CyberGhost vs. ExpressVPN 2024: Is ExpressVPN Worth The High Cost?

CyberGhost is affordable and meets the basic expectations of a VPN. But ExpressVPN was our top pick for providing quick internet speeds and better reliability.
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Best for Affordable Privacy

4.8
Editorial Rating
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On CyberGhost's website

VPN
CyberGhost
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  • High-speed global servers offering industry-leading 256-bit AES encryption and no data logs
  • Unlimited bandwidth, DNS and IP leak protection, and automatic kill switch available for up to 7 devices
  • Configurable with your router, smart TV, Amazon Fire TV stick, or gaming console
  • No split tunneling feature on desktop

Best for Top-Notch Service

4.6
Editorial Rating
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On ExpressVPN's website

VPN
ExpressVPN
BLACK FRIDAY: Save 61% + 6 months extra
  • Hides intrusive display ads when browsing the web, improving page speed and easing data usage on mobile
  • Privacy and safety benefits of a VPN with best-in-class encryption and innovative server technology in 105 countries
  • Enjoy no activity logs, malicious sites and trackers protection, and more on up to 8 devices

ExpressVPN and CyberGhost are two of the top virtual private network (VPN) providers. ExpressVPN has a premium cost, but it does provide a high-quality VPN. The Lightway protocol is unique to ExpressVPN, and it does a great job of ensuring fast internet speeds while protecting your data.

Meanwhile, CyberGhost is far more affordable and does everything you expect from a VPN. It's a no-frills option, but it didn't quite impress as much as ExpressVPN. 

Learn more about how CyberGhost and ExpressVPN compare.

In this article
At a glance
Which VPN is a better value?
Which VPN is faster?
Which VPN is more secure?
Which VPN has the better compatibility and customer service
FAQs
Which is better?

CyberGhost vs. ExpressVPN at a glance

Between CyberGhost and ExpressVPN, ExpressVPN is the service that edges ahead. It provides extraordinary service with fast speeds, robust security features, and dedicated customer support. 

But don't sleep on CyberGhost either. It's a user-friendly service that has a significantly lower starting cost and unique features like specialty servers.

  • CyberGhost: Best for affordable privacy
  • ExpressVPN: Best for top-notch service

How do CyberGhost and ExpressVPN compare?

Price From $2.03/mo (billed every two years) From $6.25/mo (billed annually)
Max # of simultaneous connections 7 8
24/7 customer support
Compatibility Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and more Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and more
# of servers Unlisted in 100 countries Unlisted in 105 countries
VPN protocol WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 Lightway, OpenVPN, IKEv2
No-logs policy No logs No logs
Unblocks Netflix?
Learn more Get CyberGhost

Read CyberGhost Review

Get ExpressVPN

Read ExpressVPN Review

How we test and rate VPNs

We complete standardized hands-on tests for each VPN we review so we can put their claims to the test. This includes vigorous third-party testing by comparing our internet speed while connected to different servers, checking for DNS leaks, making sure the kill switch actually works, and more. We also make sure we can comfortably access popular streaming sites, like Netflix, and still do our day-to-day work without interruption.

Once we’ve completed the testing, our editorial rating is calculated by taking into account key features you’d expect from a good product. We score each VPN in the following categories and use a weighted average to calculate the final rating out of 5 stars: price, server count, speed, security, and features.

To learn more about how we test, check out our full VPN methodology here.

CyberGhost pros and cons

CyberGhost is a great choice if you're looking to secure your devices on a budget. Its lowest price is $2.03/mo (billed every two years) for a two-year plan, which often includes extra months thrown in. 

CyberGhost also has unique features to make its subscriptions worthwhile. There are servers that have been optimized for specific online activities like streaming and gaming.

Finally, CyberGhost doesn't skimp on privacy. Its headquarters are in privacy-friendly Romania and it routinely has its no-logs policy audited by third parties like Deloitte. 

Pros
  • Budget-friendly pricing with a 45-day money-back guarantee
  • Offers specialty servers for streaming, torrenting, and gaming
  • Strict no-logs policy that's been audited
Cons
  • Lackluster customer support experience
  • Substantially slowed our internet speeds

ExpressVPN pros and cons

ExpressVPN has a premium price tag, but it provides a premium service. For one, its proprietary VPN protocol called Lightway is designed to be fast without compromising security. 

And although ExpressVPN doesn't disclose its server count, it does offer servers in 105 countries. According to a customer service agent, each server location can have hundreds of servers each. 

Finally, ExpressVPN has features that extend beyond the VPN service. With a subscription, you'll get tools like ExpressVPN Keys, a password manager, and Threat Manager, which blocks ads, trackers, and malicious sites.

Pros
  • Large server network in 105 countries
  • Provides fast speeds thanks to its in-house Lightway protocol
  • Includes bonus features like a password manager and an ad blocker
Cons
  • More expensive than CyberGhost
  • Longest subscription term is one year

Which VPN is the better value?

CyberGhost takes the win for its significantly lower starting price and longer money-back guarantee.

Our Pick
Price range $2.03–$6.99/mo $4.99–$12.95/mo
Best value plan Two-year plan for $2.03/mo (billed every two years) 12-month plan for $6.25/mo (billed annually)
Money-back guarantee Yes — 45 days for annual plans, 14 days for monthly plans Yes — 30 days
Learn more Get CyberGhost

Read CyberGhost Review

Get ExpressVPN

Read ExpressVPN Review

When it comes to the best long-term subscription plan, you can save money on a VPN with CyberGhost. ExpressVPN’s yearly subscription can be more than three times the cost in comparison to CyberGhost’s two-year plan. 

If you prefer the flexibility of a month-to-month plan, then ExpressVPN is nominally cheaper. However, ExpressVPN only has an annual, a six-month, and a monthly subscription term. 

CyberGhost also has a longer money-back guarantee of 45 days, so long as you don’t opt for the monthly plan. The monthly plan has a 14-day money-back guarantee. ExpressVPN has a 30-day money-back guarantee, which is pretty standard for VPNs. 

CyberGhost vs. ExpressVPN: payment options

Payment options can be a concern for some people. Bitcoin payments are usually preferred by those wishing to protect their privacy since there is typically no identifying information attached. If you live abroad, you may want to use a different payment method than is traditionally used in places like the U.S. Here's a quick overview of what payment options each VPN offers.

CyberGhost payment options

  • Credit and debit cards
  • PayPal
  • AmazonPay
  • BitPay

ExpressVPN payment options

  • Credit card
  • PayPal
  • bitcoin
  • Paymentwall for international payment methods

Winner: CyberGhost has a better overall value and a longer money-back guarantee of 45 days.

Which VPN is faster?

ExpressVPN is the better option in this category, increasing our speed with every server location.

Server location
Our Pick
US 48% decrease 4% increase
CA 79% decrease 7% increase
UK 42% decrease 10% increase
AU 83% decrease 3% increase
Learn more Get CyberGhost

Read CyberGhost Review

Get ExpressVPN

Read ExpressVPN Review

Using a VPN will slow down your internet connection, but it should only have a minimal impact on your speed to keep your device from becoming unusable. But VPNs can significantly reduce internet speeds, especially if you select servers that are far from your physical location. 

CyberGhost significantly reduced our internet speeds, even with servers close to our location. The Canadian server dropped our speed by nearly 80%, which was similar to how much our speed dropped with the Australian server. 

On the other hand, ExpressVPN increased our internet speeds with every server we selected. Although it was a small increase, we still appreciate that we don't have to worry about speed with ExpressVPN.

Winner: ExpressVPN wins since it had the fastest internet speeds in general.

Which VPN is more secure?

Both services are evenly matched with features, but ExpressVPN edges CyberGhost out with its additional features focused on speed and privacy.

Our Pick
Number of servers Unlisted in 100 countries Unlisted in 105 countries
No-logs policy No logs No logs
VPN headquarters Romania British Virgin Islands
Encryption AES-256 AES-256
VPN protocol WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 Lightway, OpenVPN, IKEv2
Kill switch
Split tunneling
DNS leak protection
Ad blocker
Learn more Get CyberGhost

Read CyberGhost Review

Get ExpressVPN

Read ExpressVPN Review

CyberGhost and ExpressVPN share many similarities. Both providers have had their no-logs policies audited by third parties. CyberGhost had its audit completed by Deloitte in March 2023 while ExpressVPN was successfully audited by KPMG in December 2023. 

Both are also based in data privacy-friendly countries outside of the Eyes alliances. CyberGhost is based in Romania, while ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands.

One of the most notable differences is the VPN protocols. CyberGhost uses several common protocols, including WireGuard. However, ExpressVPN has Lightway, which is unique to its product. Lightway is designed to keep speeds fast while still being reliable and secure.

ExpressVPN settings opened to its list of VPN protocol.

ExpressVPN includes several features to make its price worthwhile. You'll get Threat Manager, which can block ads, trackers, and malicious sites. There's also ExpressVPN Keys, which is ExpressVPN's built-in password manager that's been independently audited. You'll even be able to block adult websites as a parental control. 

CyberGhost's special featuers included specialized servers for online activities like streaming, torrenting, and gaming. It also includes a c ontent blocker, which will protect your device from ads and trackers.

CyberGhost VPN streaming servers

Winner:  ExpressVPN wins because it has more advanced features like the Lightway protocol, a password manager, and more.

Which VPN has the better compatibility and customer service?

ExpressVPN has a more intuitive interface and its customer support representatives provided a better experience compared to CyberGhost.

Our Pick
Windows
macOS
Android
iOS
Linux
Browser extensions Yes — Chrome and Firefox Yes — Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave, and Vivaldi
Router
Smart devices
24/7 support
Customer support options Live chat, email, online guides Live chat, email, online guides
Learn more Get CyberGhost

Read CyberGhost Review

Get ExpressVPN

Read ExpressVPN Review

Both CyberGhost and ExpressVPN have great device compatibility, and you can easily connect both providers to several operating systems and devices, including smart TVs. We also thought the interface for both providers was user-friendly. 

The ExpressVPN interface requires you to click on the three dots next to the selected server location to open up a list of all available servers.

However, the CyberGhost app wouldn't change screen sizes on a Chromebook. It took up the whole screen, and there was no way to change the window size.

The CyberGhost app taking up the entire Chromebook screen and the ExpressVPN app in a smaller window.

CyberGhost and ExpressVPN both offer the same customer service options: 24/7 live chat, email, and an online knowledge base. 

For our reviews, we tested each provider's live chat customer support option. ExpressVPN provided an overall pleasant experience but we didn't have the same experience with CyberGhost. After 40 minutes of chatting, we didn't get the answers we were looking for and found the overall service slow.

Winner: ExpressVPN wins for providing better customer support and a wider variety of compatibility options.

FAQs


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Is ExpressVPN safe to use while banking?

Yes, ExpressVPN is safe to use while banking. It uses AES 256-bit encryption to protect your connection. It also passed our leak protection security tests for DNS leaks and WebRTC leaks.


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How do I set up a CyberGhost VPN router?

The first step to setting up a CyberGhost VPN router is to choose a VPN-compatible router. Your router should have OpenVPN protocols, and you can find this information in its documentation. Then you can take steps to configure CyberGhost VPN manually and set up a VPN on a router

Alternatively, you can purchase a router with a pre-installed CyberGhost VPN, which can make the setup process easier.


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What is the downside to ExpressVPN?

The downside to ExpressVPN is its expensive price. Starting at $6.25/mo (billed annually), it has one of the highest subscription prices of the VPNs we've reviewed. 

However, if you prefer paying month-to-month, then ExpressVPN is $12.95/mo, which is comparable to other VPN providers like CyberGhost.


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Is there a CyberGhost Android app?

Yes, there is a CyberGhost Android app. You can download it directly from the Google Play Store and try a seven-day free trial. It's compatible with any phone running Android 5 (Lollipop) or higher. 

The CyberGhost Android app can work on devices like Samsung, Huawei, Sony, LG, and Google.

Is CyberGhost or ExpressVPN better?

ExpressVPN is the best VPN service of the two. Despite its higher subscription cost, it justifies its worth with the advanced Lightway protocol that enables fast internet speeds and no issues unblocking streaming content. ExpressVPN also impressed us with excellent customer support and a wide variety of payment options.

CyberGhost put up a strong fight with affordable prices and has the essential features for a VPN. But it suffered slower internet speeds, sometimes difficult usability, and a poor customer support experience in comparison to ExpressVPN.

4.6
VPN
ExpressVPN
  • Hides intrusive display ads when browsing the web, improving page speed and easing data usage on mobile
  • Privacy and safety benefits of a VPN with best-in-class encryption and innovative server technology in 105 countries
  • Enjoy no activity logs, malicious sites and trackers protection, and more on up to 8 devices
Learn More

CyberGhost vs. ExpressVPN alternatives

CyberGhost and ExpressVPN are two services on the opposite ends of the cost spectrum. If you want a better idea of what services you can purchase in between, take a look at our recommendations below:

Price $2.99–$17.99/mo $1.99–$17.95/mo $2.03–$11.99/mo
Free version
Max # of connected devices 10 Unlimited Unlimited
# of servers 6,800+ servers in 111 countries 3,200+ servers in 100 countries Unlisted in 91 countries
VPN protocol NordLynx (WireGuard), OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 WireGuard, OpenVPN
Encryption AES-256 AES-256 AES-128-GCM
No-logs policy No logs No logs No logs
Headquarters Panama The Netherlands United States
Netflix access
Learn more Get NordVPN Get Surfshark Get Private Internet Access

Extensive Server Network Provides Protection Wherever You Go
4.6
Editorial Rating
Learn More
On ExpressVPN's website
VPN
ExpressVPN
BLACK FRIDAY: Save 61% + 6 months extra
  • Hides intrusive display ads when browsing the web, improving page speed and easing data usage on mobile
  • Privacy and safety benefits of a VPN with best-in-class encryption and innovative server technology in 105 countries
  • Enjoy no activity logs, malicious sites and trackers protection, and more on up to 8 devices
Author Details
Sara J. Nguyen is a freelance writer specializing in cybersecurity. She aims to help people protect their data while enjoying technology. She has written about online privacy and tech for over 5 years for several organizations. When she's not writing about the latest cybersecurity trends, you can find her on LinkedIn.