Quick Verdict

Surfshark and CyberGhost compete in the budget-premium VPN segment, quality services at prices below NordVPN and ExpressVPN. Surfshark differentiates with unlimited simultaneous connections and modern features. CyberGhost emphasizes streaming-optimized servers and a massive server network. For most users, Surfshark's unlimited connections, faster speeds, and feature innovation make it the better choice. CyberGhost suits users specifically focused on streaming access who value dedicated streaming servers.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Pricing and Value

Winner: Surfshark

Both services price aggressively on long-term plans, with 2-year rates around $2-3/month. The raw pricing is comparable.

The value difference is connections: Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous devices on one account. CyberGhost limits to 7 devices. For families or users with many devices, Surfshark's unlimited policy provides better value on identical pricing.

Surfshark wins on value through the unlimited device allowance.

Speed Performance

Winner: Surfshark

Surfshark's WireGuard implementation consistently delivers top-tier speeds, often 90%+ of baseline connection speed. The performance rivals premium services costing significantly more.

CyberGhost speeds are acceptable but not exceptional. WireGuard support exists, but performance benchmarks typically show Surfshark faster across most server locations.

For speed-sensitive use (gaming, 4K streaming, large downloads), Surfshark performs better.

Server Network

Winner: CyberGhost

CyberGhost operates 9,000+ servers in 90+ countries, one of the largest networks available. More servers typically means less congestion and more location options.

Surfshark operates 3,200+ servers in 100 countries. The country coverage is broader, but server quantity is lower.

For users wanting maximum server choice or avoiding congestion, CyberGhost's network size is advantageous.

Streaming Access

Winner: Tie

Both services prioritize streaming. CyberGhost labels servers specifically for Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and other platforms, you choose the streaming-specific server for your target service.

Surfshark doesn't label servers by streaming platform but reliably accesses major services. The approach is less guided but equally effective.

For streaming, both work well. CyberGhost's labeling is more beginner-friendly; Surfshark requires slightly more experimentation.

Features

Winner: Surfshark

Surfshark includes CleanWeb (ad/malware blocking), MultiHop (double VPN), Camouflage Mode (hide VPN usage), NoBorders Mode (bypass VPN blocks), and Whitelister (split tunneling). The feature set is comprehensive.

CyberGhost includes ad blocking and split tunneling but fewer innovative features. The functionality is solid but less extensive.

Surfshark's feature innovation exceeds CyberGhost's more traditional approach.

Privacy and Security

Winner: Surfshark (slightly)

Both services maintain no-logs policies with independent audits. Both are headquartered in privacy-friendly jurisdictions (Surfshark in the Netherlands, CyberGhost in Romania).

Surfshark's RAM-only server infrastructure is more consistently implemented. CyberGhost has faced ownership-related privacy concerns (Kape Technologies) that some users find concerning.

Both are secure; Surfshark has fewer privacy question marks.

App Experience

Winner: Tie

Both services offer polished apps across all major platforms. CyberGhost's interface emphasizes streaming server selection. Surfshark's interface emphasizes features and customization.

Neither has significant usability issues. The choice is aesthetic preference more than quality difference.

When to Choose Surfshark

Surfshark is the right choice when:

• Unlimited devices needed: Family use or many personal devices
• Speed matters: Best-in-class performance for the price
• Feature innovation valued: Modern capabilities beyond basic VPN
• Privacy priority: Fewer ownership concerns
• Value maximization: Best feature-to-price ratio

When to Choose CyberGhost

CyberGhost is the right choice when:

• Streaming focus: Dedicated streaming server labeling
• Massive server network wanted: 9,000+ servers, 90+ countries
• Beginner-friendly interface preferred: Streaming-guided server selection
• 7 devices is sufficient: Don't need unlimited connections
• Long track record valued: Established service since 2011

Final Recommendation

Choose Surfshark for the best overall value in budget-premium VPN. Unlimited connections, excellent speeds, and innovative features create a compelling package that suits most users. The price matches CyberGhost while delivering more.

Choose CyberGhost if streaming is your primary VPN use and you value the guided streaming server selection. The massive server network also benefits users who frequently need servers in specific locations.

For general VPN use, Surfshark is the stronger choice. CyberGhost's advantages are specific, streaming focus and server quantity, while Surfshark's advantages are broad.