If you're shopping around for the best Virtual Private Network (VPN) provider, ExpressVPN and CyberGhost must be on your list. Both VPN providers are reputable in all the key areas, from their security, privacy practices, ease of use, and more.

However, it doesn't make sense to pay for both ExpressVPN and CyberGhost simultaneously. Between ExpressVPN and CyberGhost, which one should you go for? Here's a breakdown of the different features offered by each to help you make an informed decision in our ExpressVPN vs. CyberGhost VPN comparison.

Where Are ExpressVPN and CyberGhost Servers Based?

ExpressVPN:

  • Number of servers: over 3,000 servers.
  • Server locations: 160 in 94 countries.

CyberGhost:

  • Number of servers: over 9,700 servers.
  • Server locations: 117 in 91 countries.

When choosing a VPN provider, the number of servers available and where they are based are important. At the time of writing, ExpressVPN has over 3000 servers in 94 countries with over 160 VPN server locations.

CyberGhost VPN, on the other hand, boasts over 9,700 servers in 91 countries. With a massive number of server locations, you're well assured that you can't lack a server to hook up to.

You can check the exact server locations on their respective websites.

ExpressVPN vs. CyberGhost: Privacy

ExpressVPN:

  • Zero-logs policy: Yes.
  • Location: British Virgin Islands.
  • Pay with crypto: Yes (Bitcoin accepted).
  • Audited independently: Yes.

CyberGhost:

  • Zero-logs policy: Yes.
  • Location: Romania.
  • Pay with crypto: Yes (Bitcoin accepted).
  • Audited independently: No.

ExpressVPN and CyberGhost are based in the British Virgin Islands and Romania, respectively. The two countries are both out of the five-, nine-, and 14-eyes surveillance alliances.

Additionally, both the British Virgin Islands and Romania don't have data-retention laws, thus proving ideal locations from a privacy standpoint. It's no wonder both ExpressVPN and CyberGhost are no-log VPN providers.

However, the key difference in matters of privacy is ExpressVPN doesn't keep your private IP address and connection timestamps. Additionally, it changes your IP address every time you connect your device.

Cyberghost keeps your private IP address although in an anonymized format. It also provides a shared static IP address.

ExpressVPN vs. CyberGhost: Security

African-American man using MacBook Pro at night
Image by Jan Alexander from Pixabay

ExpressVPN:

  • Encryption: AES-256 encryption.
  • VPN Protocols supported: Lightway, L2TP/IPsec, OpenVPN, and IKEv2.
  • WebRTC Leak/DNS Leak prevention: Yes.

CyberGhost:

  • Encryption: AES-256 encryption.
  • VPN Protocols supported: WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2.
  • WebRTC Leak/DNS Leak prevention: Yes.

On the security front, both VPN services are excellent. They use AES 256-bit encryption, a key feature that ensures your web browsing activity is well protected.

The difference, however, is in the available VPN protocols. Both use OpenVPN and IKEv2, two of the major VPN protocols at the time of writing. In addition to the two, ExpressVPN uses Lightway, its proprietary protocol, and L2TP/IPsec, while CyberGhost includes the free and open-source WireGuard protocol.

ExpressVPN vs. CyberGhost: AvailabilityVPN shield, laptop on background

ExpressVPN:

  • Desktop and mobile: Windows (versions 11,10, 8, and 7), macOS, Linux (Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, Raspberry Pi OS, Linux Mint, and Arch), iOS, and Android.
  • Browser add-ons: Chrome and Microsoft Edge.
  • Smart TV: Samsung, Android, Sony, Apple TV, Fire Stick, Chromecast, Roku, and more.
  • Router configuration: Supported.

CyberGhost:

  • Desktop: Windows (versions 11,10, 8, and 7), macOS, and Linux (Ubuntu, Fedora, Kali, CentOS, Linux Mint, and PoP!_OS).
  • Mobile apps: iOS and Android.
  • Browser add-ons: Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Firefox.
  • Smart TV: Samsung, Android, Sony, Apple TV, Fire Stick, Chromecast, Roku, and more.
  • Router configuration: Supported.

Both services are available on a variety of platforms. The most important detail is you can configure either directly on your router, so you don't need to install individual apps on your device. But if you need to use the individual app, you can download it on your preferred platform.

ExpressVPN vs. CyberGhost: Speed Tests

One of the biggest trade-offs when using a VPN is reduced internet speeds. While this is true at all times, the most important aspect is a VPN that doesn't bog down your connection speeds much. In our tests, CyberGhost had the edge over ExpressVPN across multiple tests on fast.com on a 45Mbps link.

CyberGhost recorded higher speeds of 39Mbps, while ExpressVPN topped out at 35Mbps. Your mileage will, however, vary depending on different factors, including how far your VPN's server location is from your current location.

ExpressVPN vs. CyberGhost: Accessing Geo-Blocked Content

Close up of open MacBook laptop with Netflix streaming service logo

ExpressVPN:

  • Unblocks websites: Yes.
  • Data bandwidth: Unlimited.

CyberGhost:

  • Unblocks websites: Yes.
  • Data bandwidth: Unlimited.

One of the reasons for using a VPN is to be able to watch content outside your location. In this regard, both ExpressVPN and CyberGhost allow you to stream content from various platforms, including Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, HBO, ESPN, and others.

All servers on ExpressVPN and CyberGhost can help unlock geo-restricted content, so no need to switch manually.

ExpressVPN vs. CyberGhost: Torrenting

If you're into torrenting, both VPNs are ideal for the task. On CyberGhost VPN, not all servers are optimized for torrenting. Most of them are, but you should personally check which servers have such a capability for a secure and seamless experience.

On the other hand, all ExpressVPN servers support torrenting. However, keep in mind that ExpressVPN has fewer servers relative to CyberGhost.

Advanced Features Offered by ExpressVPN and CyberGhost

Away from security and privacy features, both VPN services offer handy nice-to-haves that you should know about.

Shared Features

  • Kill switch: A VPN kill switch is a critical privacy feature that hides your data and IP address if your VPN connection is interrupted. It blocks all the traffic until a connection is restored.
  • Split tunneling: You have the power to choose which apps should use a VPN connection and which shouldn't. A handy use case includes setting Netflix to use a VPN connection to stream content outside your geo-restriction while still browsing other web content through a direct connection.
  • DNS and IP leak protection: Both VPNs protect you from DNS and IP leaks, a common issue with free VPN providers. With DNS and IP leak prevention, your traffic is well-secured while traversing the VPN tunnel.

Additional Features on ExpressVPN

  • Port forwarding: ExpressVPN supports port forwarding, a useful feature for advanced users. It allows you to access files on your computer remotely over the internet.
  • Threat Manager: This blocks trackers and access to malicious websites.

Additional Features on CyberGhost

  • Dedicated IP: If you prefer having a dedicated IP address, CyberGhost does provide support. However, it comes at an additional cost.

How Easy Are ExpressVPN and CyberGhost to Use?

how to use CyberGhost Virtual Private Network

ExpressVPN and CyberGhost are both intuitive and easy to use, even for starters. You can connect each at a click or tap of a button. Both support a plethora of platforms. You can use the two on Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, and more. They also have browser extensions on major browsers.

Getting started with ExpressVPN and CyberGhost is pretty easy. Installation is straightforward, and connecting to a VPN server of your choice is just a click or tap away.

what does the express vpn service look like

On both, you can hit the intuitive connect button to let your VPN select a suitable server or manually select a server on desktop and mobile. They also offer 24/7 live support, which is handy in case you face any problems.

The major distinction here is the number of simultaneous connections.

CyberGhost VPN supports up to seven devices, while ExpressVPN is capped at five simultaneous connections.

ExpressVPN vs. CyberGhost: Price Comparison

ExpressVPN and CyberGhost have nearly the same monthly price.

ExpressVPN starts at $12.95 a month. You can, however, pay less if you select a long-term plan. Its six-month and annual plans cost $9.99 and $8.32 a month, respectively. Additionally, the annual plan includes three months free.

CyberGhost starts at $12.99. However, it's relatively cheaper if you pay six months upfront—at $6.99 a month. CyberGhost also offers a two-year subscription plan that goes for $2.11 a month.

Payment Options and Refund Policies

Both VPN providers offer different payment options. You can use your credit card, PayPal, and Bitcoin. In addition to that, ExpressVPN also supports a variety of e-wallets.

However, despite the provider you choose, you can claim a refund. ExpressVPN has a 30-day money-back guarantee across the board. On the other hand, CyberGhost offers a 45-day money-back guarantee on its six-month and two-year plans. Its monthly plan only includes a 14-day money-back guarantee.

Which VPN Is Right For You?

ExpressVPN is slightly better than CyberGhost. It has been independently audited by third-parties and has a clean record regarding its no-logs policy. It doesn't store private IP addresses either, even in anonymized format, offers a dynamic shared IP address, and doesn't store your IP address. However, ExpressVPN is also relatively expensive.

CyberGhost offers similar features, save for a few additional features here and there, but it is very cheap if you're willing to pay upfront for a long-term plan. It was also faster in our tests and allows for up to seven simultaneous connections.

So depending on your needs, you can pick either of the two. Go for ExpressVPN if you value privacy and are willing to pay the price. CyberGhost is perfect for its faster speeds, and the higher simultaneous connections limit of seven devices. Don't forget that you can use the money-back guarantee period to give both services a trial and see which suits you best.