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Proton VPN and CyberGhost are two of the most talked-about names in the VPN space — and for good reason. Both offer strong security, solid streaming performance, and no-logs policies backed by independent audits. But they are built for very different users.
I’ve spent the last several weeks running both VPNs through my standard testing routine: speed tests across multiple server locations, streaming tests on Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more, plus a deep look at each provider’s privacy posture and feature set. In my experience with over 500 VPN videos across my channels, this comparison is one of the more interesting ones — because neither provider is obviously worse.
That said, one of them is a clear winner for most users. Let me break it all down.
Bottom line up front: Proton VPN is my top pick in this comparison. It beats CyberGhost on privacy, speed retention, server network, and advanced features. CyberGhost still earns a spot if budget is your primary concern or if you want dedicated streaming servers with a beginner-friendly interface. I’ll explain all of it below.
Proton VPN vs CyberGhost: Quick Verdict Boxes
Best for Privacy
Proton VPN — My Top Pick in This Comparison
Proton VPN wins on privacy, speed retention (~92%), server network (20,000+ in 145 countries), and advanced features like Secure Core and the Stealth protocol. It’s Swiss-based, fully open-source, and has a no-logs policy tested in court.
- Swiss jurisdiction with strict privacy laws
- Open-source apps, audited multiple times
- ~92% speed retention in my tests
- Secure Core (double VPN) + Stealth protocol
- Generous free plan with unlimited bandwidth
- 10 simultaneous connections
- Slightly more expensive than CyberGhost
- Live chat locked to paid subscribers
Best for Beginners
CyberGhost — Great Budget Option with Dedicated Streaming Servers
CyberGhost is one of the most beginner-friendly VPNs I’ve tested, with an intuitive interface, dedicated streaming servers, and one of the longest money-back guarantees in the industry. It’s cheaper long-term, but loses to Proton VPN on privacy and raw performance.
- Very affordable long-term (2-year plan)
- 45-day money-back guarantee
- Dedicated streaming and torrenting servers
- User-friendly interface — great for beginners
- SmartDNS for devices that don’t support VPN apps
- Owned by Kape Technologies (also owns ExpressVPN and PIA)
- Lower speed retention (~88%) vs Proton VPN
- No free plan — only a short trial
Proton VPN vs CyberGhost: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Proton VPN | CyberGhost |
|---|---|---|
| My Recommendation | ✅ Top Pick | Runner-Up |
| Starting Price | $2.99/mo (2-year) | $1.75/mo (2-year) |
| Speed Retention | ~92% | ~88% |
| Server Network | 20,000+ in 145 countries | Undisclosed in 100 countries |
| Simultaneous Connections | 10 | 7 |
| No-Logs Policy | ✅ Audited (multiple times) | ✅ Audited by Deloitte |
| Jurisdiction | Switzerland | Romania (Kape Technologies) |
| Open-Source | ✅ All apps | ❌ |
| Free Plan | ✅ Unlimited bandwidth | ❌ (short trial only) |
| Streaming Servers | General unblocking | Dedicated per-platform servers |
| SmartDNS | ❌ | ✅ |
| Stealth/Obfuscation | ✅ Stealth protocol | ❌ |
| Secure Core (Double VPN) | ✅ | NoSpy servers (similar idea) |
| Kill Switch | ✅ | ✅ |
| Split Tunneling | ✅ (more platforms) | ✅ (Windows & Android only) |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 30 days | 45 days |
| Protocols | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, Stealth | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 |
Speed: Proton VPN Wins
Speed is one of the first things I test with any VPN, because no matter how good a provider looks on paper, a slow connection kills the experience. I run tests using WireGuard on both providers — the fastest protocol available on each — across multiple locations.
In my testing, Proton VPN came in at around 92% speed retention, which puts it among the fastest VPNs I’ve tested. CyberGhost hit roughly 88% speed retention — still solid by industry standards, but noticeably behind Proton VPN, especially on long-distance servers.
| Server Location | Proton VPN | CyberGhost |
|---|---|---|
| Speed Retention (avg) | ~92% | ~88% |
| US Servers | Strong performance | Decent, slight drop vs Proton |
| UK Servers | Excellent | Good |
| Australia / Asia | Moderate drop (expected) | More noticeable drop |
The difference is most pronounced on distant servers. For users in Europe connecting to US servers, or vice versa, Proton VPN holds up significantly better. Part of this comes down to Proton’s VPN Accelerator, a proprietary technology designed to improve speed on long-distance connections.
CyberGhost isn’t slow by any means — 88% retention is perfectly usable for streaming and browsing. But if raw speed matters, Proton VPN is the winner here.
Winner: Proton VPN
Privacy and Security: Proton VPN Wins — and It’s Not Close
This is where the two VPNs diverge most significantly. Both have solid privacy credentials, but Proton VPN operates at a different level.
Jurisdiction
Proton VPN is headquartered in Switzerland — arguably the most privacy-friendly jurisdiction on earth. Swiss law does not require VPN providers to retain user data, and Switzerland sits outside both the EU and the major intelligence-sharing alliances. Proton VPN’s no-logs policy has been tested in a Swiss court and held up.
CyberGhost is based in Romania, which is also a decent privacy jurisdiction outside the Five Eyes. However, CyberGhost is owned by Kape Technologies, a UK-based digital security company that also owns ExpressVPN and Private Internet Access. That corporate umbrella is worth knowing about before you sign up.
No-Logs Policy and Audits
Both VPNs have audited no-logs policies. CyberGhost has been audited twice by Deloitte (2022 and 2024), and those audits confirmed it doesn’t retain browsing history, IP addresses, or connection metadata. That’s legitimate.
Proton VPN has gone through multiple independent audits from respected security firms including SEC Consult and Securitum. Every single app is open-source — meaning anyone with the skills can inspect the code on GitHub for vulnerabilities. That level of transparency is rare and meaningful.
Encryption and Protocols
Both use AES-256 encryption, WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. But Proton VPN adds one more: the Stealth protocol, which disguises VPN traffic to look like regular HTTPS traffic. This is crucial for users in countries with VPN restrictions, or anyone behind a firewall that blocks VPN connections.
Secure Core vs NoSpy Servers
Proton VPN’s Secure Core routes your traffic through two servers — first through a hardened server in Switzerland, Iceland, or Sweden, then to your destination. This protects against network-level surveillance. CyberGhost’s NoSpy servers are fully owned and operated by CyberGhost in Romania, cutting out third-party data center risk. Both approaches improve privacy, but Secure Core is a more robust solution against sophisticated threats.
RAM-Only Servers
CyberGhost has fully switched to RAM-only servers, meaning data is wiped on every reboot. Proton VPN is still transitioning to RAM-only infrastructure on some servers but compensates with its audited no-logs policy and open-source codebase.
Privacy verdict: Proton VPN is the stronger privacy choice. Swiss jurisdiction, court-tested no-logs, open-source apps, Secure Core architecture, and the Stealth protocol are hard to match. CyberGhost is still trustworthy — but I’d want you to know about the Kape Technologies ownership before committing.
Winner: Proton VPN
Streaming: CyberGhost Has the Edge
If streaming is your primary use case, CyberGhost has a genuine advantage: dedicated, per-platform streaming servers. When you open the CyberGhost app, you’ll find a Streaming tab with servers specifically optimized for Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and more. These servers are regularly tested and updated to maintain access.
In my testing, both VPNs successfully unblocked Netflix US, Netflix UK, Netflix Japan, and Amazon Prime Video. But CyberGhost was more consistent with platforms like Hulu and Disney+ US — Proton VPN occasionally struggled with Disney+ in my sessions.
Proton VPN does unblock a wide range of services on its paid plans, but it doesn’t have the same dedicated streaming server infrastructure. It also lacks SmartDNS, which CyberGhost offers for streaming on devices that don’t support VPN apps natively — smart TVs, older Fire TV sticks, gaming consoles.
For BBC iPlayer specifically, I found Proton VPN to be reliable, while CyberGhost occasionally had issues with it — but your results may vary by server.
CyberGhost Streaming Strengths
- Dedicated per-platform streaming servers
- SmartDNS for non-VPN-capable devices
- More consistent Disney+ and Hulu access
- Servers labeled clearly by streaming service
Proton VPN Streaming Notes
- No SmartDNS feature
- No dedicated per-service streaming servers
- Occasional Disney+ access issues in my tests
- Does unblock Netflix reliably across multiple libraries
Winner: CyberGhost (for dedicated streaming users; Proton VPN is still capable)
Torrenting: Tie, With Nuances
Both VPNs support P2P traffic, and I had no issues running qBitTorrent on either. In my download speed tests using a large Linux ISO, the results were extremely close — within seconds of each other.
The notable difference: Proton VPN supports port forwarding, which can improve P2P download and upload (seeding) speeds, particularly for users with slower connections. CyberGhost does not offer port forwarding.
CyberGhost counters with clearly labeled dedicated torrenting servers in most countries, making setup simpler for newcomers. Both providers have strong no-logs policies that protect your P2P activity.
For most torrenters, either VPN works well. Power users who want to squeeze out extra seeding performance will prefer Proton VPN’s port forwarding.
Winner: Tie (Proton VPN edges ahead for advanced torrenters)
Server Network: Proton VPN Wins by a Significant Margin
This one isn’t close. Proton VPN offers 20,000+ servers across 145 countries. CyberGhost no longer publicly discloses its server count, which I find odd for a service that used to advertise large numbers — but it covers 100 countries.
| Category | Proton VPN | CyberGhost |
|---|---|---|
| Server Count | 20,000+ | Undisclosed |
| Countries | 145 | 100 |
| 10 Gbps Servers | ✅ | ✅ |
| Specialty Servers | Secure Core, Tor over VPN, P2P, Streaming | NoSpy, Streaming, Torrenting, Dedicated IP |
More countries means more options for spoofing your location, better performance from nearby servers, and more flexibility for accessing region-specific content. Proton VPN wins this category clearly.
Winner: Proton VPN
Pricing: CyberGhost Is Cheaper Long-Term
If price is your primary concern, CyberGhost is the more affordable option on a long-term commitment.
| Plan | Proton VPN | CyberGhost |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Plan | $9.99/mo | $12.99/mo |
| 6-Month Plan | — | $6.99/mo |
| 1-Year Plan | $3.99/mo | — |
| 2-Year Plan (Best Value) | $2.99/mo | $1.75/mo |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 30 days | 45 days |
| Free Plan | ✅ Unlimited bandwidth | ❌ |
CyberGhost’s 2-year plan at $1.75/mo is a strong deal. But Proton VPN’s monthly plan is actually cheaper ($9.99 vs $12.99), making it the better short-term option. And Proton VPN’s free plan — which offers unlimited bandwidth and no time limit — is genuinely impressive and one of the best free VPNs I’ve used.
A note on CyberGhost ownership: CyberGhost is owned by Kape Technologies, a UK-based company that also owns ExpressVPN and PIA. This doesn’t necessarily mean the service is untrustworthy — audits confirm the no-logs policy — but it’s worth knowing before you commit, especially if privacy is your priority.
Winner: CyberGhost (long-term pricing); Proton VPN wins on free plan and short-term value
Features: Proton VPN Has More to Offer
Both VPNs go well beyond the basics, but Proton VPN’s feature set is deeper.
Shared Features
Both include an automatic kill switch, split tunneling, DNS leak protection, AES-256 encryption, an ad/tracker blocker (Proton’s is called NetShield), and WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 protocols.
Proton VPN Exclusive Features
Stealth Protocol
Disguises VPN traffic as regular HTTPS traffic, useful for bypassing VPN blocks in restrictive networks and certain countries.
Secure Core Servers
Routes your traffic through two servers — first a hardened server in Switzerland, Iceland, or Sweden — protecting against network-level surveillance and traffic analysis.
Tor Over VPN
Dedicated servers that route traffic through the Tor network for maximum anonymity — without needing to run the Tor Browser separately.
Port Forwarding
Improves torrenting and gaming connection speeds. Rare among major VPN providers.
Open-Source Apps
Every Proton VPN app is open-source and auditable on GitHub. This is one of the strongest trust signals a VPN can offer.
CyberGhost Exclusive Features
SmartDNS
Lets you stream on smart TVs, older Fire TV sticks, and gaming consoles that don’t support VPN apps natively.
Dedicated IP Add-On
Available for an extra monthly fee. Useful for avoiding CAPTCHAs and for remote work scenarios that require a fixed IP address.
Smart Rules / Automation
Automatically connects the VPN when launching specific apps or joining certain Wi-Fi networks — handy for set-it-and-forget-it protection.
Winner: Proton VPN
Ease of Use: CyberGhost Is More Beginner-Friendly
CyberGhost’s interface is one of the more approachable I’ve tested. The app is clean, clearly labeled, and the one-click connect makes it incredibly easy to get started. Streaming and torrenting servers are clearly tagged and sorted by service name — you don’t need to know anything about VPNs to pick the right server.
Proton VPN also has a clean interface and installs in minutes. The server map is intuitive, and the main features (kill switch, NetShield, Secure Core) are easy to find. Where it gets more complex is in the advanced settings — Secure Core, VPN profiles, and protocol selection require a bit more familiarity. That’s not a criticism; it’s just reflecting the deeper feature set.
On mobile, both apps are smooth and responsive. CyberGhost is slightly simpler on mobile; Proton VPN’s mobile app received a major redesign recently and feels modern and polished.
Winner: CyberGhost (for complete VPN beginners); Proton VPN is still very usable
Customer Support
Both offer 24/7 live chat and email support. The key difference: Proton VPN’s live chat is only available for paid subscribers. Free users are limited to ticket-based support, which can be slower.
CyberGhost offers live chat to everyone, including non-subscribers, and in my experience connects in a few minutes. It’s also available in English, German, and French.
Proton VPN’s paid support is responsive and knowledgeable — I’ve had good experiences — but the restriction on free users is a valid criticism.
Winner: CyberGhost
Does Either Work in China?
Neither Proton VPN nor CyberGhost reliably works in China, and both are upfront about this. CyberGhost has no obfuscation at all. Proton VPN’s Stealth protocol occasionally connects successfully in China, but stability and speeds are inconsistent — and Proton themselves don’t guarantee it.
If you need a VPN for China specifically, I’d steer you toward Surfshark or NordVPN, both of which have more robust obfuscation tools for censored environments.
Final Score: Who Wins?
| Category | Proton VPN | CyberGhost |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | ✅ Winner (~92%) | ~88% |
| Privacy & Security | ✅ Winner | — |
| Streaming | — | ✅ Winner |
| Torrenting | Tie | Tie |
| Server Network | ✅ Winner (145 countries) | 100 countries |
| Pricing (long-term) | — | ✅ Winner ($1.75/mo) |
| Features | ✅ Winner | — |
| Ease of Use | — | ✅ Winner |
| Customer Support | — | ✅ Winner |
| Overall Winner | ✅ Proton VPN | — |
Proton VPN wins 4 categories outright, CyberGhost wins 3, with one tie. But the categories Proton VPN wins — speed, privacy, server network, and features — are the ones that matter most for the majority of users. CyberGhost’s wins on ease of use and dedicated streaming servers make it the better pick for a specific type of user.
Who Should Choose Proton VPN?
- Privacy-conscious users who want Swiss jurisdiction and open-source transparency
- Anyone who wants the best free VPN with no data limits
- Power users who value Secure Core, Stealth protocol, and port forwarding
- Torrenters who want port forwarding for seeding
- Users who want 10 simultaneous connections
Read my full Proton VPN review for a deeper breakdown, or check the Proton VPN coupon page for the latest deals.
Who Should Choose CyberGhost?
- Absolute VPN beginners who want the simplest possible experience
- Budget users committing to a 2-year plan
- Streamers who want dedicated per-platform servers and SmartDNS
- Users who want the 45-day money-back guarantee for a longer testing window
Note on Kape Technologies: CyberGhost, ExpressVPN, and PIA are all owned by Kape Technologies. Each operates independently with its own no-logs policies and audits, but if you’re looking for a VPN with fully independent ownership, that rules CyberGhost out for some users.
Read my full CyberGhost review for more detail, or check the CyberGhost coupon page for current pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Proton VPN better than CyberGhost?
Yes, in most categories I tested. Proton VPN wins on speed retention (~92% vs ~88%), privacy (Swiss jurisdiction, open-source apps, court-tested no-logs), server network (20,000+ in 145 countries), and advanced features like Secure Core and the Stealth protocol. CyberGhost is better for dedicated streaming servers, beginner ease of use, and long-term pricing.
Can I trust CyberGhost’s no-logs policy?
Yes. CyberGhost has been independently audited by Deloitte twice — in 2022 and 2024 — and both audits confirmed it does not store browsing history, IP addresses, or connection data. It also uses RAM-only servers, which wipe all data on reboot. Worth noting: CyberGhost is owned by Kape Technologies, though the no-logs policy has been verified independently.
Which is better for Netflix — Proton VPN or CyberGhost?
Both unblock Netflix. CyberGhost has a slight edge because it offers dedicated, per-library streaming servers that are actively maintained and tested for Netflix US, UK, Japan, Canada, and more. Proton VPN unblocks Netflix on its paid plans as well, but without dedicated streaming servers, performance can vary more by server.
Is Proton VPN’s free plan actually good?
It’s one of the best free VPNs I’ve tested. You get unlimited bandwidth, no ads, and strong encryption — but you’re limited to one device and three server locations (US, Netherlands, Japan). It doesn’t include streaming access or advanced features like NetShield or Secure Core. For basic private browsing, it’s excellent. For streaming or torrenting, you’ll want to upgrade to the paid plan.
Does CyberGhost work on smart TVs?
Yes. CyberGhost offers SmartDNS, which lets you stream on smart TVs, older Fire TV sticks, and gaming consoles that can’t run VPN apps natively. Proton VPN does not have SmartDNS. If streaming on non-VPN devices is important to you, CyberGhost is the better pick.
Which VPN works better for torrenting?
Both support P2P traffic with dedicated torrenting servers. In my download speed tests, the results were nearly identical. The key difference: Proton VPN offers port forwarding, which can improve seeding speeds for advanced torrenters. CyberGhost doesn’t offer port forwarding but has clearly labeled P2P servers in most countries.
Does Proton VPN or CyberGhost work in China?
Neither reliably works in China. CyberGhost has no obfuscation features, so it’s blocked by the Great Firewall. Proton VPN’s Stealth protocol occasionally connects in China but with poor stability. For China, I’d recommend looking at Surfshark or NordVPN, which have more robust obfuscation tools.
What is Kape Technologies and why does it matter for CyberGhost?
Kape Technologies is a UK-based digital security company that owns CyberGhost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access (PIA). Each VPN operates independently with its own no-logs policies and audits. The ownership itself doesn’t mean CyberGhost is untrustworthy — the Deloitte audits back up its privacy claims — but privacy-focused users who prefer a fully independent VPN company may prefer Proton VPN.
Which has a better money-back guarantee?
CyberGhost offers a 45-day money-back guarantee on its 2-year plan, which is one of the most generous in the industry. Proton VPN offers 30 days. If you want the longest risk-free window to test a VPN before fully committing, CyberGhost wins this one.
Is Proton VPN worth the higher price vs CyberGhost?
In my view, yes — for most users. The gap has narrowed, with Proton VPN’s 2-year plan at $2.99/mo and CyberGhost at $1.75/mo. For that extra ~$1.24/month, you get a significantly better privacy setup, faster speeds, a much larger server network, and features like Secure Core and the Stealth protocol. If budget is genuinely tight, CyberGhost delivers solid value. If you can stretch, Proton VPN is worth it.
The Bottom Line
After running both VPNs through my full testing routine, Proton VPN is my recommendation for most users. It’s faster, more private, has a larger server network, and packs more advanced features — including the only legitimate free VPN plan worth considering. The Swiss jurisdiction and open-source transparency put it in a different league on the privacy side.
CyberGhost is a solid runner-up. It’s more beginner-friendly, has dedicated streaming servers that work well, and is cheaper if you’re committing to two years. If those priorities resonate with you, it’s still a good VPN.
For other comparisons, check out my Surfshark vs NordVPN head-to-head, or browse my full VPN reviews hub for more.
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The best privacy VPN I’ve tested — Swiss-based, open-source, and blazing fast.
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This page contains affiliate links. If you purchase a VPN through our links we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This never influences our reviews or rankings.
Proton VPN and CyberGhost are two of the most talked-about names in the VPN space — and for good reason. Both offer strong security, solid streaming performance, and no-logs policies backed by independent audits. But they are built for very different users.
I’ve spent the last several weeks running both VPNs through my standard testing routine: speed tests across multiple server locations, streaming tests on Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more, plus a deep look at each provider’s privacy posture and feature set. In my experience with over 500 VPN videos across my channels, this comparison is one of the more interesting ones — because neither provider is obviously worse.
That said, one of them is a clear winner for most users. Let me break it all down.
Bottom line up front: Proton VPN is my top pick in this comparison. It beats CyberGhost on privacy, speed retention, server network, and advanced features. CyberGhost still earns a spot if budget is your primary concern or if you want dedicated streaming servers with a beginner-friendly interface. I’ll explain all of it below.
Proton VPN vs CyberGhost: Quick Verdict Boxes
Best for Privacy
Proton VPN — My Top Pick in This Comparison
Proton VPN wins on privacy, speed retention (~92%), server network (20,000+ in 145 countries), and advanced features like Secure Core and the Stealth protocol. It’s Swiss-based, fully open-source, and has a no-logs policy tested in court.
- Swiss jurisdiction with strict privacy laws
- Open-source apps, audited multiple times
- ~92% speed retention in my tests
- Secure Core (double VPN) + Stealth protocol
- Generous free plan with unlimited bandwidth
- 10 simultaneous connections
- Slightly more expensive than CyberGhost
- Live chat locked to paid subscribers
Best for Beginners
CyberGhost — Great Budget Option with Dedicated Streaming Servers
CyberGhost is one of the most beginner-friendly VPNs I’ve tested, with an intuitive interface, dedicated streaming servers, and one of the longest money-back guarantees in the industry. It’s cheaper long-term, but loses to Proton VPN on privacy and raw performance.
- Very affordable long-term (2-year plan)
- 45-day money-back guarantee
- Dedicated streaming and torrenting servers
- User-friendly interface — great for beginners
- SmartDNS for devices that don’t support VPN apps
- Owned by Kape Technologies (also owns ExpressVPN and PIA)
- Lower speed retention (~88%) vs Proton VPN
- No free plan — only a short trial
Proton VPN vs CyberGhost: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Proton VPN | CyberGhost |
|---|---|---|
| My Recommendation | ✅ Top Pick | Runner-Up |
| Starting Price | $2.99/mo (2-year) | $1.75/mo (2-year) |
| Speed Retention | ~92% | ~88% |
| Server Network | 20,000+ in 145 countries | Undisclosed in 100 countries |
| Simultaneous Connections | 10 | 7 |
| No-Logs Policy | ✅ Audited (multiple times) | ✅ Audited by Deloitte |
| Jurisdiction | Switzerland | Romania (Kape Technologies) |
| Open-Source | ✅ All apps | ❌ |
| Free Plan | ✅ Unlimited bandwidth | ❌ (short trial only) |
| Streaming Servers | General unblocking | Dedicated per-platform servers |
| SmartDNS | ❌ | ✅ |
| Stealth/Obfuscation | ✅ Stealth protocol | ❌ |
| Secure Core (Double VPN) | ✅ | NoSpy servers (similar idea) |
| Kill Switch | ✅ | ✅ |
| Split Tunneling | ✅ (more platforms) | ✅ (Windows & Android only) |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 30 days | 45 days |
| Protocols | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, Stealth | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 |
Speed: Proton VPN Wins
Speed is one of the first things I test with any VPN, because no matter how good a provider looks on paper, a slow connection kills the experience. I run tests using WireGuard on both providers — the fastest protocol available on each — across multiple locations.
In my testing, Proton VPN came in at around 92% speed retention, which puts it among the fastest VPNs I’ve tested. CyberGhost hit roughly 88% speed retention — still solid by industry standards, but noticeably behind Proton VPN, especially on long-distance servers.
| Server Location | Proton VPN | CyberGhost |
|---|---|---|
| Speed Retention (avg) | ~92% | ~88% |
| US Servers | Strong performance | Decent, slight drop vs Proton |
| UK Servers | Excellent | Good |
| Australia / Asia | Moderate drop (expected) | More noticeable drop |
The difference is most pronounced on distant servers. For users in Europe connecting to US servers, or vice versa, Proton VPN holds up significantly better. Part of this comes down to Proton’s VPN Accelerator, a proprietary technology designed to improve speed on long-distance connections.
CyberGhost isn’t slow by any means — 88% retention is perfectly usable for streaming and browsing. But if raw speed matters, Proton VPN is the winner here.
Winner: Proton VPN
Privacy and Security: Proton VPN Wins — and It’s Not Close
This is where the two VPNs diverge most significantly. Both have solid privacy credentials, but Proton VPN operates at a different level.
Jurisdiction
Proton VPN is headquartered in Switzerland — arguably the most privacy-friendly jurisdiction on earth. Swiss law does not require VPN providers to retain user data, and Switzerland sits outside both the EU and the major intelligence-sharing alliances. Proton VPN’s no-logs policy has been tested in a Swiss court and held up.
CyberGhost is based in Romania, which is also a decent privacy jurisdiction outside the Five Eyes. However, CyberGhost is owned by Kape Technologies, a UK-based digital security company that also owns ExpressVPN and Private Internet Access. That corporate umbrella is worth knowing about before you sign up.
No-Logs Policy and Audits
Both VPNs have audited no-logs policies. CyberGhost has been audited twice by Deloitte (2022 and 2024), and those audits confirmed it doesn’t retain browsing history, IP addresses, or connection metadata. That’s legitimate.
Proton VPN has gone through multiple independent audits from respected security firms including SEC Consult and Securitum. Every single app is open-source — meaning anyone with the skills can inspect the code on GitHub for vulnerabilities. That level of transparency is rare and meaningful.
Encryption and Protocols
Both use AES-256 encryption, WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. But Proton VPN adds one more: the Stealth protocol, which disguises VPN traffic to look like regular HTTPS traffic. This is crucial for users in countries with VPN restrictions, or anyone behind a firewall that blocks VPN connections.
Secure Core vs NoSpy Servers
Proton VPN’s Secure Core routes your traffic through two servers — first through a hardened server in Switzerland, Iceland, or Sweden, then to your destination. This protects against network-level surveillance. CyberGhost’s NoSpy servers are fully owned and operated by CyberGhost in Romania, cutting out third-party data center risk. Both approaches improve privacy, but Secure Core is a more robust solution against sophisticated threats.
RAM-Only Servers
CyberGhost has fully switched to RAM-only servers, meaning data is wiped on every reboot. Proton VPN is still transitioning to RAM-only infrastructure on some servers but compensates with its audited no-logs policy and open-source codebase.
Privacy verdict: Proton VPN is the stronger privacy choice. Swiss jurisdiction, court-tested no-logs, open-source apps, Secure Core architecture, and the Stealth protocol are hard to match. CyberGhost is still trustworthy — but I’d want you to know about the Kape Technologies ownership before committing.
Winner: Proton VPN
Streaming: CyberGhost Has the Edge
If streaming is your primary use case, CyberGhost has a genuine advantage: dedicated, per-platform streaming servers. When you open the CyberGhost app, you’ll find a Streaming tab with servers specifically optimized for Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and more. These servers are regularly tested and updated to maintain access.
In my testing, both VPNs successfully unblocked Netflix US, Netflix UK, Netflix Japan, and Amazon Prime Video. But CyberGhost was more consistent with platforms like Hulu and Disney+ US — Proton VPN occasionally struggled with Disney+ in my sessions.
Proton VPN does unblock a wide range of services on its paid plans, but it doesn’t have the same dedicated streaming server infrastructure. It also lacks SmartDNS, which CyberGhost offers for streaming on devices that don’t support VPN apps natively — smart TVs, older Fire TV sticks, gaming consoles.
For BBC iPlayer specifically, I found Proton VPN to be reliable, while CyberGhost occasionally had issues with it — but your results may vary by server.
CyberGhost Streaming Strengths
- Dedicated per-platform streaming servers
- SmartDNS for non-VPN-capable devices
- More consistent Disney+ and Hulu access
- Servers labeled clearly by streaming service
Proton VPN Streaming Notes
- No SmartDNS feature
- No dedicated per-service streaming servers
- Occasional Disney+ access issues in my tests
- Does unblock Netflix reliably across multiple libraries
Winner: CyberGhost (for dedicated streaming users; Proton VPN is still capable)
Torrenting: Tie, With Nuances
Both VPNs support P2P traffic, and I had no issues running qBitTorrent on either. In my download speed tests using a large Linux ISO, the results were extremely close — within seconds of each other.
The notable difference: Proton VPN supports port forwarding, which can improve P2P download and upload (seeding) speeds, particularly for users with slower connections. CyberGhost does not offer port forwarding.
CyberGhost counters with clearly labeled dedicated torrenting servers in most countries, making setup simpler for newcomers. Both providers have strong no-logs policies that protect your P2P activity.
For most torrenters, either VPN works well. Power users who want to squeeze out extra seeding performance will prefer Proton VPN’s port forwarding.
Winner: Tie (Proton VPN edges ahead for advanced torrenters)
Server Network: Proton VPN Wins by a Significant Margin
This one isn’t close. Proton VPN offers 20,000+ servers across 145 countries. CyberGhost no longer publicly discloses its server count, which I find odd for a service that used to advertise large numbers — but it covers 100 countries.
| Category | Proton VPN | CyberGhost |
|---|---|---|
| Server Count | 20,000+ | Undisclosed |
| Countries | 145 | 100 |
| 10 Gbps Servers | ✅ | ✅ |
| Specialty Servers | Secure Core, Tor over VPN, P2P, Streaming | NoSpy, Streaming, Torrenting, Dedicated IP |
More countries means more options for spoofing your location, better performance from nearby servers, and more flexibility for accessing region-specific content. Proton VPN wins this category clearly.
Winner: Proton VPN
Pricing: CyberGhost Is Cheaper Long-Term
If price is your primary concern, CyberGhost is the more affordable option on a long-term commitment.
| Plan | Proton VPN | CyberGhost |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Plan | $9.99/mo | $12.99/mo |
| 6-Month Plan | — | $6.99/mo |
| 1-Year Plan | $3.99/mo | — |
| 2-Year Plan (Best Value) | $2.99/mo | $1.75/mo |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 30 days | 45 days |
| Free Plan | ✅ Unlimited bandwidth | ❌ |
CyberGhost’s 2-year plan at $1.75/mo is a strong deal. But Proton VPN’s monthly plan is actually cheaper ($9.99 vs $12.99), making it the better short-term option. And Proton VPN’s free plan — which offers unlimited bandwidth and no time limit — is genuinely impressive and one of the best free VPNs I’ve used.
A note on CyberGhost ownership: CyberGhost is owned by Kape Technologies, a UK-based company that also owns ExpressVPN and PIA. This doesn’t necessarily mean the service is untrustworthy — audits confirm the no-logs policy — but it’s worth knowing before you commit, especially if privacy is your priority.
Winner: CyberGhost (long-term pricing); Proton VPN wins on free plan and short-term value
Features: Proton VPN Has More to Offer
Both VPNs go well beyond the basics, but Proton VPN’s feature set is deeper.
Shared Features
Both include an automatic kill switch, split tunneling, DNS leak protection, AES-256 encryption, an ad/tracker blocker (Proton’s is called NetShield), and WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 protocols.
Proton VPN Exclusive Features
Stealth Protocol
Disguises VPN traffic as regular HTTPS traffic, useful for bypassing VPN blocks in restrictive networks and certain countries.
Secure Core Servers
Routes your traffic through two servers — first a hardened server in Switzerland, Iceland, or Sweden — protecting against network-level surveillance and traffic analysis.
Tor Over VPN
Dedicated servers that route traffic through the Tor network for maximum anonymity — without needing to run the Tor Browser separately.
Port Forwarding
Improves torrenting and gaming connection speeds. Rare among major VPN providers.
Open-Source Apps
Every Proton VPN app is open-source and auditable on GitHub. This is one of the strongest trust signals a VPN can offer.
CyberGhost Exclusive Features
SmartDNS
Lets you stream on smart TVs, older Fire TV sticks, and gaming consoles that don’t support VPN apps natively.
Dedicated IP Add-On
Available for an extra monthly fee. Useful for avoiding CAPTCHAs and for remote work scenarios that require a fixed IP address.
Smart Rules / Automation
Automatically connects the VPN when launching specific apps or joining certain Wi-Fi networks — handy for set-it-and-forget-it protection.
Winner: Proton VPN
Ease of Use: CyberGhost Is More Beginner-Friendly
CyberGhost’s interface is one of the more approachable I’ve tested. The app is clean, clearly labeled, and the one-click connect makes it incredibly easy to get started. Streaming and torrenting servers are clearly tagged and sorted by service name — you don’t need to know anything about VPNs to pick the right server.
Proton VPN also has a clean interface and installs in minutes. The server map is intuitive, and the main features (kill switch, NetShield, Secure Core) are easy to find. Where it gets more complex is in the advanced settings — Secure Core, VPN profiles, and protocol selection require a bit more familiarity. That’s not a criticism; it’s just reflecting the deeper feature set.
On mobile, both apps are smooth and responsive. CyberGhost is slightly simpler on mobile; Proton VPN’s mobile app received a major redesign recently and feels modern and polished.
Winner: CyberGhost (for complete VPN beginners); Proton VPN is still very usable
Customer Support
Both offer 24/7 live chat and email support. The key difference: Proton VPN’s live chat is only available for paid subscribers. Free users are limited to ticket-based support, which can be slower.
CyberGhost offers live chat to everyone, including non-subscribers, and in my experience connects in a few minutes. It’s also available in English, German, and French.
Proton VPN’s paid support is responsive and knowledgeable — I’ve had good experiences — but the restriction on free users is a valid criticism.
Winner: CyberGhost
Does Either Work in China?
Neither Proton VPN nor CyberGhost reliably works in China, and both are upfront about this. CyberGhost has no obfuscation at all. Proton VPN’s Stealth protocol occasionally connects successfully in China, but stability and speeds are inconsistent — and Proton themselves don’t guarantee it.
If you need a VPN for China specifically, I’d steer you toward Surfshark or NordVPN, both of which have more robust obfuscation tools for censored environments.
Final Score: Who Wins?
| Category | Proton VPN | CyberGhost |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | ✅ Winner (~92%) | ~88% |
| Privacy & Security | ✅ Winner | — |
| Streaming | — | ✅ Winner |
| Torrenting | Tie | Tie |
| Server Network | ✅ Winner (145 countries) | 100 countries |
| Pricing (long-term) | — | ✅ Winner ($1.75/mo) |
| Features | ✅ Winner | — |
| Ease of Use | — | ✅ Winner |
| Customer Support | — | ✅ Winner |
| Overall Winner | ✅ Proton VPN | — |
Proton VPN wins 4 categories outright, CyberGhost wins 3, with one tie. But the categories Proton VPN wins — speed, privacy, server network, and features — are the ones that matter most for the majority of users. CyberGhost’s wins on ease of use and dedicated streaming servers make it the better pick for a specific type of user.
Who Should Choose Proton VPN?
- Privacy-conscious users who want Swiss jurisdiction and open-source transparency
- Anyone who wants the best free VPN with no data limits
- Power users who value Secure Core, Stealth protocol, and port forwarding
- Torrenters who want port forwarding for seeding
- Users who want 10 simultaneous connections
Read my full Proton VPN review for a deeper breakdown, or check the Proton VPN coupon page for the latest deals.
Who Should Choose CyberGhost?
- Absolute VPN beginners who want the simplest possible experience
- Budget users committing to a 2-year plan
- Streamers who want dedicated per-platform servers and SmartDNS
- Users who want the 45-day money-back guarantee for a longer testing window
Note on Kape Technologies: CyberGhost, ExpressVPN, and PIA are all owned by Kape Technologies. Each operates independently with its own no-logs policies and audits, but if you’re looking for a VPN with fully independent ownership, that rules CyberGhost out for some users.
Read my full CyberGhost review for more detail, or check the CyberGhost coupon page for current pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Proton VPN better than CyberGhost?
Yes, in most categories I tested. Proton VPN wins on speed retention (~92% vs ~88%), privacy (Swiss jurisdiction, open-source apps, court-tested no-logs), server network (20,000+ in 145 countries), and advanced features like Secure Core and the Stealth protocol. CyberGhost is better for dedicated streaming servers, beginner ease of use, and long-term pricing.
Can I trust CyberGhost’s no-logs policy?
Yes. CyberGhost has been independently audited by Deloitte twice — in 2022 and 2024 — and both audits confirmed it does not store browsing history, IP addresses, or connection data. It also uses RAM-only servers, which wipe all data on reboot. Worth noting: CyberGhost is owned by Kape Technologies, though the no-logs policy has been verified independently.
Which is better for Netflix — Proton VPN or CyberGhost?
Both unblock Netflix. CyberGhost has a slight edge because it offers dedicated, per-library streaming servers that are actively maintained and tested for Netflix US, UK, Japan, Canada, and more. Proton VPN unblocks Netflix on its paid plans as well, but without dedicated streaming servers, performance can vary more by server.
Is Proton VPN’s free plan actually good?
It’s one of the best free VPNs I’ve tested. You get unlimited bandwidth, no ads, and strong encryption — but you’re limited to one device and three server locations (US, Netherlands, Japan). It doesn’t include streaming access or advanced features like NetShield or Secure Core. For basic private browsing, it’s excellent. For streaming or torrenting, you’ll want to upgrade to the paid plan.
Does CyberGhost work on smart TVs?
Yes. CyberGhost offers SmartDNS, which lets you stream on smart TVs, older Fire TV sticks, and gaming consoles that can’t run VPN apps natively. Proton VPN does not have SmartDNS. If streaming on non-VPN devices is important to you, CyberGhost is the better pick.
Which VPN works better for torrenting?
Both support P2P traffic with dedicated torrenting servers. In my download speed tests, the results were nearly identical. The key difference: Proton VPN offers port forwarding, which can improve seeding speeds for advanced torrenters. CyberGhost doesn’t offer port forwarding but has clearly labeled P2P servers in most countries.
Does Proton VPN or CyberGhost work in China?
Neither reliably works in China. CyberGhost has no obfuscation features, so it’s blocked by the Great Firewall. Proton VPN’s Stealth protocol occasionally connects in China but with poor stability. For China, I’d recommend looking at Surfshark or NordVPN, which have more robust obfuscation tools.
What is Kape Technologies and why does it matter for CyberGhost?
Kape Technologies is a UK-based digital security company that owns CyberGhost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access (PIA). Each VPN operates independently with its own no-logs policies and audits. The ownership itself doesn’t mean CyberGhost is untrustworthy — the Deloitte audits back up its privacy claims — but privacy-focused users who prefer a fully independent VPN company may prefer Proton VPN.
Which has a better money-back guarantee?
CyberGhost offers a 45-day money-back guarantee on its 2-year plan, which is one of the most generous in the industry. Proton VPN offers 30 days. If you want the longest risk-free window to test a VPN before fully committing, CyberGhost wins this one.
Is Proton VPN worth the higher price vs CyberGhost?
In my view, yes — for most users. The gap has narrowed, with Proton VPN’s 2-year plan at $2.99/mo and CyberGhost at $1.75/mo. For that extra ~$1.24/month, you get a significantly better privacy setup, faster speeds, a much larger server network, and features like Secure Core and the Stealth protocol. If budget is genuinely tight, CyberGhost delivers solid value. If you can stretch, Proton VPN is worth it.
The Bottom Line
After running both VPNs through my full testing routine, Proton VPN is my recommendation for most users. It’s faster, more private, has a larger server network, and packs more advanced features — including the only legitimate free VPN plan worth considering. The Swiss jurisdiction and open-source transparency put it in a different league on the privacy side.
CyberGhost is a solid runner-up. It’s more beginner-friendly, has dedicated streaming servers that work well, and is cheaper if you’re committing to two years. If those priorities resonate with you, it’s still a good VPN.
For other comparisons, check out my Surfshark vs NordVPN head-to-head, or browse my full VPN reviews hub for more.
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