CyberGhost vs Private Internet Access
Which VPN truly suits your needs? Among the most trusted names in the VPN landscape, CyberGhost and Private Internet Access (PIA) stand out for different reasons. Choosing the right one depends on your priorities—whether you’re after straightforward streaming access, detailed privacy controls, or high-speed performance across devices. This in-depth comparison breaks down how each provider performs in critical areas, what kind of user they serve best, and where one may outshine the other.
CyberGhost, headquartered in privacy-respecting Romania, is tailored for users who want a seamless and intuitive experience. Its design prioritizes accessibility, with dedicated servers for streaming platforms and P2P activities, making it an excellent choice for non-technical users or entertainment enthusiasts. On the flip side, PIA, based in the United States, appeals to power users. With open-source apps, customizable encryption levels, and robust court-proven no-log practices, it empowers users who demand both transparency and technical control over their digital security.
Table of Contents
Key Points
- CyberGhost: User-friendly interface and platform-labeled servers for streaming and torrenting make it a top pick for casual users and content streamers.
- Private Internet Access (PIA): Fully customizable with open-source clients and adjustable encryption—excellent for developers, tech experts, and privacy aficionados.
- Other VPN alternatives also exist, some of which emphasize ease-of-use or unique hardware-based solutions for home-wide protection.
Quick Comparison: CyberGhost vs Private Internet Access
| Feature | CyberGhost | Private Internet Access (PIA) |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2004 | 2010 |
| Headquarters | Romania | United States |
| Server Count | 9,000+ servers in 91 countries | 35,000+ servers in 84 countries |
| Simultaneous Connections | Up to 7 devices | Unlimited |
| No-Logs Policy | Independently audited | Independently audited |
| Streaming Support | Dedicated servers for Netflix, Hulu, etc. | Streaming-optimized servers |
| Torrenting Support | P2P-optimized servers | P2P allowed on all servers |
| Encryption | AES-256 | AES-128/256 (user-selectable) |
| Protocols | OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard | OpenVPN, WireGuard |
| Kill Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Split Tunneling | Yes (Windows, Android) | Yes (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android) |
| Ad Blocker | Yes | Yes |
| Free Trial | Yes (24h–7d) | No |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 45 days | 30 days |
| Monthly Pricing | $12.99 | $11.95 |
| Best Long-Term Deal | $2.19/month (2-year plan) | $2.19/month (2-year plan) |
CyberGhost and PIA are both highly capable, but they’re built for different user priorities. CyberGhost focuses on simplicity, offering tailored servers and automatic configurations that work right out of the box—perfect for fast access and easy browsing.
PIA, however, opens the door to deep customization, giving tech-savvy users the tools to shape their VPN precisely to their needs.
Unlike software VPNs that require per-device setup, Shellfire Box secures your entire network effortlessly, making it a compelling option for homes with multiple connected devices.
Infrastructure & Global Coverage
| Metric | CyberGhost | Private Internet Access (PIA) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Servers | 9,700+ servers | 35,000+ servers |
| Countries Covered | 91 countries | 84 countries |
| City-Level Options | Yes (in many regions) | Limited city selection |
| Virtual Servers | Clearly marked | Unmarked/Undisclosed |
| Dedicated IP Option | Yes (in select regions) | Yes (add-on available) |
CyberGhost provides broader global coverage with transparent labeling of virtual servers—an advantage for users concerned about accuracy in geo-location or compliance with region-specific services. It also offers stronger city-level selection, useful for accessing local content or reducing latency in geographically large countries.
While PIA has a significantly larger server count, those are concentrated in fewer locations, favoring speed and redundancy over geographical granularity.
Speed & Performance
| Test Metric | CyberGhost | Private Internet Access (PIA) |
|---|---|---|
| Average Download Speed (Global) | ~225 Mbps | ~210 Mbps |
| Average Upload Speed | ~90 Mbps | ~85 Mbps |
| Latency (Ping) | ~33 ms | ~29 ms |
| Server Load Balancing | Automatic and regionalized | Automatic, less region-specific |
| WireGuard Support | Yes (excellent performance) | Yes (very stable) |
Both providers rank among the fastest VPNs available. CyberGhost consistently delivers superior global download speeds, making it a favorite for streaming in ultra-high definition or handling large file transfers. Its regionalized server load balancing contributes to that edge.
PIA, while slightly behind in raw speed, offers excellent latency and stability, which benefits gamers and VoIP users who prioritize minimal lag and jitter.
Security & Privacy
| Feature | CyberGhost | Private Internet Access (PIA) |
|---|---|---|
| Encryption | AES-256 | AES-128 or AES-256 (user-selectable) |
| VPN Protocols | OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard | OpenVPN, WireGuard |
| Kill Switch | Yes (automatic) | Yes (customizable) |
| No-Logs Policy | Audited and verified | Audited and proven in court |
| Headquarters Jurisdiction | Romania (outside 14 Eyes) | USA (inside 14 Eyes) |
| Open Source Clients | No | Yes |
| Independent Security Audits | Yes | Yes |
| RAM-only Servers | No | No |
CyberGhost offers strong privacy through legal safeguards by operating from Romania, a country with no mandatory data retention laws and outside intelligence-sharing alliances. It suits users who seek jurisdictional protection.
PIA, despite its US base, earns trust through transparency—offering open-source apps and having demonstrated its commitment to user privacy in court multiple times. Users who prioritize verifiability over location-based protections may find PIA the more compelling choice.
Those curious about how PIA compares to other transparency-focused VPNs might find this PIA vs. NordVPN comparison useful for deeper insight.
Streaming Performance
| Streaming Platform | CyberGhost | Private Internet Access (PIA) |
|---|---|---|
| Netflix (US/UK/JP) | Yes (dedicated servers) | Yes (via manual selection) |
| Hulu | Yes | Yes |
| Amazon Prime Video | Yes (varies by region) | Partial support |
| Disney+ | Yes | Yes |
| BBC iPlayer | Yes (UK server optimized) | Inconsistent |
| Streaming Stability | Very High (with optimized servers) | Moderate to High (manual setup) |
CyberGhost excels in streaming thanks to its extensive list of platform-specific, optimized servers. Users can connect to a Netflix US server or BBC iPlayer node without guessing, which dramatically reduces setup time and frustration.
PIA does support access to many streaming services but requires more trial and error, especially for region-locked content. For streamers who value convenience and consistent access, CyberGhost is clearly ahead.
If you’re also weighing other streaming-focused VPNs, this CyberGhost vs. NordVPN comparison offers a broader look at how they stack up in this arena.
Looking for reliable streaming access across all devices?
Our Shellfire Box is designed to provide consistent access to your favorite streaming platforms, which can be a helpful solution if you’re experiencing issues with other VPNs.
Platform Compatibility
| Platform | CyberGhost | Private Internet Access (PIA) |
|---|---|---|
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes (GUI & CLI) | Yes (CLI only) |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| Browser Extensions | Chrome, Firefox | Chrome, Firefox, Opera |
| Smart TVs / Fire Stick | Yes (dedicated apps) | Yes (manual setup or sideload) |
| Routers | Yes (manual configuration) | Yes (manual configuration) |
| Gaming Consoles | Via router or Smart DNS | Via router |
CyberGhost supports a wider variety of platforms with native apps and graphical interfaces that cater to less technical users. This includes Smart TVs and Linux systems with a full GUI, simplifying setup across all major devices.
PIA maintains excellent compatibility as well but leans toward manual configuration and command-line usage—perfect for users who want deeper control over their installations.
Performance in Censorship-Heavy Countries
| Country | CyberGhost | Private Internet Access (PIA) |
|---|---|---|
| China | Low (frequently blocked) | Moderate (requires manual config) |
| Russia | Low to Moderate | Moderate |
| Iran | Low | Moderate (with obfuscation) |
| Turkey | Moderate | High |
| UAE | Moderate | Moderate to High |
PIA provides better functionality in high-censorship environments thanks to features like obfuscation and customizable protocol settings. These tools help users bypass strict firewalls and surveillance systems with greater reliability.
CyberGhost, while user-friendly elsewhere, struggles to maintain consistent access in countries like China or Iran. If resilience against state-level censorship is critical to you, PIA is the superior option.
User Experience & Apps
| Aspect | CyberGhost | Private Internet Access (PIA) |
|---|---|---|
| UI Design | Modern, visual, beginner-friendly | Functional, text-heavy, advanced-focused |
| Ease of Use | Very easy | Moderate |
| Mobile App UX | Streamlined and responsive | Highly configurable, less visual |
| App Stability | High | High |
CyberGhost offers a polished and intuitive experience across all devices, making it a top pick for newcomers and users who value simplicity.
PIA leans more technical, favoring users who want to dive deep into configuration menus and personalize every detail. The stability is strong across both, but their usability philosophies differ—CyberGhost is plug-and-play, while PIA is a toolkit.
For users seeking the simplest possible experience across all devices without configuring apps or settings, the Shellfire Box stands out as an alternative. It requires no app installation and instantly encrypts all traffic through a single setup, which is especially helpful for families or those who want to cover smart TVs and IoT devices without technical hassle.
Customer Support
| Support Channel | CyberGhost | Private Internet Access (PIA) |
|---|---|---|
| Live Chat | Yes (24/7) | Yes (24/7) |
| Email Support | Yes | Yes |
| Knowledge Base | Extensive, well organized | Extensive, developer-oriented |
| Response Time | Under 1 hour (chat) | Under 30 minutes (chat) |
Both VPNs deliver solid support experiences. CyberGhost stands out with user-friendly documentation ideal for beginners, while PIA offers deeper technical resources and faster response times, especially useful for advanced users seeking help with custom setups or Linux installations.
Additional Features
| Feature | CyberGhost | Private Internet Access (PIA) |
|---|---|---|
| Ad & Tracker Blocking | Yes | Yes (MACE) |
| Port Forwarding | No | Yes |
| Dedicated IP | Yes (paid add-on) | Yes (paid add-on) |
| Split Tunneling | Yes (Windows, Android) | Yes (multiple OSes) |
| Multi-Hop | No | No |
| Open-Source Code | Partial | Yes |
PIA offers a more feature-rich environment for advanced users, including port forwarding and fully open-source clients.
CyberGhost prioritizes simplicity with fewer manual options, appealing more to users who want a clean interface with essential tools that work out of the box.
That said, while both CyberGhost and PIA offer a range of advanced features, Shellfire VPN provides a uniquely simple and consistent solution across platforms. It doesn’t include port forwarding or multi-hop, but it excels in seamless usability and whole-home protection through the Shellfire Box.
VPN Use Cases: Best Options for Streaming, Gaming, Torrenting & More
| Use Case | CyberGhost | Private Internet Access (PIA) |
|---|---|---|
| Streaming | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Torrenting / P2P | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Gaming | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Remote Work | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Budget-Friendly | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Censorship Resistance | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Best VPN for Streaming
CyberGhost is the better option thanks to its platform-specific server labels and easy access to major streaming platforms like Netflix and BBC iPlayer.
PIA works too, but requires more manual testing to find reliable servers.
Best VPN for Torrenting / P2P
PIA allows torrenting on all servers and includes port forwarding, which helps with seeding and speed.
CyberGhost is suitable for casual users but limits P2P to specific servers.
Best VPN for Gaming
PIA offers lower latency and better configuration control, making it ideal for competitive gamers. CyberGhost still performs well, particularly for DDoS protection and reducing ping.
Alternatively, Shellfire VPN via the Shellfire Box delivers reliable DDoS protection and stable performance for gamers who want to secure all their consoles and PCs through a single connection. It may not offer the same configuration depth as PIA, but it removes complexity entirely, making it a great fit for casual and family gaming setups.
Best VPN for Remote Work
CyberGhost is easier to deploy across devices with minimal configuration, perfect for working professionals.
PIA is better suited for IT experts and developers who need encryption and protocol flexibility.
Best VPN for Budget-Conscious Users
Both offer similar long-term pricing, but PIA provides unlimited connections, making it more scalable.
CyberGhost offers a longer 45-day money-back guarantee, which is reassuring for first-time users.
Best VPN for Censorship-Heavy Countries
PIA is better equipped to handle deep packet inspection and restrictive firewalls thanks to its obfuscation features.
CyberGhost may work in moderately restrictive regions but is not the ideal choice for circumventing state censorship.
Conclusion
CyberGhost and Private Internet Access each shine in their own right. CyberGhost is a strong choice for users who want a no-fuss VPN for streaming, casual browsing, and privacy—offering a polished interface and dedicated servers that make it incredibly accessible. Meanwhile, PIA appeals to advanced users who value configurability, open-source transparency, and performance even in challenging environments like censorship-heavy countries.
Alternatively, for those who prioritize simplicity and want to protect all their devices with zero technical setup, Shellfire VPN—especially when used with the Shellfire Box—offers a convenient plug-and-play solution. It stands out for providing network-wide VPN protection with minimal effort, making it ideal for families, smart home setups, or users who just want things to work securely out of the box.
