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Best for Streaming Enthusiasts
Cheaper than ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark
Optimized servers for regional streaming
No split tunneling feature
Best for Multiple Devices
VPN offering fast internet speeds and strict no-logs policy
Unblocks Netflix and other streaming services
Antivirus and dedicated IP address cost extra
Both CyberGhost and Private Internet Access (PIA) bring unique features to the table, catering to different user preferences. CyberGhost, with its intuitive interface, makes the virtual private network (VPN) experience smooth for beginners and streaming enthusiasts. Its extensive server spread across 100 countries and adeptness at unblocking popular streaming platforms like Netflix positions it as a go-to for those keen on seamlessly streaming international content.
On the flip side, PIA, known for its expansive server network and the luxury of unlimited device connections, is a boon for large families or individuals with many devices. Its pricing is slightly more appealing, especially for minimizing costs without compromising essential features. The 3-year plan stands out as a budget-friendly choice, bundled with robust security protocols and the ability to bypass geo-restrictions on popular streaming services.
In the world of VPNs, CyberGhost and PIA are often highlighted for their distinct offerings. CyberGhost is known for its user-friendly interface and a rich set of features that particularly appeal to beginners and streamers.
On the other hand, PIA, with its expansive server network and unlimited device connections, is a haven for large households and users with many devices. Each comes with pricing, features, and capabilities tailored to meet varying user needs.
 CyberGhost |
 PIA |
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| Price | From $2.03/mo | From $2.03/mo |
| Max # of connected devices | 7 | Unlimited |
| 24/7 customer support | ||
| Compatibility | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and more | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and more |
| # of servers | 10,000+ in 100 countries | Servers in 91 countries + all 50 U.S. states |
| VPN protocol | OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IPsec |
| No-logs policy | No logs | No logs |
| Unblocks Netflix? | ||
| Learn more | Get CyberGhost | Get PIA |
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Our Pick
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| Price range | $2.03–$12.99/mo | $2.03–$11.99/mo |
| Best value plan | 2-year plan for $2.03/mo | 3-year plan for $2.03/mo |
| Money-back guarantee | Yes — 45 days | Yes — 30-days risk free |
| Learn more | Get CyberGhost | Get PIA |
When it comes to the cost of obtaining a VPN, both CyberGhost and PIA offer a range of pricing options to cater to different budgetary constraints. CyberGhost's pricing ranges from $2.03–$12.99/mo, depending on the subscription duration.
The best VPN value is undoubtedly in its 2-year plan, priced at $2.03/mo. This plan doesn’t just offer a significant discount over the monthly rate. It ensures you are well covered with essential features like unblocking Netflix, secure torrenting, and robust privacy protocols, including OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard.
On the other hand, PIA extends its pricing from a modest $2.03/mo. The jewel in PIA’s pricing crown is its 3-year plan, which brings the price down to $11.99/mo.
This budget-friendly plan comes packed with core features, including unlimited connected devices, strong encryption with WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IPsec protocols, and the capability to unblock popular streaming services. Moreover, both VPNs offer a money-back guarantee, with CyberGhost offering a 45-day money-back guarantee, while PIA provides a 30-day money-back guarantee, adding a layer of financial security to your purchase.
| Feature | Our Pick
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| Number of servers | 9,700+ servers in 100+ countries | Servers in 91 countries + all 50 U.S. states |
| No-logs policy | No logs | No logs |
| VPN headquarters | Romania | United States |
| Encryption | AES 256-bit | AES-256 |
| VPN protocol | OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IPsec (on iOS) |
| Kill switch | ||
| Split tunneling | ||
| Netflix support | ||
| Torrenting support | ||
| Learn more | Get CyberGhost | Get PIA |
At a glance, CyberGhost and PIA present a robust suite of features, all designed to offer an enhanced, secure, and flexible online experience. The server count and spread is a notable distinction: CyberGhost boasts over 10,000 servers spread across 100+ countries, while PIA doesn’t fully disclose its server count but notes it’s available in 84 countries and all 50 U.S. states.
While both have a staunch no-logs policy, the jurisdiction PIA falls under could be a concern for the privacy-centric user; CyberGhost is headquartered in Romania, a country known for its privacy-friendly laws. This contrasts with PIA, which is based in the United States, a part of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance.
Both use AES-256 encryption, ensuring your data remains under lock and key. The VPN protocols each app offers are almost on par, with both providing the reliable OpenVPN and the speedy WireGuard — although CyberGhost adds IKEv2 into the mix. Features like a kill switch and split tunneling are pivotal for maintaining security and flexibility in your connection. PIA offers split tunneling for all devices, but CyberGhost only offers it for Android.
Both CyberGhost and PIA have had their no-logs policy audited by Deloitte, confirming that you can trust these VPN giants not to store your data.
| Our Pick
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| Netflix | ||
| Amazon Prime Video | ||
| Hulu | ||
| BBC iPlayer | ||
| Disney+ | ||
| HBO Max | ||
| Learn more | Get CyberGhost | Get PIA |
The ability to unblock a myriad of streaming platforms is a significant draw for many VPN users, and both CyberGhost and PIA are proficient in this arena. Both VPN services effortlessly unlock the doors to regional libraries for Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and HBO Max.
This level of unblocking ability showcases their adeptness in providing users access to a treasure trove of content from across the globe, which is particularly beneficial for regions with stringent content restrictions.
In a digital era where every second counts, the impact of a VPN on internet speed is a critical factor. To provide a clear picture, we tested both CyberGhost and PIA on a Windows computer.
The methodology was straightforward yet thorough: initially, an internet speed test was conducted with the VPN disconnected, to log the baseline download speed, upload speed, and latency.
We then turned the VPN on and connected to servers in specified regions — the U.S., U.K. (or Europe), Canada, and Australia. The speed test was run once more on each server to log the changes in download speed, upload speed, and latency, which sheds light on the performance you might expect with each VPN.
| Server location | Our Pick
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| US | 31.0% slower | 31.5% slower |
| Canada | 14.8% slower | 77.6% slower |
| UK | 32.5% slower | 42.1% slower |
| AU | 73.9% slower | 74.6% slower |
| Learn more | Get CyberGhost | Get PIA |
It's evident that both VPNs had a similar slowdown percentage in the U.S. and Australia. However, a significant discrepancy is observed in Canada, where PIA registered a much higher slowdown of 77.6% compared to CyberGhost's 14.8%.
We also saw a less pronounced but notable difference in slow down while connected to servers in the U.K., with PIA again trailing with a 42.1% reduction in speed against CyberGhost's 32.5%.
The slowdowns in the U.K. and Australia servers can be contextualized by the physical distance from the test location to the server, a natural factor causing slower speeds and higher latency due to the longer data travel distance.
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| Windows | ||
| macOS | ||
| Android | ||
| iOS | ||
| Linux | ||
| Routers | ||
| Smart devices | ||
| Browser extensions | Yes — Chrome, Firefox | Yes — Chrome, Firefox, and Opera |
| 24/7 customer support | ||
| Customer support options | Live chat, email, forums, online guides | Live chat, email, forums, online guides |
| Learn more | Get CyberGhost | Get PIA |
Both CyberGhost and PIA have made strides in ensuring compatibility across a myriad of platforms including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, routers, and smart devices. Both also offer extensions for two popular web browsers, Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome. However, PIA ups the ante a bit by also offering an extension for Opera.
The user interfaces are intuitive and straightforward, catering to both VPN novices and seasoned users. CyberGhost’s interface is known for its modern design and easy navigation, making finding settings or changing servers a breeze. Conversely, PIA’s interface is minimalistic and straightforward, though some users might find it less engaging.
Regarding customer support, both VPNs stand shoulder to shoulder, offering 24/7 support, a boon for users who might run into issues at odd hours. The support channels, including live chat, email, forums, and online guides, are comprehensive and poised to assist users through any hiccups they might encounter. There are no significant gaps in customer support, reflecting a strong commitment to user satisfaction from both ends.
The array of payment options provided by both VPNs not only cater to standard payment methods but also extend into the realm of cryptocurrency, providing an extra layer of privacy for those who prefer to keep their financial details under wraps. Here’s a glimpse into the payment avenues offered by each:
The comparison between PIA (Private Internet Access) and CyberGhost largely hinges on individual use cases and preferences.
PIA is more budget friendly and offers a unique gift card payment option, making it a good choice for those seeking a cost-effective and privacy-centric solution.
CyberGhost has an intuitive interface and slightly better speed performance in some regions and may appeal to users looking for a balanced blend of ease of use, speed, and security.
It's advisable to assess your specific needs, such as streaming, torrenting, or bypassing geo-restrictions, and choose accordingly.
PIA has built a reputation for being a trustworthy VPN provider. Its audited no-logs policy, robust encryption standards, and various privacy-centric features underline its commitment to user privacy and security.
However, its jurisdiction in the United States, a Five Eyes country, may raise concerns for the ultra privacy conscious. Reading through user reviews and expert analyses to comprehensively understand any VPN’s trustworthiness is always advisable.
Yes, PIA VPN is proficient in unblocking Netflix libraries across various regions. This capability allows users to access a wider range of content that might be restricted in their locale. However, the performance may vary slightly based on the server location and network conditions.
Netflix has been known to block VPN servers, but CyberGhost continuously works to bypass these restrictions and provides specialized servers for streaming. Users have reported a good success rate in accessing different Netflix libraries using CyberGhost. The VPN provider’s commitment to overcoming geo-blocks makes it a reliable choice for Netflix streaming enthusiasts.
CyberGhost and Private Internet Access are both reputable contenders in the VPN domain, each with merits and minor drawbacks.
CyberGhost shines with its user-friendly interface, slightly better speed performance in certain regions, and favorable jurisdiction for privacy. Additionally, its expansive server network across 100+ countries lends a hand to those keen on geo-unblocking and streaming diverse content. However, the pricing could be slightly higher than PIA, which offers a more budget-friendly solution to save money on a VPN.
Conversely, PIA stands out with its broader payment options, including privacy-centric cryptocurrency and gift card payments. Its minimalistic interface caters to users who prefer a straightforward, no-nonsense approach, and its unlimited device connections are a big draw for large households or small businesses. Yet, its U.S. jurisdiction may deter privacy-focused individuals, and the speed performance in certain regions could be enhanced.
CyberGhost would be the better choice for most users, especially those who prioritize streaming, ease of use, and privacy. Its attributes make CyberGhost a well-rounded VPN that caters to a broad spectrum of user needs while ensuring a seamless and secure online experience.
If CyberGhost and PIA don’t quite match your needs, worry not. Several other competent VPNs in the market may align well with your requirements. Here are three alternative VPNs to consider:
Cheaper than ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark
Optimized servers for regional streaming
No split tunneling feature
