NordVPN stands out as one of the top VPN services available today, providing fast speeds, robust security features, and a well-designed user interface. Conversely, CyberGhost has also gained recognition for its extensive server network, user-friendly app, and specialized server options.
Choosing between these two excellent alternatives may pose a challenge. Thankfully, there are distinct differences that distinguish CyberGhost VPN from NordVPN.
In this piece, we will help you determine which VPN service is a better fit for you and your company.
- CyberGhostVPN: Ideal for individuals and small teams with specific VPN requirements such as streaming, torrenting, or gaming.
- NordVPN: Suited for most businesses seeking a comprehensive VPN solution offering consistent speeds, a refined user experience, and valuable extra features.
Insightful Comparison between CyberGhost VPN and NordVPN
Although both VPN services can easily create encrypted connections for your organization, they vary in crucial aspects like device connections, server coverage, and trial offerings. Below is a synopsis highlighting these aspects:
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CyberGhost VPN vs NordVPN: Pricing
CyberGhost VPN price details
CyberGhost provides three pricing options: a monthly plan, a six-month plan, and a two-year plan. It would have been preferable for CyberGhost to include a one-year plan to offer a more reasonable contract term at a lower monthly rate.
- 1 month: $12.99 per month.
- 6 months: $6.99 per month.
- 2 years: $2.19 per month.
One convenient feature of CyberGhost is its 24-hour free trial on desktop. While this trial period may seem short at first glance, it stands out as one of the few trials that does not require any payment or credit card details.
SEE: Can a VPN Reduce Internet Speed? (TechRepublic)
Unlike other VPN trials that may demand payment details or restrict trial access only to mobile apps instead of desktop apps, CyberGhost’s approach is commendable in enabling users to test its software without any obligations. Hopefully, other VPN providers will adopt similar user-friendly trial policies.
If you wish to find out more, check our comprehensive review of CyberGhost VPN.
NordVPN pricing
NordVPN offers three subscription tiers, each with monthly, annual, and two-year options. These tiers, named NordVPN Basic, Plus, and Complete, come with varying features as you move up the tiers.
Here is a summary of pricing and features across the subscription tiers:
| Basic | Plus | Complete | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $12.99 per month | $13.99 per month | $14.99 per month |
| 1 year | $4.99 per month | $5.99 per month | $6.99 per month |
| 2 years | $3.99 per month | $4.99 per month | $5.99 per month |
| Features | Includes core VPN service | All Basic features plus anti-malware, browsing protection, password manager, and data breach scanner | All Plus features plus 1TB encrypted cloud storage |
Despite offering a seven-day free trial, NordVPN’s trial is only accessible through its Android app. While it’s possible to try out the desktop version post-Android trial, it would have been more inclusive to extend the same trial offering to iOS users as well.
SEE: Is VPN Vulnerable to Hacking? (TechRepublic)
This approach would have made the trial available to a broader range of smartphone users, not limited to the Android ecosystem.
If you want to know more, review our comprehensive assessment of NordVPN.
CyberGhost VPN vs NordVPN: Feature comparison
Secure protocols and encryption
Winner: Tie
Both CyberGhost VPN and NordVPN offer a range of security protocols and encryption methods essential in modern VPN services. It is ideal to have a blend of security-focused protocols like OpenVPN and performance-centric protocols like WireGuard.
Both VPN services meet these expectations. CyberGhost includes OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2 protocols, while NordVPN features OpenVPN and NordLynx – its proprietary WireGuard-based protocol.
SEE: NordVPN vs ExpressVPN: The Ultimate VPN Comparison (TechRepublic)
Additionally, both services employ top-tier encryption algorithms, using 256-bit encryption which is recognized as the industry standard. AES 256 encryption is trusted by government agencies, financial institutions, and military organizations to safeguard data against unauthorized access.
VPN server network and locations
Victor: NordVPN
NordVPN leads in the number of servers with a network of 6,400+ servers across 111 countries as of July 2024.— reaching a highly favorable optimum within the range of 3,000-4,000, surpassing the average of 65 countries I’ve observed in various other VPNs.
In contrast, reportedly CyberGhost possesses over 11,000 servers in 100 nations. Despite CyberGhost boasting a significantly higher number of servers, I perceive more worth in NordVPN’s larger count of countries/locations in comparison. This is due to a broader country count providing businesses with increased flexibility to access a wider range of geo-restricted content.
If your enterprise primarily seeks a VPN with a varied server network across various locations, NordVPN’s network spanning 111 countries is the superior option over CyberGhost’s fleet in 100 countries. The extended country count will also be advantageous for traveling businesses, as it provides a wider set of choices when selecting a new VPN IP address or location.
External audits and past performances
Champion: Draw
In terms of third-party security audits and overall security history, I declare it a tie. Both CyberGhost VPN and NordVPN have underwent independent audits evaluating their individual VPN services.
By July 2024, NordVPN has concluded four independent audits. Specifically, these audits evaluated NordVPN’s no-logs policy — examining whether its service adheres to its claim of not logging user browsing information.
In the same vein, CyberGhost has also recently wrapped up its second independent audit conducted by Deloitte and released in May 2024. This audit scrutinized CyberGhost VPN’s “server network and its management systems.”
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Both VPNs deserve recognition for demonstrating a commitment to third-party testing, especially given the ease with which claims about VPNs handling user data can be made. However, in my opinion, CyberGhost and NordVPN could enhance their transparency by sharing their audit findings more openly.
SEE: Surfshark vs NordVPN: Which VPN Is Better in 2024? (TechRepublic)
Both VPN providers chose not to disclose the complete results publicly, restricting access to the full report to existing users of CyberGhost VPN or NordVPN. Their rationale for this decision was to prevent any misinterpretation of the audit discoveries.
While this rationale is understandable, I believe that a more effective approach would be to publish the results, regardless of their nature, to establish trust and credibility with the broader audience.
Notable characteristics
Winner: NordVPN
Regarding extra functionalities, NordVPN takes the lead. Besides its VPN service, NordVPN offers numerous additional security features and VPN-specific capabilities for an enhanced user experience. It incorporates a dark web monitoring tool that notifies users of compromised logins and provides built-in defense mechanisms against trackers and malicious software.
An outstanding addition is NordVPN’s Meshnet functionality, allowing users to establish a secure private network that supports encrypted file sharing on multiple devices.
I appreciate NordVPN’s comprehensive focus on security within its server infrastructure. For instance, it features obfuscated servers that conceal the VPN usage, a crucial capability in regions imposing VPN restrictions. Additionally, it offers a double VPN feature that automatically switches IP addresses twice to enhance security.
It should be noted that CyberGhost also offers unique features. The categorization of its optimized servers in CyberGhost VPN is particularly appealing. Specifically, on its desktop application, the servers are grouped based on their optimization for streaming, torrenting, and gaming.
Moreover, it features a robust Smart Rules interface that enables users to configure automations based on specific events or actions. For instance, users can program CyberGhost VPN to establish a connection to a preferred server automatically upon launching the desktop client.
Considering the respective strengths of CyberGhost and NordVPN, I personally find that NordVPN offers a more diverse range of additional features complementing its core VPN service.
Performance and quickness
Victor: NordVPN
When it comes to VPN speed and performance, NordVPN outperforms CyberGhost VPN. Based on my assessment, NordVPN exhibited faster speeds overall and demonstrated more stability in terms of connectivity.
To offer some perspective, my speed assessment involved connecting to a VPN server from each provider and engaging in my typical writing tasks. This included working on multiple Chrome tabs for research, streaming occasional 1080p YouTube videos, attending online video conferences, and utilizing Google applications such as Docs and Drive.
SEE: Free VPN vs Paid VPN: Which One Is Right for You? (TechRepublic)
During these activities, I experienced no issues with either CyberGhost VPN or NordVPN. There were no noticeable slowdowns, and I generally had a smooth browsing experience with both services.
The disparity emerged during speed tests, where NordVPN delivered notably impressive results when compared to CyberGhost. In comparison to my internet service provider, NordVPN exhibited only a 5.80% decrease in download speeds and a 16.18% decline in upload speeds.
Conversely, CyberGhost experienced a respectable 7.52% drop in downloads but a more significant 48.21% reduction in uploads.
While both VPNs are capable of providing swift and dependable speeds, my evaluation highlighted that NordVPN delivers superior performance for tasks involving both download and upload activities.
Usability and interface design
Victor: Draw
When it comes to usability, the score is tied yet again. In my view, both CyberGhost VPN and NordVPN present highly user-friendly and aesthetically pleasing desktop applications catering to users of all kinds.
I found NordVPN’s design to be sleek and contemporary, which made it user-friendly and enjoyable to use. The interface is clean, giving the impression of a high-quality service right from the start. Additionally, despite its numerous features, Nord’s desktop client never felt overwhelming as everything was neatly arranged within the application.
SEE: What Is the Cost of a VPN? + Money-Saving Tips (TechRepublic)
In contrast, CyberGhost VPN utilizes a darker-themed app but delivers a similarly intuitive experience with its well-structured tabs for servers and other features. It prominently features an On/Off button for establishing or terminating VPN connections.
An advantage of CyberGhost’s desktop client is the clever categorization of its optimized servers for different purposes, such as streaming, torrenting, and gaming. This can save a lot of time for users who need to quickly connect to a specialized server.
Irrespective of your VPN choice, both CyberGhost and NordVPN are likely to provide a satisfying user experience.
Concurrent device connections
Champion: NordVPN
Regarding simultaneous device connections, NordVPN prevails. Currently, NordVPN supports up to 10 devices connected simultaneously. In contrast, CyberGhost VPN only allows a maximum of seven devices to be connected at the same time.
SEE: How to Initiate a Career in Cybersecurity (TechRepublic Premium)
While unlimited simultaneous device connections would have been ideal, NordVPN’s extra three devices offer a significant edge. This flexibility allows businesses to connect smartphones, laptops, and other devices freely within the less restrictive device limit.
If multiple devices or employees need to be connected to a VPN server concurrently, NordVPN emerges as the superior choice.
Pros and Cons of CyberGhost VPN
Advantages
- Customizable Smart Rules automation panel.
- Extensive server network spanning 100 countries with over 11,000 servers.
- Specialized servers for streaming, torrenting, and gaming.
- Free 24-hour desktop trial, no payment details needed.
Disadvantages
- No 1-year subscription option.
- Up to 7 simultaneous device connections only.
- Audit report accessible only with an official account.
Pros and Cons of NordVPN
Advantages
- Servers available in 111 countries; over 6,400 servers.
- High-speed downloads and uploads.
- Support for up to 10 simultaneous device connections.
- Inclusion of security-enhancing additional features.
Disadvantages
- Access to independent audit results requires NordVPN account.
- Relatively higher cost.
- Free trial limited to Android users.
Which VPN Is Better for Your Organization: CyberGhost VPN or NordVPN?
Between the two VPN providers, NordVPN stands out as the superior overall VPN solution in my opinion. It offers a diverse range of features to complement its VPN service, a vast server network spanning 111 countries, and consistently fast speeds suitable for various tasks.
In addition, NordVPN boasts an easy-to-use, well-designed VPN application and allows more device connections concurrently, making it an attractive choice for businesses looking for a reliable and feature-rich VPN service.
NordVPN is most suitable for businesses that require a dependable, secure VPN service with diverse server coverage.
However, CyberGhost VPN is also a solid choice, especially for small teams or individual users seeking optimized solutions for streaming, torrenting, or gaming. It offers a generous 24-hour desktop trial, making it appealing for users interested in premium VPN services.
Consideration of which VPN to choose should depend on your specific needs and preferences.
Methodology
My evaluation of CyberGhost VPN and NordVPN involved an in-depth assessment of their features, real-world performance, and value.
Each VPN service was assessed based on various criteria, with different weights assigned to pricing, core VPN features, ease of use, customer support, and expert analysis.
Real user feedback and reputable reviews were considered to provide comprehensive recommendations for both CyberGhost VPN and NordVPN.
For performance testing, both VPNs were evaluated on Windows PCs using Ookla’s public Speedtest. Ultimately, I determined which types of businesses or users would benefit most from either CyberGhost VPN or NordVPN.
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