CyberGhost and ExpressVPN are two suppliers with among the largest server networks in VPNs at the moment. CyberGhost VPN has quick servers unfold throughout 100 nations. In the meantime, ExpressVPN has a slight edge with servers from 105 nations.
Whereas each supply wholesome server suites, they’ve key variations that set them aside. On this article, we discover whether or not CyberGhost VPN or ExpressVPN is the suitable alternative for you and your group.
- CyberGhost VPN: Finest for people and small groups on the lookout for optimized servers for streaming, gaming and torrenting.
- ExpressVPN: Finest for many companies that desire a no-nonsense VPN with quick speeds and a user-friendly interface.
CyberGhost VPN vs ExpressVPN: Comparability
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CyberGhost VPN vs ExpressVPN: Pricing
Each CyberGhost VPN and ExpressVPN categorize their subscription choices in response to contract size.
SEE: NordVPN vs ExpressVPN: Which VPN Is Finest? (TechRepublic)
I actually respect this in comparison with different VPN suppliers that categorize paid plans relying on the included options. With each VPNs, you get the identical options throughout the varied subscription choices.
CyberGhost VPN pricing
CyberGhost has three plans: a month-to-month, six-month and two-year subscription. It’s one of many few VPNs with out an annual subscription choice. Personally, I’d have most popular having an annual plan, as this presents a superb mixture of a decrease month-to-month payment and an inexpensive time dedication.
- 1 month: $12.99 per thirty days.
- 6 months: $6.99 per thirty days.
- 2 years: $2.19 per thirty days.
Regardless of this, CyberGhost has a handy 24-hour free trial for its desktop VPN software that doesn’t require any cost or bank card data. Whereas the trial could possibly be longer, CyberGhost is likely one of the few distributors that has a full desktop free trial with no strings connected.
Different VPNs will both require you to enter your bank card particulars or solely permit customers entry to the free trial by way of their cellular app.
If you wish to study extra, learn our full CyberGhost VPN overview.
ExpressVPN pricing
Like CyberGhost, we get three paid plans for ExpressVPN which can be divided relying on the contract size. We get a one-month, a six-month and an annual subscription with ExpressVPN.
I’m glad that we get an annual subscription this time round, in contrast to with CyberGhost. Nevertheless, I do want ExpressVPN additionally supplied a longer-term, two or three-year plan contract that enables for a decrease month-to-month payment.
- 1 month: $12.95 per thirty days.
- 6 months: $9.99 per thirty days.
- 1 yr: $8.32 per thirty days.
ExpressVPN has a seven-day free trial that’s solely accessible by way of its Android or iOS cellular app. Sadly, ExpressVPN requires cost particulars to entry the trial, but it surely solely costs you till after the trial interval lapses.
If you wish to study extra, learn our full ExpressVPN overview.
CyberGhost VPN vs ExpressVPN: Function comparability
Safety protocols and encryption
Winner: Tie
Each CyberGhost VPN and ExpressVPN carry a powerful mixture of safety and speed-focused safety protocols that’ll work nice for many customers.
CyberGhost VPN comes with OpenVPN, WireGuard and IKEv2 VPN protocols. In the meantime, ExpressVPN contains OpenVPN and its proprietary Lightway protocol. Per ExpressVPN, its Lightway protocol is constructed for each velocity and safety.
SEE: Is a VPN Actually Price It in 2024? (TechRepublic)
All in all, with the 2 VPNs having protocols like OpenVPN for safety and WireGuard/Lightway for velocity, most companies can have all they want by way of safety protocols.
Looking at encryption, each VPNs use the AES-256 encryption algorithm — extensively thought of one of the crucial uncrackable encryption protocols to this point. To color an image, AES-256 is utilized by United States authorities companies and banking establishments to safe their knowledge in opposition to prying eyes.
For this spherical, CyberGhost VPN and ExpressVPN every get a degree. Whichever VPN you select, you’ll be glad to know that you simply’re going to be set on the VPN safety protocol and encryption division.
VPN server community and places
Winner: ExpressVPN
This can be a powerful one — however I give the slight edge to ExpressVPN. As of July 2024, ExpressVPN has the extra geographically numerous server community, with server places spanning 105 nations, whereas CyberGhost VPN has server places in an equally strong 100 nations.
SEE: 4 Completely different Kinds of VPNs & When to Use Them (TechRepublic)
Checking ExpressVPN’s official server record, I truly counted 106 places in ExpressVPN’s nation record, regardless of its promoting that it has servers in 105 nations. In fact, this record is topic to vary or could possibly be a clerical error on my half.
In any case, ExpressVPN will get the win right here for its barely extra intensive server suite. Since a VPN is primarily used to unblock geo-restricted content material, having a extra numerous server community is a should, and ExpressVPN supplies that in spades.
Under is a desk exhibiting the geographic unfold between each VPNs’ server places:
To CyberGhost VPN’s credit score, it has a equally spectacular 100-country server fleet that reportedly has round 11,000+ servers. Alternatively, ExpressVPN reportedly has round 3,000+ servers.
Whereas one might argue that CyberGhost has a greater server community due to the sheer variety of servers it has, I personally discover extra worth in having extra server nations or places.
Third-party audits and observe data
Winner: ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN will get the win with regards to impartial third-party audits. As of 2024, it has printed a complete of 18 impartial audits testing numerous facets of its VPN. To date, that is the biggest portfolio of audits I’ve seen from a VPN firm.
ExpressVPN’s most up-to-date audit was on its Privateness Coverage, which was performed by KPMG and printed in Might 2024. As a VPN supplier, it began present process and publishing safety audits in 2018 — having core options like its no-logs coverage, browser extension and desktop apps examined by impartial corporations.
On the flipside, CyberGhost VPN has accomplished two audits, with the most up-to-date audit printed in Might 2024. This was performed by Deloitte and appeared into CyberGhost VPN’s “server community and administration techniques.”
Whereas I’m glad CyberGhost VPN doesn’t skimp on impartial testing, I do assume it might enhance general transparency with its audit outcomes. In its press launch on the Might 2024 audit, CyberGhost stated “excerpts from the report can’t be shared instantly” as a method to make sure that the “audit outcomes usually are not taken out of context or misunderstood.”
Though I perceive how audit studies could be taken out of context, I feel publishing audit outcomes — good or dangerous — reveals increased credibility and presents extra worth to end-users. To be clear, CyberGhost says the total Deloitte report is out there by way of CyberGhost VPN accounts.
SEE: 5 Finest VPNs for Journey in 2024 (TechRepublic)
In distinction, ExpressVPN’s audits are accessible to each the general public and lively ExpressVPN customers. For these , you possibly can go to its full suite of audits.
With its extra clear strategy and enormous assortment of third-party audits, ExpressVPN will get the benefit on this spherical of our match-up.
Standout options
Winner: CyberGhost VPN
For standout options, my vote goes to CyberGhost VPN. On high of its primary VPN service, I felt CyberGhost added extra significant options to its shopper in comparison with ExpressVPN.
A noteworthy characteristic for me is CyberGhost VPN’s sensible categorization of its optimized servers. Particularly, CyberGhost divides its server suite into servers optimized for streaming, gaming and torrenting — three of the most typical use circumstances of VPN software program.
To me, this protects end-users a ton of time on the lookout for the perfect suited server for his or her wants. As well as, CyberGhost additionally has its “Good Guidelines” panel, which allows customers to set automated actions inside the VPN primarily based on configured prompts.
An instance of that is having your CyberGhost VPN shopper robotically hook up with a specific server upon launch or setting the app to robotically launch a particular software as soon as CyberGhost establishes a connection.
Personally, these user-centric options permit CyberGhost VPN to supply a customized VPN expertise that helps elevate its already strong service.
That’s to not say that ExpressVPN doesn’t have its personal spotlight options. It contains its Risk Supervisor characteristic, which blocks trackers and malware, and bundles a devoted password supervisor for each ExpressVPN subscription.
Whereas these are helpful characteristic additions in their very own proper, I nonetheless assume CyberGhost’s VPN-focused characteristic set is the higher pick of the 2.
Efficiency and velocity
Winner: ExpressVPN
For VPN velocity and efficiency, ExpressVPN is my alternative. Whereas each VPNs supplied quick speeds, I discovered ExpressVPN to show extra constant speeds, notably with regard to hurry check outcomes.
For context, I examined each ExpressVPN and CyberGhost VPN’s efficiency by doing my common workflow of duties as a author. This concerned having a number of browser tabs open for analysis, attending on-line video conferences, utilizing Google apps reminiscent of Docs and Drive and streaming 1080p video content material occasionally.
SEE: Tips on how to Begin a Profession in Cybersecurity (TechRepublic Premium)
In real-world use, I obtained quick speeds from each CyberGhost and ExpressVPN. I didn’t encounter any noticeable drops in velocity or efficiency with each VPNs in comparison with my web service supplier’s efficiency.
The place ExpressVPN obtained the benefit over CyberGhost was with velocity testing. Per the velocity check outcomes, ExpressVPN garnered very constant scores — recording solely a 25.6% drop in downloads and a 28% lower in uploads in comparison with my ISP.
I particularly discovered it spectacular how ExpressVPN obtained comparable outcomes for each downloads and uploads. As a rule, VPNs garnered extra favorable velocity check scores for downloads solely, not uploads. This was truly the case with CyberGhost VPN, the place it recorded solely a 7.5% drop in obtain speeds however had an enormous drop for uploads with a 48.21% change, in comparison with my ISP.
Whereas each VPNs supply quick VPN efficiency on the entire, I discover ExpressVPN to be the higher choose with regards to consistency and general velocity check efficiency.
Ease of use and design
Winner: Tie
With regards to ease of use and in-app expertise, each CyberGhost VPN and ExpressVPN rating excessive marks. I’ve it as a tie as each VPNs supply intuitive desktop purposes with well-designed person interfaces — albeit with key variations of their design decisions.
ExpressVPN makes use of a contemporary and minimalist design, making for a clear and seamless VPN shopper that doesn’t have a lot muddle. It makes use of a light-themed design aesthetic for its desktop app, offering a UI that’s straightforward on the eyes and nice to make use of. The app itself can be cleanly organized, with menus being positioned proper the place I anticipated them to be.
Alternatively, CyberGhost VPN employs a darker theme with the same concentrate on neat group. A spotlight for me is its handy categorization of its optimized servers, which helps cut back the time wanted to seek for the right server in a given state of affairs.
Like ExpressVPN, CyberGhost’s software is pretty straightforward to grasp and doesn’t really feel too technical or intimidating to make use of.
No matter which VPN you select, I really feel each CyberGhost VPN and ExpressVPN present a high-quality VPN interface that’s well-designed and straightforward to make use of.
Simultaneous gadget connections
Winner: Tie
When it comes to simultaneous gadget connections, I name it a tie. CyberGhost VPN at the moment permits for a most of seven simultaneous gadget connections. In the meantime, ExpressVPN lets customers join as much as a most of eight gadget connections on the identical time.
Whereas ExpressVPN technically has a one-device benefit over CyberGhost, I feel we’re getting virtually similar performance with each suppliers, given the very minimal distinction.
Both method, I hope each VPNs think about both growing their gadget restrict and even pushing their respective companies to assist limitless simultaneous connections.
CyberGhost VPN professionals and cons
Professionals
- Easy accessibility to optimized servers for streaming, torrenting and gaming.
- Configurable automations by way of Good Guidelines panel.
- Extra reasonably priced 6-month and 2-year subscriptions.
- 24-hour free trial; no cost particulars required.
Cons
- No annual subscription.
- Unbiased audits could possibly be extra accessible.
ExpressVPN professionals and cons
Professionals
- Geographically numerous 105-country server suite.
- 18 printed third-party safety audits to date.
- Effectively-designed and easy-to-use desktop software.
- Spectacular obtain and add velocity check outcomes.
Cons
- No 2- or 3-year subscription choice.
- Dearer.
- Free trial requires cost info.
Ought to your group use CyberGhost VPN or ExpressVPN?
Total, I discover ExpressVPN to be the higher alternative for many companies or organizations. It brings top-tier encryption and constantly quick VPN speeds, features a geographically numerous server community throughout 105 nations and has proven a powerful dedication to impartial testing with its spectacular 18-audit portfolio.
A standout for me is ExpressVPN’s minimalist and user-friendly VPN interface. I discover it actually helps present a no-nonsense, user-friendly and polished VPN expertise that simply works. This may be useful for companies which will have much less tech-savvy workers and desire a VPN resolution that may accommodate all sorts of customers.
Alternatively, CyberGhost VPN is an efficient alternative for companies that desire a extra reasonably priced various to ExpressVPN. With its extra reasonably priced six-month and two-year plans, CyberGhost can supply a equally intuitive person interface with comparable VPN speeds.
CyberGhost can be a superb choose for companies or groups on the lookout for VPN servers which can be particularly optimized for duties reminiscent of streaming, gaming or torrenting. CyberGhost VPN’s handy categorization of its optimized servers is a particular plus for these kind of customers.
Methodology
My comparability of CyberGhost VPN and ExpressVPN concerned an in-depth evaluation of each VPN’s options, real-world efficiency and worth.
To guage every VPN, each companies had been scored on the whole lot from their safety protocols to pricing. Particularly, I took under consideration 5 primary pillars, every having corresponding weights:
- Pricing (20%).
- Core VPN options (30%).
- Ease of use (15%).
- Buyer assist (30%).
- Knowledgeable evaluation (5%).
I additionally appeared into precise person suggestions and different respected evaluations to spherical out my closing suggestions for each CyberGhost VPN and ExpressVPN.
For velocity and efficiency, I examined each VPNs on my private Home windows pc and ran them by way of Ookla’s public Speedtest. Lastly, I thought of which sorts of companies or particular person customers would greatest profit from both CyberGhost VPN or ExpressVPN.