CyberGhost vs Private Internet Access
Two budget heavyweights owned by the same parent company, each with its own strength. One sells ready-made convenience, the other endless configurability.
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CyberGhost
A huge server network and a long money-back guarantee.
Private Internet Access
Open source apps and unlimited devices, dirt cheap.
Prices last checked on
| Feature | CyberGhost | Private Internet Access |
|---|---|---|
| Our score | 4.3 / 5 | 4.2 / 5 |
| Price | From $2.19/mo | From $1.99/mo |
| Free plan | No | No |
| Best for | 7 devices at once | Unlimited devices |
| Category | Budget | Budget |
| Provider | CyberGhost S.A. | Private Internet Access |
| Visit CyberGhost | Visit Private Internet Access |
Our verdict
A curious duel. Both services share a parent company but aim at different users. CyberGhost is the ready-to-go choice with dedicated streaming servers, friendly apps, and 45 days of money-back. Private Internet Access is for tinkerers. Open source apps, endless settings, and unlimited devices at an even slightly lower price.
CyberGhost wins for the average user. Tinkerers and big households pick PIA.
“A huge server network and a 45-day money-back guarantee on long plans. Speeds are good but not top-tier. For the promo price, you get a lot for your money.”Editorial team, on CyberGhost
“Open source apps, unlimited devices, and around two dollars a month on a long plan. The US jurisdiction scares off purists, but the no-logs policy has held up in court.”Editorial team, on Private Internet Access
Frequently asked questions
CyberGhost or Private Internet Access: which should I get?
CyberGhost for the average user, Private Internet Access for tinkerers. CyberGhost is ready to go out of the box, with dedicated servers for streaming and downloading, friendly apps and 45 days of money-back. Private Internet Access is the one to pick if you want open source apps, endless settings and unlimited devices, at a slightly lower price on top.
Are CyberGhost and Private Internet Access owned by the same company?
Yes, they share a parent company, which makes this an unusual duel. They still aim at different users. CyberGhost sells convenience, Private Internet Access sells control. PIA falls under US jurisdiction, which puts off privacy purists, although its no-logs policy has been confirmed in court. The shared owner does not mean shared apps, so compare them as you would any two services.
What do CyberGhost and Private Internet Access cost?
PIA is the cheaper of the two at $1.99 a month, $23.88 a year, against $2.19 a month and $26.28 a year for CyberGhost (US dollars, prices last checked August 2026). Mind the different terms. The PIA rate needs a three-year commitment, the CyberGhost rate a two-year one. By the month they are almost identical, $11.95 against $11.99.
Which one covers more devices?
Private Internet Access, with no limit on simultaneous connections against seven at CyberGhost. That is the main practical reason a large household would choose PIA. CyberGhost answers with a longer refund window, 45 days on the two-year plan against 30 days at PIA, and with servers set aside for streaming and downloading.