Intro & Overall Ratings
Our Ratings
CyberGhost and Windscribe are both reputable VPN providers, each with unique strengths. CyberGhost, based in Romania, scores higher in overall ratings at 84.4% compared to Windscribe’s 57.5%. It offers a cheaper long-term subscription at $2.03/mo and a longer money-back guarantee of 45 days. CyberGhost also boasts a larger server network, with 9,769 servers in 90 countries. Windscribe, however, is headquartered in Canada and offers unlimited simultaneous connections, a feature not available in CyberGhost. It also provides a double VPN feature, enhancing security by encrypting data twice. Both VPNs have a no-logging policy, offer AES-256 encryption, and support OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2/IPSec protocols. Considering these factors, CyberGhost emerges as the better choice for most users due to its affordability, extensive server network, and longer money-back guarantee. However, Windscribe could be a better fit for users requiring unlimited simultaneous connections and the added security of a double VPN.
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: Windscribe vs CyberGhost
| VPN Company | Windscirbe | CyberGhost |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction Country | Canada | Romania |
| Cheapest Price | $5.75/mo over 12-month subscription | $2.03/mo |
| Monthly Price | $12.00 | $12.99 |
| Money Back Guarantee | 30 days | 45 days |
| No Logging Policy? | Yes | Yes |
| Encryption | AES-256, and ChaCha20 | AES-256 |
| Protocols | OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2/IPSec | IKEv2/IPSec, OpenVPN, and WireGuard |
| Servers | 120 | 9,769 |
| Servers Countries | 69 | 90 |
| Simultaneous Connections | Unlimited devices | 7 devices |
| Works in China? | Unlikely | Unlikely |
| Smart DNS | No | Yes |
| Kill Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Browser Extension | Yes | Yes |
| Double VPN | Yes | No |
| Ads Blocking | Yes | Yes |
| Split Tunneling | Yes | Yes |
| Third Party Audit | – | Deloitte |
| Customer Support | 24/7 Live Chat & 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: CyberGhost Better
CyberGhost positions itself as an affordable option. The VPN charges $12.99/mo for month-to-month contract and a much cheaper $2.03/mo for those who are willing to subscribe in long term.
In comparison, Windscribe sets its price higher at $12/mo for monthly subscribers and $2.03/mo for those who are willing to commit to a 12-month contract.
Based on our market research, the average cost of VPN is $3.56/mo with a commitment period of 21 months. You should consider whether the additional features and services offered by Windscribe justify the higher cost, especially when comparing it to other available options that might offer similar services at a more economical rate.
CyberGhost Plans
Windscribe Plans
Jurisdiction: CyberGhost Better
The headquarters location of a VPN company is not just a geographical factor but a pivotal aspect that defines the legal framework within which a VPN operates.
Different countries have varying regulations regarding data retention, surveillance, and the extent to which government authorities can demand access to user data. For instance, companies based in countries that are part of the 14 Eyes surveillance alliance might be legally obligated to collect and share user data with government agencies. Conversely, a VPN company headquartered in a country with strong privacy laws and no mandatory data retention requirements can offer greater assurances of user privacy and data security.
Based in Romania, CyberGhost offers a significant privacy edge over Windscribe. The country’s absence of mandatory data retention laws provides a stark contrast to the more invasive surveillance and data-sharing practices prevalent in the 14-Eyes countries (such as Canada – Windscribe’s HQ location).
Servers Count & Geographical Coverage: CyberGhost Better
The size of a VPN’s server fleet plays a crucial role in determining user experience. A larger fleet generally provides faster speeds, greater reliability, wider geographical coverage, lower latency, and potentially enhanced privacy. On the other hand, a smaller server fleet might lead to slower speeds, higher latency, limited content access, and potential privacy concerns.
In term of server counts, CyberGhost stands out with its impressive network, hosting over 5,000 servers worldwide. This extensive coverage ensures that users almost anywhere can find a reliable and fast server connection.
In comparison, Windscribe maintains a more modest server presence, with only 120 servers across 69 countries. If you live in regions with fewer servers from Windscribe, this might translate to slower speeds and potentially less stable connections. The vast server network of CyberGhost not only provides broader geographic reach but also typically allows for better performance and lower latency.
Money Back Guarantee: CyberGhost Better
CyberGhost offers a substantial sense of security to its users through a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. This affords new users plenty of time to comprehensively evaluate its services.
Conversely, Windscribe proposes a shorter duration (just 3 days!) for its money-back guarantee. Although this briefer period still presents a chance to test the service, it could be a factor for those users who favor an extended trial to thoroughly ascertain the VPN’s suitability for their specific requirements.
* According to our market study, the average money-back guarantee period in the industry is approximately 25.68 days.
Simultaneous Connections: Windscribe Better
CyberGhost permits users to connect up to 7 devices at the same time – which is a relative small number compare to market average. In contrast, Windscribe offers unlimited simultaneous connections. This feature is particularly advantageous for larger households or businesses where numerous devices require VPN protection. It allows for a more flexible approach to securing online activity, without the need to prioritize which devices are protected.
For users with extensive connectivity needs, this difference in simultaneous connection capabilities might be a deciding factor in choosing Zoog over CyberGhost.
Double VPN Feature: Windscribe Better
Windscribe stands out with its double VPN feature, somethingCyberGhost lacks. If staying completely anonymous online is your top priority, then Windscribe is the better choice for you.
Double VPN is a special security feature not often seen in VPNs. Of the 96 VPNs we studied, only 26 have it. Usually, data goes through just one VPN server. But with double VPN, your data travels through two servers, adding more security and keeping you more anonymous. This means it’s much harder for hackers to get to your data, as it’s encrypted twice.
Bottomline
In summary, CyberGhost, with its affordable rates, extensive server network, and longer money-back guarantee, is an ideal choice for users seeking value and extensive coverage. Conversely, Windscribe, offering unlimited simultaneous connections and a double VPN feature, is the better fit for those prioritizing extensive device coverage and heightened security.
Pick What You Need
Our VPN recommendations and ratings are just a general guide and may not match your personal needs. Know what you need and pick a VPN that fits. It’s crucial to assess your personal requirements, whether it’s enhanced security, better privacy, faster speeds, or access to specific content. Use ourWindscribe and CyberGhost comparison as a starting point, but ultimately, select a VPN that aligns with your unique needs. This approach ensures you get the most out of your VPN service.
About Windscribe & 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.
Windscribe
Windscribe is a cross-platform, commercial VPN provider based in Canada. The company was founded by Yegor Sak and Alex Paguis in 2016. It offers unlimited, simultaneous connections, and its privacy policy promotes the service as a no-log VPN. Windscribe is known for its exceptional commitment to social responsibility, particularly around issues of censorship in authoritarian regimes. For example, it provided expanded bandwidth free accounts to everyone affected by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Windscribe has also offered free and unlimited service to all journalists in the region, and subsequently combatting Russian blocks that aimed to render these efforts fruitless.
To learn more, read our Windscribe review.