Intro & Overall Ratings
Our Ratings
CyberGhost and Proton VPN are both reliable VPN options offering extensive server networks, rigorous encryption standards, and privacy-focused jurisdictions outside the 14-Eye Alliance. CyberGhost edges out with a higher overall rating of 84.4% compared to Proton VPN’s 80.8%, and a cheaper 24-month plan priced at $2.03/month. Additionally, it outshines Proton VPN with a wider server coverage over 90 countries, and a longer money-back guarantee period of 45 days.
About Our VPN Rating Systems
Our reviews delve deeply into each VPN service, scrutinizing aspects such as privacy, customer feedback, pricing, and usability to provide well-rounded insights.
Ratings are based on our comprehensive research of 96 VPN companies. Out of 96 VPNs we reviewed, only 11 surpass the 75% threshold in our evaluation, while half of the reviewed services score below average (54.1%).
Why Read Our VPN Guide?
- Our VPN reviews are unbiased and data-driven. We are not affiliated to any of the VPN companies listed on this website.
- Our rating system covers diverse user needs. We delve deeply into each VPN service, scrutinizing aspects such as privacy, customer feedback, pricing, and usability to provide well-rounded insights.
Specifications: Proton VPN vs CyberGhost
| VPN Company | Proton VPN | CyberGhost |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction Country | Switzerland | Romania |
| Cheapest Price | $4.99/mo over 24-month subscription | $2.03/mo |
| Monthly Price | $9.99 | $12.99 |
| Money Back Guarantee | 30 days | 45 days |
| No Logging Policy? | Yes | Yes |
| Encryption | AES-256, and ChaCha20 | AES-256 |
| Protocols | OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2/IPSec | IKEv2/IPSec, OpenVPN, and WireGuard |
| Servers | 2,970 | 9,769 |
| Servers Countries | 68 | 90 |
| Simultaneous Connections | 10 devices | 7 devices |
| Works in China? | No | Unlikely |
| Smart DNS | No | Yes |
| Kill Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Browser Extension | Yes | Yes |
| Double VPN | No | No |
| Ads Blocking | Yes | Yes |
| Split Tunneling | Yes | Yes |
| Third Party Audit | Securitum | Deloitte |
| Customer Support | 24/7 Live Chat, and Email | 24/7 Live Chat, and Email |
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Unblock Streaming | Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, and HBO | Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, and HBO |
| Learn More | Visit Online | Visit Online |
Cruical Features & Key Differences
Plans & Pricing: Tie
Searching for a VPN that marries cost-effectiveness with reliable performance? Both Proton VPN and CyberGhost are priced affordably. Proton VPN costs $4.99/mo for its 24-month plan; while CyberGhost cheapest 24-month plan starts at $2.03/mo. These VPNs exemplify the possibility of obtaining superior online security and privacy without a significant financial outlay. Both services highlight that accessing top-tier VPN features can indeed be budget-friendly
Jurisdiction: Tie
Proton VPN and CyberGhost both offer the distinct advantage of operating outside the 14-Eye Alliance, with Proton VPN based in the privacy-conscious environment of Switzerland and CyberGhost in the non-alliance territory of Romania. Their non-14-Eyes bases ensure a higher degree of privacy from global surveillance networks.
The Impact of the 14-Eye Alliance on VPN Services
Originating from the Five-Eyes and expanding to Nine-Eyes, the 14-Eyes Alliance encompasses a broad group of countries, including powerhouses like the US, UK, and various European nations. VPN providers in these countries might face legal pressures to hand over user information, contradicting their no-logs claims. By choosing a VPN service like Proton VPN or CyberGhost, both located outside these surveillance-intensive areas, users gain an extra layer of security against potential government interceptions and data monitoring, making them a preferred choice for users who value their digital privacy and security.
Servers Count & Geographical Coverage: Tie
Proton VPN and CyberGhost are both noteworthy for their extensive networks. With Proton VPN, users benefit from an expansive server network, facilitating connections from 68 countries and ensuring a smooth and speedy online experience. CyberGhost mirrors this capability, boasting a sizeable server fleet of 9,769 servers spread over 90 countries.
The broad reach of both Proton VPN and CyberGhost means that they are capable of providing dependable and swift connections for users globally, making them top contenders for those in search of a VPN with extensive worldwide coverage.
Money Back Guarantee: Tie
Both Proton VPN and CyberGhost reassures its users with a lengthy money-back guarantee, allowing ample time to test their services thoroughly. These guarantees are more than just policies; they are strong indicators of the confidence that both services have in the quality they offer. This assurance provides users with a risk-free opportunity to immerse themselves in the diverse features of each VPN. From the vast server network of Proton VPN to the advanced security protocols of CyberGhost – you have the liberty to thoroughly evaluate each service before deciding on a long-term investment.
Bottomline
Proton VPN and CyberGhost are both robust VPN options that offer competitive pricing, desired privacy from being based outside the 14-Eye Alliance, and extensive server network coverage. Both boast strong security features and provide assurances with their substantial money-back policies. Therefore, the decision between the two ultimately depends on users’ specific requirements and preferences.
About Proton VPN & CyberGhost
CyberGhost
CyberGhost was founded in 2011 and is headquartered in Bucharest, Romania. The company is known for being one of the first in the industry to publish a transparency report. CyberGhost has built its reputation on securing and anonymizing the online presence of over 38 million customers globally, advocating for privacy as a basic human right.
To learn more, read our CyberGhost review.
Proton VPN
Proton VPN is a virtual private network service operated by Proton AG, a Swiss company renowned for their secure email service – Proton Mail.
Proton VPN and Proton Mail share the same management team, offices, and technical resources, and are operated from Switzerland. The VPN service currently has 2,970 servers in 68 countries. Although ProtonVPN owns and operates some of its servers, the majority are operated by ASNs such as Datacamp Limited. The service is available for Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, as well as ChromeOS and can be used on smartphones, personal computers, and even installed on a wireless router.
Proton VPN is one of the most secure VPN services available in the market. It utilizes OpenVPN (UDP/TCP), IKEv2, and WireGuard protocols with AES-256 encryption. In addition to this, Proton VPN has a no-logs policy that has been independently audited by Securitum, a European security auditing company. In October 2022, Proton VPN released their Stealth Protocol that disguises VPN traffic as HTTPS traffic.
To learn more, read our Proton VPN review.