Tuesday, May 20th
2025 VPN Service Provider Reviews
Cyber Ghost
- Pricing: Monthly $12.99, 6-month $6.99/month, 2 years + 4 months $2.03/month
- Supports OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard protocols
- Dedicated IP address included
- Automatic kill switch and DNS leak protection
- Content blocker for ads and tracking
- RAM-only servers for enhanced privacy
- Supports multiple operating systems and devices
- 24/7 customer support via email and live chat
- 45-day money-back guarantee on longer plans
CyberGhost is a VPN provider based in Romania, which means it doesn't fall under the jurisdictions of 5, 9, or 14 Eyes alliances. However, CyberGhost is owned by Kape Technologies, which used to sell malware concealed in their software that collected user data to be sold to third parties.
$12.99 a month is higher than average
CyberGhost VPN has a few pricing plans for you to choose from:
- Monthly: $12.99
- 6-month: $6.99/month (billed $41.94 every 6 months)
- 2 years + 4 months: $2.03/month (billed $56.94 for the first 2 years, then yearly)
Free trial, no credit card info needed
This VPN service provides a 14-45 day money-back guarantee, depending on the plan. Free trials are available without providing credit card info upfront, but make sure you read the fine print on how long they last, because it varies by device:
- Windows and macOS: 24 hours
- Android: 3 days
- iOS: 7 days
Payment with crypto accepted
All trials offer full access to features. A dedicated IP can be added for an extra $2.50 to $5/month. If you're in the US, you can pay with PayPal, major credit cards, BitPay, and more.
Conflicting information on website about maximum speeds
CyberGhost supports OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard protocols. CyberGhost's website can be a bit confusing when it comes to their advertised server speeds, though. In one section, they advertise an upgrade to high-speed 10 Gbps connections, which would be ideal for smooth streaming, gaming, and downloading. But in another section, they mention a maximum speed of only 1 Gbps, which is much slower and would impact performance if a lot of people were sharing the server. That said, plenty of customer reviews mention fast speeds and no issues with uploading, downloading, or streaming.
Dedicated IP included
Among the features CyberGhost offers, you'll find the typical ones like customizable VPN protocols, an automatic kill switch, DNS leak protection, wifi protection on unsecured public networks, and VPN split tunneling. In addition, you'll get a dedicated IP address that no one else uses but you, which makes your online activity look less suspicious and can keep you from being blacklisted by streaming services, banking sites, and email providers - though be aware it won't grant you the anonymity that a shared IP address does. Your subscription will also include a content blocker, which hides annoying ads and prevents websites from tracking your online activities. CyberGhost uses RAM-only servers, which means all data is wiped when the physical server is restarted.
Test speed for different activities before committing
CyberGhost has a convenient speed test feature on their website so you can see if it'll work for your purposes before you buy. For example, if you're looking for a VPN so you can watch German Netflix, you can select a server from their dropdown menu, click "Get Results," and view the ping, server load, and distance for that specific activity. (Lower ping times and shorter distances generally result in faster connections, while lower server loads typically mean better performance.)
Loopholes in the privacy policy
CyberGhost occasionally completes third-party audits, but not on any regular schedule as far as we could tell. The privacy policy states that they don't keep logs of your browsing history and traffic, but they do retain personal data like your name, email address... your IP address (huh?) ...approximate location (now that's just creepy) - and they may communicate these details with their parent company, Kape Technologies, and any of its subsidiaries. That makes CyberGhost's Romanian jurisdiction somewhat useless, as Kape is a UK-based company.
Supports most operating systems
CyberGhost supports many different operating systems, so you're likely to find a version that works for your devices. You can use CyberGhost on Windows, Mac, and Linux computers, as well as iOS and Android mobile devices. They also offer apps for smart TVs, gaming consoles, routers, and even Raspberry Pi. Some Linux users have had problems, though, reporting that the app doesn't have a user-friendly interface and is missing some important features like a kill switch. It also doesn't start automatically when you reboot your computer.
Mobile and desktop are glitchy
According to our research, CyberGhost's apps look nice, but can be pretty buggy - some users report the MacOS app taking 1-2 minutes to launch and connect, the Windows app blocking websites unless you disable the kill switch, and the Android app needing to be uninstalled and reinstalled.
Support agents always available, but not always helpful
If you need help from CyberGhost VPN's customer support, you can reach them 24/7 via email or live chat. That said, there seems to be a high rate of unresolved issues. Customers reported receiving repetitive troubleshooting suggestions, leading them to suspect that support representatives were following scripted responses rather than reviewing their ticket history.
Annoying pop-up ads for subscribers
CyberGhost VPN has a 4.2-star average on Trustpilot from over 22,000 reviews. Some who like this VPN service say they appreciate its reliability, user-friendly interface, and minimal disconnections over years of use. However, others have reported frustrating technical issues like frequent logouts and authentication problems, an increase in pop-up ads even for paid subscribers, and a difficult cancellation process (sometimes resulting in needing to cancel a credit card altogether).
Can't recommend
Between the questionable past of CyberGhost's new ownership, the privacy policy loopholes (why do they need all that info on you?), and reports of apps being buggy, there are just too many iffy things about CyberGhost to fully recommend them. It seems a lot like you'd be trading being spied on by the wider internet for being spied on by CyberGhost and their buyers. We'd advise you to check out a VPN provider closer to the top of our list first.
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The 11 Best VPN Service Providers
What is the Best VPN Service?
When you browse the internet, your personal information can be at risk. Whether you're checking your bank account from a café, streaming content from abroad, or simply browsing from home, using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can protect your privacy. A VPN encrypts your data and routes it through secure servers, making it harder for hackers, governments, or companies to track your online activity.
VPNs are especially useful for frequent travelers, remote workers, or anyone concerned about security when using public Wi-Fi. They can also help bypass geographical restrictions, so you can access websites or content not available in your region. But not all VPNs are created equal.
VPN Service Provider FAQ
Continued from above...
Some offer blazing-fast speeds, while others might slow your connection. Some provide extra security features, like multi-hop encryption or malware protection, while others focus on ease of use and broad device compatibility. Free VPNs exist, but they often come with limitations like data caps, slower speeds, or even questionable privacy practices. (Ironic, no?)
Another important aspect to consider when choosing a VPN is the availability of advanced features like split tunneling and kill switches. Split tunneling lets you decide which apps or websites use the VPN connection and which ones connect directly to the internet. This feature is helpful if you want to protect sensitive activities, like online banking, while still using your regular internet speed for things like streaming or gaming. A kill switch, on the other hand, is a safety feature that automatically disconnects you from the internet if your VPN connection drops. This prevents your data from being exposed during those brief moments when you're not protected, ensuring that your privacy remains intact at all times.
You should carefully consider the country where the company operates. This is important because of international surveillance alliances like the Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, and Fourteen Eyes. These alliances are agreements between countries to share intelligence information, which could potentially include data collected by VPNs. If you're using a VPN based in a country within these alliances, your data might be at risk due to laws requiring VPN providers to collect and share user information. For maximum privacy, you might want to choose a VPN provider based outside of these alliances, in countries with strong privacy laws. By doing so, you can reduce the risk of your data being shared or accessed by government agencies, even if requested.
Here are a few things to think about when choosing a VPN provider:
- Speed. If you stream movies, download large files, or play online games, speed should be a priority. Some VPNs slow your connection significantly, while others offer minimal disruption. Look for services that are known for high performance in your region.
- Security and privacy. Not all VPNs offer the same level of protection. Check if the VPN uses military-grade encryption (AES-256) and has a no-logs policy to prevent your data from being stored or shared. Features like kill switches (which disconnects your device from the internet if the VPN connection drops) and DNS leak protection add extra layers of security.
- Device compatibility. If you need a VPN for more devices than just your computer (like your phone, tablet, or even a smart TV) it's a good idea to go with a VPN that supports all your devices. Some services allow multiple simultaneous connections, while others limit you to one or two.
- Server locations. A VPN with more server locations allows you to access content from different countries. If you need a specific location, like for streaming services or online shopping, verify that the VPN provider has servers there.
- Ease of use. Some VPNs come with complex setups, while others offer user-friendly apps that require just a tap to protect your connection. Choose a provider that matches your comfort level with technology.
- Customer reviews. Feedback from real users can give you insight into a VPN's reliability and performance. Look for patterns in reviews, like frequent mentions of connection drops, poor customer support, or ease of use, to make a more informed decision.
Top Consumer Reviews has evaluated and ranked the leading VPN providers available. We hope this review helps you find the best protection for your needs.
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