I’ve been testing VPNs full-time for over three years now – and I’ll admit, CyberGhost wasn’t always on my shortlist. It used to feel bloated, mid-tier, and too gimmicky to take seriously.
But after months of hands-on testing in late 2025, I’ve changed my tune.
CyberGhost has quietly built one of the largest server networks on the planet, rolled out genuinely useful smart features, and dropped its prices so low it’s almost suspicious. Even better? It still offers full access to streaming platforms, has a rock-solid no-logs policy audited by Deloitte, and gives users an insane 45-day refund window.
Is it perfect? Not quite. But in 2026, CyberGhost is one of the best-value VPNs you can get – especially if your focus is streaming, casual torrenting, or just daily digital privacy without the fuss.
Here’s my no-nonsense, fully updated review based on the latest November 2025 data, independent audits, and real-world performance tests.
1. Infrastructure CyberGhost: Size Really Does Matter
CyberGhost’s biggest weapon is brute force. Its network is huge.
As of November 2025:
- 11,690+ servers
- 100 countries
- 126 unique city-level locations
- Hybrid infrastructure (physical + virtual servers)
That’s nearly double the size of NordVPN’s fleet, and more than triple what Surfshark or PIA offer. And it’s not just for show – the extra capacity helps prevent congestion during peak hours (evenings, weekends), especially when millions are streaming 4K content.
Global Distribution
- US coverage is excellent – New York, LA, Chicago, Dallas, Miami, Seattle – all have dedicated servers.
- Europe is a stronghold, with multiple cities in Germany, the UK, France, and Romania (CyberGhost’s home turf).
- Asia and South America use virtual locations in countries like India, China, Russia, and Saudi Arabia – the actual servers are hosted in stable jurisdictions like Singapore, Sweden, or Romania.
This setup solves two major problems:
- Security – no physical servers in authoritarian countries that demand logging.
- Speed – better connectivity via internet hubs, even if latency is slightly higher.
NoSpy Servers: CyberGhost’s Hidden Gem
Located in a privately owned data center in Romania, these RAM-only servers are managed 100% by CyberGhost staff. No third-party access and no rented racks. No funny business.
They’re ideal for maximum privacy or high-volume torrenting. Performance is excellent within Europe, but expect a bit more latency if you’re connecting from Asia or the US.
2. Ownership and Privacy CyberGhost: Still Trustworthy in 2026?
CyberGhost is owned by Kape Technologies – the same company behind ExpressVPN, PIA, and ZenMate. That raises eyebrows in some circles, especially on Reddit, due to Kape’s controversial past under the name Crossrider (adware days).
But let’s be fair – Kape has since done the work:
- Cleaned up its reputation
- Undergoes regular audits
- Keeps its VPN brands technically separate
Based in Romania: Surprisingly Private
Romania might not be your first thought for digital privacy, but it’s actually one of the safest places for a VPN:
- Not part of 14 Eyes surveillance alliances
- No mandatory data retention laws (ruled unconstitutional)
- No history of backdoor cooperation with Western agencies
No-Logs Policy (Audited)
CyberGhost doesn’t log:
- Your IP address
- Connection timestamps
- DNS queries
- Bandwidth usage
In 2024 and 2025, Deloitte independently audited their infrastructure and found the claims to be accurate. Their transparency report from Q3 2025 showed:
- 86,975 DMCA requests – no user data handed over
- 4 police requests – no logs to give
- Malware flags – filtered at network level only
This is the kind of privacy I can get behind.
3. Protocols and Encryption: All the Right Stuff
CyberGhost supports the three core protocols:
- WireGuard (default): Lightweight, fast, secure. Uses ChaCha20 encryption – just as strong as AES-256, but faster on mobile.
- OpenVPN (UDP/TCP): Reliable and time-tested. Uses AES-256-GCM with RSA-4096.
- IKEv2/IPSec: Great for mobile connections – automatically re-establishes if your network changes.
Encryption is solid across the board. There’s no proprietary protocol here (like ExpressVPN’s Lightway or Nord’s NordLynx), but the open standards work flawlessly.
4. Apps and Features: Surprisingly Polished
CyberGhost’s app ecosystem has come a long way – especially on Windows and Android.
Smart Rules: A Game-Changer
This is CyberGhost’s unique “If This Then That” system. You can automate behavior like:
- Connect to a specific server when launching Chrome
- Trigger VPN when opening uTorrent
- Auto-connect on unknown Wi-Fi
It’s the most customizable automation I’ve seen in any VPN app.
App Breakdown
- Windows: Best experience. Full feature set, Smart Rules, streaming filters, torrent profiles.
- macOS: Solid, but lacks advanced split tunneling.
- iOS: Clean UI, no real Kill Switch (Apple limitation), lacks split tunneling.
- Android: Excellent. Full split tunneling, Smart Rules, built-in ad/tracker blocker.
- Linux: CLI-only. Works reliably, but no GUI in 2025. Power users only.
Streaming Profiles Built-In
Unlike other VPNs where you have to guess which server works, CyberGhost labels them clearly:
- “Netflix US”
- “BBC iPlayer”
- “Hulu US”
- “Hotstar India (Virtual)”
- “Disney+ UK”
During my tests, all major platforms worked without error messages or proxy bans.
5. Speed and Performance: Can It Keep Up?
All tests done using WireGuard on a 1 Gbps line in Europe.
| Server Location | Speed (Mbps) | Drop (%) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local (EU) | 850 – 950 Mbps | 5–10% | Practically no slowdown |
| US → UK | 588 – 732 Mbps | 20% | Depends on time/load |
| EU → Australia | 493 – 599 Mbps | 37% | Still 4K-capable |
Compared to NordVPN, CyberGhost is slightly slower on long distances. But for daily use, especially on networks under 300 Mbps, you likely won’t notice the difference.
Stability: Excellent. No drops, no erratic speed swings.
Gaming latency: +5 to +10 ms on nearby servers. Acceptable for casual play.
6. Streaming, Torrenting, and Gaming: Built for It
Streaming: One of the Best
With dedicated servers and active monitoring, CyberGhost just works:
- Netflix (US, UK, Japan, Germany, etc.)
- BBC iPlayer, Hulu, HBO Max, Disney+, Prime Video
- Smart DNS for PS5, Xbox, Smart TVs
The team behind these servers rotates IPs regularly, ensuring streaming access stays stable.
Torrenting: Mostly Great
- P2P allowed on specialized servers
- Automatic Kill Switch on by default
- No port forwarding (downside for private trackers)
For public torrents and casual downloaders, it’s more than enough.
Gaming: Solid Protection
CyberGhost offers servers optimized for low ping, plus:
- DDoS protection
- Servers in key cities: London, Frankfurt, New York, Paris
There’s no gaming accelerator, but it gets the job done.
7. Extra Features: Where CyberGhost Stands Out
- Content Blocker: DNS-level ad and tracker blocking. Good, but YouTube ads slip through (as expected).
- Dedicated IP: Optional add-on. Uses a token-based system – CyberGhost doesn’t know which user owns which IP.
- CyberGhost Security Suite (Windows only): Antivirus bundle by Intego. Not essential, but nice for less tech-savvy users.
Missing features:
- No Double VPN or multi-hop
- No GUI for Linux
- And no port forwarding
These may not matter to casual users, but power users should take note.
8. Pricing: Ridiculously Cheap for What You Get
CyberGhost runs constant promotions, but the best deal (as of Nov 2025):
- 2-Year Plan: $2.19/month
- 6-Month Plan: $6.99/month
- Monthly: $11.99
✅ Free Trial:
- Windows/macOS: 24 hours
- iOS: 7 days
- Android: 3 days
✅ Refund Policy:
- 45 days on long-term plans – longest in the industry
That’s nearly a month and a half to test the full service risk-free.
9. Support and Reputation
- 24/7 Live Chat: Fast and helpful (under 1 minute wait)
- Knowledge base: Detailed guides for every platform
- Languages: English, German, French, Romanian
On Reddit and Trustpilot, most users praise:
- Consistent streaming access
- Excellent server choice
- Fair pricing
Complaints?
- Google Captchas (shared IPs)
- Auto-renewal without discount
- No Linux GUI
Final Verdict: Is CyberGhost VPN Worth It in 2026?
Yes – especially if you’re a regular user who wants privacy, access, and speed without diving into advanced configs.
CyberGhost isn’t trying to be the most hardcore VPN. It’s built for people who want things to work, whether that’s streaming Netflix, downloading torrents, or hopping on public Wi-Fi safely.
✅ Recommended for:
- Streamers and binge-watchers
- Casual torrent users
- Families and households (7 device limit)
- Beginners who want automation and simplicity
⚠️ Not ideal if:
- You need Double VPN or port forwarding
- You’re a Linux user wanting a full GUI
- You’re ultra-privacy paranoid (ProtonVPN or Mullvad might suit you better)
Overall Rating: 9.2 / 10
Massive infrastructure, strong streaming support, verified privacy, and unbeatable value. One of the most well-rounded VPNs for everyday use in 2026.
FAQ
Is CyberGhost VPN safe to use in 2026?
Yes, CyberGhost has a strict no-logs policy, audited by Deloitte, and runs RAM-only servers. It’s based in Romania, outside surveillance alliances like 14 Eyes.
Does CyberGhost work with Netflix and other streaming services?
Absolutely. It has dedicated servers for Netflix (US, UK, DE, JP, etc.), BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Disney+, and more. All tested platforms worked flawlessly as of November 2025.
How fast is CyberGhost compared to NordVPN or Surfshark?
For everyday use, speeds are excellent – 850–950 Mbps locally. On long-distance routes, NordVPN is faster, but CyberGhost remains stable and more than fast enough for 4K streaming.
Does CyberGhost support torrenting?
Yes, on specialized P2P servers in over 70 countries. It has a built-in Kill Switch, but no port forwarding, which may limit speeds on private trackers.
What are the main downsides of CyberGhost VPN?
No Linux GUI, no double VPN feature, and shared IPs can trigger Google Captchas. Also, auto-renewal pricing reverts to full price if not cancelled in time.
