CyberGhost and Private Internet Access (PIA) share a common parent company in Kape Technologies, but they serve distinctly different user needs. CyberGhost targets beginners with a friendly interface and streaming-optimized servers, while PIA appeals to power users who want granular control over their VPN configuration. With both priced competitively, the choice comes down to usability versus customization.
| Feature | CyberGhost | PIA |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 4.3 / 5 | 4.3 / 5 |
| Server Count | 9,000+ in 91 countries | 35,000+ in 84 countries |
| Simultaneous Devices | 7 | Unlimited |
| Owner | Kape Technologies | Kape Technologies |
| Jurisdiction | Romania | United States |
| Starting Price | $2.03/month | $2.19/month |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 45 days | 30 days |
Both CyberGhost and PIA are owned by Kape Technologies, an Israeli-British company that has acquired several VPN brands over the past few years. This shared ownership has raised questions about consolidation in the VPN industry, but both services continue to operate independently with their own server infrastructure, apps, and privacy policies.
PIA has taken the unusual step of opening its source code for public review, allowing independent verification of its no-logs claims. CyberGhost has undergone independent audits of its privacy practices. Both maintain strict no-logs policies, though some users remain cautious about the Kape ownership structure.
The server count difference between these two providers is striking. PIA operates over 35,000 servers across 84 countries, while CyberGhost runs approximately 9,000 servers in 91 countries. While PIA has far more servers, CyberGhost covers more countries.
PIA's massive server count means extremely low server crowding and consistently good performance. The tradeoff is that PIA's servers are concentrated heavily in the United States and Europe, with fewer options in Asia, Africa, and South America compared to CyberGhost's broader geographic spread.
CyberGhost's 9,000 servers across 91 countries provide better coverage in less common locations. If you need a server in a specific smaller country, CyberGhost is more likely to have one available.
PIA wins on raw server count, while CyberGhost wins on country coverage. Both provide excellent server availability for most users.
CyberGhost is the clear winner for streaming. The app features dedicated streaming servers labeled by platform and region. You can select a server specifically optimized for Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Hulu, or several other services. These labeled servers take the guesswork out of finding a working connection.
In our testing, CyberGhost unblocked Netflix US, Netflix UK, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu on the first attempt using dedicated streaming servers. The connection was stable over extended viewing sessions with no buffering.
PIA does not label servers for specific streaming platforms, and its unblocking success rate is lower. We were able to unblock Netflix US and BBC iPlayer, but Netflix Japan and Disney+ required multiple server switches. PIA has improved its streaming capabilities recently, but it still trails CyberGhost in this category.
Both VPNs offer strong security fundamentals including WireGuard support, AES-256 encryption, kill switches, and DNS leak protection. The differences emerge in the details.
PIA stands out for its open-source applications, which allow anyone to inspect the code for vulnerabilities or privacy issues. This transparency is rare in the VPN industry and gives PIA a credibility advantage. PIA has also had its no-logs policy tested in court on two separate occasions, both times confirming that no user data was available to hand over.
CyberGhost offers a feature called NoSpy servers, which are operated exclusively by CyberGhost staff at its Romanian headquarters. These servers provide an extra layer of physical security. CyberGhost also includes an ad blocker called Block-Trackers and a forced HTTPS feature.
One concern with PIA is its US jurisdiction. The United States is a member of the Five Eyes alliance and has aggressive surveillance laws. However, PIA's proven no-logs policy means there is no data to seize, and the company has demonstrated it will not comply with overbroad requests.
Both VPNs deliver competitive speeds using WireGuard. In our testing on a 500 Mbps connection, CyberGhost maintained 380-420 Mbps on nearby servers, while PIA reached 370-410 Mbps. The difference is negligible for most use cases.
On international connections, both services showed similar degradation patterns, retaining 60-70% of baseline speeds when connecting to servers on different continents. PIA's larger server count gives it a slight edge during peak hours, as crowding is distributed across more machines.
CyberGhost is designed for simplicity. The app features large buttons, a one-click connect option, and clearly labeled server categories for streaming, torrenting, and gaming. Beginners can get started immediately without needing to understand VPN protocols or encryption settings.
PIA takes the opposite approach. Its app is packed with advanced settings including protocol selection, encryption level customization, DNS configuration, port forwarding, and split tunneling rules. Power users will appreciate this level of control, but it can be intimidating for newcomers.
Both VPNs are priced competitively, making them two of the most affordable options on the market.
| Plan | CyberGhost | PIA |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $12.99/month | $11.99/month |
| 1-Year | $4.29/month | $3.49/month |
| 2-Year | $2.03/month | $2.19/month |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 45 days | 30 days |
CyberGhost's 45-day money-back guarantee is one of the longest in the industry, giving you more time to test the service thoroughly. PIA's 30-day guarantee is standard but still provides ample time for evaluation.
CyberGhost is the better choice for beginners and streaming enthusiasts. The labeled streaming servers make it easy to unblock content without trial and error, and the simple interface requires no technical knowledge. The 45-day guarantee gives you plenty of time to decide if it meets your needs.
PIA is ideal for power users who want control over their VPN configuration. The open-source apps, court-tested no-logs policy, and extensive customization options make it a favorite among privacy enthusiasts and technical users. The unlimited device limit is also a significant plus for multi-device households.
This comparison ends in a tie, with both VPNs scoring 4.3 out of 5. CyberGhost wins on streaming, ease of use, and country coverage. PIA wins on server count, transparency, and advanced features. Your choice should be driven by whether you value simplicity or control.
Dedicated streaming servers, a simple interface, and a 45-day guarantee make CyberGhost the best pick for users who want an easy experience.
Open-source apps, 35,000+ servers, unlimited devices, and deep configuration options make PIA the top pick for technical users.
Both services offer generous money-back guarantees so you can test them risk-free.
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