Surfshark vs CyberGhost: one clear winner in 2025

Surfshark and CyberGhost are two of the most popular VPNs on the market. They are both known for their affordability and strong performance. While they share many similarities, each has its own strengths and weaknesses.

After thoroughly testing both services, I found Surfshark to be the better overall choice. It delivers faster speeds, more user-friendly features, and excellent performance for both streaming and torrenting – all at a budget-friendly price.

In this article, I compare Surfshark vs CyberGhost in detail. I evaluate them across key categories like security, pricing, speed, features, server availability, and customer support. Read on to find which VPN is the right fit for your needs.

Surfshark vs CyberGhost: overview

During our tests, both CyberGhost and Surfshark delivered solid performance. While both rank among the best VPN providers, each has its own strengths. For example, Surfshark offers robust security and many additional features, while CyberGhost offers specialized servers for gaming, streaming, and torrenting.

	Surfshark VPN	CyberGhost VPN
⭐ Rating:	4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★	4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
🥇 Overall rank:	#2 out of #41	#5 out of #41
🖥️ Servers:	3,200 + servers in 100 countries	11,500 + servers in 100 countries
📖 No logs policy:	No logs	Independently-audited
💵 Price:	From $1.99/month	From $2.19/month
🔥 Coupons:	Surfshark coupon 87% OFF	CyberGhost VPN coupon 83% OFF
🔒 VPN protocols:	WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2	WireGuard, IKEv2, OpenVPN (TCP/UDP)
🍿 Streaming services:	Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, 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, 24/7 live chat, email support	24/7 live chat, Knowledge base, FAQs

Key differences between Surfshark and CyberGhost

Surfshark and CyberGhost are top VPN providers offering affordable pricing, strong security, and fast speeds. However, there are key differences that make one a better choice:

• Both offer excellent security. Both VPNs use advanced encryption algorithms and RAM servers and have audited no-logs policies, making them equally secure.
• Surfshark is cheaper. Surfshark pricing starts at $1.99/month, while CyberGhost is slightly more expensive, starting at $2.19/month. Plus, Surfshark offers unlimited connections, while CyberGhost limits them to 7.
• Surfshark is faster. Surfshark showed better speeds across multiple locations in our tests. It also worked flawlessly for streaming and torrenting.
• Surfshark has more features. Surfshark offers some unique features that CyberGhost doesn’t, including obfuscation, invisibility on LAN, and GPS spoofing.
• Surfshark has better server coverage. While both providers cover 100 countries, CyberGhost doesn’t disclose the number of servers it has, which is disappointing. That said, Surfshark offers better specialty servers.
• Both offer excellent support. Both providers offer speedy 24/7 support via live chat and include helpful setup guides.

Security overview: Surfshark vs CyberGhost

Both Surfshark and CyberGhost offer strong security. In this table, you can see a summary of the key security features each provider offers and how they compare.

	Surfshark	CyberGhost
Encryption	AES-256-GCM, ChaCha20	AES-256
Hash	SHA-512	SHA-256
RAM servers	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Outside the Fourteen Eyes alliance	❌ No	✅ Yes
Independent audits	Audited in December 2022	Audited in January 2024
Kill switch	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
DNS leak protection	✅ Yes	✅ Yes

Surfshark and CyberGhost both offer advanced encryption and RAM-only servers. They both follow a strict no-logs policy and have been independently audited. Plus, both providers have a kill switch and DNS leak protection, which ensures that your connection is safe even if the connection drops.

Jurisdiction

Surfshark operates from the Netherlands, which is a part of the Nine Eyes alliance. While this might raise concerns for privacy-focused users, Surfshark operates under a strict no-logs policy, meaning it doesn’t monitor or store your online activity. So even if a data request were made, there’d be nothing useful to hand over.

CyberGhost is based in Romania, a country that is outside the Fourteen Eyes alliance. This makes it an excellent choice for privacy-focused users since CyberGhost is less likely to share data with the government. Romanian law doesn’t require data retention, which adds an extra layer of privacy by default.

Logging policies compared

Both Surfshark and CyberGhost enforce strict no-logs policies. Neither provider tracks, collects, or stores your browsing activity, connection logs, or usage data.

That said, both collect some basic personal information for account management. Surfshark collects your email address, subscription details, and partial payment information. It also uses cookies and collects diagnostic data to improve performance. However, none of this is linked to your account or browsing activity.

Surfshark respects your privacy, therefore we are committed to not process any information related to the online activity of our users.

CyberGhost has a similar approach. It asks for an email address, name, and payment details when you sign up. Like Surfshark, it gathers cookies and diagnostic data to improve its services. However, this information remains completely separate from your VPN usage.

When using the CyberGhost VPN, we have no idea about your traffic data such as browsing history, traffic destination, data content, and search preferences. These are NOT monitored, recorded, logged or stored by us.

Infrastructure and encryption

Both VPNs use AES-256 encryption, which is the current industry standard. This encryption method is highly secure and trusted by governments and cybersecurity experts.

Surfshark supports WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 protocols, offering excellent performance and strong protection. It also features DNS leak protection, which ensures your connection is always safe. Plus, it offers obfuscation, which disguises your VPN traffic as regular internet activity. I found this feature especially handy for bypassing firewalls or restrictions in censored countries.

CyberGhost offers the same VPN protocols as Surfshark, ensuring fast speeds while maintaining maximum security. However, it lacks obfuscation, which could be limiting if you're connecting from a network or country that blocks VPNs. On the plus side, CyberGhost offers NoSpy servers. These servers are fully managed by the company, reducing the risk of third-party interference and adding a layer of privacy.

Kill switch

Both VPNs include a built-in kill switch, which blocks internet access if the VPN connection drops. This ensures your real IP address doesn’t get accidentally exposed.

Surfshark’s kill switch works across all major platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. When I used Surfshark on my macOS computer, the kill switch worked perfectly every time, cutting off the connection completely when the VPN disconnected.

CyberGhost also includes a kill switch. During our in-house tests, we simulated a situation where the VPN connection unexpectedly dropped and the kill switch functioned perfectly.

Independent audits

Surfshark’s no-logs policy was independently audited by Deloitte in December 2022. Before that, Cure53 conducted a security audit and also reviewed Surfshark’s browser extension, finding no major issues. However, there haven’t been any new audits since 2022.

CyberGhost completed its second no-logs audit in January 2024, conducted by Deloitte Romania. Although it hasn’t undergone other types of security audits, its commitment to regular audits shows its dedication to user privacy.

Surfshark vs CyberGhost price comparison

Both VPNs are among the most affordable options on the market. While Surfshark is cheaper overall, CyberGhost provides better rates for short-term subscriptions. That said, Surfshark includes unlimited simultaneous connections, which makes it a better deal for someone with multiple devices.

Plan	Surfshark	CyberGhost VPN
1 month	$15.45/month	$12.99/month
6-month	–	$6.99/month
1-year	$3.19/month	–
2-year	$1.99/month	$2.19/month
Current deal	Now up to 87% OFF Surfshark + 3 months FREE	Get 83% OFF CyberGhost + 2 months FREE

Speed comparison: is CyberGhost faster than Surfshark?

Together with the research team, I tested both providers' speeds across different locations. For consistency, I used the WireGuard protocol, which delivered the fastest and most stable results.

Surfshark came out on top in overall speed. I hardly even noticed the speed change compared to when browsing without a VPN. CyberGhost wasn’t far behind, maintaining solid performance with only slightly lower speeds. The difference was barely noticeable in real-world use, like browsing or streaming.

Streaming performance

Streaming with both providers was smooth, but the experience felt different. Surfshark made it incredibly easy. I just selected a country, connected, and started streaming. The streaming speed was great, and I didn’t experience any buffering, slowdowns, or errors when streaming Netflix.

CyberGhost, on the other hand, uses streaming-optimized servers. While these work great, selecting the right one takes an extra step, which I personally found less convenient. That said, once connected, the performance was excellent. The streaming was smooth, with no lag or buffering.

Torrenting performance

Surfshark supports P2P traffic on all of its servers, which made torrenting incredibly convenient. During our tests, we experienced consistent speeds and no significant drop-offs, which made downloading large files easy.

CyberGhost supports torrenting, but, just like with streaming, requires you to connect to a specialized server. This added step made the process a bit less seamless. Still, once connected, the speeds were good and the connection held steady. With the built-in kill switch, the experience felt safe and secure.

Surfshark and CyberGhost features compared

Surfshark and CyberGhost go beyond just being secure VPNs. They also double as powerful cybersecurity tools for all your devices. While they share many similar features, each offers something unique.

Features	Surfshark	CyberGhost
Double VPN	✅ Yes (MultiHop)	✅ Yes
Static IP	✅ Yes	❌ No
Dedicated IP	✅ Yes (available as an add-on)	✅ Yes (available as an add-on)
Tor over VPN	❌ No	✅ Yes
Split tunneling	✅ Yes (Bypasser)	✅ Yes (Windows and Android only)
Stealth VPN	✅ Yes (Camouflage mode)	❌ No
Web filters	✅ Yes (CleanWeb)	✅ Yes
RAM-only servers	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Data breach monitoring	✅ Yes (available as an add-on)	✅ Yes (available via web)
Invisibility on LAN	✅ Yes	❌ No
GPS spoofer	✅ Yes (available on browser extension)	❌ No
Rotating IP	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Alternative ID	✅ Yes (available as an add-on)	❌ No
Search	✅ Yes (available as an add-on)	❌ No

Split tunneling testing experience

Surfshark offers split tunneling on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. However, it works slightly differently across platforms. On iOS, for example, you can only exclude specific websites from the VPN tunnel, whereas on other operating systems, you can exclude apps too. The feature worked flawlessly during my tests and was especially useful for banking apps, which tend to flag logins from unfamiliar IP addresses.

What’s even better is Surfshark’s reverse bypasser, which is available on Windows and Android. Instead of choosing what to exclude, you can choose only the apps you want to include in the VPN tunnel. It’s a neat little addition that gives you more flexibility.

CyberGhost also offers split tunneling, but only on Windows and Android. There’s no built-in reverse mode, and while you can manually configure it by selecting all apps except the ones you want to route through the VPN, it’s far less convenient. I was a bit disappointed that this feature isn’t available on macOS or iOS. That said, it worked smoothly on Android and Windows.

RAM-only servers

Both Surfshark and CyberGhost only use RAM servers. That means no data is ever saved to a physical drive, and everything is deleted with each reboot. Even if someone accessed the server, there would be nothing to find. This setup adds a powerful extra layer of privacy and security.

Smart DNS test results

Smart DNS is great for unblocking streaming content on devices that don’t support VPN apps, such as smart TVs and game consoles.

Setting up this feature can be slightly complicated, but both VPNs offer comprehensive step-by-step guides on how to do so. I set up Smart DNS with Surfshark in under 5 minutes, and it worked right away. It was fast and easily unblocked Netflix.

CyberGhost was also fairly easy to configure. It successfully unblocked Netflix, but the streaming speeds were slightly slower than what I got with Surfshark.

Dedicated IP

A dedicated IP gives you a static IP address that only belongs to you. It’s perfect for avoiding CAPTCHAs and logging into banking sites.

Surfshark offers dedicated IPs in 11 countries for $3.75/month. Once I chose my IP location through the web dashboard, it showed up in the app automatically. The setup was seamless, and I had no issues using sensitive apps like online banking, which usually don’t work with regular VPN servers.

CyberGhost’s dedicated IP is cheaper at $2.50/month and supports 12 countries. However, the setup is more complicated. You need to download a token and manually activate it in the app. Plus, if you lose that token, you’re out of luck. CyberGhost can’t recover it, so you could end up paying for something you can’t even use.

Web filters

Both Surfshark and CyberGhost include web filters that block ads, trackers, and malicious sites. These features can help you improve browsing speeds, since less content has to be loaded.

Surfshark’s CleanWeb is a web filter that works on a DNS level. It performed impressively during tests, blocking 85 out of 100 ads and significantly speeding up page load times.

CyberGhost’s ad blocker also works at the DNS level, but it wasn’t quite as effective. It blocked basic ads well enough, but struggled with tracker-based content. On content-heavy sites, it also resulted in slightly slower loading times compared to Surfshark.

Surfshark vs CyberGhost – server comparison

When it comes to VPN performance, server availability matters a lot. Too few servers means slower speeds, overcrowding, and a higher risk of IP addresses getting blacklisted by websites or streaming services.

	Servers	Countries	Virtual locations	Specialty servers	10Gbps servers
Surfshark	3200+	100	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	Some
CyberGhost	Undisclosed number	100	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	Some

Surfshark has over 3200 servers in 100 countries. While it doesn’t match market leaders like NordVPN, which has over 7950 servers in 126 countries, Surfshark maintains a well-optimized infrastructure. During my tests, I had zero issues with overloaded or blacklisted servers.

Surfshark also offers virtual servers. These servers make it appear that you’re browsing from one country, even though the physical server is located elsewhere. This is especially useful for accessing content in countries with privacy-unfriendly laws, like India.

CyberGhost has servers in 100 countries, just like Surfshark. However, it doesn’t disclose the total number of servers, which was disappointing to me personally. Still, during testing, CyberGhost performed well. I didn’t encounter any slowdowns or access issues.

Like Surfshark, CyberGhost offers virtual servers, letting you securely access content from anywhere, even in places with heavy restrictions.

Specialty servers

CyberGhost offers specialized servers for streaming, torrenting, and gaming. Each type is optimized for performance. For example, streaming servers only allow streaming on them and support 10Gbps speeds for lag-free experience. Torrenting servers are tailored for fast and anonymous P2P file sharing, while gaming servers are built for low-latency performance. CyberGhost also offers NoSpy servers, which are fully operated by the company itself, so there is no third-party access. Plus, it offers dedicated IPs.

Surfshark claims that all of its servers are optimized for both streaming and gaming. It offers dedicated P2P servers for torrenting, along with obfuscated servers that hide VPN usage to bypass restrictions. Surfshark includes MultiHop servers, which route your connection through two different VPN servers for added encryption and privacy. Also, just like CyberGhost, it offers dedicated IPs.

On the other hand, CyberGhost provides a straightforward, easy-to-use app, but it lacks the depth of customization and advanced features I find in Surfshark. For someone who values simplicity, it's a great choice – especially with its dedicated streaming servers. However, Surfshark’s broader functionality and added tools give it the edge for those looking for more control over their online privacy.

	Surfshark	CyberGhost
Streaming	❌ No	✅ Yes
Torrenting	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Gaming	❌ No	✅ Yes
NoSpy servers	❌ No	✅ Yes
Dedicated IP	✅ Yes	✅ Yes

Obfuscated servers

Obfuscated servers mimic a regular internet connection and hide the fact that you’re using a VPN. This method is perfect for bypassing network or government restrictions.

I tested this feature with Surfshark when connecting to a network that blocks all VPNs, and it worked without a hitch. Honestly, I was impressed with how smooth the experience was.

Unfortunately, CyberGhost doesn’t offer any form of obfuscation. If you live in or travel to countries with heavy internet restrictions, that’s something you should keep in mind.

Video review

Check our video review of Surfshark vs CyberGhost. Here, we dive deeper into each features, performance, and pricing.

Customer support

Reliable customer support is essential for any VPN, especially when setup gets tricky or unexpected issues come up. Fortunately, both Surfshark and CyberGhost offer strong support through multiple channels, ensuring you can get help quickly at any time.

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

Which one to choose in 2025: Surfshark or CyberGhost?

Based on my thorough research and comparison, Surfshark is the superior overall choice. It outperforms CyberGhost in nearly every category.

Category	Surfshark	CyberGhost
Price	✅	❌
Speed	✅	❌
Features	✅	❌
Protection	✅	✅
Streaming	✅	❌
Torrenting	✅	❌
Ease of use	✅	❌
Customer support	✅	✅

Firstly, Surfshark offers more affordable pricing than CyberGhost, especially with long-term subscriptions. At that lower price point, it delivers greater value by providing unlimited simultaneous connections and a wider range of features. Additionally, Surfshark demonstrated faster speeds during both streaming and torrenting tests. Its user-friendly interface further enhances the experience, making Surfshark the winner.

Comparison methodology

Here’s a summary of all the criteria we took into consideration while testing and comparing Surfshark vs CyberGhost:

1. Pricing (20%). I started by checking affordability. Surfshark’s pricing seemed more flexible, especially for long-term plans, while CyberGhost offers good discounts too. I also looked at whether they offer free trials, money-back guarantees, and a variety of payment methods.
2. Security tools (15%). Both VPNs offer solid security, but Surfshark’s feature set provides better overall protection. CyberGhost has some great security features, but Surfshark’s extra tools, like MultiHop and obfuscation, stood out.
3. Connection speeds (15%). Speed is the main factor, especially when streaming or gaming. Surfshark consistently delivered fast download speeds even across more distant servers. While CyberGhost wasn’t slow, Surfshark gave me fewer interruptions and quicker load times.
4. Server network (10%). A good server network is essential for unblocking content. Both VPNs cover around 100 countries, but Surfshark’s performance left a stronger impression. Plus, CyberGhost doesn’t disclose the number of servers it offers.
5. Bypassing censorship (10%). If you’re in a country with heavy censorship, both VPNs do a solid job of getting you access. However, Surfshark’s obfuscation feature helped it bypass tougher restrictions in some of my tests.
6. Extra features (10%). Surfshark came ahead with extras like MultiHop and NoBorders mode, making it more versatile. CyberGhost offers specialty servers, but I found them inconvenient.
7. Customer support (10%). Both VPNs offer 24/7 live chat and excellent how-to guides. During my tests, I received quick help from both providers.
8. Streaming performance (5%). Surfshark unlocked everything I needed to access geo-restricted content without buffering. CyberGhost did well too, but Surfshark’s performance was consistently smoother.
9. Torrenting (5%). Surfshark gave me fewer limitations on P2P traffic, which is a major plus if you need flexibility for torrenting. CyberGhost was decent, but Surfshark felt less restricted overall.

In the end, both VPNs are good, but when I took everything into account, Surfshark’s performance, features, and flexibility made it the better option for me.

FAQ