⚡ Quick Verdict:
- Pricing: ProtonVPN starts at $2.99/month vs CyberGhost at $2.03/month on its longest plan.
- Best for: ProtonVPN for privacy and journalism, CyberGhost for streaming and casual use.
- Key difference: ProtonVPN offers Secure Core architecture and a real free tier. CyberGhost offers dedicated streaming-optimized servers in a much larger server network.
- Our pick: ProtonVPN for most users — Swiss privacy laws, audited no-logs, and the only free plan worth using.
Two big names in the VPN industry sit at very different ends of the same shelf.
ProtonVPN is built around privacy. CyberGhost is built around streaming.
Both claim to give you a secure vpn, a kill switch, and a strict no logs policy.
But they solve very different problems for very different users.
This comparison breaks down both vpn services so you can pick the right one.
Overview
This ProtonVPN vs CyberGhost comparison covers pricing, security features, streaming, server network, and ease of use.
We also break down who each vpn service fits best.
Our sources include published specs, the proton vpn’s website, CyberGhost documentation, and independent audits.
By the end, you’ll know which vpn provider fits your needs.
What is ProtonVPN?
ProtonVPN is a secure vpn from the team behind Proton Mail.
It is built and run by Proton Technologies AG in Switzerland.
The vpn provider focuses on privacy, transparency, and open-source apps.
Most users pick it for its audited no-logs policy and real free vpn plan.
ProtonVPN
A privacy-first vpn service built by Proton Technologies AG. Comes with Secure Core servers, open-source apps, and a free tier with unlimited bandwidth.
ProtonVPN Pricing
Here’s what ProtonVPN costs in 2026. Let’s break it down.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0.00/month | Basic browsing on one device |
| Plus | $2.99/month | Streaming, P2P, and privacy users |
| Unlimited | $7.99/month | Power users who want Proton Mail, Drive, and Calendar too |
Pricing verified May 2026.
Free trial: No traditional free trial, but the free version is permanent and requires no credit card to start.
Money-back guarantee: 30 day money back guarantee on all paid plans, prorated based on usage.
📌 Note: The $2.99 price is for the 2-year Plus plan. The annual plan works out to $3.99/month, and the monthly Plus plan costs $9.99/month.
⚠️ Warning: The free tier limits you to one device, three server locations (US, Netherlands, Japan), and no P2P. If you need streaming or torrenting, the free version won’t work.
Key Benefits of ProtonVPN
Here’s what makes ProtonVPN worth considering:
- Swiss Privacy Jurisdiction: The proton vpn’s parent company is based in Switzerland, which has some of the world’s strongest privacy laws. The country sits outside the 14-Eyes surveillance alliance.
- Audited No-Logs Policy: Independent auditors have verified the strict no logs policy. The proton vpn passed audits without storing ip logs or connection logs.
- Secure Core Servers: Traffic routes through hardened secure core servers in privacy-friendly countries before reaching the endpoint server. This protects against network-level attacks on a vpn server.
- Open-Source Proton Apps: Every proton vpn app is open-source. Anyone can inspect the code for vulnerabilities, which is rare among other vpn providers.
- Real Free Tier: Most free vpns cap data or sell user data. ProtonVPN offers a free tier with unlimited bandwidth and no ads, often called the best of the other free vpns available.
- Tor and Double VPN: Built-in support for the tor network through dedicated tor servers, plus double vpn routing for extra layers.
What Our Team Noticed
Our writer signed up for ProtonVPN and spent several days exploring the proton vpn app on desktop and mobile. Here’s what stood out from that hands-on time:
ProtonVPN Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Swiss-based with a strict no logs policy verified by audits
- Free version with unlimited bandwidth and no ads
- Secure core servers route traffic through hardened locations
- Open-source proton apps on every platform including a full linux app
- Up to 10 simultaneous device connections on paid plans
❌ Cons
- Free version limits you to three server locations
- Monthly Plus plan is an expensive vpn option at $9.99
- Customer support relies mostly on ticket-based proton vpn support staff, with no 24/7 live chat support
- Smaller server network than CyberGhost
What is CyberGhost?
CyberGhost is a long-running vpn company headquartered in Romania.
It is built around streaming, gaming, and ease of use.
The cyberghost vpn comes with a huge server network and streaming optimized servers.
Most cyberghost users pick it for unblocking streaming platforms like BBC iPlayer and Amazon Prime Video.
CyberGhost
A Romania-based vpn service with over 9,200 cyberghost servers in 100 countries. Comes with streaming-optimized servers, a 45 day money back guarantee, and beginner-friendly apps.
CyberGhost Pricing
Here’s what CyberGhost costs in 2026. Let’s break it down.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Month | $12.99/month | Short-term users who want to test it |
| 6 Months | $6.99/month | Mid-length commitment with moderate savings |
| 2 Years + 4 Months | $2.03/month | Long-term users who want the best price |
Pricing verified May 2026.
Free trial: A 1-day free trial on Windows and a 7-day free trial on mobile apps. No free version available beyond the trial.
Money-back guarantee: The 2-year and 6-month plans come with a 45 day money back guarantee. The monthly plan only has a 14-day guarantee.
📌 Note: A dedicated ip address costs an extra $5/month on top of the base plan. Payment methods include credit card, PayPal, Bitcoin, and Google Pay.
⚠️ Warning: The 2-year plan renews at $57 annually after the first 28 months, not at the $2.03 rate. Set a calendar reminder before renewal.
Key Benefits of CyberGhost
Here’s what makes CyberGhost worth considering:
- Huge Server Network: Over 9,200 cyberghost servers across 100 countries and 126 locations. That’s larger than most vpn providers in the vpn industry.
- Streaming-Optimized Servers: Dedicated servers tuned for specific streaming sites including BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and Netflix libraries.
- NoSpy Servers: NoSpy servers are owned and run directly by CyberGhost in Romania. They cut out third-party data center risk.
- RAM-Only Infrastructure: Servers run on ram only servers, meaning data is wiped on every reboot. Audited twice by Deloitte to confirm cyberghost’s privacy claims.
- Smart Rules and Smart DNS: Automate connections with rules like “auto-connect on Wi-Fi” and use the smart dns feature on smart tvs and Apple TV that don’t support vpn apps.
- Generous Refund Window: The 45-day refund policy is one of the longest in the vpn industry, beating most premium vpn rivals.
What Our Team Noticed
Our writer signed up for CyberGhost and spent several days testing the cyberghost app across desktop and mobile devices. Here’s what stood out from that hands-on time:
CyberGhost Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- One of the biggest server networks in the vpn industry
- Dedicated streaming optimized servers for Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video
- 45 day money back guarantee on longer plans
- Up to seven devices on a single account
- Smart DNS feature for streaming on smart tvs that don’t run vpn apps natively
❌ Cons
- Speed loss of around 30% on distant servers based on third-party tests
- Cyberghost’s apps have been reported as buggy in user reviews
- Monthly plan is pricey at $12.99 and only includes a 14-day refund window
- No free tier, unlike some other vpn services
Feature Comparison
Ready to dive into a detailed comparison of ProtonVPN vs CyberGhost?
We’ll explore nine key features to help you determine which platform best suits your needs.
| Feature | ProtonVPN | CyberGhost |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $2.99/month | $2.03/month |
| Free Plan | ✅ | ❌ |
| Server Network | ~8,600 servers, 112 countries | ~9,200 servers, 100 countries |
| Secure Core / NoSpy Servers | ✅ Secure Core | ✅ NoSpy |
| Audited No-Logs | ✅ Independent audit | ✅ Deloitte audits (2022, 2024) |
| Streaming Optimized Servers | ❌ (general unblocking only) | ✅ Per-platform dedicated servers |
| Simultaneous Connections | 10 devices | 7 devices |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 30 days | 45 days |
| Open-Source Apps | ✅ | ❌ |
| Best For | Privacy and activists | Streaming and casual use |
1. Privacy and Logging
ProtonVPN: Based in Switzerland under the world’s strongest privacy laws. The strict no logs policy means no ip logs and no connection logs are stored. Independent auditors have verified the policy, and a transparency report shows the vpn company has complied with very few legal requests.
CyberGhost: Headquartered in Romania, which sits outside the 14-Eyes alliance. Deloitte audited cyberghost’s privacy claims in 2022 and again in January 2024. Cyberghost’s servers run on a ram only servers infrastructure, wiping all data on reboot.
2. Server Network and Coverage
ProtonVPN: Around 8,600 proton vpn servers across 112 countries. The server network covers more countries than most vpn companies. Secure core servers route traffic through hardened locations like Switzerland and Iceland before exiting.
CyberGhost: A huge server network with over 9,200 vpn servers in 126 locations across 100 countries. CyberGhost beats ProtonVPN on raw server count. Virtual locations cyberghost uses fill in countries where physical servers aren’t practical.
3. Streaming and Unblocking
ProtonVPN: Unblocks BBC iPlayer, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ on Plus and Unlimited plans. No dedicated streaming-optimized servers, but the regular vpn server network handles most streaming services well.
CyberGhost: The cyberghost vpn app has a Streaming tab with servers optimized for over 15 Netflix libraries, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Disney Plus, HBO Max, and BBC iPlayer. These streaming optimized servers are regularly tested and updated to keep working.
⚠️ Warning: Streaming sites actively work on blocking access from VPNs. Both services rotate ip addresses to keep up with detection, but no vpn provider can guarantee 100% access at all times.
4. Speed and Performance
ProtonVPN: The vpn accelerator feature uses advanced networking techniques to improve internet speeds, especially on long-distance vpn connections. Internet traffic stays smooth on nearby servers with WireGuard protocol.
CyberGhost: WireGuard speeds reach up to 760 Mbps on close servers in third-party tests. Connection speeds drop significantly on distant servers, with some tests showing up to 60% speed loss in Asia and Africa.
5. Security Features
ProtonVPN: AES-256 encryption with Perfect Forward Secrecy. Comes with a kill switch, dns leak protection, NetShield ad-blocker, and the Stealth protocol that disguises vpn traffic as regular internet traffic. Multiple dns leak test runs have passed without issue.
CyberGhost: Industry-standard AES 256-bit encryption with an automatic kill switch. Cyberghost’s malicious url filter and content blocker stop ads, trackers, and known malware domains. The security suite includes a security updater for outdated software on your mobile device.
6. Device Support and Apps
ProtonVPN: Proton apps cover Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Android TV, and Apple TV. Up to 10 simultaneous device connections. Every linux user gets a full graphical linux app, not just a command-line tool.
CyberGhost: Desktop and mobile apps for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux. Cyberghost’s mobile apps and cyberghost’s windows app share a similar interface. Up to seven simultaneous device connections on one subscription. Smart DNS works on Amazon Fire TV and other smart tv platforms.
7. Special Features
ProtonVPN: Tor over VPN sends your encrypted vpn tunnel through the tor network for extra anonymity. Port forwarding helps with P2P seeding speeds. Split tunneling lets you pick which apps use the vpn tunnel and which use your normal internet connection.
CyberGhost: Smart Rules automate connections based on triggers like Wi-Fi networks or apps. A dedicated ip option for users who need a stable address. The smart dns feature lets you stream on devices that can’t run vpn apps directly.
8. Customer Support
ProtonVPN: Customer support is ticket-based with knowledge base articles on the proton vpn’s website. Response times typically run a few hours rather than a few seconds. No 24/7 live chat support is available.
CyberGhost: Offers 24/7 live chat support, email support, and a web knowledge base. Live chat connects in a few seconds and the agents are reported as helpful, though some knowledge base articles can be hard to follow.
9. Pricing & Cost
Let’s compare the pricing plans side by side.
| Plan | ProtonVPN | CyberGhost |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0/month (permanent) | ❌ (trial only) |
| Monthly | $9.99/month (Plus) | $12.99/month |
| Mid-Length | $3.99/month (annual Plus) | $6.99/month (6 months) |
| Long-Term | $2.99/month (2-year Plus) | $2.03/month (2 years + 4 months) |
| Premium Tier | $7.99/month (Unlimited bundle) | +$5/month for dedicated IP |
ProtonVPN: The free tier alone makes ProtonVPN stand out — most other vpn providers either charge from day one or hide the free version behind ads. Plus pricing is competitive on the 2-year plan, and Unlimited adds Proton Mail, Drive, and Calendar to the bundle.
CyberGhost: The 2-year plan is one of the cheapest in the vpn industry at $2.03/month. The 45 day money back guarantee gives plenty of time to test. But there’s no free version, and the monthly plan is pricier than ProtonVPN’s monthly option.
Different Scenarios
| If You Need… | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Tight budget, no privacy needs | CyberGhost | $2.03/month is cheaper long-term |
| A real free vpn | ProtonVPN | Only one with no-cost permanent plan |
| Heavy streaming on smart tvs | CyberGhost | Streaming-tuned servers and Smart DNS |
| Strong privacy and journalism | ProtonVPN | Secure Core and Swiss jurisdiction |
| P2P file sharing | ProtonVPN | Port forwarding and dedicated P2P servers |
| Beginner-friendly setup | CyberGhost | Simpler app and 24/7 live chat support |
| Many devices at once | ProtonVPN | 10 device connections vs 7 |
💰 Your Budget
CyberGhost wins on the longest plan at $2.03/month. ProtonVPN wins if you want a free vpn without paying anything.
🔌 Your Tech Stack
Pick ProtonVPN if you already use Proton Mail or Proton Drive. The Unlimited plan bundles all proton services together. CyberGhost is the better fit if you stream on Apple TV or smart tvs through Smart DNS.
📝 Your Privacy Needs
If you’re a journalist, activist, or just want maximum privacy, ProtonVPN is the safer pick. Secure core architecture and the Swiss jurisdiction are hard to match.
🎓 Your Experience Level
CyberGhost’s apps are simpler with one-click connection. ProtonVPN works just as easily but adds advanced settings like profiles and protocol switching for users who want them.
🆓 Free Trials and Demos
ProtonVPN offers a free tier you can use forever, no credit card needed. CyberGhost offers a 1-day desktop trial, a 7-day mobile trial, and a 45 day money back guarantee on the 2-year plan.
🛟 Support Options
CyberGhost offers 24/7 live chat support and email. ProtonVPN relies on email ticket support and knowledge base articles, with no live chat.
Switching Guide
Already using one of these tools? Here’s what to expect if you switch.
🔄 Switching from ProtonVPN to CyberGhost?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- Streaming-tuned servers for over 15 Netflix libraries and BBC iPlayer
- 24/7 live chat support that connects in a few seconds
- Smart DNS feature for streaming on Apple TV and smart tvs
❌ What you’ll lose:
- The free version with unlimited bandwidth
- Secure core servers and tor over vpn routing
- Open-source apps you can inspect for vulnerabilities
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel auto-renewal in your Proton account and uninstall the proton vpn app
- Sign up at CyberGhost and pick the 2-year plan to lock in $2.03/month
- Install the cyberghost app, log in, and pick a streaming server from the Streaming tab
🔄 Switching from CyberGhost to ProtonVPN?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- A free tier with unlimited bandwidth on one device
- Secure core servers that route through privacy-friendly countries
- Open-source proton apps audited for security on every platform
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Dedicated streaming optimized servers tuned per platform
- 24/7 live chat support for quick issues
- The 45 day money back guarantee window for longer testing
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel your CyberGhost subscription and request a refund if you’re within the 45-day window
- Start with the free tier on the proton vpn’s website to test it risk-free
- Upgrade to Plus or Unlimited if you need streaming, P2P, or proton mail bundled in
What Our Review Didn’t Cover
This comparison focused on individual users and small households. We didn’t test enterprise team plans or evaluate how either vpn provider performs across hundreds of users. Our observations come from published specs, audit reports, and short-term hands-on use of the proton vpn app and cyberghost app, not from months of daily-use data. If you need a vpn service for an entire company or a specialized setup like running your own endpoint server, your priorities may differ from what we’ve covered.
Final Verdict
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| 💰 Pricing (Long-Term) | CyberGhost |
| 🆓 Free Plan | ProtonVPN |
| 🔒 Privacy & No-Logs | ProtonVPN |
| 🎬 Streaming | CyberGhost |
| ⚡ Speed | Tie |
| 👶 Ease of Use | CyberGhost |
| 🛡️ Security Features | ProtonVPN |
| 📱 Device Support | ProtonVPN |
| 🛟 Customer Support | CyberGhost |
| 🏆 Overall Winner | ProtonVPN |
🏆 WINNER: PROTONVPN
ProtonVPN wins 5 out of 9 categories.
Best for: Privacy-focused users, journalists, P2P users, and anyone who wants a real free vpn
ProtonVPN and CyberGhost are built for different jobs.
ProtonVPN is the privacy-first pick with Swiss legal protection and open-source apps.
CyberGhost is the streaming-first pick with servers tuned per platform.
CyberGhost is the better choice if you mostly use a vpn for streaming sites and want the lowest long-term price.
But if you need a secure vpn for everyday browsing, P2P, or privacy work, ProtonVPN is the better pick.
More of ProtonVPN Compared
Here’s how ProtonVPN stacks up against other competitors:
ProtonVPN vs NordVPN
ProtonVPN wins on: Open-source apps, Swiss privacy laws, free vpn with unlimited bandwidth.
NordVPN wins on: Faster average speeds, larger marketing reach, double vpn variants on more servers.
ProtonVPN vs ExpressVPN
ProtonVPN wins on: Lower price on long-term plans, real free tier, Tor over VPN support.
ExpressVPN wins on: Friendlier apps, faster proprietary Lightway protocol, broader streaming support out of the box.
ProtonVPN wins on: Stronger no-logs audit history, Secure Core routing, open-source codebase.
SurfsharkVPN wins on: Unlimited simultaneous device connections, cheaper monthly plan, more aggressive deals.
ProtonVPN vs Private Internet Access
ProtonVPN wins on: Swiss jurisdiction vs US-based PIA, audited free tier, native Apple TV and Android TV apps.
Private Internet Access wins on: Larger server count, cheaper 3-year plan, longer track record of court-tested no-logs claims.
More of CyberGhost Compared
Here’s how CyberGhost stacks up against other competitors:
CyberGhost wins on: Streaming-tuned servers per platform, longer 45 day money back guarantee, cheaper 2-year price.
NordVPN wins on: Faster speeds across long-distance servers, Meshnet networking feature, larger global brand support.
CyberGhost wins on: Much lower long-term pricing, larger server count, dedicated streaming servers.
ExpressVPN wins on: More consistent unblocking across regions, faster proprietary protocol, more polished mobile apps.
CyberGhost wins on: Larger server network, longer refund window, NoSpy servers run in-house.
SurfsharkVPN wins on: Unlimited simultaneous connections vs seven, lower monthly price, CleanWeb ad-block built in.
CyberGhost vs PureVPN
CyberGhost wins on: More streaming optimized servers, Deloitte-audited no logs, longer money-back guarantee.
PureVPN wins on: Cheaper introductory price, port forwarding included by default, dedicated IP add-on cost is lower.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Proton VPN safe or not?
Yes. Our Proton VPN review confirms it is Swiss-based, has audited no-logs, and uses open-source apps. Reviewers consider it one of the safest in any ProtonVPN vs CyberGhost matchup.
Can CyberGhost VPN be trusted?
Yes. Our CyberGhost review confirms it has been audited twice by Deloitte (2022 and January 2024) and operates ram only servers in Romania, plus a bug bounty program.
Which is better for streaming — ProtonVPN or CyberGhost?
CyberGhost is better for streaming. It has dedicated streaming optimized servers for Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+, plus a Smart DNS feature for smart tvs.
Is Proton VPN actually free?
Yes. The free version has no ads, unlimited bandwidth, and no time limit. It does limit you to one device and three server locations: US, Netherlands, and Japan.
Is CyberGhost better than NordVPN?
CyberGhost wins on streaming-tuned servers, refund window, and 2-year pricing. NordVPN wins on raw speed and broader network features. Pick CyberGhost if streaming matters most.
Quick Recap and Final Verdict
Proton VPN offers the stronger privacy package — a Swiss-based encrypted tunnel, audited no logs, multiple vpn protocols including OpenVPN, WireGuard, and the Stealth vpn protocol. Both the Android app and the iOS app are open-source, and Proton VPN easy setup means you can install and connect in a few seconds. Independent dns leak test runs confirm no dns leaks during normal browsing, and dns queries stay inside the encrypted tunnel. The final verdict CyberGhost earns is solid for streaming, smart tvs, and Apple TV via the Smart DNS feature, plus Smart Rules can automatically connect the VPN when launching specific apps.
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