When choosing a VPN, it’s easy to get lost in marketing promises. Two of the most popular providers today, Surfshark and CyberGhost, both offer strong security, wide server coverage, and competitive pricing. But when we break them down feature-by-feature, their strengths and weaknesses become clear.

As VPN testers, we’ve spent significant time running both services across multiple devices and networks. In this guide, we’ll compare Surfshark and CyberGhost in detail — covering speed, privacy, features, compatibility, and more — so you can decide which one fits your needs.

1. Server Network and Locations

Surfshark:

• 3,200+ servers in 100 countries

• Offers Static IP and MultiHop (double VPN) servers

• Uses 100% diskless (RAM-only) servers for extra security
  
  

CyberGhost:

• 11,700+ servers in 100 countries

• Offers specialized servers for streaming, gaming, and torrenting

• Uses a mix of physical and virtual servers
  
  

Verdict: CyberGhost’s raw server count is impressive, but Surfshark’s use of RAM-only infrastructure is more modern and privacy-focused. If you want sheer choice of servers, CyberGhost wins; if you prioritize secure server architecture, Surfshark has the edge.

2. Speed and Performance

In our testing, we connected to both local and long-distance servers using a 500 Mbps baseline connection.

Surfshark:

• WireGuard protocol delivered 440–480 Mbps on nearby servers

• OpenVPN UDP averaged around 300–350 Mbps

• Consistent performance across most global locations
  
  

CyberGhost:

• WireGuard reached 420–450 Mbps locally

• OpenVPN UDP averaged 280–330 Mbps

• Performance varied more noticeably depending on the server
  
  

Verdict: Both are fast enough for streaming 4K, gaming, and large downloads, but Surfshark was slightly more consistent across different regions in our tests.

3. Privacy and Logging Policy

Surfshark:

• Strict no-logs policy, independently audited by Deloitte

• Based in the Netherlands (privacy-friendly, not part of 5/9/14 Eyes alliances in a strict sense)

• Uses RAM-only servers, meaning no long-term data storage
  
  

CyberGhost:

• Strict no-logs policy, audited by Deloitte

• Based in Romania (excellent privacy jurisdiction)

• Keeps some anonymous operational logs for troubleshooting, but nothing linked to users
  
  

Verdict: Both have strong privacy credentials and audits to back them up. CyberGhost’s Romania base is a plus for privacy purists, while Surfshark’s RAM-only tech adds an extra layer of protection.

4. Security Features

Surfshark:

• AES-256 encryption

• WireGuard, OpenVPN (UDP/TCP), IKEv2/IPsec

• Kill Switch (system-wide and app-level)

• MultiHop double encryption

• CleanWeb ad, tracker, and malware blocker

• Bypasser (split tunneling)
  
  

CyberGhost:

• AES-256 encryption

• WireGuard, OpenVPN (UDP/TCP), IKEv2/IPsec

• Kill Switch (always-on)

• Specialized streaming and torrenting servers

• Ad blocker (less aggressive than Surfshark’s CleanWeb)
  
  

Verdict: Surfshark offers more advanced privacy tools like MultiHop and a more flexible ad-blocking system. CyberGhost’s always-on Kill Switch is a nice safety net but can’t be toggled.

5. Streaming and Geo-Unblocking

Surfshark:

• Works with Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, and more

• Offers multiple servers per region for bypassing content blocks

• MultiHop can be used for accessing content in tricky regions
  
  

CyberGhost:

• Has dedicated streaming servers optimized for specific platforms (e.g., Netflix US, Hulu, BBC iPlayer)

• Very beginner-friendly — just pick a streaming server and go
  
  

Verdict: If you want a plug-and-play streaming experience, CyberGhost’s labeled servers are extremely convenient. Surfshark also works flawlessly but requires you to select a regular server for most services.

6. Torrenting Support

Surfshark:

• P2P allowed on all servers

• No bandwidth limits

• Works with all major torrent clients
  
  

CyberGhost:

• P2P allowed on designated servers only

• Also unlimited bandwidth

• Torrent-optimized server list available in the app
  
  

Verdict: Surfshark is more flexible since it supports torrenting on every server. CyberGhost requires you to choose specific P2P servers but offers clear labeling for beginners.

7. Device Compatibility and Simultaneous Connections

Surfshark:

• Unlimited simultaneous connections per account

• Apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, smart TVs, browsers, and routers

• Manual configuration for devices without native apps
  
  

CyberGhost:

• 7 simultaneous connections per account

• Similar device support, including smart TVs, browsers, and routers

• No unlimited device policy
  
  

Verdict: Surfshark wins here easily — its unlimited connections are a major advantage for households and power users like ours. CyberGhost’s 7-device limit is standard but less flexible.

8. User Interface and Ease of Use

Surfshark:

• Modern, minimalist interface

• Quick Connect for instant best-server choice

• Detailed server list for manual selection

• Easy access to advanced features
  
  

CyberGhost:

• Bright, colorful interface with beginner-friendly layout

• Streaming and P2P servers clearly labeled

• More “guided” experience for less tech-savvy users
  
  

Verdict: CyberGhost is more hand-holding, which is great for newcomers. Surfshark’s interface is cleaner and more direct, which we prefer for fast navigation.

9. Pricing and Value

Surfshark:

• Competitive long-term pricing (often under $2.50/month on multi-year plans)

• 30-day money-back guarantee

• Includes unlimited devices
  
  

CyberGhost:

• Similar long-term pricing, sometimes slightly cheaper in promotions

• 45-day money-back guarantee (longer than average)

• 7-device limit
  
  

Verdict: Both offer strong value, but Surfshark’s unlimited devices give it an edge for multi-device users, while CyberGhost’s longer refund period is great for cautious buyers.

10. Customer Support

Surfshark:

• 24/7 live chat

• Email support

• Extensive help center and guides
  
  

CyberGhost:

• 24/7 live chat

• Email support

• Large library of setup guides and FAQs
  
  

Verdict: Both providers deliver excellent support with quick response times. In our experience, Surfshark’s live chat agents gave slightly more in-depth technical answers, but the difference is minimal.

Final Thoughts — Which One Should You Choose?

Both Surfshark and CyberGhost are strong, trustworthy VPNs with excellent security, privacy policies, and unblocking abilities. Your decision should come down to your priorities:

• Choose Surfshark if you want unlimited device connections, advanced privacy tools like MultiHop, RAM-only servers, and more flexible torrenting. It’s also our pick for those who travel often and need consistent performance worldwide.

• Choose CyberGhost if you prefer dedicated streaming and torrent servers, a more guided interface, and a longer 45-day money-back guarantee. It’s a particularly good choice for first-time VPN users who value simplicity.
  
  

For us, Surfshark’s combination of unlimited devices, RAM-only infrastructure, and balanced performance gives it the edge in everyday use. CyberGhost remains a great option for people who want an easy, ready-to-stream VPN right out of the box.

In the end, either service will serve you well — it’s about choosing the one that fits your habits, devices, and technical comfort level. We’ve tested both extensively, and ours is a split recommendation depending on whether flexibility or simplicity matters more to you.