IPVanish vs CyberGhost VPN: Complete Comparison
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction & Key Findings
- 2. Quick Comparison Overview
- 3. Pricing Analysis
- 4. Speed & Performance Tests
- 5. Server Network Comparison
- 6. Streaming & Gaming Performance
- 7. Security & Privacy Features
- 8. User Experience & Interface
- 9. Device Support & Simultaneous Connections
- 10. Customer Support Comparison
- 11. Detailed Pros & Cons
- 12. Final Recommendations
- 13. Frequently Asked Questions
IPVanish vs CyberGhost: Which VPN Should You Choose?
Choosing between IPVanish and CyberGhost VPN can be challenging, as both services offer compelling features for different types of users. After conducting extensive testing over 30 days, analyzing speed performance, streaming capabilities, security features, and overall value, we've compiled this comprehensive comparison to help you make an informed decision.
CyberGhost VPN emerges as the winner in most categories, particularly excelling in streaming performance, server network size, and user-friendly interface. However, IPVanish offers competitive advantages in certain areas, including unlimited simultaneous connections and strong torrenting support. Both VPNs maintain strict no-logs policies and offer robust security features, but their strengths cater to different user needs and preferences.
In our testing, CyberGhost demonstrated superior average speeds of 296 Mbps compared to IPVanish's 277 Mbps, while also providing better Netflix unblocking capabilities and a more extensive server network spanning over 100 countries. IPVanish, however, stands out with its unlimited device connections policy and competitive pricing structure, making it an attractive option for households with multiple devices.
Key Testing Statistics
Days of Testing
Speed Tests Conducted
Streaming Platforms Tested
Quick Comparison Overview
| Feature | IPVanish | CyberGhost | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $2.19/month | $2.19/month | Tie |
| Server Count | 2,400+ | 11,500+ | CyberGhost |
| Countries | 108 | 100+ | IPVanish |
| Average Speed | 277 Mbps | 296 Mbps | CyberGhost |
| Netflix Unblocking | Limited | Excellent | CyberGhost |
| Device Connections | Unlimited | 7 | IPVanish |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 30 days | 45 days | CyberGhost |
Detailed Pricing Analysis
Both IPVanish and CyberGhost offer competitive pricing structures, but their value propositions differ significantly. While both services start at the same $2.19/month price point for long-term plans, the features and benefits included vary considerably.
IPVanish Pricing Plans
- • Unlimited device connections
- • 2,400+ servers
- • Basic security features
- • All Essential features
- • SURAN Browser
- • Advanced threat protection
CyberGhost Pricing Plans
- • 7 simultaneous connections
- • 11,500+ servers
- • 45-day money-back guarantee
Speed & Performance Tests
We conducted comprehensive speed tests across multiple server locations and times of day to provide accurate performance comparisons. Our baseline internet speed without VPN was 350 Mbps, allowing us to measure the real-world impact of each service on connection speeds.
IPVanish Speed Results
CyberGhost Speed Results
Speed Test Conclusion
CyberGhost demonstrates superior speed performance with 19 Mbps higher average speeds and only 15% speed loss compared to IPVanish's 21% loss. This difference becomes particularly noticeable when streaming 4K content or downloading large files. Both services provide adequate speeds for most online activities, but CyberGhost's consistency across different server locations gives it a clear advantage.
Server Network Comparison
The size and distribution of a VPN's server network directly impacts connection reliability, speed, and ability to bypass geo-restrictions. Both IPVanish and CyberGhost have expanded their networks significantly in recent years, but with different approaches to coverage and specialization.
IPVanish Network
- ✓ Own and operate all servers
- ✓ Strong presence in Americas
- ✓ Good Asia-Pacific coverage
- ✓ Recently expanded to 108 countries
CyberGhost Network
- ✓ Specialized streaming servers
- ✓ Gaming-optimized servers
- ✓ Torrenting-friendly servers
- ✓ NoSpy servers in Romania
Streaming & Gaming Performance
For many users, the ability to access geo-restricted content and maintain stable connections for gaming are crucial factors in VPN selection. We tested both services across multiple streaming platforms and gaming scenarios to evaluate their real-world performance.
| Streaming Platform | IPVanish | CyberGhost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Netflix US | ❌ Limited | ✅ Excellent | CG has dedicated streaming servers |
| Netflix UK | ⚠️ Inconsistent | ✅ Reliable | CG consistently unblocks |
| Amazon Prime Video | ✅ Good | ✅ Excellent | Both work well, CG more stable |
| Hulu | ⚠️ Limited | ✅ Good | CG has better success rate |
| BBC iPlayer | ❌ Blocked | ✅ Works | CG maintains UK servers that work |
| Disney+ | ⚠️ Intermittent | ✅ Reliable | CG optimized for Disney+ |
IPVanish Gaming
Good for casual gaming, but higher ping may affect competitive gaming performance.
CyberGhost Gaming
Dedicated gaming servers provide lower latency and optimized routing for better gaming experience.
Security & Privacy Features
Both IPVanish and CyberGhost implement strong security measures, but their approaches to privacy and jurisdiction considerations differ significantly. Understanding these differences is crucial for users prioritizing anonymity and data protection.
| Security Feature | IPVanish | CyberGhost | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Encryption | AES-256 | AES-256 | Tie |
| VPN Protocols | OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard | OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard | Tie |
| Kill Switch | Yes | Yes | Tie |
| DNS Leak Protection | Yes | Yes | Tie |
| No-Logs Policy | Yes | Yes (Audited) | CyberGhost |
| Jurisdiction | US (5-Eyes) | Romania | CyberGhost |
| Split Tunneling | Yes | Limited | IPVanish |
| Multi-Hop | No | No | Tie |
IPVanish Privacy
CyberGhost Privacy
Security Conclusion
While both VPNs offer robust security features, CyberGhost has a slight edge due to its privacy-friendly Romanian jurisdiction and independently audited no-logs policy. IPVanish's US jurisdiction raises some privacy concerns despite its strong security implementation. Both services use industry-standard AES-256 encryption and support modern VPN protocols.
User Experience & Interface
The usability of a VPN service significantly impacts daily usage satisfaction. We evaluated both services across different devices and platforms, considering ease of setup, interface design, and overall user experience for both beginners and advanced users.
IPVanish Interface
- ✓ Clean, minimalist design
- ✓ Server sorting and filtering
- ✓ Connection statistics
- ✓ Split tunneling controls
CyberGhost Interface
- ✓ Intuitive one-click connection
- ✓ Specialized server categories
- ✓ Smart server recommendations
- ✓ Guided setup wizard
Device Support & Simultaneous Connections
Modern households typically have multiple devices requiring VPN protection. The number of simultaneous connections allowed and device compatibility can significantly impact the overall value proposition of each service.
IPVanish
Supported Platforms:
Additional Support:
- • Router configuration
- • Chromebook support
- • Android TV
- • Chrome extension
CyberGhost
Supported Platforms:
Additional Support:
- • Router support
- • Browser extensions
- • Gaming consoles
- • Apple TV
Device Support Winner
IPVanish wins decisively in this category with unlimited simultaneous connections, making it ideal for large households or users with many devices. While CyberGhost's 7-device limit is generous compared to many competitors, IPVanish's unlimited policy provides unmatched flexibility. Both services offer comprehensive platform support across all major operating systems and devices.
Customer Support Comparison
Reliable customer support becomes crucial when troubleshooting connection issues or configuring complex setups. Both services offer multiple support channels, but their responsiveness and expertise levels vary significantly.
| Support Feature | IPVanish | CyberGhost | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24/7 Live Chat | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Tie |
| Email Support | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Tie |
| Phone Support | ❌ No | ❌ No | Tie |
| Knowledge Base | Good | Excellent | CyberGhost |
| Setup Guides | Comprehensive | Extensive | CyberGhost |
| Response Time (Chat) | ~2 minutes | ~3 minutes | IPVanish |
| Response Time (Email) | 4-8 hours | 2-4 hours | CyberGhost |
IPVanish Support Experience
Strengths:
- • Fast live chat response times
- • Knowledgeable technical staff
- • Comprehensive troubleshooting guides
- • Good router setup documentation
Weaknesses:
- • Limited weekend email support
- • Fewer video tutorials
CyberGhost Support Experience
Strengths:
- • Extensive knowledge base
- • Multiple language support
- • Video setup tutorials
- • Faster email response times
Weaknesses:
- • Slightly slower chat responses
- • Sometimes scripted responses
Detailed Pros & Cons
IPVanish
Pros
- Unlimited simultaneous connections - Connect as many devices as you want
- Own server infrastructure - Better control over performance and security
- Extensive country coverage - 108 countries for diverse geo-location needs
- Advanced split tunneling - Granular control over which apps use VPN
- P2P-friendly - Good for torrenting across all servers
- Competitive pricing - Good value for unlimited connections
- Fast customer support - Quick live chat response times
Cons
- Limited streaming capabilities - Struggles with Netflix and other platforms
- US jurisdiction - Subject to Five Eyes intelligence alliance
- Slower average speeds - 19 Mbps slower than CyberGhost in tests
- Past logging controversy - Historical privacy concerns (since resolved)
- No specialized servers - Missing gaming or streaming-optimized options
- Smaller server network - Fewer total servers than competitors
CyberGhost
Pros
- Excellent streaming performance - Reliably unblocks Netflix, Hulu, and more
- Massive server network - Over 11,500 servers for better performance
- Privacy-friendly jurisdiction - Based in Romania, outside Five Eyes
- Specialized servers - Optimized for streaming, gaming, and torrenting
- Superior speeds - 296 Mbps average in our testing
- User-friendly interface - Excellent for beginners
- 45-day money-back guarantee - Longer trial period than most VPNs
- Audited no-logs policy - Independently verified privacy practices
Cons
- Limited simultaneous connections - Only 7 devices compared to unlimited
- Basic split tunneling - Less granular control than IPVanish
- Higher renewal prices - Significant price increases after initial term
- No multi-hop feature - Lacks double VPN functionality
- Fewer countries - 8 fewer countries than IPVanish
Final Recommendations
Overall Winner: CyberGhost VPN
Based on our comprehensive 30-day testing across multiple categories, CyberGhost VPN emerges as the superior choice for most users, scoring higher in streaming performance, server network, speeds, and user experience.
Choose Based on Your Needs
Choose CyberGhost If You:
- Stream frequently - Need reliable Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ access
- Game online - Want optimized gaming servers with lower ping
- Are a beginner - Prefer user-friendly interfaces and guided setup
- Want top speeds - Need the fastest possible connection speeds
- Prioritize privacy - Prefer privacy-friendly jurisdiction and audited policies
- Want to try risk-free - 45-day money-back guarantee provides ample testing time
45-day money-back guarantee
Choose IPVanish If You:
- Have many devices - Unlimited simultaneous connections are essential
- Torrent frequently - P2P-friendly across all servers with good speeds
- Want advanced features - Need granular split tunneling and advanced controls
- Travel frequently - 108 countries provide maximum location options
- Share with family - Unlimited connections perfect for large households
- Want best value - More features per dollar with unlimited connections
30-day money-back guarantee
Final Thoughts
Both IPVanish and CyberGhost are solid VPN choices that will meet most users' needs. CyberGhost wins overall due to its superior streaming capabilities, faster speeds, and more user-friendly approach. However, IPVanish offers excellent value for users who need unlimited device connections and don't prioritize streaming performance. Consider your specific use case, budget, and priorities when making your decision. Both services offer money-back guarantees, allowing you to test them risk-free.
Related: CyberGhost vs NordVPN
Related: CyberGhost vs SafeShell VPN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which VPN is faster, IPVanish or CyberGhost?
In our extensive speed tests, CyberGhost demonstrated superior performance with average speeds of 296 Mbps compared to IPVanish's 277 Mbps. CyberGhost also showed more consistent speeds across different server locations and times of day. However, both VPNs provide sufficient speeds for most online activities, including 4K streaming and large file downloads.
Can I use either VPN to access Netflix from other countries?
CyberGhost excels at unblocking Netflix libraries from various countries, with dedicated streaming servers optimized for different platforms. IPVanish has limited Netflix unblocking capabilities and may not reliably access all regional libraries. For streaming purposes, CyberGhost is clearly the better choice.
How many devices can I connect simultaneously with each VPN?
IPVanish offers unlimited simultaneous connections, allowing you to protect as many devices as you want with a single subscription. CyberGhost allows 7 simultaneous connections, which is generous compared to many competitors but still limited. For large households or users with many devices, IPVanish provides better value.
Which VPN is better for gaming?
CyberGhost performs better for gaming with lower average ping (28ms vs 32ms) and dedicated gaming-optimized servers. The gaming servers are specifically configured to reduce latency and provide more stable connections. Both VPNs offer DDoS protection, but CyberGhost's specialized approach gives it an edge for competitive gaming.
Are both VPNs safe for torrenting?
Yes, both VPNs support P2P file sharing and torrenting. IPVanish allows torrenting on all servers, while CyberGhost has dedicated P2P-optimized servers. Both maintain no-logs policies and provide adequate speeds for torrenting. CyberGhost's specialized torrenting servers may offer slightly better performance and additional privacy protections.
What's the difference in pricing between the two services?
Both services start at $2.19/month for their long-term plans. IPVanish offers an Essential plan at $2.19/month and Advanced plan at $3.29/month for 2 years. CyberGhost's 2-year plan costs $2.19/month and includes 2 extra months free. Monthly plans for both services cost $12.99. CyberGhost offers a longer 45-day money-back guarantee compared to IPVanish's 30 days.
Which VPN has better customer support?
Both VPNs offer 24/7 live chat and email support. IPVanish has slightly faster chat response times (~2 minutes), while CyberGhost responds faster to emails (2-4 hours vs 4-8 hours). CyberGhost has a more extensive knowledge base and video tutorials, making it better for self-help. Overall, CyberGhost provides a more comprehensive support experience.
Do both VPNs work in China and other restrictive countries?
Neither VPN explicitly advertises China compatibility or offers obfuscated servers specifically designed to bypass the Great Firewall. Users in China and other heavily censored countries may experience connectivity issues with both services. For use in restrictive countries, you might want to consider VPNs that specifically cater to those markets with stealth technology.
Ready to Choose Your VPN?
Both IPVanish and CyberGhost offer money-back guarantees, so you can try them risk-free.
This comparison was last updated in January and is based on 30 days of comprehensive testing.