Both CyberGhost and NordVPN are 2 of the best VPNs available. CyberGhost features a user-friendly interface, competitive pricing, and one of the best customer support. Besides, it remains a top choice among torrentors.
NordVPN, on the other hand, is an exciting option in its own right. It offers loads of valued features, including a top-rated user-privacy evidenced in the VPN provider’s no-logs policy. Moreover, this VPN provides top speeds and easy access to geo-blocked content, including Netflix.
While NordVPN doesn’t come with an official trial, it features some of the best privacy and security options. And so does CyberGhost. So which is the best? Well, you are about to find out.
How to Choose a VPN
The choice of a VPN doesn’t go down to just the most affordable option. A VPN has significant uses, from encryption to browsing anonymously.
When choosing the best VPN for your organization or private use, ensure it fully meets your privacy, security, and other needs.
Different VPNs are equipped with varying features depending on what its developers wanted their VPN service to address.
Some VPNs tend to pay more attention to usability, thus creating a VPN with an easy to use interface. This feature, in most cases, makes them less attractive to advanced users who deal in heavy traffic, and who’d like to tweak a VPN for speeds over appearance.
In this article, we compare CyberGhost to NordVPN, using different aspects to establish, which is better for a typical user. For each aspect, we will explain how each service performs, and the VPN with the highest number of nods becoming the ‘winner.’
Review and comparison? Let’s put the 2 VPNs into perspective, paying close attention to the main requirements of an average user.
Connection Speed
Among the most significant factors for an internet user include the download or upload or streaming speeds. Or all.
Nowadays, the internet is among the biggest sources of entertainment. Thanks to the emergence of various streaming providers such as YouTube, Netflix, and Showmax.
Keep in mind the speed of connection depends mostly on the mother connection. This means that a mother connection of 5Mbps cannot go any higher, even with the introduction of a VPN.
For the reason, if you want to use a VPN for watching and sharing content on the internet, then choose one with top speeds to avoid buffering or slow downloads.
Local Connection Speeds (US)
When I connected to one of their servers, NordVPN performed remarkably well, clocking a download speed of 78.4 Mbps. This is way above the average speed needed for most online activities, including gaming and streaming high definition videos.
CyberGhost recorded a download speed of 41.5 Mbps, which heavy internet users and online gamers might find a bit slow.
International Connection Speeds (US to the UK)
NordVPN is quoted to offer above-average speeds in the UK. In our tests, we recorded a download speed of 24.7 Mbps.
CyberGhost’s speeds were quite rocky, with different variances recorded in different areas. We recorded an average download speed of about 24 Mbps.
As far as connection speeds are concerned, NordVPN wins. It offers faster download and upload speeds, as well as more stable connections.
Pricing
Both VPN providers offer affordable pricing plans and a money-back guarantee. Plus, both let you pay anonymously using bitcoin. But, NordVPN features additional options.
While CyberGhost offers a 14-days money-back warranty for month-to-month subscribers, those on longer plans enjoy 45 days! On the other hand, NordVPN features a 30-day money-back on its entire plans.
CyberGhost charges $2.75 per month (billed $49.5 first 1.5 years, and annually thereafter) and $12.99 per month for a month-after-month subscription.
NordVPN recently increased their charges. And now its tariff is $6.99 per month (billed yearly) and $11.95 per month for a month-to-month plan.
Note that both VPNs offer 4 different plans: 3-year, 2-year, 1-year, and 1-month. However, CyberGhost offers a 7-day free trial, something NordVPN doesn’t advertise. Most importantly, CyberGhost is the less costly option if you want an annual coverage.
Pricing Winner: CyberGhost VPN wins for cheaper prices, extended refund period, and free trial.
Privacy
Data and information are some of the most important possessions of any organization. This also relates to individuals who use the internet. There is a need to ensure your data does not fall into the wrong hands.
As a VPN user, your privacy matters are (literally) dependent on it, as your data, like transaction history, can be accessed by hackers. For this reason, the best VPN providers need to ensure their product offers zero leaks on user information and data and adheres to a zero logs policy.
Remember, some countries demand VPN companies keep user logs. So it’s important to know a VPN provider’s location.
NordVPN is not bound by any laws to keep user logs on their users’ transactions. This makes it an ideal VPN provider since its policy to prohibit data retentions, and require them to uphold high standards of user privacy.
CyberGhost also features a strict privacy policy and a no-log policy. However, the service provider retains some information regarding your connection; this can jeopardize your online travels.
While both VPNs are located in safe jurisdictions (Panama, and Romania), when it comes to privacy, NordVPN takes the day. This is because NordVPN enforces a stricter privacy policy, and adheres to its no-logs policy much better.
Features
What’s more important in any application or technology-based resource than the features they offer?
In this section, we compare the two VPNs based on their features. Speaking of VPNs, users often want to know what they can benefit from a VPN— functions of a VPN app/extension.
NordVPN boasts a wide variety of features, which aim to improve the user experience. These include:
- A quick-connect button, which helps select the fastest and best server for a user via a smart algorithm
- Reliable encryption to enhance user privacy
- Super-fast speeds. Thanks to its numerous servers distributed in many countries across the globe
- Secure access to any social sites and video streaming sites
- A kill switch which ensures sensitive data is kept under lock and key
- 24/7 customer support. NordVPN homes a big team of professional and friendly support assistants
CyberGhost’s notable features include:
- “Hide Your IP” ability
- Strong encryption for assured privacy
- Wi-Fi protection which also enhances user privacy
- No logs policy, which ensures users’ private information isn’t recorded
- Secure connections
Features Winner: NordVPN
Encryption
Encryption forms the basis for the security and privacy of users. For a VPN to be considered secure, it must include complex protocols to protect your online activities.
Encrypted data is secure since it appears “scrambled” to outsiders, making it difficult for third parties to track your web movements.
NordVPN offers AES-256 bit encryption, which today is considered the highest level of protection. This military-grade encryption connects its user via OpenVPN with PPTP, SSTP, L2TP/IPSec, IKEv2/IPSec, and TCP/UDP protocols.
CyberGhost VPN also uses AES-256 encryption to secure its connections using OpenVPN with L2TP/IPSec, TCP/UDP, PPTP, and IPSec protocols.
While both sport military-grade protocols, NordVPN comes with CyberSec, which blocks ads on HTTPS sites. Other unique features in NordVPN include Double VPN and Onion Over VPN.
As far as encryption goes, NordVPN wins.
Note: CyberGhost’s ad blocker is reported to allow ads from HTTPS sites, which is a nag to users. Moreover, some scripts used in CyberGhost, like Hotjar session recordings, are also known to violate its user’s privacy.
Simultaneous Connections
A VPN, which lets its subscribers protect multiple devices at the same time, is more desirable among internet users. This is because you won’t need to disconnect other users to use it.
A single NordVPN subscription allows you to connect up to 6 devices simultaneously. Plus, all the connections receive similar speeds. The connections, however, require different protocols for the various devices.
A home router can also be set to use the VPN; this ensures all the devices connected are channeled through the VPN.
CyberGhost offers the user the ability to connect up to 7 devices simultaneously. Similar to the NordVPN, the user needs to deregister an already existing device and then add another.
For simultaneous connections, CyberGhost slightly edges over NordVPN. The difference is just one user, but it’s good to note that NordVPN can be connected to a router, enabling more devices to connect.
Torrent Support
Many ISP firewalls block torrents download, necessitating the use of a VPN to access the torrents. The good thing, the best VPN lets you torrent anonymously, with encrypted connections.
A torrenting VPN is judged by its ability to support P2P file sharing, and we will use this ability to judge the two.
NordVPN allows P2P file sharing and is considered one of the best VPN for torrenting. This is because it enables users to share huge files (fast) among peers.
Cyberghost VPN also supports P2P sharing, and you only need to enable the ‘Torrent Anonymously’ option. Furthermore, you can choose between torrenting anonymously, or adjust settings to best suit your file sharing needs.
SOCKS5 proxies, a security feature, are only found in NordVPN, and not CyberGhost. Even more, NordVPN allows you to choose a specific P2P server from its list. CyberGhost only lets you select a country, so the VPN provider automatically selects a server for you.
While both VPNs allow torrenting, NordVPN takes the day since its P2P capabilities are more tweaked. Meaning, it can bypass strict ISP restrictions.
Global Server Coverage
What would be the need for a VPN if you can’t use it in different global locations? The more globally-distributed servers a VPN has, the better it can torrent, and unblock geo-restricted content.
Both VPN providers are known for their extensive server networks. NordVPN, for example, boasts an extensive global coverage, with over 5,553 servers spread across 59 countries.
This global outreach enables users to access this VPN’s services, regardless of geographical restrictions. These numbers are not fixed, with the numbers set to grow with time.
In comparison, Cyberghost trumps that with its 5,700 servers spread across more than 90 counties around the world. However, NordVPN ends up beating CyberGhost in terms of these specialty servers, including Standard servers, Double VPN servers, Dedicated IP servers, Obfuscated servers, and Onion-over-VPN.
Apart from their imposing server networks, both VPNs have servers across notable countries. NordVPN has servers Egypt, Latvia, and Cyprus, whereas CyberGhost has servers in Pakistan, Kenya, Colombia, and more.
Multi-Platform Support
It’s not uncommon to find a user who has devices that use different platforms. These platforms are the operating systems that drive devices, such as iOS, Android, and Windows.
Since all these devices are to be connected to the internet, ideally, your VPN of choice should support all of them.
NordVPN is known for its excellent compatibility with various platforms. The VPN offers native app support for Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, iOS, Kindle Fire, Blackberry, and Amazon TV.
The VPN is also compatible with lots of browsers, including Chrome, Safari, and Mozilla. NordVPN can also be set to a home router, which enables a secure connection to the devices using the router.
CyberGhost is also compatible with several platforms. These include iOS, macOS, Windows, Android, FireTV, and Linux. The VPN provides support for various routers, NAS devices, Raspberry Pi devices, and plugins for both Chrome and Mozilla Firefox browsers
Regarding multi-platform support, the two VPNs performed well, but the NordVPN wins due to its unique ability to be configured with routers.
Customer Support
It’s normal for users to get stuck, regardless of how easy-to-use a VPN is. For this reason, a reliable VPN should feature a 24/7 customer support ready to offer solutions to user problems.
Support can be offered online, through various platforms like live chat, a searchable knowledgebase, or support request form.
NordVPN offers 24/7 support via a live support chat system on their website, email support. A support library is also accessible on the site. Most users find these NordVPN support systems convenient—according to verified reviews.
CyberGhost assists clients via live chat and email. And their website is filled with dozens of VPN guides, and a well laid out the fillable contact form where a user can find further assistance. Besides, your requests can be handled in English, French, Romanian, and German.
NordVPN offers considerably better customer support services. Thanks to their quick replies, though, they need to work on their email support.
Final Verdict
In most features discussed above, the two VPN providers seem to be doing pretty well, with small, but notable variances.
No matter how small, they are vital since they include important aspects like connection speeds, privacy, among other features that comprise key functionalities of a VPN.
CyberGhost offered the lowest prices, the highest number of simultaneous connections, and worthy privacy features. It also allows users to torrent, stream, and works with many platforms.
But, NordVPN is the clear winner. And perform way better in all the mentioned aspects. Plus, it comes with additional “value for money” features.
