Surfshark and CyberGhost VPN stand out as two of the most formidable virtual private network software available presently. Although both VPNs boast rapid speeds and expansive server networks, there exist several distinctions that might influence your preference for one over the other.
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Within this article, we analyze two first-rate VPN services to determine the optimal choice for you and your institution.
- Surfshark: Most suitable for compact teams or enterprises operating on a restricted budget, particularly those necessitating infinite connections to encompass numerous devices.
- CyberGhost VPN: Ideal for solo users placing a premium on streaming, torrenting, or gaming in their VPN utilization.
Comparison of Surfshark and CyberGhost VPN
| Our evaluation | 4.6 / 5 | 4.3 / 5 |
| Security algorithms | OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2 | OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2 |
| Quantity of servers | $3,200 | 8,000-11,000+ (reportedly) |
| Locations of VPN servers | 100 countries | 100 countries |
| Monitoring for data breaches | Yes (Surfshark Starter) | Yes (CyberGhost Identity Guard) |
| Simultaneous device connections | Unlimited | 7 |
| Trial version or trial period | Mobile trial version | 24 hours on desktop; 3–7 days on mobile |
| Commencing cost | $2.79 per month (annual) | $2.19 per month (2 years) |
Comparison of Surfshark and CyberGhost VPN Pricing
Pricing of Surfshark VPN
Regarding the pricing of Surfshark VPN, it is segmented into three categories: Starter, One, and One+. Each of these categories offers subscriptions for a one-month, one-year, and two-year duration.
READ: Comparison Between Surfshark and NordVPN: Which VPN Reigns Supreme in 2024? (TechRepublic)
Starter is suitable for users seeking fundamental VPN functions, along with an ad blocker and a concealed email generator. Opting for One provides additional features such as antivirus protection, webcam safeguard, and Surfshark’s real-time email breach alerts.
| 1 month | $15.45 per month | $15.95 per month | $17.95 per month |
| 1 year | $2.79 per month | $3.19 per month | $5.09 per month |
| 2 years | $2.19 per month | $2.69 per month | $4.29 per month |
Surfshark One+, the premium plan, encompasses all features of Surfshark One while also ensuring data removal from both corporate databases and people search platforms.
READ: Effective Usage of Surfshark VPN (Step-by-Step Guide) (TechRepublic)
In my personal opinion, Surfshark could have been an ideal cost-effective choice if a complimentary version was included alongside its paid alternatives. Nevertheless, it does provide a trial period on mobile and a 30-day refund guarantee for all subscriptions, allowing users to claim a refund if they are dissatisfied with the VPN service.
Pricing of CyberGhost VPN
| 1 month | $12.99 per month | 14 days |
| 6 months | $6.99 per month | 45 days |
| 2 years | $2.19 per month | 45 days |
Compared to Surfshark, CyberGhost VPN has a simplified pricing structure categorized by the duration of the contract. Customers can select from a one-month, six-month, or two-year contract with CyberGhost. Both CyberGhost and Surfshark offer competitively priced subscription plans, providing value for money.
Given a choice, I would prefer a one-year contract option over CyberGhost’s six-month plan, aiming for a lower monthly rate without committing to a longer two-year plan. Nevertheless, this is subjective and may not have a negative impact on you.
A distinct advantage of CyberGhost VPN over Surfshark is its provision of a trial period. While Surfshark offers a seven-day mobile trial, CyberGhost VPN goes further by offering a 24-hour desktop application trial. Additionally, CyberGhost provides a 14-day or 45-day money-back guarantee based on the chosen contract duration.
For additional details on Surfshark and CyberGhost VPN, refer to our comprehensive Surfshark assessment and in-depth CyberGhost VPN evaluation.
Comparison of Features: Surfshark vs. CyberGhost VPN
Encryption and Security Protocols
Winner: Draw
For security protocols and encryption, both Surfshark and CyberGhost VPN present OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2 VPN protocols. These protocols offer a balance of security and reliability (OpenVPN, IKEv2) and swiftness (WireGuard), in my view.
Both VPN services utilize the robust AES-256 encryption standard, which is widely acknowledged as the most secure encryption method in the contemporary security landscape.
Global VPN Server Coverage and Locations
Winner: CyberGhost VPN
When it comes to VPN server networks, CyberGhost VPN boasts a larger server network. Specifically, CyberGhost VPN reportedly maintains 8,000-11,000 servers across 100 countries and 126 locations.
Although CyberGhost has not disclosed the exact number of servers, numerous sources confirm a similar quantity. It’s worth noting that a portion of CyberGhost VPN servers are virtual rather than physical.
Conversely, Surfshark offers a commendable 3,200 servers – a confirmed figure from Surfshark – across 100 countries. Despite CyberGhost having a much larger server network, most users will likely find Surfshark’s range of servers sufficient for everyday use.
An advantage of CyberGhost is its effective classification of servers designed for gaming, streaming, or torrenting. This feature is particularly helpful for quickly identifying the most suitable server for different purposes.
Both VPN services utilize servers that only store data in RAM instead of hard drives, ensuring that user information can be easily erased and is not at risk of being accessed through a physical data center.
External Reviews and Independent Evaluations
Voted Top Choice: Surfshark
When it comes to third-party assessments, Surfshark takes the lead due to its transparent sharing of audit findings. In its most recent security audit conducted in 2023, Deloitte confirmed that Surfshark’s “IT systems and management” complied with its no-logs policy.
In contrast, CyberGhost VPN recently revealed that it was subjected to an audit review in 2024, also conducted by Deloitte. However, CyberGhost has chosen not to disclose any details or summaries from the Deloitte audit.
CyberGhost stated that this was done to guarantee that the “evaluation findings are not misinterpreted or taken out of context” due to the “wide-ranging nature of the review and the extent of Deloitte’s services.” Nonetheless, the complete document can be obtained through an official CyberGhost VPN account.
While I grasp CyberGhost’s standpoint, I place a higher significance on Surfshark still openly disclosing a summary of its evaluation results. This demonstrates their dedication to full transparency with both end users and the public, regardless of the outcome.
Despite this, I admire both companies for subjecting their individual VPN clients to independent audits from the outset.
Functionality and swiftness
Champion: CyberGhost VPN
In terms of VPN velocities, CyberGhost slightly surpasses Surfshark. In my practice, both VPN services can deliver consistently rapid and reliable speeds for most routine tasks.
I utilized both VPNs for my daily duties, such as web browsing for research, utilizing Google Drive and Google Docs for writing, and sporadically streaming 1080p YouTube videos. Both CyberGhost and Surfshark managed these activities smoothly, irrespective of the server selected.
Concerning speed evaluations, this is where CyberGhost VPN holds a minor edge. Throughout my trials, CyberGhost VPN registered only a 7.5% decline in speed for downloads and a 48.2% decrease for uploads.
Comparatively, Surfshark’s download speed drop was actually less at just 3.3%. However, its upload speed was 72% slower compared to when the VPN was not connected.
Naturally, several factors can impact a VPN’s speed test performance, including your Internet Service Provider, your location, and the chosen server. But in this scenario, CyberGhost managed to maintain a less substantial speed drop compared to Surfshark.
Noteworthy protection attributes
Champion: Surfshark
If you desire additional security attributes with your VPN, I recommend Surfshark. It comes with its Dynamic MultiHop feature, allowing you to configure entry and exit VPN server combinations for heightened security; an IP changer that automatically alters your IP address after a set period; and other security functionalities.
If you opt for the Surfshark One mid-tier plan, you also gain access to bundled antivirus software, webcam privacy protection, and real-time email breach warnings.
CyberGhost doesn’t lag behind either, offering a Smart Rule control panel where users can automate various functions within the VPN. For instance, you can configure CyberGhost to automatically connect to a secure VPN server upon launch or automatically launch an application once CyberGhost is activated.
CyberGhost also presents its NoSpy servers, which offer enhanced security since they are fully owned and safeguarded by CyberGhost within the company’s headquarters in Romania.
In my view, Surfshark surpasses CyberGhost VPN in terms of security features and capabilities.
Usability
Winner: Tie
Both Surfshark and CyberGhost VPN offer user-friendly desktop applications that are intuitive and visually appealing.
I admire how Surfshark manages to arrange all its features in a tidy and systematic manner, particularly with the inclusion of additional security services like its antivirus and breach scanner.
On the other hand, CyberGhost VPN features a prominent on/off button in its app that is user-friendly, making the app less overwhelming.
The categorization of servers for streaming, gaming, and torrenting by CyberGhost VPN is also a commendable UI decision that enhances user experience by saving time.
Overall, I believe that both Surfshark and CyberGhost VPN offer well-designed and polished applications, ensuring users have no trouble navigating their features.
Concurrent device connections
Winner: Surfshark
Surfshark outperforms CyberGhost VPN by enabling unlimited simultaneous device connections, compared to CyberGhost’s cap of seven devices.
From my perspective, Surfshark’s unlimited device connections offer significant value as it allows users to secure multiple devices with a single subscription without additional costs.
Although CyberGhost VPN’s limit of seven simultaneous connections is sufficient, Surfshark’s unrestricted device allowance can be crucial for organizations or teams seeking to maximize the utility of a single VPN subscription.
Surfshark advantages and disadvantages
Advantages
- Unlimited concurrent device connections.
- Comprehensive security feature set.
- Publicly available security audit findings.
Disadvantages
- Mobile-exclusive free trial.
- Lacks a free version.
CyberGhost VPN advantages and disadvantages
Advantages
- Accessible 24-hour free trial on desktop.
- Quick VPN velocity and dependable connection.
- Extensive server network.
Drawbacks
- Connects only up to seven gadgets.
- Extra steps required for audit access.
Is it suitable for your organization to opt for Surfshark or CyberGhost VPN?
If I had to select a victor in this comparison, my preference would be Surfshark. It delivers rapid speeds, a substantial 100-country server network, an array of security functionalities, and limitless simultaneous device connections.
Personally, the limitless device connections tip the scales for me. This aspect makes their subscriptions an even more cost-effective deal since you won’t be required to acquire an additional plan to safeguard additional devices.
Due to this, I consider Surfshark to be most suitable for small teams or enterprises seeking a top-notch VPN that is value-driven at affordable prices.
This is not to imply that CyberGhost VPN is subpar — it’s not. It boasts a wide server network, offers equally swift — or even superior — speeds, and conveniently categorizes optimized VPN servers for streaming, torrenting, and gaming purposes.
I envision CyberGhost VPN to be the finest choice for solo users who specifically require a VPN for these pursuits and do not necessarily need multiple devices connected to a VPN service.
Approach
My assessment of Surfshark and CyberGhost VPN entailed hands-on interactions with both VPNs and an in-depth analysis of each service’s characteristics, pricing, and practical performance.
To evaluate each product, both VPNs were graded based on a range of criteria from their pricing to server networks. Specially, we considered five main pillars with their relative importance:
- Costing (20%).
- Essential VPN functionalities (30%).
- User-friendliness (15%).
- Support services (30%).
- Expert evaluation (5%).
I also factored in genuine user feedback and credible reviews to supplement my review of both products. To gauge speed and efficiency, I tested both VPNs on my personal Windows PC and subjected them to Ookla’s public Speedtest. Lastly, I also assessed how each VPN could best serve different user categories, scenarios, and organizations.
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