Looking for the faster, more private VPN? ExpressVPN beats CyberGhost with 7% speed loss vs 10%, and boasts 23 independent audits for stronger privacy verification. CyberGhost offers better value at $2.19/month compared to ExpressVPN’s premium $4.99/month pricing.
Key Takeaways
- ExpressVPN outperforms CyberGhost in speed tests with only 7% average speed loss compared to CyberGhost’s 10% reduction
- Both VPNs utilize RAM-only server architecture, but ExpressVPN’s 23 independent audits provide stronger privacy verification than CyberGhost’s limited Deloitte audits
- CyberGhost offers better value at $2.19/month compared to ExpressVPN’s premium $4.99/month pricing
- ExpressVPN’s post-quantum encryption and all-US state coverage demonstrate their commitment to future-proofing security
- TechEd Publishers provides in-depth analysis of top VPN services to help you make informed privacy decisions
Wondering which of these top VPN contenders takes the crown in 2025? ExpressVPN and CyberGhost have both made significant improvements, but their performance differences are clear. TechEd Publishers has tested both services extensively to determine which delivers better speed and stronger privacy protection.
Speed Performance Battle: The Numbers Don’t Lie
1. Local Connection Performance: 7% vs 10% Speed Loss
When connecting to nearby servers, ExpressVPN demonstrates exceptional performance with only a 7% average reduction in speeds. This minimal slowdown means you’ll barely notice you’re using a VPN during everyday browsing, streaming, and downloads.
CyberGhost, while still delivering respectable performance, experiences a more noticeable 10% speed reduction on local connections. For most casual users, this difference may seem negligible, but it becomes apparent during bandwidth-intensive activities.
The technical advantage comes from ExpressVPN’s proprietary Lightway protocol, which delivers outstanding efficiency with just a 3.8% speed drop on nearby servers. CyberGhost’s implementation of WireGuard protocol trails behind with a 6.3% reduction in similar testing conditions.
2. Long-Distance Server Speeds: 12% vs 20% Reduction
The performance gap widens dramatically when connecting to international servers. ExpressVPN maintains impressive consistency with only a 12% speed drop when connecting to distant locations across continents. This remarkable performance ensures smooth 4K streaming and large file transfers regardless of server distance.
CyberGhost struggles significantly with long-distance connections, suffering a substantial 20% speed reduction. This degradation becomes particularly problematic for users who frequently need to access content from other regions or who travel internationally while using their VPN.
For those who value consistent performance across global servers, ExpressVPN’s superior long-distance speeds make it the clear choice for international use cases.
3. Real-World Impact on Streaming, Gaming, and Downloads
These speed differences translate directly to everyday usage. ExpressVPN consistently delivers buffer-free 4K streaming, even during peak hours. Gamers experience minimal latency increases, and large file downloads maintain near-native speeds, saving valuable time.
CyberGhost performs adequately for HD streaming on local servers but may require occasional buffering for 4K content, especially on distant servers. Downloads are noticeably slower compared to ExpressVPN, particularly for larger files from international sources.
4. Technology Behind the Speed: Lightway vs WireGuard
ExpressVPN’s proprietary Lightway protocol was reimplemented in Rust in 2025, providing enhanced security alongside its speed benefits. It’s specifically engineered to maintain performance over unreliable networks and reconnect instantly when switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data.
CyberGhost relies on the industry-standard WireGuard protocol, which offers good general performance but lacks the optimizations ExpressVPN has built into Lightway specifically for challenging network conditions.
Before diving deeper into privacy and server comparisons, explore how these services stack up across all key metrics with our interactive comparison tool:
VPN Comparison Tool 2025
Compare ExpressVPN vs CyberGhost across key metrics
- Local Speed Loss: 7%
- International Loss: 12%
- Protocol: Lightway (Rust)
- Local Speed Loss: 10%
- International Loss: 20%
- Protocol: WireGuard
Choose based on your priorities: ExpressVPN for speed & security, CyberGhost for value
As the comparison tool demonstrates, both services excel in different areas. Let’s examine the privacy and security features that set them apart…
Privacy and Security Face-Off
1. Audit History: ExpressVPN’s 23 Audits vs CyberGhost’s Deloitte Verification
ExpressVPN stands out with an impressive 23 independent audits, including their most recent KPMG audit in February 2025. This rigorous third-party verification confirms their no-logs policy and validates the security of their TrustedServer technology. The frequency and depth of these audits demonstrate an unmatched commitment to transparency.
CyberGhost has undergone Deloitte audits in 2022 and 2023 that verified their no-logs claims. While these audits provide important validation, they’re less frequent than ExpressVPN’s ongoing verification program, leaving longer gaps between independent security checks.
2. Jurisdiction and Data Protection: BVI vs Romania
ExpressVPN operates under British Virgin Islands jurisdiction, providing excellent privacy protection due to the absence of mandatory data retention laws and the jurisdiction’s independence from surveillance alliances like Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, and Fourteen Eyes.
CyberGhost is based in Romania, also outside major surveillance alliances and with privacy-friendly legislation. Both jurisdictions offer strong legal protection for VPN users, though the BVI’s stricter privacy laws give ExpressVPN a slight edge.
3. RAM-Only Server Architecture: How Both Protect Your Data
Both services employ RAM-only server infrastructure, meaning all data is wiped with every server reboot. This approach ensures that even if servers were physically seized, no user data would be retrievable.
ExpressVPN calls this TrustedServer technology, while CyberGhost emphasizes their RAM-only approach alongside their NoSpy servers located in Romania, which are exclusively operated by CyberGhost staff for enhanced security control.
4. Kill Switch Reliability: Critical Security Differences
A VPN kill switch is essential for preventing data leaks if your connection drops unexpectedly. ExpressVPN’s Network Lock feature consistently performs as expected, immediately cutting internet access if the VPN disconnects for any reason.
CyberGhost’s kill switch has shown reliability issues in 2025 testing, with some users reporting that it failed to activate during server switches, potentially exposing their real IP address. This vulnerability could compromise privacy during unstable connections.
5. Advanced Security Features: Post-Quantum Protection vs NoSpy Servers
ExpressVPN has implemented post-quantum encryption in 2025, preparing users for the future threat of quantum computing potentially breaking current encryption standards. This forward-thinking approach ensures long-term security for sensitive data.
CyberGhost counters with its NoSpy servers, physically located in their Romanian headquarters and managed exclusively by their team. This arrangement minimizes third-party access risks and provides an additional layer of privacy protection.
Server Network Comparison
1. Size and Global Coverage: 9,600+ vs 3,000+ Servers
CyberGhost boasts an impressive network of over 9,600 servers spread across 100 countries. This extensive infrastructure reduces server congestion and provides users with more options for finding optimal connections. The sheer number of servers helps maintain consistent performance even during peak usage times.
ExpressVPN operates a more modest 3,000+ servers but covers slightly more territory with presence in 105 countries. While the server count is lower, ExpressVPN’s strategic server placement ensures comprehensive global coverage for users worldwide.
2. Server Quality and Specialization
CyberGhost offers specialized servers optimized for specific activities: streaming, gaming, and torrenting. These purpose-built servers are clearly labeled in the app, taking the guesswork out of finding the right connection for your needs. This specialized approach provides optimized performance for bandwidth-intensive activities.
ExpressVPN takes a different approach, maintaining high-quality servers that perform well across all activities without specialized categorization. Their emphasis is on consistent performance regardless of server choice, simplifying the user experience but potentially missing optimization opportunities for specific use cases.
3. ExpressVPN’s 50-State US Coverage Advantage
A standout feature for ExpressVPN is its comprehensive coverage across all 50 US states as of 2025. This granular coverage allows users to access location-specific content from any state and provides more precise geolocation when needed for services that verify at the state level.
CyberGhost offers strong US coverage but doesn’t match ExpressVPN’s state-by-state presence. For users specifically needing varied US access points, ExpressVPN’s complete state coverage represents a significant advantage.
Streaming and Content Access
1. Netflix Unblocking Success Rates
ExpressVPN consistently provides reliable access to Netflix libraries across all tested regions. Its servers rarely trigger proxy detection, allowing for uninterrupted streaming without frequent disconnections or error messages.
CyberGhost’s dedicated streaming servers work well with Netflix, but with less consistency than ExpressVPN. Some servers occasionally trigger Netflix’s VPN detection, requiring users to switch servers to resume streaming.
2. Performance with Other Major Streaming Platforms
Both VPNs successfully unblock popular streaming services like Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, and Amazon Prime Video. ExpressVPN generally provides more consistent access across all platforms, while CyberGhost’s specialized streaming servers deliver good but occasionally variable results.
3. Quality and Buffering Comparison
ExpressVPN’s superior speed consistency translates to smoother streaming experiences with less buffering, particularly for 4K content on international servers. CyberGhost performs adequately for most streaming needs but may require quality adjustments for 4K content when using distant servers.
Value and Pricing Analysis
1. Subscription Cost Breakdown: $2.19 vs $4.99 Monthly
CyberGhost offers exceptional value with prices starting at just $2.19 per month on long-term plans. This budget-friendly pricing makes it accessible to cost-conscious users without significantly compromising on core VPN functionality.
ExpressVPN positions itself as a premium service with pricing starting at $4.99 per month. While more than twice the cost of CyberGhost, many users find the performance and reliability differences justify the higher price point.
2. Money-Back Guarantees: 45 vs 30 Days
CyberGhost provides a generous 45-day money-back guarantee, giving users ample time to thoroughly test the service across various devices and use cases before committing.
ExpressVPN offers a standard 30-day money-back guarantee, which is sufficient for testing but less generous than CyberGhost’s extended evaluation period.
3. Feature-to-Price Ratio Assessment
When evaluating price against features, CyberGhost delivers excellent value, especially for users primarily concerned with basic privacy protection, streaming, and P2P activities. Its specialized servers and lower cost make it an attractive option for budget-minded users.
ExpressVPN commands a premium price but delivers superior speed consistency, more reliable performance in restrictive countries, and cutting-edge security features like post-quantum encryption. For users prioritizing performance and advanced security, the higher cost is often justified by these advantages.
Advanced Features Worth Noting
1. Split Tunneling Availability Across Platforms
ExpressVPN’s split tunneling feature is available on Windows, macOS (10.15 and earlier), Android, and Linux. This versatility allows users on most platforms to route specific apps or websites outside the VPN tunnel while keeping other traffic encrypted.
CyberGhost offers split tunneling only on Android devices, limiting this useful feature to mobile users. This restriction is noteworthy for users who need granular control over which desktop applications use the VPN connection.
2. Device Connection Limits: 8 vs 7
ExpressVPN allows up to 8 simultaneous device connections, while CyberGhost permits 7 devices. The difference is minimal but could matter for larger households with many connected devices.
3. Torrenting Performance and P2P Support
Both VPNs fully support P2P activities on all servers, making them suitable choices for torrenting. CyberGhost’s dedicated P2P servers provide optimized performance for file sharing, while ExpressVPN’s consistently fast speeds across all servers benefit torrenting without requiring specialized server selection.
4. Censorship Circumvention in Restrictive Countries
ExpressVPN excels at bypassing internet censorship in restrictive countries like China, Russia, and the UAE. Its obfuscation technology effectively hides VPN traffic, making it appear as regular encrypted web traffic to evade blocking.
CyberGhost struggles in highly censored regions and is not recommended for use in countries with aggressive VPN blocking measures. This limitation is significant for travelers or residents in countries with internet restrictions.
The Final Verdict: Which VPN Delivers Better Value in 2025?
ExpressVPN emerges as the overall performance and privacy winner in 2025. Its superior speeds (especially on international connections), more extensive audit history, advanced security features like post-quantum encryption, and reliable performance in censorship-heavy regions justify its premium pricing for users who prioritize these aspects.
CyberGhost remains an excellent value option, offering solid privacy fundamentals, specialized servers, and a larger server network at less than half the cost of ExpressVPN. For budget-conscious users who primarily need a VPN for streaming, basic privacy protection, and use within non-restrictive countries, CyberGhost delivers exceptional value.
Your choice ultimately depends on your specific needs: if maximum performance and advanced security are your priorities, ExpressVPN is worth the investment. If you’re seeking good value while maintaining decent privacy protection, CyberGhost is the more economical choice.
TechEd Publishers continues to provide comprehensive comparisons of leading privacy and security tools to help you make informed decisions about protecting your digital life.