A Head-to-Head Comparison—CyberGhost VPN vs. NordVPN
Data breaches are surging, and the need for online privacy and security has never been greater. According to Flashpoint's 2024 Global Threat Intelligence Report[1], the incidence of reported data breaches rose by 34.5% in 2023, with over 17 million personal records exposed. With cybercriminals becoming more sophisticated in their attacks, many individuals are turning to Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to protect their online activity.
CyberGhost VPN and NordVPN are among the most popular VPN providers on the market, each boasting millions of users and a wide range of features. But which one offers better features and overall performance?
This head-to-head CyberGhost VPN vs. NordVPN comparison provides an in-depth analysis to help you decide which service suits your needs best. This article will also introduce you to a powerful piece of online security toolkit that masks your payment card information when transacting online.
The information in this review is accurate and up to date as of May 2024. Please visit the official NordVPN and CyberGhost VPN websites for the most up-to-date information.
CyberGhost VPN vs. NordVPN—A Comparison
CyberGhost VPN is a Romanian-based provider owned by Kape Technologies. It's a sister company of ZenMate VPN, Express VPN, and Private Internet Access (PIA) VPN and has over 38 million users worldwide[2]. NordVPN is a Panama-based provider under the ownership of Tefincom & Co., S.A. It was founded in 2012 and currently boasts 14 million users globally[3]. Both VPNs offer various features and functionalities, which fall into five categories:
- Security features
- Speed and performance
- Server network size
- Device compatibility
- User experience and customer support
- Pricing
Security Features
CyberGhost VPN and NordVPN employ robust security measures. Both VPNs use AES-256-bit encryption, the same standard used by government agencies, the military, and financial institutions[4][5]. They also have a strict no-log policy, meaning they do not record, store, or share user activity or connection logs[6][7].
Other security features offered by these two VPNs include[8][9]:
- Kill switch—Automatically cuts off the internet connection if the VPN connection drops, preventing data leaks.
- DNS and IP leak protection—Ensures that users' real IP addresses and DNS requests are not exposed to their internet service providers (ISP) or third parties.
- Split tunneling—Allows users to choose which apps or websites they want to access via the VPN while leaving other apps unencrypted for faster connection speeds.
- Ad and malware blocker—Prevents intrusive ads and malicious content from loading while using the VPN.
- Encryption protocols—Both VPNs offer multiple encryption protocols, including OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard (NordLynx). These protocols allow users to customize their level of security and speed.
- Dedicated IP—Provides a unique IP address for users to use exclusively instead of sharing it with other VPN users, offering better online anonymity and reducing the risk of being blocked by websites.
NordVPN offers additional features like Double VPN, which provides additional encryption by running traffic through two servers, and Meshnet, which enables users to create secure local networks.
Speed and Performance
NordVPN and CyberGhost VPN are both known for their fast and reliable speeds. According to tests by Cloudwards, NordVPN has an average download speed of 91 Mbps compared to CyberGhost VPN's 82 Mbps[10]. These speeds are sufficient for data-intensive tasks such as online gaming, video conferencing, and downloading large files.
Both VPNs have an upload speed of 9 Mbps, which is adequate for most online activities.
It's worth noting that speed and performance can vary depending on the chosen VPN protocol, server location, and network congestion.
Server Network Size
A larger network means more servers for users to connect to, resulting in better speeds as users can connect to a server closer to their physical location, reducing latency and improving overall performance. Having servers in more locations also means improved access to local content from more sources.
NordVPN currently operates 6,300+ ultra-fast servers in 111 countries, while CyberGhost VPN has servers in 100+ locations, with the exact number undisclosed [11][12].
Device Compatibility
CyberGhost VPN and NordVPN are compatible with a wide range of devices and operating systems, including:
- Desktop and laptop computers (macOS, Windows, Linux)
- Mobile devices (iOS, Android)
- Smart TVs and TV devices (tvOS, Apple TV, FireTV, AndroidTV)
- Browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Edge)
NordVPN extends its compatibility to routers, allowing up to ten simultaneous device connections[13]. While NordVPN doesn't directly support gaming consoles such as PS4, PS5, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch, users can still connect them to the VPN via a VPN-compatible router or by creating a VPN-protected hotspot on their computer and connecting the consoles to it[14].
CyberGhost VPN is also compatible with routers but limits simultaneous connections to seven devices[15]. Like NordVPN, users can connect their gaming consoles to CyberGhost VPN through a VPN-enabled router or by setting up a hotspot on their computer.
User Experience and Customer Support
CyberGhost VPN and NordVPN strive to offer their customers a seamless, user-friendly experience. The table below shows a side-by-side comparison of their user experience and customer support features:
Pricing
Both VPNs offer competitive rates and multiple subscription plans to suit different user needs. CyberGhost VPN offers three pricing plans, with the two-year plan offering the biggest savings at $2.19/month[16].
NordVPN has three pricing plans and three different bundles of features, and its users can get it for as low as $3.69/month if they opt for a two-year plan[17].
NordVPN vs CyberGhost—Alternative VPNs To Consider
NordVPN and CyberGhost VPN are reliable, secure, and user-friendly VPN services with fast speeds and extensive server networks.
Before settling for either of the two, users should also compare them with other VPN services on the market and consider their unique features and pricing options. Popular alternatives to CyberGhost VPN and NordVPN include:
- Norton VPN
- Proton VPN
- Windscribe VPN
- Surfshark VPN
- Bitdefender Premium VPN
- Avast SecureLine VPN
- McAfee VPN
- Mozilla VPN
Do VPNs Offer Protection Against Every Online Threat?
While VPNs can protect you from some online vulnerabilities, they are far from a complete digital security solution. Even with a VPN connected, you could still be at risk of cyber threats, including:
- Malware—VPNs cannot stop you from downloading malicious software. Once malware infects a device, it can collect sensitive information, including login credentials, banking details, and personal data.
- Phishing—Cybercriminals might use social engineering techniques to deceive you into revealing sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details. Phishing attacks can happen through email, social media, or fake websites.
- Brute force attacks—These are automated attempts to guess your login credentials by trying different combinations of usernames and passwords. They can be successful on accounts with weak passwords.
Fortunately, you can improve the security of your financial information when transacting online by using virtual cards. These cards consist of a unique 16-digit card number, a CVV, and an expiration date. They mask your real card details, reducing the risk of fraud and data theft. Independent virtual card providers like Privacy also offer many security and convenience features for a safer and more seamless online shopping experience.
Safeguard Online Transactions With Privacy Virtual Cards
With nearly a quarter of Americans saying they've had fraudulent charges put on their payment cards, virtual cards are becoming vital in safeguarding your sensitive information against fraudsters. Privacy Virtual Cards add a layer of security around your online transactions that helps protect you where VPNs can't.
Once you connect your bank account or debit card to Privacy, you can create virtual cards for your online transactions. Even if the merchant's servers are compromised, your actual payment card details remain safe as they were never shared with the merchant.
Some security features Privacy offers include:
- Two-factor authentication—Privacy supports email, SMS, and authentication apps as the second authentication factor.
- Transaction alerts—Privacy sends notifications when your virtual card is used or declined, allowing you to identify a potentially suspicious transaction.
- Fraud protection—In case of unauthorized claims, Privacy will work with you to resolve the reports the same way your bank would.
Privacy is also subject to third-party audits, ensuring the data you provide is secured to maximum standards.
Privacy Card Types and Features
Privacy offers three types of cards:
- Single-Use Cards
- Merchant-Locked Cards
- Category-Locked Cards
Here's how these cards differ:
You can set spending limits and pause or close your Privacy Virtual Cards anytime without affecting the funding source. Privacy will decline all charges on a paused or closed card and those that exceed your preset spending limit, helping protect you against hidden fees or accidental charges that may happen after initiating a subscription cancellation.
Privacy also includes the following convenience features:
- Mobile app—With the Privacy App, available for iOS and Android, you can create virtual cards on the go, set spending limits, and pause or close them.
- Browser extension—The Privacy Browser Extension facilitates faster checkouts by autofilling your virtual card details. It's compatible with popular browsers such as Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, and Safari for iOS for iPhone and iPad users.
- 1Password integration—Privacy integrates with 1Password, a popular password manager, making it easier to manage and access your virtual cards securely.
How To Get a Privacy Virtual Card
To get a Privacy Card, complete these easy steps:
- Visit the signup page
- Verify your identity by providing the required details
- Link a funding source, such as a bank account or debit card
- Request and generate your first card
You can use Privacy Cards at most vendors and websites that accept Visa® or Mastercard® card payments.
Privacy offers four monthly plans:
