ExpressVPN vs Cyberghost: Better VPN in 2020?

Winner: ExpressVPN
Quick Summary:
ExpressVPN is the winner between ExpressVPN vs Cyberghost because of:
- Faster internet speeds
- Reliable customer support
- Streaming power
- Access in China
Factors | ExpressVPN | CyberGhost |
Jurisdiction | British Virgin Islands | Romania |
Logging Policy | No Logs | No Logs |
Pricing | $12.95/month | $12.99/month |
Speed | 17.66 Mbps | 14.29 Mbps |
Server Network | 3000+ Servers 94 Countries |
5000+ Servers 80 Countries |
Customer Support | Email, Live Chat, Video Tutorials, Tickets | Email, Phone, Video Tutorials, Tickets |
Torrenting | Supported | Supported |
Netflix Unblocking | Supported | Supported |
Security | High | High |
Website | ExpressVPN.com | CyberGhost.com |
Before starting the head-to-head battle, I have shared a few basic features of both ExpressVPN and CyberGhost. As you can see that both of them are competing aggressively when it comes to logging policy and internet speed, the real tests boils down to other major features.
Let’s start with the pricing plans of both ExpressVPN and CyberGhost.
Price Analysis
Results: CyberGhost
Price | ExpressVPN | CyberGhost |
Monthly | $6.67/month | $2.75/month |
Yearly | $99.95 | $71.88 |
Best Plan | $6.67/month 15-Month Plan |
$2.75/month 3-Year Plan |
Although CyberGhost is much cheaper than ExpressVPN, you are saving money if you are choosing ExpressVPN’s 15-Month Plan. CyberGhost doesn’t charge higher than $3 on their monthly plans. This means you are subscribing to CyberGhost at bargain-basement prices.
ExpressVPN
I check ExpressVPN prices every single day and can justify that ExpressVPN is not going to lower its monthly pricing plans. And it can be a bit annoying for a VPN user like you because many top-rated VPN providers are offering discounted deals. But no pricing plan is going to shake ExpressVPN. They are a bit stubborn about their slashed deals and monthly subscription rates.
Cyberghost
Whereas CyberGhost is offering pretty low pricing plans for just $2.75 if you decide to choose their 3-year plan. Even if you pick 1-year plan then you are saving enough money. A dollar saved is better than a dollar earned. That’s my motto. But subscribing to a long-term plan of 1 year or 3 years is a bit far-fetched. So let me try and narrow down this problem for you even further.
Payment Methods
Results: Draw
Payment Methods | ExpressVPN | CyberGhost |
Cards | Yes | Yes |
PayPal | Yes | Yes |
American Express | Yes | Yes |
Bitcoin | Yes | Yes |
Both ExpressVPN and CyberGhost offer secure payment options such as bitcoin, PayPal, and credit cards. So you can pick any payment option that you usually use every day for online purchasing. If you ask me then I personally use PayPal. Because it is so much quicker and safer for me.
ExpressVPN
Here are all the payment methods ExpressVPN provides. Even if you are a Bitcoin user, I would not suggest you to use it and subscribe to ExpressVPN monthly deal. Besides Bitcoin, you can safely use UnionPay, Alipay, or PayPal.
CyberGhost
CyberGhost offers similar payment options to everyone. Are you still confused? Want to know which is the best payment method? The most secure? Then I must say PayPal. Despite of the fact that other payment options are just as secure as PayPal. So who wins? I think there is no clear winner in the payment method battle because both have locked horns in this one. Now let me discuss refund policies and free-trial experiences.
Refund Policy
Results: CyberGhost
Refund Policy | ExpressVPN | CyberGhost |
Duration | 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee |
45-Day Money-Back Guarantee |
Refunds | Yes | Yes |
Refund policies are crucial for first-time VPN users and most VPN service providers understand this. Like me, many other Netflix streamers want to unblock geo-blocked libraries because I don’t want to miss out on amazing storylines.
Fortunately, both ExpressVPN and CyberGhost offer a refund policy. And if you are not satisfied with their services then just send them a substantial reason and they will revert your money.
And you might hear many negative and downright demeaning comments regarding refund policies. But both ExpressVPN and CyberGhost are reliable VPN providers when it comes to customer support.
So you will face no trouble getting a refund from either of them. CyberGhost is offering 45-day money-back guarantee so you have 15 whole days to test whether it unblocks everything or not.
ExpressVPN only provides a month-long money-back guarantee. And numbers matter for all of us. So CyberGhost is a clear winner in this battle. 45 days are enough to try and test whether you want to continue using their services or not. Choose CyberGhost if you are a first-time VPN user. Period!
Features
Results: Draw
Features | ExpressVPN | CyberGhost |
Multi-login | 5 | 7 |
Apps | Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, IOS, Amazon Fire | Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, IOS, Amazon Fire |
Kill Switch | Yes | Yes |
Encryption | 256-Bit | 256-Bit |
Split Tunneling | Yes | Yes |
Customer Support | Email, Live Chat, Video Tutorials Tickets |
Email, Video Tutorials Tickets |
Added Features | Browser Extension, DNS Leak Protection, No-logs policy, split tunneling, Multi-platform protection, Obfuscation features | DNS Leak Protection, Obfuscation features, Internet Kill-switch |
Are you a regular VPN user? Then you must have checked features of many VPN providers and hence know that all of them are in the same league. This means most VPN providers offer similar security features. And you can see that ExpressVPN and CyberGhost are also fighting neck-to-neck here.
ExpressVPN: So let’s talk about ExpressVPN features and figure out why are you paying $6.67 every month for it? You can use ExpressVPN on 5 simultaneous connections at the same time and can connect to various servers. If you are a family of four or five, getting ExpressVPN is a great bargain. And you can use ExpressVPN on many devices whether you are comfortable with laptops, tablets, smart TVs, or phones.
CyberGhost: Unlike ExpressVPN, CyberGhost offers 7 simultaneous connections which are better-suited for a group of streamers. For instance, if you are a small group of techies who are concerned about online security and also love watching foreign shows then go for CyberGhost. Furthermore, CyberGhost protects DNS leaks and you can access geographically limited websites hassle-free.
FYI: If you don’t have a single idea about split tunneling then let me explain it. Simply put, split tunneling can help you divide your internet traffic. This means you can cut down or even remove buffering if you are using a VPN that has a split tunneling feature.
Geo Unblocking Capabilities
Results: ExpressVPN
Geo Unblocking Capabilities | ExpressVPN | CyberGhost |
Netflix | US, Canada, UK, Italy, Germany, France, Japan, | US, UK, Germany, and France. |
Hulu | US & Japan | No |
BBC iPlayer | Yes | Yes |
HBO | US | US |
Sky Go | Yes | Yes |
Amazon Prime | Yes | Yes |
ABC | Yes | No |
CBS | Yes | Yes |
NBC | Yes | Yes |
ITV | Yes | Yes |
Channel 4 | Yes | Yes |
Now comes the most important part and let’s get down to brass tacks. Most people get a VPN to unblock streaming websites especially free ones. And both ExpressVPN and CyberGhost can unblock Netflix and many other streaming websites like Hulu or BBC iPlayer. But you must know that Netflix is blocking VPN providers as well.
After a major push from content creators and filmmakers, Netflix is now restricting access to region-specific TV shows. It means if you are living in the Netherlands and using a VPN then Netflix can block your access. So what can you do to avoid this problem? The answer: You must get a better VPN that can bypass these Netflix restrictions.
Both CyberGhost and ExpressVPN can help unblock Netflix libraries because they have more servers. But CyberGhost lacks behind when it comes to unblocking multiple Netflix libraries. CyberGhost doesn’t provide access to Netflix Japan.
Whereas ExpressVPN offers access to Netflix Japan which comprises of a huge pile of amazing shows and you can enjoy Switched, The Seven Deadly Sins, or Good Morning Call.
Moreover, ExpressVPN can unblock Hulu which has a great number of TV shows. And CyberGhost cannot unblock Hulu.
Even though you can check CyberGhost unblock streaming page by clicking here to see for yourself that they provide access to Hulu. However, I asked their support representatives about Hulu and they confirmed that CyberGhost cannot unblock Hulu or ABC.
ExpressVPN vs Cyberghost – Torrenting
Results: Draw
The only thing you must be concerned about torrent downloads is staying anonymous. And both ExpressVPN and CyberGhost are best for torrent downloads. ExpressVPN and CyberGhost spoof your geo-location and hides your identity to help you download torrents from legal torrenting websites. These two VPN providers follow a no-logs policy, encrypt personal data, and hide IP address of your device. As a result, you can anonymously download torrents while protecting your device data.
ExpressVPN vs Cyberghost – Netflix Unblocking
Results: ExpressVPN
Like I have discussed previously, Netflix is blocking VPN providers due to licensing rights. It means there are a few specific VPNs that you can use to access various Netflix libraries. So which one is better for Netflix unblocking? ExpressVPN? CyberGhost? I would say both of them. But ExpressVPN can unblock Netflix Japan only. And if you are a Japanese expat or like region-specific shows then choose ExpressVPN.
ExpressVPN: It is best suited for accessing Netflix libraries. As ExpressVPN offers many servers including the Japanese ones, you can use it frivolously anywhere you want. You can watch Netflix US, UK France, Germany, and Japan with the help of ExpressVPN.
CyberGhost: You can unblock Netflix US, UK, France, and Germany with the help of CyberGhost. But due to limited servers available in Japan, CyberGhost cannot access Netflix Japan.
ExpressVPN vs Cyberghost – China Unblocking
Results: ExpressVPN
Heard of China’s Great Firewall? So let me explain it in much simpler words. If you are in China and want to access Netflix, WhatsApp, or HBO, you cannot even open the website. Also, China has blocked external access to strengthen its Great firewall. This means you cannot get access to Chinese servers unless you are using the right VPN.
ExpressVPN: Works in China! If you are working or living in China then you can use ExpressVPN to access geo-blocked websites like Netflix, BT Sport, or HBO. And ExpressVPN is one of the few VPN providers that can bypass China’s Great Firewall and access websites in China.
CyberGhost: Unfortunately CyberGhost does not work in China.
App User-Interface & Usability
Results: CyberGhost
App Interface & Usability | ExpressVPN | CyberGhost |
User Friendly Apps | MacOS, Linux, Windows, Android and IOS | MacOS, Linux, Windows, Android and IOS |
Server Selection | List Based | List Based |
Automatic setup wizard | MacOS, Linux, Windows, Android and IOS, DD-WRT Routers, and Tomato | MacOS, Linux, Windows, Android and IOS, DD-WRT Routers, and Tomato |
Auto Updates Available | Yes | Yes |
Both ExpressVPN and CyberGhost have a minimal user interface. You won’t find any extra buttons or features on the primary interface. I am sharing pictures so you can take a sneak peek and check for yourself which one has a better user interface.
ExpressVPN
This is the primary user interface which is simple-to-use. All you have to do is choose a server from the list and press the connect button. And your device is connected to a VPN. There is a large connected button that can help first-time users to navigate easily. Once you click the three-dotted button, you can see a sever list just like the one down below.
Easy, right? This is the reason why many people claim that ExpressVPN is the fastest VPN among all competitors. I find it extremely easy to use. Now take a look at CyberGhost!
CyberGhost
Although there is no trouble using CyberGhost, you might take a few seconds to navigate through the primary user interface. Just click on drop-down menu to choose a server and swipe the connect button. The best part about CyberGhost is that it also offers options for the best server location, best servers for torrent downloads, or watching Netflix US.
You can see the Settings panel above and can customize various options accordingly. On the left bar menu, you can select dedicated servers for torrenting and streaming. This is an amazing feature if you ask me. Because I don’t have to worry about finding better servers when using CyberGhost.
To dig deeper, you can get a glimpse of how does a chrome extension of both ExpressVPN and CyberGhost looks like.
Chrome Extension
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN chrome extension is similar to its desktop and mobile app user interface. So it’s the same drill with ExpressVPN chrome extension. Just pick a server and press the large button.
CyberGhost
CyberGhost has also followed a minimal design strategy with its chrome extension. I don’t have to think twice when connecting and picking servers on CyberGhost chrome extension. Fun-fact: CyberGhost sends a notification every time you are connected or disconnected from the main server.
Servers
Results: Draw
Servers | ExpressVPN | CyberGhost |
Number of servers | 3000+ Servers | 5000+ Servers |
Number of Countries | 94 Countries | 80 Countries |
Obfuscation | Yes | Yes |
Virtual Servers | Yes | No |
Speed | 18.30 Mbps | 15.48 Mbps |
Do more servers matter? Or speed? It is a bit of a dilemma actually. If you are using a VPN with more servers then you can get access to more unblocking websites. This means you can watch more TV shows and sports channels with the help of more servers. Also, you need a higher internet speed to watch buffer-free TV shows. I used Ookla to check the internet speed of both ExpressVPN and CyberGhost.
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is considered the fastest VPN even if you are comparing it to CyberGhost as well as other top VPN providers such as NordVPN, Surfshark, TorGuard, or Tunnelbear. And you can experience a boost in internet speed after connecting your device to ExpressVPN.
Cyberghost
CyberGhost is also a better VPN provider that offers considerable internet speed. It is competing with ExpressVPN on many levels and also speeds up downloading speed. To be fair, both ExpressVPN and CyberGhost are reliable when it comes to internet speed.
Security & Privacy
Results: Draw
Security and Privacy | ExpressVPN | CyberGhost |
Jurisdiction | British Virgin Islands | Romania |
Logging Policy (Connection, Usage Logs) | No-Logs | No-Logs |
Encryption | 256-bit | 256-bit |
Tunneling Protocols | OpenVPN, L2TP, IPSec, SSTP, PPTP | OpenVPN, L2TP, IPSec, SSTP, IKEv2 |
IP Leak Prevention | Yes | Yes |
WebRTC Leak Protection | Yes | Yes |
DNS Leak Protection | Yes | Yes |
Kill Switch | Yes | Yes |
Secure Payment Method | PayPal | PayPal |
Security is the 2nd biggest priority after unblocking streaming websites. And both ExpressVPN and CyberGhost use tunneling protocols and no-logs policies to protect user’s data. To make sure none of these leak your IP address, I ran an IP-leak DNS test. You can see the results below.
ExpressVPN
I connected to a US server on ExpressVPN app to check DNS leaks. And I can proudly say that ExpressVPN was successful in spoofing my geo-location. This means that streaming websites that use an IP tracking system cannot block my access. And I can access quite a few region-specific websites with ExpressVPN.
CyberGhost
CyberGhost was also successful in hiding my IP address. I ran extended DNS tests to check CyberGhost as well and you can see the above results. Bottom line: CyberGhost is secure for everyone.
Customer Service
Results: ExpressVPN
Customer Service | ExpressVPN | CyberGhost |
Live Chat | Yes | Yes |
Email/Ticketing | Yes | Yes |
Phone support | No | Yes |
Searchable knowledge base | Yes | Yes |
Video guides | Yes | No |
have to say that ExpressVPN provides better customer support whether it is related to onboarding customers or providing support. ExpressVPN provides video guides if you need help installing their VPN app on your device. CyberGhost doesn’t have video guides but help customers with detailed guides. All you have to do is follow step-by-step procedures and install CyberGhost on any device.
ExpressVPN
To check live chat option, I asked a question to both CyberGhost and ExpressVPN. “Can I unblock Netflix or Hulu?” is the question that I asked and their support representatives were quick enough to respond. I would say they were helpful and answered all of my questions in just a few seconds.
CyberGhost
CyberGhost support representatives also gave a faster response to my question. And they claimed that CyberGhost cannot unblock Hulu. And shared all Netflix libraries that you can access with the help of CyberGhost. But there is something that annoys me. I have to enter my name and email to ask a question when using live chat feature. You can see down here that you have to enter personal details before speaking to a support representative.
Ease! Quick responses! Customer-friendly! These are some best customer support traits. And I am comfortable with ExpressVPN so it wins this last battle.
The winner?
Turns out that ExpressVPN is a better VPN service provider in 2020. And it is ahead of CyberGhost in terms of unblocking and customer support.
So my final verdict is this, if you want to save money and unblock a few streaming websites then go for CyberGhost. But ExpressVPN is a better and hands down the best VPN provider between Cyberghost vs ExpressVPN in 2020.
To check out more VPN Comparisons and face offs in 2020, check out TopVPNComparisons and make your security decisions easier.