Table of Contents
Choosing a virtual private network (VPN) to protect your internet activity is a smart decision, but with so many VPN services to choose from, it can be difficult to figure out which one is best for your needs. In the battle between CyberGhost vs. NordVPN, two very similar services, the decision comes down to added features, pricing and server location options.
Featured Partner Offer
1
NordVPN
Starting price
As low as $3.29 USD ($4.40 CAD) per month
No. of Devices
6
Encryption
AES-256
2
ExpressVPN
Starting price
$12.95 USD ($17.33 CAD) per month
Number of servers
3,000-plus
Encryption
AES-256
3
SurfsharkVPN
Plan costs
As low as $2.49 CAD per month
Number of servers
Over 3,200
Encryption
AES with 256-bit keys
4
Private Internet Access
Starting price
$11.95 USD ($15.80 CAD) per month or $39.95 USD ($52.82 CAD) for the first 12 months
Number of servers
Not advertised
Server locations
84 countries
CyberGhost vs. NordVPN: at a Glance
CyberGhost lets you connect up to seven devices on one account, but it doesn’t include a password manager or antivirus software in any plan—only as an add-on. You can get data breach alerts at no added cost on any length of the contract, however.
NordVPN offers extra features when you choose higher-tier plans, which may be worth the higher cost. Plus, it includes antivirus protection on all plans, regardless of term length.
Both CyberGhost and NordVPN offer VPN services that allow you to mask your internet protocol (IP) address when you connect to the internet, protect your connection even on public Wi-Fi and access content that could otherwise be blocked for you. The pricing difference is negligible when you compare similar plans, with CyberGhost being a bit more affordable—until you consider other features.
CyberGhost
Pricing
$56.94 USD ($77.01 CAD) for first two years (plus two months) and yearly thereafter or $12.99 USD ($17.56 CAD) per month
Server locations
100
Number of devices
Seven
Pricing
$56.94 USD ($77.01 CAD) for first two years (plus two months) and yearly thereafter or $12.99 USD ($17.56 CAD) per month
Server locations
100
Number of devices
Seven
CyberGhost’s biggest draw is the number of server locations in which it hosts servers. There are VPN servers in 100 countries, so you have a lot of choices regarding where you connect. This is especially helpful if you’re looking to unblock streaming services or other content in specific countries. You can choose from monthly, one year, two years or three years for contract length and they all come with a 45-day money-back guarantee.
If you have a lot of devices to protect, CyberGhost could be a good choice for you—it allows up to seven devices on one account, making it a viable option for families. CyberGhost doesn’t offer a business plan, but given the cost and devices allowed, it can still work for businesses. Keep in mind that other features, such as password manager and antivirus, cost extra.
- Affordable plans
- Deep discounts for long-term contracts
- 45-day money-back guarantee
- Connect up to 7 devices
- Data breach alerts included
- 100 countries with servers
- Over 8,900 servers
- Password manager at added cost
- Antivirus add-on costs extra features.
NordVPN
Pricing
$59.88 USD ($80.98 CAD) per year or $12.99 USD ($17.65 CAD) per month
Server locations
61
Number of devices
6
Pricing
$59.88 USD ($80.98 CAD) per year or $12.99 USD ($17.65 CAD) per month
Server locations
61
Number of devices
6
NordVPN is almost a household name in the realm of VPN services. It’s one of the pricier options available, but there are multiple plan options. So, if you don’t need a password manager or data breach scanner, you can opt for the more affordable standard plan. NordVPN has servers in 61 countries, which is a decent number of server locations and you can pick a location that works best for your needs.
What sets NordVPN apart from others is that it includes bonus features on all its plans. You’ll get an ad blocker to help protect your privacy and antivirus software to protect your devices. If you want a password manager or data breach alerts, you’ll have to choose one of the high-tier plans. Only the top-tier plan includes 1 TB of cloud storage, but this could be a good choice for you if you want to get rid of your Apple or Google storage. Plus, NordVPN offers a business VPN with added features (pricing by quote only).
- Multiple plan options
- Antivirus for all plans
- Ad blocker on all plans
- 1 TB cloud storage on high-tier plans
- 61 countries with servers
- 5,500-plus servers
- Password manager not on standard plan
- Data breach scanner not on standard plan
- Pricey dedicated IP
How CyberGhost vs. NordVPN Stack Up
When comparing CyberGhost vs. NordVPN, it’s important to look at more than pricing because at first glance they seem similar in cost. CyberGhost ($56.94 USD ($77.01 CAD) for the first two years plus two months and then $56.94 USD ($77.01 CAD) per year after that) is slightly more affordable for an annual plan than NordVPN ($59.88 USD ($80.98 CAD)), but you have to consider the add-ons that will make it a complete package. CyberGhost gives you data breach alerts, but charges for antivirus software. Whereas NordVPN gives all plans antivirus software, data breach alerts are only on higher-priced plans.
Be sure to consider other costs too, such as dedicated IPs: CyberGhost’s is only $60 USD ($81.14 CAD) per year (or $30 USD ($40.57 CAD) per year for the first two years when choosing the introductory offer) while NordVPN is $70.68 USD ($95.58 CAD) annually. CyberGhost gives you more server location options and more servers overall. You’ll also get seven devices max on one account with CyberGhost vs. NordVPN’s six devices max. Both were ranked among our top picks for the best mobile VPNs.
Business VPN
Not all small businesses need business-specific VPN services—you may be able to use a VPN intended for individuals. A standard VPN allows you to connect to an encrypted “tunnel” in which your data flows back and forth, so your IDs and passwords and other information can’t be read by anyone spying.
If you use a personal VPN for business purposes, your employees likely use their own devices and will have to enable the VPN themselves. A business VPN makes it possible for you to manage your employees’ devices, so you’re sure all data remains protected.
Malware Protection
While a VPN can protect active data transfers, it cannot keep you safe from phishing attempts or downloads of malware. Antivirus software used in conjunction with a VPN is multipronged protection, so even if you click on an untrustworthy link, you should be safe. You can scan downloaded files before opening them and have a better chance of avoiding the installation of key loggers or other malicious software.
Bottom Line
Forbes Advisor Canada broke down the pros and cons of CyberGhost vs. NordVPN and despite the added features NordVPN offers, CyberGhost simply offers more for less for a personal VPN. Plus, the add-ons CyberGhost offers are affordable and you can pick only what you want. NordVPN might be a better choice if you’re looking for a business VPN, but you’ll have to contact the company for a quote.
Canadian specific editing (and research) conducted by Anna Rey.
Featured Partner Offer
1
NordVPN
Starting price
As low as $3.29 USD ($4.40 CAD) per month
No. of Devices
6
Encryption
AES-256
2
ExpressVPN
Starting price
$12.95 USD ($17.33 CAD) per month
Number of servers
3,000-plus
Encryption
AES-256
3
SurfsharkVPN
Plan costs
As low as $2.49 CAD per month
Number of servers
Over 3,200
Encryption
AES with 256-bit keys
4
Private Internet Access
Starting price
$11.95 USD ($15.80 CAD) per month or $39.95 USD ($52.82 CAD) for the first 12 months
Number of servers
Not advertised
Server locations
84 countries
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is CyberGhost the best VPN?
There is no definitive answer to this question because it depends on how you define “best.” Forbes Advisor considers CyberGhost one of the best VPN services around, but Private Internet Access topped our list for its affordability and the high number of devices you can connect.
Is NordVPN better than ExpressVPN?
In our comparison of NordVPN vs. ExpressVPN, we determined that NordVPN is a better choice. NordVPN is more affordable and it offers a dedicated IP option. ExpressVPN doesn’t offer a dedicated IP at all and it’s one of the priciest personal VPNs available.
How much is NordVPN a year?
NordVPN’s Standard plan costs $59.88 USD ($80.98 CAD) per year. If you want added features, the Plus annual plan costs $119.76 USD ($161.95 CAD), the Complete plan costs $143.76 USD ($194.41 CAD). All pricing is for the first year only, and you can get a deeper discount for each plan if you opt for a two-year contract.
How do I connect to a VPN?
The process for connecting to a VPN varies, depending on your device and operating system. Generally, you need to download the VPN’s app or software, enter your username and password and select a server. For more detailed instructions, check out the VPN’s website or contact customer service.
