PureVPN vs CyberGhost: which VPN is better?
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Both CyberGhost and PureVPN offer solid protection without breaking the bank. They may not grab headlines like some of the industry giants, but in our testing, both VPNs proved they can hold their own. From security features to privacy protections, these two are reliable options for anyone looking to secure their online activity without paying a premium.
For this PureVPN vs CyberGhost comparison, our research team and I tested each provider across 10 key categories, including streaming, speed, security, pricing, and overall performance. Our approach combined real-world usage with performance metrics to ensure the results reflect what you’d actually experience when using either VPN.
Read my full PureVPN vs CyberGhost review to see which VPN comes out ahead. Whether you care most about fast streaming, robust security, or overall value, my breakdown will help you make an informed choice.
PureVPN vs CyberGhost – overview
PureVPN and CyberGhost both offer top-of-the-line VPN services at a low price. They take privacy and security seriously while offering plenty of great features. However, CyberGhost takes the lead regarding the server fleet, which consists of 9,800 servers in 100 countries. Meanwhile, PureVPN allows more simultaneous connections (10, to be exact). But when comparing these two VPNs side by side, eventually, PureVPN is the all-around winner.
| PureVPN | CyberGhost VPN | |
| ⭐ Rating: | ||
| 🥇 Overall rank: | #7 out of #41 | #5 out of #41 |
| 🖥️ Servers: | 6,000+ servers in 65 countries | 9,800+ servers in 100 countries |
| 📖 No logs policy: | No logs | Independently-audited |
| 💵 Price: | From $2.15/month | From $1.59/month |
| 🔥 Coupons: | PureVPN coupon 83% OFF | CyberGhost VPN coupon 88% OFF |
| 🔒 VPN protocols: | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, SSTP, L2TP/IPSec | WireGuard, IKEv2, OpenVPN (TCP/UDP) |
| 🍿 Streaming services: | Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube | Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+ |
| 🖥️ Platforms: | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| 📥 Simultaneous connections: | 10 | 7 |
| 💁🏻 Support: | Knowledge base, tickets, live chat | 24/7 live chat, Knowledge base, FAQs |
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PureVPN vs CyberGhost: key differences
Choosing the right VPN comes down to what you value most – speed, streaming, features, or server options. While both PureVPN and CyberGhost offer solid protection, they each have unique strengths that make them better suited for different types of users. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide.
Choose PureVPN if:
- You want better overall value for money. PureVPN consistently comes in slightly cheaper than CyberGhost while offering more simultaneous connections (10 vs 7). If you’re looking to cover more devices without increasing your budget, it’s the more cost-effective choice.
- You need more simultaneous connections. With support for 10 devices at once, PureVPN is perfect for households or small teams who want to protect multiple devices on a single plan.
- You value advanced features. PureVPN offers obfuscation to hide VPN traffic, flexible split tunneling, and a built-in ad blocker, giving you extra control over your online activity.
If you’d like to learn more about this provider, you can check out our full PureVPN review.
Choose CyberGhost if:
- Streaming is your priority. CyberGhost has dedicated streaming servers for streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer, offering consistent buffer-free access to geo-restricted content.
- Torrenting and P2P matter. With specialized P2P servers and reliable speeds, CyberGhost is a better choice for safe and efficient torrenting.
- You want the largest server network. With over 9,800 servers in 100 countries, CyberGhost gives you more options for location flexibility and bypassing restrictions.
Speed comparison: PureVPN vs CyberGhost
To compare PureVPN vs CyberGhost speeds, I ran tests using Speedtest by Ookla on a baseline connection of 930Mbps download and 600Mbps upload. I used each provider’s fastest protocol – WireGuard – to ensure optimal performance. Testing covered multiple locations worldwide, including local servers, London, New York, Perth, and Tokyo. The results below highlight speed retention, download performance, and latency.
PureVPN speed test results
| Server location | Speed retention | Download speed | Ping |
| Local | 93% | 46Mbps | 108ms |
| London, the UK | 68% | 645Mbps | 42ms |
| New York, the US | 62% | 584Mbps | 104ms |
| Perth, Australia | 38% | 361Mbps | 338ms |
| Tokyo, Japan | 45% | 430Mbps | 236ms |
CyberGhost speed test results
| Server location | Speed retention | Download speed | Ping |
| Local | 79% | 741Mbps | 6ms |
| London, the UK | 91% | 855Mbps | 39ms |
| New York, the US | 63% | 593Mbps | 120ms |
| Perth, Australia | 64% | 601Mbps | 257ms |
| Tokyo, Japan | 51% | 475Mbps | 270ms |
It was a close race, with both VPNs performing well. CyberGhost outperformed PureVPN in most locations – the US, the UK, and Australia – except Japan. Here, PureVPN performed better – PureVPN's retention rate was 45% and CyberGhost's 51%.
While we compared these two with the WireGuard protocol, it’s worth noting that both VPNs have other tunneling protocols you can choose from. IKEv2 is another speedy option, available on both CyberGhost and PureVPN. OpenVPN is also available with both, offering a stable yet slower connection.
Netflix and streaming performance
One of the top things people want to do with a VPN is stream binge-worthy content from around the world. If watching geo-restricted shows is one of your top priorities, you’ll need a VPN to keep up with your international tastes.
| PureVPN | CyberGhost | |
| Netflix | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Amazon Prime Video | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Hulu | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| HBO Max | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Disney + | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| BBC iPlayer | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
CyberGhost consistently unlocks geo-restricted content and offers fast streaming speeds for a buffer-free viewing experience. Plus, it offers streaming-optimized servers across all of the streaming platforms we tested. You can select a server dedicated to Netflix libraries in different countries or one designed just for Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and more. All in all, it makes an excellent streaming VPN.
In the meantime, PureVPN advertises that it can unlock all major streaming platforms, like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, HBO Go, and more. But when we tested it, we got mixed results. We could access the US Netflix library but struggled to unblock content in other countries. It unblocked BBC iPlayer as promised but struggled to load or play anything without buffering.
PureVPN lacks dedicated streaming servers, but you can take advantage of the Proxy Control feature. You’ll sacrifice a bit of security for more speed. This can help boost streaming performance, especially if connected to a slower server.
Torrenting
If torrenting is high on your VPN wishlist, CyberGhost is the stronger pick. It offers dedicated P2P servers designed specifically for file sharing, and during our tests, it delivered consistent, reliable speeds that rival other best torrenting VPNs.
PureVPN, on the other hand, doesn’t offer specialized P2P servers but does support torrenting overall. However, it restricts P2P traffic on servers in countries where file sharing is banned, so your options may be limited depending on the location you connect to.
Plans and pricing
Both PureVPN and CyberGhost have multiple pricing plans, ranging from the low-commitment monthly option to the economically-priced 2-year plan. Neither one offers a free version.
| Plan | PureVPN | CyberGhost |
| Monthly | $12.95/month | - |
| 6-month plan | – | $6.99/month |
| 1-year plan | $2.55/month | – |
| 2-year plan | $2.15/month | $1.59/month |
| Check PureVPN deals | Check CyberGhost deals |
While these two providers offer comparable pricing, PureVPN is consistently cheaper for any length plan. Plus, PureVPN allows for 10 simultaneous device connections, while CyberGhost only offers 7. With PureVPN, you’ll be getting more devices for cheaper– it’s a win-win!
If you want to test either one out before committing to a subscription, you’ve got some options. You can test out CyberGhost with a fully free trial, with versions on iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows. PureVPN offers a paid 7-day trial.
If you subscribe but change your mind, you can always take advantage of the full money-back guarantees both VPNs provide. CyberGhost has one of the best out there, with 45 days to try this VPN out and make your final decision. With PureVPN, you get 31 days to request a full refund.
When you get to the checkout, both VPNs allow for cryptocurrency payments in addition to regular payment methods, like credit cards and PayPal. Make sure to check the refund policies for crypto since conversion rates can fluctuate.
Server locations
| PureVPN | CyberGhost | |
| Number of servers | 6,000+ | 9,800+ |
| Total countries | 65 | 100 |
| Total locations | 80+ | 125+ |
| Specialty servers | No | Yes |
PureVPN and CyberGhost both have impressive server fleets, with thousands of servers to choose from across the globe. Yet in sheer numbers, CyberGhost takes the lead with close to 9,800 servers worldwide.
CyberGhost doesn’t just have the most servers, it has some of the most specialized ones as well. This VPN knows how important streaming is and has dedicated, streaming-optimized servers for Hulu, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer. It even has special servers for Netflix libraries according to the country whose content library you want to access.
CyberGhost also has specialized servers for gaming and torrenting. PureVPN doesn’t have dedicated or optimized servers, but you can use the Recommended Server feature to get the server with the best performance based on your location.
While PureVPN does technically have fewer servers than CyberGhost, it still has more than most of the top VPNs on the market. If any server goes down while using PureVPN, you’ll have plenty of others to choose from.
Features overview
| PureVPN | CyberGhost | |
| Split tunneling | ✅ Yes, Windows and Android only | ✅ Yes, Android only |
| Obfuscation | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Kill switch | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Ad blocker | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
A great VPN can do so much more than simply encrypt your activity. Both PureVPN and CyberGhost have some of the most essential features, like a kill switch and ad blocking abilities. However, only PureVPN offers obfuscation and a more flexible split tunneling compatibility.
Split tunneling
Split tunneling makes multitasking with your VPN easy. With split tunneling enabled, you can select which apps are sent through the VPN tunnel and which use your local IP. This makes it easy to unblock geo-restricted content while ordering takeout in your neighborhood.
However, most VPNs have limited compatibility with this feature. PureVPN can currently only support split tunneling on Windows and Android. Simply click the split tunneling toggle to activate and add the apps you want.
CyberGhost also has this feature but can only support it on Android for now. You can find the tool under VPN settings, where you can add split tunnel and configure it to suit your preferences.
CyberGhost also has Smart Rules that lets you configure some default settings according to your preferences. You can use this as a workaround for split tunneling since it allows you some control over what apps use your VPN tunneling on certain wifi networks.
Obfuscation
If you’re living in a country with VPN blocks, obfuscation might be one of your top-used features. This feature hides that you’re using a VPN and makes it appear as regular traffic. The extra security can slow down your connection speed, but it can help keep your VPN from getting blocked.
PureVPN offers an obfuscation feature, while CyberGhost does not. If you need to mask your VPN connection while you’re online, PureVPN is ready to help you out.
Kill switch
A kill switch is a must-have for anyone who wants to make sure they’re protected at all times. When you turn your kill switch on, your browsing will be stopped if your VPN disconnects. This prevents you from revealing your real IP address, even if it’s just for a moment.
With just a click, you can easily activate the kill switch with either VPN. In PureVPN’s advanced settings, you can easily tick the box to enable Internet kill switch.
Ad blocker
An ad blocker is perfect if you’re tired of seeing pop-up ads, being followed around by trackers, or worried about ending up on malicious websites. Not all VPNs include ad blockers, but both PureVPN and CyberGhost have some protections in place to keep you safe online.
With PureVPN, you can turn on Content Filtering in your advanced security features. Once it’s activated, it will keep you away from unwanted web content. This can prevent you from ending up on sites with phishing attempts, malware, or other threats.
Yet, CyberGhost is another VPN with an ad blocker, which helps you remove ads, trackers, and malicious websites with a few simple clicks. Simply navigate to your Connection features and select the toggle of any blocking features you want to enable.
PureVPN vs CyberGhost: which is more secure?
Both competitors have excellent security and privacy measures in place. They have everything you might expect from a VPN, like top-notch encryption ciphers and strict no-logs policies. Plus, they deliver a few extras, like ad blockers and independent audits.
| PureVPN | CyberGhost | |
| Encryption | AES-256 | AES-256 |
| HASH | SHA-512 | SHA-256 |
| RAM-only servers | No | Yes |
| Member of 5-9-14-eyes alliance? | No | No |
| No-logs policy | Audited | Audited |
| Kill switch | Yes | Yes |
| As blocker | Yes | Yes |
| DNS leak protection | Yes | Yes |
CyberGhost, with its headquarters in Romania, is well outside of the 5, 9, or 14-eyes alliance. PureVPN can say the same, as it’s based in British Virgin Islands. Both VPNs operate in countries without stressful and suspicious data retention laws.
Infrastructure
CyberGhost, with its massive server fleet, has converted to RAM-only servers. For privacy enthusiasts, RAM-only is appealing since all data is wiped clean anytime the server is rebooted. When the server itself is incapable of storing data, it makes it even easier to trust in promised no-logs policies.
Unfortunately, PureVPN currently doesn’t offer RAM-only or diskless servers. Nevertheless, there’s no reason to get scared, as this VPN still doesn’t collect any of your online activities, respecting your privacy to the full extent.
Privacy
Both VPNs offer AES-256-bit encryption. You can trust this encryption cipher to be virtually uncrackable since it would take an estimated million years to get the job done. PureVPN does offer SHA-512 compared to CyberGhost’s SHA-256, giving PureVPN a slight edge in hashing algorithms.
Both VPNs are also equipped with DNS leak protection and a kill switch. These both provide an extra layer of security, keeping your data from accidentally being exposed. Only PureVPN can also offer obfuscation, where it can conceal the fact that you’re using a VPN at all.
Logging
Lots of VPNs promise a strict no-logs policy, but do they deliver? When it comes to PureVPN and CyberGhost, they certainly do. Both of these VPNs have strict no-log policies that are backed up with independent audits.
The results confirmed that both CyberGhost and PureVPN do not keep any logs, just as they promised. You can trust that your online activity won’t be retained with either one of these secure VPNs.
And still, PureVPN is the first VPN to have an always-on audit. Meaning, it can be inspected by an independent audit company without prior notice. This way, the VPN has no chance of hiding security or privacy flaws. As for now, CyberGhost can’t compare to this advantage yet.
Platforms, interface and ease of use
| PureVPN | CyberGhost | |
| Supported OS | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Other devices | Android TV, Fire devices | Android TV, Fire TV |
| Browser extensions | Chrome, Firefox | Chrome, Firefox |
| Simultaneous connections | 10 | 7 |
PureVPN and CyberGhost both offer intuitive, easy-to-use apps across all the main operating systems. They both have browser extensions and can be configured on other devices.
The main difference between the two is the number of allowed simultaneous connections. PureVPN allows for 10 devices to be connected with a single plan, while CyberGhost only allows for 7. If you know you have a lot of devices to connect, you can take advantage of the extra 3 you’ll get with PureVPN.
Desktop apps
Both PureVPN and CyberGhost have well-designed apps for Windows and macOS. The designs are sleek and easy to navigate. Even beginners can open up the apps and get started with a single click. For more advanced users, additional features can be found in the side toolbars.
With PureVPN for Windows, seen below, you’ll get the server location, new IP address, and time spent connected, all clearly displayed above the main button. Everything about the display is clear and easy to navigate.
CyberGhost offers an equally easy-to-use and clear app, as seen below. Settings can easily be navigated by using the toolbar along the left. You can browse servers and even add a star to create a favorites list.
Mobile apps
PureVPN and CyberGhost both deliver smooth mobile app experiences. Both keep it simple by emphasizing the connection button and a minimalistic design.
With PureVPN, you’ll only see the button to connect and the location. If you want to see your IP address or any other information, you’ll have to do a little navigating. This keeps the main screen simple and uncrowded.
CyberGhost will give you a little more information, like your local and VPN IP address, the protocol you’re using, the time spent connected, and more. Even though there’s more information, it’s still designed in a way to be sleek and minimal.
Customer support
| PureVPN | CyberGhost | |
| 24/7 Live chat | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Phone | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Email / Tickets | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Articles or guides | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| FAQ/Forums | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
When comparing PureVPN vs CyberGhost customer service, these two VPNs are pretty evenly matched. Both offer multiple ways to contact customer support, including a 24/7 live chat option where you can talk with a real human about your questions.
Both offer extensive knowledge bases, where you can browse how-to guides, troubleshooting articles, and detailed FAQ sections. You can also submit a ticket/email for more intricate problems with either VPN and wait for your detailed response.
PureVPN vs CyberGhost – which one is better?
Both PureVPN and CyberGhost are strong contenders in the budget VPN space, offering reliable security, solid performance, and a wide range of features. However, after comparing them across pricing, speed, features, streaming, and more, PureVPN comes out as the overall winner thanks to its better value, stronger feature set, and higher device allowance.
PureVPN stands out with its lower pricing, faster overall speeds in our tests, and extra features like obfuscation and broader split tunneling support. It’s a great option for users who want a well-rounded VPN that delivers solid performance across multiple categories without increasing costs.
On the other hand, CyberGhost excels in streaming, torrenting, and server infrastructure. With dedicated streaming and P2P servers, as well as a massive global network, it’s the better choice for users focused on accessing geo-restricted content or downloading files safely and efficiently.
| PureVPN | CyberGhost | Verdict | |
| Pricing | PureVPN is more affordable across plans and allows more simultaneous connections | ||
| Security | Both VPNs offer strong encryption, audited no-logs policies, and essential security features | ||
| Speed | PureVPN delivered better overall performance, especially in upload speeds | ||
| Features | PureVPN offers more advanced features, including obfuscation and better split tunneling support | ||
| Streaming | CyberGhost wins with dedicated streaming servers and more consistent access | ||
| Torrenting | CyberGhost’s specialized P2P servers make it the better option for torrenting | ||
| Server locations | CyberGhost leads with a larger network and more specialized servers | ||
| Ease of use | PureVPN edges ahead with simpler apps and more simultaneous connections | ||
| Customer service | Both providers offer 24/7 live chat and extensive support resources |
The CyberGhost vs PureVPN competition was fierce, but PureVPN is our winner today. With more affordable pricing, better features and apps, PureVPN has excellent overall protection at a low cost.
In the meantime, CyberGhost’s strengths lie in streaming, torrenting, and its specialized servers. If these are your biggest priorities in a VPN, check the latest CyberGhost deals. And yet, there are only tiny bits where this VPN has to catch up with PureVPN, so who knows how long it will take for CyberGhost to outrival our current winner?
FAQ
Is CyberGhost VPN trustworthy?
Yes, CyberGhost VPN is trustworthy. It encrypts all your online activity using AES-256-bit encryption. It also has a strict no-logs policy and is headquartered in 7, which is outside the jurisdiction of the 5-eyes or 14-eyes alliance. It also has an automatic kill switch and DNS leak protection.
Does CyberGhost have a kill switch?
Yes, CyberGhost has a kill switch. The CyberGhost kill switch will keep you safe if your VPN connection becomes unexpectedly interrupted. You can configure the kill switch in the Privacy Settings under “Automatic Kill-Switch.” Just click the toggle to turn it on or off.
Is PureVPN or ExpressVPN better torrenting?
PureVPN and ExpressVPN are capable of torrenting, but neither one specializes in this category. Both VPNs lack dedicated P2P servers, but they do permit this kind of file sharing on regular servers. For a better torrenting option, CyberGhost can provide specialized servers and smoother performance.
Do I need a VPN in Romania?
Yes, you do need a VPN in Romania to access some websites and keep data safe. A Romanian VPN can help you unblock geo-restricted content and encrypt all your online activity. Plus, choosing a VPN based in Romania itself, like CyberGhost, is outside of 14-Eyes jurisdiction and isn’t subject to data retention laws.
