CyberGhostVPN Review
Summary
CyberGhost is a highly recommended VPN for streaming, torrenting, gaming, and online security. The fastest bandwidth speed among all top tier VPNs we have tested.
CyberGhost has been in the VPN business since 2004, and headquartered in Romania. They have been steadily growing their server network to reach 3950 VPN servers spread over 60 different locations. With CyberGhost VPN you can stream geo-blocked content from anywhere. Services like Netflix US, Hulu, Amazon Prime and many others, All while protecting and securing your online activities.
Streaming With CyberGhost
CyberGhost VPN provides access to geo-restricted streaming services. You can watch Netflix US, Amazon Prime, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, ITV, and many more. Once connected to a CyberGhost server, you will be assigned an IP address specific to the country you have chosen. You are then able to access for example Netflix US by selecting a US server.
Many providers face constant issues and downtime regarding streaming services. Specifically the big ones like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer. However, in my experience testing out this product the consistency and stability of the connection stood out. In the event of the inevitable downtime due to these streaming services aggressively blocking VPN IPs. Which happens to all VPN companies with no distinction whatsoever. CyberGhost is quick to react and adjust their system to keep streaming services up and running.
Torrenting With CyberGhost
CyberGhost is an excellent torrenting solution. They provide full support for P2P applications on all their servers. Moreover they have specialized and optimized servers specifically for torrenting. Organized in a seperate tab called “For Torrenting” you will find over 80 servers optimized for P2P activities. However, one downside to CyberGhost’s torrenting potential is its limitation to the desktop app only.
Gaming With CyberGhost
Gaming performance mainly depends on speed, bandwidth, and lag. I tested Call of Duty Warzone on PC and PS4 and was able to play seamlessly. I did not experience any drop in speed all the while my ping was stable around 90ms. While some other VPN providers might perform better in terms of latency and speed. The game was definitely playable and did not hinder my performance at all.
Speed
With a maximum download/upload speed of 98 Mbit/s, and 87 Mbit/s respectively. It is safe to say that performance wise, CyberGhost is in an elite class of VPN providers. Low latency or ping time, virtually no buffering at all when streaming, and quick to establish a connection. More importantly, they deliver such high quality performance on a consistent basis.
What Security Features Does CyberGhost Offer?
CyberGhost offers all the basic security features of a VPN. Additionally they offer kill switch, leak protection, HTTPs protection, and split tunneling. Most providers have a kill switch and leak protection. However, not many offer HTTPS redirection and split tunneling.
Does CyberGhost Have a No-Logs Policy?
The no-logs policy is the most important aspect to assess when looking at VPN solutions. If your aim is to protect your online privacy and keep your personal data away from prying eyes. Using a VPN solution that keeps a log of your online activity is just counterintuitive.
Governments usually have laws that require companies to submit user-data for national security purposes. Romania does not have any such laws and therefore CyberGhost is not subject to any data retention policy. For more information on data retention policies in the US, UK, and EU, read this article about the Five Eyes.
Does CyberGhost Work in China?
China, Russia, Turkey, Iran, and many other countries have firewalls in place to restrict access to the internet. For example, the great firewall of china blocks Google, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and even Wikipedia. CyberGhost will allow you to circumvent these firewalls. Giving you full access to internet services from within these countries. Your traffic is routed through an encrypted tunnel. Which will obscure your online activities from government authorities.
Does CyberGhost Offer a Kill Switch?
If you want to ensure your security and online privacy at all times, you have to use the kill switch feature. It is designed to protect your traffic when your VPN goes down unexpectedly, by blocking your connection. It is an extremely useful feature specifically if you are transferring sensitive data or personal information. However, most VPN providers have a kill switch feature.
What Encryption Method Does CyberGhost Use?
CyberGhost uses the AES 256-bit encryption algorithm. It is the strongest available encryption algorithm in existence today. It encrypts your data with a 256 bit secret key. While on the receiving end your data can only be decrypted with that same key. Therefore ensuring that your traffic is not manipulated on its path. Such strong encryption basically eliminates the threat of man-in-the-middle attacks. You can be confident your data reached its destination unchanged.
The VPN protocols offered are:
- Open VPN (UDP/TCP)
- PPTP
- L2TP/IPSec
Does CyberGhost Offer Split Tunneling?
The split tunneling feature allows you to gain ultimate control over your traffic. You can easily select which apps you would like to use the VPN on. While opting to use your regular connection for other apps. For example, you may not want to use a VPN while doing your online banking or social media engagements. In addition to being available on desktop, CyberGhost is one of the few providers offering mobile split tunneling as well.
Does CyberGhost Offer DNS & IP Leak Protection?
CyberGhost is known for its high quality leak protection service. The feature is already enabled in your app by default preventing any DNS or IP leaks. Such leaks would reveal your identity and sensitive information to your ISP as well as third party intruders. However, my test revealed no DNS or IPv6 leaks while connected to CyberGhost.
What is HTTPS Protection?
If you want to avoid malicious and risky websites. CyberGhost offers a feature that automatically redirects domains to the secure HTTPS protocol.
What Devices is CyberGhost Compatible With?
You can use your account on a maximum of 7 devices at the same time. The application is easy to install and use. It is available on the following devices:
- Windows
- Mac OS
- Linux
- iOS
- Android
- Amazon FireTV
- Anrdoid TV
Browser Extension
CyberGhost has integrated extensions for both Chrome and Firefox browsers. While the extension is free and easy to use, keep in mind that you are only encrypting your browser traffic. That leaves all your other activities exposed.
Router App
CyberGhost does offer an app you can install on your router with ease. Additionally you can install the VPN manually as well. However, keep in mind that your router must have a built in VPN client. Using CyberGhost directly on your router allows you to connect all your devices.
Support
CyberGhost provides a great customer support service in case you have any issues with the product. They are available 24/7 for live chat support, and typically respond within a minute. Live chat support is provided in English, French, and German. Alternatively you can send an email query and get a quick response as well.
Customer support is one of the most important pillars of a good VPN company. As I mentioned earlier, all VPN providers are subject to blocks from ISPs and streaming services. A customer support service that is quick to acknowledge and resolve the issue is priceless.
Pricing & Payment Methods
CyberGhost offers 3 subscription packages:
- 1 Month at $12.99 per month
- 1 Year at $3.99 per month
- 2 Years at $3.49 per month
Accepted Payment methods:
- Credit Card
- PayPal
- Google Pay
- BitPay
- Apple Pay
Bottom Line
CyberGhost is a trustworthy VPN provider. They have been in the game since 2004, Steadily growing their user base and network infrastructure. They have a vast network which provides flexibility and freedom to choose your online location. Additionally they offer unlimited bandwidth and no throttles if you download or torrent.
CyberGhost has a strict no-logs policy, and the ability to pay for the product with Bitcoin or gift cards. That is if you wish to purchase the product anonymously. Great customer support if you face any difficulties or issues. Lastly a 45-day money-back guarantee if you change your mind or dislike the service.
