Imagine this: you’re sitting at your computer, surfing the internet, and you feel safe. But what if someone is watching you? What if your data isn’t as private as you think? That’s not science fiction, that’s the reality of today’s internet. Fortunately, there are tools to keep you safe – and a VPN is one of the best options.
Today we’re going to compare two of the most popular VPN providers – Surfshark and CyberGhost. Both promise the highest level of security, fast speeds, and easy access to content from around the world. But which one is really worth your money? We’ve put together a detailed review of these two titans – not just the dry facts, but also what you can realistically expect from them.
Quick review: Surfshark vs. CyberGhost
Before we dive into the details, let’s take a quick comparison of the two VPN services. Both have their merits, be it price, security features or number of servers. Here’s a quick overview to help you get a basic idea:
| Feature | Surfshark | CyberGhost |
|---|---|---|
| Number of devices | Unlimited | 7 |
| Countries with servers | 100 | 100 |
| Number of servers | 3 200+ | 11 700+ |
| Protocols | OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard | OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard |
| Price (monthly) | $2.19 (2-year plan) | $2.19 (2-year plan) |
| Money back guarantee | 30 days | 45 days |
| Link | Try SurfShark | Try CyberGhost |
1. Servers and their locations: who has wider coverage?
The number and location of servers is one of the key parameters that determine the quality of a VPN service. More servers means less likelihood of congestion, faster connections and a wider choice of geographical locations.
- Surfshark offers more than 3,200 servers in 200 locations spread across 100 countries. This makes it ideal for those looking for flexibility and easy access to different regions. Some locations are virtual, allowing coverage of less common areas.
- CyberGhost has an incredible 11,700 servers in 126 locations in 100 countries. This network is one of the largest on the market and will appeal mainly to users who require a wide range of physical servers for a stable connection.
In addition, Surfshark comes with a static IP address feature that ensures your IP remains the same even if you reconnect repeatedly. This minimizes the occurrence of CAPTCHAs and improves the overall user experience. CyberGhost only offers this feature as a paid add-on service.
How are they doing on speed?
The speed of your VPN connection is crucial, especially if you plan to stream, play online games, or download large amounts of data. To find out who’s faster, we ran some tests on local and international servers.
| Parameter | Surfshark (local server) | CyberGhost (local server) |
|---|---|---|
| Download (Mbps) | 392,44 | 422,72 |
| Upload (Mbps) | 301,17 | 287,64 |
| Ping (ms) | 4 | 4 |
On local servers, CyberGhost had a slight edge, achieving higher download speeds.
On the other hand, Surfshark surprised us when testing international servers, where it was not only faster but also more stable. This makes it a great choice for users who frequently connect to remote servers, for example to access content from abroad.
2. Unlimited streaming: who offers a better experience?
One of the main reasons people get a VPN is to unblock content on streaming platforms. Some services, such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Disney+, have content restricted by region, which can be frustrating. A good VPN will eliminate this problem and allow you to access your favorite shows no matter where you are.
Surfshark: maximum flexibility
Surfshark excels in the streaming industry thanks to its support for a wide range of services, including:
- Netflix (unblocking libraries from different countries),
- Disney+,
- BBC iPlayer,
- HBO Max,
- Amazon Prime Video.
Plus, Surfshark comes with Smart DNS, which makes it easy to access streaming services even on devices that don’t normally support VPNs – like smart TVs, gaming consoles, and Apple TV.
This gives Surfshark a big advantage if you like to watch content on different platforms.
CyberGhost: A solid foundation
CyberGhost also supports a number of popular services, including:
- Netflix,
- BBC iPlayer,
- Disney+,
- Hulu.
However, there is one limitation – CyberGhost doesn’t support Amazon Prime Video, which may be a significant drawback for some users.
On the other hand, it offers dedicated streaming servers that are optimized for specific platforms, which can improve stability and connection quality.
3. Security and encryption: who can protect you better?
Security is key for most VPN users. Whether it’s protection from hackers, censorship, or surveillance, a quality VPN must provide the highest level of security.
Surfshark: one step ahead
Surfshark uses AES-256 encryption, which is the highest standard used in military environments. In addition, it offers several features that increase the level of protection:
- Obfuscation (NoBorders): allows you to bypass censorship in countries with limited internet access, such as China or Russia.
- Double VPN: This feature routes your connection through two different servers, providing double the protection.
- Kill Switch: Automatically disconnects your device from the internet if the VPN goes down, preventing data leakage.
Surfshark also provides RAM-only servers, which means that all data is deleted every time the server restarts. This technology greatly reduces the risk of your data being stored or misused.
CyberGhost: Strong base, but fewer features
CyberGhost also offers AES-256 encryption and standard features such as Kill Switch and DNS leak protection. However, it lacks advanced features like obfuscation or Double VPN that Surfshark provides.
On the other hand, CyberGhost impresses with its transparency – it regularly publishes a Transparency Report that lists the number of data requests from governments and other institutions, which increases user confidence.
Additional safety features
| Functions | Surfshark | CyberGhost |
|---|---|---|
| Ad blocker | ✅ | ✅ |
| Cookie blocker | ✅ | ❌ |
| Double VPN | ✅ | ❌ |
| Smart DNS | ✅ | ✅ |
| Email masking | ✅ (Alternative ID) | ❌ |
Surfshark scores again with its additional features that include blocking cookie pop-ups and an alternate ID to mask your real email address. These features not only increase protection, but also improve the user experience.
4. Price: who offers the best value for money?
A VPN isn’t just about features, it’s also about how much you pay for your security. Both Surfshark and CyberGhost are known for their affordability. Let’s take a look at exactly what they offer and what benefits you get for your money.
Surfshark: Unlimited connectivity at a low price
Surfshark boasts one of the best performance to price ratios on the market. The cheapest plan starts at $2.19 per month for a two-year commitment, which is a very competitive price.
Plus, you get unlimited simultaneous connections – meaning you can protect all your devices with one subscription.
Another benefit is the 30-day money-back guarantee, which allows you to try the service risk-free.
CyberGhost: Longer warranty and bigger network
CyberGhost offers a similar price – also $2.19 per month on a two-year plan. The main advantage over SurfShark is the 45-day money-back guarantee, which is the longest period you’ll find for a VPN service.
However, it should be noted that CyberGhost only allows 7 devices to be connected simultaneously, which can be limiting for larger households.
| Plan | Surfshark | CyberGhost |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly plan | $15,45 | $12,99 |
| 6-month plan | ❌ | $6.99/month. |
| 1-year plan | $3.49/month. | ❌ |
| 2-year plan | $2.19/month. | $2.19/month. |
| Money back guarantee | 30 days | 45 days |
5. User experience: Surfshark vs. CyberGhost
The real value of a VPN service often lies in how well it works in real-world situations. Both Surfshark and CyberGhost have their devoted users, but each of these VPNs targets a slightly different type of customer.
Surfshark: ideal for multiple devices
Surfshark is especially popular with users who want to secure all their devices with a single subscription. With unlimited simultaneous connections, you can be sure your entire household is connected – no matter how many devices you use.
Another advantage is the simple user interface, which even beginners will appreciate. Surfshark also scores in areas such as speed and the ability to bypass geo-restrictions, making it a great choice for streaming and anonymous browsing.
CyberGhost: The stable choice for larger networks
CyberGhost, on the other hand, is known for its extensive server network and easy connectivity. It offers stable performance, even when connecting to less common locations.
It’s popular with users looking for an easy way to unblock streaming services like Netflix or Disney+. However, the limitation to 7 devices simultaneously can be a disadvantage for larger households or users with multiple devices.
Surfshark vs. CyberGhost: Final Summary
When it comes to choosing between these two VPN services, the decision will depend on your priorities:
- Choose Surfshark if you’re looking for maximum flexibility, unlimited connectivity, advanced security features and a great price. It’s ideal for families, streaming enthusiasts and anyone who wants a simple but effective solution.
- Choose CyberGhost if you appreciate a wide network of servers, optimization for streaming, and a longer money-back guarantee. It’s a solid choice for users who want a stable connection to many locations around the world.
Each of these services has something to offer. The choice is yours – consider what’s key for you and enjoy a safer, freer browsing experience.
Frequently asked questions
Which is faster, Surfshark or CyberGhost?
Both services offer high speeds thanks to modern protocols such as WireGuard. Surfshark proves to be a better choice for international connections, while CyberGhost has slightly faster speeds on local servers.
If you plan to connect to servers abroad, Surfshark may be a more reliable option.
Which is a better VPN for streaming?
Both VPNs can unblock most popular streaming services like Netflix and Disney+. However, Surfshark also supports Amazon Prime Video, which CyberGhost can’t.
In addition, Surfshark’s Smart DNS feature allows easy access to streaming platforms even on devices that don’t normally support VPNs.
Is Surfshark and CyberGhost safe?
Yes, both VPNs offer AES-256 encryption, which is considered the gold standard in security. However, Surfshark provides additional security features such as obfuscation (NoBorders) or Double VPN, which increases the level of protection, especially in countries with limited internet access.
How many devices can I connect at once?
Surfshark allows an unlimited number of connected devices simultaneously, which is one of its biggest advantages. CyberGhost limits the number of connected devices to 7, which may be sufficient for individuals or smaller households, but limiting for larger groups.
Which VPN has better customer support?
Both services offer 24/7 customer support via live chat and have extensive knowledge bases with tutorials. Surfshark features a slightly faster response time and a clearer user experience, while CyberGhost offers video tutorials that can be useful for beginners.
