CyberGhost VPN review: Good value and solid protection for VPN newbies

I hesitated when I saw how cute the CyberGhost VPN’s (virtual private network) mascot was — my brain worries that companies who put so much time into adorableness are trying to distract me. But I ended up being pleasantly surprised, even though I fumbled using the service at first.

Their complex design meant this was one of the least intuitive VPNs I've navigated. It took me a few extra minutes to be comfortable with the interface. I was also disappointed that CyberGhost does not work in China (the country I visit my grandparents often and subsequently need VPN the most) so for anyone trying to find a VPN that works while you are traveling within China, this VPN is an automatic veto.

Tons of locations for VPN use. Credit: Cyberghost

CyberGhost VPN best features

The streaming capabilities, which I’ll get to later, and the dedicated IP address (for an added fee) option were my favorite features. A dedicated IP address is a feature that allows one to access IP-restricted networks. Doing so allows this VPN to use a token-based system for its dedicated IP addresses. So when you connect to a server, the IP address itself isn’t tied to your VPN account. This is sharply different from my Surfshark experience where my IP address stayed the same a few times upon disconnecting and reconnecting to the same server. CyberGhost won’t expose your identity by leading your IP address or DNA requests.

Offers multiple protocols for your needs

The perk of being able to choose which protocol you use while using CyberGhost depends on your needs and the device you’re using. But what is it? A VPN protocol is a guideline that is used to arrange the connection between the VPN client and the VPN server. Whatever protocol your VPN employs will determine how your data travels between your computer and the VPN server. Currently, CyberGhost supports the following protocols:

• OpenVPN (YDP QNS TCO): Most popular across VPNs

• IKEv2: Most stable

• Wireguard: Newest and said to outperform OpenVPN and IKEv2

• Tunneling Protocol: Paired with IPSec it can offer extra security

A con is that on my first day using CyberGhost, I kept getting a roadblock whenever I wanted to change servers. I would get the following annoying pop-up.

The annoying pop-up I kept getting from CyberGhost. Credit: Emily lu gao

Cost is affordable for beginners

The price is another reason why this VPN is great for beginners. In fact, CyberGhost stood out to me because its quality is a bargain.

Here are the current pricing plans to choose from:

• Monthly: $12.99/month

• Annual: $3.99/month (billed $47.88 annually)

• 2-year: $3.49/month (billed $83.76 every 2 years)

• 3-year (+3 months free): $2.25/month (billed $87.75 every 3 years)

• Platforms: Windows, Android, Android TV, MacOS, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire Stick, FireTV

• Number of synchronous users per account: Seven

The 3 Years ($2.25/mo), 2 years ($3.49) and 1 year ($3.99) plans each came with a 45-day money-back guarantee. Meanwhile, the 1 month ($12.99/mo) comes with a 14-day month money-back guarantee.

All CyberGhost billing plans include a whooping 72000+ VPN servers, 7 devices, 24/7 live support and are applicable for a myriad of device types from Chrome and Firefox to Mac and Android.

Plenty of streaming optimizations

It isn’t just Netflix that you can access. Hulu, ESPN sports, Crunchyroll Comedy Central, Disney+ (just to name a few) are all at your fingertips. When I tried accessing Hulu, it would not work until I tried streaming Hulu on a few different servers. This could be a personal glitch on my computer, but still good to note.

Other than that minor speed bump, I argue streaming is CyberGhost’s best attribute although as I’ll explain soon, my internet speed, to begin with, isn't the most efficient.

Torrenting Friendly

Torrenting, a popular file-sharing protocol, is often conflated with illegal pirating. It allows vast numbers of users to connect and share content without having to rely on a single source for downloads. CyberGhost is great for torrenting and allows you to torrent on up to seven devices. This is due to features like:

• Kill-Switch

• DNS Leak Protection (route your website queries through a private server instead of your ISP’s servers)

• IPv6 Protection (ensure the VPN doesn’t leak your device’s IPv6 address v.s. IPv4)

Aesthetically, I like that on the left-hand side of the desktop and laptop layout of Cyberghost the servers are organized by “best for streaming,” which I found helpful.

Sturdy speed, but could be faster

Unfortunately, I found myself wishing CyberGhost was faster. I found the speed to be comparable to the speed my computer normally runs on without any VPN. My computer runs at 45.83 Mbps without CyberGhost and with the program, it only differs 3.72 Mbps.

If anything, now I know my regular internet is outstandingly slow.

My computer's regular server.

Credit: emily lu gao

Speeds using German server.

Credit: Emily lu gao

Can you trust CyberGhost?

When it comes down to it, VPNs will claim to protect you, but let's dig deeper. On the Cyberghost website, I found it comforting to see that this company openly shares transparency reports. This matters because users are able to see requests a VPN provider is getting from government agencies. Trust can also be relied on if a VON company discloses who the creators are.

Customer support options were reliable and quick

CyberGhost offers 24/7 live support, which I greatly appreciated. Additionally, I liked that there is also a form to submit a request for help. When I filed a request, they were prompt in getting back to me. There was no “ghosting” (pun intended), which I have experienced in some programs' request form where my questions have just fallen into an abyss.

Is it worth it?

CyberGhost can keep up with the heavy hitter VPNs available on the market. It stands out in the sea of VPNs with a reputable in-house support team and private servers for security maximalists; however, the additional cost for CyberGhost privacy is a turn-off for me.

On the one hand, CyberGhost is a great introduction to VPNs even if the interface isn’t to my personal liking. On the other hand, it is not a VPN geared towards more well-seasoned VPN users due to its low-grade web anonymity.

Ultimately I would not pay for the spectre of a mascot because of the slow speeds I ran into now and then. If you want amped-up privacy, it can get expensive to add the NoSpy server access and/or a dedicated IP to your plan. But, for the average consumer, it covers its bases and then some.