All About Cookies is an independent, advertising-supported website. Some of the offers that appear on this site are from third-party advertisers from which All About Cookies receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear).
All About Cookies does not include all financial or credit offers that might be available to consumers nor do we include all companies or all available products. Information is accurate as of the publishing date and has not been provided or endorsed by the advertiser.
The All About Cookies editorial team strives to provide accurate, in-depth information and reviews to help you, our reader, make online privacy decisions with confidence. Here's what you can expect from us:
Best for Private and Secure Browsing
/images/2022/09/02/logo-surfshark-vpn.png){kind=logo}
All-in-one VPN app with 24/7 protection thanks to 3,200+ RAM-only servers in over 100 countries
Real-time malware defense, webcam protection, alternative ID creation, ad blocking, and more
One subscription covers unlimited devices for your entire household with access to 24/7 support
Best for Streaming
/images/2023/04/28/logo-cyberghost-horizontal-3.png){kind=logo}
High-speed global servers offering industry-leading 256-bit AES encryption and no data logs
Unlimited bandwidth, DNS and IP leak protection, and automatic kill switch available for up to 7 devices
Configurable with your router, smart TV, Amazon Fire TV stick, or gaming console
Surfshark is the perfect fit if you require a virtual private network (VPN) with extra privacy and security through features like double VPN servers, an ad and tracker blocker, and strong AES-256-GCM encryption.
On the other hand, CyberGhost is a good choice if you're looking for a VPN provider that works well for streaming, thanks to its streaming-optimized servers.
In this review, we'll dive into Surfshark and CyberGhost's features, speed test results, streaming capabilities, and pricing information, so you can make an informed decision on the best VPN for you.
Surfshark and CyberGhost both have a lot to offer: low pricing, multi-device support, a wide range of compatibility with various platforms, 24/7 live chat support, secure VPN protocols, and a vetted no-logs policy. However, there are some key differences between them.
 Our Pick
|
|
|
| Price | Starts at $2.19/mo (billed biannually) | Starts at $2.03/mo (billed every two years) |
| Max # of connected devices | Unlimited | 7 |
| 24/7 customer support | ||
| Compatibility | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and more |
Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and more |
| # of servers | 3,200+ in 100 countries | Unknown number in 100 countries |
| VPN protocol | WireGuard, IKEv2, OpenVPN | WireGuard, IKEv2, OpenVPN |
| No-logs policy | No logs | No logs |
| Unblocks Netflix? | ||
| Get Surfshark Read Surfshark Review |
Get CyberGhost Read CyberGhost Review |
Although both VPN services are compatible with many platforms, Surfshark supports unlimited simultaneous connections, while CyberGhost supports only a maximum of seven. This might be a better value if you're looking to cover multiple devices.
Surfshark is a great value because it offers plenty of security features beyond your standard kill switch. You'll get double VPN servers for an extra layer of privacy, rotating IP to keep your IP address changing constantly, and NoBorders mode, which provides a list of servers that work better if there are network restrictions.
If you're seeking servers for specific needs, CyberGhost has you covered. It offers servers for streaming, torrenting, and gaming. It also offers NoSpy servers, which were built inside CyberGhost's headquarters. They're owned and managed by the CyberGhost team to provide the ultimate privacy to your VPN experience.
Speaking of privacy, CyberGhost is headquartered in Romania, which is outside of the Eyes alliances. It also regularly gets its no-logs policy audited by third parties.
|
|
Our Pick
|
|
| Price range | $2.19–$17.95/mo | $2.03–$12.99/mo |
| Best value plan | Surfshark Starter 24-month plan for $2.19/mo (billed biannually) | 2-year plan for $2.19/mo (billed biannually) |
| Money-back guarantee | Yes — 30 days | Yes — 45 days |
| Get Surfshark Read Surfshark Review |
Get CyberGhost Read CyberGhost Review |
Surfshark’s plans range anywhere from $2.19–$17.95/mo. Its best deal, the 24-month plan, only costs $2.19/mo (billed biannually) and sometimes comes with extra free months. Even though Surfshark's lowest monthly price is slightly more expensive than CyberGhost, it's still a terrific deal if you’re looking for an affordable VPN.
Depending on your term length, CyberGhost costs anywhere from $2.03–$12.99/mo. The best possible deal is the two-year plan, which costs just $2.03/mo (billed every two years) and can also come with extra months for free. This makes CyberGhost an affordable option for those who want to save money on a VPN by paying over an extended period of time.
Additionally, CyberGhost and Surfshark offer money-back guarantees, so you can try their services risk-free without worrying about a no-refund policy. CyberGhost offers a 45-day money-back guarantee, while Surfshark only offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Surfshark and CyberGhost offer similar payment options. Both allow you to pay with credit cards, payment processors, and cryptocurrency.
We independently tested CyberGhost and Surfshark's internet speeds by connecting to their servers in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and Australia. This speed test assessment helped us determine their capabilities for heavy bandwidth activities, such as streaming, torrenting, and gaming.
The percentages in the table below indicate how much each VPN impacted our internet speeds while connected to a specific server location.
| Server location |
|
Our Pick
|
| US | 4% slower | 48% slower |
| CA | 9% slower | 79% slower |
| UK | 9% slower | 42% slower |
| AU | 34% slower | 83% slower |
| Get Surfshark Read Surfshark Review |
Get CyberGhost Read CyberGhost Review |
CyberGhost decreased our download speeds significantly compared to Surfshark. With Surfshark, our download speeds dropped less than 10% with every server but Australia.
On the other hand, CyberGhost had some pretty steep declines from the beginning. Our U.S. to U.S. connection decreased our speed by almost 50%. And both Canada and Australia dropped our speed by about 80%. We didn't notice any lag while streaming, but the speed differences are worth noting.
Typically, your internet speeds should drop the farther your VPN servers are from your physical location. It was nice to see Surfshark didn't drop off our speed too much while connected to an Australian server, while our CyberGhost speed dropped greatly.
| Feature | Our Pick
|
|
| Number of servers | 3,200+ servers in 100 countries | Unknown number of servers in 100 countries |
| No-logs policy | No logs | No logs |
| VPN headquarters | Netherlands | Romania |
| Encryption | AES 256-GCM | AES-256 |
| VPN protocol | WireGuard, IKEv2, OpenVPN | WireGuard, IKEv2, OpenVPN |
| Kill switch | ||
| Split tunneling | ||
| DNS leak protection | ||
| Ad blocker | ||
| Get Surfshark Read Surfshark Review |
Get CyberGhost Read CyberGhost Review |
Surfshark and CyberGhost have largely similar security offerings. Both services use at least AES-256 encryption, which would take millions of years to break, to keep your data secure. Both also offer the same VPN protocol (WireGuard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN), which all provide varying degrees of security and speed.
/images/2022/10/13/cyberghostvpn-review_vpn-protocols.jpeg)
Both VPNs also have features to block ads, trackers, and malware. Surfshark’s blocker is called CleanWeb, while CyberGhost’s is called Content Blocker.
/images/2024/04/17/surfshark_cleanweb_2024_refresh_07.png)
However, Surfshark offers stronger encryption because it uses the AES-256-GCM algorithm. This algorithm is faster than just AES 256-bit encryption, which is what CyberGhost employs.
Surfshark has a double VPN feature called Dynamic MultiHop, which lets you route traffic through more than one VPN server location. CyberGhost doesn't have a double VPN feature.
CyberGhost is headquartered in Romania, so it's not part of the intelligence-sharing agreement required of Eyes alliance countries. Surfshark is headquartered in the Netherlands, which is a member of the Nine Eyes alliance.
Our Pick
|
|
|
| Windows | ||
| macOS | ||
| Android | ||
| iOS | ||
| Linux | ||
| Router | ||
| Smart devices | ||
| Browser extensions | Chrome, Firefox | Chrome, Firefox |
| 24/7 support | ||
| Customer support options | Live chat, email, online guides | Live chat, email, online guides |
| Get Surfshark Read Surfshark Review |
Get CyberGhost Read CyberGhost Review |
CyberGhost has a very simple interface that lets you enable or disable its VPN with just one click of its “on and off” button. Plus, it offers to connect to the best available server location for you.
/images/2023/06/01/cyberghost_interface.png)
However, it was less intuitive than Surfshark when it came to finding VPN settings and other features. Surfshark had a panel on its left-hand side that took you directly to its VPN, alerts, antivirus, and search features, including general settings.
/images/2023/06/01/surfshark_interface.png)
As far as customer support is concerned, Surfshark and CyberGhost have knowledge bases with online guides, email support, and 24/7 live chat. We tested both live chat options by asking simple questions. CyberGhost connected us to a live agent within seconds, while Surfshark took around 20 seconds to connect us to a live agent.
Even though CyberGhost was extra fast in connecting us to a live agent, Surfshark offered top-tier customer service with its friendly reps, who provided detailed answers to our questions. While chatting with Surfshark customer support, we even asked if they had any servers in China, and (to our surprise) we were offered a discount just for asking questions.
According to our latest round of internal testing, Surfshark bypassed every Netflix block with ease.
Keep in mind that restrictions and regulations that streaming services impose can change over time.
Yes, CyberGhost is simple to use, which is convenient for novice and intermediate users.
Yes, Surfshark has server locations in Macau SAR China and in Hong Kong. To learn about other VPNs that work in China, you can read our guide on the best VPNs for China.
Yes, you can trust CyberGhost VPN as a reliable and secure VPN service provider for a few reasons:
CyberGhost impressed us with its customer support, budget-friendly pricing, and straightforward interface. However, Surfshark's interface is more intuitive, offers more features, and maintained faster download speeds.
Ultimately, Surfshark is the better VPN option for most, thanks to its robust features for added privacy and security, user-friendly interface, top-notch customer support, unlimited device support, and wide range of payment options. It's a solid provider for a wider range of internet users.
/images/2022/09/02/logo-surfshark-vpn.png){kind=logo}
All-in-one VPN app with 24/7 protection thanks to 3,200+ RAM-only servers in over 100 countries
Real-time malware defense, webcam protection, alternative ID creation, ad blocking, and more
One subscription covers unlimited devices for your entire household with access to 24/7 support
Surfshark and CyberGhost are two of the best VPNs, but do they offer all the features you're looking for? If not, consider the following services:
All-in-one VPN app with 24/7 protection thanks to 3,200+ RAM-only servers in over 100 countries
Real-time malware defense, webcam protection, alternative ID creation, ad blocking, and more
One subscription covers unlimited devices for your entire household with access to 24/7 support
/images/2023/03/24/best_vpns_for_gambling_and_sports_betting.jpg)
/images/2024/01/12/best_vpns_for_fanduel.jpg)
/images/2024/06/19/olympic_games_paris_2024_illustration.jpg)
/images/2024/06/14/surfshark_vpn_vs._strongvpn_featured_image.png)
/images/2024/06/13/best_surfshark_vpn_alternatives_featured_image.png)
/images/2024/06/06/surfshark_vpn_vs._privadovpn_featured_image.png)
/images/2024/06/07/nordvpn_alternatives.jpg)
/images/2024/06/05/soccer_ball_on_a_green_field_with_uefa_euro_2024_text_symbolizing_the__nZnHGfo.png)
/authors/mars-grove.png){kind=small}
/authors/steph-trejos-allaboutcookies-editor.jpg){kind=small}
/authors/mars-grove.png)