Cyberghost VPN vs IPVanish: which VPN is better?
Our in-house cybersecurity experts and journalists, renowned for major reports like The Mother of All Breaches, conduct transparent, unbiased VPN testing and in-depth analysis.
With 750+ articles crafted based on real-world research, we empower readers to make informed purchasing decisions through first-hand expertise.
Learn more
CyberGhost and IPVanish are two well-known VPN providers that offer solid services. Since both providers offer strong security suites, it can be tricky to decide which is the better option.
To help you with your decision, I tested both VPNs over several weeks in real-world scenarios. This allowed me to see how the two VPNs stack up against each other.
Based on performance, speed, features, and price, I picked the winner. Keep reading to find out which provider is better in this CyberGhost vs IPVanish comparison.
CyberGhost vs IPVanish
After a fierce battle, IPVanish wins against CyberGhost. Based on the latest tests, IPVanish is the better solution and ranks among the best VPNs. It offers more security features, easier-to-use apps, and better support for torrenting than CyberGhost. IPVanish also includes more flexible pricing plans. Read along and use the IPVanish coupon below for more savings.
| IPVanish | CyberGhost VPN | |
| ⭐ Rating: | ||
| 🥇 Overall rank: | #8 out of #41 | #5 out of #41 |
| 🖥️ Servers: | 3,400+ servers in 112 countries | 9,800+ servers in 100 countries |
| 📖 No logs policy: | No logs | Independently-audited |
| 💵 Price: | From $2.19/month | From $1.59/month |
| 🔥 Coupons: | IPVanish coupon 83% OFF | CyberGhost VPN coupon 88% OFF |
| 🔒 VPN protocols: | OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2, IPSec | WireGuard, IKEv2, OpenVPN (TCP/UDP) |
| 🍿 Streaming services: | Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, Disney+, Hulu, and more | Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+ |
| 🖥️ Platforms: | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| 📥 Simultaneous connections: | Unlimited | 7 |
| 💁🏻 Support: | Knowledge base, FAQs, email, 24/7 live chat | 24/7 live chat, Knowledge base, FAQs |
We spare no effort to test the products & their features. All information is gathered by our in-house research team & fact-checked by our team of experts. Discover the ins and outs of our testing procedures.
Recent Updates
Key differences between CyberGhost and IPVanish
In this CyberGhost vs IPVanish comparison, IPVanish demonstrated great streaming capabilities, better speeds, and more features. CyberGhost, on the other hand, offers great server coverage and is more affordable.
Choose IPVanish if:
- You prefer a feature-rich VPN. IPVanish offers a variety of great features, such as split tunneling, traffic obfuscation, SOCKS5 support, encrypted storage, and a safe browser extension.
- You value fast speeds. During our in-house tests, IPVanish demonstrated great speeds and surpassed CyberGhost.
- You want a smooth streaming experience. Thanks to its solid server fleet and fast speeds, IPVanish offers a lag-free streaming experience.
Choose CyberGhost if:
- You’re on a budget. CyberGhost offers affordable pricing starting at $2.03/month and includes a 45-day money-back guarantee for risk-free testing.
- You want specialized servers. Unlike IPVanish, CyberGhost offers specialized servers for streaming, torrenting, and gaming, as well as NoSpy servers for extra security.
- You appreciate privacy-oriented features. CyberGhost doesn’t have an extensive feature list, yet it offers quite a few privacy-oriented ones: NoSpy servers, smart rules, dedicated IP, and ad and tracker blocker.
Speed, performance, and streaming
Below, I compare Cyberghost and IPVanish based on their speed, performance, and streaming capabilities.
Speed comparison: Cyberghost vs IPVanish
In this section, you can go through a thorough speed comparison of CyberGhost vs IPVanish. We measured the speed of WireGuard protocol across 4 countries: the US, the UK, Australia, and Japan.
- Baseline: 940Mbps download and 940Mbps upload speed
| Country | IPVanish (WireGuard) | CyberGhost (WireGuard) |
| Local | 59Mbps/226Mbps | 741Mbps/291Mbps |
| The US | 801Mbps/164Mbps | 593Mbps/166Mbps |
| The UK | 846Mbps/482Mbps | 856Mbps/491Mbps |
| Australia | 726Mbps/91Mbps | 601Mbps/78Mbps |
| Japan | 654Mbps/76Mbps | 476Mbps/77Mbps |
IPVanish is an undeniable winner in this battle for a faster VPN title. This provider showed higher upload speeds in 3 out of 4 tested countries. However, CyberGhost’s upload speeds were either nearly the same or faster compared to IPVanish across all tested locations.
Netflix and streaming performance
| Platform | IPVanish | CyberGhost |
| Netflix | ✅Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Amazon Prime Video | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Hulu | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| HBO Max | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Disney+ | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| BBC iPlayer | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
CyberGhost and IPVanish unblock various geo-restricted streaming provider libraries faultlessly, but CyberGhost struggles with Netflix.
CyberGhost VPN has dedicated servers for streaming sites, and it’s supposed to be easy to unblock any streaming media with this VPN. However, a specialized server for unblocking Netflix had a problem opening the US library. Netflix search and the library were also loading very slowly.
In comparison, IPVanish demonstrated a flawless connection while connecting to Netflix US. There was no buffering, lagging, or freezing while streaming the show or exploring the Netflix library.
Although both providers stream shows excellently, IPVanish unblocks fewer streaming services than CyberGhost VPN. For example, with CyberGhost, you can easily access Netflix, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer. Meanwhile, IPVanish supports 4 streaming services: Netflix, HBO Max, YouTube, and BBC iPlayer.
IPVanish is a better option for streaming Netflix, but if you wish to access more streaming services, you should go with CyberGhost VPN.
Torrenting
If you’re looking for a VPN for torrenting, CyberGhost and IPVanish can surprise you with some torrenting-tailored features. However, some features might not work as well as they claim.
For example, CyberGhost offers dedicated servers for P2P file sharing. But recent tests have shown that it is relatively slow even while using a torrenting server.
The opponent – IPVanish – is a safe and decent option for torrenting. Unlike CyberGhost, IPVanish doesn’t offer specialized servers for torrenting. But it isn’t such big of a problem because when it connected to all of the peers, the download speed was 7-8 MB/s, meanwhile, CyberGhost’s speed was 6.5 MB/s on the US server.
In addition, the IPVanish subscription includes a free SOCKS5 Proxy, which is a significant consideration for those who look for a bundle of fast speeds, security, and anonymity.
Plans and pricing
Both providers offer flexible pricing plans. You have a good deal of options to pick the best VPN plan for an affordable price (with a substantial discount). Of course, for a longer plan, you'll pay less. So, let’s break down pricing and plans to pick a winner for this round.
| Plan | IPVanish | CyberGhost |
| 1-month | $12.99 | - |
| 6-month | – | $6.99 |
| 1-year | $3.33 | – |
| 2-year | $2.19 | $1.59 |
You may consider a monthly subscription if you’re not a fan of long-term commitments. For 1 month, IPVanish costs $12.99, while CyberGhost doesn't offer such a subscription option at all. Although one-month subscriptions don’t require long-term commitment, longer plans can save you a significant buck.
Yearly offers are where your wallet can respire because they’re notably cheaper. For only $3.33/month you get a 1-year IPVanish subscription. Unfortunately, CyberGhost offers a 6-month plan instead of a yearly one, costing $6.99. So, you'll pay way less for IPVanish yearly subscription.
However, CyberGhost retaliates by offering a cost-effective 2-year plan, which starts at $1.59/month. IPVanish is slightly more expensive – $2.19/month when picking a 2-year plan.
CyberGhost falls to the opponent – it only offers 7 simultaneous connections. By contrast, you can use IPVanish on unlimited simultaneous connections, which means absolute safety for you and your family on all devices. Additionally, CyberGhost offers a 45-day money-back guarantee, and IPVanish provides a standard 30-day money-back guarantee.
We mentioned a substantial discount, so here it is! Redeem a special deal for your preferred VPN by visiting our pages for CyberGhost coupons and IPVanish coupons.
Server locations
| IPVanish | CyberGhost | |
| Servers | 3,400+ servers | Undisclosed number of servers |
| Countries | 112 | 100 |
| Virtual locations | No | Yes |
| Specialty servers | No | Yes |
Server count might not be the most essential security feature. Still, it will help you avoid traffic congestion and have a consistent Internet speed if the server is not overcrowded.
CyberGhost VPN doesn’t disclose its server count but its coverage extends across 100 countries. Some of this VPN’s servers are virtual. It means they aren’t located in a country physically but running virtually, and, for example, is the case with Egypt, Portugal, Argentina, and Indonesia.
IPVanish comes with 3,400+ servers in 112 countries – a more modest offering than CyberGhost’s servers fleet. IPVanish offers far fewer servers than CyberGhost and doesn’t use virtual ones. They’re all owned by a company, therefore, come with security benefits.
Cyberghost vs IPVanish features
It’s no secret that if you choose IPVanish or CyberGhost as your VPN provider, you’ll get a bundle of notable features to empower privacy and anonymity online. Both providers have a great variety of features, but IPVanish offers a more extensive suite. So, let’s look at their features.
SugarSync
If you’re deciding whether IPVanish is the right option, then let us introduce you to SugarSync. It is a cloud backup service that provides storage, sharing, syncing, and backup. That’s very similar storage to Dropbox or Google Drive.
Cherry on top? IPVanish users can store up to 500 GB of files in SugarSync, and the uncrackable AES-256 cipher encrypts the storage for a small fee. It’s a noteworthy fact because this modern and unbreakable encryption will shield your storage to the same standard as your IPVanish VPN.
This feature earns IPVanish an extra point, as CyberGhost VPN doesn’t offer similar functionality.
SOCKS5 Proxy
While picking the right VPN provider, the SOCKS5 proxy tips the scale to IPVanish’s side. SOCKS5 proxy is an intermediary server that removes your IP address and is a free addition that comes with every IPVanish subscription. SOCKS5 proxy can increase your download speeds, and many users use it for torrenting.
It’s worth mentioning that the SOCKS5 proxy doesn’t encrypt your data – it only hides your IP address. However, it’s a relatively helpful add-on that minimizes the risk of your IP address becoming accessible to someone with pesky intentions.
So, if you are looking for a torrenting VPN, then the SOCKS5 proxy on IPVanish is a great catch.
Traffic obfuscation
Traffic obfuscation hides the fact that you’re using a VPN. It’s useful if you want to access a heavily restricted country or avoid bandwidth throttling.
Unfortunately, CyberGhost doesn’t offer such a function, but you can easily use it on IPVanish. It works very simply: in IPVanish settings, you can tick a box and enable XOR cipher. This process modifies already encrypted traffic and puts an extra layer of cipher that conceals any evidence of your VPN usage.
Split tunneling
IPVanish offers split tunneling on Android, which isn’t very flexible. Meanwhile, CyberGhost doesn’t offer split tunneling as a separate feature, but you can single out websites using Smart Rules, which is available on macOS and Windows. Also, you can access a split tunneling feature on the Android app.
Imagine – you’re in the US, enjoying some Spanish movie you accessed through your VPN. Suddenly, you get hungry and want to order pizza. This is where split tunneling steps in: it divides your Internet traffic, and you choose which app goes through an encrypted tunnel.
This way, you can enjoy foreign content, but order your favorite local pizza, instead getting suggestions for Spanish takeouts.
CyberGhost vs IPVanish: which is more secure?
| IPVanish | CyberGhost | |
| Encryption | AES-265 | AES-265 |
| Hash | SHA-512 | SHA-256 |
| RAM servers | No | Yes |
| A member of the 5-Eyes, 9-Eyes alliance? | Yes | No |
| No logs policy | Audited | Audited |
| Kill switch | Yes | Yes |
| DNS leak protection | Yes | Yes |
Infrastructure
Differently from the opponent, CyberGhost VPN’s servers are RAM-only. Instead of keeping your data on hard discs, CyberGhost VPN stores it using volatile memory.
So, if someone tries to break into a facility where servers are located and unplug them, they will be deeply disappointed. RAM servers erase all the data without the possibility of restoring it. Therefore, it wraps your data in an extra layer of security.
Meanwhile, IPVanish doesn’t run on RAM-only servers and loses a point to CyberGhost VPN. However, IPVanish’s servers don’t save any of your traffic, information, or data that passes through the VPN either. It automatically self-destructs after every session; therefore, no one can access the data because it doesn’t exist.
Privacy
Both providers go hand in hand to ensure the utmost security for their users. Therefore, each uses unbreakable encryption and adds extra security features, such as kill switch and protection against DNS leaks.
CyberGhost and IPVanish use 256-bit AES encryption – the most robust standard on the market today, which is nearly impossible to crack.
But regarding account authentication, IPVanish gains an advantage against the opponent. This VPN processes account authentication with SHA-512 hash functions. Simply said, it muddles your login information to indecipherable hashes and makes it impossible to replicate your data, as it is completely unreadable.
CyberGhost loses, as it relies on the SHA-256 hash function. Although it’s a good partner function for AES encryption, it’s not as advanced as SHA-512.
Logging
IPVanish has a rigorous no logs policy and promises to treat your data with the utmost respect. It was independently audited by Leviathan Security Group in 2022 and by Schellman Compliance, LLC, in 2025. Such an audit assures IPVanish’s claims that the company doesn’t record how and where you connect to the Internet, your browsing activities, IP addresses, and DNS inquiries.
However, the company is based in Dallas, US. This country is part of the 5-eyes alliance, which monitors the online communications of citizens and foreign governments. We understand it may raise a concern, but an independent audit ensured that the company complies with its privacy policy.
Like IPVanish, CyberGhost also doesn’t log any of your traffic data or connection logs. Deloitte confirmed this statement after running independent audits in 2022 and 2024.
CyberGhost VPN is located in Romania, a privacy-friendly place for a VPN. Next to a private location, it doesn’t partake in any surveillance alliances, so you don’t have to worry about anyone surveilling your online activities.
Platforms, interface, and ease of use
| IPVanish | CyberGhost | |
| Supported OS | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Other software and devices | Android TVs, Apple TV, Fire TV, Kodi, router | Smart TV, Android TV, Apple TV, Fire TV, router |
| Browser extensions | Chrome | Chrome, Firefox |
| Simultaneous connections | Unlimited | 7 |
| Usability level | Easy | Easy |
IPVanish and CyberGhost are supported on the most popular software and devices.
IPVanish provides advanced settings and very detailed statistics about your connection. In addition, you won’t have to limit your devices with IPVanish, because you can connect to one account with unlimited simultaneous connections.
In comparison, CyberGhost offers compatibility with more software and devices, such as Smart TV, but it has 7 simultaneous connections cap, which is very limiting. Even though this VPN supports more software and devices, they differ in functionality and can make the navigation experience very frustrating.
Desktop apps
CyberGhost and IPVanish offer neat apps, especially for Windows and macOS, and ease of navigation creates an excellent user experience (even if you don’t have much experience with VPNs).
If you look at the IPVanish Windows main screen, you can instantly see the intuitive navigation. You can choose servers in a list or easily switch to a map view.
Next to it, you can filter servers according to their latency and proximity and see their stats. So, your surf on the Internet doesn’t get disrupted by slow speeds or ping. On the IPVanish desktop app, you can activate a kill switch function and see what protocol the VPN has connected to.
The macOS version appears to be less customizable, but the navigation experience remains equally great. For example, macOS kill switch function is less customizable than on Windows. The interface is very similar to Windows and doesn't have much difference.
CyberGhost’s macOS and Windows desktop apps are also very similar in design. But macOS has slightly more improvements, such as a data compression feature to reduce download size. Also, if you want to stream and download, CyberGhost has dedicated tabs for this purpose. However, the kill switch function on macOS could work better. Other than that, both apps are almost identical.
Mobile apps
The IPVanish Android app maintains a simplistic design and offers a variety of features, such as split tunneling and obfuscation toggle.
The user interface of an Android app is easy to navigate and is less cluttered than a desktop version. Therefore, IPVanish maintains a tidy look across apps.
The iOS version also contains a comfortable interface and On Demand feature. However, neither Android nor iOS apps have a kill switch function.
In comparison, CyberGhost VPN maintains a minimal design on its iOS and Android apps. You can surf at good speeds on both apps, because you can pick OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols on Android and WireGuard and IKEv2 on iOS.
Customer support
| IPVanish | CyberGhost | |
| 24/7 live chat | ✅ | ✅ |
| ✅ | ✅ | |
| Phone line | ✅ | ❌ |
| Guides and articles | ✅ | ✅ |
| FAQs | ✅ | ✅ |
If you encounter a problem, IPVanish and CyberGhost offer excellent customer service, but IPVanish has more contact options.
Both providers constantly update their FAQ sections. You can find detailed guides, troubleshooting, how-tos, and articles on the most common issues you might encounter.
You can use email or 24/7 live chat support. Beware that if you send an inquiry via email, you have to wait a few days to receive an answer. However, you can always use their 24/7 live chat and get human assistance.
For urgent cases, IPVanish has an open phone line if you need to solve more complicated cases as fast as possible. Also, the status on their Support Center page will show you whether there are any ongoing issues with the VPN, so you can be sure it’s not on your end.
Cyberghost vs IPVanish – which one wins?
IPVanish is the ultimate winner of this comparison. It stands out with superior streaming capabilities, a comprehensive security suite, and faster speeds.
However, CyberGhost has its strengths too. It offers specialized servers and has a variety of privacy-focused features.
| Feature | IPVanish | CyberGhost | Verdict |
| Pricing | CyberGhost offers a lower entry price, but IPVanish provides better long-term value and supports unlimited device connections. | ||
| Speed | IPVanish delivers faster download speeds overall, maintaining higher performance across locations. | ||
| Privacy | Both providers excel with audited no-logs policies and strong encryption. IPVanish emphasizes anonymity, while CyberGhost benefits from a more privacy-friendly jurisdiction. | ||
| Features | IPVanish offers a wider selection of features, including Threat Protection and On Demand, while CyberGhost keeps things simpler with fewer extras but still covers essential tools. | ||
| Streaming | Both VPNs are good for streaming, delivering lag-free experience and unblocking the major streaming platforms. | ||
| Torrenting | IPVanish is quicker torrenting than CyberGhost thanks to its free SOCKS5 proxy. | ||
| Support | IPVanish offers more ways to get support, including a phone line. |
FAQ
Is IPVanish better than CyberGhost?
Yes. IPVanish is better than CyberGhost because it provides more flexible pricing plans, and you’ll pay way less for a 1-year subscription than CyberGhost. IPVanish also has better features than CyberGhost and is a better VPN for torrenting.
Which VPN should I use for gaming – IPVanish or CyberGhost?
IPVanish and CyberGhost are great for gaming, but CyberGhost has specialized servers for gaming with good speeds.
Which VPN works better in China – IPVanish or CyberGhost?
Neither IPVanish nor CyberGhost works in China, but in a VPN for China list, you can pick the most suitable and secure VPN for this purpose.
