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vpnMentor was established in 2014 as an independent site reviewing VPN services and covering privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize the independent, professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.
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vpnMentor was established in 2014 as an independent site reviewing VPN services and covering privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize the independent, professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.

ExpressVPN vs CyberGhost 2024

Table of Contents

    Which VPN is better?

    Author Image James Everard
    James Everard

    Senior Writer

    Kape Technologies owns both ExpressVPN and CyberGhost, which you’d think would lead to services having similar features, apps, and plans. But that’s far from the case here; both VPNs are independently managed, so there’s a distinct contrast between them in almost every regard.

    That includes the price tag. One offers some of the more affordable long-term options, and the other is on the pricier side. That’s why I wanted to find out for myself which VPN is better and offers the best value for money.

    After all my tests, ExpressVPN proved to be the better overall option, even though CyberGhost offers great value for the cost. I recommend you try ExpressVPN risk-free since it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. If it doesn’t match your needs, you can claim a full refund and try CyberGhost instead.

    Try ExpressVPN Risk-Free >>

    Short on Time? Here Are My Key Findings

    ExpressVPN CyberGhost
    Overall Rating Rated 9.9/10

    www.expressvpn.com

    Rated 9.7/10

    www.cyberghostvpn.com

    💲 Lowest Monthly Price $6.67/month with 3 months of free service on your first 1-year subscription $2.19/month with 2 months of free service on your first 2-year subscription
    🗓️ Price on Renewal $116.95 per year
    (subject to change)
    $56.94 per year
    (subject to change)
    🤑 Coupons ExpressVPN 49% Off (12-month plan) CyberGhost 83% Off (24-month plan)
    💸 Money-Back Guarantee 30 days on all plans 45 days on long-term plans, but 14 days for the shortest plan
    📺 Streaming Works with Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Max, ESPN, BBC iPlayer, DAZN, RTL+, and more Works with Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Max, ESPN, BBC iPlayer, DAZN, and more
    🌍 VPN Servers 105 countries with 3,000 servers 100 countries with 11,690 servers
    Speed 1% speed drop on nearby servers, ideal for streaming in Ultra HD 4% speed drop on nearby servers
    🎮 Gaming Performance Optimal speed and ping over all distances Good speed and ping on nearby servers, but average over long-distance
    🧑‍🤝‍🧑 P2P Support Yes, on all servers Only specific servers optimized for torrenting
    🔐 Security Protocols Lightway UDP and TCP, OpenVPN UDP and TCP, and IKEv2 OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2
    🔌 Kill Switch Yes Yes
    IP/DNS Leak Protection Yes Yes
    🏢 Based in Country British Virgin Islands Romania
    ⚠️ Does VPN Keep Logs No No
    Works in China Yes No
    #️⃣ Number of Device Connections 8 7
    💻 Device Compatibility Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Chromebook, Edge, and more. Plus native app for routers. Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, routers, and more.
    🔧 Customer Support 24/7 live chat, knowledge base, FAQs, and email 24/7 live chat, knowledge base, FAQs, and email

    Streaming — ExpressVPN Works More Reliably With Global Platforms

    CyberGhost‘s 100+ specialty servers give you fast and stable connections for popular streaming platforms, including Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and iPlayer. They’re also optimized for use in specific countries and devices. For example, to watch Netflix US in the States, you can use the Netflix US server (which supports all devices). Or choose the Netflix US Fire Stick or Android TV options.

    The CyberGhost engineers test these servers continuously to ensure they run smoothly with their respective platforms and locations. But if you think this round is going the way of CyberGhost, read on.

    All of ExpressVPN’s 3,000 servers are optimized for streaming — and also for downloading, gaming, and automatic obfuscation. That means you can switch between activities and local platforms without changing servers.

    From the UK, I tested this with my Netflix UK, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+ UK accounts. It provided a reliable connection for each, and I didn’t have to swap servers or change any settings. And while CyberGhost’s streaming network is reliable, switching servers can be a little annoying when you just want to binge-watch your favorite shows.

    My global team and I teamed up to test each VPN with the most popular streaming services licensed in our respective countries. Listed below are the results of how reliable each VPN worked with these platforms.

    Important! The vpnMentor team firmly opposes all types of copyright infringement. These VPN services adhere to strict no-logging policies, meaning none of your online activities can be traced back to you. It's your responsibility how you use a VPN. We urge you to comply with all relevant rules and regulations.
    Streaming Platform ExpressVPN CyberGhost
    Netflix ✅ Yes, including popular Netflix
    libraries like the US, UK, Canada,
    Japan, South Korea, and Switzerland
    ☑️ Yes, but speeds are sluggish on
    faraway servers (within larger
    countries)
    Disney+ ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
    ESPN ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
    Max ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
    Hulu ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
    Sky ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
    Amazon Prime Video ✅ Yes ☑️ Yes, but doesn’t work reliably with all libraries
    BBC iPlayer ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
    ABC ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
    CBS ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
    NBC ✅ Yes ✅ Yes

    ExpressVPN provides stable connections for all popular streaming platforms, plus some regional ones like RTL+. CyberGhost wasn’t so reliable with regional libraries, specifically those on Amazon Prime Video. It didn’t work with the UK library during my tests from London. In fact, ExpressVPN is one of the only VPNs I’ve tested that worked with Amazon Prime Video, earning it a clear win for this round.

    Screenshot showing the ExpressVPN app connected to a server in New York over a browser streaming Netflix USMy colleague in New York reported that its New York server worked well with Netflix, Disney+, ESPN, Hulu, and Max

    CyberGhost worked well with Disney+ with its optimized servers. Our US team tested the US Disney+ library and had a smooth experience with it. I can report the same after testing Disney+ UK from my location.

    Screenshot showing the CyberGhost app connected to a server in New York over a browser streaming Disney+CyberGhost has streaming-optimized servers for Disney+ in the US, Italy, and India (Disney+ Hotstar)

    Both VPNs offer a Smart DNS feature, but ExpressVPN’s (called MediaStreamer) works with more devices. Smart DNS lets you easily set the VPNs up on devices that don’t normally support VPNs — like older smart TVs and game consoles. This means that you can easily stream on your big screen.

    CyberGhost’s Smart DNS only works with Netflix (in the UK and US) and Hulu. ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer works with these, plus a few more platforms in the UK, US, and Australia. This includes Max, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer.

    Winner
    Fast, stable, and reliable connections across the globe for popular and niche streaming platforms make ExpressVPN the ideal choice for streaming. Plus, its MediaStreamer feature makes it more versatile in terms of which devices you can stream on.

    Server Network — ExpressVPN Offers a Slightly Broader Global Reach Despite Fewer Servers

    ExpressVPN CyberGhost
    Total Countries With Servers 105 100
    Number of Servers 3,000+ 11,690

    With a similar number of countries to choose from, CyberGhost’s advantage is the fact that it offers 11,690 servers (over 3x more than ExpressVPN). Plus, CyberGhost has a selection of optimized servers for gaming, streaming, and torrenting. It also offers its highly secure NoSpy servers that are privately managed by its staff in its Romanian headquarters.

    While I do appreciate how fast and reliable CyberGhost’s specialty servers are for their given activities, these connections are limited in number. On the other hand, despite having a third fewer options, ExpressVPN’s servers are more versatile overall.

    Every server is optimized for streaming, torrenting, and gaming. That means that you can use any of the 3,000 servers for most of your online activities. On top of this, they’re all automatically obfuscated, which allows ExpressVPN to overcome tough networks and firewalls.

    Side-by-side screenshots of CyberGhost and ExpressVPN's server menus on their Windows appsThis makes ExpressVPN more straightforward and convenient to use

    During my tests on macOS, the user load on CyberGhost’s For downloading servers was high enough that it would slow down my torrents. Meanwhile, the For streaming servers don’t display user load at all. On Windows, it shows the distance to each specialty server in kilometers, plus there’s latency info for the gaming servers.

    Winner
    Less is more since ExpressVPN’s entire network is compatible with any online activity. You don’t have to search for an activity-specific server to get a fast, stable connection.

    Speed — ExpressVPN is Faster Across the Board

    My tests showed that ExpressVPN’s speeds are more consistent, especially over long distances. For example, a CyberGhost server in Japan fluctuated by 29% (lows of 55.89Mbps, highs of 79.06). On the other hand, ExpressVPN’s speeds in Japan stayed steady between 70 to 80Mbps.

    ExpressVPN’s Lightway protocol uses around half the lines of code that WireGuard uses, making it faster than CyberGhost. In my tests, I connected to New York in around 3 seconds with Lightway, compared to 11 seconds for CyberGhost via WireGuard.

    Across all my tests, ExpressVPN was faster, except when I checked the UK upload speeds showing a draw. While near-to-mid range speeds were close, my Japan results show a 23% deficit for CyberGhost. That’s enough to delay pages from loading and cause buffering on TV shows and movies.

    Speed Tests ExpressVPN Average Download Speed CyberGhost Average Download Speed ExpressVPN Average Upload Speed CyberGhost Average Upload Speed
    Connected to a US server 102.88Mbps 99.43Mbps 14.16Mbps 11.53Mbps
    Connected to a UK server 105.03Mbps 103.88Mbps 13.49Mbps 13.49Mbps
    Connected to a Japan server 72.43Mbps 55.89Mbps 11.94Mbps 10.38Mbps
    Winner
    A dexterous server network and exclusive Lightway protocol give ExpressVPN the lead in terms of speeds.

    Gaming — Low Latency Makes ExpressVPN Ideal

    Latency measures the response time between your actions and the on-screen reactions. It’s measured in milliseconds, and under 100ms is recommended for smooth multiplayer matches. The table below shows my tests confirming that ExpressVPN has lower latency across all distances.

    ExpressVPN: Lightway CyberGhost: WireGuard
    Quick Connect 8ms 9ms
    Connected to a US server 94ms 148ms
    Connected to a UK server 8ms 9ms
    Connected to a Japan server 265ms 267ms

    While the difference between the Japan and UK results is negligible, the US readings of 94ms versus 148ms (36.5%) is enough to make a significant difference to gameplay. A full 48ms below the recommended ping means you’ll get lag, and you could even be dropped out of games.

    Both services offer router setup options for Xbox, Playstation, and Nintendo Switch, putting them ahead of most VPNs for gaming. But ExpressVPN is a clear winner with its low-latency servers.

    Screenshot showing the ExpressVPN app connected to a server in New York over an online game playing on a web browserFast speeds from other continents mean you can use ExpressVPN to play lag-free no matter which server you select

    Winner
    ExpressVPN’s faster speeds and lower latency means it’s game over for CyberGhost for this segment of the comparison.

    Torrenting — Download Quickly on Any Server With ExpressVPN

    When it comes to file sharing, CyberGhost has the same issues it has with streaming. Its For downloading servers suffer from crowding and aren’t as fast as ExpressVPN. So again, ExpressVPN’s server versatility and Lightway protocol give it the edge for torrenting.

    P2P is also more convenient with ExpressVPN since it doesn’t restrict you to specific servers. You can download a large copyright-free file in the background while browsing or gaming or without stopping the torrent and reconnecting. If you want to speed up torrents or use other apps, I liked that both VPNs have a split tunneling feature to let some of your traffic use the local connection.

    Screenshot showing the ExpressVPN app connected to a server in Switzerland over Vuze torrent downloading clientI usually go for the Switzerland server for torrenting

    We don’t condone using a VPN to download torrents illegally. Always make sure that torrenting is allowed where you are, and check if the file you want to download is from the public domain (copyright-free) to avoid any troubles.

    Winner
    With multi-purpose servers and the versatile Lightway protocol, ExpressVPN is my top choice for file sharing.

    Security — Automatic Obfuscation and Lightway Puts ExpressVPN Ahead

    Obfuscation scrambles your VPN data to make it look like a regular connection, which helps it overcome VPN blocks and network restrictions. ExpressVPN includes obfuscation by default on every server. It automatically disguises itself to get through VPN filters and firewalls.

    You’d need to switch to the much slower OpenVPN to obfuscate your data with other VPNs. However, even with OpenVPN turned on, CyberGhost doesn’t offer obfuscation on any server.

    Security Feature ExpressVPN CyberGhost
    Encryption level AES-256-GCM, DNS/IPv6, ChaCha20, Poly1305, D/TLS 1.2 AES-256, 2048-BIT RSA, SHA256
    Kill Switch All operating systems (present as a feature on all apps; named Network Lock/Network Protection) All operating systems (but automatic, i.e., can’t toggle on Android, iOS, and macOS)
    DNS/IP Leak Protection Yes Yes
    Protocols Lightway UDP and TCP, OpenVPN UDP and TCP, and IKEv2 OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2
    Split Tunneling Yes (not on macOS and iOS) Yes (not on macOS and iOS)
    Private DNS servers Yes Yes
    Tor Over VPN servers No, but supports Tor No, but supports Tor
    RAM-only servers wipe data Yes Yes
    Ad & malware blocker Yes Yes
    Double hop servers Yes Yes
    Dedicated IP addresses No Yes
    Obfuscation technology Yes No

    CyberGhost earns marks for its Dedicated IP, a private IP address that only you can use. Although it costs extra, it’s nice to have as an option. I also like that its kill switch is in-built, so you don’t have to activate it, unlike ExpressVPN.

    Both VPNs offer tracker and malware blockers, with ExpressVPN’s Threat Manager blocklist and CyberGhost’s Block Content. Both offer bank-level encryption, so they keep your connection safe. But ExpressVPN’s obfuscation puts it ahead for security.

    Screenshot showing the ExpressVPN and CyberGhost protocol optionsUDP connections are generally faster, but TCP can be more reliable on unstable networks like public WiFi

    Another neat feature offered by ExpressVPN is port forwarding. This can be set up on ExpressVPN’s router app so you can securely access your devices remotely. It’s also useful for hosting websites and setting up gaming servers. CyberGhost doesn’t support this.

    Winner
    ExpressVPN has highly advanced security features to protect your data without compromising speed while still having more straightforward and intuitive security settings menus.

    Privacy — Multiple Independent Audits Give ExpressVPN the Win

    Both VPNs use RAM-only servers that automatically wipe all data on reboot. But ExpressVPN’s numerous privacy audits put it on top. It was audited by different independent security firms, including Cure53. F-Secure, KPMG, and PwC. In total, from 2018 to 2022 alone, it has undergone 16 security audits on its privacy policy, no-logs claims, apps, TrustedServer technology, browser extension, and built-in verification process.

    In comparison, in the same time period, CyberGhost had just one audit on its no-logs policy performed by Deloitte. That’s the only one visible on its website, and customer support confirmed it. On the other hand, it offers Transparency Reports every quarter detailing the number of data requests it receives.

    Furthermore, CyberGhost collects some anonymous data like your browser and device type, OS, screen resolution, preferred language, and mobile service provider. That isn’t ideal, even though there’s no evidence that CyberGhost identifies you personally or can see your online activities.

    Winner
    Multiple extensive independent audits mean ExpressVPN is the winner in this category.

    Works in China — Only ExpressVPN Works Reliably

    China operates the Great Firewall, the world’s toughest nationwide internet security grid. It monitors all web activity within the country and blocks thousands of websites. Only non-private government-approved VPNs are permissible in the country, although there are no publicly reported cases of visitors being prosecuted for using a VPN there.

    ExpressVPN offers automatic obfuscation with its Ligtway or Automatic protocol. This makes it one of the very few VPNs that work in China. CyberGhost doesn’t have obfuscation or a specialty privacy protocol, so It doesn’t work in the country.

    Winner
    Once again, automatic obfuscation means that ExpressVPN works reliably in China.

    Installation & Ease of Use — CyberGhost’s App Is Simple Even for Beginners

    Both VPNs are intuitive, but CyberGhost edges this round with its simple interface despite having more menus and options (specifically on its desktop apps). The specialty servers are all organized in different tabs, making them easy to find.

    CyberGhost also gives you more automation settings. Just click the Smart Rules menu to set the VPN to automatically connect when you use certain apps or to auto-connect to a server of your choice on startup. The mobile apps were easy to navigate, but they were far from being feature-rich, especially the iOS one.

    ExpressVPN’s apps are also beginner-friendly, with two home screen buttons to connect or view the server list. It offers fewer settings to set up, so if you’re not interested in a lot of features, ExpressVPN might be the better option for you. However, CyberGhost’s in-depth customization settings and organization give it a small edge.

    Winner
    Even though both VPNs are user-friendly, I recommend CyberGhost for its intuitiveness despite the number of settings it offers. Some of its features are automatic, so you don’t even have to turn them on, like the kill switch on macOS, iOS, and Android.

    Reliability & Support — ExpressVPN Wins With App-Based Support

    Customer Support Features ExpressVPN CyberGhost
    24/7 live chat Yes, responds immediately Yes, but you might need to wait in a queue
    Email support Yes, via form request Yes, via form request
    Phone support No No
    Step-by-step setup guides Yes, with video tutorials Yes, with video tutorials
    Searchable knowledge base Yes Yes
    Exhaustive FAQ section Yes Yes

    Both VPNs offer 24/7 live chat that responds within seconds with helpful and knowledgeable agents. There’s a chat widget at the bottom right of their websites. However, sometimes, CyberGhost’s live chat feature didn’t appear on my browser, and I had to either wait for some time or click on another page on the website.

    They also both offer simple setup guides with video tutorials and extensive knowledge bases. But ExpressVPN wins, since its live chat is more accessible and it has in-app support. CyberGhost has a similar menu item for macOS, but it didn’t work when I tested it. The feature also didn’t appear on the Windows app.

    Winner
    ExpressVPN makes it easier and faster to talk to live chat agents, and it has better in-app support.

    Tips on Choosing Between ExpressVPN and CyberGhost

    In my comprehensive comparison of both ExpressVPN and CyberGhost, I focused on certain features. If you do your own tests, here's what you should consider:

    • Streaming-friendly. Not all VPNs are ideal for streaming due to choppy or unreliable connections or slow speeds. My international team and I tested both VPNs with multiple streaming platforms that are licensed in our respective countries. Both ExpressVPN and CyberGhost proved to be dependable streaming VPNs.
    • Fast speeds. I ran speed tests on multiple servers from both providers, which you can do as well using free online tools. ExpressVPN was generally faster, but CyberGhost also had a respectable performance.
    • Global server networks. A wide choice of servers reduces user overcrowding. ExpressVPN covers 105 countries, while CyberGhost has servers in 100.
    • Robust security features. I ran IP/DNS leak tests on both VPNs. Neither showed any leaks, and both use military-grade 256-bit AES encryption.
    • Strong privacy practices. ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands, and CyberGhost is in Romania, both privacy-friendly jurisdictions. You can read a VPN’s policy online and make sure it doesn’t log your online activities.
    • Easy to use. I tested both VPNs on various devices. You can check their features online and see what kinds of support guides they have.
    • Trustworthy money-back guarantee. To test this out, I claimed a refund after two weeks of using ExpressVPN and CyberGhost, and the process was easy. Check the VPN’s website to find out the refund policy before you buy.

    ExpressVPN vs CyberGhost — Reddit Opinions

    ExpressVPN gets a lot of support due to its reliability. Many Redditors had used other VPNs beforehand and now report notably faster speeds. The live support also gets great praise. It’s often recommended as an alternative for Reddit users who are unhappy with their current VPN. CyberGhost gets praise for gaming and ease of use. Both VPNs have loyal supporters (3+ years of usage).

    Our Score

    Features 9.9/10
    Pricing 9.4/10
    Ease of Use 10.0/10
    Reliability & Support 10.0/10
    Features 9.7/10
    Pricing 9.7/10
    Ease of Use 9.9/10
    Reliability & Support 9.8/10

    Reviews

    Review by our expert
    Author Image Keira Waddell
    Keira Waddell

    Senior Writer

    Our Score: 9.9/10

    ExpressVPN is one of the most popular and trusted names in the industry. It’s known for being one of the safest, fastest VPNs around, so I wanted to see if it can live up to these claims. It’s not the cheapest VPN, but it often offers discounts that make it a better value for the money. Other decent VPNs offer similar security features for much cheaper. So, do you really need to pay that muc...

    Read all
    Latest positive user review
    K
    Kriss
    10.0/10
    Great

    I've been an ExpressVPN customer since 2017 and it's been great: quickly connects to a nearby server i... n the Wash DC region, embedded shortcuts to apps I want to use while using VPN, disconnects quickly, has the kill switch feature which is necessary these days, and has a fine mobile app which works well on my Android phones and tablets. However, I was just notified that the annual price is jumping from $99 to $117 upon the next renewal, so it's time to see how the others compare within VPN Mentor.More

    Latest negative user review
    C
    Charli
    6.0/10
    Ok, but expensive

    Seems ok, but I wouldn't say it's worth $20AUD a month. That's steep if you live in a backwater like A... ustralia, where the currency is not valuable. Easy enough to set up - you don't need to be Einstein - but unless you're a tech nerd who can take a look under the bonnet, you'll just have to trust what they say about their product. It frequently drops out without the slightest warning, often when it's the only thing online at the time - despite fast and flawless fiber internet, rendering expression entirely useless UNLESS you have it sitting on your desktop where you can keep an eagle eye on it to actually see it when it drops out so you can kick it back into service again (it doesn't do it by itself), which seems to defeat its purpose, so I'm taking away 2 stars for that. Support is good and they do get back to you as fast as they can.More

    Review by our expert
    Author Image Keira Waddell
    Keira Waddell

    Senior Writer

    Our Score: 9.7/10

    CyberGhost is one of the most affordable VPNs on the market — you can get a subscription for as low as $2.19/month. I sometimes assume that price indicates quality, but with VPNs, I've been proven wrong before. So I wanted to see whether CyberGhost can really deliver at such a low price. I did a deep dive into CyberGhost’s privacy policy and security measures to determine whether it’s secu...

    Read all
    Latest positive user review
    R
    Raemond Thompson
    10.0/10
    Simple To Use

    Great interface and is very intuitive. Many locations with reasonably fast speeds. There are a lot of ... essential features I like as well. Wireguard, Wifi Protect, Etc. I took out the 2-year plan at a fair discount so I can say that, given the price, it's a decent balance of quantity and quality.More

    Latest negative user review
    S
    Sami Paananen
    2.0/10
    Pretty good

    CyberGhost does not connect automatically in pc when I connect online. Why? And on my phone (Android)...  it sometimes gets stuck, it does not open the app when vpn is working. I have to connect the VPN in my phone settings first. That is pretty annoying.More

    Pricing

    ExpressVPN CyberGhost
    Starting Price $6.67/month $2.19/month
    Price (On Renewal) $116.95 per year
    (subject to change)
    $56.94 per year
    (subject to change)
    Money-Back Guarantee (Days) 30 days for all plans 45 days for long-term plans, but 14 days for the shortest plan
    Number of devices per license 8 7
    Router Setup (for Unlimited Devices) Easy setup and intuitive to use with its dedicated router firmware and app Easy setup but harder to configure servers and settings

    There’s an argument to make for ExpressVPN being better value for money since it’s better in almost every department. But some plans are almost twice as expensive, except for the shortest-term subscription. Nevertheless, if you want the best all-around VPN, I recommend ExpressVPN, and if you’re on a budget, CyberGhost is a great alternative.

    Winner
    CyberGhost’s long-term pricing is more affordable than ExpressVPN, and the money-back guarantee period is longer. In addition, the price on renewal is cheaper with CyberGhost. Note that the 1-month plan is a bit more expensive and comes with a shorter 14-day refund period.

    Best VPN by Category

    Best VPN Overall

    ExpressVPN is better thanks to its slightly higher global reach with servers across 105 countries, faster speed, and stronger privacy practices. It was more consistent across all our tests and is the top choice for high performance and overall reliability in 2024.

    Best VPN for Torrents

    ExpressVPN is the winner for torrenting because it has faster speeds and supports P2P across its entire network. However, both VPNs offer an easy-to-use split tunneling function that allows you to only encrypt the P2P traffic coming in and out of your torrenting client.

    Best VPN for Windows

    ExpressVPN is better because of its flawless integrations with almost all Windows operating system versions. Plus, there’s the neat Shortcuts feature that makes it easy to connect to the VPN and open your preferred website in just a click. CyberGhost lacks something similar.

    Best VPN for Android

    ExpressVPN comes out on top with its sleek app that’s consistent with the desktop version. Plus, you get UDP and TCP versions of Lightway, which is rare for a mobile VPN app. I also like the in-app email support.

    Best VPN for Mac

    ExpressVPN is better because you can choose and test more protocols to find which works best for you, including its proprietary Lightway for superfast speeds. Also, there's the Shortcuts feature to quickly launch websites and apps whenever you connect.

    Best VPN for iOS

    ExpressVPN wins this category because its iOS app is clean, minimal, and consistent with the desktop app. Like the Android app, it offers UDP and TCP versions of the proprietary Lightway protocol. Plus, it comes with a kill switch that you can turn on or off. CyberGhost doesn’t let you do this, as it claims that the kill switch is automatic on macOS.

    Best VPN for USA

    ExpressVPN is more reliable for streaming and browsing American sites from the US. It has servers in over 24 US locations, so you’ll easily find a connection near your state to enjoy popular local sites, including Netflix, Hulu, ESPN, and Max.

    The Bottom Line

    CyberGhost is a low-cost service and definitely worth considering. The app is straightforward and easy to use and comes with some nice customizable features and settings.

    However, ExpressVPN is superior in almost every regard. It’s faster, safer, and considerably better for data-heavy activities like streaming, torrenting, and gaming. That’s reflected in the price, but you can also try it risk-free since it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you opt for a long-term deal, you can save 49%.

    Time to decide which one is best for you

    FAQ

    Is ExpressVPN better than CyberGhost?

    Yes, I found ExpressVPN to be better than CyberGhost. I tested both, and ExpressVPN consistently outperformed in terms of speed, security, and network versatility. It was the better VPN for streaming, file-sharing, gaming, and other uses.

    That said, I found that CyberGhost offers great feature customization. Its global server coverage is solid, and short and mid-range speeds are excellent. However, it can’t match ExpressVPN over a long range.

    Is ExpressVPN faster than CyberGhost?

    Yes, ExpressVPN has faster speeds across all distances. In my tests, ExpressVPN was consistently faster on both local and international servers.

    Does ExpressVPN or CyberGhost offer any deals?

    Yes, both VPNs frequently offer promotions that provide great value. That’s especially true if you commit to a longer plan, as the discounts tend to increase. I'd recommend you check out our up-to-date list of codes and coupons for the latest offers and discounts.

    Is ExpressVPN worth its cost?

    Yes, ExpressVPN is worth the price. The service has some of the most robust VPN security features, an audited no-logs policy, and excellent speeds. While it might be priced slightly higher than some competitors, the quality and peace of mind you get from ExpressVPN make the investment worthwhile.

    We review vendors based on rigorous testing and research but also take into account your feedback and our affiliate commission with providers. Some providers are owned by our parent company.
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    vpnMentor was established in 2014 as an independent site reviewing VPN services and covering privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize the independent, professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.

    About the Author

    James conducts rigorous hands-on research and testing to evaluate dozens of VPNs for his articles. He's an advocate for digital freedom.