Shellfire

Surfshark and CyberGhost (often called Ghost VPN) are two of the most popular VPN services for people who want strong privacy, easy streaming and a fair price. On paper they look quite similar, yet in practice they differ noticeably in network size, performance and day to day usability. In this comparison, we will walk through the details in a practical way so you can decide which one actually fits your routine rather than just looks good on a spec sheet.

Surfshark is best known for its unlimited device connections and powerful privacy features, while CyberGhost offers one of the largest server fleets on the market. We will look at their infrastructure, speed, security and streaming performance, and also how each behaves in real world scenarios like gaming, bypassing censorship or working remotely. By the end, you should have a clear picture of the strengths and weaknesses of both providers, similar to what you would expect from a thorough VPN Vergleich or VPN Testbericht on German tech sites.

Key Points

• Surfshark operates 4,500+ servers in around 100 countries, supports unlimited device connections and offers advanced tools like MultiHop, Camouflage Mode, NoBorders and split tunneling, which makes it very attractive in many “bestes VPN” and “Streaming VPN” rankings.
• CyberGhost runs roughly 9,900 servers in 100+ countries and locations, has a strict no logs policy and is based in Romania, although users sometimes report slower speeds and occasional connection issues depending on the server and time of day.
• Both services unblock major streaming platforms and work well for Netflix and other video services, but Surfshark usually delivers faster, more consistent speeds, while CyberGhost offers many specialized streaming servers and a wider choice of locations.

Quick Comparison: Surfshark vs Ghost VPN

Feature	Surfshark	Ghost VPN (CyberGhost)
Server count	4,500+ servers in around 100 countries	9,900+ servers in 100+ countries and locations
Encryption & protocols	AES-256; OpenVPN, WireGuard and IKEv2	AES-256; OpenVPN, WireGuard and IKEv2
Simultaneous connections	Unlimited devices	7 devices
Streaming & P2P	Unblocks Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+ and supports P2P on most servers	Specialized streaming servers; P2P allowed and servers optimized for torrenting
Logging & jurisdiction	Based in the Netherlands with a no logs policy; connection metadata kept for about 15 minutes then deleted	Based in Romania with a strict no logs policy
Notable features	MultiHop, Camouflage, NoBorders, split tunneling, CleanWeb (ad and tracker blocker)	Streaming and gaming profiles, Smart Rules automation, specialty servers including NoSpy

Surfshark delivers a very modern feature set with unlimited device connections and obfuscation modes (Camouflage and NoBorders) that help hide VPN use and get around basic VPN blocks, including in some VPN für Deutschland streaming scenarios. CyberGhost counters with an enormous server network and specialized profiles for streaming, torrenting and gaming. Both support P2P and rely on strong AES-256 encryption with modern VPN protocols. In practice, CyberGhost can experience noticeable speed drops and occasional connection issues on some servers, while Surfshark, although smaller, tends to offer more consistent speeds and a few extra privacy focused modes.

Those looking for a simple but secure alternative without too many settings to tweak could also consider other solutions. The Shellfire VPN app and the compact Shellfire Box focus on easy setup and stable performance. In terms of complexity and feature depth, they sit somewhere between Surfshark with its advanced options and CyberGhost with its very large server list and ready made profiles.

Infrastructure & Global Coverage

Provider	Servers & locations	Jurisdiction
Surfshark	4,500+ servers in around 100 countries and many city level locations	Netherlands (part of wider intelligence sharing alliances but operates with a strict no logs policy)
CyberGhost	Approximately 9,900 servers in 100+ countries and 125 locations	Romania (outside the Five Eyes alliances and generally considered privacy friendly)

CyberGhost clearly wins on raw server count, offering one of the biggest fleets on the market and plenty of regional options. This is useful if you want a specific country IP (for example for German content in the EU or a VPN für Schweiz) or you often change virtual locations. That said, Surfshark with 4,500+ servers is not small at all and still provides strong global coverage across Europe, the Americas, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa. In day to day use, both services give you enough choice that you rarely feel limited.

On the privacy side, both providers advertise strict no logs policies. Surfshark does temporarily retain some connection metadata, such as IP address and timestamps, but removes this automatically after roughly 15 minutes and does not log browsing history or traffic content. CyberGhost, headquartered in Romania, benefits from local laws that are comparatively privacy friendly and outside the classic Five Eyes surveillance group. In independent VPN Test and VPN Vergleich articles, both are often listed among trustworthy VPN Anbieter for users who care about anonymity and jurisdiction.

Speed & Performance

Provider	Average download/upload	Latency impact
Surfshark	Fast downloads with WireGuard and only minor speed reductions compared to baseline	Low latency, generally suitable for gaming and video calls
CyberGhost	Noticeable speed drops on many servers, sometimes up to 40 to 50 percent depending on region	Higher latency and occasional connection issues or slow initiation

Surfshark tends to perform very well when using the WireGuard protocol, which has become the go to option for many users who want a mix of speed and security. In typical real life testing, the speed reduction is minimal, often small enough that you barely notice it while browsing or streaming. This makes it one of the better choices for bandwidth heavy use. Gamers also appreciate the stable latency, since sudden spikes can be frustrating during fast paced online play.

CyberGhost, although impressive on paper due to its huge server network, often shows varying performance in practice. Some of its servers are excellent, while others can drop speeds by 40 percent or more. This can be due to congestion or simply the nature of shared VPN infrastructure. For everyday tasks the speeds are usually fine, but if you rely on consistent speed for cloud backups, competitive gaming or big downloads, you may prefer a steadier option.

Security & Privacy

Provider	Encryption & protocols	Logging policy	Extra security
Surfshark	AES-256 encryption with OpenVPN, WireGuard and IKEv2	No logs policy; minimal connection data stored briefly for management	Kill switch, MultiHop, Camouflage, NoBorders, CleanWeb ad and tracker blocker
CyberGhost	AES-256 encryption with OpenVPN, WireGuard and IKEv2	Strict no logs policy, Romania jurisdiction	Kill switch, NoSpy servers, streaming and gaming profiles

Both Surfshark and CyberGhost use industry standard AES-256 encryption paired with modern VPN protocols. These combinations keep your traffic safe even on unsecured Wi Fi, such as in airports or hotels. Where Surfshark tries to stand out is through privacy oriented extras. MultiHop routes your traffic through two VPN servers, making your footprint a bit harder to trace. Camouflage and NoBorders help hide VPN usage and bypass basic filters, something travelers in restrictive countries may find helpful. CleanWeb blocks ads and trackers directly at the network level, which can make websites load a little cleaner.

CyberGhost focuses more on ease of use through its profiles, such as dedicated modes for streaming or gaming. Its NoSpy servers, managed directly by the company in Romania, offer an extra layer of trust because fewer third parties are involved. It does not include multi hop or strong obfuscation features, so it is less reliable for bypassing tough firewalls, but for general privacy it is still a solid choice.

Streaming Performance

Provider	Netflix	Other platforms	Stability
Surfshark	Unblocks Netflix libraries worldwide	Works with BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime	Stable and capable of HD and 4K streaming
CyberGhost	Dedicated servers reliably unblock Netflix	Dedicated servers for Disney+, BBC iPlayer and more	Occasional buffering or speed fluctuations during peak times

For streaming fans, Surfshark is often the safer bet because it consistently unlocks various Netflix regions plus other popular platforms. Its obfuscation features can help when services become stricter about blocking VPN traffic. Video quality usually stays high, even in 4K, and buffering is rare on well chosen servers. This reliability is a big reason why Surfshark frequently appears near the top of “best streaming VPN” lists in Germany and elsewhere.

CyberGhost does offer dedicated streaming servers, which makes it extremely easy to pick the right server without guessing. Simply scroll through the list, choose your platform and connect. This works nicely most of the time, although evening hours or busy weekends may bring some buffering or slower loading times. For casual streaming it is a great option, but for heavy binge watchers consistency matters, and this is where Surfshark still edges ahead.

Platform Compatibility

Provider	Desktop	Mobile	Browser/Other
Surfshark	Windows, macOS, Linux	Android, iOS	Browser extensions; smart TVs; Fire TV; unlimited devices
CyberGhost	Windows, macOS, Linux	Android, iOS	Browser extensions; smart TVs; seven devices total

Both VPNs support all major operating systems and devices, including smart TVs and browser extensions. One major convenience point in Surfshark’s favor is its support for unlimited devices. This is particularly handy for households where multiple people watch videos, play games or work online at the same time. You do not have to think about device limits or logouts. CyberGhost limits users to seven devices, which is fine for individuals but may feel a bit tight for larger families or tech heavy environments.

Performance in Censorship Heavy Countries

Provider	China	Russia	Iran	Turkey
Surfshark	Often works using NoBorders mode; Camouflage helps hide VPN usage	Reliable when obfuscation is enabled	Works but can be slower	Generally reliable
CyberGhost	May struggle due to lack of strong obfuscation	Unreliable	Unreliable	Mixed results

Users in highly restrictive countries often need a VPN with strong stealth features. Surfshark includes several tools that allow it to function in environments where regular VPN traffic is blocked. It is not perfect, since censorship technology evolves constantly, but it is far more reliable than average. CyberGhost lacks dedicated obfuscation, so its functionality in these regions is hit or miss. If you plan to travel through such countries, choosing a provider with solid stealth features makes the experience far less stressful.

User Experience & Apps

Provider	Interface	Ease of use	Stability
Surfshark	Clean, modern interface with quick connect	Beginner friendly with helpful advanced settings	Stable connections with minimal drops
CyberGhost	Profile based interface with streaming and gaming modes	Simple for beginners; fewer advanced tweaks	Occasional connection drops depending on server load

The app experience differs quite a bit between the two. Surfshark offers a clean and modern design that feels intuitive after just a few minutes. There is a quick connect button for those who want to get online right away, but also a detailed settings area with protocol choices, MultiHop configuration and privacy features. It feels polished, almost like something you would find in a premium cybersecurity suite.

CyberGhost places more emphasis on ready made profiles, which can be very convenient. For example, if you want to stream Netflix, you simply pick the appropriate profile and the app connects you to the best server. This reduces guesswork, especially for beginners. The downside is that CyberGhost offers fewer deep configuration options, which power users may find limiting. Also, connection stability can vary, particularly during busy periods.

If you prefer a simple hardware based approach, the Shellfire Box offers a plug and play solution that protects every device in your home without manually installing VPN software. It is not as feature rich as software based VPNs, but it saves time and avoids configuration headaches.

Customer Support

Provider	Support channels	Response time	Resources
Surfshark	24/7 live chat and email support	Responses usually within seconds	Extensive guides, tutorials and FAQs
CyberGhost	24/7 live chat and email support	Responses vary from minutes to hours	Solid FAQ and knowledge base

Support quality matters more than people expect, especially if they run into connection issues or want help configuring the VPN on a router. Surfshark typically offers faster and more detailed responses through live chat. Its support team usually answers within a few seconds, and the knowledge base is full of practical tutorials.

CyberGhost also offers 24/7 support, but response times depend on the time of day and demand. The answers are helpful, though sometimes more general. Both providers include enough documentation to help users independently solve common issues. If you are comparing multiple VPNs, you can also check our detailed support analysis in the Hotspot Shield vs NordVPN guide.

Additional Features

Provider	Notable extras
Surfshark	MultiHop, Camouflage, NoBorders, CleanWeb, split tunneling, unlimited devices
CyberGhost	Streaming and gaming profiles, Smart Rules automation, NoSpy servers, dedicated IP

The extra features offered by both VPNs highlight their different design philosophies. Surfshark leans heavily into privacy and security tools. MultiHop routes your connection through two countries for additional anonymity. Camouflage makes encrypted VPN traffic look more like regular traffic, which can be useful for avoiding throttling or bypassing basic VPN filters. NoBorders tries to detect network restrictions and automatically adapt to them. CleanWeb blocks ads, malware and trackers without needing browser plugins.

CyberGhost aims for a simpler, automation friendly approach. Its Smart Rules allow the VPN to launch automatically with certain apps, which is convenient if you use torrent clients or remote work software. Its NoSpy servers are hosted and maintained in a secure Romanian facility, adding reassurance for privacy minded users. It also offers dedicated IP addresses, helpful for online banking or accessing company resources that filter unknown IPs.

For casual users who want reliable protection without needing to understand every setting, the Shellfire Box again serves as an alternative that keeps things simple while maintaining steady performance across devices.

VPN Use Cases: Best Options for Streaming, Gaming, Torrenting & More

Use case	Surfshark	CyberGhost
Streaming	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Torrenting / P2P	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Gaming	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐	⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Remote work	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Budget friendly	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Censorship heavy countries	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐	⭐ ⭐

Best VPN for Streaming

Both Surfshark and CyberGhost are popular choices for streaming worldwide. Surfshark usually has the edge because its speeds stay high and consistent, even during busy hours. It unlocks multiple Netflix libraries and handles services like Disney+, Amazon Prime Video and BBC iPlayer with ease. Its unlimited device policy is a nice bonus for households where everyone streams on different gadgets.

CyberGhost offers dedicated streaming servers that clearly label which platform they work best with. This is very beginner friendly and removes guesswork. While these servers usually perform well, speeds can dip during peak times, which may cause occasional buffering. For most users the experience is still solid, but consistency matters if you are a heavy streamer.

Best VPN for Torrenting / P2P

Surfshark supports torrenting across most of its servers and includes a kill switch plus split tunneling. This mix gives you control over which apps use the VPN and which use the regular connection. It is a helpful setup for anyone downloading large files or using multiple apps at the same time.

CyberGhost also supports torrenting and provides optional privacy tools like NoSpy servers. Its Smart Rules can automatically activate the VPN whenever you start a torrent client, which is a small but thoughtful touch. Both providers perform well here, with Surfshark taking a slight lead because of its extra privacy features and more consistent speeds.

Best VPN for Gaming

Gamers need two things: low latency and stable speeds. Surfshark tends to deliver both, especially when using WireGuard. It also has NoBorders mode, which sometimes helps maintain stable ping on distant servers. CyberGhost offers dedicated gaming servers, but some users report lag spikes or connection instability during peak hours. For competitive play, consistency is key, and Surfshark remains the more dependable option.

Best VPN for Remote Work

Working remotely requires a secure and stable connection, especially when accessing corporate resources or cloud platforms. Surfshark offers split tunneling so you can route only specific apps through the VPN, keeping others on your regular connection. CyberGhost makes things simpler with Smart Rules, allowing you to automate when the VPN turns on. Both function well, so your preference comes down to whether you prefer customization or convenience.

Best VPN for Budget Conscious Users

Both Surfshark and CyberGhost offer long term plans that are competitively priced and regularly discounted. In many VPN Vergleich articles, they are considered strong options for users who want premium features without premium prices. The main difference lies in device limits. CyberGhost caps accounts at seven devices, which is enough for individuals and small households but can feel restrictive for larger families or people with several laptops, phones and smart devices.

Surfshark, with its unlimited device policy, tends to offer better overall value if you want to protect many devices at once. For those who simply want a reliable, easy to use VPN at an affordable price, alternatives with simpler setups exist as well, including the VPN offered by Shellfire.

Best VPN for Censorship Heavy Countries

Internet restrictions vary widely between countries, but users in places like China, Russia or Iran often need VPNs with strong obfuscation technology to avoid detection. Surfshark includes two such tools, Camouflage and NoBorders, which give it a significant advantage in these situations. They allow users to bypass common filtering methods and keep access to essential services.

CyberGhost lacks these stealth modes and therefore struggles in most censorship heavy environments. It may work intermittently, but relying on it consistently in such countries is not ideal. Travelers who want a dependable solution should consider VPNs that specialize in bypassing blocks or consult comparisons like our analysis of Hotspot Shield vs ProtonVPN for alternatives with strong obfuscation features.

Conclusion

Surfshark and CyberGhost both deliver strong value, though they appeal to slightly different types of users. Surfshark stands out with unlimited device connections, consistently high speeds and privacy oriented extras like MultiHop, Camouflage and NoBorders. It fits well for people who juggle multiple devices, share accounts with family or travel to countries where internet restrictions can be a problem. These qualities make it a frequent recommendation in many VPN Testberichte and privacy focused discussions.

CyberGhost shines with its enormous server network, friendly profile based interface and well organized streaming categories. Its performance is perfectly adequate for most users, though some servers can feel slow or unstable at busy times. If you value easy navigation, a huge selection of virtual locations and clearly labeled streaming servers, CyberGhost is a strong contender.

In the end, your ideal choice depends on what you value most. If you need stable performance, stealth features and unlimited devices, Surfshark is likely the better pick. If you want a VPN with tons of server choices and a simple, profile driven interface, CyberGhost may suit you more.

For readers exploring alternatives, Shellfire’s products provide a different kind of convenience. Both the Shellfire VPN and the hardware based Shellfire Box offer straightforward protection without overwhelming the user with settings. They occupy a comfortable middle ground, providing steady performance that compares well to the two VPNs reviewed here while keeping setup simple for beginners or busy households.