VPN Comparison: CyberGhost vs PIA

Navigating the vast array of VPN options can be daunting.

This article delves into a head-to-head comparison of two prominent VPN services: CyberGhost and Private Internet Access (PIA).

We'll analyze their respective features, pricing, and overall performance to help you make an informed choice.

First, let's summarize the key differences between CyberGhost and PIA.

Following that, we will explore each service’s offerings in detail, assessing which one provides superior value.

For those in a hurry, we'll reveal that CyberGhost has emerged as the preferred option over Private Internet Access based on our analysis.

Stick with us to discover the rationale behind this verdict and to gain insights into both VPNs.

When comparing VPN services like Private Internet Access (PIA) and CyberGhost, pricing structures are an essential factor to consider.

Both providers offer significant discounts for long-term subscriptions, making them appealing choices for users seeking affordability.

For instance, PIA features a three-year plan priced at about $2.03 per month, along with an additional three months for free. On the other hand, CyberGhost's two-year plan is slightly higher at $2.19 per month but also includes two complimentary months.

This means that CyberGhost presents a more favorable option in terms of commitment, requiring one year less while maintaining a similar price point.

If you prefer a shorter commitment, Private Internet Access allows a one-year plan for approximately $3.33 monthly. Conversely, CyberGhost’s six-month subscription is available but at a steeper rate of $6.99 per month.

For users looking for the most brief subscription, both services offer a one-month plan. PIA charges $11.95 for this option, while CyberGhost's price is slightly higher at $12.99. However, if you only need a VPN temporarily, both providers have money-back guarantees that let you try the service without any upfront cost.

CyberGhost stands out with its impressive 45-day money-back guarantee, surpassing the typical 30-day period that PIA and many others offer. This extended trial period allows you to evaluate the service risk-free for over a month and a half.

In summary, for the best value with Private Internet Access, you can save 83% on the three-year plan, while CyberGhost offers an 83% discount on its two-year plan, plus two additional months free.

When comparing VPN services, one crucial feature to consider is split tunneling.

This functionality allows specific applications to bypass the VPN connection, which can be essential since some programs may refuse to operate if they detect a VPN is in use.

CyberGhost simplifies the setup of split tunneling, making it user-friendly. In contrast, Private Internet Access (PIA) requires users to manually configure rules, which can be quite challenging for those without advanced technical skills.

CyberGhost excels in this aspect, providing a smoother experience for users looking to navigate potential connectivity issues.

In terms of device connections, Private Internet Access stands out by offering unlimited simultaneous connections, while CyberGhost limits users to seven devices.

This gives both VPNs an edge over the typical five-device limit found in many other services, ensuring that you can connect more than just a few devices.

When it comes to using VPNs for streaming, both Private Internet Access and CyberGhost have their merits. However, recent trends indicate that CyberGhost may have the upper hand, particularly with accessing a wider range of Netflix libraries. Private Internet Access has been observed to struggle with bypassing the restrictions imposed by streaming services.

In terms of functionality, neither VPN is effective in China. The country's stringent measures, known as the Great Firewall, severely limit VPN access. This barrier prevents even the VPNs' official websites from being reached, making it crucial to test and subscribe to a VPN before entering China.

Some users have experimented with manual configurations and third-party scripts to establish a connection, but these methods are hit or miss and do not guarantee success against the firewall's DNS poisoning.

Given the strict regulations within China, relying on VPNs is risky. CyberGhost suggests that using the L2TP protocol might enhance connectivity efforts in China, but the results have been inconsistent.

For travelers headed to China, it is advisable to research and find the few VPN options that have a proven track record of working in this restrictive environment.

The installation process for CyberGhost was straightforward on every platform we tested.

Upon opening the application, users are greeted with an intuitive main interface that showcases essential settings, giving a quick summary of options available.

Navigating through the menus is user-friendly, ensuring that users can easily locate the features they need. For those seeking more customization, advanced settings are available on a separate page for deeper configurations.

Both CyberGhost and Private Internet Access provide mobile applications.

However, Private Internet Access has a slightly more complex setup, which can make it a bit challenging to access all available settings at once. Despite this minor inconvenience, it does not significantly impact the overall user experience.

When comparing Private Internet Access and CyberGhost, one notable difference is their server locations.

CyberGhost offers a broader reach with servers in 100 countries, while Private Internet Access operates in 91.

In terms of server count, Private Internet Access boasts an impressive figure of over 35,000 servers, surpassing CyberGhost's 11,600+.

Both VPNs feature server numbers that exceed many competitors in the market.

However, despite having fewer servers, CyberGhost outperforms in speed.

Recent speed tests revealed CyberGhost achieved an average download speed of 296 Mbps, marking it as one of the top contenders for fastest VPNs.

The extensive server networks of both providers contribute to their ability to maintain stable performance.

With users distributed across numerous servers, the result is lower latency and enhanced connection speeds.

Here’s a comprehensive list of the countries where both VPNs have established servers:

CyberGhost vs. Private Internet Access

Information regarding the exact locations of all servers for Private Internet Access isn't fully disclosed. Nonetheless, both VPN services boast an extensive network of dedicated servers.

Examining their server lists reveals that both options offer global coverage, which is crucial for users interested in accessing streaming platforms such as Netflix.

Streaming services often block IP addresses associated with VPNs to prevent unauthorized access. Therefore, a broader range of servers provides additional opportunities for users to bypass these restrictions and connect to their desired streaming content.

Both Private Internet Access (PIA) and CyberGhost employ robust encryption methods to safeguard user data.

However, PIA has limited protocol options on iOS, restricting users to IKEv2, while CyberGhost offers a broader range of protocol configurations.

Both services utilize the industry-standard 256-bit AES encryption, with CyberGhost defaulting to the WireGuard protocol, providing users with essential flexibility.

If you are seeking extensive customization for encryption settings, CyberGhost clearly stands out as the superior choice.

In terms of security features, both VPNs include a kill switch, which is vital for maintaining privacy. This mechanism ensures that your internet connection is severed if the VPN disconnects unexpectedly, protecting your sensitive information from potential exposure.

Additionally, both providers are diligent in preventing DNS leaks. PIA goes a step further by implementing MACE, a feature that blocks tracking cookies, enhancing user anonymity online.

CyberGhost operates under the jurisdiction of the European Union, which means it adheres to GDPR regulations. While this may raise some concerns regarding privacy, past inquiries from authorities have demonstrated that CyberGhost does not retain any identifiable customer data linked to specific website access or activities.

On the other hand, Private Internet Access (PIA) is based in the United States, a member of the Five Eyes alliance. This alliance facilitates intelligence sharing among the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK, potentially compromising user privacy.

Although CyberGhost maintains limited logs, these do not pertain to website visits or downloaded content. Many VPN providers log data for diagnostic purposes, but this information is typically anonymized. This logging is primarily for managing connection policies and involves only non-specific user data.

Regardless of which service you choose, both ensure a level of anonymity from external surveillance. However, the privacy implications of being based in the U.S. suggest that CyberGhost offers superior privacy protection. Additionally, CyberGhost has conducted third-party audits to substantiate its no-logs policy, further enhancing its credibility in terms of privacy.

Both of these VPNs employ a strategy known as shared address allocation, which effectively hides your personal connection. In this setup, multiple users share the same IP address on the server, making it challenging to link any online behavior to a specific user.

However, if you prefer to have a unique IP address exclusively for your use, CyberGhost offers this as a paid add-on to their subscription plans.

CyberGhost offers a live chat option staffed by real people, enabling users to reach out for support or account inquiries directly.

In contrast, Private Internet Access primarily utilizes an email support system, initiated through their website's support section.

To evaluate the effectiveness of both support systems, we posed three different questions to each service and monitored their response times.

Below, you will find the average response times for each service along with the status of whether our inquiries were successfully addressed.

While both services had comparable email response times, CyberGhost's live support feature clearly sets it apart as the superior option.

Moreover, CyberGhost's responses tended to be more comprehensive and informative, often including up-to-date links to helpful guides on their site.

Private Internet Access certainly has its merits as a VPN, but in this head-to-head evaluation, CyberGhost emerges as the clear leader.

It not only boasts a greater number of servers across various countries but also offers faster speeds, enhanced streaming capabilities, and a range of premium features included in its packages.

CyberGhost's pricing is quite reasonable for monthly plans, but opting for longer-term subscriptions can yield even greater savings. Plus, with a 45-day money-back guarantee, you have the flexibility to change your mind if needed.

What is a Netflix VPN and How to Get One

A Netflix VPN is a virtual private network specifically used to access region-restricted content on Netflix by connecting to servers located in different countries. By using a Netflix VPN, users can bypass geographical limitations and enjoy a broader range of shows and movies that are otherwise unavailable in their region. To make use of a Netflix VPN, it's important to select a reliable VPN provider that supports streaming, set up an account, install the VPN application, connect to the desired region's server, and then log in to Netflix for access.

Why Choose SafeShell as Your Netflix VPN?

If you're looking to access region-restricted content with a Netflix VPN, you might want to consider the SafeShell VPN . SafeShell VPN is designed to tackle the common issue of outdated VPN software by offering a cutting-edge solution that ensures Netflix is unblocked effectively. It stands out for its high-speed servers specifically optimized for Netflix, providing seamless streaming experiences without interruptions. Users can enjoy buffer-free playback and high-definition streaming thanks to these lightning-fast connection speeds. Moreover, SafeShell VPN allows you to connect up to five devices at once, supporting a wide range of operating systems and devices, ensuring comprehensive coverage for all your streaming needs.

In addition to its speed and connectivity perks, SafeShell VPN offers an exclusive App Mode that unlocks content from multiple regions simultaneously. This feature gives you the freedom to explore a wide variety of streaming services and libraries, enhancing your entertainment options without any geographical limitations. SafeShell VPN also boasts top-level security with its proprietary ShellGuard VPN protocol, ensuring your online privacy and data protection. With advanced encryption and robust security measures, you can browse the internet confidently, knowing that your personal information is safeguarded. Overall, SafeShell VPN provides a comprehensive and secure solution for unlocking global content on Netflix.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Watch Netflix with SafeShell VPN

To enjoy Netflix content from various regions seamlessly, using SafeShell Netflix VPN is a straightforward process. First, you'll need to subscribe to SafeShell VPN by visiting their official website at https://www.safeshellvpn.com / and selecting a subscription plan that aligns with your needs and budget. Once you've chosen your plan, click on "Subscribe Now" to proceed with your subscription. Next, download and install the SafeShell VPN software. Navigate to the SafeShell VPN website once more, select your device platform—be it Windows, macOS, iOS, or Android—and download the corresponding app or software version.

After successfully installing the application, launch the SafeShell VPN app and log into your account. SafeShell VPN offers two modes, but for the best experience while watching Netflix, it's recommended to choose the APP mode. Following this, browse through the list of available VPN servers and select one located in the region of the Netflix library you wish to access, such as the US, UK, or Canada. Click "Connect" to establish a connection with your chosen server. Finally, open the Netflix app or navigate to the Netflix website, log in with your Netflix credentials, and enjoy streaming content available in the region you've selected through SafeShell Netflix VPN.