CyberGhost and Surfshark are two of the cheapest virtual private networks available. However, they are quite opposite when it comes to connection speeds, streaming site access, and overall online traffic privacy.
So, in this VPN comparison, we’ll be comparing these two well-known VPNs for a wide range of users today. While CyberGhost has received a lot of positive feedback, our testing has revealed that Surfshark is one of the best VPN services available.
In this Surfshark vs CyberGhost comparison, we’re going to conduct rigorous testing on various factors and see who comes out on top.
CyberGhost VPN vs. Surfshark – Summed Up
Before we get into the specifics of each VPN’s test findings, let’s have a look at the features that both companies offer.
| CyberGhost | Surfshark |
| Offers 7700+ servers in 90+ countries | Offers 3200+ servers in 65 countries |
| Offers a dedicated torrenting mode | All servers are optimized for torrenting |
| Unblocks Netflix libraries easily | Unblocks Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, etc. easily |
| Seven multi-logins | Unlimited multi-logins |
| Offers a strict no-logging policy | Has a robust no-logging policy |
| 45-day money-back guarantee | 30-day money-back guarantee |
| Costs $2.29/month (3 years plan + 3 months free) | Costs $3.49/month (2 years plan) |
| For more details, check out our CyberGhost review. | For more details, check out our Surfshark review. |
CyberGhost vs Surfshark: Speed test comparison
We tested both Surfshark vs CyberGhost speeds to see which VPN is better at this metric. On our base connection of 100 Mbps and on the following formula: download speeds/upload speeds, here are the results that we got of both VPNs on a few of its popular servers:
| Servers | CyberGhost | Surfshark |
| USA | 73/52 Mbps | 83/65 Mbps |
| UK | 68/45 Mbps | 81/73 Mbps |
| Canada | 72/59 Mbps | 86/77 Mbps |
| Australia | 66/32 Mbps | 85/59 Mbps |
| Japan | 65/24 Mbps | 79/43 Mbps |
As you can see, Surfshark was faster than its rival in all countries.
Final Result: Surfshark is the Winner!
Which one has the best features, Surfshark or CyberGhost?
Both of these VPNs offer robust features. However, they do slightly differ when it comes to performance. Let’s check out their extensive category of features that they offer with each subscription:
Port Forwarding
Keeping security in mind, both CyberGhost and Surfshark do not offer port forwarding to users. This feature can allow people to snoop into users’ devices which can be dangerous in their opinion. Therefore, both the providers have refused to offer this feature.
Final Result: It’s a Tie!
Smart DNS
Both the providers come with a Smart DNS feature that allows users to have a VPN connection even on devices that are not compatible with virtual private networks.
They offer easy setup guides on their websites that make configuring this feature on Smart TVs, Nvidia Shield TV, Roku, and Kodi extremely easy.
Final Result: It’s a Tie!
Ad Blocker
Surfshark’s CleanWeb is an excellent ad blocker that improves your privacy and security. Additionally, it eliminates resources required by ads and trackers, which increases speed.
Although CyberGhost includes an ad-blocking option, we strongly advise against utilizing it. Instead of just blocking ads and malicious material, the CyberGhost “ad blocker” refuses to work on HTTPS websites, which make up the vast majority of the internet today.
Final Result: Surfshark is the Winner!
Obfuscated Servers
Surfshark has a Camouflage Mode that hides the fact that you’re using a VPN. However, CyberGhost lacks this feature.
Final Result: Surfshark is the Winner!
Kill Switch
If your VPN loses connectivity, both services provide an automatic kill switch that will “kill” your internet and avoid data breaches.
CyberGhost’s kill switch was previously permanently active, with no way to turn it off. Thankfully, the service provider has introduced the ability to turn the kill switch on or off as needed.
Final Result: It’s a Tie!
Surfshark vs CyberGhost VPN: Security Comparison
Without impenetrable security, you can’t have a secure VPN. Because there are more online risks than ever before, you must rely on your VPN to keep you safe. It must be capable of dealing with hackers, snooping agencies, and even your nosy ISP.
They’re all attempting to get their hands on your personal data, either to sell it or to monitor your online habits. Here’s how the security features of CyberGhost and Surfshark stacked up against each other.
Encryption Protocols
The supported VPN tunnels lists for CyberGhost and Surfshark are identical. They are as follows:
OpenVPN (TCP/UDP) is the most widely used open-source protocol. It works with any TCP or UDP port, making it ideal for getting over firewalls like the one in China. A UDP connection is faster, but it is also more easily blocked. TCP is more durable.
IKEv2 is a protocol that is well-known for its reliability. It has the ability to swap networks without losing the connection. It’s ideal for mobile users and those who frequently travel and must utilize unprotected public networks.
WireGuard: This protocol is the newest and quickest on the list. WireGuard’s codebase is significantly less bloated than OpenVPN, making it far easier to set up and troubleshoot.
Final Result: It’s a Tie!
Jurisdiction
Surfshark was previously headquartered in the British Virgin Islands, but in late 2021, it relocated to the Netherlands. The Netherlands is an excellent privacy jurisdiction because it is not part of the “5 Eyes” monitoring alliance.
CyberGhost is based in Romania, where it existed before being acquired by Kape Technologies. Kape, on the other hand, is a multinational corporation that trades on the London Stock Exchange.
Final Result: It’s a Tie!
Transparency
Surfshark has undergone two independent audits.
Cure53 penetration testers conducted the first audit in 2018 which concentrated on Surfshark’s Chrome and Firefox extensions. Fortunately, the testing was successful, and the extensions were considered to be quite safe.
The same audit firm conducted the second audit in 2021. This time, they concentrated on server infrastructure and security in general. Surfshark, like before, passed all of the tests with flying colors.
As for CyberGhost, the company has not been independently audited. However, it publishes quarterly transparency reports that provide details on DMCA complaints, malware activity flags, law enforcement demands, and crucial infrastructure facts.
Final Result: Surfshark is the Winner!
Logging
Surfshark has a strong reputation as a no-logs VPN provider. According to their Privacy Policy and Terms of Service, they do not log IP addresses or usage data that could be used to identify a user or their online activities.
They do offer the option of sending anonymous crash reports, and their mobile apps may have an advertising ID. Both of these features can be turned off in the settings.
CyberGhost advertises that it follows a strict no-logs policy. However, a review of their privacy policy reveals that they do indeed log connection data. To enforce their connection limits, many VPNs monitor relatively basic connection data.
CyberGhost takes it a step further by keeping track of the devices you use to connect to the VPN. This is visible on your account page.
Final Result: Surfshark is the Winner!
Which one is better for Streaming?
When it comes to streaming, though, Surfshark is better than CyberGhost. It unblocks geo-restricted content in a variety of locations, including the United States, Japan, and the United Kingdom, among others. You may also view BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and other streaming services with it.
CyberGhost has worked hard to unblock Netflix in the United States and other countries. This is due to the fact that Netflix’s servers are constantly changing. As a result, getting a hold of them will be tough for the streaming service.
While Netflix has been able to restrict a number of VPNs, they have not yet been able to do so with CyberGhost. Overall, CyberGhost is fairly fair when it comes to streaming Netflix or other streaming sites.
Final Result: Surfshark is the Winner!
P.S. ExpressVPN is also a very good option for streaming.
Torrenting Comparison
The most crucial criteria for torrenting are speed and security. Surfshark is one of the best VPNs for torrenting in our opinion. It is extremely quick and safe, and it supports torrenting (P2P downloads) on all servers.
On the other hand, some VPNs, such as CyberGhost and NordVPN, provide specialized P2P servers. However, CyberGhost may lag and the speeds might be slow when it comes to this activity.
Overall, as per our testing, CyberGhost is a poor choice for torrenting, owing to its weak speeds.
Final Result: Surfshark is the Winner!
Surfshark vs CyberGhost Price Comparison
| Plans | Surfshark | CyberGhost |
| Monthly | $12.95 | $12.99 |
| Six-month | ||
| 1-year | $3.99/mo | $3.95/month |
| 2-year | $2.30/month + 2 months | $3.15/month |
| 3-year | $2.29/mo + 3 months |
Both CyberGhost and Surfshark are pricey on their monthly plans, as you can see. Fortunately, both VPNs provide substantial discounts on longer plans.
So, a two-year subscription to Surfshark is quite cheap and comes with a shorter commitment than CyberGhost.
Final Result: Surfshark is the Winner!
Server Locations Overview
CyberGhost has over 7700 servers in over 90 countries. Surfshark, on the other hand, claims to have more than 3200 servers in 65 countries. We dug a little deeper to make sure the numbers were correct, and here’s what we discovered.
The assertions made by CyberGhost are true. They do have approximately 7700 servers located all over the world.
Surfshark lives up to the hype as well. We’ve established that it has over 3200 active servers all throughout the world. After careful consideration, the conclusion is clear. CyberGhost has nearly four times the amount of servers available as Surfshark.
Final Result: CyberGhost is the Winner!
Platform Compatibility & Interface Comparison
| App Interface and Usability | Surfshark | CyberGhost |
| Location selection | List form | List form |
| Multi-logins | Unlimited | Seven |
| Mobile-friendly apps | Yes | Yes |
| Other devices and operating systems | iOS, Windows, Android, Linux, and Mac | Manual setup only |
Both of these VPNs offer dedicated desktop and mobile apps. Let’s review their interface and user-friendliness in detail:
Desktop
The desktop app for CyberGhost has a large quick connect button and a list of servers that pops forth. These can be filtered according to your intended task, such as gaming, streaming, torrenting, or acquiring a static IP address.
The options menu is a touch more complicated, with privacy settings and smart rules available only through the main tab.
On desktop computers, Surfshark has a similar interface, with the rapid connect button taking center stage. It does, however, give a list of the three most recently used servers. Users may easily pick and sort across servers, and they can choose whether to see only Static IP or MultiHop servers.
The settings are once again difficult to browse due to several submenus with ambiguous labels.
Final Result: It’s a Tie!
Mobile
The mobile app for Surfshark places the sidebar to the bottom of the screen, but everything else is identical to the desktop version. You can select to use smaller packets and override your phone’s GPS location, which are both mobile-specific features.
On mobile devices, CyberGhost is essentially unchanged. It still gives you access to streaming-optimized servers and, rather than losing features, it adds them. There’s a built-in connection checker, for example, and the ability to select the maximum data packet size to send. Advertisements can still be blocked by users.
Final Result: It’s a Tie!
Customer support
Surfshark features a live chat support system that is available 24/7. We found its customer support staff to be quick and helpful throughout our entire testing process.
With no difficulties to report, Surfshark receives high scores for both reliability and support.
Thankfully, CyberGhost’s customer service meets expectations as well. When things go wrong, it offers live chat help 24/7. When we contacted them, their customer service team was quick to respond, responding to messages within 30 seconds every time.
While CyberGhost’s product isn’t as strong as Surfshark’s, their customer service department can compete with its rival.
Final Result: It’s a Tie!
Surfshark vs. CyberGhost – which is better?
In this CyberGhost vs Surfshark comparison, Surfshark comes out on top. In fact, it came out on top in almost every category we looked at.
Surfshark is also one of the greatest VPN services in the world and for a good reason. CyberGhost is still a good option, but it lacks the necessary tools to compete with the latest version of Surfshark.
If you wish to try out these VPNs for yourself, you can either subscribe to their cheap subscription plans or use their 30-day or 45-day refund policy to test them out.
FAQs
Is Surfshark VPN better than NordVPN?
Yes. Surfshark is a better and much more superior option than NordVPN, due to its powerful security features, reliable service, and cheap prices. However, both the VPNs are quite great and mentioned in our list of the best VPN services of 2022.
For comparing them to each other, check out our Surfshark vs. NordVPN comparison.
Is Surfshark Cheaper than Cyberghost?
Surfshark and CyberGhost have almost the same prices $2.30/mo and $2.29/mo respectively. However, Surfshark comes with a relatively smaller commitment than the latter along with 2 month free subscription, making it a better choice than CyberGhost.
To read more about both Surshark, check out Surfshark VPN Review.