Have a hard time choosing a VPN provider? Here is my CyberGhost vs NordVPN service providers comparison guide to make it easier. Here, you will better understand the pros and cons of each service since you can compare them side to side.
CyberGhost and NordVPN are two of the most popular VPN service providers available. Both have all the goods in providing online security to a great extent.
They offer solid double encryption to circumvent heavy censorship, allowing you to binge-watch your favorite shows on streaming services like Netflix and do so much more. If you love shopping online, using one of these VPNs can make your payment credentials safe against hacking and phishing.
But since no VPNs are created equally, one of these two must be better than the other. Of the two VPN service providers, CyberGhost is more user-friendly and has all the online-protection features you need. However, NordVPN also has irresistible attributes that are also helpful.
In a snapshot, here is what CyberGhost vs. NordVPN looks like:
| CyberGhost | NordVPN | |
| Main Features | No-Logs Anti-censorship/Cyberthreat Protection Fast Speed With 7,900+ servers worldwide Connect up to 7 devices Public WiFi Security Unique Proxy Solution for Chrome and Firefox browser Split tunneling Onion Over VPN Automatic notification for a possible cyber breach | No-logs Anti-censorship/Cyberthreat Protection High speeds With 5,400+ servers worldwide Connect up to 6 devices Public WiFi Security Unique Proxy Solution for Chrome and Firefox browser extension Split tunneling Onion Over VPN Automatic notification for a possible cyber breach |
| Security and Privacy | Secured servers 4 VPN Protocols (OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard, L2TP/IPsec) AES 256-bit encryption Kill Switch Multiple-factor authentication – Dedicated IP VPN | Secured servers 3 VPN Protocols (IKEv2/IPsec)/OpenVPN,NordLyx) AES 256-bit encryption Kill Switch Multiple-Factor authentication Dedicated IP VPN |
| Pricing Plans | Monthly Plan: $12.99/mo 1 Year: $4.29/mo 2 Years: $3.25/mo Promo: 3Yrs. + 3 mo.: $2.29/mo. | Monthly Plan: $11.99/mo 1 Year: $4.99/mo 2 Years: $3.29/mo Promo: 2 Years: $78.96 for the first 2 years. Then, $99.48/year |
| Customer Support | CyberGhost users support via chat and email services. No support over phone calls. | NordVPN users support via chat and email services. No support over phone calls. |
| Extras | Free trial: Yes 14-day money-back guarantee | Free trial: Yes 30-day money-back guarantee |
| Website | www.cyberghost.com | www.nordvpn.com |
As you can see, there is only a slight difference in terms of advanced features and customer support. Both VPNs have the essential features to secure your online activities. Both products can hide essential info to prevent unauthorized access from those who lurk on the dark web.
Therefore, your primary consideration will be data security and privacy. In this department, CyberGhost’s main features have a slight edge over NordVPN since it provides more VPN protocol options.
As to pricing, CyberGhost VPNs provide a better deal, especially if you will sign up for its promo package for only $2.29 per month. However, the free trial option good for 30 days being offered by NordVPN is very enticing. With an extended trial period, you will have more time to try the product before buying it.
Main Features
| CyberGhost | NordVPN | |
| Main Features | . No Logs · Anti-censorship/Cyberthreat Protection · Fast Speed/Unlimited bandwidth · With 7,900+ servers worldwide · Connect up to 7 devices · Public WiFi Security · Unique Proxy Solution for Chrome and Firefox browser extension · Split tunneling · Onion Over VPN · Automatic notification for a possible cyber breach | . No Logs · Anti-censorship/ Cyberthreat Protection · Fast speed/ Unlimited bandwidth · With 5,400+ servers worldwide · Connect up to 6 devices · Public WiFi Security · Unique Proxy Solution for Chrome and Firefox extension · Split tunneling · Onion Over VPN · Automatic notification for a possible cyber breach |
At this point, I want to show you the main features of these two VPNs.
CyberGhost VPN
Here is a quick run-down of the features and benefits of this VPN service:
No-logs
Logs are data snippets that you create daily. They paint a picture of who you are based on what you do online and create your digital identity.
CyberGhost’s No-Log Policy means that any imprint you leave behind will not be stored and shared. Even your ISP and the government will not access your information.
Anti-censorship/ Cyberthreat Protection
Censorship can be brutal, but here are a couple of ways to look for it.
You might notice your regular favorite torrent sites being blocked in different countries. Or, your social media feed relevant to politics doesn’t show up anywhere near elections.
Censorship is not 100% bad, but it robs you of your freedom to use the internet and enjoy the freedom of speech in many ways. As long as you’re not going to use the internet to commit crimes, you should have easy access to all https websites.
CyberGhost VPN will allow you to block restrictions coming from any source. You can use this feature in unblocking Netflix and other streaming services, accessing politically sensitive content, social media, traffic manipulation, ad blocker, BBC iPlayer, and https sites.
Devices Connected
Connect seven devices: phones, laptops, desktop apps, tablets, and other gadgets. CyberGhost is compatible with Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV & Fire Stick, Android TV, Linux, and some routers.
Public WiFi Security
To ensure that you never let your private information gets exposed in a public network, CyberGhost VPN establishes a permanent secure tunnel. This tunnel serves as a path to the internet every time you connect to a public WiFi.
Through this, any person using the same WiFI network will not penetrate through your connection. It’s like you’re using the public WiFi but without any trace.
Proxy Solution for Chrome and Firefox
Use the CyberGhost plugin to encrypt popular browsers to ensure that no online snooper can see where you go. The plugin is free to use anywhere, including countries where Internet browsing is restricted or censored.
Split Tunnelling
The split tunneling feature helps access local network devices, like your router. It allows you to encrypt only specific info while the other information flows along faster. This essentially grants you increased online privacy without compromising the speed.
Onion Over VPN (Tor Network)
Tor over VPN servers encrypts your data to enjoy a free and safe internet experience and browse the web without traceable footprints. You can easily set up the Onion using CyberGhost VPN.
Automatic Notification
The CyberGhost VPN will automatically notify you whenever suspicious activity is traced to your account or network. This way, you can immediately prevent anyone from hacking your computer or mobile phone.
For more features you can check the detailed CyberGhost Review.
NordVPN
To avoid repetition, NordVPN has the same features as CyberGhost mentioned above.
The differences are in the following aspects:
Speed and Server Locations
NordVPN’s speed is 10-30 % (or more, depending on which country you are in) slower than a connection without a VPN. Its average download speed is 369 Mbps. Meanwhile, CyberGhost’s average speed clocks in at 548 Mbps.
The difference in their best speeds can be attributed to the number of servers of the two providers. While NordVPN has 5,400 servers, CyberGhost has more than 7,900 servers worldwide. More servers also mean broader coverage, lesser restrictions in major Netflix regions, more bandwidth, more features and apps working, and fewer ads.
Devices Connected
NordVPN allows six simultaneous connections, compared with seven from CyberGhost. NordVPN apps are also compatible with Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV & Fire Stick, Android TV, Linux, and some routers (depending on users’ location). You can also check the NordVPN review for more details.
You can also look at NordVPN alternatives here.
THE WINNER IS: CYBERGHOST
Security & Privacy
| CYBERGHOST | NordVPN | |
| Security and Privacy | · Secured servers · 4 VPN Protocols (OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard, L2TP/IPsec) · AES 256-bit encryption · Kill Switch · Multi-factor authentication · Dedicated IP VPN | · Secured servers · 3 VPN Protocols (IKEv2/IPsec)/OpenVPN, NordLyx) · AES 256-bit encryption · Kill Switch · Multi-Factor authentication · Dedicated IP VPN |
CyberGhost VPN
Secured Servers
CyberGhost’s NoSpy feature protects your connection against mass surveillance and third-party meddling. Its servers are located in Romania, far from the sight of the Five Eyes countries.
Domestic laws don’t impose data gathering or mass surveillance, so you are assured that your information will not be compromised. Obfuscated servers guarantee that no one is spying on your online activities while the VPN services are on.
VPN Protocols
CyberGhost has four VPN Protocols- OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard, and L2TP/IPsec. I don’t like to get into the nitty-gritty of each protocol since most VPNs are also using them.
But what I like to highlight is WireGuard, a unique protocol to CyberGhost. Thanks to its sophisticated cryptography, WireGuard works better than OpenVPN and IKEv2 in terms of ease of use and speed.
What sets it apart from NordVPN is its use of cryptographic key routing, not AES-256 encryption, which most brands commonly use. Cryptographic key routing makes it easier to detect if malicious activity is trying to enter your connection.
However, let me emphasize that WireGuard is still in its experimental stage. There may be vulnerabilities that this technology will manifest in the future.
AES 256-bit Encryption
If you love a scene in detective movies where the protagonist deciphers a code, you will find the AES 256-bit Encryption topic interesting.
Technically, a 256-bit AES encryption is the process of hiding plain data in an ocean of algorithms. In other words, the data in the form of text or numbers are concealed in a mathematically complex universe. This process makes it impossible for anyone to decipher the code and steal your info.
Kill Switch
Kill Switch automatically cuts off your internet connection when the VPN drops, protecting your data and location from being exposed to hackers.
If a connection error occurs (e. g. if the WiFi connection goes down for more than 30 seconds), any connections are blocked. This error message dialog will not go away until you tik the “OK” button.
Multiple-factor Authentication
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a different process of synchronizing your information. One common of doing this is by using your mobile phone to accept one-time passwords (OTPs) after entering your VPN account password on the main platform.
MFA adds a new layer of security – significantly reducing the chances of your account being hacked or misused by someone else.
Dedicated IP VPN
When you get a Dedicated IP, your VPN providers know precisely what your IP address is. However, CyberGhost VPN takes more steps to guarantee your privacy.
To get your Dedicated IP VPN, you will need to buy the add-on (extra cost of $5/month). Then, you need to sign in to My Account on the CyberGhost website to get your token. All you have to do is validate it in your CyberGhost VPN app.
NordVPN
NordVPN has all the security features offered by CyberGhost. The only difference lies in the VPN protocols used.
CyberGhost offers four types of protocols, while NordVPN only has three (IKEv2/IPsec, OpenVPN, NordLynx). NordLynx is just another name for a technology built around WireGuard, which is also available in CyberGhost.
NordVPN also offers Dedicated IP but for an extra $79 a year, or almost $7 a month. This is more expensive than CyberGhost’s $5 charge.
THE WINNER: CYBERGHOST
Pricing & Plans
| CyberGhost | NordVPN | |
| Price | Monthly Plan: $12.99/mo 1 Year: $4.29/mo 2 Years: $3.25/mo Promo: 3Yrs. + 3 mo.: $2.29/mo. | Monthly Plan: $11.99/mo 1 Year: $4.99/mo 2 Years: $3.29/mo Promo: 2 Years: $78.96 for the first 2 years. Then, $99.48/year |
The table shows that:
For a monthly Plan, NordVPN is cheaper than CyberGhost VPN by $1/month.
For 1-year Plan, CyberGhost is cheaper than NordVPN by $0.70/month.
For 2-year Plan, CyberGhost is cheaper than NordVPN by $0.04/month.
For a promotional Plan, CyberGhost is cheaper than NordVPN by $1/month.
The WINNER: CYBERGHOST
Customer Support
| CyberGhost | NordVPN | |
| Customer Support | Support via chat and email. No support over phone calls. | Support via chat and email. No support over phone calls. |
CyberGhost VPN
CyberGhost has an internal knowledge base where users can search for technical and account issues and solutions.
If you need further assistance, they have a chatbot available 24/7. For sales and public relations concerns, you can reach them by email.
NordVPN
NordVPN has a Help Center where you can learn answers to basic questions related to your account, VPN connection, and FAQs.
If you need further assistance, NordVPN has a chatbot available 24/7. For business and affiliate concerns, you can reach them by email.
NordVPNs Help Center is more organized than CyberGhost’s knowledge base. It’s also more user-friendly since the topics are arranged so that even non-techies can easily follow.
THE WINNER: NORDVPN
Extras
| CYBERGHOST | NORDVPN | |
| Extras | Free trial: Yes 14-day money-back guarantee for a monthly subscription 45-day money-back guarantee for a longer subscription | Free trial: Yes 30-day money-back guarantee |
CyberGhost
CyberGhost claims that it offers a free trial for new users who want to try the service first for a few days with no financial obligation attached.
For a monthly subscription plan, the user can try the service for the first 14-days. He is free to cancel the Plan during that time before it expires.
The subscriber can use the VPN services free for the first 45 days for the annual Plan. When he opts to cancel his subscription before the 45 days expires, he will not be charged.
NordVPN
NordVPN offers a 30-day return policy for all their subscription packages. NordVPN’s policy is better since the user will have ample time to experience the service for a long time regardless of the package he signed up for.
THE WINNER: NORDVPN
Quick Comparison
Just to recap, the clear winner of the CyberGhost vs. NordVPN match for each category are:
| CATEGORY | CYBERGHOST | NORDVPN |
| Main Features | WINNER | RUNNER-UP |
| Security and Privacy | WINNER | RUNNER-UP |
| Price | WINNER | RUNNER-UP |
| Customer Support | RUNNER-UP | WINNER |
| Extras | RUNNER-UP | WINNER |
Both NordVPN and CyberGhost almost have the same basic features which provide online security. Anti-censorship benefits are great, especially for those whose work involves accessing geo-restricted sites.
However, CyberGhost is better in that category since it offers impressive security features without slowing the speed.
Since it has 2,000 more server locations than its rival, the VPN traffic travels significantly faster going to the end-user. More servers could also translate to better coverage in most parts of the world.
I’ll give CyberGhost a slight edge because it has more VPN protocol options in terms of security and protection.
It has the regular https encryption plus L2TP/IPSec protocol which is not the most high-performing technology but can still provide decent protection. L2TP/IPSec is a good backup if you shop online using mobile apps when all other protocols fail.
As to pricing, NordVPN is cheaper if you’re going to subscribe to the monthly plan. But for other subscription packages, CyberGhost takes the lead.
For a free trial and customer support, I will pick NordVPN. The 30-day money-back guarantee benefits the new user to have a complete “feel” of the service. It will also give him enough time to get acquainted with the nitty-gritty of using the app.
There you go… the NordVPN and CyberGhost comparison. They say the only solution to know which one is better is to try it yourself. Sign-up for a free trial for both NordVPN and CyberGhost before deciding which one to pick.
How We Review VPNs: Our Methodology
In our mission to find and recommend the best VPN services, we follow a detailed and rigorous review process. Here’s what we focus on to ensure we provide the most reliable and relevant insights:
- Features and Unique Qualities: We explore each VPN’s features, asking: What does the provider offer? What sets it apart from others, such as proprietary encryption protocols or ad and malware blocking?
- Unblocking and Global Reach: We assess the VPN’s ability to unblock sites and streaming services and explore its global presence by asking: How many countries does the provider operate in? How many servers does it have?
- Platform Support and User Experience: We examine the supported platforms and the ease of the sign-up and setup process. Questions include: What platforms does the VPN support? How straightforward is the user experience from start to finish?
- Performance Metrics: Speed is key for streaming and torrenting. We check the connection, upload, and download speeds and encourage users to verify these on our VPN speed test page.
- Security and Privacy: We delve into the technical security and privacy policy of each VPN. Questions include: What encryption protocols are used, and how secure are they? Can you trust the provider’s privacy policy?
- Customer Support Evaluation: Understanding the quality of customer service is crucial. We ask: How responsive and knowledgeable is the customer support team? Do they genuinely assist, or just push sales?
- Pricing, Trials, and Value for Money: We consider the cost, available payment options, free plans/trials, and money-back guarantees. We ask: Is the VPN worth its price compared to what’s available in the market?
- Additional Considerations: We also look at self-service options for users, such as knowledge bases and setup guides, and the ease of cancellation.
Learn more about our review methodology.
