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vpnMentor was established in 2014 to review VPN services and cover 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 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 to review VPN services and cover 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 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.

CyberGhost vs IPVanish VPN 2024

Table of Contents
    Editor's Note: Transparency and impartiality are important to us when bringing you our best selection of VPNs. Some of the industry-leading products on our list, including Intego, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost, and ExpressVPN are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company. The VPNs we choose are derived from a thorough testing process.

    Which VPN Is Better?

    Author Image Akash Deep
    Akash Deep

    Cybersecurity Researcher

    CyberGhost and IPVanish are two VPNs that have been around for a while. They're both well-established brands with loyal followings, but they approach online privacy and security in different ways. CyberGhost is about simplicity and ease of use, while IPVanish offers a bit more customization for tech-savvy users.

    I wanted to know which VPN is the better choice for most people, so I put them through a series of head-to-head tests together with my team. We compared their speeds, streaming performance, torrenting capabilities, security features, and more. I also delved deep into their privacy policies and looked at their track records to see how they handle user data.

    After weeks of testing, I can say that CyberGhost is the superior VPN. It's faster, more reliable, and offers better value for your money. Its user-friendly apps make it a great choice if you’re new to VPNs, but it also has plenty of advanced features for experienced users. While IPVanish is a solid VPN with robust security, its US jurisdiction and past logging controversy might give you pause if privacy is your top priority.

    Short on Time? Here Are My Key Findings

    CyberGhost IPVanish
    Overall Rating Rated 9.69/10

    www.cyberghostvpn.com

    Rated 9.22/10

    www.ipvanish.com

    💲 Lowest Monthly Price $2.03/month for the 2-year + 4 free months plan $2.19/month for the 2-year + 3 free months plan
    🗓️ Price on Renewal $56.94 per year
    (subject to change)
    $89.99 per year
    (subject to change)
    🤑 Coupons CyberGhost offers 84% off IPVanish offers 83% off (introductory price)
    💸 Money Back Guarantee 45 days 30 days
    📺Streaming Works with Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, DAZN, and more Works with Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and more
    🌍 VPN Servers 100 countries with 11,690 servers 135 countries with 2,400 servers
    Speed 6% speed drop on nearby servers 13% speed drop on nearby servers
    🎮 Gaming Performance 10 ms ping on nearby servers for smooth gameplay 12 ms ping on nearby servers; excellent for gaming
    🧑‍🤝‍🧑 P2P Support Yes Yes
    🔐 Security Protocols IKEv2, OpenVPN, and WireGuard WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, and IPSec
    🔌 Kill Switch Yes Yes
    IP/DNS Leak Protection Yes Yes
    🏢 Based in Country Romania US
    ⚠️ Does VPN Keep Logs No No
    Works in China No No
    #️⃣ Number of Device Connections 7 Unlimited
    💻 Device Compatibility Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, routers, and more Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and routers
    🔧 Customer Support 24/7 live chat, knowledge base, FAQs, and email 24/7 live chat, knowledge base, email, and phone
    Best alternative to CyberGhost VPN

    Our Score: 9.9

    If CyberGhost isn’t your preferred choice, consider ExpressVPN instead. It’s the fastest VPN we’ve tested and regularly beats CyberGhost in our speed tests. While it doesn’t have dedicated streaming platforms, it’s extremely reliable for accessing global content in HD from anywhere, too.

    Streaming — Both VPNs Perform Well, But CyberGhost Takes the Lead

    CyberGhost and IPVanish are both excellent VPNs for streaming. My international team and I tested each one with a variety of platforms, and we found you can count on either one to safely access platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Max, BBC iPlayer, and more from anywhere.

    Streaming Platform CyberGhost IPVanish
    Netflix ✅ Yes, including popular Netflix
    libraries like the US, UK, Canada,
    Japan, South Korea, and Switzerland
    ☑️ Yes, but not as reliable for some
    regions
    Disney+ ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
    ESPN ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
    (HBO) Max ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
    Hulu ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
    Sky ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
    Amazon Prime Video ✅ Yes ❌ No
    BBC iPlayer ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
    ABC ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
    CBS ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
    NBC ✅ Yes ✅ Yes

    CyberGhost has a slight advantage thanks to its streaming-optimized servers. These are regularly tested to ensure they can reliably work with popular streaming platforms. We tested several of these specialized servers (including Max, Disney+, Netflix, and Hotstar), and they all worked as intended. From the UK, I watched BBC iPlayer completely lag-free.

    Screenshot of The Traitors streaming on BBC iPlayer with CyberGhost connectedIts BBC iPlayer server could access the platform right away

    Another advantage of CyberGhost is its ability to consistently access a wider range of Netflix libraries in HD from anywhere. IPVanish, in comparison, struggled with some of these less popular regions.

    That's not to say IPVanish isn't a strong contender. Even without dedicated streaming servers, it performed well in our tests. My US colleague had no problems accessing Netflix US, Hulu, Max, and Disney+ in great quality. Similarly, my colleagues in Japan and Canada and I (in the UK) could watch Netflix with no buffering.

    Screenshot of Rick and Morty streaming on Netflix UK with IPVanish connectedI never experienced any connectivity issues while streaming

    However, we did run into some issues with a few services. For example, my teammate in Ireland couldn’t access RTÉ Player with IPVanish. It also didn’t work with Amazon Prime Video US in our tests. CyberGhost had no problem with either platform.

    Also, CyberGhost offers Smart DNS to stream content on the big screen — IPVanish lacks a similar offering.

    Editor's note: Both CyberGhost and IPVanish maintain strict no-logging policies, meaning they don’t track your online activity. This means it’s your duty to use a VPN in compliance with your local regulations and laws. My team and I don’t condone copyright infringement.
    Winner
    CyberGhost and IPVanish are both fantastic options for streaming. However, CyberGhost has a slight advantage due to its specialized streaming servers, which offer reliable HD access to a broad range of content from anywhere.

    Server Network — CyberGhost Has a Larger Network

    CyberGhost IPVanish
    Total Countries With Servers 100 135
    Number of Servers 11,690 2,400

    Both CyberGhost and IPVanish offer excellent global coverage. However, CyberGhost takes the lead with servers in 100 countries, compared to IPVanish's presence in 135 countries. It also offers a higher overall server count.

    This more extensive network means you're more likely to find a server in a less popular region. For example, CyberGhost even has virtual servers for restrictive countries like Russia, China, and Iran, which IPVanish doesn't offer. These virtual servers provide IP addresses from those countries without risking your privacy by physically locating servers there.

    That said, you won't have to worry about overcrowded servers with either VPN. Both providers offer plenty of options to ensure a smooth and stable connection, no matter where you're located.

    Winner
    CyberGhost comes out on top with a larger global server network — it covers more countries than IPVanish. It also offers virtual servers in locations where IPVanish doesn't have a presence.

    Speed — CyberGhost Offers Faster Connections

    CyberGhost and IPVanish both deliver fast and stable connections. However, in my tests from the UK, CyberGhost consistently outperformed IPVanish. I used WireGuard to test both VPNs since it gave me the fastest speeds.

    My base connection speed without a VPN was 219.66 Mbps download and 26.10 Mbps upload. Here's how each VPN performed:

    Speed Tests CyberGhost Average Download Speed IPVanish Average Download Speed CyberGhost Average Upload Speed IPVanish Average Upload Speed
    Connected to a UK server 206.48Mbps 191.10Mbps 25.06Mbps 25.58Mbps
    Connected to a US server 182.32Mbps 155.94Mbps 24.01Mbps 23.75Mbps
    Connected to a Japanese server 133.99Mbps 122.97Mbps 22.97Mbps 22.19Mbps

    As you can see, CyberGhost had a smaller impact on my base connection speeds across all server locations tested. CyberGhost only reduced my download speed by 6% on nearby UK servers, while IPVanish caused a slightly higher 13% drop.

    Screenshot of CyberGhost's speed test resultsThe minor drop in speed wasn't noticeable at all

    The speed differences became even more noticeable when connecting to distant servers. CyberGhost's US server decreased my download speed by 17%, while IPVanish's US server led to a more significant 29% reduction. Similarly, CyberGhost's Japan server resulted in a 39% drop, while IPVanish's caused a 44% decrease.

    Upload speeds were less affected overall, but CyberGhost still held an advantage in most cases.

    Winner
    While both VPNs offer fast speeds suitable for most online activities, CyberGhost is the clear winner in this category. Its ability to maintain higher speeds across various server locations makes it a better choice for speed-critical tasks like streaming, gaming, and downloading large files.

    Gaming — CyberGhost Is a Better Choice For Gaming

    Both CyberGhost and IPVanish are good for gaming. My starting ping without a VPN in the UK was 9 ms, which is excellent for online gaming. For context, a good ping for gaming is typically considered to be under 100 ms.

    CyberGhost (WireGuard) IPVanish (WireGuard)
    Quick Connect 10 ms 13 ms
    Connected to a UK server 10 ms 12 ms
    Connected to a US server 92 ms 129 ms
    Connected to a Japanese server 199 ms 284 ms

    CyberGhost offers dedicated gaming servers, making it easy to find the right connection for your needs. These servers are specifically designed to provide the best possible connection for gaming, with low latency and minimal packet loss.

    On nearby UK servers, CyberGhost’s gaming server gave me a ping of 10 ms, while IPVanish was slightly higher at 12 ms. I played several fast-paced games like Call of Duty: Warzone, Fortnite, and Apex Legends on these nearby servers, and the experience was smooth and responsive with both VPNs.

    Screenshot of PUBG gameplay with CyberGhost connectedI played PUBG using CyberGhost's Manchester server

    When I used CyberGhost's optimized server in the US, my ping was 92 ms. While this is higher than ideal for competitive gaming, the game was still playable with only occasional slowdowns. In contrast, IPVanish's LA server gave me a ping of 129 ms, which made the game feel sluggish and almost unplayable at times.

    However, it’s worth noting that very few VPNs offer low enough ping on long-distance servers, so I wasn’t surprised in either case. For the best gaming experience, you should always try to connect to a server close to your location or the game server.

    Both VPNs also performed well for cloud gaming, letting me play titles on platforms like Google Stadia, Amazon Luna, and Xbox Cloud Gaming without lag.

    Winner
    CyberGhost wins thanks to its gaming-optimized servers. These servers offer lower latency and better stability, making them a better option for lag-free gaming.

    Torrenting — Both VPNs Are Good For Torrenting

    When it comes to torrenting, CyberGhost and IPVanish are evenly matched. Both VPNs fully support P2P file sharing on their servers and come equipped with essential security features like a kill switch and DNS leak protection. Plus, they both have audited no-logs policies, ensuring your torrenting activity stays private.

    I used each VPN to download a 4 GB copyright-free video file from a popular torrent site. With CyberGhost, the download was complete in just over 3 minutes. IPVanish was just as speedy, finishing the download in around 3 and a half minutes.

    CyberGhost offers dedicated P2P servers that are optimized for fast and secure torrenting. This takes the guesswork out of finding the best server for your needs. IPVanish, on the other hand, offers a SOCKS5 proxy. This can be configured in your torrent client for potentially faster speeds, but your connection won’t be encrypted.

    Ultimately, both VPNs are excellent choices for torrenting. CyberGhost is a great option if you prefer the simplicity of optimized servers. But if you're tech-savvy and want the option of using a proxy, IPVanish is equally capable.

    Note that while torrenting is legal, downloading copyrighted content isn't. To avoid breaking any laws, always check if the file you want to download is copyright-free or in the public domain. We don't condone copyright infringement.

    Winner - draw
    /
    CyberGhost and IPVanish are both winners in the torrenting category. They offer fast speeds, robust security, and extra features to enhance your torrenting experience. Whichever you choose, you can torrent with confidence.

    Security — IPVanish’s Customization Steals the Win

    CyberGhost and IPVanish both offer strong security features to keep your online activities safe and private. Both VPNs use military-grade AES-256 encryption. This is the same level of encryption used by banks and government agencies, so you can trust that your data is secure.

    Security Feature CyberGhost IPVanish
    Encryption level AES-256-GCM with 2048-bit RSA, SHA256 AES-256-GCM with 2048-bit DH key, HMAC authentication
    Kill Switch Yes Yes
    DNS/IP Leak Protection Yes Yes
    Protocols OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2 WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, and IPSec
    Split tunneling Yes (not macOS and iOS) Yes
    Private DNS servers Yes Yes
    Tor Over VPN servers No No
    RAM-only servers wipes data Yes No
    Ad & malware blocker Yes Yes
    Double hop servers No No
    Dedicated IP addresses Yes No
    Obfuscation technology No Yes, Scramble via OpenVPN

    However, the most significant difference here is the level of customization available. CyberGhost’s security features are largely built-in with minimal adjustment, while IPVanish offers much more flexibility.

    Screenshot of CyberGhost's settings menuI like how it explains what each setting does

    Take, for example, the use of OpenVPN by both VPNs. With IPVanish, you can choose between different ports when using OpenVPN, and you can scramble your OpenVPN traffic for added obfuscation. This can help you use the VPN on restrictive networks that attempt to block VPN traffic. However, the only option you have to customize OpenVPN with CyberGhost is to use the experimental driver.

    Screenshot of IPVanish's settings menuIf you're more technically-minded, you'll appreciate all of IPVanish's settings

    In addition, both VPNs offer a kill switch, which automatically disconnects you from the internet if the VPN connection drops. This ensures that your actual IP address is never exposed. I tested both VPNs for leaks, including IP, DNS, and WebRTC leaks, and neither VPN had any issues.

    You also get split tunneling with both VPNs, which lets you choose which apps use the VPN tunnel and which use your regular connection. This is useful if you want to improve speeds for certain apps while still protecting the rest of your data. However, IPVanish offers split tunneling on every device, while CyberGhost’s feature doesn’t extend to Apple devices.

    Both VPNs protect you against ads, trackers, and malware. CyberGhost calls this feature Block Content, while IPVanish refers to it as Threat Protection.

    Winner
    While both VPNs offer a solid set of security features, IPVanish's extra customization options give it a slight advantage, especially if you’re an advanced user.

    Privacy — CyberGhost Offers Stronger Privacy Guarantees

    IPVanish and CyberGhost both offer a lot in the way of privacy protection. However, there are some differences between the two VPN providers that are worth noting.

    Both VPNs maintain strict no-logs policies, meaning they do not collect or store any data that could be used to identify you or your online activity. This commitment to privacy is essential for VPN providers, as it ensures that your data cannot be accessed by third parties, even if requested by authorities.

    IPVanish is based in the United States, which is a member of the Five Eyes Alliance. This jurisdiction may raise concerns for some users, as the US government has been known to engage in surveillance activities and request data from companies. However, IPVanish has taken steps to mitigate these concerns by owning and operating all of its servers, reducing the risk of third-party interference.

    In 2016, IPVanish faced criticism for providing user logs to authorities, even when it claimed to have a no-logs policy. But since then, the company has changed ownership and underwent an independent audit by Leviathan Security Group in 2022, which verified its no-logs claims to be true. Additionally, IPVanish plans to shift its entire infrastructure to RAM-only servers.

    In an effort to combat censorship, IPVanish is currently providing journalists with a free 3-month subscription to its VPN service.

    CyberGhost, on the other hand, is headquartered in Romania, a country known for its strong privacy laws. This jurisdiction provides an added layer of protection for users, as the Romanian government is less likely to request user data from VPN providers. Plus, VPN providers are not obligated by law to store user data.

    It also offers NoSpy servers, which are independently operated and located in Romania. These servers provide an extra level of security, and only CyberGhost staff can access them.

    The company has undergone two independent audits by Deloitte, confirming its no-logging policy. CyberGhost also accepts Bitcoin for added payment anonymity and releases quarterly transparency reports, demonstrating their commitment to transparency. Moreover, CyberGhost already uses RAM-only servers, ensuring that no user data is stored on their servers.

    Winner
    CyberGhost emerges as the winner in this privacy comparison. Its Romanian jurisdiction, use of RAM-only servers, and regular transparency reports demonstrate a strong commitment to user privacy.

    Works in China — Neither VPN Works in China

    Both CyberGhost and IPVanish struggle to work reliably in China due to the country's strict internet system, often referred to as the Great Firewall (GFW).

    CyberGhost does not offer obfuscation, which is essential for it to work in China. A support agent confirmed that the VPN may not work properly there due to the ever-changing internet landscape.

    IPVanish does offer obfuscation, but it doesn't work reliably in China, either. You will likely experience difficulty connecting or maintaining a stable connection while there.

    If you need a dependable VPN for China, I recommend checking out our roundup of the best VPNs for China.

    Note that non-government-approved VPNs are illegal in China. There haven't been any publicly reported cases of a tourist getting penalized for using one there, but you should still be aware of the country's laws. The team and I don't condone using a VPN illegally.

    Winner - draw
    /
    Both VPNs struggle to work in China consistently. If accessing the internet securely in China is a priority, it's best to consider alternative VPN providers that have a proven track record of success in working in this country.

    Installation and Ease of Use — CyberGhost Steals the Win

    Installing CyberGhost and IPVanish on my Windows computer, smartphone, and other devices was a breeze. I had each VPN up and running on my laptop in under 5 minutes. The process was just as quick and easy on my Android phone and iPad. You can find their user-friendly apps for all major platforms, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and Fire TV.

    IPVanish even offers an app for Apple TV, which is a nice bonus if you want to protect your streaming device. Unfortunately, CyberGhost doesn't have an Apple TV app at the moment. But it does offer browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox, which IPVanish doesn’t.

    Once you have the VPNs installed, you'll find that both offer features that make it easy to find the best server for your needs. IPVanish has a cool world map that lets you connect to a location with a single click. The server list displays the load and ping for each server, which is really helpful when choosing the best connection.

    Screenshot of IPVanish's server listThe app also displays the number of servers available in each country

    CyberGhost takes a different approach by offering servers optimized for specific activities. So, if you want to play games, stream, or torrent, you can click on the appropriate tab, and CyberGhost will show you the best servers for that purpose. It's a great way to take the guesswork out of choosing a server.

    Screenshot of CyberGhost's activity-specific serversYou can add a server to favorites for easy access in the future

    Overall, I was impressed with how easy it was to install and use both CyberGhost and IPVanish. However, CyberGhost steals the win here because it’s far more beginner-friendly. If you’ve never used a VPN before, it won’t take you long to figure out how CyberGhost works. However, I can see how the amount of information that IPVanish provides about each server could be intimidating if you’re less experienced.

    Winner
    Although both CyberGhost and IPVanish offer user-friendly experiences, CyberGhost comes out slightly ahead in terms of ease of use. Its activity-optimized servers make it simple to find the best connection for your needs, whether you're gaming, streaming, or torrenting.

    Reliability and Support — Both VPNs Offer Reliable Support

    Customer Support Features CyberGhost IPVanish
    24/7 Live chat Yes Yes
    Email support Yes Yes
    Phone support No Yes
    Step-by-step setup guides Yes Yes
    Searchable knowledge base Yes Yes
    Exhaustive FAQ section Yes Yes

    When you run into issues or have questions while using IPVanish or CyberGhost, both VPNs offer excellent customer support to help you out.

    I wanted to inquire about IPVanish's renewal price, so I contacted support using its 24/7 live chat. In under a minute, I was connected to a friendly and knowledgeable agent. They quickly shared the renewal price page with me and clearly explained the pricing details.

    IPVanish also offers email support, but you may not get your answers right away. Phone support is also an option, which is only available in select regions like the US, the UK, and Australia. Their support page is full of helpful content if you prefer to find answers on your own.

    CyberGhost also provides 24/7 live chat support, and I was connected to an agent in less than 30 seconds. They offer support in English, Romanian, German, and French. When I had a question about using CyberGhost with my Xbox, the agent provided clear, step-by-step instructions that got me up and running in no time. Email support is also available if you prefer that instead.

    CyberGhost's Help Center is also packed with useful information, including detailed setup guides for various devices.

    Winner - draw
    /
    In the customer support category, IPVanish and CyberGhost are evenly matched. Both VPNs offer responsive 24/7 live chat, email support, and extensive online resources. While IPVanish provides phone support in select countries, CyberGhost's multilingual support caters to a global audience.

    Tips on Choosing Between CyberGhost and IPVanish

    When choosing between CyberGhost and IPVanish, it's essential to consider your specific needs and priorities. Here are some key factors to help you make an informed decision:

    • Streaming capabilities. Choose a VPN that works with popular streaming sites. This makes it possible to safely access global content from anywhere.
    • Server distribution. Consider each VPN's server network and whether they have servers in your desired locations. A larger server network may provide more connection options but also pay attention to the specific countries and cities covered to ensure the VPN meets your needs.
    • Security features. Look for a VPN that offers robust security features, such as strong encryption, a kill switch, and protection against leaks. If you're an advanced user, consider the level of customization available, such as the ability to change encryption protocols, use custom ports, etc.
    • Privacy practices. Choose a provider that maintains a strict no-logs policy and operates under a privacy-friendly jurisdiction. Consider each VPN's location and whether they have a proven track record of protecting user privacy.
    • Ease of use. Select a VPN with user-friendly apps that are easy to navigate, even for beginners. Look for features like one-click connection options, intuitive interfaces, and the ability to find and connect to servers quickly.
    • Customer support. Opt for a VPN that provides reliable customer support through your preferred channels, such as live chat, email, or phone. Consider each provider's response times, the quality of their assistance, and the availability of helpful resources like knowledge bases and setup guides.
    • Value for money. Evaluate the cost of each VPN and determine which one offers the best value for your money. Keep in mind that long-term subscriptions often come with significant discounts, so consider your commitment level when making your choice.

    CyberGhost vs IPVanish — Reddit Opinions

    To get a sense of what real users think about CyberGhost and IPVanish, I explored various Reddit discussions on these VPNs.

    Redditors generally have a positive view of CyberGhost. They praise its user-friendly apps, wide server network, and ability to access content from anywhere in good quality. The 45-day money-back guarantee is also frequently highlighted as a major advantage.

    Some concerns are raised about CyberGhost's parent company, Kape Technologies, which was formerly known as Crossrider and associated with adware. However, the malware distribution was carried out by third-party developers misusing Crossrider's platform. Crossrider shut down its ad platforms in 2016 before acquiring CyberGhost VPN in 2017 and rebranding to Kape Technologies in 2018. So, there’s no reason not to trust CyberGhost.

    IPVanish receives more mixed reviews. Some users appreciate its simple interface, fast speeds, and device compatibility. However, IPVanish's reputation has been tarnished by past incidents where the company provided user logs to authorities despite claiming a no-logs policy.

    Our Score

    Features 9.7/10
    Pricing 9.7/10
    Ease of Use 9.8/10
    Reliability & Support 9.9/10
    Features 9.2/10
    Pricing 9.2/10
    Ease of Use 9.0/10
    Reliability & Support 9.3/10

    Reviews

    Review by our expert
    Author Image Akash Deep
    Akash Deep

    Cybersecurity Researcher

    Our Score: 9.7/10

    They say you get what you pay for, but CyberGhost offers low prices and still claims to be one of the best. Subscriptions come as low as $2.03/month, so that much can’t be debated. But, can it really compete with its top-ranking competitors while charging so little? Over the course of several weeks, we put CyberGhost through an extensive evaluation. We analyzed its privacy policy, stress-test...

    Read all
    Latest positive user review
    A
    Anonymously
    8.0/10
    CyberGhost is one of the best VPNs for streaming

    CyberGhost is one of the best VPNs for streaming and can safely access content from anywhere. When we ... put it to the test, my global team and I could securely view over 30 major streaming services. HohoMore

    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

    Review by our expert
    Author Image James Everard
    James Everard

    Senior Writer

    Our Score: 9.2/10

    IPVanish offers high-speed connections and an impressive list of advanced security features at a budget-friendly price. Over the years I’ve been working with this VPN, it’s continued to stand out as a reliable option for several different use cases. My team and I carefully studied its privacy policy and tested its speeds, security features, and streaming capabilities. We also looked into i...

    Read all
    Latest positive user review
    S
    Stu Taylor
    10.0/10
    Very, very satisfied

    I am into my third year of using IPVanish. I am extremely happy with the speed, reliability, features ... and reliability. The fact that I have used it for this long without trying the competition speaks volumes. I am never going to try anything else because I am completely happy with what I have. Why risk it?More

    Latest negative user review
    B
    Beth Gray
    2.0/10
    Misleading, false advertising, don't honor guarantee. BEWARE

    IP address and region not effectively blocked on most sites. Streaming sites do NOT work with their se... rvices, but they do not disclose that anywhere on their website. The support team had no idea in terms of technical knowledge. They claim that their 30-day guarantee is unconditional and there is no risk, but they have so many exclusions buried in their fine print that the average user would have huge difficulty finding. They advertise on many streaming how-to websites where they KNOW their services do not work. COMPLETE WASTE OF MONEY. If I could give less than one star I would. SO unethical.More

    Pricing

    CyberGhost IPVanish
    Starting Price $2.03/month for the 2-year + 4 free months plan $2.19/month for the 2-year + 3 free months plan
    Price (On Renewal) $56.94 per year
    (subject to change)
    $89.99 per year
    (subject to change)
    Money Back Guarantee (Days) 45 days 30 days
    Number of Devices Per License 7 Unlimited
    Router Setup (for Unlimited Devices) Yes Yes

    CyberGhost and IPVanish have different pricing structures and costs. CyberGhost offers three plans: a 1-month, 6-month, and 2-year subscription. All plans are backed by a 45-day money-back guarantee, except for the monthly plan, which has a 14-day refund policy. The 2-year plan offers the best value for money and costs $2.03/month.

    On the other hand, IPVanish offers monthly, yearly, and 2-year plans. The 2-year plan provides the lowest monthly cost at $2.19/month. Keep in mind these are introductory prices, and you'll have to pay the regular price of $89.99 per year upon renewal.

    IPVanish allows for unlimited simultaneous device connections, which is a standout feature compared to most other VPN providers. This makes it an excellent option if you have a large number of devices or a large household.

    CyberGhost's plans allow for up to 7 simultaneous device connections, which should be sufficient for most users' needs. However, if you have an exceptionally large number of devices, IPVanish's unlimited connections may be more appealing.

    Winner
    CyberGhost is the clear winner in terms of pricing, with a more affordable long-term plan and significantly lower renewal rates compared to IPVanish. While IPVanish offers unlimited simultaneous connections, CyberGhost's generous device limit and budget-friendly pricing make it a better option for cost-conscious users.

    Best VPN by Category

    Best VPN Overall

    CyberGhost takes the crown as the best overall VPN in this comparison. Its user-friendly apps, strong privacy features, and reliable streaming capabilities make it a better option for most users.

    Best VPN for Torrents

    Both VPNs are good for torrenting, but IPVanish is the better choice. It offers unlimited device connections and a SOCKS5 proxy to potentially boost torrenting speeds.

    Best VPN for Windows

    CyberGhost is the top pick for Windows thanks to its user-friendly Windows app and strong security features. The app is easy to navigate and intuitive, making it a great choice for beginners.

    Best VPN for Android

    CyberGhost takes the lead with its intuitive app and reliable performance. The app offers stronger privacy features, faster speeds, and better streaming capabilities.

    Best VPN for Mac

    CyberGhost is the better choice for Mac due to its sleek app and user-friendly interface. The app is easy to navigate and offers a range of features, like the ability to connect to servers optimized for specific activities. You can even see the distance of each server from your current location.

    Best VPN for iOS

    CyberGhost wins the iOS category with its user-friendly app and strong security features. The app supports Touch ID and Face ID for quick and secure access, and its well-maintained server network ensures consistent streaming performance.

    Best VPN for USA

    CyberGhost is the better choice for USA thanks to its extensive server network, which includes 11 US locations. This ensures fast and reliable connections for streaming, gaming, and browsing, no matter where you are in the country.

    The Bottom Line

    After carefully comparing CyberGhost and IPVanish, it's clear that both VPNs have their strengths. However, CyberGhost emerges as the better choice for most users. Its user-friendly apps, strong privacy features, and excellent streaming capabilities make it a well-rounded VPN that caters to a wide range of needs.

    If you're looking for a VPN that delivers a great all-around experience without breaking the bank, CyberGhost is the better choice. Plus, you can try it risk-free with its generous 45-day money-back guarantee on longer plans.

    FAQ

    Is CyberGhost better than IPVanish?

    While both CyberGhost and IPVanish are capable VPNs, CyberGhost comes out on top in several key areas. It offers a larger server network, better streaming performance, and more user-friendly apps. CyberGhost also has a strong focus on privacy, with a strict no-logs policy and headquarters in privacy-friendly Romania.

    Although IPVanish provides unlimited simultaneous connections, which is great for multi-device households, CyberGhost's overall performance and feature set make it the better choice.

    Is CyberGhost faster than IPVanish?

    In my speed tests, CyberGhost delivered faster speeds than IPVanish on both nearby and distant servers. This makes CyberGhost a better option for activities like streaming, gaming, and downloading large files.

    However, it's worth noting that IPVanish's speeds were still pretty good, and its unlimited connections mean you can protect all your devices without worrying about slowdowns.

    Does CyberGhost or IPVanish offer any deals?

    Yes, both CyberGhost and IPVanish frequently offer attractive discounts on their long-term plans. CyberGhost is currently offering 84% off its 2-year plan, which brings the monthly cost down to just $2.03/month. To stay up-to-date on the latest offers from these and other top VPNs, be sure to check out our regularly updated VPN deals and discounts page.

    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.
    Learn more
    vpnMentor was established in 2014 to review VPN services and cover 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 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

    Akash is a writer at vpnMentor dedicated to providing readers with unbiased and expert advice on online security and privacy. He specializes in analyzing the latest cybersecurity trends and providing up-to-date information to help readers make informed decisions.