Choosing a VPN isn’t just about comparing features—it’s about trusting a service with your most private data. This year, two names dominate the VPN landscape: NordVPN and CyberGhost. Both offer blazing-fast speeds, airtight security, and wide global reach, but they serve different types of users and priorities.
After months of real-world testing, we’ve compiled the most in-depth, up-to-date comparison to help you decide which of these VPN giants deserves your trust—and your subscription.
1. Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | NordVPN | CyberGhost | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed & Performance | Excellent, minimal drop | Very good, but slower on long-distance | 🏆 NordVPN |
| Security Features | Advanced, Threat Protection Pro | Solid, NoSpy Servers | 🏆 NordVPN |
| Audited Privacy | Feb 2025 Deloitte audit | Deloitte audit (2022) | 🤝 Tie |
| Server Network | 8100+ servers in 120+ countries | ~9700+ servers in 100 countries | 🏆 NordVPN |
| Streaming Access | Great with SmartPlay | Extremely reliable, optimized servers | 🏆 CyberGhost (close) |
| Pricing | From $3.09/month | From $2.19/month | 🏆 CyberGhost |
| Devices Supported | 10 | 7 | 🏆 NordVPN |
| Support | 24/7 live chat + email | Live chat (limited hours) + email | 🏆 NordVPN |
| Overall Rating | 9.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 🏆 NordVPN |
2. Speed & Performance: Which VPN Is Faster?
Speed is king, especially when you’re streaming 4K content, gaming online, or downloading large files. We tested both VPNs on local and international servers using a 1 Gbps connection to see how they stack up.
Protocols: NordLynx vs WireGuard
Both VPNs leverage modern, high-speed protocols:
- CyberGhost uses WireGuard®, the open-source protocol known for its speed and simplicity.
- NordVPN takes things further with NordLynx, its proprietary version of WireGuard that solves privacy concerns by adding a double NAT system—ensuring no identifiable data is stored on servers.
🧠 Verdict: NordLynx is faster and more secure by design.
Real-World Speed Test
We conducted tests on servers in Germany, the U.S., and the U.K. Here’s what we found:
| Test Location | No VPN | NordVPN (NordLynx) | Speed Drop | CyberGhost (WireGuard) | Speed Drop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | 940 Mbps | 903 Mbps | -3.9% | 785 Mbps | -16.5% |
| USA | 940 Mbps | 855 Mbps | -9.0% | 422 Mbps | -55.1% |
| UK | 940 Mbps | 871 Mbps | -7.3% | 510 Mbps | -45.7% |
Why NordVPN Wins:
NordVPN has invested heavily in 10 Gbps servers and colocated infrastructure, which it fully owns and manages. This gives them superior control over performance and privacy.
🏆 Winner: NordVPN — Lightning-fast, even across continents.
3. Security & Encryption: Who Keeps You Safer?
Both VPNs use AES-256-bit encryption, the industry standard trusted by banks and governments. But it’s the extra layers that make all the difference.
Core Security Features (Shared)
- Kill Switch (prevents IP leaks if VPN drops)
- DNS, IPv6 & WebRTC Leak Protection
- RAM-only servers (no data stored, wiped on reboot)
All standard. So how do they differ?
NordVPN’s Advanced Security Toolkit
- Threat Protection Pro: Acts like built-in antivirus—blocks ads, trackers, phishing links, and even scans downloaded files for malware.
- Double VPN: Routes your traffic through two VPN servers for extra anonymity.
- Onion Over VPN: Combines Tor anonymity with VPN encryption.
- Obfuscated Servers: Hide the fact you’re even using a VPN. Essential for bypassing censorship (e.g., China, UAE).
CyberGhost’s Unique Feature
- NoSpy Servers: Located in Romania, fully owned and operated by CyberGhost staff only. Reduces third-party risk significantly.
🔍 Both services are secure, but NordVPN offers more depth and flexibility.
4. Privacy & No-Logs Policy: Who Can You Trust?
A VPN’s privacy policy is only as good as its jurisdiction and audits.
| Privacy Factor | NordVPN | CyberGhost |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | Panama 🇵🇦 (outside 5/9/14 Eyes) | Romania 🇷🇴 (also outside alliances) |
| Ownership | Nord Security (Netherlands HQ) | Kape Technologies (UK-based) |
| Audits | Deloitte audit, Feb 2025 | Deloitte audit, 2022 |
| RAM-only servers | ✅ | ✅ |
| Crypto payments | BTC, ETH, XRP via CoinGate | BTC, ETH, DOGE via BitPay |
| Transparency Reports | ❌ | ✅ Published regularly |
🏆 Winner: Tie
Both VPNs offer excellent privacy policies and infrastructure. NordVPN has the more recent audit; CyberGhost is more transparent day-to-day.
5. Server Network: Global Coverage & Specialized Options
A robust server network ensures better speeds, more options for geo-spoofing, and less congestion during peak times. Let’s see how these two providers stack up.
Server Count & Locations
- NordVPN: Over 8,100 servers in 120+ countries, with some sources listing up to 165 countries (including virtual locations).
- CyberGhost: Historically over 9,700 servers in 100 countries, across 125 locations. However, CyberGhost does not always disclose an up-to-date number publicly.
While CyberGhost may have more servers in total, NordVPN wins with broader geographical reach, which is especially useful if you’re trying to access content or IPs in lesser-known regions.
Specialized Servers
| Task | NordVPN | CyberGhost |
|---|---|---|
| P2P / Torrenting | ✅ Hundreds of optimized servers | ✅ P2P in 70+ countries |
| Streaming | ✅ SmartPlay on all servers | ✅ Labeled servers (e.g. “Netflix US”) |
| Double VPN / Multi-hop | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Onion Over VPN | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Obfuscated Servers | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Dedicated IP | ✅ Available | ✅ Available |
| NoSpy Servers | ❌ No | ✅ Exclusive feature |
Notable Advantage – NordVPN’s Obfuscated Servers
These servers make VPN traffic look like normal HTTPS traffic—essential in regions with heavy censorship or firewalls (like China, UAE, school or corporate networks).
🏆 Winner: NordVPN
While both networks are massive, NordVPN’s diversity of specialized servers (especially obfuscation) gives it a clear edge for power users and travelers.
6. Streaming & Unblocking: Which VPN Gets Around More Geo-blocks?
One of the most common reasons people use VPNs is to access restricted content—think U.S. Netflix, BBC iPlayer, or sports platforms like DAZN or ESPN+.
Unblocking Streaming Services
- CyberGhost shines with pre-configured streaming servers, clearly labeled for platforms like:
- Netflix US, UK, DE, JP
- Amazon Prime, Hulu, BBC iPlayer
- Over 50 streaming services in total
- NordVPN uses SmartPlay: an integrated feature that automatically handles DNS requests and VPN tunneling to unblock content without user effort. It’s available on all servers.
Both services work with most major platforms, but CyberGhost’s approach is more beginner-friendly—just click on the server labeled for your desired platform.
Streaming in 4K? Think Speed.
Streaming high-quality content (especially in 4K) requires consistent speeds over 25 Mbps. Here’s where NordVPN’s optimized infrastructure pays off. Even on long-distance servers, buffering is rare and speeds are stable.
CyberGhost is fast enough for 4K, but performance varies more, especially on international connections.
🏆 Winner: CyberGhost (slightly)
If your priority is easy, reliable access to lots of libraries, CyberGhost wins. But if you care about performance at scale, especially for 4K, NordVPN is a very close second.
7. User Experience: Apps, Ease of Use & Support
You don’t want to wrestle with your VPN every day. Let’s look at usability and support.
App Design
- NordVPN
- Interactive world map interface (unique, stylish)
- Server list also available
- Clean and polished design
- CyberGhost
- Very beginner-friendly interface
- Servers sorted by use case: streaming, torrenting, gaming
- Excellent for non-techy users
Both apps are stable, modern, and available across:
- Windows / macOS / Linux
- Android / iOS / Android TV / Fire TV
- Browser extensions (Chrome, Firefox)
Customer Support
- NordVPN
- 24/7 live chat support
- Email support
- Rich knowledge base
- CyberGhost
- Live chat support (not 24/7)
- Email support
- Large FAQ section and tutorials
🏆 Winner: NordVPN
Round-the-clock support makes a big difference when you’re in a bind. NordVPN also offers faster response times and more thorough answers in our experience.
8. Pricing & Value for Money
This is where many users lean toward CyberGhost—because it’s hard to beat on raw pricing.
Subscription Costs
| Plan | NordVPN (Basic) | CyberGhost |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $12.99 | $12.99 |
| 6-Month | N/A | $6.99/month |
| 1-Year | $4.99/month | N/A |
| 2-Year | $3.09/month | $2.19/month |
| 2-Year (Premium Bundle) | $3.99–$5.29/month | N/A |
- CyberGhost is cheaper for basic VPN use—especially long-term.
- NordVPN adds more tools (NordPass, NordLocker) in higher plans, making it better for users wanting a full security suite.
Refund Policies
- NordVPN: 30-day money-back guarantee
- CyberGhost: 14 days (monthly plans), 45 days on long-term plans
Simultaneous Devices
- NordVPN: 10 devices per account
- CyberGhost: 7 devices per account
🏆 Winner: CyberGhost
Cheaper for most users, and its 45-day money-back guarantee is a big confidence booster. But if you want password management, encrypted cloud storage, and more, NordVPN’s bundles are great value.
9. Final Verdict: Which VPN Is Right for You?
There’s no one-size-fits-all winner—but there is a best choice for your specific needs.
Choose NordVPN if you:
- Demand top-tier speeds and zero lag for streaming, downloads, or gaming
- Want maximum security with double encryption, malware protection, and obfuscated servers
- Need more simultaneous device connections (10)
- Prefer 24/7 live support
- Want a full cybersecurity suite with password manager and cloud storage
Choose CyberGhost if you:
- Want the best deal at the lowest price
- Primarily use VPN for streaming across multiple libraries
- Prefer clearly labeled servers (e.g. “Netflix US”) for easy setup
- Are new to VPNs and want a simple, beginner-friendly app
- Value long refund windows (up to 45 days)
10. Editor’s Choice: NordVPN
While CyberGhost is the better budget pick, NordVPN takes the win for its unmatched blend of performance, security, and future-proof technology.
From faster speeds to advanced privacy tools and professional audits, it’s the VPN we trust most in this year.
✅ Try NordVPN Risk-Free for 30 Days
5 FAQs
Which VPN is faster, NordVPN or CyberGhost?
NordVPN is faster overall thanks to its NordLynx protocol and 10Gbps servers. CyberGhost performs well too, but it shows more speed drops on long-distance connections.
Is CyberGhost safer than NordVPN?
Both use AES-256 encryption and RAM-only servers, but NordVPN offers more advanced features like Threat Protection Pro, Double VPN, and obfuscated servers, giving it an edge in security.
Which VPN is better for streaming?
CyberGhost is slightly easier for beginners because it has servers labeled for platforms like Netflix or BBC iPlayer. NordVPN is also excellent and often smoother for 4K streaming.
Who has the better privacy policy, NordVPN or CyberGhost?
Both have strict no-logs policies and independent audits. NordVPN’s most recent audit (2025) makes it more up-to-date, while CyberGhost publishes transparency reports regularly.
Which VPN is cheaper, NordVPN or CyberGhost?
CyberGhost is more affordable, especially on 2-year plans starting at $2.19/month. NordVPN costs slightly more but adds extra security tools like a password manager and cloud storage.
