Surfshark vs CyberGhost 2026: Best Budget Streaming VPN

Last updated: · By WatchlyGuide Team

#ProductRatingPrice
1SurfsharkFaster, Unlimited Devices★ 4.5/5from €2.19/mo (2-yr), renews higherCheck Price
2CyberGhostStreaming-Labelled Servers★ 4.2/5from €2.19/mo (2-yr), renews higherCheck Price

Choose Surfshark if you want the faster budget VPN with unlimited devices; choose CyberGhost if you prefer streaming-labelled servers and the largest network, and don’t mind a longer commitment. Both are cheap, streaming-focused, and — interestingly — owned by the same parent company, but they differ in speed and convenience. This comparison covers each factor with a verdict by use case.

The Surfshark and CyberGhost apps shown side by side on TV screens
Surfshark vs CyberGhost — faster and unlimited devices vs streaming-labelled servers.
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At a Glance

Surfshark CyberGhost
Speed retention (tested) ~85% ~80%
Protocol WireGuard WireGuard
Devices Unlimited 7
Servers 3,200+ 11,000+
Streaming servers No labels (fast) Labelled by platform
TV apps Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV Fire TV, Android TV
Price (obs. Jul 2026) from €2.19/mo from €2.19/mo

Full detail is in our Surfshark review and CyberGhost review.

Speed and TV Apps

On speed, Surfshark leads: ~85% retention versus ~80% in our tests, and it connects faster. Both use WireGuard and handle 4K HDR streaming on a nearby server.

For TV apps, Surfshark covers Fire TV, Android TV and Apple TV; CyberGhost covers Fire TV and Android TV, with more limited Apple TV support. CyberGhost’s streaming-labelled servers are a genuine convenience on a TV, where guessing a location is awkward.

Devices, Price and Privacy

Prices are similar (both from ~€2.19/mo), but the terms differ: CyberGhost needs a long multi-year plan for its cheapest rate, while Surfshark reaches its low price on a two-year plan. Surfshark adds unlimited devices versus CyberGhost’s 7.

Both run no-logs policies — see how VPNs work — and both, notably, are owned by the same parent company, though they operate separately. Both renew higher after the first term.

Surfshark leads on speed and devices; CyberGhost on network size and labelled servers.

SurfsharkCyberGhost
Speed retention (tested)~85%~80%
DevicesUnlimited7
Servers3,200+11,000+

Verdict by Use Case

  • Best budget all-rounder: Surfshark — faster, unlimited devices, shorter commitment.
  • Streaming convenience: CyberGhost — labelled servers, huge network.
  • Family / many devices: Surfshark — unlimited connections.
  • Apple TV users: Surfshark — fuller Apple TV support.
  • Longest money-back trial: CyberGhost — a very long guarantee.

Our pick: Surfshark is the better budget VPN for most people — faster, unlimited devices, and its best price without a huge commitment. Choose CyberGhost if you specifically want streaming-labelled servers and the biggest network.

Surfshark Pricing → CyberGhost Pricing →

See our full rankings in the best VPN for streaming guide, and look up any term in the streaming glossary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Surfshark or CyberGhost?

Surfshark is faster (~85% vs ~80% retention in our tests), has unlimited devices and a shorter commitment for its best price. CyberGhost offers streaming-labelled servers and a huge network at a similar low price, but needs a long plan for the cheapest rate. For most people Surfshark is the better budget pick.

Are Surfshark and CyberGhost the same company?

Yes, both Surfshark and CyberGhost are owned by the same parent company, Kape Technologies, though they operate as separate services with different apps, features and pricing. Despite shared ownership, they compete directly, so you can choose between them on their individual merits rather than treating them as identical.

Which is faster, Surfshark or CyberGhost?

Surfshark is faster in our tests, retaining about 85% of base speed on nearby servers versus about 80% for CyberGhost, both with WireGuard. It also connects a little quicker. Both handle 4K HDR streaming on a nearby server, but Surfshark has the edge, especially on distant connections.

Does CyberGhost have streaming-optimised servers?

Yes, CyberGhost is known for servers labelled for specific streaming platforms, which makes choosing a location easier, backed by one of the largest networks around. Surfshark does not label servers this way but is generally faster. If labelled streaming servers appeal to you, CyberGhost has the convenience edge.

Which is cheaper, Surfshark or CyberGhost?

Both start around €2.19 per month on their longest plans, so headline prices are similar. The difference is commitment: CyberGhost needs a long multi-year plan for its cheapest rate, while Surfshark reaches its low price on a two-year plan. Both renew higher afterwards, so check current renewal prices.