CyberGhost vs Surfshark: Complete VPN Comparison
Choosing between CyberGhost vs Surfshark can be challenging when both VPN services offer compelling features at competitive prices. This comprehensive comparison examines every aspect of these popular VPN providers to help you make an informed decision. Whether you're looking for the best streaming performance, enhanced security features, or simply the most value for your money, this detailed analysis covers pricing, speed tests, security protocols, server networks, and real-world performance data.
In our extensive testing, we evaluated both Surfshark vs CyberGhost across multiple criteria including connection speeds, streaming capabilities, security features, customer support, and overall user experience. Both services have their strengths - CyberGhost excels with specialized streaming servers and a larger server network, while Surfshark offers unlimited device connections and advanced security features at a lower price point.
Quick Verdict
After thorough testing, Surfshark emerges as the winner in this CyberGhost vs Surfshark comparison, offering better value with unlimited device connections, faster speeds, and more advanced features at a lower price starting from $2.49/month.
Table of Contents
Pricing Comparison: CyberGhost vs Surfshark
When comparing CyberGhost vs Surfshark pricing, both VPN services offer competitive rates with significant discounts for long-term subscriptions. However, there are important differences in value proposition that could influence your decision.
| Plan Duration | Surfshark | CyberGhost | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2+ Years |
$2.49/month (2 years + 3 months free) |
$2.19/month (2 years + 2 months free) |
CyberGhost |
| 1 Year |
$3.39/month (1 year + 3 months free) |
$6.99/month (6 months plan) |
Surfshark |
| Monthly | $17.95/month | $12.99/month | CyberGhost |
Surfshark Value Proposition
- Unlimited device connections (vs 7 for CyberGhost)
- Better mid-range pricing options
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- More features included in base plan
CyberGhost Value Proposition
- Lowest 2-year pricing at $2.19/month
- 45-day money-back guarantee (longer plans)
- 24-hour free trial for desktop
- More affordable monthly option
Security & Privacy: CyberGhost vs Surfshark
Both CyberGhost and Surfshark implement robust security measures, but there are subtle differences in their approaches to privacy and encryption that matter for security-conscious users.
| Security Feature | Surfshark | CyberGhost |
|---|---|---|
| Encryption | AES-256 | AES-256 |
| VPN Protocols | OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2 | OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2 |
| No-Logs Policy | Audited by Deloitte (2023) | Audited by Deloitte (2024) |
| Kill Switch | All platforms | All platforms |
| DNS Leak Protection | ||
| RAM-Only Servers | ||
| Obfuscation | NoBorders mode | |
| Jurisdiction | Netherlands (9 Eyes) | Romania (No alliance) |
Surfshark Security Highlights
- MultiHop: Double VPN encryption
- CleanWeb: Ad and malware blocker
- GPS Spoofing: Location masking on Android
- Camouflage Mode: Hide VPN usage
CyberGhost Security Highlights
- NoSpy Servers: Company-owned secure servers
- Smart Rules: Automated security actions
- Better Jurisdiction: Romania (privacy-friendly)
- Enhanced Ad Blocking: Built-in content blocker
Security Winner Analysis
While both VPNs offer excellent security, Surfshark has a slight edge due to its obfuscation capabilities and additional features like MultiHop and GPS spoofing. However, CyberGhost's Romanian jurisdiction provides better privacy protection from government surveillance.
Speed & Performance Analysis
Speed performance is crucial for streaming, gaming, and general browsing. Our comprehensive speed tests across multiple locations reveal significant differences between Surfshark vs CyberGhost performance.
| Test Location | Surfshark Download | CyberGhost Download | Surfshark Upload | CyberGhost Upload |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US (New York) | 482 Mbps (96%) | 450 Mbps (90%) | 399 Mbps (79%) | 425 Mbps (85%) |
| Canada | 473 Mbps (94%) | 464 Mbps (92%) | 405 Mbps (81%) | 442 Mbps (88%) |
| United Kingdom | 467 Mbps (93%) | 446 Mbps (89%) | 424 Mbps (84%) | 436 Mbps (97%) |
Average Download Speed
Average Download Speed
Speed Advantage
Speed Test Conclusion
Surfshark consistently outperforms CyberGhost in download speeds across all tested locations, maintaining over 93% of baseline speed. Both VPNs deliver excellent performance for streaming 4K content and online gaming, but Surfshark's superior optimization gives it the edge for speed-sensitive activities.
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
Beyond basic VPN functionality, both Surfshark and CyberGhost offer unique features that enhance security, privacy, and user experience. Here's a comprehensive breakdown of what each service provides.
| Feature Category | Surfshark | CyberGhost |
|---|---|---|
| Simultaneous Connections | Unlimited | 7 devices |
| Split Tunneling | Windows, Android, macOS, iOS | Windows, Android only |
| Ad & Malware Blocker | CleanWeb (85% effective) | Built-in blocker |
| Smart DNS | ||
| Double VPN | MultiHop | |
| Dedicated IP | $3.75/month (11 countries) | $2.50/month (12 countries) |
| Specialized Servers | P2P, Obfuscated, MultiHop | Streaming, Gaming, Torrenting |
| GPS Spoofing | Android | |
| Antivirus Integration | Surfshark One plan | |
| Breach Monitoring | Real-time alerts | Identity Guard |
Surfshark Unique Features
- Unlimited Connections: Connect all your devices with one account
- MultiHop: Route traffic through two VPN servers for extra security
- GPS Spoofing: Change your GPS location on Android devices
- NoBorders Mode: Bypass censorship and VPN blocks
CyberGhost Unique Features
- Specialized Servers: Optimized servers for streaming, gaming, and torrenting
- NoSpy Servers: Company-owned servers in Romania for extra privacy
- Smart Rules: Automated actions and connection preferences
- Cheaper Dedicated IP: Static IP addresses starting at $2.50/month
Server Network Comparison
A robust server network ensures better speeds, reliability, and access to geo-restricted content. Both CyberGhost and Surfshark offer extensive global coverage, but with different approaches to server infrastructure.
Surfshark Network
CyberGhost Network
| Server Feature | Surfshark | CyberGhost |
|---|---|---|
| Server Transparency | Full disclosure | Count not disclosed |
| Virtual Servers | Clearly marked | Some virtual |
| 10Gbps Servers | Available | Streaming servers |
| P2P Support | All servers | Dedicated servers |
| Obfuscated Servers | Available |
Server Network Winner
While CyberGhost has more total servers, Surfshark offers better transparency and more flexibility with P2P support on all servers. CyberGhost's specialized servers are excellent for specific use cases, but Surfshark's approach provides better overall versatility.
Streaming & Torrenting Performance
Both VPNs excel at unblocking streaming platforms and supporting P2P activities, but they take different approaches. Our testing reveals how each performs with popular streaming services and torrenting applications.
Streaming Platform Support
Torrenting & P2P Support
Surfshark P2P
- P2P allowed on all servers
- No bandwidth limitations
- Port forwarding available
- SOCKS5 proxy included
CyberGhost P2P
- Dedicated P2P servers
- Optimized for torrenting
- No logging of P2P activity
- Limited to specific servers
Surfshark Streaming Advantages
- Ease of Use: Simple country selection for streaming
- Consistent Performance: No buffering during 4K streaming
- Smart DNS: Works on devices without VPN apps
- NoBorders Mode: Bypasses VPN detection
CyberGhost Streaming Advantages
- Specialized Servers: Optimized for specific platforms
- 50+ Platforms: Supports wide range of streaming services
- 10Gbps Speeds: Ultra-fast streaming servers
- Gaming Servers: Low-latency options for gaming
Streaming & Torrenting Winner
Surfshark takes the lead for its simplicity and reliability. While CyberGhost's specialized servers are impressive, Surfshark's approach of making all servers work for streaming and P2P provides better flexibility and user experience.
Customer Support Comparison
Reliable customer support is essential when dealing with VPN issues or setup questions. Both CyberGhost and Surfshark offer multiple support channels, but the quality and responsiveness vary significantly.
| Support Feature | Surfshark | CyberGhost |
|---|---|---|
| 24/7 Live Chat | Available | Available |
| Average Response Time | ~2 minutes | ~3 minutes |
| Email Support | 24-48 hours | 24-48 hours |
| Knowledge Base | Comprehensive | Extensive |
| Setup Guides | All platforms | All platforms |
| Video Tutorials | Available | Available |
| Multilingual Support | 15+ languages | 10+ languages |
Surfshark Support Experience
CyberGhost Support Experience
Customer Support Winner
It's a tie! Both services provide excellent customer support with 24/7 live chat, comprehensive knowledge bases, and helpful agents. Surfshark has slightly faster response times, while CyberGhost excels at helping beginners with setup and basic troubleshooting.
Pros and Cons: CyberGhost vs Surfshark
After extensive testing and analysis, here's a comprehensive breakdown of the strengths and weaknesses of each VPN service to help you make the best decision for your needs.
Surfshark Pros
- Unlimited device connections - Connect all your devices with one account
- Faster speeds - Consistently outperforms CyberGhost in speed tests
- Advanced security features - MultiHop, GPS spoofing, obfuscation
- Better value for money - More features at competitive pricing
- P2P on all servers - No need for specialized torrenting servers
- NoBorders mode - Bypasses VPN blocks and censorship
- Integrated antivirus - Available with Surfshark One plan
Surfshark Cons
- Netherlands jurisdiction - Part of Nine Eyes alliance
- Smaller server network - 3,200+ servers vs CyberGhost's 8,000+
- No free desktop trial - Only mobile apps have free trials
- Higher monthly pricing - $17.95/month compared to CyberGhost's $12.99
CyberGhost Pros
- Largest server network - 8,000+ servers in 100 countries
- Romania jurisdiction - Privacy-friendly location outside surveillance alliances
- Specialized servers - Optimized for streaming, gaming, and torrenting
- Desktop free trial - 24-hour trial for desktop applications
- Longer money-back guarantee - 45 days for long-term plans
- NoSpy servers - Company-owned servers for enhanced security
- Lower monthly pricing - $12.99/month vs Surfshark's $17.95
CyberGhost Cons
- Limited device connections - Only 7 simultaneous connections
- Slower speeds - Consistently slower than Surfshark in our tests
- No obfuscation - Cannot bypass VPN blocks in restrictive countries
- Limited split tunneling - Only available on Windows and Android
- Specialized server requirement - Need specific servers for P2P
Final Verdict: CyberGhost vs Surfshark
After comprehensive testing and analysis, Surfshark emerges as the clear winner in this CyberGhost vs Surfshark comparison. While both VPNs are excellent choices, Surfshark offers superior value with its unlimited device connections, faster speeds, and advanced security features at competitive pricing.
Surfshark Score Breakdown
CyberGhost Score Breakdown
Choose Surfshark If You Want:
- Unlimited device connections
- Fastest possible speeds
- Advanced security features
- Best overall value for money
- Bypass VPN blocks and censorship
- Integrated cybersecurity suite
Choose CyberGhost If You Want:
- Largest server network available
- Best privacy jurisdiction (Romania)
- Specialized streaming/gaming servers
- Desktop free trial option
- Lower monthly pricing
- Beginner-friendly interface
Ready to Get Started?
Both VPNs offer money-back guarantees, so you can try them risk-free and see which one works best for your needs.
Related: Proton VPN vs IPVanish VPN
Related: CyberGhost VPN Review
Frequently Asked Questions
Based on our extensive speed tests, Surfshark consistently outperforms CyberGhost across multiple locations. Surfshark maintained an average of 94% of baseline speeds, while CyberGhost averaged 90%. The difference is particularly noticeable for activities like 4K streaming or large file downloads.
Yes, both CyberGhost and Surfshark work excellently with Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and other streaming platforms. Surfshark offers easier access - just connect to any server in your desired country. CyberGhost requires using specialized streaming servers, which adds an extra step but ensures optimized performance.
Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous connections, meaning you can protect all your devices with one account. CyberGhost limits you to 7 simultaneous connections, which is still generous but may not be enough for large families or households with many devices.
Surfshark is better for torrenting because it allows P2P traffic on all servers without restrictions. CyberGhost requires you to connect to specific P2P-optimized servers, which can be less convenient. Both offer strong security for torrenting with kill switches and no-logs policies.
Yes, both VPNs are extremely safe. They use AES-256 encryption, maintain strict no-logs policies (independently audited), and offer kill switches. CyberGhost has a slight privacy advantage with its Romanian jurisdiction, while Surfshark offers more advanced security features like MultiHop and obfuscation.
Surfshark offers better overall value despite being slightly more expensive for long-term plans. The unlimited device connections alone can save you money compared to CyberGhost's 7-device limit. Factor in faster speeds and more features, and Surfshark provides superior value for most users.
Surfshark is better for restrictive countries thanks to its NoBorders mode and obfuscation features that hide VPN usage. CyberGhost lacks obfuscation technology, making it less reliable in countries with advanced VPN blocking like China, Iran, or UAE.
Yes! Surfshark offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans, plus a 7-day free trial on mobile apps. CyberGhost provides a 45-day money-back guarantee for longer plans (14 days for monthly) and a 24-hour free trial for desktop apps. Both allow you to test the service risk-free.
Make Your Choice Today
Both VPNs offer excellent security and performance. Choose based on your priorities and budget.
Surfshark - Best Overall
- Unlimited devices
- Fastest speeds
- Advanced features
- Better value
CyberGhost - Most Servers
- 8,000+ servers
- Romania privacy
- Specialized servers
- 45-day guarantee