CyberGhost vs NordVPN 2026: why NordVPN is a better option

NordVPN and CyberGhost both look strong on paper, but once I started using them, it became clear that one stands out more than the other. I tested each VPN across speed, streaming, security, and overall usability to see how they really perform in everyday scenarios.

I also make sure to keep the test results updated so you know which VPN currently delivers the best experience for safe and fast online browsing, torrenting, and streaming.

Keep reading to find out which VPN is among the top VPNs and why it might be the better choice for your needs.

NordVPN vs CyberGhost comparison: overview

As of 2026, NordVPN and CyberGhost are the top VPNs to consider, with speeds and security above the market average. Surely, they have differences, too: NordVPN offers more security features for virtual privacy, while CyberGhost is more budget-friendly, especially when picking long-term plans. When comparing NordVPN vs CyberGhost, NordVPN shines in unblocking content and providing robust security and privacy features.

	NordVPN	CyberGhost VPN
⭐ Rating:	4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★	4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
🥇 Overall rank:	#1 out of #41	#5 out of #41
🖥️ Servers:	9,500+ servers in 149 countries	9,800+ servers in 100 countries
📖 No logs policy:	No logs	Independently-audited
💵 Price:	From $3.09/month	From $1.75/month
🔥 Coupons:	NordVPN coupon 76% OFF	CyberGhost VPN coupon 87% OFF
🔒 VPN protocols:	OpenVPN, WireGuard (NordLynx), NordWhisper	WireGuard, IKEv2, OpenVPN (TCP/UDP)
🍿 Streaming services:	Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more	Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+
🖥️ Platforms:	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS
📥 Simultaneous connections:	10	7
💁🏻 Support:	Knowledge base, FAQs, email, 24/7 live chat	24/7 live chat, Knowledge base, FAQs

Recent Updates

Key differences between NordVPN and CyberGhost

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick guide to choosing between CyberGhost and NordVPN.

Choose NordVPN if:

• Speed matters. NordVPN is faster than CyberGhost due to its NordLynx protocol, which is built on WireGuard. NordLynx delivers consistently high speeds for browsing, streaming, and torrenting.
• Security is a priority. NordVPN offers stronger security, including advanced tools like Threat Protection Pro and Meshnet. It also leads the industry with 6 independent no-logs audits, the most recent one was conducted by Deloitte.
• You need a better value in short-term plans. NordVPN offers better value on shorter plans, especially its 1-year subscription. CyberGhost can be cheaper on longer plans, but NordVPN gives you more tools for your money in the short term.
• Versatile features. NordVPN is more versatile, making it a better fit if you want one VPN for everything, such as streaming, torrenting, and remote access via Meshnet.

Choose CyberGhost if:

• Streaming is a priority. CyberGhost is better for streaming, as it has special servers for platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer.
• Transparency on data handling matters. CyberGhost is more transparent about data requests, as it publishes regular transparency reports that list every government request and how it handles it.

Speed, performance, and streaming

I tested CyberGhost vs NordVPN for speed, performance, and streaming. Below you can see my findings.

Speed comparison

I tested NordVPN and CyberGhost using the WireGuard protocol via Speedtest by Ookla. My baseline speeds were 930Mbps download, 600Mbps upload, and 1ms ping.

NordVPN test results:

Country	Download speed	Upload speed	Ping
Local	899.53Mbps	569.17Mbps	17ms
UK	859.16Mbps	493.05Mbps	53ms
US	794.30Mbps	200.83Mbps	99ms
Australia	564.88Mbps	91.37Mbps	319ms
Japan	605.34Mbps	76.20Mbps	278ms

CyberGhost test results:

Country	Download speed	Upload speed	Ping
Local	780.42Mbps	290.65Mbps	17ms
UK	840.10Mbps	490.69 Mbps	51ms
US	770.46Mbps	166.64Mbps	125ms
Australia	554.14Mbps	77.86Mbps	326ms
Japan	319.42Mbps	76.75Mbps	283ms

In my tests, NordVPN consistently delivered faster speeds, lower ping, and a higher retention rate than CyberGhost across 5 locations. It retained over 90% of the download speed across the UK, the US, and the local servers. Even in distant locations like Australia and Japan, retention didn’t go below 60%. So, NordVPN works faster across all range of tasks, including streaming, browsing, and downloading files.

NordVPN consistently outperformed CyberGhost in download speeds across all tested locations, while CyberGhost only came close on the UK server. In terms of ping, NordVPN had better latency across every location, including the local server, where CyberGhost was slightly slower.

Streaming and geo-blocking

NordVPN and CyberGhost stand out in their ability to unblock various websites and streaming platforms. Although CyberGhost has specialized servers for streaming, it doesn't mean it performs better. During my testing, I found that NordVPN unlocks more libraries worldwide and provides a seamless, lag-free streaming experience.

I repeated the streaming tests in June 2025, and they were nearly identical to the previous round, with only minor differences. With NordVPN, I didn't struggle when unblocking Netflix libraries. I was especially impressed with NordVPN's capabilities to unlock the Japanese library, which I struggle with when using other VPN providers like Bitdefender VPN or Norton VPN Standard. Also, I did not notice any lag or glitching.

With NordVPN, I could also unblock geo-restrictions on Disney+ and stream American, British, and Australian content. CyberGhost struggled with this streaming service and could only access the American library.

NordVPN maintained its excellent performance, unblocking all tested streaming platforms and libraries without issues. See the table below for a full breakdown of the testing results.

Streaming service	NordVPN	CyberGhost
Netflix	✅ Unblocked US, Canada, UK, Japan, and Australian regions	✅ Unblocked US, Canada, UK, Japan, and Australian regions
Hulu	✅ Unblocked US region	✅ Unblocked US region
Fubo	✅ Unblocked US region	✅ Unblocked US region
Disney+	✅ Unblocked US, UK, and Australian regions	❌ Unblocked only US region
Sling TV	✅ Unblocked US region	✅ Unblocked US region
BBC iPlayer	✅ Unblocked UK region	✅ Unblocked UK region
Pluto TV	✅ Unblocked US region	✅ Unblocked US region

Overall, NordVPN seems like a better-rounded streaming service. Thanks to NordVPN’s NordLynx VPN technology, the streaming experience is lag-free and without buffering.

Torrenting

NordVPN and CyberGhost offer specialized servers for P2P connections, catering to various user preferences.

With NordVPN, dedicated P2P servers are available in most countries, providing users with a diverse selection and the option to choose the server closest to them. Furthermore, NordVPN seamlessly switches users to a P2P-compatible server when torrent traffic is detected, even allowing torrent connections on standard servers. This ensures a hassle-free and intuitive experience for all P2P users.

CyberGhost has a separate tab for torrenting servers, where you can filter them according to their distance from your location. It's pretty intuitive to use, so most users can quickly find their way around the app.

Having personally tested the torrenting capabilities of CyberGhost and NordVPN, I downloaded a 5.7GB Ubuntu 22 client while connected to NordVPN's P2P servers. The download was completed in just 2 minutes, reaching a peak speed of 54Mbps. Similarly, CyberGhost delivered an exceptional performance, with the file downloading in 2 minutes at a speed of 51Mbps. These results showcase impressive performances from both services, providing users with efficient and reliable P2P connections.

Plans and value

CyberGhost is cheaper with long-term plans, starting at $1.75/monthfor a 2-year plan, while NordVPN costs $3.09/month for the same period. Here’s a full pricing breakdown:

Plan	CyberGhost	NordVPN
1 month	$12.99/month	$12.99/month
6 months	$6.99/month	–
1 year	–	$4.99/month
2 years	$1.75/month	$3.09/month
	Check CyberGhost pricing	Check NordVPN pricing

NordVPN offers a yearly plan for $4.99/month. CyberGhost doesn't provide such an option and, instead, offers a 6-month plan that costs $6.99/month. In this case, NordVPN’s 1-year plan is cheaper than CyberGhost’s six-month plan.

However, CyberGhost is cheaper for a 2-year plan, offering $1.75/month plus 4 extra months for free. In contrast, NordVPN costs $3.09/month for two years. While the difference might not seem so big, over the two-year period, it becomes more significant. It's also worth mentioning that both services have a money-back guarantee. NordVPN users can get their money back in 30 days after purchasing the service, while CyberGhost users can do this in 45 days.

If you're looking for better deals to save extra money, you can check out our pages for CyberGhost coupon codes and NordVPN coupon codes.

Servers

NordVPN and CyberGhost both excel in providing users with an extensive server network. However, CyberGhost does not specify how many servers it has. Given NordVPN’s transparency and the higher number of countries, it takes the win in this round.

With its impressive coverage of 149 countries, NordVPN offers users a more comprehensive range of locations than CyberGhost’s 100-country reach. However, CyberGhost does not display the number of servers anywhere. More so, when I asked customer support about it, they also refused to specify the number of servers.

Meanwhile, NordVPN is transparent about its 9,500 servers in the network.

This extensive server count empowers NordVPN users with greater flexibility in accessing optimal connections and bypassing regional restrictions.

	CyberGhost VPN	NordVPN
Servers	Unspecified	9,500+
Countries	100	149

With CyberGhost, it's important to note that specific servers may require additional payment or a Windows device. For example, CyberGhost’s NoSpy servers only come with 6-month and 2-year plans, and gaming-optimized servers are only accessible on Windows devices. Therefore, I advise you to consider server availability with caution.

It's also worth mentioning that both providers utilize RAM-only servers, which means that no data is stored locally. Your information is automatically deleted once you disconnect, ensuring complete safety.

NordVPN vs CyberGhost features compared

NordVPN and CyberGhost both include useful features to boost security and improve usability. However, NordVPN offers more tools, and its apps are smoother and more intuitive to use. Here's a closer look at what each provider offers.

	NordVPN	CyberGhost
Double VPN	✅ Yes	❌ No
Dedicated IP	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Onion Over VPN	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Smart DNS	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Dark web monitoring	✅ Yes	❌ No
Split tunneling	✅ Yes	✅ Yes (only for Android)
Web filters	✅ Yes (Threat Protection Pro)	✅ Yes (DNS-based filtering)
Meshnet	✅ Yes	❌ No
Data breach monitoring	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Invisibility on LAN	✅ Yes	❌ No
Identity theft protection	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
MTU size adjustment	❌ No	✅ Yes

Special servers

CyberGhost and NordVPN have special servers suited for particular tasks. CyberGhost provides specialty servers for downloading, streaming, and gaming, as well as NoSpy servers for better privacy.

NoSpy servers are only included with 6-month and 2-year plans, while gaming-optimized servers are only available in the Windows app. It’s a huge drawback for me, considering NordVPN’s specialty servers are available for all users, no matter the subscription or money spent.

NordVPN, on the other hand, doesn't put servers into entertainment categories. You can unblock geo-restricted streaming websites or games with almost any of their standard servers. However, they do have specialized servers, including Double VPN, P2P, obfuscated, and Onion Over VPN. :

Overall, NordVPN has a more versatile fleet of servers than CyberGhost. Although CyberGhost has a higher number of servers and server locations, NordVPN’s specialty servers are available on all OS environments and don’t come at an extra cost. That’s why I recommend going with NordVPN for specialized VPN connections.

Split tunneling

With NordVPN’s split tunneling, you can choose which apps or websites are routed through the VPN and which connect directly to the internet, providing a personalized browsing experience. This feature is helpful for individuals who prioritize privacy but still need access to local services or content that may be restricted while using a VPN.

In simple terms, split tunneling operates by maintaining 2 simultaneous connections, encrypting part of the traffic, and routing it through NordVPN's secure servers while leaving the rest unencrypted.

To test the split tunneling functionality, I disabled the VPN connection for one browser while allowing another browser's traffic to go through the VPN tunnel. It successfully managed to split the connection. You can see the test results below.

NordVPN's browser extension also has URL-based split tunneling for those looking to split the connection for different pages.

From what I’ve gathered on online forums and Reddit, the split-tunneling feature is perfect for gamers. It optimizes performance by reducing latency and allowing access to local content without disconnecting from the VPN.

Split tunneling is available on NordVPN's Windows, Android, and Android TV applications. CyberGhost also offers Split Tunneling, but only for Android. There’s also an Exceptions feature on Windows that excludes specific websites from the VPN tunnel.

Dedicated IP

NordVPN and CyberGhost offer dedicated IPs, but you’ll need to purchase them separately.

NordVPN outshines CyberGhost and boasts more location options available for dedicated IPs: CyberGhost offers 12 locations, while NordVPN has 30. Even though NordVPN’s dedicated IP subscription is more expensive, it's also available in browser extensions, as well as mobile and desktop apps.

With CyberGhost, dedicated IP costs vary depending on the period you need it, and the prices start from $2.50/month. Meanwhile, NordVPN is a bit more expensive at $4.19/month. In short, with NordVPN, you can expect more locations to choose from for an additional cost.

Web filters

NordVPN's Threat Protection offers exceptional ad-blocking that eliminates malicious pop-ups, banners, and video ads. This feature is conveniently available on all OS apps and browser extensions, providing a seamless experience while safeguarding against unwanted and potentially harmful content. During testing, I was impressed to discover that it achieved an outstanding 94/100 block rate.

Additionally, for enhanced security, Windows and macOS applications offer Threat Protection Pro, which serves as an antivirus. While this feature requires an upgrade from the Basic plan, it provides peace of mind and comprehensive protection for those seeking an extra layer of security.

CyberGhost also has similar technology that blocks malicious ads and malware. The Block content feature works by blocking DNS domains used for ads, malware, and trackers. Unfortunately, the feature is limited to WireGuard, which makes it less useful if you require switching to a different VPN protocol.

However, some malicious ads still appeared during the review. While testing CyberGhost’s DNS filter capabilities, I got a 72/100 score on AdBlocker Tester websites. Unfortunately, the CyberGhost score does not compare to NordVPN’s, making NordVPN a clear winner in this category.

Exclusive features

Regarding exclusive features, CyberGhost is less impressive in comparison to NordVPN. NordVPN delivers a far more comprehensive suite of tools that caters to privacy, security, and convenience.

Beyond that, features like dark web monitoring, and the ability to appear invisible on LAN networks further enhance its appeal. With the added convenience of an Apple TV app, MFA support, and Threat Protection Pro, NordVPN is the go-to for all-around security.

NordVPN also has Meshnet, which is useful for remote access with secure device connections.

CyberGhost includes fewer exclusive features. For example, you may change the MTU size and connect using random ports.

Privacy and security

Regarding security, CyberGhost and NordVPN go above and beyond with their robust AES-256-CBC cipher, ensuring top-notch encryption that's virtually impossible to crack.

However, there are some differences when comparing NordVPN vs CyberGhost. NordVPN utilizes the more advanced SHA-512 hash function, demonstrating dedication to providing cutting-edge security, while CyberGhost relies on SHA-256.

Another noteworthy difference is VPN protocols, and NordVPN takes the win here.

NordVPN currently offers its proprietary NordLynx and NordWhisper, as well as OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPsec (available for manual connections). On the other hand, with CyberGhost, you can expect the standard WireGuard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN protocols.

NordVPN also offers more security features than CyberGhost. Its dark web monitoring scans for the leakage of email addresses, passwords, credit cards, national IDs, and other sensitive information, such as phone numbers. Moreover, its Threat Protection Pro and Meshnet enhance users’ overall security even further beyond a VPN connection, outshining CyberGhost’s capability to provide all-around safety.

Jurisdiction

CyberGhost and NordVPN prioritize user data protection by operating from privacy-friendly countries.

CyberGhost is headquartered in Romania, a country with no data retention requirements. Romania’s absence from intelligence-sharing alliances like the Fourteen Eyes reduces the risk of government interference, enabling CyberGhost to uphold a strict no-logs policy.

In contrast, NordVPN operates under Panama’s jurisdiction, benefiting from the country’s lack of mandatory data retention laws. Plus, it’s not a member of any international surveillance alliances. This legal landscape makes it challenging for foreign governments to compel NordVPN to disclose user data. Panama’s legal landscape adds an extra layer of protection against data requests, making NordVPN particularly attractive to privacy-conscious users.

Independent audits and transparency

CyberGhost and NordVPN are dedicated to transparency but take different approaches. CyberGhost stands out in the VPN industry by consistently publishing detailed transparency reports since 2011, covering DMCA complaints, police inquiries, and malicious activity flags. These reports provide users with a clear understanding of the frequency of potential data targeting. Additionally, Deloitte has verified CyberGhost's no-logs policy, affirming that it does not retain user data.

Similarly, NordVPN has made significant strides in transparency. By replacing its warrant canary with comprehensive transparency reports, NordVPN discloses legal request information and emphasizes that it has never shared user data with authorities. PwC and Deloitte have independently audited NordVPN's no-logs policy 6 times as of February 2026, confirming its commitment to user privacy. Furthermore, NordVPN has collaborated with VerSprite to conduct penetration tests and address vulnerabilities proactively.

Logging

Both NordVPN and CyberGhost have strict no-logs policies and clearly state that they don’t track your online activity. They’ve also backed up these claims with independent third-party audits. NordVPN has been audited 6 times as of February 2026, while CyberGhost’s most recent audit was completed by Deloitte in 2024. Both providers passed, confirming that your data stays private.

User experience

In terms of compatibility, NordVPN and CyberGhost are available in many forms on many platforms. So, no matter what devices you own, you'll be able to use both services. However, the fact that they are available doesn't mean that your experience will be just as good.

	NordVPN	CyberGhost
Supported OS	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS
Dedicated Linux app	✅ Yes	❌ No
Other software and devices	Kodi, Android TVs, Fire devices, Apple TVs	Android TVs, Fire TV Stick
Browser extensions	Chrome, Brave, Firefox, Edge	Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave
Usability level	Easy	Moderate
Simultaneous connections	10	7

Simultaneous connections

NordVPN outshines CyberGhost by offering a more generous limit. NordVPN allows users to connect up to 10 devices with a single account, compared to CyberGhost’s support for up to 7 devices. While these numbers are decent, NordVPN and CyberGhost don't compare to Surfshark or IPVanish, which don't limit the connections.

NordVPN’s 10-device limit is great for users juggling various devices across different platforms. Moreover, if more than 10 connections are required, NordVPN can be easily set up on a router, extending VPN protection to all devices connected to that router without adding to the connection limit. Luckily, NordVPN also allows account sharing with others.

The same goes for CyberGhost, which has explicitly stated that sharing the account is allowed with friends or family members.

All in all, NordVPN outshines CyberGhost, which allows 10 simultaneous connections at once.

Desktop apps

On desktop, NordVPN Windows and macOS versions are functional and streamlined. They give you the option to use a map, presets, or country list to connect, making your VPN experience effortless.

While CyberGhost’s desktop apps are visually appealing and easy to navigate, they still feel a bit unpolished in some aspects.

Although both providers' Linux versions aren't spectacular, NordVPN provided much better support for more distributions. CyberGhost's official website didn't have up-to-date guides or setups.

Mobile apps

Mobile apps port the best practices of the desktop experience to Android and iOS clients. This means that since NordVPN had pretty good desktop clients, this translates well into their mobile counterparts. They are even pushing the envelope with what's possible, introducing features such as split tunneling and a configurable kill switch on Android. Moreover, the Android app includes a Call Protection feature for detecting spam calls and a Smart Troubleshooting Wizard that provides quick VPN fixes.

Meanwhile, CyberGhost provides a basic version that doesn't include a kill switch toggle, which is a big disappointment.

All things considered, CyberGhost and NordVPN apps are different. One has a map, while the other is more minimal. CyberGhost also doesn’t have all of its features on the mobile app, which is a slight downside. So, if you want a wide suite of clients that are not only full of features but convenient to use, you'll have to stick with NordVPN.

Customer support

NordVPN and CyberGhost have the same customer support tools: a knowledge base with guides and tips, and an FAQ section with relevant questions.

	NordVPN	CyberGhost
24/7 live chat	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Chatbot	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Phone line	❌ No	❌ No
Email	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Guides	✅ Yes	✅ Yes

There’s a live chat for contacting customer support in both CyberGhost and NordVPN. For instance, NordVPN’s chatbot provides extensive knowledge and quick assistance. It also allows bypassing it and going straight to the agent. I tried its capabilities to resolve my issue, and, to my surprise, it offered solutions that quickly helped me find a workaround.

NordVPN’s support agent demonstrated excellent knowledge and explained complex concepts in relatively simple terms.

CyberGhost’s customer support was also kind and helpful. I was first connected to a chatbot, but as it couldn’t answer my question, it quickly directed me to a support agent. However, I felt like it took too long to get to the point. For instance, it took around 7 minutes for CyberGhost’s support agent to offer me a suggestion and a line of action, as I had to provide context and send application diagnostics.

Video review

Watch our video review of CyberGhost vs NordVPN for 2025, highlighting their key differences, features, and why NordVPN stands out as the better option this year.

What users say (Reddit and Trustpilot)

Most Redditors praise NordVPN’s fast connection speeds with minimal buffering, especially for streaming and gaming. On Trustpilot, users often mention strong security and privacy protection and an extremely simple setup process. On both platforms, the main concern is the high price. Users also complain about billing issues, unexpected charges, and auto-renewals.

Reddit users’ biggest praise is CyberGhost’s intuitive and beginner-friendly navigation. They also like that it’s easy to find the right location, as it offers a variety of servers. People mostly complain about CyberGhost’s inconsistent performance. For example, Trustpilot reviews complain that CyberGhost may crash or significantly lose speed during peak times.

Final verdict

When comparing NordVPN and CyberGhost, I found that NordVPN is better in almost every aspect. Even though it’s more expensive, NordVPN is faster, more secure, and provides a range of unique features. CyberGhost is also an excellent VPN if you want something cheaper and beginner-friendly.

Category	NordVPN	CyberGhost	Verdict
Speed	★ ★ ★ ★ ★	★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆	NordVPN wins – faster speeds across all tested locations
Features	★ ★ ★ ★ ★	★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆	NordVPN wins – more tools, specialty servers, and advanced functions
Protection	★ ★ ★ ★ ★	★ ★ ★ ★ ☆	NordVPN wins – stronger protocols, more audits, and extra security features
Streaming	★ ★ ★ ★ ★	★ ★ ★ ★ ☆	NordVPN wins – more reliable geo-unblocking, lag-free streaming
Torrenting	★ ★ ★ ★ ☆	★ ★ ★ ★ ☆	Tie – both offer specialized P2P servers with excellent performance
Servers	★ ★ ★ ★ ★	★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆	NordVPN wins – transparent server count and more countries covered
Price	★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆	★ ★ ★ ★ ☆	CyberGhost wins – cheaper for long-term plans
Ease of use	★ ★ ★ ★ ☆	★ ★ ★ ★ ☆	Tie – both are usable, but NordVPN has slightly better interface and extra apps
Customer support	★ ★ ★ ★ ☆	★ ★ ★ ★ ☆	Tie – both offer 24/7 live chat and knowledge resources

FAQ