CyberGhost still offers some of the best data security available from a VPN.

As the cherry on top, both NordVPN and CyberGhost support cryptocurrency payments, bolstering your online anonymity by removing the last potential identifier that links back to you.

Logging

Both NordVPN and CyberGhost offer strict no-logs policies, with independent audits verifying their commitment to such claims.

CyberGhost’s first independent audit was done by Deloitte in 2022, with the audit firm passing CyberGhost a second time in May 2024. As a bonus, CyberGhost also issues official Transparency Reports every three months, even though the company isn’t required to do so.

Conversely, NordVPN has undergone four independent audits to date, with the latest one conducted by Deloitte at the beginning of 2024. Official transparency reports are nowhere to be seen though, but NordVPN does its part by frequently updating its blog with news, reports, and updates.

Which has more servers: CyberGhost or NordVPN?

Both NordVPN and CyberGhost had enough servers in enough countries to account for pretty much any need I could have. That said, CyberGhost beats NordVPN both in server count and total countries covered. CyberGhost offers 11700 servers in 100 countries, while NordVPN has 7000 servers in 118 countries.

A large network with hundreds of servers to choose from minimizes the risk of overcrowding, keeping your speeds up. Equally important is the extent of global coverage, as it directly impacts the availability of foreign content that a user can access.

CyberGhost’s larger server roster means that you can access connections in less common locales, like China and the Philippines. There are also more connections in popular locations across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and the Americas than you’ll get with NordVPN, which can help spread user load during busy periods.

It’s also worth noting that all NordVPN servers are RAM-only to prevent data storage on hard drives. On the other hand, CyberGhost offers NoSpy servers, which are owned and managed exclusively by the company. This is no replacement for RAM servers, but it still assures that no third parties have access to the servers you’re using.

Netflix and other streaming platforms

While both CyberGhost and NordVPN excel in streaming capabilities, CyberGhost stands out due to its streaming-optimized servers. Unlike NordVPN, CyberGhost ensures compatibility with major streaming platforms by labeling servers according to specific site, making content access straightforward. However, during my experience, CyberGhost exhibited slower speeds, particularly when connecting from another country.

Although NordVPN doesn’t offer servers specialized for streaming, I could still unblock Netflix in the varied regions I tried, including the US, UK, Japan, and various European locations, and moreover I was able to retain approximately 96% of my internet speed while connected – the best results I’ve seen out of any VPN.

NordVPN is still better for Netflix and other services because it’s the best VPN for streaming overall. The biggest advantage that NordVPN has is sheer speed – you’ll be able to stream in UHD (4K) from far more locations.

Speaking of geo-unblocking, NordVPN offers not only American Netflix, but libraries in Canada, UK, Japan, and many more locations. It also unlocks other streaming platforms, such as Disney+, BBC iPlayer, or Hulu.

Having said that, CyberGhost is not that far behind, as the comparison table indicates. CyberGhost has specialized servers for streaming that you can find in the menu. This service also unblocks multiple Netflix libraries and other streaming platforms. However, I have noticed slower speeds, especially when connecting from another continent.

Both NordVPN and CyberGhost have apps for Android TV, Amazon Fire TV & Fire Stick. Better yet, enabling the Smart DNS feature has unlocked my Kodi, Apple TV, and Roku. It allowed me to unblock streaming on a wide range of other devices, starting with smart TVs and ending with game consoles.

All in all, NordVPN and CyberGhost can support streaming, but NordVPN is best for reliable, high-speed connections and lag-free streaming. Its speeds are the best in the industry, and it doesn’t suffer the same drops in speed that CyberGhost can, making NordVPN the de facto choice between the two.

CyberGhost VPN vs NordVPN features comparison

At first glance, NordVPN and CyberGhost seem to be pretty much in the same league. They both offer everything you need for safe internet browsing, smooth video streaming, and getting around online censorship. But they also come with loads of other cool stuff that can sway your choice either way.

Smart DNS

Smart DNS is a great way to unlock the full potential of devices that are not compatible with VPNs directly. It works by changing your DNS requests to bypass geo-blocks on devices without VPN installation. While both CyberGhost and NordVPN offer a Smart DNS solution, there are a couple of notable nitpicks.

I found it more difficult to use the CyberGhost SmartDNS feature, as it requires users to manually enable Smart DNS via their Account Dashboard and configure it on different devices.

In NordVPN’s case, the VPN client has a built-in SmartPlay feature that basically combines Smart DNS and VPN into one. It automatically switches DNS servers without requiring any additional setup and is available straight away for PC, smartphone, or tablet users out of the box.

While SmartDNS is especially helpful if you want to unlock Netflix content on Apple TV, Roku, or a gaming console, it’s important to note that Smart DNS is not a replacement for a proper VPN connection as it doesn’t encrypt your traffic.

Ad & malware blocker

Whichever VPN you choose, I recommend opting to use the built-in ad blocker, too. Both CyberGhost and NordVPN have one – but I found NordVPN’s ad blocker a little better in practice. You don’t need to have your VPN active to use the ad blocker, unlike with CyberGhost. What’s more, while NordVPN’s ad blocker will kill all adverts, whether malicious or not, CyberGhost will only take them down if they contain malware.

NordVPN’s Threat Protection feature goes beyond blocking ads and scans for malware, even when not connected to the VPN. It also provides warnings about risky websites before users enter them, and is available on multiple platforms, including Windows and Mac devices. iOS, Android, and browser extensions are equipped with the “Lite” version.

On the other hand, CyberGhost offers Content Blocker, which focuses on blocking malicious DNS domains used for ads, trackers, and malware. However, Content Blocker only works with WireGuard, requiring users to switch to that tunneling protocol for this feature to work.

Split tunneling

Split tunneling allows users to customize their secure connection. In concept, it lets you either forward the traffic of specific applications or exclude particular apps from the VPN connection.

I found NordVPN’s split tunneling feature to be better than CyberGhost’s if you want to connect multiple devices. NordVPN allows you toIn NordVPN’s case, you can both route and exclude apps of your choice from the VPN on. This feature is only available to Windows, Android, and Android TV users. As for the CyberGhost users don’t have the option to connect to an Android TV.

Special servers

Both NordVPN and CyberGhost offer special servers that are optimized for specific activities; CyberGhost organizes its servers into streaming, gaming, and torrenting categories, while NordVPN does not. However, NordVPN’s servers across the globe are all geared for unblocking streaming libraries and providing low-ping, high-speed connections for entertainment.

NordVPN provides a surprisingly wide range of dedicated servers, including:

• Double VPN. Perfect for ultimate untraceability. Using these will encrypt your data twice, as your internet traffic is passed through two VPN servers.
• Dedicated IP. Choosing to use one means you’re the only one holding keys to the specific IP address.
• Obfuscated. These servers are the most hidden and stealthy. They mask VPN traces in your internet traffic from Deep Packet Inspection or restrictive firewalls.
• P2P. The best option for file-sharing with optimized torrenting speeds.
• Onion over VPN. These servers incorporate the Tor network for added anonymity at the cost of your connection speeds.

On the other side, we have CyberGhost with a few offerings as well, including:

• Torrenting. Designed to provide fast and efficient P2P file-sharing.
• Streaming-optimized. The go-to choice for geo-block bypassing and a smooth video streaming experience.
• Gaming. Dedicated servers for online gaming, prioritizing low ping to eliminate lag and deliver better and safer connections for gaming.

Both NordVPN and CyberGhost understand the importance of specialty servers in catering to the unique needs of their users, providing enhanced performance, security, and convenience for specific online activities.

If you’re a keen gamer and streamer, and you want the option to choose servers specific to that need, then CyberGhost might be for you. But personally, I’d choose NordVPN for the speed hike to keep my ping low – all of its servers are powerful enough for any activity you choose.

Other features

NordVPN and CyberGhost are both feature-rich VPNs, each with its own strengths. NordVPN offers extra features such as Invisibility on LAN and the newly introduced Meshnet. CyberGhost has some extras as well, including Smart Rules for customization of VPN behavior in specific situations and App Rules for an automatic startup with certain applications. A built-in Dark Web Monitor can also help keep tabs on your personal data and whether it has been leaked online for immediate damage control.

NordVPN vs CyberGhost VPN device compatibility

Both NordVPN and CyberGhost are highly compatible, offering easy-to-use apps for major operating systems, VPN add-ons for browsers, and support for manual VPN configuration on routers. They also extend their compatibility through the use of Smart DNS, making them versatile options for securing your online activities.

Both VPN services support a wide range of devices and operating systems, but NordVPN offers the ability to connect 10 at the same time while CyberGhost can support 7. Although the difference in 3 simultaneous connections may seem small, it can be a deciding factor for many users – just two people with a couple of cell phones and games consoles would already almost reach CyberGhost’s limit. That’s why NordVPN takes the crown in the case of CyberGhost vs NordVPN on simultaneous connections.

Desktop applications

As NordVPN’s desktop application evolved over the years, one of the greatest features it implemented was the world map. It’s incredibly user-friendly, and I found it particularly helpful when I needed to connect to countries with multiple server locations, such as the USA, UK, and Canada. Personally, I appreciated how easy it was to visually select a server on the map, making my VPN usage much more intuitive. Even if you’re not a geography enthusiast, the search bar on the left allows you to easily find and connect to specific regions, which I often used when I was in a hurry or looking for a specific server.

Diving deeper into settings and customization, I discovered many options neatly separated and always a click away on the left bar. There you’ll find tabs for Meshnet, Threat Protection, Dark Web Monitor, or the settings. The overall interface is clean and intuitive, making it easy to navigate even for first-time users.

On the flip side, CyberGhost sticks to a more simplistic look, even closely resembling a Windows settings design. The sleek and minimalistic layout is beginner-friendly, especially after recent updates, which removed a lot of the clutter. Now all of the most used tabs are neatly shelved under the search bar, leaving the left column mostly for application settings. From my experience, this streamlined approach made it easy to find what I needed quickly, making CyberGhost a great choice for users who prefer a straightforward interface.

As for Linux users? Well, a GUI for Linux is not included in any of the apps we’re looking into today, so the command prompt is still the way to go.

Mobile applications

Moving on to the smartphone domain, NordVPN stays true to its desktop design choice bringing the world map to the small screens. If the map interface isn’t your preference, you also have the option to use a traditional menu that lists all countries in alphabetical order. In my experience, both options are intuitive and provide a seamless way to connect, whether you prefer visual navigation or a straightforward list.

This menu can also be used to access specialty servers or search for specific ones. In addition, features such as Meshnet, split tunneling, and Threat Protection Lite are organized in separate tabs below for easy access.

CyberGhost’s mobile apps continue the trend set by the desktop counterpart. On my Android device, I appreciated the added functionalities like split tunneling, Port Randomization, and Data Compression, which enhanced my control over the VPN settings. However, I noticed that the iOS clients get the short end of the stick with a more limited feature package and the absence of split tunneling. This discrepancy between the Android and iOS apps can be a bit frustrating for iPhone users looking for more advanced options.

Torrenting

If you’re looking for a secure VPN for torrenting, both NordVPN and CyberGhost offer specialized servers designed for P2P connections. However, NordVPN stands out with its additional privacy features, making it the slightly-preferred option.

NordVPN doesn’t limit your torrenting escapades on any level. In fact, you can do it on any available server on the VPN network, but it does offer dedicated P2P servers for the best experience. On top of that, you get free reins of a SOCKS5 proxy and split tunneling, but you’ll be missing out on port forwarding capabilities.

CyberGhost does its fair share with specialized torrenting servers but doesn’t bring more to the table as it’s also missing port forwarding. While it does have split tunneling on Windows in addition to a SOCKS5 proxy, this is enough to be mentioned among the best torrenting services. Unfortunately, not enough to dethrone NordVPN and its unmatched download and upload speeds.

CyberGhost vs NordVPN China accessibility comparison

NordVPN comes prepared for China’s internet restrictions, providing enhanced VPN features like obfuscation and Onion over VPN to help you get past blocks. CyberGhost makes some provisions too, though they’re less effective than NordVPN’s efforts according to user reports.

NordVPN has specialized Obfuscated servers for use in China and other countries that restrict internet access. It makes your traffic look like it’s coming not from a VPN. If that’s not enough, Onion over VPN feature is your second-best bet to jump the Chinese firewall at a little sacrifice of your connection speed. Such connections are harder to track or block by the government.

CyberGhost VPN is far from the worst option for China too. It allows you to connect using a random port, which also helps when the traffic is restricted to HTTP and HTTPS. However, according to user experiences, CyberGhost might not work in China most of the time.

All in all, if you want a reliable service that works constantly, NordVPN for China would be the most dependable pick.

Customer support

CyberGhost and NordVPN draw a tie on customer support, offering the same three channels of enquiry – a 24/7 live chat, FAQs, and an email support service. Unfortunately, neither of them provides phone support if a problem occurs.

I submitted a ticket for each of them to gauge the response times, and both got back to me within 24 hours – NordVPN was the faster of the two. But both chat services had friendly, knowledgeable representatives that were able to answer a technical question about VPN protocols.

Final verdict: Which is better, NordVPN or CyberGhost?

After comparing NordVPN and CyberGhost, I found both to be fast and secure VPNs that reliably encrypt your internet connection with no leaks. NordVPN distinguishes itself with a wide array of security options and additional features that enhance virtual privacy.

In contrast, CyberGhost offers cost-effective options, especially with long-term plans and an extensive server network. Overall though, NordVPN excels in content unblocking and provides robust security and privacy measures, positioning it as a leader in the VPN industry.

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You may also like to read:
NordVPN vs Surfshark
NordVPN vs ExpressVPN
NordVPN vs Proton VPN
NordVPN vs IPVanish
CyberGhost vs ExpressVPN
CyberGhost vs Private Internet Access

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FAQ

Is NordVPN better than CyberGhost?

In the battle of CyberGhost vs NordVPN, NordVPN wins out thanks to enhanced security features and the fastest VPN speeds available. However, CyberGhost offers a more affordable option while still providing good speed and reliability.

Can I trust CyberGhost VPN?

Yes, you can trust CyberGhost VPN as it is a premium, audited VPN service that has strong, reliable security. It's also highly affordable compared to other VPNs and can be used to unblock websites across the world.

Is CyberGhost faster than NordVPN?

NordVPN outperforms CyberGhost in terms of upload speed, download speed, and ping, primarily due to its advanced NordLynx tunneling protocol. While CyberGhost uses WireGuard, which is also a fast protocol, it does not match NordVPN's superior speed performance.

Does NordVPN unblock Netflix?

Yes, NordVPN unlocks numerous global Netflix libraries. In fact, NordVPN is among the top Netflix VPNs mostly because of its stellar connection speeds and great geo-unblocking capabilities. Using NordVPN will unlock the US, Canada, the UK, Japan, and many more Netflix regions.

Is NordVPN worth the money?

NordVPN is absolutely worth the money in 2024. It has plenty of servers around the globe, top-grade encryption, secure tunneling protocols, strong security features, and works well at getting around geo-restrictions. You can also try NordVPN risk-free with a 30-day money-back warranty.

Is CyberGhost a Russian company?

No, CyberGhost is based in Romania, with some employees working in Germany. CyberGhost is operated by Kape Technologies, the same company that operates ExpressVPN, Private Internet Access, and some other, smaller VPN services.

Does CyberGhost have obfuscated servers?

No, CyberGhost VPN doesn't have any obfuscated servers. That said, every server gets an "anonymization score" on the world map view. It's based on how many people are using the server, with more users equalling better privacy, but also potentially slower speeds. It's a trade off.