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At first glance, there is little to choose between these three providers. However, after digging slightly deeper you find that only NordVPN originates in a reasonably VPN-friendly country, being based in Panama. Cyberghost has recently been acquired by an Israeli company, and HMA originates in the UK. NordVPN and Cyberghost offer a similar number of simultaneous connections with NordVPN offering 6, one more than Cyberghost; HMA falls behind in this respect only offering 2 simultaneous connections for its users. While all have good coverage, it is HMA that comes out on top with the greater number of countries with connections and the greater number of servers overall. When it comes to customer service, however, NordVPN is the only one that offers 24/7 live support. Cyberghost does have a live option but only during set hours. In terms of ways to pay, NordVPN again comes out on top, offering payment through gift cards, as well as debit and credit cards, and Bitcoins. The real difference, however, is in terms of speed, reliability, and ease of use, all areas where NordVPN comes out on top.
Features
9.4
Pricing
9.0
Ease of Use
9.6
Reliability & Support
9.2
Features
9.4
Pricing
8.8
Ease of Use
9.4
Reliability & Support
8.0
Features
10.0
Pricing
9.6
Ease of Use
10.0
Reliability & Support
10.0
Rating
Features
9.4
9.4
10.0
Pricing
9.0
8.8
9.6
Ease of Use
9.6
9.4
10.0
Reliability & Support
9.2
8.0
10.0
Reviews
Review by our expert
Kate Veale
Cybersecurity Researcher
9.6
When I read that CyberGhost had been bought out by Kape — a company that used to be infamous for bundling adware into its downloads — alarm bells started ringing. I’ve recommended CyberGhost in the past as a trustworthy and easy-to-use VPN that suits beginners. But with its new ownership, I wondered if CyberGhost is even safe to use anymore
I did a deep dive into CyberGhost’s ownership...
Good, simple to install and use.Good all-around performance on PC, MAC, and Android.
After almost 2 years of use, there are a few niggles, notably if you have Synology network storage and need to update settings. This can be a little frustrating, not really down to Cyberghost, however, the online guides are a little out of date - that's the only issue I've experienced.
Latest negative user review
Peppe
2.0
Cyberghost refuse refund for non-working VPNCyberghost initially worked fine. However, a software upgrade became available in Dec 2021 and after installing it my computer became slow and I lost my internet connection when I turned on the VPN. I've followed all advice and suggestions given by Cyberghost support to solve the issue, including numerous re-installs of different versions of Cyberghost, but nothing has solved the issue. Cyberghost refuse to give me a refund, although I've now had a non-working VPN for more than 60 days. Turns out I've paid for a three-year subscription to Cyberghost that I'm not able to use but still have to pay for. Shame on Cyberghost. Don't buy this product!!!
HMA is a popular VPN provider with a large network of 1,100+ servers in 210+ countries.
Some of this VPN’s biggest strengths are its user-friendly interface, impressive speeds, and ability to bypass geoblocks (even Netflix's!)
It's newest update, HMA Version 5, includes new design features and an auto-generated diagnostics mode. Arguably the most impressive update is its Lightning-mode feat...
Working perfectI like this excellent service a lot. It is working absolutely perfect. I have been using it for a couple of weeks, in my PC, in my mobile and also in an Asus router.
It is easy to order and setup, no matter which device.
Latest negative user review
Jorge
2.0
HMA Payment Processing @Check out is a ScamI have used HMA for over 5 years. At first, the customer support was premium, until I try renewing my subscription recently. HMA uses 2Checkout Payment Processing which is a scam. These offshore crooks demanded in an e-mail I provide them with a copy of passport, Driver's License, a copy of the credit card /debit card, and other personal information under the guise of Risk Assessment. A customer service Rep with either an Indian or Pakistan accent I spoke to on the phone is very rude and argumentative claiming to be an expert in US law and I should immediately upload all personal information via this link (secure.2checkout.com/order?id=2Xrl83J0qeyzpXHrpOC6ZXGR3pKvlcVt ) This is a big-time scam by 2Checkout to obtain your personal information, which now has cost HMA a repeat customer forever.
You have placed an order on hidemyass.com on 2020-12-06
(reference number: order processed by 2Checkout as the
reseller of Privax LTD, the software/service provider which operates
hidemyass.com.
Your order is currently under evaluation by 2Checkout's Risk Assessment
Team. We perform this verification to prevent unauthorized use of the
credit/debit card used in the transaction and unauthorized use of your
personal details.
In order to validate your payment and complete your order, please
provide us with the following documents during the next two business
days:
- a copy of a recent credit card billing statement, confirming the
name, address, and telephone number associated with the credit card
presented for your order.
- a copy of a photo ID (identification card, driver`s license or
passport) of the Credit/Debit Card account holder.
All items must be legible and uploaded to our secured (SSL encrypted)
interface at:
secure.2checkout.com/order?id=2Xrl83J0qeyzpXHrpOC6ZXGR3pKvlcVt
It’s not often that a VPN has cheap prices coupled with an excellent set of features. Yet, when my team and I looked at what NordVPN has to offer, this is exactly what we found. It offers a huge global network of servers, unblocks hundreds of streaming platforms, and has iron-clad security and privacy features — and you can get it all for just $3.71/month. I had to wonder what the catch was.
...
For NordVPN-Android – NordVPN cannotThere is no Caveat Emptor here, nothing like that at all. Nothing to worry about because NordVPN has a top-notch of KillSwitch. It has never faltered in my case. Some instances that NordVPN connection is lost for like 10 seconds while I'm "incognito" in a streaming site, I immediately check with the site with regards to my interrupted connection and my real location did not register ;-) This happened a handful of times in fact. NordVPN will not leave you out in the cold so to speak ;-)
Just that since this is a review, it must be noted since features are being enumerated that Split Tunneling and KillSwitch cannot be enabled at the same time. It's either you use one or the other.
KillSwitch is not possible if you need to exclude an app from using VPN which means to Split Tunneling. Crypto wallet apps and apps that refuse to use VPN tunnel are such examples.
"Block Connections Without VPN" being 1 of 2 conditions that must be met to be able to utilize KillSwitch, and KillSwitch will not work if Split Tunneling is enabled. Ergo,
- It's either All apps are Blocked without VPN or No Apps are Blocked at all.
I thought pausing the VPN from its Notification will take care of this but in all my Android devices that have NordVPN the pausing from the notification does not work which makes me wonder if pausing/disconnecting from notification is a feature that works in Android.
Latest negative user review
Michail
2.0
Great choice!Lenny, completely agree with you! Everything works great with Nord VPN! The download speed is really good and doesn't have any hiccups. It's very easy to use. It's nice to feel protected and safe from prying eyes. I will be a lifelong customer!
When I read that CyberGhost had been bought out by Kape — a company that used to be infamous for bundling adware into its downloads — alarm bells started ringing. I’ve recommended CyberGhost in the past as a trustworthy and easy-to-use VPN that suits beginners. But with its new ownership, I wondered if CyberGhost is even safe to use anymore
I did a deep dive into CyberGhost’s ownership...
HMA is a popular VPN provider with a large network of 1,100+ servers in 210+ countries.
Some of this VPN’s biggest strengths are its user-friendly interface, impressive speeds, and ability to bypass geoblocks (even Netflix's!)
It's newest update, HMA Version 5, includes new design features and an auto-generated diagnostics mode. Arguably the most impressive update is its Lightning-mode feat...
It’s not often that a VPN has cheap prices coupled with an excellent set of features. Yet, when my team and I looked at what NordVPN has to offer, this is exactly what we found. It offers a huge global network of servers, unblocks hundreds of streaming platforms, and has iron-clad security and privacy features — and you can get it all for just $3.71/month. I had to wonder what the catch was.
...
Good, simple to install and use.Good all-around performance on PC, MAC, and Android.
After almost 2 years of use, there are a few niggles, notably if you have Synology network storage and need to update settings. This can be a little frustrating, not really down to Cyberghost, however, the online guides are a little out of date - that's the only issue I've experienced.
Hans Bladby
10.0
Working perfectI like this excellent service a lot. It is working absolutely perfect. I have been using it for a couple of weeks, in my PC, in my mobile and also in an Asus router.
It is easy to order and setup, no matter which device.
Marc
10.0
For NordVPN-Android – NordVPN cannotThere is no Caveat Emptor here, nothing like that at all. Nothing to worry about because NordVPN has a top-notch of KillSwitch. It has never faltered in my case. Some instances that NordVPN connection is lost for like 10 seconds while I'm "incognito" in a streaming site, I immediately check with the site with regards to my interrupted connection and my real location did not register ;-) This happened a handful of times in fact. NordVPN will not leave you out in the cold so to speak ;-)
Just that since this is a review, it must be noted since features are being enumerated that Split Tunneling and KillSwitch cannot be enabled at the same time. It's either you use one or the other.
KillSwitch is not possible if you need to exclude an app from using VPN which means to Split Tunneling. Crypto wallet apps and apps that refuse to use VPN tunnel are such examples.
"Block Connections Without VPN" being 1 of 2 conditions that must be met to be able to utilize KillSwitch, and KillSwitch will not work if Split Tunneling is enabled. Ergo,
- It's either All apps are Blocked without VPN or No Apps are Blocked at all.
I thought pausing the VPN from its Notification will take care of this but in all my Android devices that have NordVPN the pausing from the notification does not work which makes me wonder if pausing/disconnecting from notification is a feature that works in Android.
Latest negative user review
Peppe
2.0
Cyberghost refuse refund for non-working VPNCyberghost initially worked fine. However, a software upgrade became available in Dec 2021 and after installing it my computer became slow and I lost my internet connection when I turned on the VPN. I've followed all advice and suggestions given by Cyberghost support to solve the issue, including numerous re-installs of different versions of Cyberghost, but nothing has solved the issue. Cyberghost refuse to give me a refund, although I've now had a non-working VPN for more than 60 days. Turns out I've paid for a three-year subscription to Cyberghost that I'm not able to use but still have to pay for. Shame on Cyberghost. Don't buy this product!!!
Jorge
2.0
HMA Payment Processing @Check out is a ScamI have used HMA for over 5 years. At first, the customer support was premium, until I try renewing my subscription recently. HMA uses 2Checkout Payment Processing which is a scam. These offshore crooks demanded in an e-mail I provide them with a copy of passport, Driver's License, a copy of the credit card /debit card, and other personal information under the guise of Risk Assessment. A customer service Rep with either an Indian or Pakistan accent I spoke to on the phone is very rude and argumentative claiming to be an expert in US law and I should immediately upload all personal information via this link (secure.2checkout.com/order?id=2Xrl83J0qeyzpXHrpOC6ZXGR3pKvlcVt ) This is a big-time scam by 2Checkout to obtain your personal information, which now has cost HMA a repeat customer forever.
You have placed an order on hidemyass.com on 2020-12-06
(reference number: order processed by 2Checkout as the
reseller of Privax LTD, the software/service provider which operates
hidemyass.com.
Your order is currently under evaluation by 2Checkout's Risk Assessment
Team. We perform this verification to prevent unauthorized use of the
credit/debit card used in the transaction and unauthorized use of your
personal details.
In order to validate your payment and complete your order, please
provide us with the following documents during the next two business
days:
- a copy of a recent credit card billing statement, confirming the
name, address, and telephone number associated with the credit card
presented for your order.
- a copy of a photo ID (identification card, driver`s license or
passport) of the Credit/Debit Card account holder.
All items must be legible and uploaded to our secured (SSL encrypted)
interface at:
secure.2checkout.com/order?id=2Xrl83J0qeyzpXHrpOC6ZXGR3pKvlcVt
Michail
2.0
Great choice!Lenny, completely agree with you! Everything works great with Nord VPN! The download speed is really good and doesn't have any hiccups. It's very easy to use. It's nice to feel protected and safe from prying eyes. I will be a lifelong customer!
All three VPNs are great choices for various internet activity, and all come with affordable prices. NordVPN takes the lead in balancing between solid performance, superb security, excellent privacy, and fast speeds. CyberGhost may be cheaper, but NordVPN is offering some amazing deals right now.
All three VPNs are great choices for various internet activity, and all come with affordable prices. NordVPN takes the lead in balancing between solid performance, superb security, excellent privacy, and fast speeds. CyberGhost may be cheaper, but NordVPN is offering some amazing deals right now.
All three VPNs allow torrenting on selected servers. Unlike HMA, CyberGhost and NordVPN offer specific torrenting mode within their apps. However, NordVPN is a wiser choice in terms of privacy and security.
All three VPNs allow torrenting on selected servers. Unlike HMA, CyberGhost and NordVPN offer specific torrenting mode within their apps. However, NordVPN is a wiser choice in terms of privacy and security.
HMA offers a simple app for Windows, but it’s limited compared to those provided by CyberGhost and NordVPN. All three Windows apps come with a kill switch. CyberGhost’s Windows app is more user-friendly and visually appealing. On the other hand, NordVPN’s Windows app offers simplicity, ease of use, and more advanced features than CyberGhost and HMA combined.
HMA offers a simple app for Windows, but it’s limited compared to those provided by CyberGhost and NordVPN. All three Windows apps come with a kill switch. CyberGhost’s Windows app is more user-friendly and visually appealing. On the other hand, NordVPN’s Windows app offers simplicity, ease of use, and more advanced features than CyberGhost and HMA combined.
While all three VPNs offer user-friendly apps for Android users, NordVPN’s Android application is more feature-packed than those offered by CyberGhost and HMA. In addition, unlike CyberGhost and HMA, NordVPN has an automatic kill switch and a special Double VPN feature for better security and privacy.
While all three VPNs offer user-friendly apps for Android users, NordVPN’s Android application is more feature-packed than those offered by CyberGhost and HMA. In addition, unlike CyberGhost and HMA, NordVPN has an automatic kill switch and a special Double VPN feature for better security and privacy.
Despite the recent update to their Mac app, HMA is still limited and pricy compared to CyberGhost and NordVPN’s Mac apps. CyberGhost offers an exquisite Mac client with several options, but with a limited number of protocols. On the other hand, NordVPN provides a budget-friendly, full-featured application for Mac users.
Despite the recent update to their Mac app, HMA is still limited and pricy compared to CyberGhost and NordVPN’s Mac apps. CyberGhost offers an exquisite Mac client with several options, but with a limited number of protocols. On the other hand, NordVPN provides a budget-friendly, full-featured application for Mac users.
NordVPN’s iOS software client certainly towers over those offered by CyberGhost and HMA, even though all three iOS clients are appealing and user-friendly. Both NordVPN and CyberGhost offer built-in kill switches, but HMA doesn’t. NordVPN and CyberGhost also offer more organized and specific modes for streaming and anonymous browsing. In addition, NordVPN offers Double VPN, Tor over VPN, and P2P.
NordVPN’s iOS software client certainly towers over those offered by CyberGhost and HMA, even though all three iOS clients are appealing and user-friendly. Both NordVPN and CyberGhost offer built-in kill switches, but HMA doesn’t. NordVPN and CyberGhost also offer more organized and specific modes for streaming and anonymous browsing. In addition, NordVPN offers Double VPN, Tor over VPN, and P2P.
NordVPN has 1,900+ servers in the US, which is way more than HMA (190+ servers) or CyberGhost (500+ servers). All three VPNs can bypass US geo-restrictions and you can use them to stream Netflix US and HBO. In addition, NordVPN can help you unblock anti-VPN services like Amazon Prime.
NordVPN has 1,900+ servers in the US, which is way more than HMA (190+ servers) or CyberGhost (500+ servers). All three VPNs can bypass US geo-restrictions and you can use them to stream Netflix US and HBO. In addition, NordVPN can help you unblock anti-VPN services like Amazon Prime.
While all three companies have many merits, NordVPN definitely comes out ahead. It is the most reliable for working in China, although Cyberghost also works for Netflix users. All 3 work on multiple platforms. NordVPN and HMA both offer 30-day money-back guarantees, while CyberGhost offers 45 days. All provide DNS leak protection and keep no logs (to be specific HMA does keep logs, but only for diagnostic purposes). In addition, NordVPN and Cyberghost also provide kill switches, but again NordVPN is always just one step ahead especially in terms of speed, services, and security. Combined with its user-friendly approach, it is a definite winner.
Interestingly, if you compare NordVPN with RememBear, which is our top ranked vpn, you'll see that NordVPN can learn a lot from RememBear. Compare NordVPN with RememBear
Honesty and Transparency are two core values of vpnMentor. VPN Companies can't pay to change or delete reviews. When readers choose to buy a vpn service, we sometimes earn affiliate commissions that support our work. Here is an explanation of exactly what we do, and how to support our work.
