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Internet privacy and security are becoming vital nowadays. With rising cyber threats, phishing attacks, and extensive data collection by companies, more users are turning to Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) for protection.
In the US, 42% of people use VPN services, which is about double the global average. VPN usage has reached 22.9% of all internet users worldwide.
More encryption is provided by these technologies (27% of users list this as a primary justification for utilizing a VPN), guaranteeing safer online communication and safeguarding private information.
Two popular VPNs are Surfshark and CyberGhost, both offering strong encryption, secure browsing, and the ability to bypass geo-restrictions. How do they compare in features, speed, cost, and performance?
This article covers a comparison of Surfshark vs CyberGhost to help you choose the best VPN for your needs.
What is Surfshark?
After entering the VPN market in 2018, Surfshark immediately made a name for itself as a strong but reasonably priced choice. Giving everyone safe, unfettered access to the internet is its clear goal.
Its user-friendly features, excellent security, and dedication to online privacy have earned it a solid reputation over the years.
Unlimited device connections are one of Surfshark’s best features; this lets users secure all of their devices with a single subscription, something that not many VPN services do.
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Moreover, it includes:
- CleanWeb: Provides a safer online experience by blocking viruses, trackers, and advertisements.
- MultiHop: Offers an extra degree of protection by directing traffic through several servers.
- NoBorders Mode: Assists users in getting over internet filtering in places with restrictions.
- Privacy Suite: Provides extra tools such as Incogni, which deletes personal information from online databases, an antivirus program, and a breach alarm system.
With these features, Surfshark isn’t just a VPN; it’s an all-in-one privacy solution designed for both security-conscious users and those looking for unrestricted internet access.
- Unlimited device connections
- Fast speeds
- Strong security features
- Affordable long-term plans
- No dedicated servers for streaming
- Short free trial on Windows and macOS – only 24 hours.
What is CyberGhost?
Founded in 2011, CyberGhost is one of the most well-known VPN companies, with over 38 million subscribers worldwide. A popular choice for both novice and expert users, CyberGhost is well-known for its user-friendly methodology and offers straightforward, intuitive programs on all major platforms.
CyberGhost’s advantage lies in its 7,000+ servers across 91 countries, ensuring stable connections and effective ways to bypass geo-restrictions. It also offers dedicated servers for specific tasks.
- Streaming servers: Designed with Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer in mind, these servers guarantee buffer-free, seamless streaming.
- Torrenting servers: Made to facilitate safe and quick P2P file sharing.
- Gaming servers: For online gaming, lower latency and increased connection stability.
CyberGhost offers key security features like a kill switch, split tunneling, and 256-bit AES encryption for optimal privacy and performance. It also supports router installation, allowing users to secure all devices without the seven-device limit.
CyberGhost is a simple VPN ideal for streaming and torrenting, offering good performance at reasonable prices, a wide server network, and dedicated servers for entertainment.
- Huge server network
- Dedicated streaming & torrenting servers
- User-friendly apps
- Limited simultaneous connections
- Slower speeds on some servers
Surfshark vs CyberGhost – features comparison
Encryption & Security Protocols
Encryption and protocols determine how well a VPN secures user data and maintains online privacy.
Surfshark uses AES-256 encryption, the industry standard for military-grade security. Several VPN protocols are supported by it, including:
- A modern protocol that is quick and safe, WireGuard is perfect for gaming and streaming.
- An established and safe choice, OpenVPN is excellent for those who value their privacy.
- Stable connections during network switching are ensured via IKEv2/IPSec, which is optimized for mobile devices.
CyberGhost also employs AES-256 encryption and supports:
- WireGuard – For speed and efficiency.
- OpenVPN – Ensuring strong security.
- IKEv2/IPSec – A good choice for mobile users.
Server Network & Locations
The capacity to get around geo-restrictions, connection speed, and dependability are all impacted by the size of a VPN’s server network.
- Surfshark makes it simpler to access region-restricted content and maintain connectivity wherever you are with more than 3,200 servers spread across more than 100 countries.
- CyberGhost provides a greater selection of servers, albeit with considerably less country coverage, with 9,000+ servers dispersed throughout more than 90 countries.
Simultaneous Connections
How many of devices can utilize the VPN under a single subscription depends on the number of concurrent connections.
- Surfshark is perfect for families and businesses because it permits an infinite number of device connections.
- Each subscription to CyberGhost is limited to seven concurrent connections.
No-logs policy
Strict no-logs guidelines guarantee that user data is not stored by the VPN operator, improving privacy.
- Cure53 and Deloitte have independently audited Surfshark’s stringent no-logs policy, demonstrating its dependability.
- Although CyberGhost says it has no logs, it hasn’t been independently audited recently. Rather, it releases a Transparency Report detailing its unwillingness to divulge user data and legal requirements.
Kill Switch
In the case that the VPN connection fails, a kill switch makes sure that all internet traffic is terminated, avoiding unintentional data breaches.
- With its kill switch on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, Surfshark guarantees continuous security on all of the main operating systems. Whenever the VPN disconnects,
- CyberGhost’s Kill Switch is automatically activated on all of its apps to protect your data. In contrast to Surfshark, it is a hassle-free solution that provides seamless security without requiring manual setup and is compatible with Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, and smart TVs.
Split Tunneling
Users can select which websites or apps use the VPN and which connect to the internet directly thanks to split tunneling.
- Surfshark includes a Bypasser feature, available on Windows, Android, and iOS allowing users to exclude specific apps or websites from the VPN tunnel.
- CyberGhost also offers split tunneling, but it only works on Windows and Android and only applies to apps, not websites.
Ad & Malware Blocking
Security and browsing speed are enhanced with a VPN with integrated ad and malware prevention.
- CleanWeb, a feature of Surfshark, prevents malware, phishing attempts, trackers, and advertisements on all major platforms.
- Although CyberGhost contains a virus and ad blocker, its technology is less effective than Surfshark’s because it operates at the DNS level.
Dedicated IP
For online banking and safe remote access, a dedicated IP guarantees users a fixed, private IP address.
- With Surfshark’s dedicated IP, consumers can select from a variety of locations.
- Although there are fewer location options, CyberGhost also offers dedicated IPs.
VPNs must consistently bypass geo-restrictions and support secure torrenting.
- Surfshark successfully unblocks Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video. It supports unlimited P2P/torrenting across all servers.
- CyberGhost provides specialized streaming servers for platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer and has dedicated torrenting servers for optimized P2P speeds.
Device compatibility
A VPN should work seamlessly across multiple devices.
- Surfshark supports Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, routers, smart TVs, and gaming consoles. It also offers browser extensions for Chrome, Edge, and Firefox.
- CyberGhost offers free VPN extensions for Chrome and Firefox, providing encrypted browsing, ad and tracker blocking, and easy IP masking. For full device protection and access to more servers, the premium app supports Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, routers, smart TVs, and gaming consoles.
Security & Privacy
Encryption Standards
- AES-256 encryption is used by both VPNs, guaranteeing the highest level of security.
Protocols
- Both provide flexibility in terms of speed and security by supporting WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2.
No-Logs Policy
- Cure53 and Deloitte conducted independent audits of Surfshark.
- Despite claiming to have a no-logs policy, CyberGhost has no recent independent audits.
Independent Audits
- Independent Audits Third-party audits have confirmed Surfshark’s no-logs policy.
- There hasn’t been a recent impartial examination of CyberGhost.
Surfshark vs CyberGhost – pricing plans comparison
| Feature | Surfshark | CyberGhost |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Starter – €2.19/month (€59.13 for 27 months) | 2 Years + 2 Months – €2.19/month (€56.94 for 2 years) |
| Premium Plan | One – €2.69/month (€72.63 for 27 months) | 6 Months – €6.99/month (€41.94 for 6 months) |
| Premium Plan | One+ – €4.29/month (€115.83 for 27 months) | 1 Month – €11.99/month (billed monthly) |
| Free Trials | 7-day free trial | 7-day free trial |
Surfshark vs CyberGhost – Performance & Speed
- Connection Speeds
- Surfshark: This speed-oriented platform has 3,200+ 10 Gbps servers spread across 100 countries. This makes it an excellent option for lag-free streaming, gaming, and other high-bandwidth activities.
- CyberGhost: CyberGhost has considerable variation in speed. While 6 Mbps is the minimum speed, it may not be sufficient for high-definition streaming, but it is sufficient for simple surfing. Although ideal servers can achieve rates of up to 1 Gbps, this is not guaranteed throughout the network.
Server Network & Locations
- Server Count
- CyberGhost: A vast and varied network with over 7,000 servers spread over 91 countries. Thanks to its wide coverage, you can locate a local server for faster speeds and access to worldwide content.
- Surfshark: With 3,200+ servers dispersed over more than 100 countries, Surfshark’s network is expanding. It offers a large range for worldwide connectivity, even if it has fewer servers than CyberGhost.
Device Compatibility and Simultaneous Connections
- Supported Platforms
- Cyberghost: All of the main operating systems, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux, are supported by CyberGhost. It is also compatible with gaming consoles and smart TVs, making it multipurpose.
- Surfshark: Linux, iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS are also supported by Surfshark. It also functions on gaming consoles, smart TVs, and even browser extensions (for Firefox and Chrome).
- Simultaneous Connections
- CyberGhost: Enables a single account to connect up to seven devices at once. Smaller homes or individual use on a few devices will benefit greatly from this.
- Surfshark: With Surfshark, you may connect as many devices as you like with a single account because it allows for unlimited simultaneous connections. This makes it ideal for folks who wish to secure all of their devices or for larger homes.
Customer Support
- Support Channels
- CyberGhost: Offers 24/7 support through live chat and email. For more technical issues, users can contact their Technical Support team, while sales-related questions are directed to their Sales Team.
- Surfshark: Provides 24/7 support through live chat and email as well, ensuring users can get help whenever needed.
- Resource Availability
- CyberGhost: Provides a knowledge base with FAQs and tips for common issues. For further assistance, users can contact Technical Support.
- Surfshark: Offers a Privacy Hub and Knowledge Base with tutorials, along with security products like Surfshark Antivirus, Alternative ID, Surfshark Alert (for data breach monitoring), and Incogni (to remove personal data from brokers).
Surfshark vs CyberGhost conclusions
There are several significant distinctions between Surfshark and CyberGhost, even though both provide robust privacy, security, and performance.
For consumers who require a limitless number of device connections, Surfshark is superior since it permits an unlimited number of simultaneous connections. It is perfect for streaming and gaming because it also has quicker speeds.
However, CyberGhost offers dedicated servers for streaming and torrenting, which may be helpful in some situations, and boasts a larger server network with over 7,000 servers spread throughout 91 countries.
Surfshark’s network, on the other hand, is quickly and effectively optimized, providing a strong worldwide presence.
Therefore, Surfshark is the best option if you require speed, versatility, and security for multiple devices. For streaming and torrenting, CyberGhost might be a better option if you want a larger server network with dedicated servers.
