Categories
Compare

CyberGhost vs. ExpressVPN: Face off!

Two of the most popular VPN providers in the globe are ExpressVPN and CyberGhost. They both have a wide range of features and are quite trustworthy.

However, if you’re reading this, it’s likely that you’re torn between two worthy rivals.

In this VPN comparison, we will thoroughly test every feature of these VPNs and list down which one works better at what aspect. In the end, we will announce one clear winner.

So, without further ado, let’s dive right into it!

CyberGhost vs. ExpressVPN – Summed Up

These VPN providers have the following basic features:

CyberGhost ExpressVPN
Offers 7700+ servers in 90+ countries Offers 3000+ servers in 94 countries
Compatible apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, & iOS Compatible apps for iOS, Windows, Android, Mac, & FireStick
45-day money-back guarantee 30-day money-back guarantee
Seven multi-logins Five multi-logins
Offers IKEv2, OpenVPN, WireGuard Offers L2TP/IPsec, IKEv2, OpenVPN, Lightway
Unblocks Netflix easily Unblocks multiple streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, & BBC iPlayer
Costs $2.29/month (3 years plan + 3 months free) Costs $8.32/month (1 year plan)
For more information, check out our CyberGhost review. For more information, check out our ExpressVPN review.

CyberGhost VPN vs ExpressVPN: Which one is the fastest?

Both CyberGhost and ExpressVPN have a large number of servers and use the cutting-edge WireGuard and Lightway tunneling methods. In the table below, we’ll compare their performance on all of their protocols across our 100 Mbps connection:

Please note that the ExpressVPN vs. CyberGhost speeds will be tested and jotted down using the following formula: pings/download speed/upload speed.

Protocols CyberGhost ExpressVPN
WireGuard/Lightway 145/74/58 103/86/75
OpenVPN (UDP) 164/70/38 96/82/59

ExpressVPN’s Lightway outperforms CyberGhost’s WireGuard in terms of download speed, as shown in the table above. Similarly, ExpressVPN also works better when it comes to the OpenVPN (UDP) protocol.

Final Result: ExpressVPN is the Winner!

Features comparison

If your idea of utilizing a VPN extends beyond streaming Netflix, you’ll appreciate ExpressVPN and CyberGhost, which are both jam-packed with valuable features.

Let’s check out a few of them in our ExpressVPN vs. CyberGhost VPN comparison below:

Port Forwarding

The port forwarding option can be a lifesaver for more sophisticated users. It enables you to use your computer when away from home, host a tiny website, or set up a gaming server, for example.

As a result, ExpressVPN will assist you in accomplishing all of these goals, as well as others. This is because its router app enables port forwarding, allowing you to access your devices from anywhere. CyberGhost VPN, on the other hand, does not support this capability.

Final Result: ExpressVPN is the Winner!

Smart DNS or MediaStreamer

You’ll need the Smart DNS feature if you want to stream geo-restricted movies on a device that isn’t compatible with a VPN (such a smart TV or a gaming console). CyberGhost refers to it simply as My Smart DNS, whereas ExpressVPN labels it MediaStreamer.

Both VPN services include step-by-step instructions for setting up SmartDNS on a variety of devices, including routers, PlayStations, Xboxes, and Apple TVs.

Final Result: It’s a Tie!

Ad Blocker

Only CyberGhost users will have access to this function. It claims to block advertisements, dangerous websites, and internet tracking, among other things.

cyberghost-ad-blocker

However, our tests revealed that it was unable to block all advertisements on some of the URLs we visited. Even still, CyberGhost’s ad-blocker is preferable to doing nothing.

Final Result: CyberGhost is the Winner!

Special Servers

If you need a server for a certain task (such as torrenting), CyberGhost will instantly assist you in selecting the best one. This is due to the fact that it provides a list of dedicated servers for torrenting, streaming, and gaming. 

cyberghost-specialty-servers

It’s worth noting that torrenting servers display the estimated distance to the server, as well as the server’s user count and load.

In addition, for less than $1 a month, CyberGhost offers NoSPY servers. They give you additional bandwidth and privacy because they are located in a private data center in Romania.

Final Result: CyberGhost is the Winner!

Kill Switch

In many cases, a proper kill switch is the only thing that keeps your real IP address from being revealed. That’s because if your VPN connection is compromised, it disconnects you from the internet, effectively protecting your identity.

Both VPN services, thankfully, have one. ExpressVPN’s kill switch (called Network Lock) is extremely adjustable and compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux, and Android devices.

expressvpn-kill-switch

Meanwhile, CyberGhost’s kill switch is only available on its desktop clients and has no customizable options.

Final Result: ExpressVPN is the Winner!

CyberGhost vs ExpressVPN: Security Comparison

In terms of security, both ExpressVPN and CyberGhost are highly recommended. We do, however, require a winner.

Let’s check out, in ExpressVPN vs CyberGhost, which one offers more robust security features:

Encryption Protocols

When it comes to security, CyberGhost and ExpressVPN are both quite good. They use the ultra strong AES-256 encryption by default.

When using the Lightway protocol, ExpressVPN offers the ChaCha20/Poly1305 cipher in addition to AES-256.

ExpressVPN has a larger selection of tunneling protocols than CyberGhost. They are OpenVPN (UDP/TCP), IKEv2, and L2TP/IPsec.

expressvpn-tunneling-protocols

Despite the fact that CyberGhost offers fewer protocols to choose from, they are all the ones you’ll need: WireGuard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN (UDP/TCP).

Final Result: It’s a Tie!

RAM only Servers

ExpressVPN goes a step further in terms of privacy by offering its TrustedServer technology. In layman’s terms, this means that all VPN servers run on RAM, which is wiped clean every time they are powered on and off. To put it another way, there is no method to save user logs.

Final Result: ExpressVPN is the Winner!

Jurisdiction

In terms of jurisdiction, both VPNs appear to have picked a suitable spot. ExpressVPN is headquartered in the British Virgin Islands, which is a privacy-friendly jurisdiction, but CyberGhost is based in Romania, which is not a member of the 14-Eyes Alliance and has strong privacy rules.

Final Result: It’s a Tie!

Transparency

ExpressVPN is a well-known VPN provider that prioritizes security and privacy. Several independent security and privacy audits have been conducted, and the organization has continuously passed with flying colors.

One of the biggest accounting companies, PricewaterhouseCoopers, audited the company’s no-logs policy. According to the study, ExpressVPN’s setting complies with the company’s privacy policies.

CyberGhost has had its service subjected to independent audits in the past, but none have been undertaken recently. The company, on the other hand, publishes a transparency report every three months that contains police demands, virus warnings, and DMCA complaints.

Final Result: ExpressVPN is the Winner!

Logging

ExpressVPN’s logging policy is rather basic. According to the firm, no activity logs such as browsing history or DNS queries are collected. 

It does, however, gather some information about how the VPN is used in general, such as data on successful VPN connections. Fortunately, you have complete control over this and can opt-out at any time.

It’s also worth noting that PricewaterhouseCoopers independently audited ExpressVPN’s no-logs policy, demonstrating its authenticity.

CyberGhost is now a no-log VPN as well. It claims not to gather your connection logs or information about your internet activities. Unfortunately, CyberGhost has yet to be audited independently.

Final Result: ExpressVPN is the Winner!

Which one is better for Streaming?

ExpressVPN is one of the best VPNs for streaming since it gives you access to Netflix and a variety of other streaming services throughout the world 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

We’re streaming American Netflix through ExpressVPN’s New Jersey – 3 server in the screenshot below. If you need a VPN to access Netflix, ExpressVPN is now one of our top choices.

expressvpn-works-with-netflix

It allows you to access Netflix regions all over the world and also works with a variety of other streaming providers. This VPN can be used to access Disney Plus, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and other streaming services.

We discovered that CyberGhost did not operate well with streaming in our most recent set of tests for the evaluation. Apart from minor connectivity troubles, we discovered that Netflix was blocking CyberGhost, even when connected to the special Netflix VPN server in the United States.

Because CyberGhost was blocked, we discovered that it is not a good VPN for Amazon Prime. Furthermore, because of the sluggish connections, it is not the ideal VPN for Hulu. CyberGhost advertises itself as a good VPN for streaming, however we didn’t find this to be the case in our testing.

Final Result: ExpressVPN is the Winner!

Torrenting Comparison

Both services are excellent torrent VPNs, and the comparison is considerably closer in this case than it is in streaming.

With CyberGhost, P2P support isn’t available on every server, but it is available on a large number of them, and it isn’t a subject of trial and error. It offers clever filtering for the finest torrenting servers, just like it does for streaming. You can also make the client open automatically when you start your torrenting software.

While ExpressVPN has fewer servers overall, each one is specialized for torrents, eliminating the need for filtering. You can choose the one you want and begin downloading immediately.

Final Result: ExpressVPN is the Winner!

ExpressVPN vs CyberGhost Price Comparison

Plans ExpressVPN CyberGhost
Monthly $12.95 $12.99
Six-month $9.99/mo
1-year $8.32/mo $3.95/month
2-year $3.15/month
3-year $2.29/mo + 3 months

It appears that no matter which provider ExpressVPN competes with, it always loses in the pricing category. It’s hardly surprising, given that the lowest feasible price for an annual subscription has been $8.32/month for a long time.

CyberGhost, on the other hand, charges $3.95 per month for the same yearly package. If you contemplate a three-year commitment, it can even be as cheap as $2.29 each month.

Final Result: CyberGhost is the Winner!

Server Locations Overview

ExpressVPN boasts servers in more countries and locations than any other VPN service.

CyberGhost outnumbers ExpressVPN by around 3000 servers, with 7700+ servers. When it comes to server distribution, though, ExpressVPN is significantly superior. ExpressVPN servers are scattered across 160 locations in 94 countries, whereas CyberGhost only provides 91 nations.

When it comes to selecting a server, CyberGhost organizes its servers into distinct user profiles, and these profiles are labeled to make it simple to do a certain purpose, such as streaming Netflix US.

While ExpressVPN lacks task profiles, it is simpler to select a server, and you can even select a specific city. Because of the numerous places, you’ll be able to unlock additional material.

Final Result: It’s a Tie!

Platform Compatibility & Interface Comparison

CyberGhost ExpressVPN
OS supported Windows, Linux, Mac, iOS, and Android Windows, Linux, Mac, iOS, and Android
Other devices and operating systems Manual setup only Fire TV devices, routers, Android TV
Browser extensions Chrome and Firefox Chrome and Firefox
Simultaneous connections Seven Five

Despite the fact that both VPN services provide excellent services, we pick CyberGhost in this category. It has a simple, dark-themed design that makes it easy to explore. It can allow 7 simultaneous connections, however ExpressVPN can only support 5.

Desktop

When it came to design, CyberGhost chose a completely different approach. The colours and structure of its desktop apps make them look a lot more modern, intuitive, and appealing. Surprisingly, CyberGhost’s macOS version has a few additional features.

cyberghost-windows-app

Regrettably, CyberGhost’s Linux version may benefit from some additional development time. It’s challenging to set up and even more difficult to utilize.

The ExpressVPN applications for Windows and Mac are practically identical. Although the style is simple, there are numerous functions and setting choices. Despite the lack of a map, it is not difficult to locate the necessary area.

expressvpn-interface

ExpressVPN also offers a Linux client that works with the Lightway protocol. During our testing, we found no issues in the ExpressVPN applications.

Final Result: CyberGhost is the Winner!

Mobile

CyberGhost’s mobile apps are both excellent. They are less complicated than the desktop applications, but they work better, as we discovered no issues throughout our testing.

The key distinction is the tunneling protocols supported: the Android app supports OpenVPN and WireGuard, whereas the iOS app supports WireGuard and IKEv2.

If you’ve seen one ExpressVPN app, you’ve seen them all: with the exception of being slightly taller, the Android and iOS apps are identical to their desktop equivalents. However, take in mind that there are some practical differences: the iOS app lacks a few functions such as split tunneling and a kill switch.

Final Result: CyberGhost is the Winner!

Customer support

ExpressVPN’s support is superior because it is available 24/7.

Customer support is available from both CyberGhost and ExpressVPN via live chat, email, troubleshooting guides, ticketing system, and FAQs. Both feature comprehensive tutorials, however unlike ExpressVPN, CyberGhost’s live chat help is limited to specific hours.

You may connect with an ExpressVPN representative at any time, and their ticket system is also much faster.

Final Result: ExpressVPN is the Winner!

ExpressVPN vs. CyberGhost – which one takes the cake?

Both ExpressVPN and CyberGhost offer top-notch security and speed to their subscribers. However, in our perspective, ExpressVPN still comes out on top, albeit by a razor-thin margin.

If money isn’t an issue for you, ExpressVPN is a good option. It provides faster speeds, unblocks more streaming sites, and has a no-logs policy.

Furthermore, ExpressVPN has passed independent audits, giving it a significant advantage in the trust category — an area where CyberGhost falls short.

So, if you’re thinking which is better, ExpressVPN vs CyberGhost, then you know it’s the former.

FAQs

Is CyberGhost VPN safe?

Yes, CyberGhost is a safe VPN service offering powerful encryption protocols like WireGuard and OpenVPN.

Is Cyberghost Cheaper than ExpressVPN?

Yes, CyberGhost is cheaper than ExpressVPN, whether you subscribe for a monthly, six-month, or an annual plan. Moreover, CyberGhost is actually three times cheaper than ExpressVPN if you get its annual plan, costing $3.95/mo as compared to $8.32/mo.

To read more about ExpressVPN, check out our ExpressVPN Review.

Read more Comparisons!