CyberGhost vs Surfshark 2024

James Everard

Senior Writer

Low cost, strong security, good for streaming — both VPNs are good options for these categories. But are hackers afraid to go in the water or of things that go bump in the night? When it comes to protecting your sensitive data, certain features can make a big difference between one VPN and another.

If privacy is a priority, CyberGhost is the service to choose. Its HQ is in Romania, which has stricter privacy protection laws than most countries, and it independently manages ultra-secure NoSpy servers in its base. Plus, it has far more servers overall than Surfshark, offering faster speeds and a range of other benefits.

It’s easy to set up and install, so I recommend trying CyberGhost for free with its 45-day money-back guarantee. If it’s not to your liking, you can easily get a full refund and try Surfshark instead.

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Streaming — CyberGhost Wins Due to Specialized Servers

CyberGhost offers 100+ specialty streaming servers, each optimized for specific platforms, regions, and devices. For example, if you want to watch Netflix while in the US, there’s a server for general use, plus options for Android TV and Fire Stick. CyberGhost regularly maintains its streaming servers to ensure optimum performance.

While I carried out all UK-based testing myself, I enlisted the help of my international colleagues to thoroughly test their regional libraries along with other exclusive platforms. These are the platforms each VPN worked reliably with:

Both VPNs had no problem with the popular streaming platforms I tested in the UK but were less reliable with a couple of niche platforms in other countries. CyberGhost didn’t work with RTL+ in Ireland, and Surfshark was unreliable for DAZN in the US.

CyberGhost also has specialty servers for Disney+, Hulu, Paramount+, Max, ESPN, DAZN, and more

It’s worth pointing out that both CyberGhost and Surfshark’s regular servers also work reliably with popular streaming platforms. Neither are as fast as CyberGhost’s optimized servers, but if you’ve got a fast baseline connection, you won’t notice any difference. So, Surfshark is still a good choice for streaming.

My US colleague was able to binge-watch Netflix US in HD with Surfshark

Winner

CyberGhost gives you over a hundred specialty streaming servers that its engineers work on continuously to ensure popular platforms work reliably.

Server Network — CyberGhost Has More Servers, Plus Optimized Connections

CyberGhost has nearly three times as many servers as Surfshark. A large network means the VPN can distribute its users across more servers, meaning less crowding and faster speeds. Plus, you’re more likely to find a nearby server, which also boosts your speed since your data won’t have to travel as far.

Surfshark does have server locations in more countries, including Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bolivia, and Brunei, to name a few. But there’s no real advantage unless you’re in one of those countries. Otherwise, I recommend taking advantage of CyberGhost’s considerably larger network.

Winner

Unless you’re in one of Surfshark’s less typical regions or need an IP from there, CyberGhost is the one to go for. It has a lot more servers, including specialized ones, giving it a clear win.

Speed — CyberGhost Had the Fastest Speeds in Every Test

There’s little debate here; CyberGhost is the faster VPN. All tests were conducted using WireGuard from the UK, so CyberGhost’s more extensive fleet of servers may well account for the overwhelming victory.

The closest Surfshark came to CyberGhost was with its UK download speeds, but CyberGhost was still 4% faster. It also has a 12% lead in US download speeds, while the gap between both VPNs’ upload speeds in Japan is 32%.

Winner

Both VPNs offer fast and reliable speeds, but CyberGhost was ahead in every test. Another clear victory.

Torrenting — CyberGhost Wins With Its Large Network and Fast Speeds

CyberGhost boasts a larger network, faster speeds, and specialty torrenting servers, so we have a clear winner once again. Tests were carried out using servers from the Netherlands since there’s no advantage to torrenting from faraway locations. Simply connect to the nearest location with reliable speeds.

To find Surfshark's torrenting servers, you need to type "P2P" or contact its customer support if you're not sure. CyberGhost was 6% faster than Surfshark in downloading the same 3.91GB file. While both services are dependable for P2P file sharing, CyberGhost beats Surfshark again.

Winner

It’s another marginal yet clear win for CyberGhost. Faster speeds and specialty torrenting servers make it the superior option for file sharing.

Gaming — CyberGhost Triumphs With Faster Connections and Gaming Servers

Again, CyberGhost takes this round with faster speeds and specialty gaming servers. However, it’s worth mentioning that the gaming servers aren’t available on macOS. CyberGhost is still a better choice for Mac with its lower latency, though (albeit with only a marginal difference).

Latency under 100ms is recommended for smooth gaming, and both VPNs can provide that when connecting to locations up to 7,000km away from the UK. New York was used for the US test since the extra distance to LA returned a ping of 140ms+ for both VPNs, which would make for unresponsive gaming.

A PC was used to test CyberGhost’s gaming servers, but regular servers are also reliable for gaming on macOS

Winner

With a lower ping and faster speeds, it’s a level-up for CyberGhost. I could game for hours without noticeable slowdowns on most of its global servers (besides those furthest from me).

Security — Surfshark Offers a Wider Range of Security Features

Surfshark has superior security, but that shouldn’t put you off choosing CyberGhost. CyberGhost’s reliable encryption, fast and secure protocols, and RAM-only servers are more than sufficient to keep you safe from cyber threats.

Surfshark’s unique security features give it the edge in this round. Its NoBorders feature detects firewalls and narrows the server list down to those equipped for overcoming restrictions. It also provides MultiHop, obfuscation (Camouflage mode), and rotating IP addresses. All of these are missing from CyberGhost’s app.

MultiHop routes your data through 2 servers. You can custom-choose your locations from the full server list. Obfuscation disguises your browsing as regular internet traffic to evade VPN blocks on certain networks (like at work or school). You just need to select OpenVPN to activate it. Rotating IP regularly refreshes your IP address while your location stays the same.

Another useful feature offered by Surfshark is Override GPS, but this is on Android only. It disguises your device’s GPS data to match your VPN server location, which avoids connection issues caused by conflicting cookie data.

Both VPNs offer similarly effective blockers to prevent malware, trackers, and (some) ads. On CyberGhost, click Privacy Settings and enable Block Content, while on Surfshark, you can activate CleanWeb via Settings > VPN Settings.

Finally, both services offer dedicated IP (a private IP address that no one else can use). So, both are safe and reliable, but Surfshark is the better choice for security.

Static IP gives you a consistent address to avoid CAPTCHA tests, although there are no real security benefits

Winner

A wider range of secure servers and connection types make Surfshark the more feature-rich choice for security.

Privacy — CyberGhost Takes More Measures to Ensure User Privacy

CyberGhost is based in Romania, outside the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliances. That’s also where it houses its private NoSpy servers, which are independently managed by CyberGhost staff in its secure Bucharest headquarters to eliminate third-party intervention. But these servers come at an extra fee.

Surfshark’s base is in the Netherlands, within the jurisdiction of the 9 Eyes Alliance. Governments within these countries can demand any tech company to hand over all user data. Surfshark has a verified no-logs policy, but it’s still a concern.

Both Surfshark and CyberGhost had audits on their no-logs policies in 2022. Plus, both release regular reports stating how many times they’ve received requests for user data, gag orders, or warrants.

Winner

Based in a secure country where it independently manages its private NoSpy servers, CyberGhost is a winner for privacy.

Works in China — Neither Does, So It’s a Draw

Neither VPN is reliable for China. Both services state that they try to provide a service in China, but Surfshark is clear that it can’t guarantee that it works. So, I don’t recommend either for use in the country. There are a few alternative VPNs that have proven to work in China.

China has the most advanced nationwide firewall in the world, known as the Great Firewall (GFW). It blocks thousands of popular overseas sites and monitors all domestic browsing. It only allows VPNs with government approval; to attain that, they must provide a back door for the government to monitor all browsing. That said, there are no public reports of visitors in China that have ever been prosecuted for using a non-government-approved VPN.

CyberGhost has 12 servers in Shenzhen. They’re virtual locations, so they can give you a Chinese IP without subjecting you to the security compromises of the GFW.

Winner - draw

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Neither service is known to work in China, so there's no winner in this category.

Installation & Ease of Use — CyberGhost Keeps VPN Use Simple

CyberGhost is one of the most easy-to-use VPNs I’ve tested, so this is another easy win. You can install both services in under 2 minutes, and both are intuitive, but once you open the app, CyberGhost is more straightforward.

For fine-tuning your protection, there’s an intuitive set of features called Smart Rules. Setting these up is easy, and afterward, they run automatically. For instance, you can set it up to automatically connect when you open specific apps. There’s also an adjustable automatic WiFi protection setting to protect you on public or unsecured networks, and split tunneling.

This is the flip of the security category; while Surfshark is perfectly intuitive, there are 4 categories of server type, and their usage may not be obvious to beginners. Whereas CyberGhost categorizes its server by streaming, downloading, and gaming (not on macOS), which is easy to pick up even if you’re completely new to VPNs.

When you first open CyberGhost, you’ll see the right-hand panel; click connect or tap the arrow to pick a server

Winner

Both services are easy to install and use, but CyberGhost wins on having a simpler and cleaner interface (Surfshark is a little clunky, in my opinion).

Reliability & Support — CyberGhost’s Support Is More Direct

Both VPNs offer 24/7 live chat on their websites, and I never had to wait more than a few seconds to get a response. The agents are knowledgeable and resolve issues quickly.

Surfshark makes you go through a chatbot before talking to an agent, though. The chatbot has never given me a satisfactory answer, so it’s a little frustrating.

If I were being critical, I’d also say that both VPNs could make live support a little easier to find. With CyberGhost, the yellow chat widget doesn’t always appear on the bottom right of the page. With Surfshark, you have to click Resources > Help Center, then scroll down to the Chat with us button.

Winner

With almost instant responses from live agents, CyberGhost gets the nod for better support.

Tips on Choosing Between CyberGhost and Surfshark

I tested CyberGhost and Surfshark to provide insight into which might be best for different users. Here are some factors to consider if you’re still not sure:

• Smooth streaming. The team and I checked that each VPN offers fast and stable connections for streaming on different platforms. While it’s theoretically possible to use a VPN to watch geo-restricted content, this may constitute copyright infringement and violate terms of use, so I don’t recommend it.
• Fast speeds. Slow speeds can severely impact your browsing and streaming experience. I tested server speeds using a consistent speed test tool from the UK to gauge short- and long-distance speeds.
• Server networks. A vast server network means more choices and potentially faster speeds and gives you more options for connection points globally.
• Robust security features. Strong security keeps your data safe from prying eyes. I tested for DNS leaks and assessed safety features. Both VPNs passed easily, with features like 256-bit encryption and kill switches.
• Respectable privacy practices. You want a VPN that doesn't log your activities. CyberGhost and Surfshark both have verified no-logs policies that protect your data from potential exposure.
• Easy to use. A straightforward interface ensures you can adjust settings and connect with ease. Choose a VPN that’s suitable for your level of technical preference.
• Trustworthy money-back guarantee. All good VPNs should provide a guarantee so you’re not locked in with a service you don’t like. I went through each VPN’s refund process myself, and both honored their money-back guarantees without issues.

CyberGhost vs Surfshark — Reddit Opinions

Many Redditors praise Surfshark for its consistent streaming capabilities, which my testing confirms. Its reliable security also gets a few mentions. CyberGhost gets a bit of skepticism around privacy due to the company that owns it. However, its third-party audits and transparency reports give me assurance that your privacy is well protected.