published 24 August 2016

CyberGhost's PC app strikes a fair balance between a simple, intuitive client, and providing more advanced options to those who want them.

You can choose from 30 'simulated locations' and connect, or delve into the settings to configure extras such as obfuscating your browser information, social content blocking and more advanced connection settings. Among these, DNS forcing is enabled by default - CyberGhost uses its own DNS servers.

CyberGhost performed adequately in the stealth and anonymity tests provided by Whoer.net, but minor configuration issues meant the site guessed that we could be connecting via a VPN service. Elsewhere the service scored highly: it meets the PrivacyTools.io criteria, claims to do no logging, and also accepts payments in Bitcoin.

It's based in Romania, which offers EU data protections without 14-eyes surveillance group membership. Unfortunately, using CyberGhost we could neither view Netflix US content from a US server nor iPlayer content from a UK server, suggesting that geo-unblocking may not be its forte.

At 45 a year for a single device, the Premium subscription is expensive - some competitors include multiple devices for the same price or less, but the five-device Premium Plus option is 70. That said, CyberGhost does permit generic access through the OpenVPN, L2TP, IPSec and PPTP protocols, allowing network-wide implementation on suitable routers. While the service is fairly good, it's comparatively expensive.

After a brief career in corporate IT, Simon Handby combined his love of technology and writing when he made the move to Computer Shopper magazine. As a technology reviewer he's since tested everything from routers and switches, to smart air fryers and doorbells, and covered technology such as EVs, TVs, solar power and the singularity.

During more than 15 years as Shopper's long-time printer reviewer, Simon tried, tested and wrote up literally hundreds of home, small office and workgroup printers. He continues reviewing smart products and printers for a variety of publications, and has been an IT Pro contributor since 2010. Simon is almost never happier than when surrounded by printers and paper, applying his stopwatch and a seasoned eye to find the best performing, best value products for business users.