CyberGhost vs PIA vs ProtonVPN
Comprehensive comparison of three popular VPNs for UK users. Find out which one offers the best combination of speed, security, and streaming capabilities.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | CyberGhost | PIA | ProtonVPN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 8.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8/10 |
| Starting Price | £2.15/month | £1.94/month | £3.99/month |
| Jurisdiction | Romania | United States | Switzerland |
| UK Servers | 4 locations | 3 locations | 3 locations |
| Speed Loss | 8-13% | 4-7% | 11-16% |
| Streaming | Excellent | Good | Limited |
| Security | Strong | Very Strong | Excellent |
| Free Tier | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
CyberGhost
Best for Streaming
Pros
- ✓ Excellent streaming
- ✓ Good speeds
- ✓ Romania jurisdiction
- ✓ User-friendly
Cons
- ✗ Limited advanced features
- ✗ Variable speeds
- ✗ No free tier
Private Internet Access
Best for Speed
Pros
- ✓ Excellent speeds
- ✓ Proven no-logs
- ✓ Unlimited devices
- ✓ Competitive pricing
Cons
- ✗ US jurisdiction
- ✗ Variable streaming
- ✗ No free tier
- ✗ Limited advanced features
ProtonVPN
Best for Privacy
Pros
- ✓ Swiss jurisdiction
- ✓ Advanced security
- ✓ Free tier
- ✓ Open source
Cons
- ✗ Higher pricing
- ✗ Limited streaming
- ✗ Slower speeds
- ✗ Complex interface
Detailed Analysis
Speed Performance
When it comes to speed performance, PIA leads the pack with minimal speed loss of just 4-7% on UK servers. CyberGhost follows with 8-13% speed loss, while ProtonVPN shows the highest speed reduction at 11-16%. All three VPNs provide acceptable speeds for most online activities, but PIA offers the best performance for users who prioritize speed.
Streaming Capabilities
CyberGhost excels in streaming with excellent compatibility across all major UK streaming services including BBC iPlayer, Netflix UK, ITV Hub, and All4. PIA provides good streaming support with variable success on Netflix. ProtonVPN has the most limited streaming capabilities, with many services blocked on the free tier and variable success on paid plans.
Security & Privacy
ProtonVPN offers the strongest security with Swiss jurisdiction, advanced features like Secure Core servers, and open source apps. PIA has proven its no-logs policy in court, providing strong privacy protection despite US jurisdiction. CyberGhost offers solid security with Romania jurisdiction and comprehensive leak protection.
Pricing & Value
PIA offers the best value at £1.94/month, followed by CyberGhost at £2.15/month. ProtonVPN is the most expensive at £3.99/month but includes a generous free tier. All three VPNs offer money-back guarantees, making them risk-free to try.
Our Recommendations
Best for Streaming
CyberGhost is our top pick for streaming. With excellent compatibility across all UK streaming services and good speeds, it's perfect for users who want to access BBC iPlayer, Netflix UK, and other streaming platforms.
Get CyberGhostBest for Speed
Private Internet Access offers the fastest speeds with minimal speed loss. Combined with unlimited device connections and proven privacy protection, it's ideal for users who prioritize performance.
Get PIABest for Privacy
ProtonVPN provides the strongest privacy protection with Swiss jurisdiction, advanced security features, and a generous free tier. Perfect for privacy-conscious users who want maximum security.
Get ProtonVPNBest Overall Value
PIA offers the best combination of speed, security, and value. With the lowest price, fastest speeds, and proven privacy protection, it's our top recommendation for most users.
Get PIA