The main difference between Windscribe and CyberGhost is that Windscribe has a free forever plan with a generous allocation of up to 15GB of bandwidth a month, with access to the same features as the paid version.
Cyberghost offers a 45-day money-back guarantee that's more generous than other VPN providers like ExpressVPN and NordVPN, but that doesn't quite match up to Windscribe's offer.
This article compares the two VPNs across several critical categories: Pricing, Privacy Tools, User Experience, Speed, Reviews, and Customer Support.
Windscribe vs Cyberghost: Feature and Price Comparison
Let's dive into what the two VPNs have to offer.
Pricing
Windscribe offers a customizable pricing model, suited to the needs of each individual. Users can opt for the "Build a Plan" feature, allowing them to choose specific servers and features for as low as $1 per location per month, which is perfect for those who want a tailored and budget-friendly option.
The full “Pro” plan is competitively priced at around $9 per month or $69 per year.
CyberGhost, by contrast, provides several long-term plans with significant discounts but doesn’t offer a free tier like Windscribe. Their standard monthly plan is $12.99, but that only includes a 14-day money-back guarantee.
Opting for longer subscriptions, such as a 3-year plan, can bring the price down to around $2.11 per month.
Privacy Tools
Both Windscribe and CyberGhost prioritize user privacy but with distinct approaches and features.
Windscribe has a robust set of privacy tools designed for maximum customization. It comes with built-in ad-blocking, tracker-blocking, and malware protection features through its R.O.B.E.R.T. tool, secure proxy browser extensions, double-hop capabilities, split tunneling, and firewall options to block all non-VPN traffic. Windscribe apps are also open-sourced if anyone wishes to inspect the source code (the code has also been audited).
What's more, Windscribe maintains a strict no-logs policy, reinforcing its commitment to privacy, and its ethics and philosophy show that it does not pay a single dime for reviews or affiliates. It's solely focused on building a best-in-class VPN and for the product to sell itself.
CyberGhost offers features like its NoSpy servers, which are independently operated within Romania (a privacy-friendly jurisdiction) to minimize third-party involvement. CyberGhost’s apps include automatic kill switch features, split tunneling (on select platforms), and protection against DNS and IP leaks.
User Experience
Windscribe provides a simple, straightforward interface that makes it easy for both beginners and advanced users to navigate. Its minimalist design allows quick access to essential features like connecting to servers, configuring privacy tools, and monitoring data usage.
The app is available across various platforms, including Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, and browser extensions, ensuring compatibility and ease of access for most users. Windscribe’s extensive server network spans over 110 locations.
CyberGhost comes with preset modes for different activities, such as streaming, torrenting, and gaming, which makes it user-friendly. Its one-click setup is a nifty touch as is its support for routers and smart TVs.
Cyberghost's interface is intuitive, with a server list categorized by country and use case (e.g., streaming services), streamlining the user experience.
Speed
Speed is a critical factor in VPN performance, especially for users interested in streaming and gaming.
Windscribe provides good speeds, especially considering the price, and it has servers optimized for streaming and torrenting. Considering that speed is usually determined by distance to the server, the free version can be limited in speed due to the smaller number of available server locations.
CyberGhost has over 9,000 servers but in fewer countries than Windscribe (91 versus Windscribe's 110). Both VPN companies support WireGuard, which is considered one of the better VPN protocols.
Reviews
Both VPNs are well-reviewed by users and experts alike, though their strengths are highlighted differently.
Windscribe often receives praise for its free plan and privacy tools, especially its DNS-based ad blocker, R.O.B.E.R.T. Users appreciate the simplicity and control it offers, particularly for customizing privacy settings. Reviews on platforms like Trustpilot and forums such as Reddit frequently mention Windscribe’s ease of use and flexibility as major positives.
CyberGhost enjoys positive reviews for its speed and user experience, particularly its specialized servers for streaming and gaming. It also has positive comments from tech review sites, but we cannot be sure if these are paid reviews or not.
Some users have pointed out that its monthly plan is relatively expensive, and features like split tunneling are not available on all platforms.
Customer Support
Customer support is a crucial factor for any VPN service, especially for users who may need assistance with configurations, troubleshooting, or billing.
Windscribe offers ticket-based support and a live chat bot (Garry) that can handle both basic and advanced inquiries. For highly complex issues, there is the option to submit a support ticket or ask questions on Reddit / Discord.
Windscribe also has a knowledge base and community forum, which are useful for those who prefer self-service solutions.
CyberGhost also offers a detailed help center with extensive FAQs, tutorials, and troubleshooting guides, making it possible for users to resolve issues independently.
Conclusion
Both Windscribe and Cyberghost are excellent VPN providers.
Windscribe is ideal for users who prioritize flexibility, privacy customization, and budget-friendly options, including a free tier. It’s perfect for users who prefer a simple and effective VPN experience.
What's concerning about Cyberghost is that it's owned by Kape Technologies, a company with a shady history and background of building spying technology. That's a red flag in our opinion.
