CyberGhost VPN alternatives: 5 apps ranked by verified data

Facts checked Oct 25, 2026AppBreakup editorialHow we rank

Common reasons people leave CyberGhost VPN: monthly plan has only a 14-day refund window, and linux app is command-line only. We ranked 5 alternatives by how directly each one replaces CyberGhost VPN, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. Private Internet Access currently ranks first.

Quick comparison

#	App	Pricing	Open source	Platforms	Verified facts	Score
1	Hotspot Shield	Free plan + paid	No	Windows, macOS, Linux +3	4 of 4	55.3

1. Hotspot ShieldTop pick
Best for: Speed-focused users who want a free tier and a long refund window
Free plan + paidWindows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Browser extension
55.3
score / 100
Why switch from CyberGhost VPN
Also offers a 45-day refund window, plus a free tier.
Pros
Free tier without ads
45-day money-back guarantee
Fast Hydra protocol
Cons
Hydra protocol is proprietary
Past privacy controversies
Free tier limited to one device and fewer locations
Visit Hotspot Shield Details and reviews
How this score is calculated
Editorial fit ×0.363
Reviews ×0.363
Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
Freshness ×0.1585
Votes ×0.150
0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula
Is Hotspot Shield a good CyberGhost VPN alternative?
Verified facts
4 of 4 verified
Money-back guarantee
45 days
Checked Oct 25, 2026hotspotshield.com(opens source in a new tab)
Free plan
Yes, 1 device
Checked Oct 25, 2026hotspotshield.com(opens source in a new tab)
Premium devices
Up to 10
Checked Oct 25, 2026hotspotshield.com(opens source in a new tab)
Protocol
Hydra (proprietary)
Checked Oct 25, 2026hotspotshield.com(opens source in a new tab)

The best CyberGhost VPN alternative for…

The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.

Best CyberGhost VPN alternative for most people

Private Internet Access

Same parent company, with unlimited devices and far more settings.

Best CyberGhost VPN alternative for a free plan you can upgrade

Hotspot Shield

Also offers a 45-day refund window, plus a free tier.

Best CyberGhost VPN alternative for Mac

Surfshark

Similar price range with unlimited devices.

Best CyberGhost VPN alternative for Windows

NordVPN

Larger feature set and generally faster speeds.

Best CyberGhost VPN alternative for Linux

ExpressVPN

Even simpler apps and strong streaming support, at a higher price.

Best CyberGhost VPN alternative for iPhone and Android

Private Internet Access

Same parent company, with unlimited devices and far more settings.

CyberGhost VPN alternatives: common questions

What is the best alternative to CyberGhost VPN?

Private Internet Access ranks first right now. Same parent company, with unlimited devices and far more settings. Surfshark and NordVPN follow it in our ranking.

Is there a free alternative to CyberGhost VPN?

Yes. Hotspot Shield (free plan + paid) has a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.

Is there an open-source alternative to CyberGhost VPN?

None of the 5 alternatives in this list is open source.

Which CyberGhost VPN alternatives work on Linux?

Private Internet Access, Surfshark, NordVPN, ExpressVPN and Hotspot Shield run on Linux.

Why do people switch from CyberGhost VPN?

The complaints we hear most: monthly plan has only a 14-day refund window; linux app is command-line only; fewer advanced settings than rivals.

How is this list ranked?

Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces CyberGhost VPN, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.