Surfshark vs CyberGhost 2026: Speed vs Value
CyberGhost leads in value for money (9.6 score) and Netflix compatibility, while Surfshark excels in speed performance and WireGuard protocol security. Both offer servers in 100 countries and support torrenting.
Surfshark
Budget-friendly VPN with unlimited simultaneous connections and strong encryption
Users prioritizing speed, those needing advanced security protocols, and power users who stream or torrent frequently
CyberGhost
Budget-friendly VPN with 11,500+ servers and specialized streaming servers, owned by Kape Technologies.
Budget-conscious users, Netflix streamers, customers prioritizing support quality, and those seeking best overall value
Quick Answer
AI SummaryCyberGhost leads in value for money (9.6 score) and Netflix compatibility, while Surfshark excels in speed performance and WireGuard protocol security. Both offer servers in 100 countries and support torrenting.
Our Verdict
AI-assistedChoose CyberGhost if budget is your primary concern and you want the best value for money with excellent Netflix access and superior customer support satisfaction. Choose Surfshark if you prioritize speed performance, want the latest WireGuard security protocol, and need faster connection speeds for streaming or intensive activities.
Was this verdict helpful?
Choose Surfshark if
Users prioritizing speed, those needing advanced security protocols, and power users who stream or torrent frequently
Choose CyberGhost if
Best pickBudget-conscious users, Netflix streamers, customers prioritizing support quality, and those seeking best overall value
Track this comparison
Get notified when prices change, new specs ship, or our verdict updates.
Triggers: price change new spec verdict update
No spam. Stop anytime.
Key Differences at a Glance
- Value for Money Score:✓ CyberGhost wins(9.6 vs 8.9)
- VPN Speed Performance:✓ Surfshark wins(Significantly faster (WireGuard) vs Slower on average)
- Netflix Compatibility:✓ CyberGhost wins(Excellent vs Good)
Key Facts & Figures
43 numeric metrics compared
| Metric | Surfshark | CyberGhost | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Monthly Price (2-year plan)(USD/month) | $2.49 | — | — |
| Server Locations(countries) | 105 countries | — | — |
| Value for Money Score(/10) | 8.9 | 9.6 | |
| Global Server Coverage(countries) | 100 countries | 100 countries | |
| Speed Performance Rating(out of 10) | 9.8/10 | — | — |
| Security Rating(out of 10) | 10.0/10 | — | — |
| Streaming Capability Rating(out of 10) | 9.6/10 | — | — |
| Gaming Performance Rating(out of 10) | 9.0/10 | — | — |
| Annual Subscription Price(USD) | $2.19/month | — | — |
| Average Download Speed(Mbps) | 628 Mbps | 78 Mbps | |
| VPN Server Locations(countries) | 100 countries | — | — |
| Total VPN Servers(servers) | 3,200+ servers | — | — |
| Money-Back Guarantee(days) | 30 days | — | — |
| Independent Security Audit(year) | 2023 (Deloitte) | — | — |
| Server Count(servers) | 3,200+ | — | — |
| Latest Security Audit Year | 2023 (Cure53) | — | — |
| Streaming Services Optimized(platforms) | 15+ optimized services | — | — |
| Monthly Price (Annual Plan)(USD) | $2.19 | — | — |
| Annual Plan Price(USD/month) | $2.19/month | — | — |
| Total Server Count(servers) | 3,200+ | 11,500+ | |
| Global Server Network(servers) | 3,200+ servers | — | — |
| Country Coverage(countries) | 100 countries | — | — |
| Independent Security Audits(audits) | 1 (PwC 2023) | — | — |
| Money-Back Guarantee Period(days) | 30 days | 45 days | |
| Monthly Price (Best Annual Deal)(USD) | $2.19/month | — | — |
| Countries with Servers(countries) | 100 countries | 100 countries | |
| Monthly Price (Standard Plan)(USD) | $2.19 | — | — |
| Annual Price (Lowest Tier)(USD) | $26.28 | — | — |
| Server Network Size(servers) | 3,200+ | — | — |
| Countries Covered(countries) | 100+ countries | — | — |
| Basic Plan Monthly Cost(USD) | $2.19 | $2.19 | |
| Server Count(servers) | 11,500+ | 11,500+ | |
| Country Coverage(countries) | 100 | 100 | |
| Simultaneous Connections(devices) | 7 | 7 | |
| Annual Cost (Best Plan)(USD) | $26.28 | $26.28 | |
| Starting Monthly Price(USD) | $2.03 | $2.03 | |
| Standard Monthly Price(USD) | $12.99 | $12.99 | |
| Server Locations Coverage(countries) | 100 | 100 | |
| Value for Money Rating(out of 10) | 8.2 | 8.2 | |
| 2-Year Plan Average Cost(USD/month) | $2.19 | $2.19 | |
| Annual Subscription Cost (Per Month)(USD) | $2.19/month | $2.19/month | |
| Netflix Unblocking Success Rate(%) | 97% | 97% | |
| Simultaneous Device Connections(devices) | 7 devices | 7 devices |
Sourced from publicly available data ·
Key Differences
7 attributes compared head-to-head
- 8.9Value for Money Score9.6(winner)
- Significantly faster (WireGuard)(winner)VPN Speed PerformanceSlower on average
- GoodNetflix CompatibilityExcellent(winner)
- 100 countriesServer Coverage100 countries
- WireGuard (latest encryption)(winner)Security Protocol OptionsStandard protocols
- Very GoodCustomer Support RatingMost Satisfied(winner)
- Fully supportedTorrenting SupportFully supported
- Value for Money Score
Surfshark
8.9
CyberGhost
9.6(winner)
- VPN Speed Performance
Surfshark
Significantly faster (WireGuard)(winner)
CyberGhost
Slower on average
- Netflix Compatibility
Surfshark
Good
CyberGhost
Excellent(winner)
- Server Coverage
Surfshark
100 countries
CyberGhost
100 countries
- Security Protocol Options
Surfshark
WireGuard (latest encryption)(winner)
CyberGhost
Standard protocols
- Customer Support Rating
Surfshark
Very Good
CyberGhost
Most Satisfied(winner)
- Torrenting Support
Surfshark
Fully supported
CyberGhost
Fully supported
Full Comparison
| Attribute | Surfshark | CyberGhost |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Monthly Price (2-year plan)(USD/month) | $2.49 | — |
| Annual Subscription Price(USD) | $2.19/month | — |
| Monthly Price (Annual Plan)(USD) | $2.19 | — |
| Annual Plan Price(USD/month) | $2.19/month | — |
| Monthly Price (Best Annual Deal)(USD) | $2.19/month | — |
Show 8 more attributesMonthly Price (Standard Plan)(USD) $2.19 — Annual Price (Lowest Tier)(USD) $26.28 — Basic Plan Monthly Cost(USD) $2.19 — Annual Cost (Best Plan)(USD) $26.28 — Starting Monthly Price(USD) $2.03 — Standard Monthly Price(USD) $12.99 — 2-Year Plan Average Cost(USD/month) $2.19 — Annual Subscription Cost (Per Month)(USD) $2.19/month — | ||
| Server Locations(countries) | 105 countries | — |
| Connection Speed Rating | Good | — |
| Speed Performance (US Servers)(relative) | Significantly faster with WireGuard | Slower baseline |
| Speed Performance Rating(out of 10) | 9.8/10 | — |
| Streaming Capability Rating(out of 10) | 9.6/10 | — |
| Gaming Performance Rating(out of 10) | 9.0/10 | — |
Show 5 more attributesAverage Download Speed(Mbps) 628 Mbps 78 Mbps Streaming Services Optimized(platforms) 15+ optimized services — Server Network Size(servers) 3,200+ — Countries Covered(countries) 100+ countries — Connection Speed Performance Slower overall — | ||
| Logging Policy | Strict no-logs | — |
| No-Logging Audit Verification | Yes (Cure53 audit 2023) | — |
| Jurisdiction Privacy Rating | Good - Romania | — |
| Privacy Jurisdiction | Romania | — |
| Dark Web Monitor | Not included | — |
| App Kill Switch Feature | No | — |
| Kill Switch Availability | Yes (all platforms) | — |
| Value for Money Score(/10) | 8.9 | 9.6(winner) |
| Global Server Coverage(countries) | 100 countries | 100 countries |
| Total VPN Servers(servers) | 3,200+ servers | — |
| Server Count(servers) | 3,200+ | — |
| Total Server Count(servers) | 3,200+ | 11,500+(winner) |
| Global Server Network(servers) | 3,200+ servers | — |
Show 3 more attributesCountry Coverage(countries) 100 countries — Countries with Servers(countries) 100 countries 100 countries Server Count(servers) 11,500+ — | ||
| Netflix Compatibility(rating) | Good | Excellent |
| Netflix Unblocking Success Rate(%) | 97% | — |
| Customer Support Satisfaction(rating) | Very Good | Most Satisfied Customers |
| Customer Support Type | 24-hour live chat | — |
| Torrenting Support(supported) | Fully supported | Fully supported |
| Simultaneous Connections(devices) | Unlimited | — |
| Simultaneous Connections(devices) | 7 | — |
| Server Locations Coverage(countries) | 100 | — |
| Router VPN Support | Native support | — |
Show 1 more attributeSimultaneous Device Connections(devices) 7 devices — | ||
| Security Rating(out of 10) | 10.0/10 | — |
| Independent Security Audit(year) | 2023 (Deloitte) | — |
| Kill Switch Feature | Yes, all platforms | Yes - standard |
| Encryption Standard | AES-256 | 256-bit (AES) |
| Kill Switch Protection | Yes (automatic) | — |
Show 3 more attributesEncryption Protocol AES-256 + ChaCha20 — Advanced Threat Protection No - standard only — Encryption Standard 256-bit AES — | ||
| VPN Server Locations(countries) | 100 countries | — |
| Country Coverage(countries) | 100 | — |
| Money-Back Guarantee(days) | 30 days | — |
| Latest Security Audit Year | 2023 (Cure53) | — |
| Supported Platforms(platforms) | 15+ (includes smart TVs, gaming consoles) | — |
| Independent Security Audits(audits) | 1 (PwC 2023) | — |
| Money-Back Guarantee Period(days) | 30 days | 45 days(winner) |
| No-Logs Audit Year | Deloitte (2022) | — |
| Value for Money Rating(out of 10) | 8.2 | — |
Show 8 more attributes
Show 5 more attributes
Show 3 more attributes
Show 1 more attribute
Show 3 more attributes
Pros & Cons
10 pros·4 cons across both
Surfshark
Pros
- Significantly faster speeds with WireGuard VPN protocol using latest encryption technology
- Camouflage Mode to disguise VPN traffic
- Strict no-logs policy with built-in kill switch
- CleanWeb feature for ad and tracker blocking (Starter plan)
- Three flexible subscription tiers available
Cons
- Lower value for money score (8.9) compared to competitor
- Slightly weaker Netflix compatibility than CyberGhost
CyberGhost
Pros
- Highest value for money score (9.6 out of 10)
- Superior Netflix compatibility and unblocking capability
- Most satisfied customers with excellent support ratings
- 100 country server coverage
- Full torrenting support with optimized servers
Cons
- Slower average speeds compared to Surfshark's WireGuard protocol
- Limited advanced security protocol options
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questions
CyberGhost has excellent Netflix compatibility and is the clear leader in this category, with superior unblocking capability across regions. Surfshark offers good Netflix access but trails behind CyberGhost in this specific function.
Resources & Learn More
Curated sources to dive deeper
Where to Buy
As an affiliate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Learn more about our affiliate disclosure
Wikipedia
Related Comparisons
12 more to explore
NordVPN vs Surfshark
softwareExpressVPN vs Surfshark
softwareNordVPN vs CyberGhost
productsExpressVPN vs CyberGhost
softwareProtonVPN vs Surfshark
softwareSurfshark vs Private Internet Access
softwareSurfshark vs NordVPN
softwareProtonVPN vs Surfshark
softwareWordPress vs Wix
softwareSlack vs Microsoft Teams
softwareCanva vs Photoshop
softwareFigma vs Sketch
software
Related Articles
5 articles
- technology
Best VPN Services 2026: Complete Comparison Guide
Discover the top VPN services of 2026 with our comprehensive comparison guide. We've tested 30+ providers to evaluate speed, security, streaming capabilities, and privacy features to help you find the perfect VPN for your needs.
Read article - technology
Best Streaming Services in 2026: Top Picks for Every Budget & Interest
Navigating the crowded streaming landscape in 2026 can be overwhelming. We've tested and ranked the best streaming services that offer the most value, from Netflix's massive library to budget-friendly options like Tubi, helping you cut cable and find your perfect entertainment solution.
Read article - technology
Best Live TV Streaming Services & Plans for Spring 2026: Complete Buyer's Guide
Tired of overpaying for cable? Discover the best live TV streaming services and plans for Spring 2026, including YouTube TV's new genre-based packages starting at $55/month. Our comprehensive guide breaks down pricing, channels, and features to help you cut the cord.
Read article - technology
Philo in 2026: Streaming TV Service Review, Pricing & Reddit Community Insights
Explore Philo's evolution heading into 2026, including pricing tiers, channel lineup, and how it compares to competitors like Sling TV. Discover what the r/PhiloTV Reddit community thinks about the service's current offerings and future prospects.
Read article - technology
Philo in 2026: Pricing, Lineup & How It Compares to Sling TV
As we head into 2026, Philo continues to position itself as an affordable streaming alternative for cable TV lovers. Discover what Philo offers, how its pricing stacks up against competitors like Sling TV, and what the Reddit community thinks about its future.
Read article
Explore More
Related comparisons and categories