ZenMate VPN (Incorporated by CyberGhost) Review 2024

Important Update: ZenMate VPN Merges with CyberGhost VPN

As of March 16th, 2023, ZenMate VPN has merged with CyberGhost VPN. This merger brings together the strengths of both services, offering users more server locations, optimized streaming servers, and enhanced security features under the CyberGhost brand.

Since its inception in 2013, ZenMate has garnered the trust of over 47 million internet users, establishing itself as one of Europe’s leading VPN providers. Now, as part of CyberGhost VPN, users can enjoy an even more comprehensive VPN service. CyberGhost VPN, integrating ZenMate’s strengths, boasts an extensive server network, robust security measures, and improved streaming capabilities.

Our review will delve into the various features of this newly combined service, thoroughly evaluating its speed, performance, device support, and unique attributes. With the expanded resources and capabilities of CyberGhost, users can expect a VPN experience that is both reliable and secure, catering to a wide range of needs from casual browsing to intensive streaming and torrenting.

Key Points:

• Extensive Server Network: Over 9,000 servers in 100 countries, ensuring global coverage and reliable connections.
• Enhanced Security: Advanced security features, including AES-256 encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and RAM-only servers.
• Optimized for Streaming: Specialized servers for popular streaming platforms like Netflix and BBC iPlayer.
• User-Friendly: Intuitive interface with Smart Rules for automated and customized VPN usage.
• Flexible Pricing: Various subscription plans to suit different user needs, with a 45-day money-back guarantee.

The integration of ZenMate into CyberGhost marks a significant enhancement in the service’s capabilities, making it a strong contender in the competitive VPN market. Whether you are looking for robust security, extensive server coverage, or optimized streaming, CyberGhost VPN aims to provide a comprehensive solution for all your internet privacy needs.

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Pros and Cons – CyberGhost VPN Review

Need to know all about CyberGhost VPN but you’re in a hurry? Check out the biggest advantages and disadvantages of this powerful VPN service.

Pros

• Over 9,000 servers in 100 countries: CyberGhost offers extensive global coverage, ensuring reliable connections and fast speeds regardless of your location. This vast network also helps to reduce server congestion, improving performance and reliability.
  
• Specialty streaming servers: CyberGhost has dedicated servers optimized for streaming platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video. These servers are regularly updated to bypass geo-restrictions and ensure high-quality streaming without buffering.
  
• P2P Support: The VPN supports peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing on dedicated servers, providing a secure and efficient environment for torrenting. This feature ensures your activities remain private while maintaining high speeds.
  
• Reliable kill switch: CyberGhost includes a kill switch that automatically disconnects your internet connection if the VPN connection drops, ensuring your data is never exposed.
  
• Enhanced security features: The service uses AES-256 encryption, considered military-grade, to protect your data. It also adheres to a strict no-logs policy, ensuring that your online activities are not recorded. Additional security measures include DNS leak protection and RAM-only servers, which wipe all data upon reboot.

Cons

• Potential slower speeds on distant servers: While CyberGhost generally offers fast connections, users might experience slower speeds when connecting to servers that are geographically distant. This can affect streaming and other high-bandwidth activities.
  
• Limited tunneling protocols on some platforms: CyberGhost supports several VPN protocols, including OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, and WireGuard. However, not all protocols are available on every platform, which may limit user choice and flexibility.

Plans and Pricing for CyberGhost VPN

For our CyberGhost VPN review, we extensively investigated the price structure because safe and private internet browsing shouldn’t cost a fortune. CyberGhost VPN offers several plans: monthly, annual, and multi-year subscriptions.

CyberGhost VPN offers a range of subscription plans tailored to meet different user needs, ensuring flexibility and affordability:

• Monthly Subscription Plan: For those seeking short-term use, the monthly plan is available at approximately $12.99 per month. This option provides full access to all CyberGhost features, ideal for users who need a VPN for a brief period or prefer not to commit long-term.

• Annual Subscription Plan: The annual plan, priced around $47.88 per year (approximately $3.99 per month), offers significant savings compared to the monthly option. This plan is suitable for users looking for a longer commitment with reduced monthly costs. By opting for this plan, users benefit from a lower monthly rate while enjoying uninterrupted access throughout the year.

• Multi-Year Subscription Plans: For the best value, CyberGhost provides two-year and three-year plans. The two-year plan costs about $83.76, which averages to $3.49 per month, while the three-year plan is priced at $89.31, breaking down to roughly $2.49 per month. These plans often come with additional months free as part of CyberGhost’s promotional offers, making them highly cost-effective for long-term users.

• Money-Back Guarantee: CyberGhost stands out with its generous money-back guarantee. Users opting for the annual and multi-year plans enjoy a 45-day money-back guarantee, allowing ample time to evaluate the service. The monthly plan comes with a 14-day money-back guarantee, providing peace of mind for short-term users.

• Promotions and Discounts: CyberGhost frequently offers promotions and discounts, especially during holidays or special events. These promotions can significantly lower the cost of subscriptions, making the service even more attractive.

Unique Features for CyberGhost VPN

CyberGhost VPN offers a variety of unique features designed to enhance user experience and provide robust security.

1. Smart Rules: CyberGhost’s Smart Rules feature allows users to automate their VPN experience. This includes options to automatically connect to specific servers based on the applications you open or websites you visit. For example, you can set CyberGhost to automatically connect to a streaming-optimized server when you open Netflix, ensuring you always have the best possible connection for streaming. This feature is particularly useful for users who want to streamline their VPN usage without having to manually adjust settings each time.
   
2. Split Tunneling: Available for Android users, CyberGhost’s split tunneling feature allows you to route specific apps outside the VPN tunnel while protecting the rest of your internet traffic. This is beneficial for users who need to access local services while maintaining the security and privacy of their other online activities. For instance, you can exclude your banking app from the VPN to ensure it operates with your local IP address, while all other traffic is routed through the VPN for security.
   
3. Dedicated IP Option: For users who need a consistent IP address, CyberGhost offers a dedicated IP option. This feature is useful for accessing services that require a static IP for security reasons, such as certain online banking or business applications. A dedicated IP can also help avoid captchas and maintain consistent access to geo-restricted content.
   
4. Ad and Malware Blocking: CyberGhost includes built-in ad and malware blocking features, enhancing your online security and browsing experience. By blocking ads, trackers, and malicious websites, CyberGhost helps to protect your device from potential threats and provides a smoother, more enjoyable browsing experience.
   
5. NoSpy Servers: CyberGhost’s NoSpy servers are located in Romania, outside the jurisdiction of the 14 Eyes surveillance alliance. These servers are managed exclusively by CyberGhost and provide an extra layer of security and privacy. NoSpy servers are designed to offer faster speeds and higher security, making them ideal for users who prioritize privacy and performance.
   
6. Multi-Platform Support: CyberGhost supports a wide range of platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and more. This ensures that you can protect all your devices with a single subscription. Additionally, CyberGhost provides browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox, making it easy to secure your browsing activity.
   
7. Simultaneous Connections: With a single CyberGhost subscription, you can connect up to 7 devices simultaneously. This is ideal for families or users with multiple devices, ensuring that all your gadgets are protected without needing separate subscriptions.
   
8. Robust Security Protocols: CyberGhost uses top-tier encryption standards, including AES-256, and supports multiple VPN protocols such as OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, and WireGuard. These protocols provide a balance of security and performance, allowing users to choose the best option for their needs.

CyberGhost VPN – Server Locations, Numbers & Coverage

CyberGhost VPN boasts a comprehensive network of over 9,000 servers across 100 countries. This extensive coverage ensures users have access to fast and reliable connections no matter their location. The servers are strategically distributed, with a significant presence in major countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and France, which helps distribute the load and reduce congestion.

In addition to quantity, CyberGhost places a strong emphasis on quality. Many of the servers are physically situated within the borders of their respective countries, ensuring better compliance with local regulations and faster speeds due to reduced latency. This local presence significantly improves performance for users connecting to nearby servers.

CyberGhost’s network is continuously expanding to keep up with user demand and technological advancements. New servers are regularly added, ensuring the service remains reliable and efficient even as the user base grows. Specialized servers are available for different use cases, such as streaming and P2P file sharing. Streaming servers are optimized to bypass geo-restrictions, providing a smooth and buffer-free experience on platforms like Netflix and BBC iPlayer. P2P-optimized servers ensure fast and secure torrenting.

Performance and Speed of CyberGhost VPN

It is important to remember that a VPN is not designed to increase your internet speed. In fact, it will slow your connection. However, we test speed by determining how much or little speed is lost when connected to a virtual network.

Our tests show that CyberGhost VPN is designed to offer high performance and speed, making it a strong contender in the VPN market. Our testing showed that CyberGhost generally maintains high download speeds, particularly when connected to local servers. The VPN’s infrastructure is optimized to reduce latency and provide stable, fast connections, which is crucial for activities such as streaming, gaming, and torrenting.

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Local and Distant Server Performance: When connected to local servers, users can expect minimal speed drops, typically around 10-15%, which is excellent for a VPN service. For long-distance connections, there is a more noticeable speed reduction, often ranging between 20-30%. This is a common issue with VPNs due to the increased distance data must travel. However, CyberGhost’s extensive server network helps mitigate this by providing multiple server options in various regions.

Tunneling Protocols: CyberGhost supports multiple tunneling protocols, including OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, and WireGuard. WireGuard, in particular, is known for its high efficiency and speed, providing faster connections with robust security. The availability of these protocols allows users to choose the best option based on their needs, balancing speed and security.

Latency and Ping: For gamers, low latency and ping are crucial. CyberGhost performs well in this aspect, especially on local and nearby servers. Gamers can expect reduced lag and a more responsive gaming experience, making CyberGhost a viable option for online gaming.

Staying Safe with CyberGhost VPN

CyberGhost VPN places a strong emphasis on security, implementing various features to ensure users’ data remains private and protected. AES-256 encryption is utilized, which is often referred to as military-grade encryption. This ensures that user data is virtually impenetrable to hackers and cybercriminals. Coupled with this, CyberGhost supports several VPN protocols, including OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, and WireGuard, allowing users to choose the best balance between speed and security for their needs.

The service adheres to a strict no-logs policy, which means it does not track or store user activity. This policy has been independently audited, providing assurance that user data is not recorded or shared. Additionally, CyberGhost operates out of Romania, which is outside the jurisdiction of the 14 Eyes surveillance alliance, offering further protection against governmental data requests.

A critical feature of CyberGhost is its automatic kill switch, which disconnects your internet if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly. This ensures that your data is never exposed, even momentarily. Furthermore, the VPN includes DNS leak protection to prevent DNS queries from being exposed outside the VPN tunnel, ensuring that your browsing history remains private.

CyberGhost also offers NoSpy servers, which are managed exclusively by CyberGhost and located in a secure data center in Romania. These servers provide an extra layer of security and privacy, with enhanced protection against surveillance and data breaches. They are designed to offer faster speeds and higher security, making them ideal for users who prioritize privacy.

Additionally, CyberGhost includes features like ad and malware blocking, which prevent intrusive ads and malicious websites from compromising your security. The service’s use of RAM-only servers means that all data is wiped with every reboot, ensuring that no information is stored long-term.

Premium Vs. Free with CyberGhost VPN

CyberGhost VPN does not offer a free version of its service, instead focusing entirely on providing a premium experience. This approach ensures that users receive comprehensive features without the limitations often associated with free VPNs, such as restricted bandwidth, fewer server options, and lower security standards. By not splitting its focus between free and paid tiers, CyberGhost can deliver consistent, high-quality performance and security to all its users.

Without a free tier, CyberGhost invests more in its infrastructure. Its extensive server network helps maintain high speeds and reliable connections, crucial for activities like streaming, gaming, and torrenting. Additionally, premium users benefit from features such as AES-256 encryption, a strict no-logs policy, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch, which are critical for maintaining privacy and security online.

To ensure users can try the service without risk, CyberGhost offers a generous money-back guarantee: 45 days for annual and multi-year plans, and 14 days for the monthly plan. This allows ample time to evaluate the service and ensure it meets their needs before committing long-term.

Staying Anonymous on CyberGhost VPN

CyberGhost VPN places a high priority on user anonymity and privacy. The service adheres to a strict no-logs policy, meaning it does not track or store any user activity. This policy has been independently audited to ensure transparency and build user trust. Operating out of Romania, CyberGhost benefits from favorable privacy laws and is not subject to the 14 Eyes surveillance alliance, which enhances its commitment to user privacy.

IP Masking and DNS Leak Protection are integral to CyberGhost’s approach to maintaining anonymity. The VPN effectively masks your IP address, replacing it with one from its vast network of servers, making it difficult for websites and online services to track your real location. Additionally, DNS leak protection ensures that your DNS queries are routed through the VPN tunnel and not exposed to your ISP, preventing accidental leaks of your true IP address.

For users seeking extra security, NoSpy servers are available. Located in Romania and managed exclusively by CyberGhost staff, these servers offer enhanced privacy and protection against third-party interference. The NoSpy servers are designed to provide faster speeds and higher security, making them ideal for activities requiring maximum privacy.

Platforms & Extensions for CyberGhost VPN

CyberGhost VPN supports a wide array of platforms and browser extensions, ensuring users can secure their internet activities across multiple devices. This cross-platform support makes CyberGhost a versatile choice for those who need protection on various devices, from desktops to mobile devices and even smart TVs.

• Desktop and Laptop Compatibility: CyberGhost offers dedicated applications for Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems. These applications are designed to be user-friendly, with intuitive interfaces that make it easy to connect to the VPN and manage settings. Users can customize their VPN experience through the app, selecting specific servers for streaming, torrenting, or high-security needs.

• Mobile Devices: For mobile users, CyberGhost provides apps for both iOS and Android devices. These mobile apps include many of the same features as the desktop versions, such as strong encryption, a kill switch, and access to the full range of servers. The mobile apps are optimized for performance, ensuring a smooth and secure browsing experience on smartphones and tablets.

• Browser Extensions: CyberGhost offers browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. These extensions provide lightweight, easy-to-use options for securing your browsing activity without the need for a full VPN client. They are ideal for users who want to protect their online privacy quickly and conveniently while using their favorite web browsers.

• Smart TVs and Streaming Devices: CyberGhost is also compatible with smart TVs and streaming devices, including Amazon Fire TV and Android TV. This support allows users to protect their streaming activities, ensuring they can bypass geo-restrictions and access content securely. The apps for these devices are designed to provide a seamless streaming experience with minimal impact on performance.

• Router Support: For users looking to protect all devices connected to their home network, CyberGhost can be configured on compatible routers. This setup ensures that all internet traffic from any device connected to the router is routed through the VPN, providing comprehensive protection without the need to install individual apps on each device.

• Simultaneous Connections: CyberGhost supports up to 7 simultaneous connections with a single subscription, making it a great choice for families or individuals with multiple devices. This feature ensures that all your devices can be protected simultaneously, without needing multiple accounts.

User Experience

CyberGhost VPN offers a user-friendly experience with a clean and intuitive interface that simplifies navigation and customization for both beginners and advanced users. The setup and installation process is straightforward and guided, allowing users to quickly start using the VPN without any hassle. Additionally, CyberGhost provides robust customer support, including 24/7 live chat and a comprehensive help center with setup guides and troubleshooting resources.

Performance is consistently reliable, featuring fast connection speeds and minimal disruptions even during peak usage times. The service’s focus on ease of use, combined with its strong support infrastructure and reliable performance, ensures a smooth and efficient user experience for anyone seeking a dependable VPN service.

Streaming and Torrenting Using ZenMate VPN

CyberGhost VPN is highly regarded for its capabilities in streaming and torrenting, offering specialized features to enhance the user experience in these areas.

Streaming:

CyberGhost VPN is optimized for streaming, with dedicated servers designed to bypass geo-restrictions and provide access to popular streaming services. These specialized servers are regularly updated to ensure compatibility with platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and Disney+. By connecting to these servers, users can access a wide range of content that might otherwise be unavailable in their region. The streaming servers are optimized for high-speed connections, minimizing buffering and providing a smooth viewing experience even in high definition.

In addition to bypassing geo-restrictions, CyberGhost’s servers are configured to handle high-bandwidth activities, ensuring that streaming quality is maintained even during peak times. This is particularly beneficial for users who want to watch 4K or HD content without interruptions. The user-friendly interface allows easy selection of the best server for each streaming service, making it straightforward to find and connect to the optimal server for your needs.

Torrenting:

For users who engage in P2P file sharing, CyberGhost offers dedicated servers optimized for torrenting. These servers provide fast download and upload speeds, ensuring efficient and secure file transfers. The VPN’s strong security features, including AES-256 encryption, a no-logs policy, and a kill switch, ensure that your torrenting activities remain private and protected.

CyberGhost’s torrenting servers are strategically located to provide the best performance, with many servers situated in countries where P2P sharing is legally supported. This setup minimizes the risk of legal issues and enhances the overall safety of torrenting activities. Users can torrent with confidence, knowing that their IP address is masked and their data is encrypted.

Hot Tips – CyberGhost VPN Review

1. Start with the Money-Back Guarantee period:
   Take advantage of CyberGhost’s 45-day money-back guarantee for annual plans. This generous policy gives you ample time to thoroughly test all features without any financial risk, ensuring that the service meets your needs before making a long-term commitment.
   
2. Optimize Your Streaming Experience: Use CyberGhost’s specialized streaming servers to bypass geo-restrictions on platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video. These servers are specifically optimized to handle high-bandwidth activities, providing a smooth, buffer-free streaming experience and access to content from different regions.
   
3. Utilize the Smart Rules Feature: Enhance your VPN usage with the Smart Rules feature. This allows you to set the VPN to automatically connect when you open specific apps or visit certain websites, ensuring that you are always protected without needing to manually adjust your settings. This feature is especially useful for maintaining privacy and security effortlessly.

Conclusion

CyberGhost VPN, with the integration of ZenMate, stands out as a reliable and user-friendly service, offering robust security features, an extensive server network, and excellent performance for streaming and torrenting. The service’s focus on ease of use, coupled with advanced options like Smart Rules and NoSpy servers, ensures that both novice and experienced users can enjoy a secure and seamless online experience. With its generous money-back guarantee, high-speed connections, and comprehensive platform support, CyberGhost VPN is a strong choice for anyone looking to enhance their online privacy and access geo-restricted content effortlessly.

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FAQ – CyberGhost VPN Review

Is CyberGhost VPN suitable for gaming?
Yes, CyberGhost VPN is suitable for gaming. It offers fast connection speeds and low latency on its extensive server network, which is crucial for a smooth gaming experience. Additionally, its strong security features protect against DDoS attacks and ensure privacy while gaming.

How does CyberGhost VPN handle customer support?
CyberGhost provides robust customer support through 24/7 live chat, email support, and a comprehensive help center with setup guides, troubleshooting articles, and FAQs. The live chat feature connects users with knowledgeable agents who can assist with any issues or questions promptly.

Can CyberGhost VPN be used in countries with strict internet censorship?
CyberGhost VPN is effective in bypassing internet censorship in many countries. Its extensive server network and robust encryption allow users to access blocked websites and services. However, effectiveness can vary based on the specific country and its internet regulations.

Does CyberGhost VPN offer any additional privacy features?
Yes, CyberGhost VPN includes additional privacy features such as ad and malware blocking, which prevent intrusive ads and protect against malicious websites. The NoSpy servers add an extra layer of security by being managed exclusively by CyberGhost staff in a secure data center in Romania.

How user-friendly is the CyberGhost VPN app?
The CyberGhost VPN app is very user-friendly, with an intuitive interface that makes it easy to connect to servers and customize settings. The app is available on multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and more, providing a seamless experience across devices.

Can CyberGhost VPN be used for accessing geo-restricted content?
Yes, CyberGhost VPN is highly effective for accessing geo-restricted content. Its specialized streaming servers are optimized to bypass geo-restrictions on popular platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video, allowing users to access content from different regions.

What makes CyberGhost’s NoSpy servers special?
CyberGhost’s NoSpy servers are located in Romania and managed exclusively by CyberGhost staff. These servers offer enhanced privacy and security, as they are outside the jurisdiction of the 14 Eyes surveillance alliance and are designed to provide faster speeds and better protection against surveillance and data breaches.

Does CyberGhost VPN support split tunneling?
Yes, CyberGhost VPN supports split tunneling on its Android app. This feature allows users to route specific apps outside the VPN tunnel while protecting the rest of their internet traffic, providing flexibility and improved performance for certain applications.

Is CyberGhost VPN compatible with smart TVs and streaming devices?
Yes, CyberGhost VPN is compatible with smart TVs and streaming devices, including Amazon Fire TV and Android TV. The VPN apps for these devices are optimized to provide a seamless streaming experience, allowing users to bypass geo-restrictions and access content securely.